PADI Boat Diver Course

Much of the world’s best scuba diving is accessible only by boat. Whether you’ve never made a boat dive or you’ve logged dozens, the PADI Boat Diver Specialty course will benefit you because boats in various parts of the world do things differently. Scuba diving from a boat is fun and relatively easy because you usually descend directly onto your dive site.

If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 10 years old, you can enroll in the Boat Diver course.

The PADI Boat Diver course teaches you about the advantages and ease of diving from a boat. You’ll practice boat diving techniques and learn:

Boat terminology.

Boat diving procedures and etiquette, including how to enter and exit, and where to stow your gear.

Boating safety, including how to locate safety equipment.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll want to have a surface signaling device, such as an inflatable signal tube. Having a complete spare parts kit is also a good idea. Your PADI Instructor and local dive centre staff may suggest additional equipment depending on what type of boat and where your boat diving adventures take you.

Getting Started

Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials – Boat Diver eLearning. Read and watch video about boat diving, then interact with knowledge checks in preparation for meeting with your PADI Instructor to schedule your two boat dives. Stop by our Dive Centre to enroll in the course and speak with your instructor if you have any questions about the course content.