SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle

Specialty Course · Underwater Scooters · For Certified Divers

Fly through the water. A diver propulsion vehicle, or DPV, is an underwater scooter that tows you along, so you cover far more ground on a dive while barely lifting a fin. The SDI DPV course teaches you to ride one safely, from planning and entries to descents and tandem riding, and it counts as a specialty toward your Advanced Diver rating. You'll train on a DPV, and you'll just need your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel, with the rest of the rental gear included.

Veterans can put their GI Bill toward their training, and families can use ESA or ClassWallet funds. See if you qualify.

Starting from

$199.00

Availability: Contact us for booking information

Description
Additional Information

SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Course

Specialty Course · Underwater Scooters · For Certified Divers

A diver propulsion vehicle, or DPV, is an underwater scooter, and it changes what a single dive can cover. Instead of finning, you hold on and glide, reaching farther sites and saving your air and your legs along the way. The SDI DPV course trains you to use one safely: how the vehicle works, how to plan and run a DPV dive, and how to handle entries, descents, tandem riding, and exits. It's a great tool for covering ground, and a genuine game-changer for divers with limited use of their legs. It counts as a specialty toward your SDI Advanced Diver rating.

What a DPV opens up

A scooter changes how a dive feels:

Cover far more ground on a single dive
Glide effortlessly and save your air and your legs
Reach sites that are too far to fin to
A great option for divers with limited use of their legs

What you'll learn

It's hands-on, on the surface and below it, with the knowledge to back it up.

How DPVs work: types, accessories, and battery management
Planning and safety, including buddy procedures
Entries, descents, tandem riding, and ascents
Post-dive care and maintenance

Who it's for

This one is for certified divers who want to cover more water, and for anyone who wants the scooter to do the swimming.

Certified Open Water divers, or equivalent
Minimum age 18, or 15 with parental consent
Divers who want to reach farther sites
Divers with limited use of their legs

✓ What's included

Instruction and your DPV dive with an instructor
The DPV for the course
Rental gear: BCD, regulator, tank, weights, and wetsuit
Your SDI DPV certification, plus a credit toward your Advanced Diver rating

What to bring

Your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel (required, we don't rent these)
Your Open Water certification card
A swimsuit and a towel
Any of your own gear you'd rather dive

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own DPV?

No. You'll train on a DPV as part of the course. The only gear you bring is your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel; the rest is included.

Does it include real dives?

Yes. You'll plan the dive, enter the water, run the DPV on the surface and underwater, take an underwater tour, and handle your ascent and exit.

What are the prerequisites?

An SDI Open Water certification, or equivalent. Minimum age is 18, or 15 with parental consent.

What will I learn?

How DPVs work and the different types, battery management and safety, buddy procedures, entries and tandem riding, descents and ascents, and post-dive maintenance.

Is it good for divers with limited leg mobility?

Yes. The DPV does the work of moving you through the water, which makes it a great option for divers who have limited use of their legs.

Does it count toward anything bigger?

Yes, it counts as one specialty toward the SDI Advanced Diver rating.