Course prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 10 with parental consent

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Shore and Beach Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Dive planning
  • Map of shore
  • Compass review
  • Navigation
• Emergency procedures
  • Surface emergencies, no scuba
  • Scuba emergencies
  • Rescue procedures
  • Review of lifesaving skills
• Shore diving procedures
  • Set-up
  • Navigation aids
  • Land marks
  • Site assessment
  • Special procedures, i.e. keeping the water in fin pockets to wash off feet in sand
• Diving procedures
  • Use of the dive flag
  • Float handling and line attachment
  • Surf zone considerations
  • Buddy procedures
• Things to do off the beach
  • Underwater collecting and hunting
  • Photography
  • Wreck diving

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

• Site selection
• Dive planning
• Assess current site conditions and potential changes
• Navigation review
• Surf procedure practice
• Descend
• Compass check and underwater compass use
• Natural navigation check and underwater use of natural navigation techniques
• Float control
• Ascend
• Return to beach
• Exit

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities without direct supervision of the SDI Instructor* so long as the following limits are adhered to:

• The diving activities approximate those of training
• The areas of activities approximate those of training
• Environmental conditions approximate those of training

*Note: Junior divers (ages 10-14) must participate in Shore and Beach diving activities with a parent, guardian, or dive professional.

SDI Shore and Beach Diver minimum requirements:

• Complete all open water requirements efficiently
• Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution