Specialty
Whether sunk on purpose as an artificial reef or the result of mishap, wrecks are fascinating windows to the past — and this specialty teaches you to explore them safely.
Get more infoWrecks are artificial reefs with a story. The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty teaches you how to approach, survey and explore them safely and respectfully.
You learn how to avoid stirring up silt, how to use reels and lines, and how to stay oriented around structures. The course is for recreational wreck diving and does not train you for technical wreck penetration.
| Theory (knowledge development) | Knowledge development is covered via PADI eLearning or self-study, followed by a briefing with your instructor. |
| Pool / confined water | Not applicable. |
| Open water | Typically four open water dives on wreck sites, with limited penetration practice in line with recreational training limits. |
PADI Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent), and you must be fit to dive.
Minimum age: 15 years old.
Training dives: Typically four open water dives per PADI standards.
Typically two days.
Divers who enjoy history, structure and artificial reefs.
4 supervised wreck dives, often taken concurrently with Deep Diver since wrecks are so frequently found in deeper water.
PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent) is the base requirement. Because wrecks are so often found in deeper water, many divers take Wreck Diver alongside Deep Diver — ask us about combining the two.
You'll cover how to research a wreck's background, avoid common hazards, use wreck-specific equipment, and safely penetrate the entrance to intact wrecks, then complete 4 supervised wreck dives to certify.
Theory is covered at our Gauteng base, with the 4 certification dives scheduled at inland sites like Bass Lake or Miracle Waters where suitable wrecks are available, or as part of a coastal trip to Sodwana Bay or Aliwal Shoal for ocean wreck sites.
Wreck Diver is R4 398 for club members and R4 548 for non-members, including PADI materials, and it counts toward Master Scuba Diver. Book via our enquiry form or contact us through our contact page with any questions.
The course includes limited penetration practice within recreational limits. It does not teach technical wreck penetration.
Your instructor will confirm the exact requirement. Many divers take Advanced Open Water first.