The PADI Wreck Diver specialty is designed for certified divers who want to safely explore wreck sites within recreational limits. Wrecks offer incredible history, structure, and marine life, but they also introduce unique hazards that require disciplined planning and awareness.

In this course, you’ll learn how to assess wreck sites, recognize and avoid common hazards, and navigate around wreck structures using lines and reference points. The focus is on conservative decision-making, buoyancy control, and maintaining situational awareness so wreck diving remains controlled and enjoyable.

At Space City Dive Center, Wreck Diver training emphasizes real-world application. Training dives progress from orientation and external exploration to more advanced navigation concepts, always within recreational standards and without penetration beyond light zones unless specifically authorized by standards and conditions.

What You’ll Learn

• Wreck site assessment and dive planning
• Identifying and managing common wreck hazards
• Use of reels, lines, and reference techniques
• Buoyancy control and positioning around structures
• Emergency procedures and conservative wreck diving practices

Course Structure

• Time Commitment: Completed over two days
• eLearning: Complete at your own pace
• Open Water: 4 dives

Who This Course Is For

Wreck Diver is ideal for experienced divers ready to explore wrecks with confidence and control. It’s a natural next step after Advanced Open Water and pairs well with Deep Diver, Nitrox, and Search and Recovery specialties.

Prerequisites

• Minimum Age: 15
• Minimum Certification Level: Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver

Equipment Requirements

• Space City Dive Center provides all major scuba equipment, including BCD, regulator, dive computer, exposure protection, tanks, and weights.
• Students are required to provide their own personal gear, including mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. Rental packages are available if needed.
• Reels and a slate are recommended for this course. If you do not have your own, required reels and slates will be provided during training.

What’s Included

• PADI Wreck Diver eLearning
• Instructor-led open water wreck diving training
• Use of provided scuba and wreck navigation equipment
• Wreck Diver Specialty certification upon completion

Lake or site entry fees, when applicable, are not included.