The PADI Drift Diver specialty introduces divers to the techniques and procedures needed to dive comfortably in current. Drift diving allows you to cover more area with less effort, but it also requires specific planning, communication, and situational awareness.

In this course, you’ll learn how to enter and exit safely, manage buoyancy in moving water, stay with your buddy and group, and use surface signaling devices effectively. Emphasis is placed on calm decision-making, environmental awareness, and working with the current rather than fighting it.

At Space City Dive Center, Drift Diver training is conducted in realistic drift environments. Training dives are completed at appropriate sites such as the Comal River or during scheduled dive trips, ensuring students experience true drift conditions rather than simulated scenarios.

What You’ll Learn

• Planning and executing drift dives
• Entry, descent, and exit procedures in current
• Buoyancy control and positioning while drifting
• Buddy and group communication techniques
• Use of surface signaling and safety equipment

Course Structure

• Time Commitment: Can be completed in one day
• eLearning: Complete at your own pace
• Open Water: 2 dives

This course requires travel to suitable drift diving locations such as the Comal River or completion during an approved dive trip.

Who This Course Is For

Drift Diver is ideal for certified divers who plan to dive in rivers, channels, or ocean environments where currents are present. It’s especially popular with travelers and pairs well with specialties like Deep Diver, Nitrox, and Wreck Diver.

Prerequisites

• Minimum Age: 12
• Minimum Certification Level: 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.
• Surface signaling devices such as SMBs and reels will be used during training. Purchase and rental options are available.

What’s Included

• PADI Drift Diver eLearning
• Instructor-led open water drift diving training
• Use of provided scuba and safety equipment
• Drift Diver Specialty certification upon completion

Travel costs, site entry fees, and trip expenses are not included.