DRIFT DIVER

The PADI Drift Diver Specialty course is perfect for divers who want to experience the thrill of drifting with the current, whether in rivers or the ocean. This course is open to anyone who holds a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver certification and is at least 12 years old. You will learn essential drift diving techniques, including buoyancy control, navigation, and communication, while practicing these skills on two drift dives. You’ll also gain knowledge about the equipment needed, such as floats, lines, and reels. Additionally, you’ll understand the causes and effects of aquatic currents. The first dive of this course may count as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

Who should take this course?

The PADI Drift Diver Specialty course teaches you how to enjoy going with the flow as you scuba dive down rivers and use ocean currents to glide along. It feels like flying – except that you’re underwater using scuba equipment. Drift diving can be relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. If this sound like fun, then the Drift Diver course is for you.

If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Drift Diver specialty course.

What will you learn?

Along with drift diving techniques and procedures, you’ll:

Receive an introduction to drift diving equipment – floats, lines and reels.
Get an overview of aquatic currents – causes and effects.
Practice with buoyancy control, navigation and communication during two drift dives.
Learn techniques for staying close to a buddy or together as a group as you float with the current.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your instructor about earning credit.

How can you start learning now?

Pick up a PADI Drift Diver Manual and the Drift Diving video to start learning immediately. Stop by your local PADI Dive Center and Resort to enroll in the course and pick up your independent study materials.

What scuba gear will you use?

Along with your basic scuba equipment, you’ll learn to use various surface marker buoys and floats with lines and reels. Ask your PADI Instructor or local dive center staff about other equipment you may need to get the most of your drift dives.

Next Step

Start soaring and earn your next certification:

Enroll in a Drift Diver course at your PADI Dive Center or Resort.
Browse the PADI Course Catalog.
Check out the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.
Look for scuba diving vacations to drift diving destinations.