PADI DIVER PROPULSION VEHICLE A thrilling way to see a lot of underwater territory

The PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Course with American Divers International

DPVs offer a thrilling way to see a lot of underwater territory in a brief amount of time. They scoot you through the water without kicking. Whether making a shore dive or diving from a boat, a DPV is a great way to see more and have a blast doing it.

What is a DPV or Diver Propulsion Vehicle?

A diver propulsion vehicle (DPV, also known as an underwater propulsion vehicle or underwater scooter) is an item of diving equipment used by scuba divers to increase their range underwater. A DPV usually consists of a battery-powered electric motor, which drives a propeller. These machines are designed to provide divers with greater mobility and less air consumption, giving them more bottom time (within tables) and far greater range.

Why do a specialty course in Diver Propulsion Vehicles?

The PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Specialty is one of the most fun specialties to participate in. While originally used only by

technical divers and the military, DPVs are rapidly gaining popularity in the recreational diving sphere. DPVs offer a thrilling way to cover a lot of underwater territory in a brief amount of time. They cut down the need for the diver to exert himself by kicking or finning. However, using a DPV does require some amount of mastery as the DPV has the potential to make buoyancy control difficult and cause barotrauma if the diver ascends or descends under power. This course is designed to introduce divers to the skills and excitement of using diver propulsion vehicles and familiarizes student divers with the knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, potential problems, and hazards associated with using DPVs.

What does the course cover?

 The PADI DPV Speciality is conducted over one evening of theory and pool practice and then two dives in Open Water. The first dive allows divers to practice basic vehicle handling skills and the second dive prompts divers to plan and execute a typical DPV dive.

The course covers the following:

• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, and the hazards of diving with an underwater propulsion vehicle.

  

• Equipment considerations include but are not limited to battery care, maintenance, and precautions.
• Proper procedures for determining a turnaround point, vehicle failure, runaway motor, descents and ascents, and avoiding propeller entanglements.
• Techniques to avoid harming fragile aquatic life.
• Techniques for entering and exiting the water with a DPV.

Prerequisites

• Download the required PADI Medical Form*

Your Next Adventure

DPVs can come in handy when wreck diving because they let you tour more of the wreck, plus reduce your air consumption. You may want to consider the PADI Wreck Diver course while working your way to Master Scuba Diver.