SDI SHORE AND BEACH DIVER Learn to Dive Safely from the Shore

The SDI Shore & Beach Diver Course with American Diver International 

The purpose of this course is to acquaint a diver with the necessary procedures and knowledge to safely dive from shore. The focus of this specialty is on how to handle different types of surf and shore conditions. Many great dive sites are accessible from the shore and do not require the use of a boat but do require some basic techniques and information on how to execute the dives safely. 

Who this course is for:

• The certified diver looking for more information to perform dives proficiently from the shore/beach, various types of entries, and exits.

Course prerequisites:

• PADI or SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, PADI or SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 12 with parental consent
• Download the required PADI Medical Form*

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Shore and Beach Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Dive planning
  • Map of shore
  • Compass review
  • Navigation
• Emergency procedures
  • Surface emergencies, no scuba
  • Scuba emergencies
  • Rescue procedures
  • Review of lifesaving skills
• Shore diving procedures
  • Set-up
  • Navigation aids
  • Landmarks
  • Site assessment
  • Special procedures, i.e. keeping the water in fin pockets to wash off feet in the sand
• Diving procedures
  • Use of the dive flag 
  • Float handling and line attachment
  • Surf zone considerations
  • Buddy procedures
• Things to do off the beach
  • Underwater collecting and hunting
  • Photography
  • Wreck diving

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include: 

• Site selection
• Dive planning
• Assess current site conditions and potential changes
• Navigation review
• Surf procedure practice
• Descend
• Compass check and underwater compass use
• Natural navigation check and underwater use of natural navigation techniques
• Float control
• Ascend
• Return to beach
• Exit

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities without direct 

supervision of the SDI Instructor* so long as the following limits are adhered to:

• The diving activities approximate those of training
• The areas of activities approximate those of training
• Environmental conditions approximate those of training

*Note: Junior divers (ages 10-14) must participate in Hunter/Collector diving activities with a parent, guardian, or dive professional.

SDI Shore/Beach Diver minimum requirements:

• Complete all open water requirements efficiently
• Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution

How to take this course!

• Stop in today or sign up here

Check out our Reef Smart Guides to find the best spots to dive!