Sdi instructor manual part 3

SDI Instructor Manual

Part 3

Standards and Outlines For Specialties

All Rights Reserved, 1999 © By Scuba Diving International (SDI)

Copyright 1999 © Scuba Diving International (SDI)

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or

retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Scuba Diving International 18 Elm Street, Topsham, ME 04086

Phone: 207-729-4201 Toll Free: 888-778-9073 Fax: 207-729-4453

Web site: www.tdisdi.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern time

SDI Instructor Manual Part 3 – Standards and Outlines for Specialties

Date: 11/19/2004Revision: 5.0

Table of Contents

1. Specialty Overview Matrix ................................................................................... 1

2. General Specialty Standards............................................................................... 2 2.1 Administrative ............................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Accidents ...................................................................................................................................... 2 2.3 Equipment..................................................................................................................................... 2 2.4 Confined Water Training............................................................................................................... 2 2.5 Open Water Training .................................................................................................................... 3 2.6 Student – Minimum Equipment Requirements............................................................................. 3 2.7 Instructor – Minimum Equipment Requirements .......................................................................... 4 2.8 Temporary Certification Cards...................................................................................................... 4 2.9 SDI Instant Certification Card (Insta-Card)................................................................................... 4 2.10 Qualification Procedures For “Teaching A Specialty Course”...................................................... 4 2.11 Combining the Training Of Specialties ......................................................................................... 5 2.12 Procedure For Creating A “Unique” Specialty .............................................................................. 5

3. SDI – Advanced Adventure Diver Specialty ....................................................... 6 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6 3.2 Who May Teach............................................................................................................................ 6 3.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ............................................................................................................. 6 3.4 Student Pre-Requisites................................................................................................................. 6 3.5 Course Structure and Duration..................................................................................................... 7 3.6 Administrative Requirements........................................................................................................ 7 3.7 Required Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 7 3.8 Approved Outline .......................................................................................................................... 7 3.9 Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements ........................................................ 7

4. SDI – Advanced Buoyancy Control Specialty.................................................... 8 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 8 4.2 Who May Teach............................................................................................................................ 8 4.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ............................................................................................................. 8 4.4 Student Pre-Requisites................................................................................................................. 8 4.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................... 9 4.6 Administrative Requirements........................................................................................................ 9 4.7 Required Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 9 4.8 Approved Outline .......................................................................................................................... 9 4.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 11

5. SDI - Altitude Diver Specialty ............................................................................ 12 5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 12 5.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 12 5.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 12 5.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 12 5.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 13 5.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 13

SDI Instructor Manual - Part 3.doc

Index i of viii



5.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 13 5.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 13 5.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 14

6. SDI – Boat Diver Specialty................................................................................. 15 6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 15 6.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 15 6.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 15 6.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 15 6.5 Course Structure and Duration................................................................................................... 16 6.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 16 6.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 16 6.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 16 6.9 Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements ...................................................... 18

7. SDI – Computer Diver Specialty........................................................................ 19 7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 19 7.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 19 7.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 19 7.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 19 7.5 Course Structure and Duration................................................................................................... 20 7.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 20 7.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 20 7.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 20 7.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 22

8. SDI – Computer Nitrox Diver Specialty ............................................................ 23 8.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 23 8.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 23 8.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 23 8.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 23 8.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 23 8.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 24 8.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 24 8.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 24 8.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 25

9. SDI – Deep Diver Specialty................................................................................ 26 9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 26 9.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 26 9.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 26 9.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 26 9.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 27 9.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 27 9.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 27 9.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 27 9.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 28


Index ii of viii



10. SDI – Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Specialty.............................................. 29

10.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 29 10.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 29 10.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 29 10.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 29 10.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 29 10.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 30 10.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 30 10.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 30 10.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 31

11. SDI – Drift Diver Specialty ................................................................................. 32 11.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 32 11.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 32 11.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 32 11.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 32 11.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 33 11.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 33 11.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 33 11.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 33 11.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 34

12. SDI – Dry Suit Diver Specialty ........................................................................... 35 12.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 35 12.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 35 12.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 35 12.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 35 12.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 36 12.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 36 12.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 36 12.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 36 12.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 38

13. SDI – Equipment Diver Specialty ...................................................................... 39 13.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 39 13.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 39 13.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 39 13.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 39 13.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 39 13.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 40 13.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 40 13.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 40 13.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 42

14. SDI – Ice Diver Specialty.................................................................................... 43 14.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 43 14.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 43 14.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 43


Index iii of viii



14.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 43 14.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 43 14.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 44 14.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 44 14.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 44 14.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation ............................................................................. 45

15. SDI – Marine Ecosystems Awareness Diver Specialty ................................... 46 15.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 46 15.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 46 15.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 46 15.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 46 15.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 47 15.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 47 15.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 47 15.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 47 15.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 49

16. SDI – Night/Low Visibility Diver Specialty........................................................ 50 16.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 50 16.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 50 16.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 50 16.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 50 16.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 51 16.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 51 16.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 51 16.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 51 16.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 53

17. SDI – Research Diver Specialty......................................................................... 54 17.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 54 17.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 54 17.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 54 17.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 54 17.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 55 17.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 55 17.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 55 17.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 55 17.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 56

18. SDI – Search And Recovery Diver Specialty.................................................... 57 18.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 57 18.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 57 18.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 57 18.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 57 18.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 58 18.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 58 18.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 58 18.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 59


Index iv of viii



18.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 60

19. SDI – Shore/Beach Diver Specialty................................................................... 61 19.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 61 19.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 61 19.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 61 19.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 61 19.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 62 19.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 62 19.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 62 19.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 62 19.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 63

20. SDI – Underwater Hunter And Collector Diver Specialty ................................ 64 20.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 64 20.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 64 20.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 64 20.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 64 20.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 65 20.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 65 20.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 65 20.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 65 20.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 67

21. SDI – Underwater Navigation Diver Specialty.................................................. 68 21.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 68 21.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 68 21.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 68 21.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 68 21.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 69 21.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 69 21.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 69 21.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 69 21.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 70

22. SDI – Underwater Photographer Diver Specialty............................................. 72 22.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 72 22.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 72 22.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 72 22.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 72 22.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 73 22.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 73 22.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 73 22.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 73 22.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 74

23. SDI – Underwater Video Diver Specialty .......................................................... 75 23.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 75


Index v of viii



23.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 75 23.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 75 23.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 75 23.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 76 23.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 76 23.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 76 23.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 76 23.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 78

24. SDI – Wreck Diver Specialty.............................................................................. 79 24.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 79 24.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 79 24.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 79 24.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 79 24.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 80 24.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 80 24.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 80 24.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 80 24.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 82

25. SDI – Solo Diver Specialty................................................................................. 83 25.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 83 25.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 83 25.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 83 25.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 83 25.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 84 25.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 84 25.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 84 25.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 84 25.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 86

26. SDI – Visual Inspection Procedure (VIP) Specialty ......................................... 87 26.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 87 26.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 87 26.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 87 26.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 88 26.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 88 26.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 88 26.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 88 26.8 Approved Outline ........................................................................................................................ 89 26.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 89

27. SDI/TDI - CPROX Administrator Specialty........................................................ 90 27.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 90 27.2 Who May Teach.......................................................................................................................... 90 27.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 90 27.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 90 27.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 91 27.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 91


Index vi of viii



27.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 91 27.8 Required Subject Areas.............................................................................................................. 92 27.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 92

28. SDI/TDI - CPR1st Administrator Specialty........................................................ 93 28.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 93 28.2 Who may teach........................................................................................................................... 93 28.3 Student – Instructor Ratio ........................................................................................................... 93 28.4 Student Pre-Requisites............................................................................................................... 93 28.5 Course Structure And Duration .................................................................................................. 94 28.6 Administrative Requirements...................................................................................................... 94 28.7 Required Equipment ................................................................................................................... 94 28.8 Required Subject Areas.............................................................................................................. 95 28.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements...................................................... 95


Index vii of viii



Revision History

Revision Number Date Sections Changed

2.0 05/27/01 The Manual has been completely restructured and updated to reflect latest changes and additions.

2.1 09/04/01 Editorial changes and minor updates. Added CPR1st and Buoyancy Diver specialties.

2.2 10/10/02 Updated with latest Training Updates. 3.0 08/15/03 Updated with latest Training Updates. 3.1 12/19/03 Editorial changes and minor updates. 5.0 11/19/04 Updated with latest Training Updates.


Index viii of viii



1. Specialty Overview Matrix


Page 1 of 95

Spec

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3 Advanced Adventure See

chosen specialties

5 8 or lower- see chosen specialties

Open Water Yes No

4 Advanced Buoyancy Control 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

5 Altitude Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

6 Boat Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

7 Computer Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

8 Computer Nitrox Diver (22-40%) 10 None n/a

Open Water or enrollment in Open Water diver course

Yes No

9 Deep Diver 15 2 4 Open Water Yes No

10 Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver 15 2 2 Open Water Optional Yes

11 Drift Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

12 Dry Suit Diver 15 2 4 Open Water Optional Yes

13 Equipment Specialist Diver 10 None n/a Open Water Optional Yes

14 Ice Diver 18 2 2 Open Water Yes No

15 Marine Ecosystems Awareness Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

16 Night/Limited Visibility Diver 10 2 4 Open Water Optional Yes

17 Research Diver 15 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

18 Search and Recovery Diver 15 2 8 Open Water Yes No

19 Shore/Beach Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

20 Underwater Hunter and Collector Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

21 Underwater Navigation Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

22 Underwater Photographer Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

23 Underwater Video Diver 10 2 8 Open Water Optional Yes

24a Wreck Diver - No penetration 10 2 8 Open Water Yes No

24b Wreck Diver - Limited Penetration 15 3 8

2 during penetration

“Deep Diver” if > 60ft Yes No

25 Solo Diver 21 2 8 Advanced

Open Water and 100 Dives

Yes No

26 Visual Inspection Procedure (VIP) 18 None n/a n/a Yes No

27 SDI/TDI CPROX Administrator 10 None n/a n/a Yes No

28 SDI/TDI CPR1st Administrator 10 None n/a n/a Yes No



2. General Specialty Standards These following standards apply to all SDI Diver Specialties.

2.1 Administrative Instructors must ensure that all students complete the following forms – for each and every course and

specialty the student participates in. They are: 1. “SDI Liability Release and Express Assumption of Risk” Form.

2. “SDI Medical Release” Form

If a student writes a “yes” to any question in the Medical Release Form under the section marked “Have you ever had a history of or do you currently have” then the student must provide written permission from a doctor before participating in confined or open water training or any course or specialty training.

3. “Diver Registration” Form (upon completion of the specified program).

4. “Student Record” (must be kept for seven (7) years).

2.2 Accidents Hopefully you will never have to do this, however, if you, the Instructor, were involved in an accident or

simply witnessed an accident, the “Accident Report” Form must be completed by you, the Instructor/witness, and faxed to SDI headquarters immediately after the accident happened.

2.3 Equipment A Personal Dive Computer (PDC) must be used during all in-water training sessions during SDI courses.

2.4 Confined Water Training Confined Water Training must be conducted in a swimming pool or a confined body of water with the

following conditions: 1. A minimum of approximately three (3) meter / ten (10) feet of visibility. 2. Calm surface conditions. 3. Easy access to depths that allow students to stand with their head above water. 4. Depths that allow skills (as defined in the Confined Water lesson guide) to be adequately

demonstrated. 5. Equipment appropriate for the training site. 6. Confined Water training sites other than pools, must be approved by SDI Headquarters.


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2.5 Open Water Training

The Instructor, with the following considerations, must carefully choose an Open Water training site: 1. Body of water similar to the regional diving conditions (ocean, lake, etc.). 2. Swimming Pools are not considered an open water environment. 3. Water clarity. 4. Temperature above and below the water. 5. Weather conditions. 6. Water access. 7. Equipment adequate for the conditions. 8. Thermal protection appropriate for the conditions. 9. No dives are to require a decompression stop. 10. A complete briefing that includes:

A. The Dive site. B. Water conditions. C. Skills to be performed. D. Entry/Exit to be used E. Emergency procedures.

11. A complete de-briefing that includes: A. Performance of divers as a whole. B. Areas that need improvement. C. Environmental observations. D. Question and answers.

2.6 Student – Minimum Equipment Requirements The students must have the following equipment: 1. Mask, Fins and Snorkel. 2. Buoyancy compensator with a low-pressure power inflator. 3. Regulator with submersible pressure gauge. 4. Alternate air source. 5. Weight system. 6. Personal Dive Computer (PDC). 7. Exposure suit adequate for the training conditions. 8. Compressed gas tank. 9. Compass (during navigation skills). 10. Knife or Cutting Device. 11. Rescue signal.

Note: Students wearing Air integrated hose-less computers are not required to carry a submersible pressure gauge.


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2.7 Instructor – Minimum Equipment Requirements

Unless otherwise noted, the minimum equipment requirements for training by an Instructor, Assistant Instructor and Divemaster is as follows:

1. Mask and Fins. 2. Buoyancy compensator with a low-pressure power inflator. 3. Regulator with submersible pressure gauge. 4. Alternate air source. 5. Weight system. 6. Personal Dive Computer. 7. Exposure suit adequate for the training conditions. 8. Compressed gas tank. 9. Compass. 10. Cutting device. 11. Rescue signal.

12. A dive Flag (unless in a pool) must be carried in accordance with local laws or regulations Note: Instructors wearing Air integrated hose-less computers are not required to carry a submersible pressure gauge.

2.8 Temporary Certification Cards Temporary cards are available for purchase from SDI and can be issued after all performance requirements

and administrative requirements are met. The temporary cards are valid for thirty (30) days from the signing and must be signed within ten (10) days of the course completion.

2.9 SDI Instant Certification Card (Insta-Card) Refer to each the standards for each course to find out if a SDI Certification Card is required or a SDI

Instant Certification Card (Insta-Card) may be issued directly by the instructor.

2.10 Qualification Procedures For “Teaching A Specialty Course” In order to be an Instructor in a particular specialty, the Instructor: 1. Must be in Active Teaching status with SDI. 2. Must have at least twenty-five (25) dives in the particular specialty being applied for. 3. Must complete the SDI Specialty Instructor upgrade form and agree to use the latest approved SDI

Specialty outline.

Note: Some courses such as CPROX, CPR1st, VIP, and any of the TDI courses do require a specific “instructor course” be taken in that particular specialty before the Instructor may actually teach the course.


Page 4 of 95



2.11 Combining the Training Of Specialties

With the exception of Deep and Computer Diver, NONE of the SDI specialties may be taught at the same time. However, an instructor can teach more than one (1) specialty in one (1) day but the courses must be taught separately.

2.12 Procedure For Creating A “Unique” Specialty Instructors often create their own specialties and wish to have a certification issued by SDI. The procedures

for getting a unique specialty approved are as follows. The Instructor must: 1. Be in Active Teaching status with SDI. 2. Have at least twenty-five (25) dives in the particular specialty being applied for. 3. Complete the SDI Specialty Instructor upgrade form. 4. Must submit an outline for approval to SDI. 5. SDI must approve the outline before the course can actually be taught.


Page 5 of 95



3. SDI – Advanced Adventure Diver Specialty

3.1 Introduction The purpose of this course is to give the diver an overview of five (5) selected SDI specialties. This course

is intended to be an introduction to each of the five (5) specialties and not complete comprehension of the chosen specialty. One (1) dive from each of the chosen specialties may apply towards a complete specialty certification. Overhead environments and non diving specialties are not allowed and do not count towards the five (5) chosen specialties.

3.2 Who May Teach Who may teach this course? 1. An active SDI Instructor that has been certified to teach the chosen specialties.

3.3 Student – Instructor Ratio Academic: 1. Unlimited, so long as adequate facility, supplies and time are provided to insure comprehensive

and complete training. Confined Water (swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. A maximum of eight (8) students per Instructor. However, it is the instructor’s discretion to

reduce this number as conditions, or chosen specialty dictate (unless chosen specialty dictates a lower ratio i.e. for DPV it is 2:1).

2. The Instructor has the option of adding two (2) more students with the assistance of an active Assistant Instructor or Divemaster.

3. The total number of students an instructor may have in the water is twelve (12) with the assistance of two (2) Assistant Instructors or Divemasters, unless chosen specialty states lower numbers.

3.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver. 2. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18). 3. Be a minimum age of ten (10) with parental consent.


Page 6 of 95



3.5 Course Structure and Duration Open Water execution: 1. Five (5) dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the Instructor. 2. Dive plans must include Surface interval, Max no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged. 3. All dives are to be under the direct supervision of an approved instructor. Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.

3.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical History Forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Advanced Adventure Diver Specialty Certification card. The Instructor must: 1. Use either a SDI Diver Registration Form or a Pre-paid Diver Certification Form to file for the

specialty certification card. 2. Award card.

3.7 Required Equipment Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual and any other equipment

that may apply to the chosen specialties.

3.8 Approved Outline The outline that is to be used for this specialty is an abridged version of each of the five (5) chosen

specialties. The material covered must be an overview and introduction.

3.9 Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements Students are required to successfully complete the following: 1. Students must perform the skills listed for dive one (1) for each of the five (5) chosen specialties.

Please see part three (3) of your SDI Instructor Manual for the respective specialty outlines.


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4. SDI – Advanced Buoyancy Control Specialty

4.1 Introduction Introducing a diver to the benefits of controlling their buoyancy (usually) has a great positive effect, an

effect that will enhance the diver’s sense of enjoyment and feeling of accomplishment. This specialty is designed to increase the Open Water Diver’s understanding of the factors that influence their buoyancy and to train the diver in using those means available to him or her as methods for controlling their buoyancy. The added benefits to the marine and freshwater environments cannot be overstated as well as we have divers that have better control of themselves in conjunction with their environment.

4.2 Who May Teach Who may teach this course? 1. An active SDI Instructor that has been certified to teach this specialty.

4.3 Student – Instructor Ratio Academic: 1. Unlimited, so long as adequate facility, supplies, and time are provided to insure comprehensive

and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. A maximum of ten (10) students per Instructor. 2. Instructors have the option of adding two (2) more students with the assistance of an Active

Assistant Instructor or Divemaster. 3. The total number of students an instructor may have in the water is fourteen (14) with the

assistance of two (2) Assistant Instructors or Divemasters. Open Water (Ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river, or estuary): 1. A maximum of eight (8) students per Instructor. However, it is the Instructor’s discretion to

reduce this number as conditions dictate. 2. The Instructor has the option of adding two (2) more students with the assistance of an active

Assistant Instructor or Divemaster. 3. The total number of students an Instructor may have in the water is twelve (12) with the assistance

of two (2) Assistant Instructors or Divemasters.



Page 8 of 95



4.5 Course Structure And Duration Confined or Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required with complete brief and debrief by the Instructor.

4.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Buoyancy Diver specialty

experience card. The Instructor must: 1. Issue one of the following cards:

A. A SDI Insta-Card. B. Use either a SDI diver registration form or a Pre-paid Diver certification form to file for

the specialty certification card if a SDI certification card is requested. 2. Award card.

4.7 Required Equipment Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual.

4.8 Approved Outline Instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics. The following

topics must be covered: 1. Why do we care about buoyancy?

A. Don’t touch the aquatic life = save the environment. B. Less fatigue, less effort required = more fun. C. Reducing air consumption = more bottom time. D. Able to control buoyancy = better pictures or video.

2. When must a buoyancy check be performed? A. When equipment is changed. B. When diving environment is changed. C. Have not been diving for a while. D. During every dive.

3. Buoyancy factors A. Additional Equipment (Photo, Video, extra tank, extra gear, dive lights, etc.)


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B. Tank weight change during a dive as air is consumed from the tank (depending on tank

size; 63 Cu ft approximately one-point-thirty-five (1.35) kg / three (3) lb, 80 Cu ft. approximately one-point-fifty-two (1.52) kg / five (5) lb).

C. Using Lungs versus BCD. When using the lungs to compensate, be aware of not holding one’s breath and paying attention how much the depth change that is made (to avoid lung embolism.)

D. Using BCD versus Dry Suit. E. Staying physically fit. F. Breathing patterns and technique.

I. Do not – shallow breathing. II. Do not – hold your breath. III. Do – Slow down your breathing rate. IV. Do – Stay relaxed – go slow (this is not a race). V. Strenuous work and stress increase breathing rate.

G. Compression of suit due to water pressure changes the buoyancy of the suit. H. Weights – position and distribution and what impact that may have

I. Horizontally, face down – weights towards sides and stomach. II. Head-up, feet-down – weight toward middle of stomach. III. Slightly head-up, feet-down – weight toward chest or move tank. IV. Feet rising – use light ankle weights (especially if wearing an Dry Suit.) V. Weight integrated systems – benefits and restrictions.

I. Streamlining equipment I. Minimize drag. II. Keeping equipment off the bottom.

J. Streamlining body (body positions) I. Overweight drags down lower half of body. II. Using BCD to compensate will float upper part of body.

K. Efficient kicking style. L. Practicing your skills. M. Weighting (salt water, use as initial guideline only – do a buoyancy check to confirm)

I. Swimsuit – point forty five (0,45) kg / one (1) lb to one-point-two (1.2) kg / four (4) lb

II. 3mm wet suit – 5% of body weight. III. 5mm wet suit – 10% of body weight. IV. Cold-water suit with hood – 10% of body weight, plus one (1) kg / three (3) lb

to two-point-twenty-five (2.25) kg / five (5) lb. V. Dry Suit – 10% of body weight, plus three (3) kg / seven (7) lb to four-point-

five (4.5) kg / ten (10) lb. 4. How to perform a Standard Buoyancy check (with almost empty Tank)

A. Wear all equipment and normal amount of weight. B. Enter water to deep to stand in. C. Deflate BCD completely. D. Hang vertical and motionless, breathe in and hold (normal breath) (surface only). E. Adjust weight until floating at eye level. F. Exhale. Must sink slowly.

5. Demonstrate how much effect one (1) kg / two (2) lbs have. After neutral buoyancy is achieved (by adjusting weights accordingly)


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A. Let the student take a one (1) kg / two (2) lbs weight off (to illustrate under weight.) B. Let the student add two (2) one (1) kg / two (2) lbs weights (to illustrate over weight.) C. Let the student take a one (1) kg / two (2) lbs weight off (to get back to neutral

buoyancy.)

4.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Dives can either be performed in a pool or in open water. Students are required to successfully complete

the following: 1. Dive 1

A. Assembling of dive gear. Use an almost empty tank (roughly thirty four bar / five hundred (500) psi in the tank).

B. Pre-dive check and enter water to deep to stand in. C. Do a Pre-Dive buoyancy check with “almost empty” tank.

I. Adjust weight to achieve correct buoyancy. II. Let the student take a one (1) kg / two (2) lbs weight off (to illustrate under

weight.) III. Let the student add two one (1) kg / two (2) lbs weights (to illustrate over

weight.) IV. Let the student take a one (1) kg / two (2) lbs weight off (to get back to neutral

buoyancy.) D. Change tank – use a “full” tank (roughly two hundred and five (205) bar / three thousand

(3000) psi in the tank). E. Do a Pre-Dive buoyancy check with “full” tank. F. Controlled descent. G. “Hovering” (Fine-tune with breath control) exercises H. “Hovering” (Fine-tune with BCD or Dry Suit) exercises. I. “Close to bottom” exercises (no touch) J. “Swimming” Exercises. K. Ascent that includes a safety stop hovering (simulate safety stop if in pool). L. Log Dive (note the amount of weight used)

2. Dive 2 A. Change tank – use a “full” tank (roughly two hundred and five (205) bar / three thousand

(3000) psi in the tank). B. Do a Pre-Dive buoyancy check with “full” tank. C. Controlled descent. D. “Hovering” (Fine-tune with breath control) exercises E. “Hovering” (Fine-tune with BCD or Dry Suit) exercises. F. “Close to bottom” exercises (no touch) G. “Swimming” Exercises. H. Ascent that includes a safety stop hovering (simulate safety stop if in pool). I. Log Dive (note the amount of weight used).


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5. SDI - Altitude Diver Specialty

5.1 Introduction The purpose of this course is to acquaint a diver with the necessary procedures and knowledge to safely

dive at altitudes above sea level.

5.2 Who May Teach Who may teach this course? 1. An active SDI Instructor or Assistant Instructor that has been certified to teach this specialty.


and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (Ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. A maximum of eight (8) students per Instructor. However, it is the instructor’s discretion to


Assistant Instructor or Divemaster. 3. The total number of students an instructor may have in the water is twelve (12) with the assistance




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5.5 Course Structure And Duration Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the Instructor. 2. Dive plans must include Surface interval, Max no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged. Course Structure: 3. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.

5.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Altitude Diver specialty





5.8 Approved Outline The following is the approved outline: 1. Why do we do this type of diving? 2. Dive tables as they relate to altitude diving

A. DCIEM Tables. B. Buehlmann Tables. C. Cross Corrections to USN Tables.

3. Computers A. Computer’s capability and usage.

4. Calculations based on Cross Corrections to USN Tables A. Usage


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I. Actual depth of dive. II. Altitude of dive site. III. Ascent rate is adjusted.

B. Examples of problems. C. Last dive and travel at higher altitudes.

5. Correction of depth gauges and computers A. Gauges designed for one (1) ATM. B. Capillary D.G. will correspond to the TOD. C. If there is any doubt use measured down line.

6. Hypoxia during Altitude Diving. 7. Levels of Altitude:

A. Three hundred 300 meter / one thousand (1000) feet. B. Twelve hundred (1200) meter / four thousand (4000) feet, etc.

5.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Although not desirable, the training sessions may be carried out at sea level for those students who may be

too distant from high altitude dive sites, i.e. those students who may be going on vacations to distant sites. Students are required to successfully complete the following skills:

1. Open Water – Dive one (1) A. Plan Dive B. Students compute their No-Decompression information. C. Test and check all equipment, i.e. depth gauges and bottom timers/watches and

computers. D. Enter and descend. E. Monitor depth and No-decompression time. F. Ascend. G. Log Dive.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Descend. B. Monitor depth/time on slate. C. Compass usage. D. “Treasure Hunt” for fun. E. Ascend. F. Log Dive.


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6. SDI – Boat Diver Specialty

6.1 Introduction Scuba diving from boats is an everyday occurrence. Whether on a private vessel or one of the many

charter dive boats available worldwide, divers are frequently not aware of the special procedures and etiquette used when boat diving. This course is designed to introduce divers to some different types of boat diving and the skills needed to plan and conduct a boat dive with maximum safety.









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6.5 Course Structure and Duration Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the Instructor. 2. Dive plan must include Surface interval, Max no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged. 3. All dives must be completed from a boat. Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.

6.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Boat Diver specialty




6.7 Required Equipment 1. Boat equipped with proper safety equipment, including but not limited to oxygen and first aid kit. 2. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. The following manual is required: 1. SDI Wreck, Boat & Drift Diving.


topics must be covered: 1. Types of Boats and Features of those boats

A. Live-Aboard. B. Charter boat. C. Private boat.


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2. Safety Features

A. Life Preservers. B. Life Boats. C. Flares. D. Radio. E. Throw Rings. F. US Coast Guard requirements. G. First Aid kit. H. O2 kit.

3. Exiting and Boarding the boat A. Type of ladder. B. How to use ladder. C. Entries.

4. Planning Boat Trips A. Types and sizes of boats. B. Location. C. Degree of difficulty of dives. D. Air available on boat? E. Food/beverages. F. Sleeping Gear necessary? G. Weather. H. Dive Planning.

5. Determining Equipment necessary A. Use of a checklist. B. C-card and Log book. C. Extra tank. D. All Open Water Equipment. E. Spare parts kit. F. Camera photo equipment. G. Game Equipment.

6. Boat Procedures A. Loading. B. Captain and crew briefs of special procedures. C. Special Rules. D. Crowded Area Procedures.

7. Lines A. Anchor line. B. Descent lines. C. Tag line. D. Stern safety line. E. Decompression Bar.

8. Underwater Navigation from a boat A. Natural Navigation. B. Anchored - no current. C. Anchored - current.

9. Drift diving.


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6.9 Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements Students are required to successfully complete the following: 1. Open Water – Dive one (1)

A. Plan Dive. B. Shore Briefing. C. Review of procedures. D. Captain’s brief and travel to dive destination. E. Entry. F. Diving procedures. G. Exit. H. Log Dive. I. Care of equipment.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Attempt to use a different type of boat or, at least, use a different entry point from the

boat. B. Plan dive. C. Pre-Dive briefing. D. Review procedures. E. Boat briefing and travel to dive destination (if has not already been done). F. Entry. G. Planned dive. H. Exit. I. Log Dive. J. Care of equipment.


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7. SDI – Computer Diver Specialty

7.1 Introduction This course is designed to expand a diver’s knowledge in the use of their personal dive computer.









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7.5 Course Structure and Duration Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the Instructor. 2. Dive plan must include Surface interval, Max no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged. Course Structure: 3. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level. 4. This course can be combined with the Deep Diver specialty (and only that specific specialty) if the

instructor chooses to do so.

7.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Computer Diver specialty





The following manual is required: 1. SDI Deeper Diving with Dive Computers.


topics must be covered 1. Computers vs. Tables

A. History of tables. B. Computers advantages.


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C. Different Decompression models.

2. Decompression Sickness A. Cause

I. Tissue compartments. B. Signs and Symptoms. C. Treatment. D. First Aid. E. Prevention.

3. Types of Diving computers A. Air integrated. B. Non-Air integrated. C. Features

I. Start up. II. Display screen. III. Dive planner. IV. Decompression planner. V. Algorithm. VI. Dive time. VII. Max depth. VIII. No stop time. IX. Ascent warning, audible or visual. X. De-saturation time. XI. Time to Fly. XII. Surface interval. XIII. Altitude compensation. XIV. Lighting. XV. Battery life indicator. XVI. Downloadable.

4. How Dive Computers work A. Decompression information in permanent memory. B. Pressure transducer reads ambient pressure. C. Internal clock records lapsed dive or surface time, updates frequently, usually every three

(3) seconds. D. Information is calculated in the computer microprocessor during each update. E. Information is displayed on screen. F. User is responsible for interpreting information.

5. Use of dive computers A. Always read manual first. B. Start-up procedures. C. Operating instructions. D. Ascent rates. E. Other information.

6. Definitions A. Dive time

– elapsed time from beginning of descent until final surfacing at end of dive.


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B. Time remaining

– available time, according to computer program, that diver may remain at current depth without incurring mandatory decompression; increases as depth decreases.

7. Planning multi-level repetitive dives A. Dive planning mode. B. First dive or repetitive dive.

8. Only one diver per computer A. Very unsafe practice for two divers to attempt to monitor dive profiles with one

computer. 9. Emergency Procedures

A. Decompression I. Decompression dives require additional training.

B. Omitted decompression I. Usually prevented by voluntary safety stop. II. Usually caused by failure to monitor air supply or computer.

C. Ascent rates. D. Computers varying ascent rates determined by the manufacture E. Computer failure

I. Make a normal ascent with a safety stop, then exit. II. If diver is dependent upon one dive computer for decompression data, then they

must remain out of water for twenty four (24) hours minimum before resuming diving after computer failure.

7.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Students are required to successfully complete the following: 1. Open Water – Dive one (1)

A. This dive must be conducted to a specified depth that is appropriate to the dive site. B. Instructor and student must prepare a suitable multi-level profile for this dive. C. It is important for the diver to monitor depth, buoyancy control, and air supply. For

example, if the dive is projected for twenty one (21) msw / seventy (70) fsw maximum depth; the diver must then monitor his depth and NOT EXCEED the planned maximum depth.

D. An appropriate safety stop must be included at the end of the dive. 2. Open Water – Dive two (2)

A. The second dive must be conducted in the same fashion as Open Water Dive one (1) with the exception that the dive profile is prepared by the student and submitted to the instructor for approval.

B. Again, monitor depth, buoyancy control, and air supply. 3. Post Dives

A. After completing the two (2) dives the students must download their computers if they have the capability.

B. Instructors must review this information with the students.


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8. SDI – Computer Nitrox Diver Specialty

8.1 Introduction The SDI Recreational Nitrox course is designed to teach Open Water Divers how to use Nitrox mixtures up

to forty percent (40%) with the aid of a Nitrox programmable dive computer.


8.3 Student – Instructor Ratio Academic: 1. Unlimited, so long as adequate facility, supplies, and time are provided to insure comprehensive

and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (Ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. N/A.

8.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver or current enrolment in one of those courses. 2. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18). 3. Be a minimum age of ten (10) with parental consent.

8.5 Course Structure And Duration Open Water execution: 1. No dives are required. Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.


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8.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Computer Nitrox Diver

specialty experience card. The Instructor must: 1. Use either a SDI diver registration form or a Pre-paid Diver certification form to file for the

specialty certification card if a SDI certification card is requested. 2. Award card.

8.7 Required Equipment 1. Easy Nitrox Diving manual 2. NITROX Tank. 3. Air tank for calibration. 4. Oxygen Analyzer. 5. Sample Nitrox log.


topics must be covered during this specialty: 1. History of EAN. 2. Physiology

A. Oxygen (O2). B. Nitrogen (N2).

3. Equipment considerations A. Forty percent (40%) O2 content and less. B. Above forty percent (40%) O2 content.

4. Dive computers A. Mix Adjustable. B. O2 integrated. C. Nitrox programmable dive computer.

5. Advantages and disadvantages A. Use of Nitrox for physiological advantage with an Nitrox programmable dive computer. B. Use to extend no-decompression time or shorten surface intervals. C. O2 toxicity hazards and depth limits.


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D. Discussion of myths and facts regarding EAN mixtures.

6. Equivalent Air Depth A. Introduction to the concept only for demonstration.

7. Procedures A. Use and theory of oxygen analyzer. B. Gas analysis and logging.

8.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Students are required to successfully complete the following: 1. At the completion of the course, the students are required to have one hundred percent (100%)

comprehension of the questions and answers located at the end of every chapter of the SDI “Easy Nitrox Diving” manual.

2. Analyze a minimum of two nitrox cylinders. 3. Log a minimum of one (1) nitrox cylinder. 4. Program a nitrox computer to a mix between 22-40% O2.


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9. SDI – Deep Diver Specialty

9.1 Introduction The purpose of this course is to provide the necessary training to plan and execute dives that are outside the

range of depths that are experienced during an Open Water Diver course, specifically beyond sixty (60) feet (18 meter) and to a maximum depth of not greater than one hundred thirty (130) feet (45 meter).



and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. A maximum of Four (4) students per Instructor. However, it is the instructor’s discretion to


Assistant Instructor or Divemaster. 3. The total number of students an instructor may have in the water is eight (8) with the assistance of

two (2) Assistant Instructors or Divemasters.

9.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Open Water Diver. 2. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18). 3. Be a minimum age of fifteen (15) with parental consent.


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9.5 Course Structure And Duration Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the Instructor. 2. Dive plan must include Surface interval, Max no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged. Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level. 2. This course can be combined with the Computer Diver specialty (and only that specific specialty)

if the instructor chooses to do so.

9.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Deep Diver specialty

experience card. The Instructor must: 1. Use either a SDI diver registration form or a Pre-paid Diver certification form to file for the



The following manual is required: 1. SDI Deeper Diving with Dive Computers.


topics must be covered during this specialty: 1. Diving Tables and Computers

A. History of Dive tables and Computers I. No-decompression. II. Usage of the decompression schedule according to your computer. III. Safety stops.


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B. Practical Problem solving.

2. Equipment A. Specialty equipment for deep dives

I. Tanks (different sizes). II. Regulators. III. BCD. IV. Lift bags. V. Reels. VI. Redundant gas supplies.

B. Physics and Physiology for Deep Divers. I. Special Considerations for pressures greater than three (3) ATA

1) Air consumption. 2) CO2 factors. 3) Nitrogen Narcosis. 4) O2 Toxicity. 5) Decompression Sickness.

3. Emergency Procedures for Deep Divers A. Usage and techniques for safety tanks. B. Recompression chamber listing for area.

4. Review of First Aid A. O2 treatment. B. Treat for shock.


A. Test and check all equipment, i.e. depth gauges, bottom timers/watches and computers. B. Familiarization with area. C. Descend to planed depth and do not exceed any pre-planed limits. D. Dive according to plan at a depth limited to thirty (30) msw / one hundred (100) fsw for

first dive. E. Ascend to safety stop.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Monitor depth/time/air consumption, figure all times on slate. B. Descend to planed depth and do not exceed any pre-planed limits. C. Figure “emergency mistake” (simulated) to be given underwater by instructor. D. Dive according to plan at a depth limited to forty (40) msw / one hundred thirty (130)

fsw. E. Ascend to safety stop.


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10. SDI – Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Specialty

10.1 Introduction This course is designed to train divers in the use of a DPV and familiarizes them with the skills,

knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of using a DPV in Non-overhead environments.



and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (Ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. A maximum of two (2) students per Instructor. However, it is the instructor’s discretion to reduce

this number as conditions dictate.



their skill level.


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10.6 Administrative Requirements

Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle

Diver specialty experience card. The Instructor must: 1. Issue one of the following cards:



10.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Diver Propulsion Vehicle.


topics must be covered: 1. Physics

A. Pressure review. B. Review of air embolisms and decompression theory. C. Review of ascents/descents with regards to pressure changes. D. Review dive tables and computers. E. DPV consideration.

2. Advantages of using a DPV A. Features to consider when choosing a DPV. B. Types of DPVs. C. Accessories.

3. Overview of DPVs used for this course A. Maximizing battery life. B. Battery safety tips. C. Maintenance – Storing and transporting. D. Dive Planning and Safety Considerations. E. Air consumption and decompression. F. Battery endurance. G. Determining the “turnaround time” point.

4. Safety considerations


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A. Vehicle Failure. B. Depth and descent/ascent considerations. C. Avoiding propeller entanglements and obstructions.

5. Using the buddy system. 6. DPV use

A. Pre-dive preparation. B. Water entries. C. DPV use at the surface. D. Riding tandem. E. Orientation and descent procedures. F. Ascent and Exit procedures. G. Post dive Maintenance.


A. Dive plan. B. Proper entry. C. Surface use of DPV. D. Descent with DPV. E. Monitor DPV and Air consumption. F. Ascent and exit. G. Log dive.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Dive plan. B. Entry and Descent. C. “Underwater Tour”. D. Ascent and Exit. E. Log dive.


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11. SDI – Drift Diver Specialty

11.1 Introduction This course is designed to teach divers the skills, knowledge, and necessary techniques to properly conduct

drift dives.



and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (Ocean, spring, river or estuary): 1. A maximum of eight (8) students per Instructor. However, it is the instructor’s discretion to






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11.5 Course Structure And Duration Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the Instructor. 2. Both dives must be done as Drift Dives. 3. Dive plan must include Surface interval, Max no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged. Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.

11.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Drift Diver specialty





The following manual is required: 1. SDI Wreck, Boat & Drift Diving.


topics must be covered: 1. The Aquatic Environment – Causes and Effects

A. Tides. B. Currents. C. Waves.


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D. Surge.

2. Equipment A. Floats. B. Lines. C. Reels. D. Compass.

3. Planning and Procedures A. Buddy organization. B. Problems and hazards. C. Buoyancy Control. D. Navigation. E. Communications. F. Safety Stop procedures. G. Entries and Exits.


A. The first dive must be in no greater than eighteen (18) msw / sixty (60) fsw and the instructor must guide it.

B. The instructor must demonstrate the proper use of float, lines and reels. 2. Open Water – Dive two (2)

A. The second dive must have the students planning, demonstrating and executing the skills learned from the first dive.


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12. SDI – Dry Suit Diver Specialty

12.1 Introduction This course allows the student to develop knowledge and skills to properly use a dry suit. It will discuss

the types of dry suits, accessories, maintenance and how to make basic repairs.



and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. A maximum of six (6) students per active instructor. Open Water (Ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. A maximum of four (4) students per Instructor. However, it is the instructor’s discretion to reduce

this number as conditions dictate. 2. The Instructor has the option of adding two (2) more students with the assistance of an active

Assistant Instructor or Divemaster. 3. The total number of students an instructor may have in the water is eight (8) with the assistance of




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their skill level.

12.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Dry Suit Diver specialty




12.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Dry suit with inflator hose. 3. SDI dry suit diving manual.


topics must be covered: 1. Types of dry suits

A. Shell style. B. Crushed neoprene. C. Neoprene. D. Types of seals

I. Latex.


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II. Neoprene.

2. Features A. Self don. B. Muster or rear entry. C. Boots. D. Zipper guard - protect waterproof zipper from chaffing. E. Warm Neck Collar. F. Suspenders.

3. Dive wear Insulation A. Cut to be close to skin. B. Compression-resistant. C. Dive wear is primarily made of polyester fibers or polypropylene.

4. Dry suit Valves A. Inflator

I. Push to inflate. II. To maintain the air space created by the Dry suit.

B. Deflator I. Push to dump an adjustable. II. Simple open and close system.

5. Buoyancy Control A. Proper Weighting

I. Tanks Weights. II. Weight Integrated BCD. III. Harness System.

B. Maintaining neutral buoyancy underwater. C. Dry Suit is not substitute for proper BCD.

6. Maintenance and care A. Flush with fresh water. B. Dry inside first. C. Avoid heat, chemicals and oils. D. Zipper care

I. Clean inside and out (toothbrush). II. Use only Paraffin wax never Silicon Spray.

E. Minor Repairing I. Repair from inside out. II. 50/50 mix Cotol-240 and Aquaseal.

F. The use of water-soluble lubricants inside wrist seals to ease wear and tear on wrist seals while donning the suit.

7. Dry suit Emergencies A. Excessive air in suit. B. Inflator valve stuck open or leaking air. C. Exhaust valve stuck closed. D. Accidentally dropped weights. E. Excessive air in feet. F. Dry suit flooded.


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12.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Confined Water Training is not required but highly recommended. It would consist of: 1. Pool session one (1)

A. Plan Dive. B. Proper donning of Dry suit. C. Review functions and features of Dry suit. D. Enter water. E. Buoyancy Check. F. Get comfortable. G. Descend. H. Practice Dry suit skills. I. Inflating and Deflating suit. J. Roll from Inverted position. K. Buoyancy Skills / Hovering. L. Ascend and exit.

Students are required to successfully complete the following in Open Water: 1. Open Water – Dive one (1)

A. SDI recommends that the first dive be no deeper than six (6) msw / twenty (20) fsw. B. Plan Dive. C. Proper donning of Dry suit. D. Review functions and features of Dry suit. E. Enter water from back of boat or shore entry. F. Buoyancy Check. G. Get comfortable. H. Descend. I. Practice Dry suit skills

I. Inflating and Deflating suit. II. Roll from Inverted position.

J. Ascent with Safety Stop. K. Ascend and exit. L. Log Dive.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Plan Dive. B. Enter and descend. C. Practice Dry suit skills. D. Inflating and Deflating suit. E. Roll from Inverted position. F. Emergency procedures for Dry suit malfunctions. G. Enjoy the sites. H. Ascend w/ safety stop. I. Exit Log Dive.


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13. SDI – Equipment Diver Specialty

13.1 Introduction This course is designed to give a more in depth look at how of dive equipment works. It will cover general

repairs and maintenance of types of exposure suits, BCD’s, Regulators, and other accessories.



and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (Ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. N/A.


13.5 Course Structure And Duration No Open Water dives are required.

Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.


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13.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Equipment Diver specialty




13.7 Required Equipment 1. Different equipment must be available for demonstration purposes.


topics must be covered: 1. Exposure suits

A. Dry suit I. How they work. II. Types of materials they are made of. III. Features. IV. Basic Repairs. V. Care and Maintenance. VI. Choosing a Dry Suit best for you.

B. Wetsuit I. How it works. II. Types of materials they are made of. III. Features. IV. Wet suit accessories i.e. gloves, hood. V. Basic Repairs. VI. Care and Maintenance. VII. Choosing a Wet Suit best for you.

2. Buoyancy Control Devices


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A. How they work. B. Types of materials they are made of. C. Features. D. Basic Repairs. E. Care and Maintenance. F. Choosing a BCD best for you.

3. Regulators and Alternate Air Sources A. How they work. B. Types of materials they are made of. C. Features. D. Basic Repairs. E. Care and Maintenance. F. Choosing a Regulator best for you.

4. Tanks A. How they work. B. Types of materials they are made of. C. Features. D. Basic Repairs. E. Care and Maintenance. F. Transportation. G. Choosing a tank best for you.

5. Weight Systems A. How they work. B. Types of materials they are made of. C. Features. D. Basic Repairs. E. Care and Maintenance. F. Transportation. G. Choosing a weight system best for you.

6. Computers and other Instruments A. How they work. B. Features. C. Basic Repairs. D. Care and Maintenance. E. Transportation. F. Choosing a computer best for you.

7. Accessories A. Knives and cutting devices. B. How to use one. C. Features. D. Basic Repairs. E. Care and Maintenance. F. Transportation.

8. Various Equipment caring devices A. Types. B. Features. C. Basic Repairs.


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D. Care and Maintenance. E. Transportation.

13.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Students are required to successfully complete the following: 1. Make a test to see how well the student has comprehended the material


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14. SDI – Ice Diver Specialty

14.1 Introduction Ice diving can be a serene and beautiful aspect of SCUBA diving. As a winter activity, ice diving offers the

diver the opportunity to enjoy sport diving year round. Diving under ice presents hazards not common to the Open Water Diver and special training is required. The purpose of this course is to acquaint the diver with many of the hazards associated with ice diving and how to plan and execute an ice dive.



and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (Ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. A maximum of two (2) students per Instructor. However, it is the instructor’s discretion to reduce

this number as conditions dictate.

14.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Open Water Diver. 2. Eighteen (18) years or older.


their skill level.


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14.6 Administrative Requirements

Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Ice Diver specialty



14.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Dry Suit (recommended) - (Prior certification required). 3. Regulator tested at low temperature. 4. Harness. 5. Lines. 6. Lights (as required). 7. Cold weather surface support gear. 8. Hole cutting equipment.


topics must be covered: 1. Effects of the Cold

A. Physiological aspects of Cold Water Diving. B. Emergency Aspects of Cold Water Diving. C. Special First Aid for Cold Exposure.

2. Equipment for Ice Diving A. Harness. B. Lines. C. Dry Suit. D. Hole cutting equipment.

3. Surface Support Procedures A. Duties and responsibilities. B. Hole Cutting Techniques. C. Lines and Securing. D. Line Tending. E. Communications.


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F. Signals. G. Ice Spokes. H. Lost diver procedures. I. Safety Diver

I. Equipment of the safety diver. II. Search and Recovery trained. III. Broken Line Procedures.

4. Navigation. 5. Diving Lights and their Care.

14.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Students are required to successfully complete the following: 1. Open Water – Dive One (1)

A. Review of SCUBA skills on land. B. Test Lights and equipment. C. Set up shelter. D. Cut hole in ice and secure. E. Dive Plan. F. Descent and line considerations on land. G. Line handling and short line signals on land. H. Ten (10) minute familiarization. I. Enter. J. Each diver must rotate and practice both surface support and safety diver. K. Exit. L. Log Dive.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Set-up and Dive Plan. B. Enter. C. Line handling and SIMULATED lost diver procedures. D. Fifteen (15) minute exploring under the ice. E. Exit. F. Log Dive.


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15. SDI – Marine Ecosystems Awareness Diver Specialty

15.1 Introduction As divers, we have a vested interest in protecting the marine environment. In many cases, divers do not

have environmental information about their own local sites. This specialty is designed to increase the Open Water Diver’s understanding of marine and freshwater environments, the problems facing these unique ecosystems, and the role that divers can play in protecting our marine resources.









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their skill level.

15.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Marine Eco System

Awareness Diver specialty experience card. The Instructor must: 1. Issue one of the following cards:



15.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Marine Life Identification Guide or equivalent. 3. Diver’s Slate.


topics must be covered: 1. Physical Attributes

A. Temperature and Thermoclines. B. Salinity and Halocline. C. Dissolved Gases. D. Light (as it applies to photosynthesis). E. Nutrient circulation.


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F. Waves and Tides. G. Currents and Nutrient Cycling.

2. Topographical Features. 3. Marine Organisms

A. Plankton I. Zooplankton. II. Phytoplankton.

B. Aquatic Plants I. Types of algae. II. Seed Plants. III. Specific Local Plant Life.

C. Aquatic Animals I. Sponges. II. Cnidarians. III. Mollusks. IV. Arthropods. V. Echinoderms. VI. Chordates.

D. Specific Local Animals. E. Aquatic Food Webs. F. Behavioral changes due to daily cycle.

4. Ecosystems A. Tropical Reef. B. Temperate. C. Freshwater.

5. Environmentally Friendly Diving Techniques A. Buoyancy control. B. Kick technique. C. Local considerations.

6. Issues Facing Marine Ecosystems A. Issues of local interest. B. Global habitat destruction and pollution. C. Over fishing.

7. Coral Bleaching. 8. Diver Animal Interactions

A. Intrusive. B. Non-intrusive. C. Feeding. D. Treating marine life injuries.

9. Observation Techniques A. Grids. B. Passive observation.

10. Collection Methods.


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15.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Dives must be completed at two (2) different sites or at different times of the day. Students are required to

successfully complete the following: 1. Open Water – Dive one (1)

A. Buoyancy Control. B. Make General observations

I. Location. II. Bottom Composition. III. Marine Life. IV. Special Characteristics. V. Indications of Human Impact.

C. Grid Observations I. Make two separate sets of grid observations during the dive. II. Describe all Marine Life for later identification. III. Record behavior.

2. Open Water – Dive (2) (Complete this dive at a different site or time of day than dive one (1)) A. General Observations

I. Same as Open water dive one (1). B. Specific Observations

I. Same as Open water dive one (1). 3. Site Debrief

A. Compare and Contrast dive sites. B. Discuss the effect of Human impacts. C. Discuss ways to minimize human impact.


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16. SDI – Night/Low Visibility Diver Specialty

16.1 Introduction Many divers find that night diving is their favorite type of diving. As with all specialty diving applications,

procedures are different than those associated with Open Water Diving. The purpose of this course is to acquaint the Open Water Diver with the procedures, techniques, and potential hazards associated with diving at night or in limited visibility. By becoming familiar with the use of dive lights and night diving techniques such as navigation, buddy system procedures and communications, buoyancy control, and interacting with nocturnal aquatic life, the diver must be able to enjoy night diving with maximum safety.



and complete training. Confined Water (Swimming pool-like conditions): 1. N/A. Open Water (Ocean, lake, quarry, spring, river or estuary): 1. A maximum of four (4) students per Instructor. However, it is the instructor’s discretion to reduce

this number as conditions dictate. 2. Instructor has the option of adding two (2) more students with the assistance of an active Assistant

Instructor or Divemaster. 3. The total number of students an instructor may have in the water is eight (8) with the assistance of




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16.5 Course Structure And Duration Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the Instructor. 2. Dive plan must include Surface interval, Max no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged. 3. Night or Low visibility dive is defined as any dive requiring a light to enhance visibility. Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.

16.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Night/Limited Visibility




16.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Lights, primary and back up. 3. Whistle/ Audible signaling device. The following manual is required: 1. SDI Night Diving, Underwater Navigation & Limited Visibility.


topics must be covered: 1. Why dive at night?

A. Different Aquatic Life.


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B. Experience in limited visibility.

2. Special Equipment A. Diving Lights. B. Importance of light and back up. C. Comparison of different styles. D. Personal Dive Beacon.

3. Buddy System A. Buddy contact

I. Good visibility — close visual contact. II. Limited visibility — buddy line. III. Night Vision. IV. Don’t shine light in buddy’s eyes.

B. Communications I. When close use standard hand signals. II. Light Signals at distance

1) Attention / OK. 2) Something’s wrong.

III. Tactual signals (buddy line) 1) Stop – One (1) pull. 2) Go/OK – Two (2) pulls. 3) Surface – Four (4) pulls. 4) Come Quick! – Five (5) or more pulls.

IV. Whistle on surface 1) Five (5) or more blasts: Distress.

4. Navigation A. Bottom contour. B. Compass. C. Boat. D. Beach / Lake. E. Marker light / Strobe.

5. Disorientation A. With buddy. B. Lost buddy. C. Light failure.

6. Buoyancy considerations 7. Emergency Procedures

A. Disabled diver. B. Lost diver. C. Diving maladies.

8. Underwater Environment A. Nocturnal life.


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16.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Students are required to successfully complete the following: 1. Preferably the student has done a dive during the day at the site used for the night dive. 2. Open Water – Dive one (1)

A. Plan dive. B. Safety Procedures. C. Enter and descent. D. Remain submerged at least twenty (20) minutes. E. Change direction several times while maintaining proper navigation. F. Use properly; U/W light, SPG, compass, depth gauge, and computer. G. Maintain buddy contact throughout dive. H. Log Dive.

3. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Plan Dive. B. Safety Procedures. C. Descend. D. Two (2) minute swim without compass. E. Surface and reorient. F. Descend and navigate. G. Log dive


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17. SDI – Research Diver Specialty

17.1 Introduction The purpose of this specialty course is to acquaint the open water diver with the fascinating topic of

Research Diving. After the completion of this course, a diver will be better able to discover, explore, and appreciate the underwater environment by using research techniques and better preserve and protect the underwater environment.









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their skill level.

17.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Research Diver specialty




17.7 Required Equipment Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 1. Slate 2. Measuring devise 3. One (1) meter / yard square grid


topics must be covered: 1. The Water Environment, Fresh and Salt Water

A. Ecology. B. Food Chains. C. Habitat. D. Niche.


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E. Interactions with other forms. F. Basic Oceanography. G. Coral Reefs. H. Kelp. I. Bays and Open Coast.

2. The Marine Animals A. Fishes. B. Mollusks. C. Invertebrates. D. Mammals. E. Dangerous Animals.

3. Diving Methodology A. Collection of data

I. Use of Compass, underwater slate, measuring techniques, photography for science, accuracy in estimating techniques.

II. Detailed mapping techniques. III. Survey Methodology.

B. Marking and Capturing. C. Research for Sport.

4. Conservation.

17.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Choose a location where the students may either use different methods of counting particular species or use

mapping techniques to show the locations of different marine life and geographic formations. Students are required to successfully complete the following:

1. Open Water – Dive one (1) A. Plan Dive. B. Test and Check all equipment. C. Enter and descend. D. Familiarization with the area and ecology. E. Marine life identification. F. Log dive.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Plan Dive. B. Enter and descend. C. Monitor Depth/bottom time. D. Compass usage. E. Area Survey – Research techniques. F. Recording of data. G. Log Dive.


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18. SDI – Search And Recovery Diver Specialty

18.1 Introduction This specialty is designed to aquatint the diver with the special skills and techniques necessary to

successfully plan, execute and evaluate a search and recovery dive.









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their skill level.

18.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Search and Recovery Diver



18.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. All lines, lift bags, reels, etc must be provided by instructor.


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topics must be covered: 1. Navigation

A. Compass use. B. Estimating Distances. C. Kicking Techniques. D. Natural Navigation.

2. Limited Visibility Diving A. Factors Affecting Visibility. B. Hazards of Limited Visibility

I. Salt Water (ocean). II. Fresh water.

C. Techniques of Diving. 3. Search Techniques

A. Shotgun I. When to use. II. How to control.

B. Circular Search I. When to use. II. How to control. III. Advantages.

C. Grid Search I. When to use. II. How to control. III. Advantages.

D. Current (Overlap) Search I. When to use. II. How to control. III. Advantages.

E. Signals for Search Diving I. Hand signals. II. Line signals.

4. Salvage Techniques A. Depth Considerations. B. Lift bags. C. Lifting Drums. D. Necessary qualities of lifting devices. E. Knots and rigging. F. Fill techniques. G. Mud/silt suction considerations.


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18.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements

Students are required to successfully complete the following: 1. Open Water – Dive one (l)

A. Compass review. B. Search techniques. C. Lifting techniques. D. Have students’ practice and perform a few different search patterns. E. Recover an object from depth.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Simulated SCUBA emergency. B. Minimum of two (2) searching techniques, C. Salvage and recovery of an object with a water weight of between eleven (11) and thirty

three (33) kg / twenty five (25) and seventy five (75) pounds.


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19. SDI – Shore/Beach Diver Specialty

19.1 Introduction The purpose of this course is to acquaint a diver with the necessary procedures and knowledge to safely

dive from shores. The focus of this specialty must be on how to handle different types of surf and shore conditions.









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their skill level.

19.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Shore/Beach Diver specialty






topics must be covered: 1. Dive Planning

A. Map of shore. B. Compass review. C. Navigation.

2. Emergency Procedures A. Surface Emergencies, no SCUBA. B. SCUBA emergencies. C. Rescue Procedures.


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D. Review of Lifesaving skills.

3. Shore Diving Procedures A. Set-up. B. Navigation Aids. C. Land marks. D. Site assessment. E. Special Procedures, i.e. keeping the water in fin pockets to wash off feet in sand.

4. Diving Procedures A. Use of the dive flag. B. Float handling and line attachment. C. Surf zone considerations. D. Buddy procedures.

5. Things to do off the beach A. Underwater collecting and hunting. B. Photography. C. Wreck diving.


A. Site selection. B. Dive plan. C. Assess the conditions. D. Navigation Review. E. Surf Procedure Practice. F. Compass Check. G. Natural navigation check. H. Descent and re-surface. I. Navigation. J. Float control. K. Return to beach. L. Exit. M. Log Dive.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Site selection. B. Dive Plan. C. Assess the conditions. D. Surf Procedure. E. Underwater Natural Navigation. F. Float control. G. Return the group to the beach. H. Exit. I. Log Dive.


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20. SDI – Underwater Hunter And Collector Diver Specialty

20.1 Introduction The purpose of this specialty is to actively allow the student to engage the collection of certain marine

objects and to demonstrate and explain the necessary rules of underwater hunting. Stress must be placed on prudent and conservative techniques of both aspects.









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their skill level.

20.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Underwater Hunter and

Collector Diver specialty experience card. The Instructor must: 1. Issue one of the following cards:



20.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Catch bag or stringer. 3. Collecting tool (i.e. Spear gun or tickle stick).


topics must be covered: 1. Survey of Marine life

A. Salt water I. Invertebrate Life forms. II. Fish.

B. Fresh water I. Invertebrate life.


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II. Fish.

2. Ecology and Conservation A. Ecology

I. Fresh water: rivers, streams, springs, and lakes. II. Salt Water

1) Pollution. 2) Care of environment.

B. Conservation I. Rules of conduct. II. Public Service considerations.

3. Collecting Techniques A. Where to look. B. What to take. C. How much to take. D. How to take it. E. Legal aspects of collecting.

4. Spear fishing Techniques A. Handling of the Spear gun. B. What fish may be taken? C. Limits of taking. D. Hazards of spear fishing

I. Size of fish. II. Blood released.

E. What NOT to shoot. F. Legal aspects of spear fishing.

5. Spear fishing rules A. Rules by Law. B. Rules by Diving Courtesy.

6. Invertebrate Collecting A. Conch, Clams, Scallops, etc.

I. Which kind to take. II. Local Laws.

B. Lobster I. What to take. II. How to catch without getting hurt. III. Size limits. IV. Bag limits.


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A. The first dive must teach the student how the collecting device works. For example, how to load and shoot the spear gun.

B. Set up underwater targets for the student to practice shooting and reloading underwater. C. If teaching how to hunt for lobster, show some of the different habitats in which you

may find the species. 2. Open Water – Dive two (2)

A. Use the skills from the first dive to attempt to collect a certain species, making sure that all local laws are followed and allowing the student to enjoy their catch.


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21. SDI – Underwater Navigation Diver Specialty

21.1 Introduction This course is designed to give students a greater understanding and experience on how to properly

navigate underwater using both natural and compass navigation.









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their skill level.

21.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Underwater Navigation





The following manual is required: 1. SDI Night Diving, Underwater Navigation & Limited Visibility.


topics must be covered: 1. The Aquatic Environment

A. Vision. B. Light. C. Sound. D. Tides.


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E. Currents. F. Waves. G. Surge.

2. Natural Navigation A. Bottom contours. B. Depth. C. Amount of Light. D. Surge. E. Currents. F. Underwater Objects (Rocks, Wrecks, etc.)

3. Compass A. Types. B. Analog. C. Digital. D. Features

I. Lubber line. II. Bezel. III. Luminous dial.

E. Use of compass I. Out and back. II. Squares. III. Triangles.

4. Estimating distance underwater A. Kick Cycles. B. Time.


A. Skills are generally done with more success if practiced on the surface from shore. Using the shore or descent line as a starting /reference point makes keeping track of students easier.

B. Plan Dive. C. Enter water from boat or shore. D. Practice Out and Back technique on surface. E. Squares and triangles on surface. F. Perform square on bottom. G. Perform a triangle on the bottom. H. Ascend and exit.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. This dive must be a relaxed practice session. Place objects or use existing underwater

formations and set up an underwater course. Let the students try and find all the points based on the direction and distance you give them prior to the start of the dive.

B. Plan dive and decide what the best pattern to use for dive site is. C. Enter and descend. D. Run desired dive pattern.


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E. Enjoy the sites. F. Ascend and exit


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22. SDI – Underwater Photographer Diver Specialty

22.1 Introduction This course allows the student to experience some of the special considerations of underwater

photography, with a discussion of many areas of interest to the photographer.









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their skill level.

22.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Underwater Photographer




22.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Underwater Camera.


topics must be covered: 1. Underwater Light

A. Variation of Light under water. B. Time for best available light photography. C. Color Correction Filtering for depth. D. Strobes. E. Selective color absorption of light. F. Available Light and Strobe Considerations.


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2. Film Considerations

A. Color balance. B. Grain. C. Resolving Power. D. Latitude. E. Contrast. F. Color Reversal.

3. Camera Use in Association with SCUBA A. Types of Cameras

I. Housed style. II. Integral unit (i.e. Nikonos).

B. Handling of equipment. 4. Photographic Subjects

A. Composition of scene. B. Use of light enhancement. C. Subject ease.

5. Care of equipment A. Salt water care. B. Fresh water care. C. Care of the flooded-housed camera.

6. Use of Color Positive films A. Ease of development (E—6 processing). B. Mounting.


A. Local dive site to familiarize the student with the equipment and handling. B. Composition looked at from a beginning point of view.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Choose a dive site to give the student more application with

I. Marine subjects. II. Additional light considerations. III. Wide coloring.

B. Stress on safety while within the water environment and attaining good quality subjects. C. Both still and moving life subjects shown.


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23. SDI – Underwater Video Diver Specialty

23.1 Introduction Most divers have a desire to bring home the sights and sounds of being underwater. Underwater video

makes it possible to save our underwater experiences and share them with others. Shooting underwater video is fun, exciting, and easy to learn. This course is designed to introduce divers to the equipment, techniques, and procedures needed to plan and shoot underwater video with maximum safety.









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23.5 Course Structure And Duration Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required with complete briefs and debriefs by the Instructor. 2. Plan dive must include Surface interval, Max no-deco time, etc. to be figured out and logged. Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.

23.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Underwater Video Diver

specialty experience card. The Instructor must: 1. Issue one of the following cards:



23.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Camcorder and underwater housing equipped for the camcorder (optional: underwater light

system)


topics must be covered: 1. Video Equipment

A. Video systems. B. Types of video formats. C. Camcorders. D. Camcorder controls. E. Accessories.


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2. Underwater Video Housings

A. Types of housings. B. Housing controls. C. Features and benefits. D. Selecting housing.

3. Recording Underwater A. Dive planning. B. Setting the video and dive objective. C. Creating a storyboard. D. Safety concerns.

4. Pre-dive Equipment Assembly A. Setting the camera controls. B. Assembling the system. C. Checking for leaks.

5. Camcorder Handling Techniques A. Using the viewfinder. B. Point and shoot. C. Using a tripod.

6. Basic Techniques A. Shot selection. B. Shot times. C. Putting shots in sequence. D. Approaching marine life. E. Cutting video shots. F. Surface water shots. G. Above water shots.

7. Underwater Video Lighting A. Natural light. B. Artificial light. C. Light systems and power supplies. D. Lights and filters.

8. Shooting Video at Night A. Safety Concerns. B. Entries and exits. C. Operating the camcorder and housing controls. D. Approaching marine life at night.

9. Editing A. Fundamentals of editing. B. Required equipment. C. Editing equipment configurations. D. Editing techniques. E. In-camera editing.

10. Care and Maintenance A. After each dive. B. Regular maintenance. C. Periodic maintenance. D. Storing underwater video systems.


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E. Caring for a flooded camcorder / housing.

11. Traveling with Underwater Equipment A. Deciding what equipment to bring. B. Packing the equipment. C. Brining underwater video equipment on boats. D. Flying with underwater video equipment. E. Renting equipment.


A. Plan Dive. B. Set the Video Objective. C. Plan the sequence of shots. D. Review of procedures. E. Entry. F. Diving procedures. G. Exit. H. Log Dive. I. Care of equipment.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Plan dive. B. Review procedures. C. Entry. D. Planned dive. E. Exit. F. Log Dive. G. Care of equipment. H. Editing footage to follow story.


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24. SDI – Wreck Diver Specialty

24.1 Introduction Wreck diving can be one of the most exciting aspects of sport diving, however every effort must be made

to maximize safe diving techniques. In this course, we will discuss and use equipment and techniques commonly employed while wreck diving. This course may be taught as a 1) non-penetration (2 total dives) or 2) limited-penetration (3 total dives) course. In the event of “Limited Penetration Training,” limited penetration is defined as “swim through or within the ambient light of entry point,”




reduce this number as conditions dictate. 2. During the penetration portion of the course, the student-instructor ratio drops to two (2) to one

(1).

24.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Open Water Diver and fifteen (15) years or older for limited penetration course. 2. Ten (10) to fourteen (14) years old with parental consent for a non-penetration course. 3. Junior Open Water Divers may not participate in any penetration activities or dives greater

than sixty (60) foot of depth. 4. Divers must have taken a Deep diver specialty course or be able to provide proof of experience in

order to dive deeper than sixty (60) feet in this course.


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24.5 Course Structure And Duration Open Water execution: 1. Two (2) dives are required for the non-penetration course with complete briefs and debrief by the

Instructor. 2. Dive plan must include surface interval, max no-deco time, etc will be figured and logged. 3. One (1) additional dive must be conducted for a limited penetration certification. Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level.

24.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Wreck Diver specialty



24.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual. 2. Reel. 3. Audible and one (1) visual signaling device. The following manual is required: 1. SDI Wreck, Boat & Drift Diving.


topics must be covered: 1. Motivating Statements

A. Why wreck dive? B. Potential benefits. C. Beauty.


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D. Mysteriousness. E. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. F. It’s fun!

2. Down lines and surface supports A. Size. B. Material. C. Surface supports

I. Communications (when and if necessary). II. Back-up Procedures.

3. The Buddy System A. Buddy contact. B. Contact with varied visibility. C. Buddy lines. D. Line signals. E. Buddy positioning in close proximity.

4. Navigation/Charting A. Usage of the slate

I. Larger than normal. II. Pre-dive marking.

B. Pre-planning the dive using charts, other information. C. Directional determination.

5. Disorientation A. With/without buddy. B. Lost buddy. C. Light failure. D. Emergency Procedures.

6. Special Equipment A. Lights

I. Primary and backup. II. Size. III. Burn time IV. Usage.

B. Knifes and cutting devices. 7. Limited Visibility Diving

A. Silt-out. B. Psychological considerations.

8. Light usage A. Importance of light and backup. B. Dark Vision, don’t shine light in buddy’s eyes!

9. Life Lines and Reels A. Type of line. B. Tie-offs. C. Directional markers. D. Line handling and reeling must be practiced on land prior to performing this skill

underwater. 10. Special Emergency Procedures

A. “Safe” Wreck


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I. As normal, but with considerations for lack of free access to the surface in some

cases. B. “Hazardous” or otherwise unsafe wrecks

I. Must AVOID. II. Don’t enter doors blocked. III. Entrance restrictions.

11. Mapping the Wreck A. Vertical. B. Horizontal. C. Feature Identification.

24.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Students are required to successfully complete the following. Dives one (1) and two (2) is for the non-

penetration certification. Dives three (3) and four (4) is for limited penetration certification 1. Open Water – Dive one (1)

A. Pre-dive review of dive computers. B. Plan dive. C. Test lights. D. Familiarization with areas. E. Basic Charting outside wreck. F. Usage of lines outside wreck.(optional) G. Surface and log dive.

2. Open Water – Dive two (2) A. Plan Dive. B. Figure surface interval. C. Descend. D. Team complete mapping. E. Usage of lines outside wreck.(optional) F. Surface and log dive.

3. Open Water – Dive three (3) A. Plan Dive. B. Descend. C. Usage of lines inside wreck.(optional) D. Surface and log dive.

4. Open Water – Dive four (4) (Optional) A. Plan dive. B. Planned dive explained. C. Dive/explore as determined. D. Surface and log dive.


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25. SDI – Solo Diver Specialty

25.1 Introduction The objective of this course is to train divers in the benefits, hazards, and proper procedures for diving

solo. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in solo diving activities.

25.2 Who May Teach Who may teach this course? 1. An active SDI Solo Diver Instructor that has been certified to teach this specialty. 2. Instructor pre-requisites 21 years of age or older, one (1) year teaching experience, and 50 or more

certifications



reduce this number as conditions dictate.

25.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Minimum age twenty one (21). 2. Minimum certification of advanced diver or equivalent. 3. Minimum of one hundred (100) logged dives. 4. Completed Medical Diving Release Form. 5. Completed Waiver and Release Form.


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their skill level.

25.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the solo diving Liability Release and Medical History forms. 5. The Instructor must review the solo diving Liability Release and Medical forms before starting on

the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Solo Diver specialty



25.7 Required Equipment 1. Basic SDI Open Water SCUBA equipment as prescribed earlier in this manual with exception of a

safe second or octopus is not allowed as a redundant air source. 2. One of the following must be used to provide an additional independent regulator attached to an

air source: Pony bottle, Twin cylinders w/ isolation, H-valve, Independent doubles, SpareAir™.


topics must be covered: 1. Why must we solo dive?

A. History of buddy diving. B. Pros and cons of buddy diving. C. Pros and cons of solo diving. D. Legal liability assumed by buddy diving

I. How to use the solo diving waiver. 2. Who must solo dive?


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A. Pre-requisites and practicalities.

3. Solo diving mentality A. Self-reliance. B. Self-rescue.

4. When not to solo dive A. Overhead environments. B. Decompression and deep diving.

5. Equipment for solo diving A. Redundant air sources: Pony bottle, Twin cylinders w/ isolation, Independent doubles. B. Regulators. C. Buoyancy compensators. D. Exposure suits. E. Dive Knives and other cutting tools. F. Surface marker buoys and floatation devices. G. Safety reels. H. Underwater navigational tools. I. Current and ascent lines. J. Surface audible signaling devices. K. Dye markers, signal mirrors or flares. L. Emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs). M. Equipment configuration appropriate for solo diving (stream lining your gear).

6. Planning and conducting a solo dive A. Dive site selection and pre-dive considerations. B. Filing a “flight plan” – notification of your planned dive activities. C. Contingency planning. D. Equipment configuration appropriate for solo diving. E. Gas management. F. Avoiding entanglements.

7. Navigation A. Why navigation skills are important to the solo diver. B. Use of a mechanical compass. C. Electronic compass. D. Underwater diver tracking systems.

8. Management of solo diving emergencies A. Free-flowing regulators. B. BC inflator malfunctions. C. Mask problems. D. Managing currents. E. Entanglements. F. Unintended decompression obligations. G. Panic and stress management techniques. H. Use of surface marker buoys and location devices.

9. Review the Solo Diver Release Form.


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25.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements Skills are to be performed in the open water. The student is required to demonstrate understanding of

the techniques to properly execute a solo dive. 1. Swimming skills

A. Surface swim of two hundred (200) meter / six hundred (600) feet in full scuba gear (gear configuration appropriate to local diving conditions). Must be Non-stop and performed in an open water environment.

2. Scuba Skills A. Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning. B. Limits based on personal gas consumption. C. Exact dive and/or decompression profile.

3. Properly execute the planned dive within all pre-determined limits A. Equipment configuration appropriate for solo diving

I. Streamlining equipment. II. How to use and carry a redundant air supply.

B. Proper descent / ascent rates. C. Proper safety stop procedures

I. Monitoring of decompression status equipment (tables, computers, equipment). 4. Navigation skills

A. Demonstrate proficiency of navigation with compass. B. Demonstrate emergency change over to a backup regulator or bailout scuba at a depth not

exceeding thirty (30) msw / one hundred (100) fsw. C. Deploy surface marker and use of surface audible signaling device.


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26. SDI – Visual Inspection Procedure (VIP) Specialty

26.1 Introduction This course is designed to promote safety in the care and maintenance of high-pressure scuba cylinders.

One of its goals is to raise the consciousness of the industry to the need to meet and exceed the minimum standards established by the Code of Federal Regulations. Another goal is to train inspectors in the proper handling, filling, and inspection techniques including the identification of the various defective conditions that can lead to cylinder rejection or condemnation.

Upon successful completion of this course 1. Graduates may visually inspect high-pressure scuba cylinders for defective conditions that could

cause a cylinder failure.

2. Graduates can train fill station operators (FSO) in the safe methods of handling, transporting and filling of high-pressure scuba cylinders.

3. Graduates can issue the SDI VIP specialty certification.

26.2 Who May Teach Who may teach this course? 1. Any active SDI/TDI Visual Inspector Instructor.

26.3 Student – Instructor Ratio Academic: 1. No more than five (5) students per demonstration setup (tools and tanks for the practical). 2. No more than twenty five (25) students per active SDI/TDI VIP Instructor.


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26.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Minimum age eighteen (18). 2. Be affiliated with an organization that has a high pressure air compressor and fill station.

26.5 Course Structure And Duration Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level. Duration: 1. Classroom lecture and demonstrations is 5 hours.

26.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. 6. SDI/TDI Visual Inspection Procedures – Student Manual 7. SDI/TDI Visual Inspection Procedures – PowerPoint Presentation 8. CGA publication C6-1993 9. CGA publication C6.1-1995 10. CFR 49 – parts 171 - 179 Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI Visual Inspection Procedure



26.7 Required Equipment The following equipment is the minimum required per inspection group while performing the visual

inspection procedure. 1. A right angle mirror (dental mirror) with a magnification of 2X and having a diameter small

enough to enter the tank neck. 2. An inspection light of sufficient size and intensity to illuminate the mirror and threads being

inspected.


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3. A light wand or other light source to illuminate the interior surfaces of the cylinder being

inspected. 4. A right angle 1X power mirror and light source to enable the inspection of the interior crown area

of the cylinder being inspected. 5. A straight and right angle pick and some gauging method to estimate the depth of any pitting

noted on the cylinder walls.

26.8 Approved Outline Instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics. Recommended

text includes CGA C6-1993 and C6.1-1995 (or country specific equivalent). The following topics must be covered. The SDI/TDI Visual Inspection Procedures Student Manual is mandatory for use during this course.

1. Purpose A. Legal requirements, standards of the community

2. Safe handling of cylinders A. Fill station operator rules and recommendations. B. Identification of the various tank markings. C. Legal / illegal filling requirements. D. Filling procedures. E. Use of and interpretation of EOI stickers.

3. Tools and their uses A. Use of eddy current technology in assisting the detection of thread cracks in 6351-T6

aluminum cylinders. 4. Visual inspection indications

A. Proper identification of the various defect conditions. 5. Criteria for rejection and condemnation of a cylinder

A. Define the criteria for cylinder rejection. B. Define the criteria for condemning a cylinder. C. Cover when to mark a cylinder “With notation”.

6. Other services A. Valve inspection and cleaning. B. The basis for cylinder cleaning.

7. Visual Inspection Procedure A. Step by step walkthrough of the inspection process.

26.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements The student is required to display a degree of competency in the identification of various defect conditions

presented to him by the instructor using actual cylinders with known defective conditions. 1. Inspect three (3) cylinders with at least one (1) having a defective condition. 2. Satisfactorily complete the SDI/TDI Visual Inspection written examination. 3. Demonstrate the ability to identify those conditions in a cylinder that would reject or condemn it.


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27. SDI/TDI - CPROX Administrator Specialty

27.1 Introduction This course is a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and emergency Oxygen administration combined into one

program. It is designed to teach divers the proper techniques to safely administer CPR and O2 in emergency situations. The student will be qualified at the end of this specialty to:

1. Evaluate a victim. 2. Provide one (1) person adult CPR. 3. Be able to administer O2 to a breathing or non-breathing person. It is important that the student understand that a re-qualification course is required every two (2)

years.

27.2 Who May Teach Who may teach this course? 1. Any active SDI/TDI CPROX Instructor may teach this course.


and complete training.

27.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18). 2. Be a minimum age of ten (10) with parental consent.


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27.5 Course Structure And Duration 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and

their skill level. Instructors are required to teach and evaluate all the following skills: 1. Emergency O2

A. Setup and use of O2 bottle B. Use of different types of masks

2. Perform CPR on a manikin A. ABC’s B. Rule of 2’s

3. O2 if needed Duration: 1. The suggested number of training hours is one (1).

27.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 2. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 3. Communicate the schedule to the students. 4. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 5. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI CPROX Administrator



27.7 Required Equipment The minimum equipment requirements for students are as follows: 1. Manikin. 2. O2 cylinder with regulator. 3. The CPROX Student Slate (mandatory).


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27.8 Required Subject Areas The following topics must be covered during this course. The CPROX Student Slate is mandatory for

use during this course but instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.

1. What is CPROX? 2. Emergency O2 3. When do you administer O2

A. O2 for non-breathing victim. B. How to administer O2 through an oro-nasal mask while performing CPR. C. O2 for breathing victim

I. Non-Rebreather mask. II. Demand valve mask. III. Nitrox cylinder/regulator option.

D. O2 safety and handling. 4. Define Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

A. Performing CPR I. Self-protection. II. Assess Scene and victim – EMS and statement. III. ABC’s. IV. Chin lift and gentle neck extension. V. Rule of 2’s. VI. Continue CPR as long as needed.

27.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements In order to complete this course, students must: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of oxygen administration and CPR. 2. Recognize and evaluate an emergency situation. 3. Know how to activate or alert the EMS. 4. Be able to provide CPR and administer O2 to breathing or non-breathing person.

Note: The certification is good for two (2) years and must be renewed.


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28. SDI/TDI - CPR1st Administrator Specialty

28.1 Introduction This course is a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid combined into one program. It is designed

to teach divers the proper techniques to safely administer CPR and evaluate and administer the correct First Aid for a given injury. The student will be qualified at the end of this specialty to:

1. Recognize and evaluate an emergency situation and a victim. 2. Know how to activate or alert the EMS. 3. Be able to provide one (1) person adult CPR and administer the proper First Aid to a non-

breathing or injured person. It is important that the student understand that a re-qualification course is required every two (2)

years.

28.2 Who may teach 1. Any active SDI/TDI CPR1st Instructor may teach this course.

28.3 Student – Instructor Ratio Academic (Classroom-like conditions): 1. Unlimited, so long as adequate facility, supplies and time are provided to insure comprehensive and complete training.

28.4 Student Pre-Requisites 1. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18). 2. Be a minimum age of ten (10) with parental consent.


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28.5 Course Structure And Duration Course Structure: 1. SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and their skill level. Instructors are required to teach and evaluate all the following skills: 1. Perform CPR on a manikin

A. ABC’s B. Rule of 2’s

2. First Aid - treat a simulated injury for each of “ The Six Basics” C. Immobilize joint D. Bandage wounded area E. Cool area with running water

Duration: 3. The suggested number of training hours is one (1).

28.6 Administrative Requirements Administrative Tasks: 1. Collect the course fees from all the students. 4. Ensure that the students have the required equipment. 5. Communicate the schedule to the students. 6. Have the students complete the Liability Release and Medical history forms. 7. The Instructor must review the Liability Release and Medical Forms before starting on the course. Upon successful completion of this specialty the instructor must issue the SDI CPR1st Administrator Diver



28.7 Required Equipment The minimum equipment requirements for students are as follows: 1. Manikin. 2. The CPR1st Student Slate (mandatory).


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28.8 Required Subject Areas The following topics must be covered during this course. The CPR1ST Student Slate is mandatory for

use during this course but instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.

1. What is CPR1st? 2. Define Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). 3. How to perform CPR

A. Asses scene and victim – EMS and statement B. ABC’s C. Chin lift and gentle neck extension D. Rule of 2’s E. Continue CPR as long as needed

4. Define First Aid. 5. When and how must First Aid be administered

A. Assess injury and victim’s condition. B. Assess for “ The Six Basics”

I. Breathing (absent) = CPR II. Bleeding = Pressure III. Broken = Immobilize IV. Burns = Cool Water V. Bites = Cover VI. Blows = Watch

28.9 Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements In order to complete this course, students must: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of First Aid and CPR. 2. Recognize and evaluate an emergency situation. 3. Know how to activate or alert the EMS.

Note: The certification is good for two (2) years and must be renewed.


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Sdi instructor manual part 3

Sports

Transcript of Sdi instructor manual part 3