PDC COURSE WRECK DIVER

The Puffin/PADI WRECK DIVING Course is designed to present you with new challenges and encourage you to improve your proficiency under controlled supervision. This step-by-step approach ensures that you take on only what you can manage by learning how to assess different wreck diving scenarios and applying good judgement. Diving on some of the most dramatic wrecks sites in the UK, you can always guarantee a good dive from Puffin Dive Centre. With the correct training and equipment you can safely dive the wrecks you want to see and enjoy your time underwater.

One of the course aims is to increase skill level incrementally and gain gradual appreciation for Wreck Diving. Wreck Diving does not necessarily include penetrating and entering the wreck, some of the best bits can be found on the outer structure where peacock fan worms and plumose anemones have turned the wreck into an artificial reef. The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty at Puffin Dive Centre gives you the training and benefit of the years of experience shared by Puffin Dive Centres' Professional Instructors.

With the full support of Puffin Dive Centres' classrooms and the PADI systems educational tools such as videos and manuals your course is made extremely interesting and above all very enjoyable. The WRECK DIVER Course consists of a series of classroom sessions during which you and your Instructor will discuss a variety of topics applicable to Wreck Diving such as research and the laws of salvage, Deep Wreck Dive planning considerations, equipment configuration, line laying and many more.

With your fully illustrated manual and the assistance of the PADI Wreck Diver video you are shown a variety of diving techniques that you will be using later during the four course dives.

Using the outside training area at Puffin Dive Centre Line laying is practised thoroughly with 'dry runs' simulating loss of visibility where you will reel out your line using tie - offs as normal and then turn around and reel yourself back in to your start point with your eyes closed. The dramatic time difference between going out and coming back on the line is also shown using a timed exercise to show you that extra planning and safety are a must when diving any wrecks. On the initial course dives you will be taught and shown techniques in wreck navigation, this includes mapping parts of a wreck and using natural navigation and other techniques to return safely to the ascent line without the need for a mid water ascent.

Of course mid water ascents will also be practised in the unlikely event that you should ever need to, as will deployment of your surface marker buoy during the ascent signalling the boats on the surface to keep well clear. From the level of diving along the deck and structure of a wreck you progress to assessing a wrecks potential for penetration. Taking into account several other safety factors including techniques for hole measuring, securing equipment from dangling a clear and safe penetration dive can be planned.

The WRECK DIVER Course comprises of 4 no decompression dives where you will be no more than 40 linear metres from the surface at any point during the dive. This means that if the point at which you are entering the wreck is at 25 metres then you must go no further than 15 metres into the wreck i.e.: 25 + 15 = 40. Not only will we recommend the appropriate reel to carry but also show you methods for marking the line for easy measuring and identification of distance travelled underwater. A dry dive around a dry wreck guides you through many potential hazards and shows you the perspective a diver has. This is carried out from our very own shipwreck just outside the dive centre on land.

The line laying practice you carried out on land and then the extra time we spend at Puffin Dive Centre to lay line across the deck area on the initial dives of the course prove to be an essential part of your complete training package. Handling a reel on land is an entirely different from handling and controlling it underwater, which is why all exercises carried out on land are done wearing the same gloves and mask that you would be underwater. If you can't do it on land it is unlikely to be any different underwater. With the inside of a wreck prone to collecting silt and other debris new propulsion techniques are taught and used to great effect in order to preserve the visibility during your dive. Discipline is the key to success here and is the only type of diving which permits using the arms to propel yourself!! With good buoyancy control and these new techniques you will be amazed at how clear the visibility remains throughout the dive you are undertaking which is essential should you have to return to the same start point during an overhead swim. Your task loading will be high during the course to ensure that all eventualities are fully covered and you are safe and confident to plan and carry

out your own wreck dives with your buddy. By knowing the potential of what can happen you will have the knowledge to avoid it and deal with it appropriately should it occur. The correct equipment is a must for this type of diving. Not only having the correct equipment but also configuring it in a streamlined and secure manner where you can not only easily access it but also put it away again will greatly affect your dives and the way you handle yourself underwater. Your Instructor will show you all the equipment necessary for safe wreck diving and the best way to attach it to your own individual kit to make life simpler for you.

Any kit you do not have yet can be found in the well stocked shop at Puffin Dive Centre. When you buy the items you require your Instructor will help you to set it up correctly and if you wish will also engrave the equipment for you to save future confusion at busy dive sites where lots of other divers may have similar equipment. Ask for our recommendation before.

With the benefit of using all the local wrecks for your training not only are you benefiting form the detailed and excellent quality of training at Puffin Dive Centre you will also be diving in what is some of the best wreck dives available today. The course is not designed to dive as many different wreck as possible but learn and apply principles and techniques, which apply globally to all wrecks.

Unlike some others we do not use artificial wrecks such as motor vehicles or small motorboats. We give you the best training available in the best and most realistic environment for wreck diving, ON Wrecks! To start the WRECK DIVER Course you must be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, or equivalent. As all of the dives are conducted on the local wrecks and in Scottish water, Puffin Dive Centre also requires a minimum of 20 logged dives in a drysuit and at least 10 dives deeper than 20 metres. These prerequisites can be met in conjunction with the course itself, by extending your stay with us. Starting could not be easier. As soon as your booking deposit is received at Puffin Dive Centre we will send you your manual and should you wish to have a copy, the Wreck Diver DVD is also available to you to give you a permanent reminder of all of the finer points regarding safe and enjoyable wreck diving.

Within the manual two knowledge reviews, similar to the ones in all other PADI courses, test your knowledge and should be completed prior to the start of the course to maximise the time spent on all the varied training and equipment aspects of your WRECK DIVER Course. Should you require any further information on this extremely enjoyable course do not hesitate to call us at Puffin Dive Centre. The courses are available to individuals and groups. Students will receive maximum of 2:1 ratio to instructor. Wrecks used in conjunction with this course are subject to weather on the day, but normally comprise of the 105 metre cargo vessel 'Breda' for the purpose of training, hull and hold penetration, along with line laying and SMB practice. Puffin Dive Centre normally uses the 'Thesis' for the final sessions, with full length dive penetration and wreck exploration with use of SMB deployment and boat on a mild current. A torch is necessary and students should hire an SMB and reel, or purchase from our shop after the discussion with your Course Instructor.

Here is just a taster: of what lies ahead: -

Breda - Scotland's most dived wreck and owned by the Puffin Dive Centre. Steel steamship, 104 metres long, sunk by enemy aircraft 23rd December 1940. One not to be missed and a firm favourite with all levels of divers. One dive is never enough on this huge ship!!

Hispania - One of the best wreck dives in the whole of the UK. Carrying asbestos, steel and rubber bound for
Sweden. Not a big ship at 80 metres long but makes up for it in the incredible amount of life to be found on her! Hit a reef and sunk seeking protection from the weather. Captain went down with the ship!

Rondo - Virtually vertical shipwreck, sits bow down, stern up!! 90 metres long travelling to Northumberland to
collect cargo. Hit a reef in bad weather 25th January 1935. Sat perched on the reef for two weeks before eventually sinking. The unusual position combined with the diversity of life found on her makes it a fantastic dive.

Shuna - Ran aground on 8th May 1913 but was only found recently. Although she has been fairly well stripped she still makes an excellent dive and her massive counter stern with propeller is an impressive sight. Her full cargo of coal still remains. Sitting in a well-sheltered bay she is not subject to some of the tides found on other wrecks.

Meldon - Hit a mine in the Firth of Lorne in the first few weeks of 1917. By far the best and most impressive part of the wreck is the stern section which breaks the water at most states of tide. Although only in a depth of 8-13 metres this wreck should not be underestimated and the shallow depths simply mean that dive times of 60 minutes plus can easily be achieved.

TO BOOK 

1) Enter your preferred start date in the box below a confirmation email will follow!

2)  (we have added the Air fill costs £5 per dive)

3) Do you require kit hire? please select yes, the price is £55.00 per day.
 

COURSE DETAILS:

DURATION: 2 days
AVAILABILITY: DAILY