Shore/Beach

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

What you can expect to learn

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

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

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

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

Course Equipment Requirements

• Basic Scuba Equipment

Course Prerequisites

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 10 with parental consent