Drift Diver
Let the ocean's current do the hard work for you.
1 day
PADI Certified
Course booking
From
£195.00
Need help choosing? Our team can match the course to your experience, goals and confidence level.
PADI 5-Star
Instructor Development Centre
Small Groups
Real Instructor Attention
Unit 4, Bellman Court, Great Knollys Street, Reading, RG1 7HD
Diving Academy
Safety First
Confidence Before Speed
Course overview
What to expect
Drift Diver
Imagine diving without a single fin kick, just gliding effortlessly along a reef or channel powered entirely by the current. That's drift diving, and this specialty turns what can feel unpredictable into one of the most relaxing, exhilarating ways to explore underwater. Across two open water dives you'll fine-tune your buoyancy so you flow rather than fight, sharpen navigation, and build confidence with surface marker buoys so the boat above always knows where you are.
In detail
About This Course
Drift diving is one of diving's most relaxing sensations, gliding along a reef or channel powered by the current rather than your own fin kicks. The PADI Drift Diver specialty teaches you to do it safely and confidently, turning what can feel unpredictable into one of the most enjoyable ways to dive.
You will start with knowledge development covering how currents form and behave, how to plan a drift dive with your buddy and boat crew, and the specific safety considerations that come with moving dive sites, including entry and exit procedures and staying together as a group.
In the water, training focuses on the practical skills that make drift diving work: fine-tuned buoyancy control so you glide rather than fight the current, navigation awareness so you always know where you are relative to your planned exit, and confident use of surface marker buoys and other signalling equipment to stay visible to the boat above.
Clear buddy communication ties it all together, since drift sites often move faster than you expect and good teamwork matters more than usual. Two open water training dives give you real current to practise in, leaving you ready to enjoy drift sites around the world with confidence rather than apprehension.
The process
How The Course Works

Step 1
Currents & Drift Equipment
You'll get to grips with what actually causes currents and how they behave, plus the kit that makes drift diving safer - surface marker floats, lines and reels. It's the knowledge that turns an unpredictable current into something you can read and work with.

Step 2
Two Drift Dives
Then you let the current carry you. Across two drift dives you'll practise staying close to your buddy or group, managing buoyancy and navigation while moving with the flow instead of fighting it - as close to flying as diving gets.
PADI states: two drift dives
Course curriculum
What You'll Learn
Learning Outcomes
- Buoyancy control
- Navigation
- Use of surface signaling equipment
- Buddy communication
Getting ready
Before You Start & What's Next
What's Included
- PADI Drift Diver course materials
- Two open water training dives in current
- Use of surface marker buoys and signalling equipment
Prerequisites
- PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or equivalent certification
- Minimum age 12
Next Steps
- Boat Diver specialty
- Advanced Open Water Diver course
- Master Scuba Diver rating
Upcoming training
Dates & Booking
No fixed dates listed right now
Choose your preferred start date and the academy will confirm instructor availability with you directly.
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We will help you pick the right course, package and dates without making the process feel complicated.
Quick facts
Duration
1 day of structured training
Location
Unit 4, Bellman Court, Great Knollys Street, Reading, RG1 7HD
Certification
Recognised PADI qualification on completion
Have questions?
We're here to help
Our course directors can talk you through Drift Diver, confirm it's the right fit for your experience, and help you find a date that works.
From
£195.00
