Why fin every metre yourself when you could glide? This specialty teaches you to safely pilot an underwater scooter, covering far more distance on a single dive than you ever could unaided, and opening up sites and wrecks that would otherwise take too much time and energy to reach. Beyond the grin factor, DPV skills are properly useful for currents, long swims and big sites.

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In detail

About This Course

There is something genuinely thrilling about gliding through the water on an underwater scooter instead of finning every metre yourself, and the PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver specialty teaches you to do it safely and properly. A DPV lets you cover far more distance and terrain on a single dive, opening up sites and swim-throughs that would otherwise take too much time and energy to reach.

Training covers how to properly and safely pilot a DPV, including handling skills such as controlled descents and ascents while towing or riding the unit. You will also work through the problems that can arise on a DPV dive, from managing a buddy team at speed to handling equipment issues, so you are prepared rather than caught out.

It is a genuinely accessible specialty for any certified diver from age 12 upward who has completed their (Junior) Open Water Diver course, and it tends to be one of the most enjoyable specialties divers add to their logbook. Good buoyancy and basic comfort in the water are all you really need going in.

Beyond the fun factor, DPV skills are genuinely useful for covering large sites, currents, or long swims to a wreck or wall, making this a practical addition alongside more traditional specialties.

The process

How The Course Works

Step 1
Choosing & Handling Your Scooter
You start by learning what actually makes a good DPV for the diving you want to do, plus how to maintain one properly so it does not let you down mid-dive. Handling skills come next - controlled descents and ascents, and keeping your buddy in sight while you are both moving faster than fins ever allow.
Step 2
Two Dives at Full Speed
You put it all together across two dives, covering far more reef, wreck or kelp forest than a normal dive ever could, while managing air consumption and sticking to the buddy procedures you planned beforehand. Many instructors will credit your first DPV dive toward Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
PADI states: you make two dives, and the first may count toward Advanced Open Water Diver certification

Course curriculum

What You'll Learn

Learning Outcomes

How to properly and safely pilot a DPV
Problems that could occur on a DPV dive and how to handle them
DPV-handling skills such as proper descents and ascents

Getting ready

Before You Start & What's Next

What's Included

Two open water training dives using a Diver Propulsion Vehicle
Use of PADI-approved DPV equipment
PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver certification

Prerequisites

At least 12 years old
Completed the PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver course

Next Steps

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course
Additional PADI Specialty courses toward Master Scuba Diver

Upcoming training

Dates & Booking

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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

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PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Diver

What to expect