RAID - Advanced Wreck
RAID Advanced Wreck Course
The RAID Advanced Wreck course is a specialty program for certified divers, focusing on safe and responsible exploration of shipwrecks, including limited penetration. It teaches techniques for wreck site selection, navigation inside wrecks, hazard awareness, and specialized equipment use. The course builds on foundational diving skills to enable controlled access to overhead environments while maintaining recreational no-decompression limits.
No additional depth authorization is granted; dives remain within the diver’s existing certification limits.
Benefits of the RAID Advanced Wreck Course
- Develops skills for safe wreck penetration and exploration.
- Covers wreck site assessment, navigation, and use of guidelines.
- Teaches hazard identification and emergency procedures specific to wrecks.
- Introduces specialized equipment such as reels, lines, and lights.
- Enhances understanding of wreck history and conservation.
- Provides practical experience in real wreck environments.
Prerequisites
- Certified as RAID Open Water 20 or equivalent from a recognized agency.
- Recommended: Prior experience with deep and navigation diving (e.g., Advanced 35 or Explorer 30 suggested for deeper wrecks).
- Completion of a medical questionnaire. Certain conditions require physician approval.
- For minors (under 18): Parental or guardian consent and signature on required forms.
- Required personal items: Swimsuit and towel (all scuba equipment typically provided by the dive center during training; personal lights or reels may be recommended).
Participants must complete or update standard RAID forms, including a liability release and safe diving practices agreement, via the RAID User Portal.
Course Structure
The course is conducted by a certified RAID instructor and combines online theory with practical water sessions:
1. Academic Development
Completed via RAID’s online FREe-Learning platform. Topics include:
- Wreck diving history and ethics
- Site selection and hazard evaluation
- Penetration techniques and RAID’s 10-point wreck diving guide
- Equipment for wreck diving (lines, reels, lights)
- Emergency protocols in overhead environments Students access digital manuals, complete quizzes, and pass a final exam at their own pace.
2. Equipment Orientation
Review and setup of wreck-specific gear, including lines and lights.
3. Practical Water Sessions
Training typically conducted directly on wreck sites (confined water may be used for initial line practice if needed).
Open water training: Multiple dives focused on wreck mapping, guideline deployment, penetration practice, and navigation.
Skills emphasize safe entry/exit, silt management, light signals, and no-decompression procedures.
Duration and Depth Limits
- Theory: Self-paced online (typically several hours).
- Practical sessions: Usually completed over 2-4 days, depending on wreck site availability and conditions.
- Depth: Within the diver's existing certification limits (no additional depth granted).
- Number of dives: Minimum of 4 open water wreck dives (exact number may vary by center and site).
Equipment Provided
During training, the dive center typically supplies all required scuba equipment, including:
- Tank
- Regulator
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
- Mask, snorkel, fins
- Weights
- Wreck-specific items (primary lights, reels, lines)
Participants may need to provide personal backup lights or other accessories.
Certification
Upon successful completion, students receive a globally recognized electronic certification (e-card) issued by RAID. The certification is permanent and downloadable from the RAID portal. It recognizes proficiency in advanced wreck diving techniques, including limited penetration, with dives conducted within existing depth and no-decompression limits.
Next Steps to Enroll
1. Create a free account on the RAID User Portal: https://user.diveraid.com
2. Purchase the digital Advanced Wreck course materials in the RAID Store and access them via https://diveraid.com/free-learning/
3. Contact the center to book, discuss fees, and schedule your session. The center will unlock training materials, conduct the program, and handle any recognition.
The RAID Advanced Wreck certification equips divers with the knowledge and skills for safe, respectful exploration of shipwrecks, enriching diving experiences through historical and technical engagement.
