RAID - Wreck Diving
RAID Wreck Diver Course
The RAID Wreck Diver course is a specialty program for certified divers focusing on safe external exploration of wrecks without penetration. It covers wreck history, site selection, equipment considerations, planning using RAID’s 10-point guide, buoyancy control, navigation, and hazard awareness.
The course emphasizes non-intrusive techniques to observe marine life, structures, and historical features while minimizing risks such as entanglement or silt-out.
Benefits of the RAID Wreck Diver Course
- Develops specialized planning and analytical skills for wreck dives using RAID’s 10-point guide
- Improves neutral buoyancy and finning techniques for controlled movement around complex structures
- Enhances underwater navigation and orientation in challenging environments
- Increases awareness of wreck-specific hazards and safety protocols
- Provides knowledge of wreck types, access methods, and environmental considerations
- Builds confidence for exploring historical sites and artificial reefs responsibly
Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 15 years
- Certified as RAID Open Water 20 diver or equivalent from a recognized agency
- Completion of the standard RAID medical questionnaire (certain conditions may require physician approval)
- Signing of liability release and safe diving practices agreement forms
Participants must complete or update all required RAID forms via the RAID User Portal.
Course Structure
The course is conducted by a certified RAID instructor and combines self-paced online theory with practical water sessions:
1. Academic Development Completed via RAID’s online FREe-Learning platform. Topics include:
- History and types of wrecks
- Site selection, access, and environmental factors
- Essential equipment for non-penetration wreck diving
- RAID’s 10-point guide for planning, preparation, and risk analysis
- Buoyancy control, navigation, and hazard management around wrecks Students access digital manuals, complete quizzes, and pass a final exam.
2. Equipment Orientation
Review of standard scuba gear with additions such as dive lights, reels, or cutting tools as appropriate.
3. Practical Water Sessions
- Confined water training (optional, depending on center): Skill refinement.
- Open water training: Minimum of two dives on real or simulated wrecks Skills focus on mapping, line deployment (external), buoyancy maintenance, and safe approaches.
Duration and Format
- Theory: Self-paced online (typically 4-6 hours)
- Practical sessions: Usually completed over 1-2 days, including at least two open water dives
- Overall program: Flexible, often over a weekend
Equipment Provided
During training, the dive center typically supplies all required scuba equipment, including:
- Tank
- Regulator
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
- Mask, snorkel, fins
- Weights
- Specialty items such as dive lights, slates, or reels
Certification
Upon successful completion of the academics, practical skills, and instructor sign-offs, students receive a globally recognized electronic certification (e-card) issued by RAID. The certification is permanent and downloadable from the RAID portal. It qualifies divers to conduct no-penetration wreck dives within recreational limits and existing qualifications.
Next Steps to Enroll
1. Create a free account on the RAID User Portal: https://user.diveraid.com
2. Purchase the Wreck Diver course materials in the RAID Store and access them via https://diveraid.com/wreck-diver/.
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 Search and Recovery certification equips divers with specialized skills for effective underwater location and retrieval operations, enhancing safety and capability in recreational diving scenarios.
