Common Name: “Wreck”
To non-divers, when a ship, plane, car, or train sinks, it’s lost forever. To us, it becomes an artificial reef, a monument to the vessels history, and an underwater playground. The PADI wreck diving course teaches you the ins and outs of rewarding, responsible wreck diving and opens the door to a whole new part of the underwater world to explore.
Imagine the bow gun of the HMS Yukon materializing as you swim along the deck plating. You begin surveying the wreck, locating possible entry and exit points, potential obstructions and danger spots. With pitch perfect buoyancy you skim along the surface of the deck, keeping careful count of your kick cycles for later review with your dive buddy. The superstructure appears, rising 20 feet above your location and you rise along side it, peering into the anemone crusted steel. You navigate back to the mooring line and ascend to your safety stop, excited to start planning the map you and your buddy will prepare on the next dive.
For those interested in pursuing the Master Scuba Diver rating, the Wreck Diver class is available as one of the five specialty choices for that certification
Who can participate…
Any advanced diver at least 15 years of age. Further, PCH Scuba HIGHLY recommends taking the full Peak Performance Buoyancy class as a prerequisite to beginning the Wreck Specialty. We will not allow anyone to penetrate a wreck without being fully assured that the diver's buoyancy skills are top notch. In addition, due to the depths of many wrecks, you will find it very benefitial to be able to use Enriched Air Nitrox on those dives to extend your bottom time. We offer the Peak and Nitrox classes together as an Open Water Upgrade and will be happy to schedule that training for you in addition to the Wreck class.
What is the class like…
The class involves a combination of academic work and practical dives in open water on a wreck. You will learn techniques for reducing the inherent risk of diving in an overhead environment and how to avoid common hazards. Over the course of the first two open water dives, you will progress from the initial surveying of the wreck, to mapping a chosen section of the wreck. On dive three, you will practice running and following a "penetration line" on the outside of the wreck and then, on dive four, you will actually enter and explore the wreck using the skills developed over the entire class.
Where will you learn…
The classroom orientation and academics are taught at Aqua Adventures Unlimited. The open water dives are conducted on a variety of wrecks available to us in Southern California waters. Typically, we conduct the dives on the wrecks of the HMS Yukon or the NOSC Tower.
When is the class offered…
The Wreck class is usually offered as a part of our "Wreck Weekends" in San Diego. Check the calendar to find out when our next class is scheduled.
How much does it cost…
The Wreck Specialty is $249 and includes...
- Instructor time
- Academic Materials
- Certification paperwork
In addition to your classroom tuition, the Wreck class has specific equipment requirements for each student.
- Primary dive light
- Backup dive light
- Slate
- Wreck/Penetration Reel
- Knife/Line Cutter
- Line Arrows
We will be happy to help you source the gear you need for your class.
Click here to sign up for your Wreck Diver class now!
What is this “Open Water Upgrade” you keep mentioning?
People aren’t born hitting home runs and we’re not born hovering motionless inches above reefs 60 feet underwater for an hour (with the possible exception of Jacques Cousteau). We feel it is important that we not just certify safe divers, but we want to work hard to make sure that you are a GOOD diver too, and the way that happens is through practice, practice, practice.
A good diver is known not by how many dives they have, or the cost and shininess of their equipment. A good diver is known by the quality of their buoyancy control. We offer a combined package of the Peak Performance Buoyancy class and the Enriched Air Nitrox class to our students for $299, a savings of almost $150. These two classes together, focus entirely on the quality of your diving, and extending your time under water.
As a certified diver, you've probably seen bad divers underwater, descending tank first until it bashes into the bottom and then diving with their console dragging across the reef. You might also have been frustrated with being the first in your dive team to run low on air. The Peak and Nitrox classes both work to alleviate all of those problems. Let us help improve your diving and extend your bottom time!
Click here to add the Open Water Upgrade now!
The Master Scuba Diver Program
For many students, diving is a transformational experience, showing that person the breadth and depth of experience our planet holds for them. For these divers, we created the Master Diver Program, to help them attain the highest rank of non-professional diver. First and foremost, the Master Scuba Diver certification is evidence to yourself that you have worked hard to be the absolute best diver that you can be. As a Master Scuba Diver certified by PCH Scuba, you will be regarded as a role model and others will follow your obvious example of what it means to dive well, dive with enthusiasm and conduct yourself with the utmost regard for safety. Further, this certification is proof to any dive operator that you have not only solid training, but a wealth of practical diving experience, and will be a safe participant in any dive activity.
Some students come to PCH Scuba for their Open Water training and then go on to dive a few times each year with us at our bi-annual dive bashes, or attend one of our tropical trips. It is absolutely our pleasure to welcome those divers into our family, help them stay fresh with their skills through our Scuba Review program and encourage them to dive as often as their schedules allow. However, for those that wish to embrace the sport fully, the Master Scuba Diver program is your immersion class.
The class above is offered as part of the program and qualifies for graduation from it. Learn more about the Master Scuba Diver Program here.