WRECK
The PADI Wreck Diver Course
When Koh Tao-ers recently found the World War Two lost American submarine (USS Lagarto) in 75m of Thai waters, the myth that there was no depth and wrecks near Koh Tao was smashed! Since then, over 15 diveable wrecks have been located and new marks are being dived everday. Futhermore, locals and the Thai governemnt are working together to create artificail reefs and underwater structures as we speak. When you do the wreck specialty course with us at Bans Tec we will take you on the Unicorn one full-day dive trip practicing mapping and reel work between dives, breakfast and lunch.
Whether sunk on purpose as an artificial reef or the result of mishap, wrecks open fascinating windows to the past. Most divers find wrecked ships, airplanes and even automobiles nearly irresistible because they're intriguing to explore, exciting avenues of discovery, and usually teeming with aquatic life. The PADI Wreck Diver course teaches you the ins and outs of rewarding, responsible wreck diving.The fun part of the PADI Wreck Diver course is visiting wrecks, unlocking mysteries and starting to gain the knowledge and experience that allows you to see things that others overlook. Sometimes, only the trained, experienced eye recognizes that a small hole or open door likely caused the vessel's demise.
What You Learn
- Techniques for diving exploring shipwrecks, and how to avoid common hazards
- How to research and learn the background of your favorite wrecks
- Wreck scuba diving equipment considerations
- Considerations and techniques for entering intact wrecks
- Experience in planning, organizing and making at least four wreck dives
The Scuba Gear You Use
You use all the basic scuba gear including a dive computer, some accessories and a dive light. Check with your local dive shop about gear rentals and packages offered with this course. You can find most everything at the scuba diving shop in your area.
The Learning Materials You Need
Prepare for the exciting -and specialized- world of wreck diving with PADI's Wreck Diver crewpak. Preview the skills you'll practice during your open water dives, become familiar with wreck diving etiquette, and take in breath-taking images from wreck diving hotspots around the world. To purchase this product, contact your local PADI Instructor, dive shop or resort.
Prerequisites
To enroll in the PADI Wreck Diver course, you must- Be a PADI Deep Diver - Due to the depth of local wrecks (or hold a qualifying certification from another organization)
- Be at least PADI Adventure Diver (or have a qualifying certification from another organization)
- Be at least 15 years old
- Have a medical form signed by your physician
Partaking in the "Wreck Wednesday" dive trip showed me a whole new style and genre of diving here in Koh Tao. As someone who has dived all over the world, I had never thought of Koh Tao as a wreck destination. How wrong I was! A beautiful boat trip, watching the island disappear in the distance, heading for a secret destination, was both thrilling and suspenseful. Sharing meals and dive stories on board, we were taught new technical diving skills, including primary, secondary and placement tie offs with the reel. As we approached the wreck, looming beneath us in the depths, we descended towards our 40m challenge. Once there, especially after learning about the historical significance of the Unicorn, we explore the helm, the bow, and have a look through the mysterious open hatches. Over the course of two incredible deep dives, I ended the experience with a renewed sense of adventure and possibility. Thank you Ban's Tech!
