Wreck Diver (Rev 4-07) Ver 2.0

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
Wreck Diver
Specialty Course Instructor Guide
Product No. 70232 (Rev. 4/07) Version 2.0
Instructor Wreck Diver
Guide
PADI Wreck Diver

Specialty Course Instructor Guide
© PADI 2007
Portions of the Appendix of this guide may be reproduced by PADI Members

for use in PADI-sanctioned training, but not for resale or personal gain.
No other reproduction is allowed without the express written permission of PADI.
Published and distributed by PADI

30151 Tomas
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Printed in U.S.A.
Product No. 70232 (04/07) Version 2.0
2 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction
How to Use this Guide ....................................................................................... 5
Course Philosophy and Goals ............................................................................. 5
Course Flow Options ......................................................................................... 6
Program Options................................................................................................ 7
Section One: Course Standards

Standards at a Glance ......................................................................................... 8
Instructor Prerequisites ....................................................................................... 9
Student Diver Prerequisites ............................................................................... 9
Supervision and Ratios ....................................................................................... 9
Site, Depths, and Hours ..................................................................................... 9
Materials and Equipment ................................................................................. 10
Assessment Standards ....................................................................................... 11
Certification Requirements and Procedures ...................................................... 11
Links to other Courses ..................................................................................... 11
Section Two: Knowledge Development

Conduct
Knowledge Development Learning Objectives ................................................. 13
A. Course Introduction............................................................................ 15
B. The Appeal of Wreck Diving ............................................................... 16
C. Wreck Diving and the Law .................................................................. 18
D. Wreck Diving Hazards ........................................................................ 23
E. Wreck Diving Techniques.................................................................... 26
F. Researching Underwater Wrecks ......................................................... 29
G. Mapping Shipwrecks ........................................................................... 31
H. Wreck Penetration ............................................................................... 32
Specialty Course Instructor Guide 3

Guide
Section Three: Open Water Dives
Conduct
Open Water Dives Performance Requirements ................................................. 42
Open Water Guidelines for Wreck Dives .......................................................... 43
A. General Open Water Considerations .................................................... 43
B. Wreck Diver Open Water Dives ........................................................... 44
1. Dive One ......................................................................................... 44
2. Dive Two.......................................................................................... 45
3. Dive Three ....................................................................................... 46
4. Dive Four A ..................................................................................... 47
5. Dive Four B ..................................................................................... 48
Appendix
Appendix Table of Contents ............................................................................. 49

Wreck Diver Instructor
Guide
Introduction
This section includes suggestions on how to use this guide, an overview of course
philosophy and goals, a flow chart to show you how course components and mate-
rials work together for success, and ways you can organize and integrate student
diver learning.
How to Use this Guide

This guide speaks to you, the PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Instructor. The guide
contains three sections – the first contains standards specific to this course, the
second contains knowledge development presentations, the third considers
optional confined water and/or surface training and details the open water dives.
All required standards, learning objectives, activities, and performance require-
ments specific to the PADI Wreck Diver course appear in boldface print. The
boldface assists you in easily identifying those requirements that you must
adhere to when you conduct the course. Items not in boldface print are recom-
mendations for your information and consideration. General course standards
applicable to all PADI courses are located in the General Standards and Procedures
section of your PADI Instructor Manual.
Course Philosophy and Goals

Diving through 9 metres/30 feet, then 12 metres/40 feet, 15 metres/50 feet, and
finally 18 metres/60 feet of silty azure blue salt water, you see her lying there like
a wounded bird, one of her wings fractured and one of her engines gone. Did
enemy fighters blow away her engine? Was its loss plunge her from the tropical sky
more than 40 years ago?
She was a B-25, an Allied workhorse of World War II in the Pacific. You
don’t have to stretch your imagination too far to see her in her original state,
ready to fight again. Her crumpled nose houses two machine guns - still stacked
with bullets - now covered with hard coral, algae, and crimson red gorgonians.
The cockpit escape hatch sits open, slid back as it had been on that fateful day in
1943. It was clear to see that the pilot had cleverly ditched his bomber in a narrow

Guide
shallow strait between Wongat Island and mainland New Guinea. Did the crew
swim to the island? Did Japanese forces capture them? How old were these men?
Twenty? Twenty-one?
You watch as parrotfish dine on a coral incrusted machine-gun barrel. Two
angelfish casually glide through the bomb bay doors while translucent shrimp
dance their way over the rusty face of the altimeter gauge.
Diving on wrecks appeals to most divers, though for many different reasons.
You may find yourself attracted to the challenge of exploring the wreck, or a fasci-
nation with its historical nature. Underwater photographers love wrecks for their
picture potential, while those interested in nature like the fact that wrecks quickly
become artificial reefs. Wrecks are typically ships, but can include railroad cars,
aircraft and automobiles. In these, you’ll find wreck sites range from those open to
novice to those only accessible by the most experienced technical divers.
Whether your first or your hundredth dive on a wreck, few moments in
diving compare with descending on the past. Keep that thought, the philosophy of
this course is to focus on fun, safe wreck diving. Thus, the goal of this course is to
teach student divers a systematic, methodical approach to enjoying wreck diving.
Student divers will develop the techniques involved in wreck diving within recre-
ational limits and while avoiding disturbing delicate marine life.
The best way to learn wreck diving procedures and to apply them is by doing
it. This course philosophy therefore, expands student diver knowledge about wreck
diving law, hazards to avoid, how to research wrecks, wreck diving equipment, the
basics of penetrating a wreck and how to interact responsibly with the aquatic life
they’ll see while wreck diving. Student divers will apply the knowledge they gain
by reading the PADI Wreck Diver Manual and watching the companion video on
at least four open water dives practicing and demonstrating the practical aspects of
wreck diving.
Course Flow Options

Confined Water Dive and/or
Surface Practice Session
(optional)
Wreck Diver Open Water Dive One
• Review Knowledge Review – • Scuba skills review Wreck Diver Open Water Dive Two
Part I (optional) • Walk or dive through search patterns Wreck Diver Open Water Dive Three
• Review Knowledge Review – • Practice securing, deploying and Wreck Diver Open Water Dive Four A
Part II (optional) retrieving a penetration line OR
• Classroom Presentation (optional) • Practice knot tying Wreck Diver Open Water Dive Four B
Knowledge Development Open Water Dives
Course Flow Options provides a visual representation of how knowledge devel-

opment and confined water and/or surface practice sessions support open water
dives. When possible, it’s preferable to have student divers complete and review
Knowledge Reviews from the PADI Wreck Diver Manual before participating in

Guide
the open water dives. Knowledge Review – Part I is the same Knowledge Review
that appears in the Wreck Diver section of Adventures in Diving. If you have the
first part of the Knowledge Review on file, you may at your discretion, have stu-
dent divers complete only Knowledge Review – Part II.
Confined water and/or surface practice sessions are not required for the
PADI Wreck Diver course; however, you may choose to have practical sessions that
allow student divers to practice skills such as securing, deploying and retrieving a
penetration line, navigation patterns, and knot tying.
There are four dives to complete. You may rearrange skill sequences
within each dive; however, the sequence of dives must stay intact. You may
add more dives as necessary to meet student divers’ needs. Organize your course to
incorporate environment friendly techniques throughout each dive, to accommo-
date student diver learning style, logistical needs, and your sequencing preferences.
You may choose from one of the approaches from Program Options, or develop
your own.
Program Options
Step Independent Study Adventure Dive Integration Instructor-Led
1 Independent study with Independent study with manual Knowledge Development
manual and video and video (optional) Classroom Presentation
(optional) (optional)
2 Review Knowledge Review – Give credit for Wreck Review Knowledge
Part I and Part II (optional) Adventure Dive and collect Review – Part I and Part II
Knowledge Review – Part I (optional)
(optional)
3 Confined Water Dive Confined Water Dive Confined Water Dive
and/or Surface Practice and/or Surface Practice and/or Surface Practice
Session (optional) Session (optional) Session (optional)
4 Open Water Dive One Review Knowledge Review – Open Water Dive One
Part II (optional)
5 Open Water Dive Two Open Water Dive Two Open Water Dive Two
6 Open Water Dive Three Open Water Dive Three Open Water Dive Three
7 Open Water Dive Four A Open Water Dive Four A Open Water Dive Four A
OR OR OR
Open Water Dive Four B Open Water Dive Four B Open Water Dive Four B

Guide
Section One
Course Standards
This section includes the course standards, recommendations, and suggestions for
conducting the PADI Wreck Diver course.
Standards at a Glance
Topic Course Standard
Minimum Instructor Rating PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Instructor
Prerequisites PADI Adventure Diver
Minimum Age 15 years

Ratios Open Water 8:1 Instructor; 4:1 Certified Assistant
Wreck Penetration: 2:1 Instructor
Site, Depths, and Hours Depth: 18 metres/60 feet recommended
Hours Recommended: 24
Minimum Open Water Dives:
4 dives over 2 days
Materials and Equipment Instructor:
PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Course Instructor Guide
Penetration line and reel

Guide
Instructor Prerequisites
To qualify to teach the PADI Wreck Diver course, an individual must be a Teach-
ing status PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or higher. PADI Instructors may
apply for the Wreck Diver Specialty Instructor rating after completing a
Specialty Instructor Training course with a PADI Course Director, or by pro-
viding proof of experience and applying directly to PADI. For further detail,
reference Membership Standards in the General Standards and Procedures section
of your PADI Instructor Manual.
Student Diver Prerequisites

By the start of the course, a diver must be:
1. Certified as a PADI Adventure Diver or have a qualifying certification
from another training organization similar to that of a PADI Advanced
Open Water Diver. Verify student diver prerequisite skills and provide reme-
diation as necessary.
2. Be at least 15 years.
Supervision and Ratios

Open Water Dives
A Teaching status PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Instructor must be pres-
ent and in control of all activities. On Dive One, student divers must be
accompanied by either the Specialty Instructor or by a certified assistant. If
Dive One is conducted deeper than 18 metres/60 feet, the Specialty Instruc-
tor must directly supervise at a ratio of no greater than 8 student divers per
instructor (8:1). The Specialty Instructor may indirectly supervise Dive Two, Three
and Four, though it is recommended that a certified assistant accompany each
buddy team. During wreck penetration dives, divers must be accompanied by
the Specialty Instructor. The Specialty Instructor must ensure that all perfor-
mance requirements are met.
The ratio for open water dives is 8 student divers per instructor (8:1), or
4 student divers per certified assistant (4:1). The ratio for wreck penetration
is 2 student divers per instructor (2:1). These ratios may not be increased by
adding certified assistants.
Site, Depths, and Hours

Site
Choose sites with conditions and environments suitable for completing require-
ments. Special consideration should be given for wrecks that lie in deeper than
18 metres/60 feet and where there is moderate current by planning for reduced
bottom time and rapid air use. It’s preferable to conduct wreck penetration on a

Guide
wreck surveyed on a previous dive. When possible, use shallow wrecks to allow
divers more time to complete tasks and for penetration. Plan to visit different
wreck sites, if possible, to give student divers experience in dealing with a vari-
ety of environmental conditions (incorporate environment friendly techniques
throughout each dive) and logistical challenges. Practice skills, especially line and
reel use, in confined water sessions first to better prepare divers to apply skills in
open water later.
Depths
18 metres/60 feet recommended without Deep Diver certification
30 metres/100 feet limit for Dive 1 (Wreck Adventure Dive)
40 metres/130 feet from the surface (vertical and horizontal distance
included) and within the light zone for penetration dives. No out-of-air drills
may be practiced in the overhead environment.
Hours
The PADI Wreck Diver course includes four open water dives conducted
over at least two days. Dives that do not include wreck penetration may be
conducted at night for divers who have completed the Night Adventure Dive
or the first dive of the PADI Night Diver specialty course, or have qualifying
night diving experience. The minimum number of recommended hours is 24.
Materials and Equipment

Instructor Materials and Equipment
Use the PADI Wreck Diver course materials prescriptively to accommodate vari-
ous sequencing preferences and teaching and learning styles.
Required
• PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Course Instructor Guide
• Specialty equipment needed for student divers to perform wreck and wreck
penetration dives.
• Penetration line and reel (e.g., a robust line that resists abrasion or cutting
on sharp objects which is .6 centimeters/.25 inches thick for easy grasping).
• Safety equipment (e.g., first aid kit, emergency oxygen, AED; flag and sur-
face float; weighted line with contingency air supply at safety stop depth for
deep dives; and descent or down line).
Recommended
• PADI Wreck Diver Manual. Use the student diver manual for detailed content
explanation.
• PADI Wreck Diving video.
• Project AWARE Responsible Wreck Diving Considerations and Project AWARE
Ten Tips for Underwater Photographers located at www.projectaware.org

Guide
• Project AWARE Respect Our Wrecks brochure
• As needed: backup wreck line and reel, extra lights, and navigational aids for
divers.
Student Diver Materials and Equipment

Recommended
• PADI Wreck Diver Manual
• PADI Wreck Diving video
• Project AWARE Responsible Wreck Diving Considerations and Project AWARE
Ten Tips for Underwater Photographers located at www.projectaware.org
• Project AWARE Respect Our Wrecks brochure
• Access to support equipment as necessary, including but not limited to: dive
light, Nav-Finder™ or slate, and line and reel.
Assessment Standards
To assess knowledge you may review the Knowledge Reviews from the student
diver’s manual with the diver. The student diver must demonstrate accurate and
adequate knowledge during the open water dives and must perform all skills
(procedures and motor skills) fluidly, with little difficulty, in a manner that
demonstrates minimal or no stress.
Certification Requirements and

Procedures
Document student diver training by completing the PADI Specialty Training
Record for Wreck Diver (see Appendix). To qualify for certification, by comple-
tion of the course, student divers must complete all performance require-
ments for Wreck Diver Open Water Dives One, Two, Three and Four.
The instructor certifying the student diver must ensure that all certifica-
tion requirements have been met. Reference Administrative Procedures of the
General Standards and Procedures section of your PADI Instructor Manual for
detailed information on Referral.
Links to Other Courses

The Wreck Adventure Dive conducted during the PADI Adventures in Diving
program may count as the first dive toward this specialty at your discretion.
Similarly, divers who successfully complete Wreck Diver Open Water Dive
One and Knowledge Review Part 1 may receive credit as an Adventure Dive
toward the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification. They may also credit
the specialty certification toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.

Guide
Section Two
Knowledge Development
Conduct
Diving on wrecks appeals to most divers, though for many different reasons. You
may find yourself attracted to the challenge of exploring the wreck, or a fascina-
tion with its historical nature. Not all wrecks will be B-25s out of World War II,
nor will they hold the same fame as the passenger liner the Titanic, infamous for
its collision with an iceberg and dramatic sinking in 1912. However, whether your
first or your hundredth dive on a wreck, few moments in diving compare with
descending on the past. The philosophy of this course is to focus on fun, safe wreck
diving. This means to introduce student divers to wreck diving law, to discuss
the hazards to avoid while wreck diving, to talk about how to research wrecks, to
establish the basics of wreck diving equipment, the fundamentals of penetrating
a wreck, how to interact responsibly with the aquatic life they’ll see while wreck
diving and protect the wreck for future dives.
Student divers complete independent study of the course by reading the
PADI Wreck Diver Manual and by watching the PADI Wreck Diving video. Work
hand-in-hand with the student diver manual to address prescriptively student
diver misconceptions or for clarification on certain points of interest. If there is a
need for instructor-led presentations, use the following teaching outline, which
appears in point form, as a road map of the conduct, content, sequence and struc-
ture for the PADI Wreck Diver course.
The result should be student divers with theoretical knowledge and prag-
matic experience who can adapt what they’ve learned to future wreck diving
opportunities. Regardless of how you conduct knowledge development
(independent study, instructor-led or a combination of these instructional
approaches), student divers will be able to explain the following learning
objectives.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
Knowledge Development
Learning Objectives
By the end of knowledge development, student divers will be able to
explain:
Reasons why people wreck dive, the origin of shipwreck laws, important information
about artifact removal and the implementation of laws that govern artifacts of historical
interest.
• What are four common reasons why people wreck dive?
• What two primary considerations have led to the development of shipwreck
laws?
• Why should only a trained archaeologist disturb artifacts on an historical
wreck?
• What are the two main arguments given against recreational divers removing
objects and artifacts from nonhistorical wrecks?
• What are the two main arguments given in favor of recreational divers
removing, restoring and collecting objects and artifacts from nonhistorical
wrecks?
• Why does recovering an object require special training beyond the scope of
the Wreck Diver course?
• What is your responsibility with regard to laws that apply to the wrecks on
which you dive?
Common problems and hazards of wreck diving and the planning, organization,
procedures, and techniques for fun and safe wreck diving.
• What are five potential hazards common to wrecks, and how do you avoid
them?
• What are five hazards of entering (penetrating) a wreck, and what causes
these hazards?
• What are four aspects of a wreck to evaluate when diving on it?
• What are three ways to navigate on a wreck?
• Why may a compass be inaccurate on a wreck?
• What five dive planning and equipment considerations should be made for
wreck dives deeper than 18 metres/60 feet?
• What are the general techniques for wreck diving in a current?
• What are two reasons why you should obtain a local orientation for an
unfamiliar wreck?

Guide
Researching the ship’s past and mapping shipwrecks for planning future wreck dives and
wreck penetration.
• What are three reasons for researching the history and condition of a wreck?
• What two sources provide quick, basic information about diving a popular
wreck?
• What possible sources can you check when researching more in-depth,
detailed wreck information?
• What are two benefits of mapping a wreck?
• What four tools can you use when mapping a wreck, and what is each used
for?
Wreck penetration equipment, limits, limited-visibility diving techniques and wreck
penetration emergency procedures.
• What four pieces of equipment should be used for a penetration dive, and
what is each piece used for?
• What are the four penetration limits to observe when inside a wreck?
• What are the proper techniques for:
• Entering a wreck?
• Moving through a wreck?
• Using a penetration line in a wreck?
• What are the proper responses and actions for:
• Loss of visibility due to silting?
• A lost or cut penetration line?
• Light failure?
• Air supply loss?

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
Knowledge Development Teaching
Outline
Suggestions to you, the PADI Wreck Diver Specialty Course Instructor, appear in
note boxes.
A. Course Introduction
1. Staff and student diver introductions
Note:
Introduce yourself and assistants. Explain your background with
wreck diving if your student divers are not familiar with you.
Have divers introduce themselves and explain why they are

interested in wreck diving. Break the ice and encourage a relaxed
atmosphere.
Give times, dates and locations as appropriate for classroom

presentations, confined water and/or surface practice sessions, and
open water dives.
Review with student divers other skills they’ll want as a PADI Wreck
Diver. These opportunities, through additional specialty course
training, may include, but are not limited to: PADI Enriched Air
Diver, PADI Deep Diver, PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Diver,
PADI Digital Underwater Photographer, PADI Peak Performance
Buoyancy Diver, PADI Dry Suit Diver, and DSAT TecRec.
2. Course goals -this course will help:

a. Develop your practical knowledge of wreck diving.
b. Increase your diving skills.
c. You plan, organize, and make wreck dives.
d. Improve your diving ability and provide you with additional super-
vised experience.
e. Encourage you to participate in other specialty training.
3. Course overview
a. Classroom presentations and confined water and/or surface practice
sessions.
b. Open water dives. There will be four open water dives.

Guide
4. Certification
a. Upon successfully completing the course, you will receive the PADI
Wreck Diver Specialty certification.
b. Certification means that you will be qualified to:
1. Plan, organize, make, and log open water wreck dives in condi-
tions generally comparable to or better than, those in which you
are trained.
2. Apply for the Master Scuba Diver rating if you are a PADI
Advanced Open Water Diver and a PADI Rescue Diver (or
qualifying certification from another training organization) with
certification in four other PADI Specialty ratings, and you have
50-logged dives.
Note:
Use the PADI Student Record File. Explain all course costs and
materials, and what the costs do and do not include, including
equipment use, dive site fees, etc. Explain what equipment student
divers must have for the course, and what you will provide. Cover
and review points about scheduling and attendance.
5. Class requirements
a. Complete paperwork.
b. Course costs.
c. Equipment needs.
d. Schedule and attendance.
B. The Appeal of Wreck Diving

• What are four common reasons why people wreck dive?
1. People have different reasons for being interested in wreck diving, so
people you dive with may have different motivations for diving on wrecks.
You and your buddy may both enjoy the dive more if you understand
common reasons why people dive on wrecks.
a. Curiosity – Divers are fascinated by wrecks and want to know what is
inside them. You may find yourself curious about what you’ll find on a
wreck, or about what made the wreck sink in the first place. Curiosity
may prompt you to research the wreck to understand what they were
as you explore what they’ve become.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
b. History – Some divers engage in research or work with archaeologists
and historians. Wrecks are tangible historical resources that you have
direct access to; a strong interest in history may motivate you to wreck
dive.
Note:
Remind student divers that artifact removal is just not done except
in very specific circumstances (such as artifact documentation
and historical archiving etc.) where authorities incorporate time
consuming and very expensive controlled conditions that use
extensive conservation techniques. Inform divers about the Project
AWARE Responsible Wreck Diving Considerations found at www.
projectaware.org. Divers are encouraged to preserve our maritime
cultural heritage and protect the fragile artificial reef habitat and
aquatic life around wrecks. The Considerations are part of the
Respect Our Wrecks campaign that advocates a hands-off, take-
nothing-but-photos approach to wreck diving. Local laws and
regulations that govern wreck diving will be addressed in more
detail later in the course.
c. Aquatic life – Wrecks become man-made reefs that attract aquatic life.
In some areas, wrecks may be the only dive sites with appreciable con-
centrations of life. Some divers are attracted to wrecks more by their
role as a reef than as an artifact or challenge.
d. Photography – Wrecks make dramatic backgrounds for photos of
divers and wildlife, and wrecks themselves are photogenic. This makes
photography on wrecks interesting and rewarding. Photograph with
care. Dive carefully as many aquatic creatures and wrecks are fragile.
Improper techniques while taking or editing photos underwater can
damage sensitive aquatic life and damage wrecks with the bump of a
camera or cylinder, swipe of a fin or even the touch of a hand.

Guide
Note:
Describe popular local wrecks, best access and pertinent
information about their background. If possible, give divers
references to local wreck dives. For example, organizations such
as the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia, Canada (ARSBC)
deliberately create artificial reefs to provide features for divers
to explore, as well as substrates for marine life to thrive upon.
Reference
www.artificialreef.bc.ca for more information.
Since the student divers have not yet learned about assessing a
wreck and potential hazards, your descriptions should raise interest
by emphasizing what a diver can expect to see and do, and by
giving vivid historical backgrounds.
Refer student divers to Project AWARE’s Ten Tips for Underwater

Photographers located at www.projectaware.org for further tips on
taking photos in marine environments.
C. Wreck Diving and the Law

• What two primary considerations have led to the
development of shipwreck laws?
1. Origin of shipwreck laws: two main sources
a. Salvage laws – These laws determine who owns something lost in
the sea. These items include wrecks and other craft such as sailboats,
houseboats, railroad cars, automobiles, aircraft and military rafts.
Salvage laws, developed before scuba diving, define when a lost object
is still the original owner’s, and when anyone can salvage it. In most
countries, salvage law says its finders-keepers once owners have aban-
doned lost property, however:
1. Different areas have different salvage laws.
2. Many owners and insurance companies do not regard their ships
as abandoned and still claim title.
3. Laws, other than salvage laws, protect virtually all historical
wrecks, and many other lost items.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
Note:
Site to student divers local salvage laws. Where possible, site
references (library and internet) for local salvage laws. For
example, around the coast of the United Kingdom (UK) there are
currently approximately 93 wreck sites designated as protected
wrecks of one level or another. Reference www.mcga.gov.uk and
www.english-heritage.org.uk for more information. There are
three main pieces of legislation under which wreck sites have been
protected in the UK.
1. Protection of Wrecks Act 1973: certain designated, charted,
historic or dangerous sites may not be dived without a license.
2. Protection of Military Remains Act 1986: military aircraft and
designated ship (controlled sites), are considered war graves
that can only be dived with a license. Other designated ships
(protected sites), may be dived providing the divers do not enter,
disturb or remove artifacts.
3. Merchant Shipping Act 1995: all wrecks and cargoes are
owned – each artifact removed must be reported to the Receiver
of the Wreck.
Another example is the US where the Sunken Military Craft Act

protects vessels, aircraft and space vessels, including foreign vessels
in US waters from unauthorized disturbance while allowing divers
to have non-intrusive access. Reference http://www.history.navy.
mil/branches/org12-12.htm and http://www.projectaware.org/
americas/english/smca.asp for more information.
For information on wrecks in Australia, reference the National

Shipwreck Database for Australia at http://eied.deh.gov.au/
nsd/public/welcome.cfm. For information on laws and heritage
for wrecks in Australia, reference the Department of Environmental
and Heritage Shipwreck at www.environment.gov.au/heritage/
shipwrecks/index.htm.
b. Antiquity protection laws – These laws protect historical resources.

After recreational diving began to grow in the 1950s and 1960s,
divers discovered many wrecks. Often divers ignorantly or uncaringly
destroyed wreck sites before study by archaeologists. Most countries
have laws now to prevent divers from removing or even moving
objects when visiting historical wrecks. Some of the rationales for these
laws are:

Guide
1. The definition of historical varies regionally. As a rule of thumb,
consider a wreck historical if it has been declared historical by law
(the Dartmouth, for example), if it has known historical signifi-
cance (the Titanic, for example), or if it is over approximately 100
years old (such as the remains of a Roman cargo ship), or if it is
designated as a war grave.
• Why should only a trained archaeologist disturb artifacts

on an historical wreck?
2. A disturbed wreck site has less value to an archaeologist. Archae-
ologists learn a great deal from how objects lie in relation to
each other on a wreck. Important information about the past is
lost when an artifact and its resting place are disturbed improp-
erly. The physical relationship between artifacts in a site reveals
patterns of human use and behavior that no single artifact can.
Removing artifacts and disturbing wrecks from their original con-
text loses valuable information, information that is lost forever.
Therefore, only a trained archaeologist should disturb a histori-
cally important wreck.
a. Many wrecks are not historically significant, especially recent
ones. However, you should be sure you’re not violating any
laws or regulations before disturbing anything. If in doubt,
leave everything as you find it.
Note:
Inform student divers that while it is not common to come across
human bones while wreck diving, it does happen, particularly
when making penetration dives on war wrecks. If you ever discover
human bones on a wreck:
1. Don’t disturb them. In effect, you are visiting someone’s final
resting place, whether you intended to or not. Show the same
respect you would when visiting a cemetery or any other final
resting place.
2. If you think you’re the first to discover remains on a particular
wreck, report your find to the proper authorities. If it is an
older historical wreck, the remains may have archaeological
significance. If it is a more recent wreck, authorities may want to
recover the bones for reburial elsewhere.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
b. Even when divers don’t disturb wrecks, storms, fishing nets,
line and other destructive fishing practices slowly deteriorates
wrecks. Divers aren’t the only source of wreck damage.
c. Dumping and litter may put nonhistorical objects amid
historical objects. For example, a soda can lying on a Roman
wreck isn’t an historical artifact.
3. Historical objects and wrecks are cultural resources that should
benefit the public. Most governments believe historical objects
from a wreck belong in public museums rather than private col-
lections.
4. Undisturbed wrecks will remain attractive to future generations of
divers.
2. Controversy over removing artifacts and objects from nonhistorical wrecks
a. Two schools of thought challenge recreational divers collecting objects
from wrecks that are not historically significant. This controversy also
involves legal decisions as to what wrecks are not historically signifi-
cant.
• What are the two main arguments given against

recreational divers removing objects and artifacts from
nonhistorical wrecks?
b. Those against removing objects from wrecks argue:
1. An artifact removed from the water deteriorates rapidly if not
given proper treatment. Artifact removal can therefore lead to
total loss of the artifact.
2. A wreck stripped bare is less interesting, therefore, artifact removal
eventually reduces the number of interesting wrecks to dive.
• What are the two main arguments given in favor of

recreational divers removing, restoring and collecting
objects and artifacts from nonhistorical wrecks?
c. Those who believe removing objects from nonhistorical wrecks is
acceptable, if done responsibly, argue:
1. Many underwater environments rapidly destroy objects anyway;
therefore, if an object removed and responsibly treated, will be
saved from eventual loss, and if displayed properly, these artifacts
will be seen by many nondivers who could never otherwise see
them.

Guide
2. The desire to collect artifacts is a primary motivation for private
individuals to look for and research wrecks. Without this motiva-
tion, many wrecks would remain undiscovered because neither
the government nor museums have sufficient money to locate and
research them.
• Why does recovering an object require special training

beyond the scope of the Wreck Diver course?
d. Regardless, recovering objects often requires special training in rig-
ging and lift bag use, and in artifact preservation and documentation.
Those interested in artifact removal should work with trained under-
water archaeologists or other sources to learn and apply the techniques
for artifact recovery and proper artifact treatment. To learn proper
rigging and lift bag use, enroll in a PADI Search and Recovery course.
You may have already learned basic lift bag use if you completed the
elective Search and Recovery Dive in the PADI Adventures in Diving
program.
Note:
Once again, remind student divers that artifact removal is just
not done except in very specific circumstances (such as artifact
documentation and historical archiving etc.) where authorities
incorporate time consuming and very expensive controlled
conditions that use extensive conservation techniques.
• What is your responsibility with regard to laws that apply

to the wrecks on which you dive?
3. Local laws and wreck diving – your responsibility as a wreck diver includes
finding out what laws apply before you go diving, and obeying those laws
while you dive.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
Note:
Shipwrecks offer adventure and are often included among the best
dive sites in the world. Divers must be responsible when exploring
these submerged sites, looking after themselves, the environment
and the cultural heritage. Describe and explain laws and
regulations affecting diving on local wrecks. Refer student divers to
references (library or the internet) for more detailed information.
Some excellent references include www.projectaware.org, www.
visit-fsm.org, www.scapaflow.co.uk, www.mcga.gov.uk, www.
artificialreef.bc.ca, www.nationalgeographic.com, www.english-
heritage.org/maritime and www.discoverychannel.co.uk.
D. Wreck Diving Hazards

• What are five potential hazards common to wrecks, and
how do you avoid them?
1. Potential wreck hazards. Some wrecks may have hazards unique to that
wreck, but there are five potential hazards that are common to most.
a. Sharp objects – Rusted metal objects, jagged steel plates, broken glass,
splintering wood and rough or sharp coral encrustations pose potential
injury sources. You avoid these by wearing exposure suits and protec-
tive gloves. It is also wise to keep tetanus immunizations current in the
event of an accidental cut.
b. Entanglement – Wrecks may have old line present on them. Because
wrecks attract fish they are popular fishing sites, and you may find
monofilament fishing line or nets on them. You avoid these by
watching where you go. Look up as well as around as you progress to
prevent swimming under entangling objects. Carry a sharp knife with
a smooth and a serrated edge to handle entanglement too difficult to
untangle by hand.
Note:
Inform student divers that many experienced wreck divers wear two
or more cutting devices – a large, general-purpose knife or tool,
and a smaller, very sharp backup, emergencies-only tool such as
a z-knife or dive shears. For additional security, suggest to divers
to wear cutting tools widely separated, such as one inside the calf
and the other on the BCD, to help ensure reaching at least one if
entangled.

Guide
c. Aquatic life – A wreck quickly becomes an artificial reef that attracts
aquatic life. Watch for the same creatures you would on a natural reef,
such as those that can defensively sting or bite or are fragile and can be
easily disturbed. Avoid these as you would on a natural reef: fine-tune
your buoyancy and streamline your equipment to avoid disturbing or
damaging fragile habitant, watch where you put your hands, feet and
knees; wear protective clothing; and do not touch the aquatic life.
Note:
As time allows, detail aquatic life on wrecks. Explain to the student
divers that wrecks can serve as important habitats for fish and other
aquatic life because their substrate acts as an artificial reef for
entire ecosystems. Invertebrates, such as mussels, sponges, scallops
and sea fans, attach themselves to the hard surface of the wreck.
Since these organisms often support higher levels of the food web,
fish populations often congregate and propagate in the safe haven
of the structure. The abundance of life and biodiversity found on
wrecks can be similar to that of the world’s most pristine coral reefs.
To learn more about aquatic life, do not touch -take a photograph,
and research the animal as part of your PADI Underwater
Naturalist specialty course. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy
specialty course helps divers fine-tune their buoyancy skills, helping
to prevent disturbing underwater environments and silt-outs when
penetrating wrecks.
d. Unstable structure – Many wrecks have unstable frames, ceilings,

hatches and other structures. Avoid diving around wrecks with unsta-
ble structures. War wrecks may have munitions lying in unstable areas,
or the munitions themselves may be unstable. Divers have lost their
lives moving and disturbing unstable munitions - do not touch, move
or disturb munitions found underwater. Avoid structures that move
in the current or surge, give easily when touched, or simply appear
unstable.
e. Surge pockets and suction – The movement of surge through a wreck
may cause periodic suction at restricted entranceways (hatches and
holes in hulls, etc.). Watch for this type of water movement, even
when diving on a wreck’s exterior.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
• What are five hazards of entering (penetrating) a wreck,
and what causes these hazards?
2. Cavern diving, cave diving and ice diving necessarily involve entering an
overhead environment, whereas in wreck diving, penetrating the wreck
is optional. You’ll decide whether to explore the inside or to swim on the
outside of a wreck for your final course dive. It may be a challenge you
enjoy, but for some it may be something you do not particularly enjoy. In
that case, don’t do it. You can enjoy a lifetime of wreck diving without ever
venturing inside – there’s plenty to see outside. In the future, if you decide
to give wreck penetration diving a go, it’s a good idea to seek further
experience and an orientation with a PADI Instructor before entering the
wreck for the first time. There are five hazards specific to wreck penetra-
tion.
Note:
Remind student divers that entering a wreck or any overhead
environment presents significant hazards not found in open
water. By discussing the following information, it will be clear that
penetrating a wreck safely (or any overhead environment) requires
special equipment, training and procedures. Without these, divers
should never enter an overhead environment. Even with the proper
equipment, training and procedures, divers should realize that
wreck penetrations raises stress and potential risk, which can reduce
fun and enjoyment.
a. Loss of direction –- Merely entering a wreck can cause disorientation.

A wreck leaning on its side magnifies loss of direction. Collapsed pas-
sages and debris block logical avenues of travel and open others. It’s
very easy to lose your sense of direction inside a wreck.
b. No direct access to surface – Loss of air (or other problems) requires
exiting before beginning ascent. An emergency swimming ascent or a
buoyant emergency ascent are no longer options.
c. Restricted passages – Movement may be limited in restricted passages,
making turning difficult. There is greater possibility of hitting sharp or
abrasive objects. Avoid these types of passages completely.
d. Falling objects – Your movement can knock loose objects that can fall
on you or in your way. If there is even a remote possibility of some-
thing falling from overhead, stay out of that area.

Guide
e. Silt – Most wrecks have a layer of silt or particulate matter spread over
them – on the bottom, sides and ceilings. Disturbing this material
with fins, hands, or equipment can cause dangerously reduced vis-
ibility in moments. Exhaled bubbles often cause silt and particulate
matter to dislodge from wreck walls and ceilings.
Note:
Give Student divers a final reminder that proper equipment and
procedures, and staying within appropriate limits, make it possible
to enter wrecks without significant risk. However, never enter a
wreck or other overhead environment without the proper training
and equipment, and without following the proper procedures.
E. Wreck Diving Techniques

• What are four aspects of a wreck to evaluate when diving
on it?
1. When you dive on a wreck for the first time, it is a good idea to look the
wreck over and get to know it. Four main aspects of a wreck’s condition
should be evaluated each time you visit.
a. Possible hazards – Look for the hazards described previously, and any
that may be unique to the wreck.
b. Points of interest – Look for those parts of the wreck that stand out
as the most interesting and unique. A ship’s wheel, telegraph, anchor
or bell may tell you something about the wreck. This is what gives the
wreck its personality.
c. General condition – The wreck’s condition affects the way you explore
it, areas to avoid and your safety - particularly if you plan a penetra-
tion dive. Is the wreck strong and intact or is it weak and likely to have
walls or objects break and fall? Has it generally held its structure, or is
it scattered over a wide area? What is it made of - wood or steel?
d. Entryways – For reasons previously discussed, you may find it more
enjoyable to remain outside a wreck. However, if you will be planning
to enter on a future dive, look for large, unobstructed openings that let
in a lot of light. You should never have to squeeze through an open-
ing or tie back a hatch or door. The entry way should be large enough
to swim through comfortably with all equipment in place. Avoid any
openings with sharp edges; be sure there is no immediate blockage or
hazard.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
• What are three ways to navigate on a wreck?
2. You’ll find wreck navigation influenced by how familiar you are with
the wreck, your dive objective and how much of the wreck you plan to
explore. Depending on what you find when you evaluate the wreck there
are three basic ways to navigate. Sometimes you may find it advantageous
to use different techniques on different parts of the wreck, or to combine
the techniques of all three at once.
a. Following the wreck’s layout – On a fairly intact wreck in clear water,
you can often navigate by following the ship’s hull or rail. This is one
of the easiest ways to navigate on a wreck. Apply the natural navi-
gational techniques learned in your Advanced Open Water Diver
program.
b. Feature reference – On a more broken-up wreck, and sometimes
on intact wrecks in limited visibility, it is important to note unique
features and their relative positions to help you know where you are. If
necessary, note these on a slate as you start the dive, then refer to the
notes for your return.
c. Base line – A base line is used on a very scattered, broken-up wreck.
It is a straight line through the wreckage used as a base for navigation,
commonly through the wreck center.
1. In clear, currentless water, the base line may be as informal as the
general direction the wreckage lies. In less clear water, you may
use a compass heading. In poor visibility or with a current, you
may lay out a rope as a base line.
2. You use a base line by swimming along it, leaving it only short
distances to explore the wreck. The base line forms a known gen-
eral heading back to the boat anchor or exit that you constantly
keep track of.
• Why may a compass be inaccurate on a wreck?

3. Keep in mind that iron and steel objects may affect compass read-
ings by attracting the magnetic needle away from north. Don’t
expect your compass to read as accurately as usual.
• What five dive planning and equipment considerations

should be made for wreck dives deeper than 18 metres/
60 feet?
3. Many wrecks lie in water deeper than 18 metres/60 feet primarily because
large ships cruise oceans and major lakes well away from shore to avoid
striking reefs. If diving on a wreck dive deeper than 18 metres/60 feet:

Guide
a. It’s recommended that you be trained as a PADI Deep Diver. The
PADI Deep Diver course provides hands-on experience with the
techniques and equipment of deeper diving. It’s also very useful to be
certified as a PADI Enriched Air Diver to maximize your no stop dive
time.
b. Leave a high capacity cylinder or hang an extra cylinder at 5 metres/15
feet to ensure sufficient air for a safety stop or emergency decom-
pression stop. Some recreational wreck divers choose high capacity
cylinders (2.8 litre/100 cubic foot at 240 bar/3400 psi or larger) and
reserve one-third of their air for emergency use only. Be sure to have
any other equipment necessary for a deep dive in the local environ-
ment, and that you can return to the line for your ascent and safety
stop.
c. Take the effect of narcosis into account when planning the dive; keep
your objectives simple, avoid task loading and give yourself ample
time.
d. Plan for reduced bottom time caused by short no decompression
limits and rapid air use. Plan a computer-assisted multilevel dive that
begins by descending to the deepest point followed by gradually work-
ing your way upward in levels as you explore.
e. Become trained as a PADI Enriched Air Diver. Using EANx with
an EANx computer can further increase how much time you get to
explore by crediting you both for a multilevel profile and enriched air
use.
• What are the general techniques for wreck diving in a

current?
4. Just as you commonly come across wrecks in deeper depths, you also com-
monly find them in areas with current. Moderate currents are common
around many wrecks, calling for special techniques.
a. The dive begins when the dive boat anchors on the wreck or attaches
to a permanent mooring; divers use lines to keep from being carried
away (trailing float line and swim line) and descend the anchor or
mooring line. At the end of the dive, return to the anchor line and
ascend along it. Constant contact with the anchor line when not on
the wreck keeps divers from being carried away from the dive boat, so
be sure you know where the line is at all times. Remember: a wreck
often provides a haven or shelter from currents.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
Note:
Caution student divers to watch where they put their hands as
permanent mooring lines are generally encrusted with aquatic
growth. Suggest wearing gloves for protection.
b. Continue to explore the wreck on the lee side, where the wreck shel-
ters you from the current. You may find it easier to pull yourself along
by hand rather than swim. Wear gloves and be cautious where you
grab things.
Note:
Explain to student divers the techniques used in the local area for
wreck diving in a current. Remind divers that devices used to gain
attention at the surface should be a standard piece of equipment
for every diver, regardless of certification level. Audible devices like
whistles or air horns (devices that attach to the low-pressure inflator
of the BCD) can be easily heard at night or in limited visibility
conditions. For daytime use, include a visual signaling device like
a signal mirror or surface marker buoy (safety sausage) in your
equipment.
• What are two reasons why you should obtain a local

orientation for an unfamiliar wreck?
5. Wreck diving varies from region to region and from wreck to wreck.
Whenever possible, get a local orientation when visiting an unfamiliar
wreck.
a. Optimum techniques may differ locally from the ones you’ve used. A
local orientation provides a good way to learn the appropriate tech-
niques.
b. All wrecks have their unique points of interest, potential hazards, and
regulations or community practices that apply. A local orientation
helps you know about these in advance.
F. Researching Underwater Wrecks

• What are three reasons for researching the history and
condition of a wreck?
1. For many divers, wreck diving encompasses much more than visiting the
remains of a ship. It includes visiting the ship’s past through research.

Guide
Researching a wreck’s history benefits you in three basic ways.
a. Researching the wreck’s history may explain the wreck’s location and
condition.
b. Research reveals or confirms a wreck’s identity, which plays an impor-
tant role in determining whether the wreck has historical/archaeologi-
cal significance, and whether it may have some unusual hazard to
avoid, such as munitions.
c. Research helps you uncover unique points of interest, the suitability of
the wreck as a dive site, and potential hazards.
• What two sources provide quick, basic information about

diving a popular wreck?
2. Sources for basic, easy-to-get information about a popular wreck in a local
area include:
a. Dive stores and dive boats can usually give a few facts about popular
wrecks in their area, as well as general conditions and what to watch
for while diving on a specific wreck.
b. Dive magazines, guidebooks and the internet can be excellent sources
for articles and web pages about popular wrecks. These tend to be
more detailed and have more background information than what a
dive store or dive boat can tell you.
• What possible sources can you check when researching

more in-depth, detailed wreck information?
3. Some divers want to know more than a local dive store or boat can tell
them, that a newer wreck may have little known about it, or that local lore
may be inaccurate. In this case, a longer time and effort commitment will
be required. Although the internet can get you started, for in-depth wreck
information you are likely to end up at sources of records that may not be
online.
These include:
a. Libraries – Look up local papers from the time the wreck sank.
b. Museums – Write or visit war museums or maritime museums for
specific information.
c. Archives – Write or visit archives of insurance, lighthouses, harbors or
national history for specific information.
d. Historical/archaeological groups – Often know the history of regional
events and wrecks in surprising detail.
e. Maritime societies – Usually maintain records of members and their
ships.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
f. Maritime insurance companies – Keep records on every ship, past or
present, floating or sunk, that they insure.
g. Universities – Archeology or history departments have information
and can offer research advice.
Note:
Inform student divers of any other local resources for researching
wrecks. Mention to divers that most institutions, as the ones
mentioned, operate on tight budgets and that they may be required
to cover the cost of photocopying, duplicating microfilm, etc. Be
prepared to do the research; most organizations, although very
interested in working with you, do not have financial resources to
do this work for you.
G. Mapping Shipwrecks
• What are two benefits of mapping a wreck?
1. There are two primary reasons to map a wreck:
a. To record the general layout of potential hazards and points of interest
for future dive planning.
b. To assist in planning penetration dives. A wreck map points out pos-
sible entry areas and helps you judge possible routes within the wreck.
• What four tools can you use when mapping a wreck, and
what is each used for?
2. Divers have come up with dozens of methods for mapping wrecks - from
archaeological methods to sketching from memory. Something in between
suffices. Four tools used for mapping wrecks include:
a. Large slate – used for drawing a map. As you sketch, try to draw every-
thing to scale.
b. Compass – used to determine the relative angle between different
wreck features. Beware of possible compass deviation around steel or
iron.
c. Marked rope or measuring tape – used when distance accuracy (more
precise than kick cycles or body measurement techniques) is desired.
d. Navigational aids (Nav-Finder, slates with grids, etc.) – used to assess
bearing and distances more accurately. These aids are also used for
general navigation on the wreck.

Guide
Note:
Recommend to student divers that they complete the PADI
Underwater Navigator course and consult the PADI Underwater
Navigator Manual and Underwater Navigation video for more
information about navigation, mapping and the use of navigational
aids such as the Nav-Finder.
H. Wreck Penetration
Note:
Remind student divers that there are many hazards related to
penetrating a wreck. Because of those hazards, divers are generally
encouraged to remain on the outside of wrecks. If, however,
you desire to enter a wreck, you must do it properly or you face
unacceptable risk. One of the most common causes of fatal dive
accidents is entering overhead environments without the proper
equipment and without applying the proper techniques. Wreck
penetration should: 1) only be done in a wreck that is stable and
secure, 2) be restricted to the light zone, 3) be done only when
environmental conditions are excellent, and 4) be done only when
all the appropriate equipment and procedures the particular
environment calls for can be applied. The following discussion
covers wreck penetration equipment, techniques and limits suitable
for recreational divers. More involved wreck penetration diving
requires training in technical, research or commercial diving and
is beyond the scope of this course. Do not exceed the limits of your
training.
• What four pieces of equipment should be used for a

penetration dive, and what is each piece used for?
1. Specific equipment is required for all penetration dives. This equipment,
as well as special training, is necessary to offset the potential hazards of
being inside a wreck safely. Under no circumstances should you try to
perform a penetration dive without the necessary equipment.
a. Dive lights – Even though you will remain in the light zone of the
wreck, the ambient light dims as you move away from the entry.
Therefore, a light source is necessary during penetration. You should
have at least two dive lights, a primary and a backup.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
1. Carry your backup dive lights so that they are out of the way and
don’t dangle, yet remain accessible with one hand. This makes it
possible to switch lights while using the other hand for maintain-
ing buddy contact or penetration line contact.
Note:
Ensure student divers understand light zone- the area from which
you can still see the natural light at the entrance. Discuss and show
divers appropriate lights available in the local market. Reinforce the
fact that many wreck divers carry no fewer than three dive lights
during penetration dives. If you have three lights, the chances are
one in 320, and with four, chances are only one in about 6,450
that you’ll have all four lights fail on the same dive within 25 dives.
b. Penetration line and reel – The penetration line and the visual refer-
ence that the light zone provides help you avoid being lost or disori-
ented inside the wreck. Do not make a penetration dive without a
line. The line must be stored on a reel that can be used to easily deploy
and retrieve the line while moving through the wreck. Inspect the line
for wear before every use.
1. Line – Wrecks frequently have sharp or abrasive surfaces than can
sever your line, so use a strong, durable line made from a nonbio-
degradable material.
a. Standard line – A braided nylon line (generally #36 line) is
more like a string than rope, so it tangles and jams reels if not
handled with care. Place it properly so it doesn’t cause entan-
glement or is cut by abrasion.
b. Beginner’s line – Line .6 centimetres/.25 inches thick or
thicker, made of a nonbiodegradable material such as nylon,
stored on a large reel. The beginner’s line is very durable and
less prone to tangling due to its thickness. However, the reel is
bulky and awkward and requires two-handed use most of the
time. Good choice for training and inexperienced wreck divers
making very limited penetrations.
2. Reel – A standard reel with standard line is preferred because it
only requires one hand (except when reeling the line back up).
Most reels clip to your BCD, and lock so they don’t unreel when
you’re not using them.

Guide
Note:
Show student divers different line and reel types available in the
local market. Also, have a look at accessory clips for attaching to
BCDs and accessory equipment directly. Make available for student
divers various brands of clips (brass, plastic and stainless steel) and
have divers try sliding gate clips. Discuss pros and cons of clipping
accessory equipment to BCD D rings versus placing the clip directly
onto accessories.
c. Slate – Sketch a wreck map on your slate for reference during the
penetration. You can make an interior map with notes to aid planning
future penetration dives, and as a secondary reference to help find
your way out if necessary. Slates are also handy for communicating
with your buddy.
d. H-valve, Y-valve or pony bottle – Although they’re not considered
mandatory within recreational wreck penetration limits, you’ll find
that local divers consider redundant valves or air supplies standard
equipment. Both H- and Y-valves and pony bottles add a safety
margin for the overhead environment because, in the event of an air
supply problem, it’s easier to exit a wreck using your own regulator
than sharing air with your buddy’s alternate.
1. H- and Y-valves are special cylinder valves that allow you to attach
two separate regulators. If one were to fail (and freeflow), you or
your buddy would close the portion of the valve supplying that
regulator, and you would end the dive using the other.
2. A pony bottle is a totally independent air source The primary
drawback (compared to the H- or Y-valve) is that it’s bulkier and
not as streamlined.
Note:
Ask student divers to refer to the side bar “Optional Penetration
Equipment Configurations” in their PADI Wreck Diver Manual
for ideas to set up their equipment for penetration dives. As time
allows, have student divers review each other’s equipment set
up and if practical, provide time in confined water for divers to
practice accessing and using their equipment (line, reel, dive lights,
two buckle weight belts, head lights, canister HID lights, foldable
snorkels and snorkel quick release clips, H- and Y-valves, pony
bottles, and single cylinder TecRec configurations.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
• What are the four penetration limits to observe when
inside a wreck?
2. The overhead environment poses four limits beyond the normal open
water constraints of depth, air supply and no decompression limits.
Note:
Remind student divers that limits coupled with equipment and
training keep them within reasonably manageable risk limits.
Acknowledge that tec divers and other divers with considerably
more equipment and training have more liberal limits in penetrating
a wreck, but these don’t apply until their level of equipment and
training is reached.
a. Edge of light zone – You should never penetrate a wreck past the point
where you can see the natural light of the entrance. For this reason,
you do not make penetration dives at night or in water so deep and
murky that there is little or no natural light visible from inside the
wreck.
b. Linear distance of 40 metres/130 feet –- The maximum total distance
you enter a wreck should not exceed 40 metres/130 feet from the
surface, even if you’re still in the light zone. Example: If the wreck is
30 metres/100 feet deep, the absolute maximum penetration is 10
metres/30 feet. At 40 metres/130 feet, you should not enter a wreck
at all. By marking your penetration line in 1.5-metre/5-foot or 3-
metre/10-foot intervals, you can track the distance of your penetration
to keep from exceeding 40 metres/130 feet linear to the surface.
c. One-third of air supply – Wreck penetration uses the rule of thirds
for air planning. Use one-third of your air to penetrate (which starts
when you descend), one-third to exit and keep one-third in reserve.
Saving two-thirds of your air for exiting gives you more of the most
important factor you need to handle a problem inside a wreck - time.
The Rule of Thirds gives you about twice as much time to get out of a
wreck as it took to get in.
Note:
Explain to student divers that on many wrecks, if other limits permit,
the one-third reserve may be used on the outside of the wreck, and
the dive ended with the usual 34 bar/500 psi or other appropriate
reserve.

Guide
d. Space too narrow for two divers to pass together - Don’t go past any
area that is so narrow that you and your buddy couldn’t move through
it together while sharing air with a conventional alternate air source.
3. You shouldn’t find basic wreck penetration techniques difficult, but they
do take some practice. This is why you learn them initially outside the
wreck.
a. Tying off the penetration line
1. Penetration begins by tying a line to a sturdy piece of wreckage
outside the entry point.
2. The tie-off point must not be movable, weak or have sharp edges.
It must provide a firm attachment that will not cut the line.
Where possible, thread the line through a hole and then tie the
end to the line itself.
a. In general, use a knot that will release quickly, even after being
pulled hard, such as a figure eight knot.
b. Divers using standard reels usually tie a permanent loop in the
line end big enough to pass the reel through. The line is passed
around an object, and then the reel is pulled through the loop,
securing the line without tying any knots.
3. Immediately inside the wreck, wrap the line around an object to
create a secondary anchor point. This is in case the outside tie off
is accidentally cut or comes free. You want to make this second-
ary tie and all subsequent ties in a way that’s quick and secure, yet
comes loose easily when you exit. With practice, you’ll be able to
do this quickly with using one hand.
4. While moving inside the wreck, the line should occasionally be
looped around some elevated, nonsharp object (like a round pipe)
as necessary, to prevent it from being tangled.
• What are the proper techniques for entering a wreck?

b. Entering the wreck
1. An opening through a door or hatch that can close is not a suit-
able entry location. Enter a wreck only where the opening is large,
void of closing covers or doors and sharp edges.
2. The diver with the reel goes first.
3. Sweep your light in a circle as you enter. Check all areas in front,
above, below and to the side of you.
4. Check where your bubbles hit the ceiling. If they cause a severe
rain of silt that could limit visibility, it may be appropriate to
abort the penetration.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
5. Wrap the line around nonsharp objects from time to time as nec-
essary to route the line where your buddies can follow it, to avoid
slack, and to keep the line from blocking passage.
• What are the proper techniques for moving through a

wreck?
c. Moving through the wreck requires the use of proper technique to
prevent stirring up silt, accidental cuts or stings, and damage to the
penetration line.
1. Maintain neutral buoyancy to keep off the bottom inside the
wreck.
2. When swimming, stay level or with your legs slightly above your
head. Use shorter, gentler sculling kicks that don’t kick up much
silt. Never allow your kicks to stir up silt from the bottom.
3. When practical, gently pull yourself by hand through the wreck.
However, to prevent cuts or contact with aquatic life, look closely
before you grab anything.
4. Do not use the penetration line to pull yourself along. This can
cut or fray the line, or may pull the reel out the hands of the reel
diver.
5. All activity should be slow, smooth and deliberate.
• What are the proper techniques for using a penetration

line in a wreck?
d. Using the penetration line – Proper techniques with the penetration
line ensure that you will maintain contact with the line and that nei-
ther you nor your buddies will become entangled.
1. The maximum is three divers penetrating the same area and/or on
the same line.
2. The reel diver goes first with his buddy(ies) following single file.
3. Swim near the line in a position where you can easily reach it with
one hand, but do not actually hold it (except for turns or during
emergencies – discussed in a moment). Know where the line is at
all times. You should be able to reach out and grasp it at any time.
Preferably, swim with the line just below chest level and to one
side, wreck configuration allowing.
4. To turn around on the line, grasp with hand closest to line. Turn
toward line, holding it away to prevent entanglement. Grasp with
other hand to complete turn.

Guide
5. Upon reaching penetration, air supply, light zone or another
limit, divers turn around. The last diver becomes the leader, fol-
lowing the penetration line to exit. The reel diver is last, taking up
the line. Note: You will have somewhat reduced visibility during
exit because kicking up some silt on the way in is inevitable.
• What are the proper responses and actions for loss of

visibility due to silting?
4. As long as you observe the penetration limits you’ve learned, you should
have adequate time and resources to handle wreck penetration emergen-
cies. During the wreck penetration you may need to handle problems
associated with silt-out, a lost or cut penetration line, light failure, or loss
of air supply. It’s always important to stop, breathe, think and then act,
just as you would handling any problem.
a. Silt-out is caused by kicking up the bottom, or by your bubbles
dislodging particles of sediment on the sides and ceiling of the wreck.
Because a silt-out makes seeing (with or without a light) impossible,
you need to use the penetration line to avoid disorientation. In case
silt begins to destroy visibility:
1. Immediately stop, reach out and loosely grasp the penetration
line. Give the silt a moment to settle.
2. If visibility does not improve quickly (depends on coarseness of
sediment), you will have to abort the dive. Make a normal turn,
but do not release the line. In silt-out conditions, never release the
penetration line. Instead, make a loose “O” around the line with
your hand.
3. Exit the wreck, using the line as a guide. Do not pull on the line.
4. If you’re the reel diver and you can’t see whether all divers make
line contact and exit, lock the reel, leave it, and follow the line
out.
• What are the proper responses and actions for a lost or

cut penetration line?
b. Lost or cut line – If you lose contact with it, or your line is accidently
cut:
1. Stop and allow any silt to settle.
2. Find the natural light at the entrance. If you must turn to do this,
use great care not to stir up silt. You may need to cover your light
and let your eyes adjust to the dark.
3. Swim to the exit. If you have been keeping track of your progress
on a slate, use it to help you retrace your path.

Wreck Diver
Instructor
Guide
4. If you’re the reel diver and you can’t see whether all divers make line
contact and exit, lock the reel, leave it, and follow the line out.
Note:
Caution student divers about trapped air left by previous divers,
and trapped fuel, oil, or other chemicals in the wreck. Divers should
avoid these pockets even those thought to contain air. Over time
oxygen dissolves out of trapped air, so if breathed the diver could
lose consciousness.
• What are the proper responses and actions for light

failure?
c. Light failure – If your light fails:
1. Stop and make loose contact with the line.
2. Using your free hand, locate and turn on your backup light.
3. Signal your buddies and abort the penetration. Under no cir-
cumstances should you continue the penetration on your backup
light. Use the backup to allow a safe exit. This is another reason
why experienced wreck divers carry three or more lights - they can
continue the penetration after a single failure.
4. If your backup light doesn’t work or has been lost, signal to
borrow your buddy’s. Abort the penetration.
• What are the proper responses and actions for air supply
loss?
d. Air supply loss – This should be unlikely if you follow the rule of
thirds. If it does occur:
1. If you’re using an H or Y valve system shut down the free flow-
ing regulator and exit the wreck using the other. If you didn’t lose
much air, make a normal ascent.
2. If you’re using a pony bottle switch to it and exit the wreck. You
may not have enough air for a normal ascent, so make contact
and secure you’re buddy’s alternate airsource and ascend together.
3. In either case, don’t cause a silt-out while rushing to make the
switch and shut down the free flowing regulator – move slowly
and deliberately.
4. If you’re not using an H or Y valve or a pony bottle secure your
buddy’s alternate second stage. Calmly, deliberately but immedi-
ately, exit the wreck.

Guide
5. If you’re the reel diver, whether you’re the donor or the receiver, in
an air supply emergency leave the line and reel in place and exit.
Note:
The techniques for exiting the wreck using a buddy’s alternate
airsource depend upon the wreck and the alternate air source hose
length. You should be able to swim side-by-side or over-under all
the way out. If necessary, with a standard 1 metre (39 inch), the
donor can go through a tighter area first with the receiver behind,
gently holding onto the donor’s cylinder to prevent separation.
When using the TecRec configuration with the two metre/seven
foot hose, the protocol is for the receiver to go first with the donor
immediately behind. Inform divers they will practice using their
buddy’s alternate airsource (either in confined water or by doing
a dry-run on the surface) before they attempt a wreck penetration
dive.
5. Inside a wreck, the “thumbs up” signal to surface takes on more author-
ity than in open water. In the overhead environment, the “surface” signal
from any diver turns the penetration immediately. Because there are
potentially more hazards in an overhead environment, the rule is that you
do not use any time or air questioning or modifying the command to exit.
When the thumb goes up, the divers go out, period.

Guide
Section Three
Open Water Dives
Conduct
There are no required confined water and/or surface practice sessions for the PADI
Wreck Diver Specialty Diver course, however, developing student diver abili-
ties in conditions that doesn’t add complexity to learning new skills such as basic
wreck mapping and navigation techniques before progressing to more challenging
conditions, is sound instruction. Some of the underwater skills, such as knot tying,
line and reel use, signaling, and navigation, are much easier to learn if you have
student divers practice them in a confined water session or on the surface first. You
may add confined water and/or surface practice sessions at your discretion. The
confined water session may also include a scuba skills review. After completing the
course, suggest to divers to dry-rehearse navigation techniques, wreck penetration
procedures, and reel and line use before commencing wreck dives.
On the first dive, student divers mainly use their navigation skills to locate
the wreck, practice using their diving equipment, communicating underwater, and
maintaining neutral buoyancy. On the second dive, student divers swim along out-
side the wreck identifying and avoiding potential hazards, map the wreck marking
points of interest, and survey the wreck for a future penetration dive. On the third
dive, student divers practice the deployment and retrieval of a penetration line on
the outside of the wreck. On the fourth dive, student divers plan and perform an
actual wreck penetration dive or they organize and conduct a wreck dive outside
the wreck identifying and avoiding potential hazards with their dive buddy. Divers
who finish exercises with sufficient air remaining may continue to dive for pleasure
and experience, at your discretion. Bottom time on each dive should not exceed
the no decompression limits of the Recreational Dive Planner or each diver’s com-
puter, if used. Regardless of how you conduct the open water dives, student
divers must demonstrate the following performance requirements to qualify
for certification.

Guide
Open Water Dives
Performance Requirements
By the end of the open water dives, student divers will be able to:
Wreck Diver Open Water Dive One
• Swim on the outside of a wreck, maintaining proper buoyancy control, and
identifying and avoiding potential hazards, under the direct supervision of a
Teaching Status PADI Instructor.
• Navigate on a wreck so that the ascent point can be located without
surfacing, with the assistance of the instructor.
• Maintain neutral buoyancy and body position that avoids the bottom.
Wreck Diver Open Water Dive Two
• Swim along the outside of a wreck, in a buddy team, identifying and avoiding
potential hazards.
• With a buddy, map a wreck (or portion of a wreck), determining approximate
size and marking points of interest.
• Survey a wreck for a penetration dive and evaluate possible entrances.
• Navigate on a wreck, returning to the ascent point without surfacing.
Wreck Diver Open Water Dive Three
• Demonstrate the deployment and retrieval of a penetration line, for practice,
on the outside of a wreck, while working in buddy teams.
• Swim along the deployed penetration line so as to maintain contact with the
line without kicking up silt and holding on to a dive light.
• Navigate on a wreck so as to locate the ascent point without surfacing.
Wreck Diver Open Water Dive Four A
• Plan and perform an actual wreck penetration under the direct supervision of
a Teaching status PADI Instructor:
• Determining air supply and penetration limits.
• Swimming without causing excessive silt disturbance.
• Maintaining contact with the line.
• Using a dive light while following a penetration line.
Wreck Diver Open Water Dive Four B
• Organize and conduct a wreck dive with a buddy, but with only minimal
instructor assistance.
• Swim on the outside of a wreck, identifying and avoiding possible hazards.

Guide
Open Water Guidelines for Wreck Dives
A. General Open Water Considerations
1. Involve student divers in dive-planning activities. Have student divers pre-
pare training buoys and reference lines, penetration lines and emergency-
decompression breathing equipment as appropriate.
2. Conduct a thorough briefing. The better the briefing, the more smoothly
the wreck dive will proceed. Assign buddy teams according to ability
(weak with strong). Penetration dives may be psychologically stressful to
some individuals. Pay close attention to stress levels and behavior. Never
force a student diver to make a penetration into a wreck; complete train-
ing with Wreck Dive Four B instead.
3. The use of qualified assistants is highly recommended. Assistants can help
keep track of buddy teams and watch student divers waiting to complete
an exercise with the instructor. An assistant at the surface can help with
check in, check out procedures and be prepared to help in an emergency.
It’s useful to have an assistant outside the wreck supervising student divers
waiting their turn to penetrate the wreck if you elect to make the penetra-
tion with all student divers in one dive. Note that all groups should be
able to complete their dive within the rule of thirds. It may be feasible to
have groups of two descending to the wreck in shifts, supervised by assis-
tants.
4. It is recommended that when feasible, Wreck Dives Two and Three be
conducted on the same wreck. This allows student divers to become
familiar with the wreck on Wreck Dive Two (by mapping it) prior to
the simulated penetration exercises in Wreck Dive Three. If you will be
conducting Wreck Dive Four A, it’s recommended that Wreck Dives Two
and/or Three be conducted on the same wreck also so student divers can
become familiar with the wreck prior to actual penetration exercises.
5. Penetration line use requires practice. Use confined water and/or surface
practice sessions to practice using the penetration line. Ensure that all stu-
dents have the opportunity to practice securing, deploying, following and
retrieving the line.
6. Conduct penetration dives so that you (the instructor) never violate the
rule of thirds, even when completing multiple penetrations with student
diver groups. Doing so increases your own risk, and depletes emergency
air you may need to assist a student diver. It also serves as a bad role
model. High-capacity cylinders or double cylinders may help, but do not
exceed your no decompression limits.

Guide
B. Wreck Diver Open Water Dives
Dive One
• Swim on the outside of a wreck, maintaining proper
buoyancy control, and identifying and avoiding potential
hazards, under the direct supervision of a Teaching Status
PADI Instructor.
• Navigate on a wreck so that the ascent point can be
located without surfacing, with the assistance of the
instructor.
• Maintain neutral buoyancy and body position that avoids
the bottom.
a. Briefing
1. Dive sequence – review Dive One tasks
b. Predive procedures
c. Dive One Tasks
1. Navigation: The instructor leads, using navigation techniques
appropriate for the wreck chosen. Buddy teams follow, using the
same navigation techniques. During this exercise, provide student
divers with an overview of the exterior of the wreck.
2. Student divers control their buoyancy and remain neutrally buoy-
ant as appropriate. Student divers avoid silting problems through
buoyancy and fin control and watch for wreck and aquatic life
hazards.
3. With student divers following and observing, instructor navigates
on the wreck so class reaches the ascent point without surfacing.
d. Post-dive procedures
e. Debriefing
1. Student divers discuss the wreck condition and features, possible
structure and/or aquatic life, hazards observed, and the navigation
of the wreck. Guide discussions to address what worked, what
didn’t work, and how things may be done differently the next
time. Discuss any possible hazards in detail.
f. Log dive (instructor signs log)

Guide
Dive Two
• Swim along the outside of a wreck, in a buddy team,
identifying and avoiding potential hazards.
• With a buddy, map a wreck (or portion of a wreck),
determining approximate size and marking points of
interest.
• Survey a wreck for a penetration dive and evaluate
possible entrances.
• Navigate on a wreck, returning to the ascent point
without surfacing.
a. Briefing
1. Dive sequence – review Dive Two tasks
c. Dive Two Tasks
1. Student divers explore the wreck site, using navigation techniques
appropriate for the site.
2. Mapping: Each buddy team maps the wreck (or a portion of the
wreck), noting points of interest, potential hazards and potential
penetration entries.
3. Assessment of limited penetration: Each team examines potential
penetration entries for size and safety. Student divers should be
prepared to discuss later whether there are appropriate openings
on the wreck for limited penetration. If possible and appropriate
openings are found, have student divers use underwater lights
to examine the immediate interior of the openings, looking for
obstructions, sharp edges and other possible hazards. Student
divers are not to enter the wreck.
e. Debriefing
1. Student divers discuss and review their mapping of the wreck.
Discuss with student divers possible penetration locations and the
suitability of penetrating the wreck. Guide discussions to address
what worked, what didn’t work, and how navigating the wreck
may be done differently the next time.

Guide
Dive Three
• Demonstrate the deployment and retrieval of a
penetration line, for practice, on the outside of a wreck,
while working in buddy teams.
• Swim along the deployed penetration line so as to
maintain contact with the line without kicking up silt and
holding on to a dive light.
• Navigate on a wreck so as to locate the ascent point
without surfacing.
a. Briefing
1. Dive sequence – review Dive Three tasks
c. Dive Three Tasks
1. Practice penetration on outside of wreck. Student divers practice
securing, properly deploying and retrieving the penetration line.
2. Student divers swim along the penetration line while holding on
to a dive light and moving in such a manner as to not kick up silt.
e. Debriefing
1. Student divers discuss how they dealt with the simulated penetra-
tion on the outside of the wreck. Ask student divers to comment
on swimming along the penetration line while holding a dive
light. Guide discussions to address what worked, what didn’t
work, and how they may conduct their simulated penetration dive
differently the next time.

Guide
Dive Four A
• Plan and perform an actual wreck penetration under the
direct supervision of a Teaching status PADI Instructor:
• Determining air supply and penetration limits.
• Swimming without causing excessive silt disturbance.
• Maintaining contact with the line.
• Using a dive light while following a penetration line.
without surfacing.
a. Briefing
1. Dive sequence – review Dive Four A tasks
c. Dive Four A Tasks
1. Student divers make an actual wreck penetration with instructor’s
supervision.
2. Student divers use correct penetration techniques. During the
penetration exercise, student divers:
a. use the penetration line as a guide.
b. swim in such a manner as to avoid kicking up silt.
3. Return to ascent point without surfacing.
e. Debriefing
1. Student divers discuss techniques used and how they felt making
an actual wreck penetration. Ask student divers to comment on
the use of the penetration line as a guide and how they avoided
kicking up silt. Guide discussions to address what worked, what
didn’t work, and how they may conduct their penetration dive
differently the next time.

Guide
Dive Four B
• Organize and conduct a wreck dive with a buddy, but
with only minimal instructor assistance.
• Swim on the outside of a wreck, identifying and avoiding
possible hazards.
without surfacing.
a. Briefing
1. Dive sequence – review Dive Four B tasks
c. Dive Four B Tasks
1. Instructor accompanies student divers on their planned dive.
2. Student divers navigate on the wreck so class reaches the ascent
point without surfacing.
e. Debriefing
1. Student divers discuss the wreck condition and features, possible
structure and/or aquatic life, hazards observed, and the navigation
of the wreck. Guide discussions to address what worked, what
didn’t work, and how things may be done differently the next
time. Discuss any possible hazards in detail and review how the
planning of the dive may be done differently next time.

Guide
Appendix
Table of Contents
Wreck Diver Specialty Knowledge Review – Part I Answer Key ........................ 50
Wreck Diver Specialty Knowledge Review – Part II Answer Key ...................... 52
PADI Adventure Dive Training Record ............................................................ 54
PADI Specialty Training Record – Wreck Diver ............................................... 55

Guide
Wreck Diver
Knowledge Review Part I Answer Key
Note:
To assess knowledge you may review the Knowledge Review from the student diver’s
manual with the diver, ideally prior to participating in skill practice. Prescriptively
teach answers to questions student divers may have missed or have answered
incorrectly or incompletely. Ensure student divers understand what they have missed.
1. List two reasons why artifact recovery is discouraged when wreck diving:
1. Wrecks that are stripped are much less interesting.
2. Historical wrecks must be left undisturbed for research purposes.
2. Explain why divers must pay close attention to local laws before planning a wreck dive.
A permit may be required, and it may be illegal to either dive on the wreck or remove artifacts.
3. Describe how to avoid the following potential hazards common to wrecks:

Sharp objects:
Wear protective coverings and use good buoyancy control.
Entanglement:
Watch where you go, avoid swimming into or under potential entanglement. Carry a knife.
4. List five dive planning and equipment considerations for wreck diving deeper than 18 metres/
60 feet.
1. PADI Deep Diver training
2. Extra tank at 5 metres/15 feet
3. Nitrogen narcosis
4. Short time limits
5. Become trained as a PADI Enriched Air Diver
5. List two reasons for obtaining a local orientation to an unfamiliar wreck before diving on it.
1. Dive techniques vary on wrecks
2. Unique hazards or points of interest
6. Explain why special training and equipment are necessary for shipwreck penetration. In your
explanation, include the five hazards of entering a wreck.
Special training is necessary because it is extremely hazardous. You can lose direction, there’s no
direct access to surface, restricted passages, falling objects and silt.

Guide
7. List three aspects of a wreck that should be evaluated when diving on it.
1. Possible hazards
2. Points of interest
3. General condition
8. Describe the three methods of navigating on a shipwreck.

1. Following the wreck’s layout
2. Feature reference
3. Using a base line
Adventure Dive: Wreck Diver

Skills Overview
• Knowledge Review
• Briefing
• Suiting Up
• Predive Safety Check (BWRAF)
• Entry
• Descent
• Navigating the Wreck
• Returning to Ascent Point
• Ascent and Safety Stop
• Exit
• Debrief
• Log Dive – Complete Adventure Dive Training Record

Guide
Wreck Diver
Knowledge Review Part II Answer Key
Note:
To assess knowledge you may review the Knowledge Review from the student diver’s
manual with the diver, ideally prior to participating in skill practice. Prescriptively
teach answers to questions student divers may have missed or have answered
incorrectly or incompletely. Ensure student divers understand what they have missed.
9. Describe the general techniques for wreck diving in a current.

Anchor the dive vessel by the wreck or to the mooring line, secure trail and swim line, enter water
and pull yourself along swim line, descend hand over hand down to wreck, stay close to the lee side
or bottom of wreck, and ascend up anchor/mooring line at end of dive.
10. List three reasons for researching the history and condition of a wreck.
1. To determine the wreck’s historical significance.
2. To determine the wreck’s identity.
3. To determine points of interest and potential hazards before the dive.
11. List two sources that provide quick, basic information about diving on a popular wreck.
1. Dive stores/boats
2. Dive magazines/guide books
12. List two benefits of mapping a shipwreck.

1. To note points of interest and potential hazards.
2. To assist in planning penetration dives.
13. List four pieces of equipment for wreck penetration and state what each is used for.
1. Light and backup light – provides additional light as the ambient light dims when moving away
from the entry point.
2. Penetration line and reel – provides a visual/tactile reference to the exit point.
3. Slate – mapping the wreck, write notes on for future reference, communication.
4. Pony bottle – provides an alternative air source and an extra margin of safety.

Guide
14. List the four limits for wreck penetration:
1. The edge of the light zone.
2. Linear distance of 40 metres/130 feet.
3. One-third of your air supply (use Rule of Thirds).
4. Space too narrow for two divers to pass together sharing an alternate air
source.
15. Describe the proper techniques for entering, moving through and using a
penetration line in a wreck.
Tie off penetration line outside the wreck. The diver with the reel enters first,
stopping, looking up, and around for hazards before proceeding. Secure line to
a second point. Maintain neutral buoyancy with gentle kicks and/or by hold-
ing on to nonsharp parts of the wreck and pulling yourself around. Maintain
light tension on the line and wrap it around nonsharp objects as necessary to
route it. Follow the line single file, keeping the line at chest level and off to one
side. Don’t use line to pull yourself along. Reel diver is last to start exiting and
removes line along the way.
16. Describe the proper responses and actions for each of the following during
wreck penetration:
Loss of visibility due to silting:
Stop, maintain or make contact with penetration line by making a loose “O”
around it with your hand. Follow the penetration line to the exit point with-
out pulling on the line.
A lost or cut penetration line:
Stop, allow the silt to settle, cover flashlight, look for natural light. Head slowly
toward the natural light.
Light failure:
Stop, maintain loose contact with the penetration line, turn back up light on,
abort dive and head for the exit.
Air supply loss:
Immediately switch to pony bottle or buddy’s alternate air source, abort dive
and head for exit point. Make a normal accent, if possible.

Guide
PADI Adventure Dive Training Record
Adventure Dive:
Wreck Diver
Skills Overview
• Knowledge Review • Navigating the Wreck
• Briefing • Returning to Ascent Point
• Suiting Up • Ascent – Safety Stop
• Predive Safety Check (BWRAF) • Exit
• Entry • Debrief
• Descent • Log Dive – Complete Training Record
Instructor Statement
“I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed the Knowledge Review and Performance
Requirements (as described in PADI’s Adventures in Diving Program Instructor Guide) for this PADI
Adventure Dive. I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor for the current year.”
Instructor Name: ________________________________________________________________

Instructor Signature: _____________________________________________________________
PADI #: ____________________________________ Completion Date: ___________________
Day/Month/Year
Instructor Contact Information (Please Print)

Instructor Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State/Province: _________________________
Country: ___________________________________ Zip/Postal Code: _____________________
Phone/Fax/email: ________________________________________________________________
Student Diver Statement

“I verify that I have completed all of the Performance Requirements for this Adventure Dive. I realize
that there is more to learn about wreck diving and that completion of a PADI Wreck Diver course is
highly recommended. I also agree to abide by PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices.”
Student Diver Signature _______________________________________ Date: ______________

Day/Month/Year

Guide
PADI Specialty Training Record
Wreck Diver
Instructor Statement
“I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed all academic and/or any confined water training sessions
as outlined in the PADI Specialty Course Instructor Guide for Wreck Diver. I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI
Instructor in this specialty.”
Instructor Name: ________________________________________________________ PADI #:_______________

Instructor Signature: _________________________________________________ Completion Date: ___________
Day/Month/Year
Open Water Dives

Dive One
I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed Dive One as outlined in the PADI standardized guide for
Wreck Diver, including:
• Navigate wreck
• Control buoyancy and avoid stirring bottom silt
• Return to ascent point
• Perform safety stop for 3 minutes at 5 metres/15 feet
I am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor in this specialty.
Day/Month/Year
Dive Two
I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed Dive Two as outlined in the PADI standardized guide for
• Explore wreck
• Map wreck
• Penetration assessment – locating potential entry points
• Return to ascent point
• Perform safety stop for 3 minutes at 5 metres/15 feetI am a renewed, Teaching status PADI Instructor
in this specialty.
Day/Month/Year

Guide
Dive Three
I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed Dive Three as outlined in the PADI standardized guide for
• Deploy penetration line on outside of wreck
• Swim along penetration line with light without kicking up silt
• Retrieve penetration line from outside of wreck
Day/Month/Year
Dive Four A or B
I verify that this student diver has satisfactorily completed Dive Four as outlined in the PADI standardized guide for
Four A
• Find penetration entry point
• Deploy penetration line into wreck
• Penetrate wreck to safe limits
• Retrieve penetration line and exit wreck
• Navigate to ascent point
Four B
• Have students organize and conduct their own wreck dive
• Navigate to ascent point
Day/Month/Year
Student Diver Statement

“I verify that I have completed all performance requirements for this Wreck Diver specialty. I am adequately prepared
to dive in areas and under conditions similar to those in which I was trained. I agree to abide by PADI Standard Safe
Diving Practices.”
Student Diver Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Student Diver Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Day/Month/Year

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What are the prerequisites for students to enroll in the Wreck Diver course?

What are the prerequisites for students to enroll in the Wreck Diver course?

What are the performance requirements for the open water dives in the Wreck Diver course?

What are the performance requirements for the open water dives in the Wreck Diver course?

Wreck Diver

PADI Wreck Diver

Portions of the Appendix of this guide may be reproduced by PADI Members

Published and distributed by PADI

2 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Section One: Course Standards

Section Two: Knowledge Development

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 3

4 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

How to Use this Guide

Course Philosophy and Goals

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 5

Course Flow Options

Course Flow Options provides a visual representation of how knowledge devel-

6 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 7

Minimum Age 15 years

8 Specialty Course Instructor Guide

Student Diver Prerequisites

Supervision and Ratios

Site, Depths, and Hours

Specialty Course Instructor Guide 9

Materials and Equipment

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Student Diver Materials and Equipment

Certification Requirements and

Links to Other Courses

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Specialty Course Instructor Guide 13

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Have divers introduce themselves and explain why they are

Give times, dates and locations as appropriate for classroom

2. Course goals -this course will help:

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B. The Appeal of Wreck Diving

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Refer student divers to Project AWARE’s Ten Tips for Underwater

C. Wreck Diving and the Law

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Another example is the US where the Sunken Military Craft Act

For information on wrecks in Australia, reference the National

b. Antiquity protection laws – These laws protect historical resources.

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• Why should only a trained archaeologist disturb artifacts

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• What are the two main arguments given against

• What are the two main arguments given in favor of

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• Why does recovering an object require special training

• What is your responsibility with regard to laws that apply

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D. Wreck Diving Hazards

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d. Unstable structure – Many wrecks have unstable frames, ceilings,

Student Diver Signature _________________________ Date:

Instructor Name: __________________________________________ PADI #:_