Drift Diver

The PADI Drift Diver Specialty course teaches you how to enjoy going with the flow as you scuba dive down rivers and use ocean currents to glide along.

It feels like flying – except that you’re underwater using scuba equipment. Drift diving can be relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. If this sound like fun, then the Drift Diver course is for you.

Requirements

 If you’re a Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Drift Diver specialty course.

The Learning

Along with drift diving techniques and procedures, you’ll:

  • Receive an introduction to drift diving equipment – floats, lines and reels.

  • Get an overview of aquatic currents – causes and effects.

  • Practice with buoyancy control, navigation and communication during two drift dives.

  • Learn techniques for staying close to a buddy or together as a group as you float with the current.

​Also, the first dive of the Drift Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask us about earning credit.

​Important Medical Information

For your safety and to avoid delays in your course:

Download and Print the Diver Medical Form

Carefully read the form and answer the Medical History Questions honestly.​
 If you can answer "Yes" to question 3, 5, or 10, OR any question on page 2, then written clearance to dive, without restrictions, from a physician is required prior to any in-water activities. Immediately do the following:​

  • Take or send all 3 pages of the form to your physician (MD or DO).

  • Ask your physician to complete the PHYSICIAN section on Page 3 of the form and return the form to you.
    Student Divers who are professional physicians may not sign for approval on their own medical form.

  • Make a copy of the completed form and put it in a safe place. You may need it in the future.

  • Bring the completed original form to your first course session.

Give your completed Diver Medical Form to your instructor at your first course session. Otherwise, your training will be delayed.​

For questions regarding your fitness to scuba dive, please speak with your physician. You and/or your physician can also speak with Diving Medicine Specialists at Divers Alert Network at no charge. Contact the Divers Alert Network (DAN) non-emergency medical information line at 919-684-2948 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CT). Referrals to local diving and hyperbaric medicine specialists are available.

If you have a copy of this form signed by a physician within 12 months prior to the expected completion date of your course, and your medical history has not changed, then you may provide a copy of it to your instructor. Otherwise, you will need to complete a new form.

​Pricing

​Please give us a call. Prices will vary depending on the trip.

Get Started

Call Denny’s Scuba Adventures to enroll in the course and get the PADI Drift Diver Crew-Pak that includes your manual and video. By studying before the dives, you’ll be better prepared to start practicing your drift diving skills when you go diving with your Instructor.

Student Agreement: By registering for the Drift Diver Course, you indicate that you have read and agree to the course policies, terms and conditions.

Drift Diver Course Schedule

Please stop by or give us a call to schedule your course. This course is generally offered, and the dives are completed, on our group dive trips.

 The Gear

Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll learn to use various surface marker buoys and floats with lines and reels. Your Instructor may suggest additional equipment you may need to get the most of your drift dives.

The Next Step

With your PADI Drift Diver certification, you're well on your way toward earning additional specialty diver certifications, the Advanced Open Water Diver certification, or the prestigious Master Scuba Diver certification. You may want to expand your diving skills even more with the Rescue Diver course. Ask your instructor or divemaster or give us a call for more details.