Find What’s Lost with the SSI Search & Recovery Specialty! 

Ever dropped a torch, a weight belt, or—worse—your GoPro? Finding a small object in the vast ocean is like finding a needle in a haystack unless you have the right skills. The SSI Search & Recovery Specialty gives you the tools to plan and execute organized search patterns and safely bring lost items back to the surface. It’s one of the most rewarding and practical "utility" courses in diving!

 

Why Learn Search & Recovery?

• Be the Hero: Become the go-to diver for finding lost gear or helping local communities retrieve submerged items.

• Master Navigation: Take your compass and natural navigation skills to an expert level.

• Safe Lifting: Learn the physics and safety of using lift bags to bring heavy objects to the surface without risking your buoyancy.

• Teamwork: Practice the coordination and communication required to run an effective search team.

 

 

Course Prerequisites

This specialty requires solid foundational diving skills and a good handle on buoyancy.

• Minimum Age: 12 years old.

• Certification: Must be a certified Open Water Diver (or have a qualifying certification from another agency).

  • Tip: This specialty pairs perfectly with the Navigation Specialty for maximum efficiency!

• Medical: Standard "Fit to Dive" medical questionnaire.

 

 

Course Structure

The program balances technical theory with rigorous in-water training.

1. Digital Learning (Theory):
   Complete the academic sessions via the MySSI App. You will study:

   • Search Patterns: Learning the U-pattern, expanding square, and circular searches.

   • Knot Tying: Master the essential knots (like the bowline and two half-hitches) for securing objects.

   • Rigging and Lifting: Understanding lift bag capacities and ascent control.

2. Practical Application (Open Water Dives):
   You will complete at least two training dives focusing on:

   • Pattern Execution: Setting up and swimming accurate search grids in varying visibility.

   • Object Recovery: Rigging a lift bag to a "found" object and performing a controlled lift.

   • Communication: Using line signals and buddy coordination to manage the search area.

 

Recognition

This certification is a key step toward the Master Diver rating and counts toward your SSI Specialty Diver and Advanced Open Water levels!