SSI Search & Recovery Course

SSI Search & Recovery — eLearning & Certification Credit Only

Learn how to locate and recover lost objects underwater with the SSI Search & Recovery specialty. This practical and rewarding course teaches you proven techniques to conduct organised search patterns, safely lift objects to the surface, and manage recovery operations. It includes your academic training and certification credit only, allowing you to complete all theory online before arranging the in-water sessions with an SSI Dive Centre.

What you’ll learn online

• Planning and organisation of search and recovery dives
• Search patterns using ropes, compasses, and natural references
• Techniques for locating lost items in various underwater conditions
• Use of lift bags, reels, and other recovery equipment
• Safe object lifting and surfacing procedures
• Navigation, communication, and teamwork during search operations
• Environmental considerations when conducting recovery dives

Required practical training (booked separately)

To earn your full SSI Search & Recovery certification, you must complete in-water training dives with an SSI Instructor. These dives give you hands-on experience applying your knowledge in real scenarios and typically include:

• Four open water training dives
• Executing various search patterns, including circular and U-patterns
• Recovering objects using ropes, lift bags, and surface coordination
• Navigation drills and dive planning for low-visibility environments
• Team-based problem solving and safe lifting techniques

The practical sessions are not included with this eLearning product and must be arranged separately with Dorset Diving or another SSI Dive Centre offering the Search & Recovery specialty.

Important

• Always confirm that your chosen dive centre offers SSI Search & Recovery training and has suitable local conditions for search operations.
• You must hold an Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) and be comfortable diving in limited visibility.
• This course is ideal preparation for professional diving roles or participation in environmental clean-up and recovery projects.

Free registration

Begin your studies today by creating a free SSI account and affiliating with our dive centre here:
Register with Dorset Diving.

What’s next?

After completing Search & Recovery, develop your diving capability further with SSI specialties such as Navigation, Night Diving & Limited Visibility, or Stress & Rescue — all of which complement your new skills perfectly.