PADI Search and Recovery Course Malta | Underwater Academy

PADI Search and Recovery

Finding a lost object underwater gives you an incredible buzz and requires some proper technical skills. This course turns you into a real underwater investigator through tried and tested search methods. You’ll learn how to plan effective recovery operations to handle different types of lost items.

Plenty of divers feel gutted when they can’t find something that’s accidentally dropped overboard. Thanks to this specialty, you’ll pick up the calm needed to act with precision even when visibility is a bit rubbish. Plus, you’ll discover how to use the right knots to secure your sunken treasure.

Taking part in this training means adding some brilliant tools to your repertoire as an underwater explorer. Knowing how to plan a methodical search will make you an extremely reliable dive buddy for the whole group.

Course Location

Malta and Gozo boast sandy bottoms and archaeological areas that are spot on for practising search techniques. Our coasts offer clear waters that make learning search patterns very intuitive. You’ll be able to test your new skills while exploring wrecks and the characteristic inlets of the Maltese archipelago. On top of that, the lovely weather means you can do your practical sessions pretty much all year round.

The islands are world-famous for the logistical quality of their dive centres and the beauty of the scenery. Choosing Underwater Academy means having a training experience immersed in the historic charm of the central Med. In fact, the layout of our sites allows us to simulate realistic and highly engaging recovery scenarios.

Required Prerequisites

PADI Open Water Diver certification (with PADI Underwater Navigator specialty) or PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.
Minimum age of 12 years old.
Good buoyancy control and a sharp eye.

What the student will learn

During the lessons, you’ll learn various search patterns using a compass and natural references. You’ll mainly learn how to use lift bags for recovering items at sea in total safety. Thanks to these techniques, you’ll be able to work out the lift needed to raise heavy loads without any risks. You’ll also study how to tie strong knots under pressure to secure the object during a controlled ascent.

Certification and exams

Upon finishing all the practical sessions, you’ll bag the official PADI Search and Recovery specialty cert. This certification proves your ability to manage complex finding and lifting operations. While there aren’t any long written exams, you’ll need to successfully pass the practical applications in the open sea. The instructor will check your precision during the searches to confirm you’re ready for international recognition.

What is included

We include the tank and all the air refills needed for your missions in the training package. However, having your own full set of gear is vital for feeling comfortable and moving around easily. If you’re missing anything, like a wetsuit, you can hire it directly at the Underwater Academy base. We always include original PADI teaching materials to ensure you get high-quality theory preparation. You’ll have professional lift bags and lines at your disposal for every practical exercise in the course.

Course description

This course broadens your diving horizons by teaching you how to solve real problems at the bottom of the sea. You’ll pick up superior manual skills that’ll come in handy for every future adventure below the surface. Afterwards, you could sharpen your exploratory skills even further with the PADI Wreck Diver course.

Plenty of students pair this specialty with the PADI Rescue Diver course to turn this passion into a professional career. Taking on this technical challenge will let you stand out as an expert and methodical diver. Every successful recovery will boost your confidence in your navigation and weight management abilities.

Ready to become the diver everyone calls when something goes missing in the depths? Fill out the contact form right now to find out the next available dates in the stunning waters of Malta. Our team of pros is waiting to show you the secrets of underwater search and recovery. Join Underwater Academy and start your new underwater mission today!

FAQs ( PADI Search and Recovery Course )

What’s the maximum weight I’ll learn to lift with the bags?

PADI Search and Recovery: Maximum Lift Bag Weight Explained

The course focuses on medium-sized objects that require precise and safe technical management. You’ll learn to use lift bags suitable for loads that a diver can handle without needing heavy machinery. The main goal is always your personal safety during every stage of the controlled lift to the surface.

See the course information sheet: PADI Search and Recovery

Do I need to be a navigation expert to start this course?

Do You Need Navigation Skills for PADI Search and Recovery?

Yes, having a good foundation in underwater navigation is a must for actually finding the objects. If you’re not feeling confident yet, we reckon you should brush up on your compass use before the practical sessions. Either way, our instructor will guide you in perfecting your patterns during the early stages of training.

See the course information sheet: PADI Search and Recovery

What happens if we don’t find the object during the exercise?

What If You Don’t Find the Object in PADI Search and Recovery?

The important bit isn’t just finding it, but correctly applying the search methods set out in the programme. Failing a search is part of the training and teaches you to better judge external factors like the current. You’ll learn to analyse the area to figure out if you need to change strategy or expand your reach.

See the course information sheet: PADI Search and Recovery

Can I do the course if I only have the Open Water certification?

Can Open Water Divers Join PADI Search and Recovery?

You can sign up if you’ve already finished the PADI Underwater Navigator specialty, or if you hold the Advanced rank. This ensures you’ve already got the water skills needed to handle complex tasks while controlling your buoyancy. Safety always comes first in our advanced training programs.

See the course information sheet: PADI Search and Recovery

Are lift bags dangerous to use?

Are Lift Bags Safe in PADI Search and Recovery?

If used properly following PADI procedures, lift bags are extremely safe and effective tools. The danger only comes from winging it, which could cause uncontrolled ascents or getting tangled in lines. For this very reason, the course spends plenty of time on managing dump valves and body positioning.

See the course information sheet: PADI Search and Recovery