Continuing Education
SSI Search & Recovery
Most things lost underwater stay lost because divers search randomly. The Search & Recovery Specialty teaches systematic search patterns that actually work — and the lift bag techniques to bring found objects safely back to the surface. Practical skills with real applications for any certified diver.
The Essentials
Search & Recovery — Key Facts
1 to 2 days
Duration and Structure
- Digital learning : Search pattern theory and lift bag physics
- Training dives : Three dives with search and recovery exercises
- Scenarios : Progressively complex search tasks and object recovery
- Lift bag : Rigging, inflation and controlled ascent practiced in water
Age 12+
Prerequisites
- Certification : Open Water Diver or equivalent
- Age : Minimum 12 years
- Equipment : Lift bag, reel and line provided for training
Find and recover
What You Get
- Execute systematic search patterns for objects of any size
- Use a reel and reference line for accurate coverage
- Rig and inflate a lift bag safely to recover objects
- Control a free-ascending lift bag at the surface
Skills and Knowledge
Search Patterns and Lift Bag Technique
The course covers two distinct skill sets. First: systematic search patterns suited to different scenarios — circular searches for small areas, grid patterns for precise coverage, and expanding square searches for unknown locations. Second: lift bag rigging and inflation for objects from small equipment to larger items requiring controlled ascent management.
- Circular search — pivot point and reel technique for searching small areas
- Grid pattern — compass and distance methods for systematic coverage
- Expanding square — when the search area is uncertain
- Lift bag rigging — attaching to objects, controlled inflation and descent control
- Surface management — controlling the bag and object after ascent