Locate missing objects and master underwater search techniques on this immersive weekend course.
Weekend Course
Four Ocean Dives
From $545
Unleash Your Inner Explorer!
Did you know that hidden beneath the ocean's surface lie countless mysteries waiting to be uncovered? Join our Search and Recovery Course and discover the thrill of locating missing objects and exploring the depths with purpose. With expert guidance, you'll gain the skills to navigate, locate, and recover — unlocking a new level of excitement in your diving journey.
Unleash Your Inner Explorer!
The PADI Search and Recovery specialty is an immersive weekend experience designed to elevate your navigation skills to the next level. You'll learn how to locate missing buddies and recover small objects from the ocean floor.
After successfully completing your training dives, you'll be a certified PADI Search and Recovery diver!
1
Theory
At home
Complete your PADI eLearning before your course.
2
Saturday
8am – 5pm
Course introduction and theory at Dive Centre Bondi, then 2 ocean dives.
3
Sunday
8am – 5pm
2 more ocean dives, building on Saturday's skills.
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Choose your date
Equipment
All equipment is included in the course cost, with the exception of mask, snorkel, fins, boots, SMB and spool. These are personal items, and for comfort, hygiene and safety we find students prefer to have their own — our staff can help you find equipment that fits properly. Alternatively, all of these items can be rented for $50 ($25 for mask, snorkel & fins, $25 for SMB and spool).
As a Dive Centre Bondi student, you also unlock a 10% discount off everything in store!
Minimum age 12 (parent or guardian consent required for participants under 18).
Be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver, or hold an equivalent certification from another recognised certification agency.
You must be cleared as medically fit to dive by completing a Medical Statement prior to your course starting. If any questions are flagged as "Yes" you need to gain medical clearance from a doctor.
Find quick answers to the most common questions about our courses, scheduling, prerequisites, and gear.
How do I book my course?
Choose a date above, complete the booking form, and you'll receive an instant confirmation by email.
What is the maximum class size?
Five students. Keeping groups small means more instructor time for you and a safer, more relaxed course.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Mask, snorkel, fins, boots, SMB and spool are personal items not included in the course — we recommend having your own, but all of these can be rented for $50 ($25 for mask/snorkel/fins, $25 for SMB and spool). All other equipment is included.
Is medical clearance required?
Yes — you'll need to complete our Medical Statement before your course starts. If any questions are flagged, you'll need clearance from a doctor first.
What if I need to reschedule?
Rescheduling is free as long as it's more than 7 days before your course starts. Inside 7 days there's a $100 transfer fee — by that point we've already committed your instructor, your equipment and the logistics for those dates.
Can I gift this course?
Yes — click 'Gift This Course' on the booking widget or contact us for a printable gift voucher.
Is the course internationally recognised?
Yes. PADI certifications are recognised by dive operators worldwide.
I want to do this course privately, or with just my friends — can that be done?
Yes! We run private courses for individuals and groups when the scheduled classes don't line up with your availability. Get in touch and we'll arrange one for you.
Where will we dive?
This depends on the conditions on the day. We always pick the best and safest site for the swell, wind and visibility at the time, and we'll confirm where we're heading on the morning.
Can a friend or partner join for the day if they're not diving?
They're very welcome to meet us at the dive site, but unfortunately we don't have a spare seat in the vehicle for them.
Where should we park?
Ocean Street North is your best bet — free parking all day, a short walk from the dive centre. From there you can either come with us to the dive site or take your own car.
Can I use my own vehicle?
Definitely. Meet us at the dive centre to get fitted for your equipment — we'll transport it to the site and back for you. If you drive yourself you can head off straight from the dive site instead of coming back to the centre for the clean-up. The one exception is the last day of your course, when you'll need to come back to finish your paperwork.
Should I come earlier to try on the equipment?
No need. The start time is the time we want you at the dive centre — fitting your equipment is already built into it.
I don't have a dive buddy — is that okay?
Absolutely. We'll pair you with another diver in the group or with the instructor running the session. Coming on your own is completely normal here.
I don't have any equipment — can I still join?
Yes. We have a big range of scuba equipment available for you to use.