Course overview

Learn to find and recover lost objects underwater with the PADI Search & Recovery specialty in Moalboal, Cebu. Over four dives on the sandy stretches and gentle slopes near the Panagsama house reef you practise search patterns, lift-bag use and knot-tying to bring objects safely to the surface. You finish certified as a PADI Search & Recovery Diver.

What you’ll learn

• Plan and conduct underwater searches with a buddy team
• Run expanding-square, U-pattern and circular search patterns
• Navigate accurately using compass and natural references
• Tie knots and rig objects for recovery underwater
• Use a lift bag to raise objects safely
• Manage buoyancy and silt during searches

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 12 (Junior) / 15
• PADI Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water (Underwater Navigation recommended)
• Comfortable buoyancy and navigation skills
• Diver medical clearance signed by a physician

What's included · What's not

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Search patterns

   Knowledge review and two dives near the Panagsama reef practising compass and natural-navigation search patterns.
2. Day2
   Recovery & lift bags

   Two further dives tying knots, rigging objects and using a lift bag to recover items to the surface.

Verified through iDive

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Frequently asked questions