Course overview

Learn to find and recover lost objects underwater with the PADI Search and Recovery specialty in Phuket. Across the Andaman Sea's sheltered reefs you master search patterns, the use of lift bags and rope work to locate and bring up items safely. It is a practical, problem-solving specialty that sharpens your navigation and buoyancy at the same time.

What you’ll learn

• Plan and conduct underwater search patterns
• Use a compass for accurate searches
• Tie knots suitable for recovery work
• Rig and use a lift bag to raise objects
• Coordinate search-and-recovery as a team
• Recover small and larger objects safely

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 12
• PADI Adventure Diver or higher (Advanced Open Water recommended)
• Underwater Navigation skills recommended
• Diver medical clearance where required

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

   Theory plus dives practising compass and natural-navigation search patterns on a sheltered reef.
2. Day2
   Lifts and recovery

   Further dives covering knot work and lift-bag use to recover objects, then certification.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Phuket.

Frequently asked questions