Dive Northampton

 
PADI Specialties

How far will you take this diving thing? It's up to you. With PADI Specialty Diver Programs you can chart your course for a colourful collection of awesome dives. Sure, your PADI certification opens up the oceans and lakes to you, but the PADI Specialty Dives take the underwater adventure to depths that will stir your soul. Achieving PADI Specialty ratings can take anywhere from as little as one day to a full weekend but this is all hands-on, so you'll be diving right from the start. For those elements of diving that require specialist certification like Deep, Wreck or Diver Propulsion Vehicle, these courses are a must before you can experience these fantastic elements of diving.

The list below details all of the Specialty Courses offered here at DIVE Northampton, together with any age or certification restrictions. These courses are run on a regular basis and you shouldn't have to wait long to get started - normally a few days to a couple of weeks. The costs for these courses vary and start from as little as £50. The course price includes equipment certification and materials so you know up front what things will cost.

Choose from the following:

 

AWARE Fish ID

Boat Diver

Deep Diver

Digital Underwater Photographer

Diver Propulsion Vehicle

Drift Diver

Dry Suit Diver

Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver

Equipment Specialist

Multilevel Diver

Night Diver

Oxygen Administrator

Peak Performance Buoyancy

Search & Recovery Diver

Underwater Navigation

Wreck Diver

 

AWARE - Fish Identification

This course will introduce you to the most common fish families and species found in temperate and tropical waters. You'll also learn basic fish identification and scientific survey techniques as well as how important personal involvement is in aquatic conservation. The AWARE - Fish Identification Adventure Dive from the Adventures In Diving program credits toward this specialty at the discretion of the instructor and this specialty certification counts as one of the five Specialty course certifications for the PADI Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 10 years old

 

What will I do?

During your AWARE - Fish Identification Diver Specialty course, you'll practice basic fish identification techniques then collect fish identification data for submission to the REEF Fish Survey Project (if appropriate). The course includes all the background you'll need to identify fish in your area, including:

 

  • Information on Project AWARE and aquatic protection worldwide
  • Characteristics of local fish families and species
  • Fish survey techniques and strategies
  • Fish identification dive planning, organization and procedures

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 12

Minimum Open Water Training: two dives over one day

 

How much will it cost?

From £89

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Boat Diver

Through the PADI Boat Diver Specialty course, you can learn the techniques and procedures for diving from different types of boats. The more boats you're diving from, the more diving you're doing. The Boat Adventure Dive from the Adventures In Diving program may credit toward this Specialty course at the instructor's discretion. This Specialty course can also be one of the five Specialty certifications necessary for your PADI Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 10 years old

 

What will I do?

As part of your PADI Boat Diver Specialty course, you'll learn about:

 

  • Boat diving planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards
  • Proper boat diving etiquette, including equipment storage and conduct
  • Common boat terminology
  • Specific and local boat diving laws and ordinances
  • Overview of emergency and safety equipment needed on- private dive boats

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 12

Minimum Open Water Training: two dives over one day

 

How much will it cost?

From £99

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Deep Diver

The Deep Diver Specialty course offers you the opportunity of a lifetime - going deep to see thing others can only dream about. You can count the Deep Adventure Dive from your Adventures In Diving program as the first dive of the Specialty course at instructor discretion. This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Adventure Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 15 years old

 

What will I do?

You'll learn deep dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and hazards. You'll also put this knowledge to the test as you go on four open water dives that range from 18 - 40 metres / 60 - 130 feet.

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 24

Minimum Open Water Training: four dives over two days

 

What will I need?

Deep-Pak, which includes manual, video and log insert

Where can I go from here?

 

How much will it cost?

From £149

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Digital Underwater Photographer

Wouldn't you like to show your friends how beautiful the underwater world is? If so, this course is the right one for you! By taking the PADI Digital Underwater Photography specialty course you'll soon be making pictures like the pros. And you'll also learn to process your photos on the computer.

 

What do I need to start?

Minimum age: 10 years old and is open to certified divers and snorkelers.

 

What will I do?

The PADI Digital Underwater Photography specialty course has a two-level design. You will also get to learn the PADI S.E.A. method (Shoot, Examine and Adjust) of digital underwater photography.

 

Level 1:

  • Point-and-shoot cameras and their practicabilities
  • White balancing
  • Colour filters
  • Taking photographs without external flash

 

Level 2

  • Using histograms
  • File formats
  • Image resolution
  • Picture composition
  • Organization and archiving

 

How long will it take and what are the pre-requisites?

In order to participate in Level 1 of the PADI Digital Underwater Photography specialty course you need to have completed a PADI Open Water Diver course (or a higher course), and successful completion of Level 1 is the prerequisite for Level 2. The duration for both levels is 4 hours each. Participation in both levels is also open for snorkelers who will receive a non-diving certificate after successful completion.

 

The course materials include the new PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual and an underwater white-balance slate.

 

How much will it cost?

From £69

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Diver Propulsion Vehicle

If you want an introduction to the excitement of moving through the water with no effort, then his is your course. The Diver Propulsion Vehicle Adventure Dive from the Adventures In Diving program may count toward this specialty at instructor discretion and this specialty counts as one of your five Specialty diver certifications for the Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 12 years old

 

What will I do?

During the program, you'll learn the techniques you need to know for safe diver propulsion vehicle operation. This includes:

 

  • Diver propulsion vehicle dive planning organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards
  • Equipment and procedure considerations
  • How to avoid harming fragile aquatic life

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 12

Minimum Open Water Training: two dives over one day although an additional pool session is recommended

 

How much will it cost?

From £89

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Drift Diver

Drift Diving is effortless and relaxing because you simply glide with the current and feel the rush of flying underwater. But, with this type of diving come special procedures that you need to know so you can maximize your fun underwater. Your Adventures In Diving program Drift Adventure Dive may be count towards your Specialty certification at instructor discretion. You may also count this Specialty certification toward one of the five required Specialties for the Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 12 years old

 

What will I do?

During your PADI Drift Diver certification course, you'll learn about drift dive planning, organization, techniques and potential hazards, as well as special equipment and procedures like buoyancy. But it's not all theory because you'll go on two open water dives where you can put your new knowledge into action.

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 12

Minimum Open Water Training: as little as one day but due to the nature of this course, it must be integrated into an organised trip to the coast.

 

How much will it cost?

From £89

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Dry Suit Diver

If you want to see the spectacular and prolific aquatic life often found in colder water climates you'll need to stay warm and that means a dry suit. But, you want to be trained in proper techniques and this is where PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty course comes in. Your Adventures In Diving Dry Suit Adventure Dive may be count toward the Specialty course at instructor discretion. You may also count this Specialty certification toward one of the five required Specialties for the Master Scuba Diver Certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 10 years old

 

What will I do?

During your PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty course, you'll not only cover the background knowledge related to dry suit diving, you'll get into confined water to put that theory into practice. Then, once you've mastered confined water, it's time for two open water dives and applying that knowledge, including dive planning, organization, techniques, problems and buoyancy control.

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 24

Minimum Open Water Training: as little as one day with a required pool session before moving on to Open Water.

 

We can also integrate this course into your Open Water or Advanced Course as an additional dive on the last day.

 

What will I need?

Dry Suit Pak, which includes manual, video and log insert

 

How much will it cost?

From £50

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Enriched Air Diver

Maximize your time with the upgraded PADI Enriched Air Diver course. Enriched Air Diver saves you time by allowing you to:

  • Stay underwater longer
  • Get back into the water sooner
  • Take advantage of the increasing offers for free Nitrox
  • Get your certification while simultaneously completing dives for other PADI courses
  • Reduced tiredness following multiple dives.

You can apply this Specialty course towards your Master Scuba Diver certification. You also need the PADI Enriched Diver certification if you intend to move into technical diving.

 

What do I need to start?

All you need is your open water diver certification. (You must be 15 years of age or older).

 

What will I do?

You will learn preparation and diving procedures involved with enriched air diving.

 

How soon can I be diving on enriched air?

Just a mini workshop and a couple dives (Optional) and you’ll be on your way.

Recommended Course Hours: 12

Minimum Open Water Training: two dives over one day

 

What will I need?

You'll need your PADI Enriched Air Crew-Pak, which includes an Enriched Air 32 percent Table, Enriched Air 36 percent Table and Equivalent Air Depth/Oxygen Exposure Table.

 

How much will it cost?

From £100

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Equipment Specialist

Whether it's a regulator problem, a wet suit tear or a broken mask strap, the Equipment Specialist course can help. This Specialty course prepares you for the basic equipment maintenance, care and adjustments you'll encounter every day. In addition, you'll get the valuable background on equipment repair and purchase, making you better able to protect your investment. You can count this Specialty certification towards your Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Scuba Diver, Junior Scuba Diver, PADI Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 12 years old (10 for PADI Junior Scuba Diver and PADI Junior Open Water Diver)

 

What will I do?

During your PADI Equipment Specialist program, you'll familiarize yourself with the operation and maintenance of your personal equipment. Your instructor might also provide the opportunity to review new or unfamiliar dive equipment.

 

The program is not an equipment repair program but it does give you:

  • Theory, principles and operation of dive equipment
  • Routine recommended care and maintenance procedures
  • Common problems with equipment and recommended professional maintenance procedures
  • Simple suggestions for comfortable equipment configurations and an introduction to new equipment

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: six

 

What will I need?

The Scuba Equipment Care & Maintenance book

 

How much will it cost?

From £89

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Multilevel Diver

Since there's so much to see underwater you'll want to make the most of your stay. The PADI Multilevel Diver Specialty course tells you how by introducing you to the many varieties of multilevel diving. Your Adventures In Diving Multilevel Adventure Dive may count towards the Specialty certification at instructor discretion. And, the Specialty certification counts as one of five Specialty certifications necessary for your Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 12 years old

 

What will I do?

You'll learn what multilevel diving is and why you want to plan for multilevel dives. You'll also get to see the various types of multilevel dive calculators (including the Recreational Dive Planner, Wheel version and dive computers), as well as learn about multilevel dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques, and potential problems.

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 12

Minimum Open Water Training: two dives over one day

 

What will I need?

The Decompression Theory, Dive Tables and Dive Computers Book

Recreational Dive Planner, The Wheel or a Dive Computer

 

How much will it cost?

From £89

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Night Diver

When you go night diving you'll see a whole new world. Even your local dive site takes on a new personality at night, as many underwater creatures and plant life (different from those you see during the day) are active at night. Your Adventures In Diving Night Adventure Dive may count towards the Night Diver Specialty course at instructor discretion. In addition, the Night Diver Specialty course counts as one of five Specialty courses required for your Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 12 years old

 

What will I do?

You'll learn night dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and potential problems. You'll also learn how to control your buoyancy, navigate and communicate at night. Since many of the plants and animals you'll see are different, you'll also get an introduction to nocturnal aquatic life.

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 12

Minimum Open Water Training: three dives over one day

 

What will I need?

Night-Pak, which includes manual, video and log insert

 

How much will it cost?

From £89

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Oxygen Administrator

Be the one ready to help a fellow diver should the need arise by becoming a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider. Breathe easy—knowing that you know how to recognize illnesses treatable by emergency oxygen. Being the best buddy you can be means being prepared – especially in a time of need. You may also count this Specialty certification toward one of the five required Specialties for the Master Scuba Diver Certification.

 

What do I need to start?

Though suited for divers, this course has no prerequisites and doesn’t include dives, which means it is equally applicable to those who are around divers – boat crew, non-diving buddies, lifeguards, and shore staff. You don’t need any previous CPR or first aid training to take the course. Minimum of 10 years old.

 

What will I do?

You learn how to:
Recognize diving illnesses treatable by emergency oxygen
Properly set-up equipment
Administer emergency oxygen

 

How long will it take?

As a general rule, this course will take about 6 hours.

 We can also integrate this course into your Rescue Course as an additional element during your academic sessions or as part of your Emergency First Response First Aid training course.

 

What will I need?

The PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Manual is an important component of PADI’s Emergency Oxygen training program. Before class, you’ll review a step-by-step explanation of when and how to provide emergency oxygen. You’ll also learn about safety considerations, and how to assemble and disassemble emergency oxygen equipment. The care-

at-a-glance card is a quick reference guide to pack in your gear bag and review in case of an emergency.

 

How much will it cost?

From £99

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Peak Performance Buoyancy

If you want to fine-tune your buoyancy and soar over reefs, extend bottom time by reducing air consumption and prolong the life of your dive equipment, the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course is for you. Your Adventures In Diving Peak Performance Buoyancy Adventure Dive may count towards your Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course at instructor discretion. This Specialty course also counts toward one of the five Specialties required for your Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 10 years old

 

What will I do?

During your Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course, you'll use PADI's Basic Weighting Guidelines to determine the correct amount of weight. Then you'll practice the fundamentals of peak performance buoyancy during two open water dives, including the buoyancy check, fine-tuning buoyancy underwater, weight positioning for trim, streamlining and visualization.

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: five

Minimum Open Water Training: two dives over one day

We can also integrate this course into your Open Water or Advanced Course as an additional dive on the last day.

 

What will I need?

Peak Performance Buoyancy video

 

How much will it cost?

From £50

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Search and Recovery Diver

Have you ever dropped something in the water? Are you looking for lost treasure? The PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course will teach you effective ways to find objects underwater and bring them to the surface. Your Adventures In Diving Search and Recovery Adventure Dive may count toward this Specialty certification at instructor discretion. This specialty can also be used as one of five Specialty certifications required for your Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization) OR

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver AND PADI Underwater Navigation certifications (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 12 years old

 

What will I do?

You'll learn search and recovery dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and potential problems. You'll also cover limited visibility, search patterns and safe object recovery using lift devices.

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 24 hours

Minimum Open Water Training: four dives over two days

 

What will I need?

Search and Recovery-Pak, which includes manual, video and log insert

 

How much will it cost?

From £149

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Underwater Navigator

When you're underwater, knowing where you are and where you're going comes in handy, especially if you're looking for that beautiful reef that you've heard all about. The PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course will help you become a pro at finding your way underwater. Your Adventures In Diving Navigation Adventure Dive may count toward your Specialty course at instructor discretion. This Specialty also counts toward your Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certified (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 10 years old

 

What will I do?

During your PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course, you'll learn underwater navigation dive procedures, techniques, planning, organization and potential problems. You'll also be introduced to natural navigation, underwater patterns, distance estimation and further your compass navigation skills. You'll put these into practice during your three open water dives.

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 12

Minimum Open Water Training: three dives over one day

 

What will I need?

Nav-Pak, which includes Nav-Finder, manual, video and log insert

 

How much will it cost?

From £149

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Wreck Diver

The lure of exploring sunken vessels, airplanes and automobiles is something most divers can't resist. The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course introduces you to wreck diving and helps you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and fun wreck diving. Your Adventures In Diving Wreck Adventure Dive may count towards this Specialty certification at instructor discretion. This Specialty certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for your Master Scuba Diver certification.

 

Wreck penetration-training dives are limited to within the light zone and within 40 metres/130 feet from the surface, vertical and horizontal distance included. If the wreck used for training is located in deep water (over 18 metres/60 feet), the Deep Diver rating is recommended as a prerequisite for the Wreck Diver program.

 

What do I need to start?

PADI Adventure Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

Minimum age: 15 years old

 

What will I do?

Information contained in your wreck diver program includes:

  • The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of wreck diving
  • The preparation and use of lights, air supplies, special equipment, penetration lines and reels
  • Limited-visibility diving techniques and emergency procedures

 

How long will it take?

Recommended Course Hours: 24

Minimum Open Water Training: four dives over two days

 

What will I need?

Wreck-Pak, which includes manual, video and log insert

 

How much will it cost?

From £149

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