Course overview
Exclusively at Northern Underwater Explorers!
The PADI Foundations of Diving Distinctive Specialty program aims to enhance your diving knowledge, skills, and overall awareness in the water. This unique program emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects that contribute to the core Fundamentals of Diving. Participants will cultivate essential diving skills such as buoyancy control, trim, propulsion, and situational awareness. The course will also delve into vital theoretical topics such as equipment setup, communication, teamwork, dive planning, and emergency management.
These foundational skills are crucial for every diver and will particularly benefit those interested in pursuits like underwater photography, deep diving, wreck exploration, and technical diving.
Theory Topics Include:
- Equipment and Configuration
- Communication (Hand Signals and Light Signals)
- Trim and Buoyancy Techniques
- Proper Propulsion Methods
- Controlled Descents and Ascents
- Situational Awareness
- Teamwork and Positioning
- Dive Planning
- Understanding Nitrogen (N2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Handling Diving Emergencies
Participants will engage in four open water training dives, focusing on essential skills, including:
- Controlled and precise descents and ascents
- Advanced buoyancy, trim, and propulsion techniques
- SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) deployment
- Team diving techniques
- Emergency management skills
- And much more!
This program can be conducted using either single or double cylinder backmount configurations.
PREREQUISITES
- Minimum age of 15 years
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or another qualifying certification)
- Recent drysuit diving experience within the last 12 months. If you haven’t completed a dive in the past
year, please reach out to Northern Underwater Explorers before registering. - It is recommended that you have completed at least 20 to 30 local dives before enrolling in this
program.
MEDICAL STATEMENT
All students must complete a Medical Statement prior to any in-water activities. If you answer “yes” to any of the medical questions, please consult with Northern Underwater Explorers, as you may need to see a physician before starting the course.
Download Medical StatementPRICE INCLUDES:
- Foundations of Diving Training Outline
- 2 Foundations of Diving Theory Sessions
- 4 Open Water Dives
WHAT'S NEEDED?
- Drysuit – Rentals available for $105.00 (includes undergarments, hood, boots, and gloves)
- Dive Computer – Rentals available for $45.00
- Compass – Rentals available for $22.00
- Dive Light – Rentals available for $34.00
- Fins: Rentals available for $42.00
- SMB & Finger Spool – Available for purchase through Northern Underwater Explorers
Course Price: $699.99 + GST
BASIC SWIMMING ABILITY AND COMFORT IN WATER REQUIRED
Students must complete a 200 m free swim or a 300 m swim with mask, snorkel, and fins, plus a 10-
minute float as part of the course requirements. If you’re uncertain about meeting this requirement,
please contact us for assistance.
Note: Individuals not meeting the swimming requirement will not be eligible for a refund. Please see our
Course Transfer and Cancellation Policy for additional details.
NORTHERN UNDERWATER EXPLORERS COURSE TRANSFER / CANCELLATION POLICY
We at Northern Underwater Explorers are committed to providing the highest quality training at all levels. This commitment involves extensive pre-planning and logistics before the course start date, including scheduling instructors based on group sizes, booking pool times, and organizing equipment.
Click here to review Northern Underwater Explorers’ Transfer / Cancellation Policy.We at Northern Underwater Explorers are committed to providing the highest quality training at all levels. This commitment involves extensive pre-planning and logistics before the course start date, including scheduling instructors based on group sizes, booking pool times, and organizing equipment.