Take Your Search and Recovery Specialty Course on Koh Tao
Learn how to find and retrieve lost items underwater with precision and purpose. Whether it’s a dropped camera, a lost anchor, or dive gear that’s slipped beneath the surface, this search and recovery specialty course gives you the tools to handle real-world recovery scenarios.
Through hands-on training in Koh Tao’s tropical waters, you’ll practice diver search pattern training, knot tying, lift bag use, and recovery planning — all under the supervision of experienced instructors.
Why Learn Search and Recovery Skills?
This course goes beyond theory.
You’ll complete two open water dives and learn how to recover objects of all sizes using lift bags, ropes, and proper safety procedures.
Ideal for divers who want to build confidence, solve underwater challenges, and take part in search and recovery diving in Thailand and beyond.
It’s a scuba search and recovery course that adds value to your dive skills, no matter your future goals.
6,250 THB
What You’ll Learn in the SSI Search and Recovery Specialty Course
This search and recovery specialty course blends hands-on diving with essential theory to prepare you for real underwater recovery scenarios. Whether you’re retrieving lost gear or helping others during dive operations, you’ll build confidence and capability through guided practice. With structured practice in Koh Tao’s tropical waters, this is one of the most practical forms of search and recovery diving in Thailand.
display:none
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Part 1: Theory
Your scuba search and recovery course begins with digital theory you can complete anytime, anywhere. This foundation prepares you for both the physical and problem-solving demands of underwater object recovery.
You’ll explore:
- When and how to apply different diver search pattern training techniques, including expanding square, U-pattern, and circular sweeps
- How to integrate natural navigation with compass use
- Safety protocols for using lift bags, knots, and slings
- How to plan a recovery dive based on visibility, terrain, and object size
After completing your online learning, your instructor will review each section with you before your first pool session.
Part 2: Pool Session & Compass Practice
Now it’s time to bring the theory to life. In our private training pool, you’ll practice the core techniques of search and recovery diving in a safe and controlled environment. This includes:
- Performing accurate compass-based searches
- Measuring distances underwater
- Safely inflating and managing lift bags
This hands-on diver search pattern training ensures you’re prepared for the challenges of open water.
Part 3: Search & Recovery Dives
This final phase of your search and recovery specialty course includes two ocean dives.
- Dive One focuses on applying your search techniques. You’ll plan and perform a full underwater search based on a simulated scenario.
- Dive Two is all about safe recovery. You’ll locate, secure, and raise a submerged object using the skills practiced in the pool.
Your Search and Recovery Diving Schedule
Here’s a sample training schedule to give you a better idea of what your search and recovery specialty course might look like. The course schedule can be flexible. Let us know your travel plans and we’ll do our best to make the course fit your timing.
MORNING
Click here…
8:00 AM – Course orientation, paperwork, and review of digital learning
Mid-morning – Land-based diver search pattern training and compass navigation drills
Late morning – Pool session to practice knot tying, lift bag handling, and controlled recovery techniques
AFTERNOON
Click here…
Early afternoon – 1 or 2 open water dives focused on search patterns and object recovery
Late afternoon – Debriefing and certification as an SSI Search & Recovery Specialty Dive
Need a different start time or a more flexible schedule? Contact us and we’ll help you plan your scuba search and recovery course around your holiday.
SSI Search and Recovery Specialty Course Prerequisites
To join the search and recovery specialty course at Crystal Dive, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. These standards help ensure that all students are prepared to safely and successfully complete the course, especially since it includes lift bag use, search pattern navigation, and underwater teamwork.
display:none;
Minimum Age
You must be at least 12 years old to enroll in the SSI Search and Recovery Specialty Course.
Minimum Certification Level
Minimum Certification Level
You’ll need to hold an Open Water certification or equivalent from a recognized training agency. Unsure if your current qualification counts? Just ask us — we’re happy to confirm it for you.
Medical Statement
All students must be medically fit for diving. Download the standard scuba medical form here, and ensure it’s signed by a physician within the last 12 months if required.
Recent Diving Experience
To take part in this scuba search and recovery course, you’ll need proof of a logged dive within the last 6 months. If it’s been a while, that’s no problem. We offer a quick Scuba Review to get you dive ready.
SEARCH & RECOVERY SPECIALTY
Price: 6,250 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 12 yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation, Theory & Pool
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s Included in Your Search and Recovery Specialty Course
Your search and recovery specialty course at Crystal Dive includes everything you need to train, learn, and certify with confidence. We keep group sizes small (max. 4 students per instructor), so you’ll get focused attention while you build valuable skills in lift bag handling, underwater navigation, and diver search pattern training.
Whether you’re learning how to conduct recovery dives or just expanding your skills, this all-inclusive package sets you up for success from start to finish.
Throughout the course, you’ll use a full set of high-quality scuba gear — including a dive computer — and receive digital access to the SSI training materials for flexible study. Daily boat trips with refreshments, multilingual instruction, and full insurance for your dives are all included.
You’ll also receive:
- Certification upon successful completion of the course
- Crystal Dive T-shirt to remember your experience
- Optional discounted private AC accommodation for the duration of your training
- 10% off additional diver-level courses and equipment purchases at Crystal Dive
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS WITH AC & ENSUITE
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC ensuite rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Book Your Search and Recovery Specialty Course Today
Ready to turn your next dive into a mission? The SSI Search and Recovery Specialty Course at Crystal Dive Koh Tao teaches you how to locate and retrieve lost objects, from small tools to larger equipment, safely and efficiently.
฿6,250
You’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world skills like diver search pattern training, compass navigation, lift bag use, and recovery planning. Whether you’re interested in just learning search and recovery diving in Thailand or yearn to be the diver others turn to when something goes missing, this course is your next step.
Search and Recovery
You’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world skills like diver search pattern training, compass navigation, lift bag use, and recovery planning. Whether you’re interested in just learning search and recovery diving in Thailand or yearn to be the diver others turn to when something goes missing, this course is your next step.
Capture Your Search and Recovery Dives
Click here…
Want to relive your underwater achievements or share your experience with others? Our in-house photo and video team, Crystal Images, offers professional footage of your SSI Search and Recovery Specialty Course.
Choose between a 10-minute edited video (with topside and underwater footage) or a set of 10–15 high-resolution photos — ideal for divers who want to document their training in action.
These optional packages can be added during your booking by selecting the “video & photo” upgrade. Group packages are also available upon request.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
display:none
Can I start my Search & Recovery Specialty every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Search and Recovery Specialty online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Search & Recovery Specialty?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Search and Recovery Specialty performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Search and Recovery Specialty?
For your Search and Recovery Specialty we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Search & Recovery Specialty?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Search and Recovery Specialty are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Search & Recovery Specialty?
We pride ourselves to teach our Search and Recovery Specialty personal in groups of max. 4 students per instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we arrange for multiple instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Search & Recovery Specialty?
We have 2 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily basis, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Search and Recovery Specialty. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Search & Recovery Specialty?
Currently, under Thai law, neither students nor instructors are allowed to use cameras during any course, except for specific photo/video courses. Our in-house Video & Photo company Crystal Images can take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on two of your dives on the Search and Recovery Specialty. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Search & Recovery Specialty?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your Search and Recovery Specialty. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
