Get your Search & Recovery Specialty on Koh Tao
Why should I learn search & recovery skills?
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Search & Recovery Specialty: Find and Retrieve Underwater Treasures
Whether it’s a ring or a heavy engine, the Search and Recovery Specialty Course equips you with the skills to locate and retrieve lost items underwater. This course is ideal for problem-solvers and divers eager to learn practical techniques that work in any environment.
Learn Effective Search Techniques
Discover how to locate objects of various sizes across different terrains and visibility conditions.
Recover Safely
Master tying methods and use lifting devices to safely bring larger objects to the surface.
Two Exciting Dives
In just two dives, you’ll practice these skills under the guidance of experienced instructors in small groups of up to four students.
Enjoy the thrill of treasure hunting and gain valuable knowledge to use on any dive. Take the Search and Recovery Specialty and dive into a new challenge!
4,250 - 5,750 THB
This is how you become a Search & Recovery Specialist:
To accommodate for your holiday plans & time constraints we offer several schedule options, but in general, these are the parts of your training…
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Part 1: Theory
The Search and Recovery Specialty begins with an engaging theory component that provides the foundation for practical underwater skills. Delivered through the digital learning platform, the self-study material covers key concepts and techniques, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Topics You’ll Cover:
- Search Patterns: Learn about various search patterns, such as expanding square, circular, and U-patterns, and understand when to apply them based on terrain, object size, and visibility.
- Navigation Techniques: Gain insight into combining search patterns with compass and natural navigation to locate objects efficiently.
- Recovery Methods: Explore safe and effective ways to secure and lift objects using knots, slings, and lifting devices like lift bags.
- Safety Considerations: Understand the physics of lifting objects, teamwork during recovery, and mitigating risks during operations.
After completing the knowledge reviews, your instructor will guide you through the practical applications, ensuring you’re confident and prepared for real-world scenarios. The theory component equips you with essential skills, making the underwater treasure hunt both exciting and safe.
Part 2: Compass Practice & Pool Session
Now it’s time to put the theory into practice. You will go through some ways to measure distances, track compass headings to complete search patterns.
The pool session will help you to first learn how to safely lift an object from the bottom. Lift bags can be tricky to master at first.
Part 3: Search & Recovery Dives
You will take part in Search & Recovery Specialty dives*.
Dive number one focuses on naviagtion techniques and search patterns. Firstly how to choose the appropriate search pattern for a particular object, then how to execute the pattern.
On dive two of the specialty you will focus on how to safely lift the object to the surface with the use of a liftbag.
*Please note: If you have completed the Search & Recovery Adventure Dive already, then Dive One has been recognised
How it works …
To give you an idea of what your course will look like,
here’s an example schedule:
MORNING
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8.00 AM Orientation
Theory, land practice & pool practice
- Lunch -
AFTERNOON
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1 or 2 dives
Certification!
However. It’s not all set in stone, you can just contact us to request a different schedule that fits you!
The Search & Recovery Specialty Prerequisites:
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Minimum Age
To enroll in the Search & Recovery Specialty Course you need to be at least 12 years old.
Minimum Certification Level
To enroll in this Specialty Course you will need to hold a certification. Equivalent certifications of recognised training agencies can be recognised.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You will find the medical statement for scuba diving here to download. If in doubt, please check with your physician or ask us before booking your dive experience with us.
Insurance
To comply with our dive insurance requirements, you will need to have proof (logbook etc.) of a dive within the last 6 months otherwise you will need to take part in our Crystal Dive Scuba Review before taking part in the course to receive our insurance cover.
SEARCH & RECOVERY SPECIALTY
Price: 4,250 – 5,750 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 12 yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation, Theory & Pool
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s included?
Our Search & Recovery Specialty package includes:
- Search & Recovery Specialty (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Standard E-learning (Diamond Access upgrade available, read more)
- Certification
- Crystal Dive T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted accommodation option for the course duration, read more
- 10 % discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC 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 Now
Discover Hidden Treasures with Search & Recovery
The Search and Recovery Specialty at Crystal Dive Koh Tao teaches you to locate and retrieve lost items—big or small—underwater.
Master search patterns, tying techniques, and safe lifting methods to recover objects with ease.
Turn dives into treasure hunts and become a certified Search & Recovery Diver!
฿5,750
2-Dive-Specialty: Learn to locate & find treasures or lost objects underwater. You will get the full introduction to this exciting and rewarding activity and all techniques used.
*Already completed a Search & Recovery Adventure Dive? Contact us for options here!
Search and Recovery
2-Dive-Specialty: Learn to locate & find treasures or lost objects underwater. You will get the full introduction to this exciting and rewarding activity and all techniques used.
*Already completed a Search & Recovery Adventure Dive? Contact us for options here!
FILM YOUR DIVES, KEEP THE MEMORIES
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Our Underwater Videography team, Crystal Images, is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.
These options are available for your course and can be booked by clicking the button below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option, in addition to your course booking.
Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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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?
You can take your own camera on any of the dives. Be aware though, that you may be busy with the tasks at hand. A better option may be to arrange for our in-house Video & Photo company Crystal Images to either 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!
