Altitude Diver
The SDI Altitude Diver Course at OCD Divers teaches you how to safely plan and conduct dives at elevations above 300 meters or 1000 feet. Diving at altitude changes how depth, pressure, and no decompression limits are calculated, and this course ensures you understand how to adjust your dive planning accordingly. This specialty is knowledge‑based and does not require dives, though optional training dives may be conducted when available.
Availability: Contact us for booking information
ALTITUDE DIVER
What You’ll Learn
The SDI Altitude Diver specialty teaches you how to safely plan and conduct dives above 1,000 feet / 300 meters. High‑elevation diving changes pressure, depth calculations, nitrogen loading, and ascent procedures. This course gives you the obsessive planning skills needed to dive mountain lakes and high‑altitude environments with confidence.
- Altitude diving theory — How reduced atmospheric pressure affects depth and nitrogen loading
- Adjusted dive planning — Using altitude‑corrected tables or computers
- Ascent rates & safety stops — Modifying procedures for higher elevations
- Surface interval considerations — How altitude affects off‑gassing
- Traveling to altitude — Planning dives after driving or flying to elevation
- Optional practical application — Applying skills during real altitude dives when available
Program Overview
The Altitude Diver specialty is ideal for divers who travel, dive mountain lakes, or want to deepen their understanding of dive physics and planning. This is a knowledge‑based course with no required open water dives. Optional altitude dives may be offered depending on location and scheduling.
Prerequisites: SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent.
Minimum age: 18, or 10 with parental consent.
Equipment needed: No gear is required unless optional altitude dives are conducted. If dives are added, divers must bring a complete scuba kit appropriate for the dive site and conditions.
Where Training Takes Place
Altitude Diver is now offered at all OCD Divers training locations, plus our high‑elevation specialty site:
- OCD Divers Pool (Colleyville) — Classroom and workshop sessions.
- The Scuba Ranch — Optional altitude‑planning practice dives.
- Balmorhea State Park — Spring‑fed high‑elevation environment ideal for optional altitude dives.
- OCD Divers Trips — Mountain lakes and elevated destinations where altitude planning is applied.
- Valhalla Missile Silo — A unique high‑altitude dive site perfect for applying altitude theory in controlled conditions.
Classroom sessions are conducted at OCD Divers, with optional altitude dives scheduled based on availability and location.
Required Gear
No gear is required for the academic portion of this course. If optional dives are conducted, divers must have a complete scuba kit including mask, snorkel, fins, boots, BCD, regulator set, gauges or computer, exposure protection appropriate for conditions, surface signaling devices, and a cutting tool.
Gear packages and rental options are available:
Continuing Education Diver Add‑On Options
What Comes Next
Altitude Diver pairs well with specialties that expand your planning and environmental awareness. Many divers continue with:
This specialty also counts toward the SDI Master Scuba Diver pathway.
