SDI Boat Diver

The SDI Boat Diver Course at OCD Divers teaches you how to safely and confidently dive from a variety of boats used in both inland and open‑water environments. You will learn boat procedures, entries and exits, safety protocols, and how to prepare for boat‑based diving. Training is conducted at The Scuba Ranch using simulated boat‑entry platforms or offered during OCD Divers dive trips when boat access is available.

What You’ll Learn

This course focuses on practical boat diving knowledge and procedures:

• Types of dive boats: Features, layouts, and how they affect dive planning.
• Boat safety: Briefings, emergency equipment, and safe movement on deck.
• Entries and exits: Giant stride, controlled seated entries, and ladder use.
• Boat etiquette: Gear setup, stowage, and working efficiently in shared space.
• Navigation from a boat: Anchored, moored, and drift diving considerations.
• Planning boat dives: Conditions, currents, site selection, and logistics.

Program Overview

The Boat Diver Course is ideal for divers preparing for travel, liveaboards, or any diving conducted from a vessel. Skills may be practiced at The Scuba Ranch using controlled entry platforms or completed during OCD Divers group trips when boat diving is available.

Prerequisites: SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent.

Minimum age: 18, or 10 with parental consent.

Equipment needed: A complete scuba kit appropriate for the dive environment. Additional gear such as surface signaling devices may be recommended depending on the dive site and conditions.

Where Training Takes Place

Training is conducted at The Scuba Ranch using simulated boat‑entry platforms or during OCD Divers dive trips where boat diving is available. This ensures divers gain real‑world experience in both controlled and open‑water settings.

Required Gear

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. Additional recommended items include a whistle, SMB, and reel for drift or offshore conditions.

Gear packages and rental options are available. Visit our continuing education gear options here: Continuing Education Diver Add On Options

What Comes Next

After completing the Boat Diver Course, divers often continue with specialties such as Deep Diver, Navigation Diver, or Search and Recovery Diver. This specialty also counts toward the SDI Master Scuba Diver pathway.