SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV)

The SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Course at OCD Divers trains you to safely and effectively use a DPV to cover more distance, reduce effort, and enhance your underwater exploration. This specialty introduces the skills, planning, and safety procedures needed to operate a DPV in a non-overhead environment. Whether you want to explore more of a lake, conserve energy, or simply enjoy the thrill of powered diving, this course gives you the tools to do it safely.

What You’ll Learn

This course follows SDI standards and covers the essential knowledge and skills for DPV diving:

• DPV advantages and applications: How propulsion increases range and reduces exertion.
• DPV types and features: Battery types, controls, speed settings, and accessories.
• Dive planning: Air consumption, battery endurance, turn-around points, and navigation.
• Safety considerations: Avoiding entanglement, depth control, and emergency procedures.
• Battery care: Charging, storage, maintenance, and transport.
• Operational skills: Water entries, surface operation, descents, ascents, and underwater touring.
• Buddy procedures: Communication, spacing, and managing speed differences.

Program Overview

Training includes academic development, land-based DPV orientation, and open water dives using real DPVs. Students learn how to plan DPV dives, operate the vehicle safely, and manage common problems such as battery depletion or equipment failure. Skills include proper entries, underwater maneuvering, monitoring air and battery levels, and safe ascent procedures.

Prerequisites:

• Minimum age 18, or 15 with parental consent
• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent

Where Training Takes Place

Training is conducted at OCD Divers in Colleyville and at local Texas lakes where DPV operation can be practiced safely and effectively. Additional dive locations may be used depending on conditions and course scheduling.

Required Gear

Students must have standard scuba equipment suitable for local conditions. DPVs are provided for training, or you may bring your own unit if approved by the instructor.

If you are interested in purchasing a DPV or upgrading your gear, visit our continuing education gear options here: Continuing Education Diver Add On Options

What Comes Next

After completing the SDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Course, students often continue with:

• Advanced Buoyancy
• Deep Diver
• Search & Recovery

This specialty also counts toward the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.