HUNTER/COLLECTOR DIVER

This specialty teaches responsible, ethical, and effective underwater hunting and collection techniques with a strong emphasis on environmental protection and species knowledge.

• Species identification and local regulations
• Proper tools for hunting and collection
• Sustainable and ethical practices
• Dive planning and safety considerations
• Buoyancy control during hunting or collection
• Handling, storage, and transport of collected specimens

Training includes academic development, species identification, tool handling, and two required open water dives. Students practice responsible collection techniques, buoyancy control, and safe tool use in real environments.

Classroom & Pool: All academic and pool training takes place at our Colleyville shop and pool facility (4903 Queensbury Way E, Colleyville).

Open Water Dives: The two required lake dives for certification are conducted at Lake Travis in Austin.

Fishing License Requirement: All participants must have a valid Texas fishing license before the lake dives. Licenses can be purchased online through Texas Parks & Wildlife:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales/

Prerequisites: SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent; minimum age 18, or 15 with parental consent.

Required Gear: Standard scuba gear plus approved hunting/collection tools. Spearguns and collection tools will be shared during training. Students may bring their own equipment if preferred.

Ordering Gear: If you would like your own spearfishing equipment (spearguns, pole spears, gloves, collection bags, etc.), we can order it for you. Most orders require at least one week of lead time.

Equipment packages and rental options are available. Explore continuing education gear options:
Continuing Education Gear Options

Hunter/Collector Diver pairs well with specialties such as Navigation, Night Diving, and Advanced Buoyancy. This specialty also counts toward the SDI Advanced Diver Development program.

Explore all available classes:
Full Course Catalog

• Do I need my own speargun? No. Shared spearguns and collection tools are provided for training. You may bring your own if you prefer.
• Is scuba gear included? No. Students must bring or rent standard scuba gear (BCD, regulator, tanks, weights, wetsuit, etc.).
• Where are the dives? All open water dives for this course are conducted at Lake Travis in Austin.
• Where is the classroom? Classroom and pool sessions are held at our Colleyville location: 4903 Queensbury Way E.
• Do I need a fishing license? Yes. A valid Texas fishing license is required for the lake dives. Purchase online at the TPWD website.
• Can I order spearfishing gear through OCD Divers? Yes. We can order spearguns, pole spears, gloves, bags, and other tools. Early notice ensures delivery before class.