Underwater Search and Recovery

Your exploration journey to the depth starts here

Level 1 - PADI Open Water Course

From 682.50 AED

About the Course

The Search and Recovery Diver program teaches divers how to find and recover objects efficiently and safely in real underwater conditions. In this search and recovery diver course, you will learn how to use underwater search patterns, lines, reels, marker buoys, and lift bags while improving navigation, awareness, and teamwork. This underwater search and recovery training is ideal for divers who want to go beyond sightseeing and develop useful skills for real-world diving situations. As a structured search and recovery specialty course, it gives you practical experience in planning searches, communicating underwater, and recovering objects without damaging the environment or compromising safety.

Course Duration

2-3 days

Max Depth

18 meters

Min Age

12+

Schedule

9AM, 12PM, 3PM (daily)

3 hours

Your First PADI Certification in 3 Easy Steps

No matter where you are on your dive journey, Nemo has an experience for you

1

Discover Scuba

Try your first dive in Dubai or Fujairah with our instructor by your side.

2

Train & Learn

Complete the PADI Open Water Course (the world’s most recognized beginner certification).

3

Dive Anywhere

Get your PADI license and explore oceans across the world with confidence.

Your First PADI Certification in 3 Easy Steps

No matter where you are on your dive journey, Nemo has an experience for you

1

Discover the Magic

A professional instructor introduces your child to scuba in a safe, controlled environment.

2

Breathe Underwater

Experience real scuba diving in shallow water with full supervision and top-quality equipment.

3

Celebrate the Adventure

Receive an official PADI Bubblemaker recognition certificate and unforgettable memories.

Get PADI Certified in Just 3-4 Days

From e-learning to open water. A streamlined journey engineered for results with Nemo's master instructors

1

PADI e-Learning

Complete the PADI coursework instantly on your mobile device. Master then fundamentals at your own pace and Start Training within 1 year.

2

Confined Water

Walk into the water from our Palm Jumeirah facility and immediately apply for your skill with our private shore access for rapid water entry.

3

Open Water

Get your PADI Global License after completing your open water dives and proving your skills. This certification is recognized at all international dive centers. Valid worldwide.

Bonus: Free Fun Dive

Your reward is your choice! Head to Fujairah for a complimentary post-certification boat dive among coral reefs and sea turtles, or take AED 200 cashback instantly.

How to Earn your Scuba Diving Certification

Learn how to find and recover lost objects with precision and efficiency. This course develops problem-solving skills and teaches proven search patterns used by professional divers. Whether it’s retrieving lost gear or assisting in real-life scenarios, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience. Improve your navigation, teamwork, and underwater awareness while taking on exciting challenges. It’s a rewarding course that combines skill-building with real-world applications. Become a more capable and confident diver ready to handle complex tasks. Take your diving beyond recreation, enroll today and master the art of underwater search and recovery.

What you need to know

  • PADI Search & Recovery Diver e‑learning or manual for home study.
  • Four open‑water search & recovery dives over two to three days.
  • Use of search equipment including lift bags, reels, lines and marking buoys.
  • Instruction on knot tying, search patterns and lift‑bag techniques.
  • Certification processing and debrief after each training day.
  • Snacks and drinks during dive days.
  • Transportation to/from the dive centre and dive sites; any border fees for Musandam.
  • Personal dive kit (mask, fins, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, dive computer, compass, SMB and gloves).
  • Meals beyond light refreshments and personal expenses.
  • Dive insurance (recommended) and additional specialties (e.g., Underwater Navigator).
  • Purchase of lift bags or recovery equipment for personal use.
  • In this Search & Recovery Diver Specialty, you will learn how to:
    • plan and organize effective underwater search and recovery operations
    • use circular, U-pattern, expanding square, and jackstay search methods
    • tie essential knots underwater for lines and recovery setups
    • rig and use lift bags safely for controlled object recovery
    • mark search areas with buoys and record search details
    • coordinate with teammates during multi-diver recovery tasks

    This course includes training in search patterns, knot tying, lift-bag techniques, team coordination, and logging search information, along with four open-water dives over two to three days.

After successful completion of the performance requirements, divers earn a search and recovery certification through the PADI Search and Recovery Diver specialty. This certification confirms that you have completed formal underwater search and recovery training and can apply key recovery methods, lift techniques, and search procedures in recreational dive settings.

This specialty counts toward the Master Scuba Diver rating and complements Rescue Diver and Divemaster training.

  • Standard scuba gear and dive computer, compass, SMB and gloves (for rope handling).
  • Swimwear, towel, reef‑safe sunscreen and water bottle.
  • Notebook or slate to log search details.
  • Curiosity to solve underwater challenges and a teamwork mindset.
  1. Enroll & e‑learning: Review search theory, patterns and lift‑bag usage at home.
  2. Dive 1: Practise natural navigation; perform circular and U‑pattern searches; practise filling a lift bag at the surface.
  3. Dive 2: Conduct expanding square and compass‑based patterns; locate a small object and retrieve it using a lift bag.
  4. Dive 3: Work as a team to search for a heavier object; tie knots underwater and attach lift bags to raise it safely.
  5. Dive 4: Plan a staged search for multiple objects; coordinate a recovery sequence and surface safely with a lift bag.
  6. Debrief & certification: Record search data, discuss improvements and obtain your Search & Recovery Diver card.
  • Duration: Two to three days; typically two dives per day.
  • Timing: Flexible scheduling with weekend courses available; morning or afternoon departures.Daily start times at 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM
  • Group size: Up to four students per instructor to ensure safety and coordination.
  • Location: Search sites in Fujairah or Musandam with varying bottom types to practise different patterns.
  • Mastering search patterns requires patience and compass skills; consider pairing this specialty with Underwater Navigator for best results.
  • Gloves are important for handling ropes and lift bags; protect your hands from abrasion.
  • You must remain within your certification depth limit; deeper recoveries require appropriate training and equipment.
  • Lift bags come in various sizes; ensure you know the capacity before raising heavy items. For very heavy objects, contact professional salvage teams.
  • These skills are invaluable for diver safety and rescue scenarios as well as retrieving dropped gear or mooring lines.

Dubai Contact Details

Azure Residences, the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
info@nemodivingcenter.com
+971 56 7044 472

Fujairah Contact Details

Royal Beach, Dibba Fujairah, Al Fujairah
dive@nemodivingcenter.com
+971 58 5044 450

Don't Settle for Just "Good Enough"

Get Certified in the luxury of Palm Jumeirah, then Dive in the UAE's most pristine waters: Fujairah.

Service Details Other Centers Nemo Diving Center
Facility Location ✕ Public Beach / Vans ✓ The Palm Jumeirah (5-Star)
Ocean Upgrade ✕ Not Available / Extra ✓ Fujairah Boat Trip Option
Student Ratio ✕ Crowded (6-8 divers) ✓ VIP Attention (Max 4)
Amenities ✕ Public Restrooms ✓ Azure, Palm Jumeirah
Parking Access ✕ Paid / Off-site Walk ✓ Free On-Site Parking
Equipment Standard ✕ Standard Rental Gear ✓ Premium Sanitized Gear

What our customers are saying about us

Over 2,500 verified Google & TripAdvisor reviews from first-time divers who took the same first step you're taking today.

Why Thousands of Divers Trust Nemo

A decade of safe training, real diving, and global recognition. We don't just teach diving; we build a community of underwater explorers.

10,000+

Divers Certified

Trained safely since 2014 across all levels

7,000+

Diving Trips Conducted

Operating daily for over 10 years

40+

International Dive Trips

Overseas trips & liveaboard adventures

PADI 5-Star

Career Development Center

Trained safely since 2014 across all levels

2,500+

Verified Reviews

Google + TripAdvisor combined

Top-Rated

Diving Center in the UAE

consistent yearly performance

People Behind Your Diving

Hossam Tarek

IDC / tec Instructor

Khaled A Gaber

Dive Master

Muhammed Fasil

Dive Master

Ahmed Amer

Dive Master

Mohab Abdelmegeed

Tec Instructor Trainer

Viktoriia Kulichkova

Dive Master

Mostafa Gomaa

Padi Instructor

Faris Elsafi

Padi Instructor

Galal Hassan

IDC / tec Instructor

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Frequently Asked Questions?

Your underwater journey starts here

No. Any certified diver meeting the prerequisites can learn search & recovery.
We provide equipment; your instructor can advise if you want to purchase one.
Divers aged 12–14 can earn a Junior certification with depth restrictions.
Yes. All Nemo courses follow PADI standards and certifications are issued digitally upon successful completion.
Yes. All required scuba equipment is included during training. Personal gear (mask, computer, snorkel) is optional but recommended.
Yes. Safety is Nemo’s top priority. Courses are conducted in small groups, with experienced instructors, and follow strict PADI safety standards.

682.50 AED

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