Drift along without a care in the world

Sea birds have an amazing ability to just glide over the ocean at any height they choose using the currents of air and that way they save energy, then once they have found what they are looking for they dive down by changing their body and wing position.

As divers we are able to copy the sea birds, only we are under water, by using ocean currents to glide along a wall or drop-off and then by changing our body position we can use the current to change our depth to go a little deeper or shallower. It’s an awesome sight to be gliding along to outside of the Stepping Stones at Bait Reef. You are looking down to see the ocean floor gently sloping down, while gently sliding past the huge columns of coral which make up the Stepping Stones, and at 18m you can watch sharks, rays and turtles at 28m below you.

Spot huge rays as you drift on by

PADI Drift Diver specialty course goals

The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of drift diving
Special equipment – floats, lines and reels
Proper procedures for buoyancy control, navigation and communication
Site selection and overview of aquatic currents – causes and effects
Techniques for staying close to your buddy or together as a group

What’s included in the PADI Drift Diver specialty course?

PADI Drift Diver Specialty Manual
PADI Drift Diver Specialty Chevron (badge)
Gold PADI Drift Diver Certification Card
PADI Drift Diver Specialty Certificate of Recognition

One day on a boat to complete the two (2) dives

Classroom time to check the knowledge review in your manual and watch the PADI Drift
Diver DVD

A pool session to practice Drift Diving techniques and review your general diving skills

Who can become a PADI Drift specialty Diver?

Junior Open water Diver – 12-14 years old – Certified Adult maximum depth 18m
Open water Diver – 15 year up – Maximum depth 18m

What you need

Mask, Fins and Snorkel
Exposure Suit and Accessories (hood)
Weight System (weight belt/integrated weight with quick release)
Tanks (2 dives)
Regulator with SPG (submersible pressure gauge)
Alternate Air Source
BCD with low pressure inflator
Instrumentation with a means to monitor depth, time and direction
Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) or eRDPML
Diving Tool/Knife capable of cutting line
Slate and pencil
Whistle or surface signaling device
Dive Bag
Log Book

On a tight budget or schedule?

Complete your PADI Drift Diver Specialty Course on a dive by dive schedule, you could complete one dive a week for two weeks, or one dive a month for two months depending on your budget/schedule.

For details on this option please speak to the Whitsunday Diving Academy team.

Questions and Schedule

For the classroom and pool you will need to bring your completed PADI Drift Diver Specialty Manual and knowledge review, swimmers, towel and dive equipment.

For the boat trip you will need lunch, water bottle, swimmers, towel, hat, sun block and dive equipment.

Any questions about the PADI Drift Diver Specialty Course or the schedule, please speak to the Whitsunday Diving Academy Team.