Description
Introduction to SSI Wreck Diving Specialty course
Wreck diving offers an extraordinary blend of history, mystery, and adventure. The SSI Wreck Diving Specialty course, offered by Phuket Dive Master in Patong, Phuket, is your gateway to this exhilarating underwater activity. This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to safely dive around and penetrate wrecks, opening up a whole new dimension of scuba diving.
Course Overview
The SSI Wreck Diving Specialty course is designed to teach divers the techniques and procedures required to safely navigate and explore wrecks. This includes understanding the potential hazards, using specialized equipment, and learning the skills necessary for limited penetration into wrecks.
Key Topics Covered:
- Wreck diving equipment
- Wreck navigation
- Wreck penetration techniques
- Safety protocols
- Marine life interactions
Practical Training
Phuket offers some of the best wreck diving sites, making it an ideal location for this specialty course. During your training, you will dive at notable sites such as the King Cruiser Wreck, an 85-meter-long ferry that sank in 1997 and has since become a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Cross-Referencing SSI Specialties
The skills you acquire in the Wreck Diving Specialty course complement other SSI specialty courses, enhancing your overall diving proficiency and safety.
- SSI Perfect Buoyancy Course: Mastering buoyancy control is crucial for wreck diving to avoid disturbing sediments and to navigate through tight spaces effectively. By taking the Perfect Buoyancy course, you’ll refine your buoyancy skills, making your wreck dives more enjoyable and safer.
- SSI Deep Diving Specialty: Many wrecks lie in deeper waters, requiring divers to have advanced skills and knowledge to explore them safely. The Deep Diving course prepares you to dive beyond the 18-meter limit of Open Water Divers, extending your wreck diving opportunities.
- SSI Nitrox Diving: Using enriched air nitrox allows for longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals, which is particularly beneficial when exploring larger wrecks. The Nitrox course teaches you how to safely plan and execute nitrox dives.
- SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility: Wrecks can present challenges with visibility, especially when penetrating interior spaces. The Night Diving course trains you to handle low-light conditions, enhancing your confidence and safety during wreck dives.
- SSI Navigation: Accurate navigation is essential for locating wrecks and returning to your starting point safely. The Navigation Specialty course equips you with advanced underwater navigation skills using compasses and natural landmarks.
Dive Sites Around Phuket
Phuket is surrounded by numerous dive sites that are perfect for wreck diving enthusiasts. Here are a few highlights:
- King Cruiser Wreck: This site is one of the most famous wrecks in Phuket, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore a large sunken ferry. The wreck lies at a depth of 32 meters and is home to an array of marine life, including barracudas, lionfish, and scorpionfish.
- MV Sea Chart I: This cargo ship, which sank in 2009, rests at a depth of 40 meters. It’s an advanced dive site, ideal for those who have completed their Deep Diving Specialty.
- Koh Doc Mai: While primarily known for its wall dives, Koh Doc Mai also features some interesting small wrecks and debris fields. The site is excellent for practicing wreck navigation and penetration skills.
- Racha Yai: This site includes several small wrecks and artificial reefs, making it a great location for beginner wreck divers to gain experience.
- Racha Noi: The island offers advanced wreck diving opportunities, with several deep wrecks and unique underwater landscapes.
Benefits of the SSI Wreck Diving Specialty Course
- Enhanced Safety: Learn how to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with wreck diving.
- New Skills: Gain specialized skills that allow you to explore underwater wrecks safely.
- Historical Insight: Discover the stories behind the sunken vessels and artifacts you encounter.
- Marine Life Encounters: Wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine life and offering fantastic photo opportunities.
Conclusion
The SSI Wreck Diving Specialty course with Phuket Dive Master provides an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of wreck diving. With expert instruction, world-class dive sites, and a comprehensive curriculum, you’ll be well-prepared to safely explore underwater wrecks and expand your diving adventures.
