Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality, pages 1-2.

1. Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality
Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality Course
I. Course Overview
The purpose of the Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality Course is to familiarise
divers with the planning and execution of safe coastal dives. Through the use
of knowledge, organisation, procedures, techniques, hazards and enjoyment
of coastal diving using tide tables and charts or computer based systems.
Training should emphasise fun and safety. The goals of the Coastal Diver
Distinctive speciality Course are:
1. To enable students to safely plan coastal dives through the use of tide
tables and Admiralty charts or computer based systems.
2. To develop the student's understanding of weather forecasts.
II. Course Requirements
A. Prerequisite certification: Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water
Diver or an equivalent rating. The term equivalency is defined as
proof of an entry-level certification with a minimum of four scuba
training dives. The instructor is to ensure that the individual can
perform the skills required of a Open Water Diver.
B. Minimum age requirement: 12 years.
C. Student-to-instructor ratio: 8:1
D. Confined water training may be added at your discretion to assess
student dive skills.
E. Dive data
1. During the course, students will make two scuba dives, which may
be conducted on one day.
2. All dives are to be conducted in the sea.
3. The maximum depth for Open Water Divers should not exceed 18
Metres.
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2. Coastal Diver Distinctive Speciality
III. Equipment and Materials
A. Student equipment and materials
1. All personal standard diving equipment to include:
a. Mask, snorkel, fins
b. Exposure suit appropriate for the local diving environment and
depth, including hood, boots and gloves or mitts if required.
c. Quick-release weight belt or weight system.
d. Regulator system with submersible pressure gauge.
e. Alternate air source suitable for sharing air with other divers.
f. BCD with low-pressure inflater.
g. Dive computer and compass.
h. Diving Knife or tool capable of cutting line.
i. Slate with pencil.
j. Diver’s personal log book
B. Instructor Equipment
1. All personal standard and speciality diving equipment listed
under A (Student Equipment).
2. Recommended safety equipment
a. Surface Marker Buoy as indicated by conditions or activity.
b. First aid kit to include pocket mask & oxygen.
C. Training Materials
materials that may be used to teach this course:
1. General materials and teaching aids:
a. Log book.
b. Instructor Manual
c. Student Record File
d. Dive Roster
2. Other materials:
a. Admiralty charts for the local area.
b. Admiralty Chart 5011 for information about the symbols and
abbreviations used on charts
c. Tide tables
3. Recognition materials
a. Temporary Certification Card
b. Speciality Diver wall certificate.
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