About The Course

Want to drive a dive boat and have the skills to drop and recover divers safely? PADI’s Boat Handling course is a lot of fun and ideal for anyone wanting to learn about RIBs and how to drive them.

It is also a great way to get both divers and non-divers involved as no diving qualification is necessary to take part, you just need to be aged 14 or over.  

You will be out and about in boats on both days of this two-day Skill Development Course, which includes a mix of four theory, two dry practical and three open-water practical sessions aboard a RIB. You will learn about the responsibilities of owning, towing and driving a boat, and how to launch and recover it.

What You Will Learn

Key components of the PADI Boat Handler Course typically include:

1. Boat Safety: Understanding safety procedures and guidelines for operating boats, including equipment checks, emergency procedures, and navigation.
2. Navigation and Chartwork: Learning how to read nautical charts, plot courses, and use navigational tools like compasses and GPS devices.
3. Boat Handling Skills: Developing practical skills for handling boats in various conditions, including anchoring, mooring, launching, and retrieving.
4. Communication: Effective communication with divers, other boat operators, and shore support teams to ensure safe and coordinated diving operations.
5. Dive Planning: Incorporating boat-related considerations into dive planning, such as selecting appropriate dive sites, managing dive profiles, and accounting for weather conditions.
6. Equipment Familiarization: Understanding the specific equipment and safety gear commonly used on diving boats, including oxygen supply systems, first aid kits, and emergency signaling devices.
7. Emergency Procedures: Preparing for and responding to emergency situations, such as diver injuries, equipment malfunctions, or adverse weather conditions.