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PADI Specialty Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) course

PADI Specialty Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) course

Written by Nevin
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Published on February 12, 2011

What is a DPV or Diver Propulsion Vehicle?
A diver propulsion vehicle (DPV, also known as an underwater propulsion vehicle or underwater scooter) is an item of diving equipment used by scuba divers to increase range underwater. A DPV usually consists of a battery-powered electric motor, which drives a propeller. These machines are designed to provide divers with greater mobility and less air consumption, giving them more bottom time (within tables) and far greater range.

Sea-Doo Explorer Sea Scooter

Why do a specialty course in Diver Propulsion Vehicles?
The PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Specialty is one of the most fun specialties to participate in. While originally used only by technical divers and the military, DPV’s are rapidly gaining popularity in the recreational diving sphere. DPVs offer a thrilling way to cover a lot of underwater territory in a brief amount of time. They cut down the need for the diver to exert himself by kicking or finning. However using a DPV does require some amount of mastery as the DPV has the potential to make buoyancy control difficult and cause barotrauma if the diver ascends or descends under power. This course is designed to introduce divers to the skills and excitement of using diver propulsion vehicles and familiarizes student divers with the knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, potential problems and hazards associated with using DPVs.

Padi Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) DVD

What does the Course cover?
The PADI DPV Speciality is conducted over one evening of theory and pool practice and then two dives in Open Water. The first dive allows divers to practice basic vehicle handling skills and the second dive prompts divers to plan and execute a typical DPV dive.

The course covers the following:

  • The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, and the hazards of diving with a underwater propulsion vehicle.
  • Equipment considerations including but not limited to battery care, maintenance and precautions.
  • Proper procedures for: determining a turnaround point, vehicle failure, runaway motor, descents and ascents and avoiding propeller entanglements.
  • Techniques to avoid harming fragile aquatic life.
  • Techniques for entering and exiting the water with a DPV.
Hollis H-160 Scooter

Prerequisites to do the Course

To qualify for the DPV Specialty course, an individual must:

  • Be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver, PADI Junior Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization.
  • Be 12 years of age or older.