PADI Drysuit Diver Specialty Certification Course
Want to extend your diving season year-round and explore the world's rich temperate ocean environments in complete thermal comfort? The PADI Drysuit Diver Specialty Course at International Diving Centre is your gateway to staying warm and dry while diving in British Columbia and cold-water destinations worldwide.
Diving in a drysuit seals you off from the water and keeps you comfortably insulated under neoprene or trilaminate seals. This course teaches you everything you need to know about suit selection, seal care, undergarment layering, valve operation, and buoyancy control techniques specific to drysuit diving.
Price: $399.95
Course Highlights & Fast Facts
- Course Format: 1 Wednesday Evening (Classroom + Heated Pool) + 1 Saturday (2 Ocean Dives).
- eLearning Included: Official PADI Drysuit eLearning Pass ($215.00 Value).
- No Hidden Gear Fees: Full scuba gear and rental drysuit included.
- Prerequisite: Proof of entry-level Scuba Certification (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) and clean medical statement.
- Age Requirement: 12+ years old.
All-Inclusive Specialty Package – Zero Hidden Costs
At IDC, we believe in straightforward pricing. Your course fee includes the official PADI Drysuit eLearning Module ($215.00 value), all PADI certification processing fees, full scuba rental gear, and your rental drysuit with undergarment accessories.
Detailed Course Schedule & Curriculum
Part 1: Self-Paced eLearning & Wednesday Classroom Briefing
Complete your self-paced PADI online study prior to meeting us. On Wednesday evening, we meet at our Vancouver shop to review drysuit mechanics, valve safety, squeeze prevention, and thermal management strategies for BC waters.
- 7:30 PM: Meet at IDC for Knowledge Review & classroom drysuit orientation.
- 9:00 PM: On deck at our indoor heated pool for equipment setup and briefing.
Part 2: Heated Pool Practice (Wednesday Night)
Head into our indoor heated pool (9:30 PM in-water) to get comfortable with drysuit buoyancy characteristics before stepping into the ocean:
- Proper weighting and buoyancy check procedures in a suit.
- Managing suit inflation/deflation during ascents and descents.
- Streamlining position (trim) and efficient underwater propulsion.
- Safety drill practice, including recovering from excess air in boots.
Part 3: Ocean Training Weekend (2 Ocean Dives)
Put your skills into action in the marine environment under the close supervision of an experienced instructor:
- Friday Gear Pickup (12:30 PM – 6:00 PM): Visit IDC to fit, check over, and pick up your rental drysuit and scuba equipment.
- Saturday Ocean Dives (8:00 AM): Meet at Whytecliff Park or Porteau Cove for site briefing and 2 instructional ocean dives focused on buoyancy trim, maneuvering, and thermal control. (Start time may adjust slightly based on seasonal tides).
- Saturday Afternoon Return (2:30 PM): Return to IDC to drop off gear, log your dives, and process your official PADI Drysuit Specialty certification!
What We Supply (Included):
- PADI Drysuit Diver eLearning Pass ($215.00 Value).
- Rental drysuits available in a wide range of sizes, plus hood, boots, and undergarments.
- Full scuba equipment rental package (BCD, regulator set, tanks, weights).
- Heated indoor pool practice and 2 guided ocean dives.
- Official PADI Specialty Certification Card processing fees.
What You Supply:
- Personal Snorkeling Gear: Mask, Snorkel, and personal Silicone Regulator Mouthpiece.
- Timing & Depth Tool: Bottom Timer or Dive Computer (Dive Computer available to rent for $25.00).
- Prerequisites & Forms: Proof of prior scuba certification and completed PADI Diver Medical Form.
- Transportation: Travel to store, pool, and ocean site (IDC Rideshare Van available for $15/day).
