Wrecks like caves and other overhead environments, continue to be the environment most likely to claim the life of the untrained diver in a preventable accident. Generally, wreck divers come in three varieties: the traditional wreck diver who swims the outside of a wreck observing the grace of the nautical structure and the diverse marine life, as time goes by, the divers confidence builds and the mystery of what’s inside becomes more than the diver can resist. At some point, many divers will take a limited penetration course like PADI wreck specialty and exercise their wreck diving ability by swimming through open passages and perhaps the wide open holds of a cargo ship. Still more time goes by, the diver builds more confidence and now the mystery of the dark forbidden and restricted passages begin to have an irresistible pull.

The Advanced Wreck diving course prepares divers for this third level of wreck diving. It introduces you to and shows you how to deal with the hazards of deep penetration, like lost line, buddy and air supply procedures, we will focus on mastering perfect buoyancy control, finning techniques and signals both visual and by touch.

For any diver serious about surviving deep wreck penetration this is a must do course.

The course is run over 3 days at our Dive Lodge in Port Gore and includes 4 training dives on the Mikhail Lermontov and one orientation assessment dive.

Pre-requisites

• PADI Wreck or equivalent
• PADI Tech 40, TDI Deco Procedures or equivalent
• Show proof of 50 logged dives, 10 on wrecks

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Specialities with:
2 Dives $225.00
3 Dives $295.00
4 Dives $345.00

What sort of diving experience do I need?

Most of the PADI Specialty diving programmes run by Go Dive Marlborough require that you be a certified Open Water diver or equivalent. (Deep, Wreck and Search, & Recovery Diver being exceptions), no more experience is necessary, in fact the Specialty dives are a great way to gain extra diving experience under the guidance of our PADI diving professionals. PADI Advanced Open Water Adventure dives, (if you are advanced certified), happen to be the first dive of many PADI Specialty dive courses and can be credited to your PADI Specialty course, so if you tried, say a photography Adventure Dive on your Advanced course, this counts for the first dive on your Photography Specialty course. It works the other way to, if you say, complete the PADI naturalist specialty course, then the first dive can be credited towards your PADI Advanced Open Water certification.

Recommended Specialty Adventures

The Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand offer a unique opportunity for some excellent wreck, naturalist and photography diving.

The three Specialty Adventures we highly recommend while you’re in Marlborough include U/W photography (2 dives), Wreck (4 dives), and U/W naturalist (2 dives). Our Specialty Dive Instructors have advanced knowledge in wreck diving, marine biology and camera systems. Equipment supplied with the course includes, Nikonos, Sony, Sea & Sea and Ikelite camera systems.

Other specialty diving adventures available

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Deep diver (4 dives) Shore diver (2 dives)
Night diver (3 dives) Drift diver (2 dives)
Equipment (no dives) Multilevel diver (2 dives)
Search & Recovery (4 dives) DPV (2 dives)
U/W navigator (3 dives) Project Aware (no dives)
Boat diver (2 dives) Fish Identification (2 dives)
Peak Performance Buoyancy (2 dives) Computer aided dives (2 dives)
Enriched Air Diver (2 dives)
Divemaster

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Most divers begin their full or part time career in diving as a PADI Dive master. As a certified Dive master, you may supervise and assist with both training and non training dive activities. PADI Dive Entrees and Resorts employ PADI Divemasters to help with classes as well as lead guided dives. You may also conduct the pool sessions on PADI’s Discover Scuba Diving experience, PADI Discover Local Diving experience and Scuba Review programme; you can also become an EFR Instructor after additional training. Non divers may also enjoy a visit to the underwater world under your supervision during the PADI Discover Snorkelling experience and PADI Skin Diver course.

What’s involved?

During the Divemaster programme, your level of diving knowledge will be brought up to Instructor level standards. You will learn how to conduct and supervise both recreational and training dives by building on and applying the skills you learnt during your Dive Rescue course. You will also polish your diving skills to demonstration quality through confined water sessions. To achieve this you will review and discuss the following topics:
The Role and Characteristics of the PADI Divemaster
Supervising General Diving Activities for Certified Divers
Assisting with Student Divers in Training
Dive Theory
Decompression Theory and the RDP
Divemaster Conducted Programmes
Risk Management
The Business of Diving
Your Diving Career

Getting started

Like all PADI dive courses, flexibility is the key, and the PADI Divemaster course is no exception. Go Dive Marlborough offer two options in the way you choose to do this programme. The first and by the far most effective option is internship training. This is where you study independently of your instructor, using the reference materials supplied, you will have theory review sessions where your instructor will discuss and review your progress. Practical experience in supervising recreational dive operations and training is gained by joining in on our dive tours and lower level diver training courses. Scheduled courses of 10 days duration is the second option, this option includes classroom presentations and review sessions, plus practical experience in dive supervision and conducting experience courses.

Material

Go Dive Marlborough will provide you with all the required materials to help you succeed. Materials include, Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving (multimedia version available on request), Diving Knowledge Workbook, Dive master Manual, Wheel version of the RDP

Pre-requisites

To enter the PADI Dive master programmer, you need the be a PADI Rescue diver or equivalent, have logged 20 dives (60 required for certification), be 18 years of age or older on commencement of the programme. Also you need a sufficient level of fitness to complete the stamina and water skills exercises, and provide a medical evaluation form completed by a physician within the last 12 months. If you do not have the pre-requisite training, we are happy to customise a total training package to suit.

Your Investment in becoming a PADI Diving Professional.

The step from being a recreational diver to becoming a professional diver is a major decision that should not be taken lightly. As a dive leader you will be a team player and role model, you will be responsible for the adventures and safety of other divers. Your investment is the commitment you show and time that you put into your development through the Divemaster programme, an investment that will pay of with major rewards and a start to an exciting career.

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What will AI qualifications allow me to do?

Having a PADI Assistant Instructor on staff is desirable since you may conduct several PADI programmes independently or with minimal guidance. Beyond the responsibilities already earned as a Divemaster, Assistant Instructor teaching opportunities include:

Certifying students as Peak performance Buoyancy Specialty Divers.
Conducting the complete Discover Scuba pool experience.
Conducting the EFR Course (after additional training as an EFR Instructor)
Certifying students in nondiving specialties such as Equipment Specialist ( after earning PADI Specialty Instructor certification)
Present the academic elaboration for any PADI diver course.
Conduct Open Water surface skill evaluations during Open Water Diver training.

Pre-requisites

Pre-requisites to entering the Assistant Instructors programme include, at least six months diving experience, certified as a PADI Divemaster or leadership level with another recreational diver training organisation. Submit a medical statement for diving conducted within the last twelve months.

Although the Assistant Instructor qualification is not a pre-requisite to entering a PADI Instructor Development programme, we highly recommend it. AI candidates consistently show good results during Instructor Development and Instructor evaluations.

Getting started

As with the Divemaster programme, the Assistant Instructor programme offers two options in how you choose to do the course. The internship option is ideal for local residents; the 5 day scheduled course option is ideal for travellers

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Because several PADI courses require students to have CPR/First Aid training, becoming an EFR Instructor allows you offer all-inclusive programmes. Earning an EFR Instructor certification is as easy as completing an Instructor training course, over one day with Go Dive Marlborough’s Course Director
The MSDT programme is designed to train you in how to organise, promote and conduct PADI Specialty course. Having this qualification enables you to give your students many choices for pursuing continuing diver education. MSDT are the preferred choice by Dive Resorts and Dive Centres. Go Dive Marlborough’s 5 day Master Scuba Diver Trainer programme, includes the following Instructor Specialty ratings:
Boat Diver
Deep Diver
Wreck Diver
Underwater Naturalist
Underwater Photographer

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The DAN O2 provider course in a non-PADI course but has PADI endorsement. It has been proven on many occasions that “1st aid” oxygen has benefited victims of both diving and non-diving accidents. Being able to offer Oxygen Provider training has many advantages to both Dive Centres and Resorts, including being included as an optional component on the PADI Rescue course.
Go Dive Marlborough’s O2 Trainer course is run over 2 days and includes O2 provider training which is the pre-requisite to the Trainer programme.

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Go Dive Marlborough offer two full time career programmes designed to meet the specialised requirements of the Dive and Marine Tourism industries. Both programmes are unique to the market as they offer industry experience working alongside our professional team on snorkel and dive operations. The industry experience you gain during these programmes could well be the determining factor that puts you ahead of others when applying for employment.

Studies in Marine Tourism, Recreational Diving & Dive Operations Management

Diving and Adventure Tourism are exciting, dynamic recreations that support a growing global industry. Along with this growth comes an increasing demand for well trained staff experienced in all facets of these exciting industries.

Go Dive Marlborough offer a unique range of vocational and recreational programmes, which result in a combination of internationally accepted qualifications. Go Dive Marlborough recognises that knowing how to apply these qualifications in the workplace is just as important than the qualifications themselves. Being based in Picton, one of New Zealand's Marine Tourism hot spots allows students the opportunity to gain "real world" industry experience, by hands on application of new found skills via our Dive and Marine Tourism Resort and associate Marine Tourism operations.

Many of Go Dive Marlborough graduates have successfully obtained employment in the Marine Tourism and Dive industries in New Zealand, Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region. Diving units achieved are under PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) the world's leaders in Diver education, with over 4000 affiliated Dive Centre and Resorts, employing only PADI qualified staff.

TDI was formed in 1994 by some of diving’s most experienced instructors to bring technical applications of the sport to a wider audience. TDI’s library of training materials and texts have become known as the industry’s best and most professional resources. Most importantly, TDI has the best safety record of all training agencies.

With offices worldwide and over 10,000 instructors teaching our programs, TDI has become the largest international specialised dive agency. Enjoy your programs and remember that safety is always the first objective!

Many divers incorporate simple advanced diving techniques such as using twin cylinders and surface marker buoys into their every day dives. True technical diving could be defined as going deeper or staying longer than recreational limits. For these techniques we choose to offer TDI certification. Courses cover from basic Nitrox to Advanced Trimix. We not only specialise in Technical dive training but we also offer a full range of technical dive gear for purchase. Go Dive Marlborough is recognised as the regions leaders in tech diving.

Nitrox is a term most divers have heard of. Nitrox does not allow you to go deeper for longer, rather it is best in the shallower depth of less than 40m. There are some dangers for nitrox divers if they are not aware of the hazards. It is important to get good training and advice first. Locally, nitrox will allow you to double your bottom time on the wrecks of the Lastingham and Rangitoto.

Advanced Nitrox, up to 100% oxygen, can be used on many of our wrecks at the much shallower depths. Of course 100% oxygen must not be used below 6m. This is a clever way to reduce your decompression liability, by speeding up nitrogen off-gassing. For deeper wrecks we need to know how to safely plan for the decompression required.

The Decompression Procedures course provides this information and training. By combining these planning techniques and using Advanced Nitrox to decompress with, you can safely enjoy hours on the wreck of the Russian cruise liner - Mikhail Lermontov.

To achieve the maximum benefit while diving with an air bottom gas, the Extended Range course is a must. This training can be conducted to a maximum depth of 55m, incorporating all you have learnt so far. We would use twin cylinders on the back and at least two deco/travel gas cylinders slung off the diver. This training makes diving the USS President Coolidge wrecked in Vanuatu, a real technical divers dream.

If you want to go deeper then you need to get rid of some of the nitrogen. Narcosis is a problem from 30m onwards. The Advanced Trimix course uses a back gas of oxygen/helium/nitrogen mix. This training course has a maximum depth of 100m. This qualification would be acceptable for a dive on the Hippalos 63m, Port Kembla 97m and the Niagara 120m.

Advanced Nitrox

This course examines the use of EAN 21 through 100% (oxygen) for optimal mixes to a depth of 130fsw/40msw. The object of this course is to train divers in the benefits, hazards and proper procedures for utilizing EAN 21 through 100% (oxygen) for dives not requiring staged decompression. (Decompression techniques may be combined with this course at the discretion of the instructor).

Decompression Procedures

This course examines the theory, methods and procedures of planned stage decompression diving. The objective of this course is to train divers how to plan and conduct a standard staged decompression dive not exceeding a maximum depth of 150fsw/45msw unless taught in conjunction with advanced nitrox, Extended Range or Advanced Wreck Courses. The most common equipment requirements, gear set-ups, decompression techniques and decompression mixtures (including oxygen and nitrox) are presented.

Extended Range

This course provides the training and experience required to competently utilize air for dives up to 180 fsw/55msw that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox mixtures and oxygen during decompression.

Advanced Trimix

This course provides the training required to competently and safely utilize breathing gasses containing helium for dives that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox and/or oxygen mixtures during decompression to a maximum depth of 300fsw/100msw.

4 days inclusive of materials, certification, gas, 3/4 days at the Lermontov Dive Lodge with meals and diving on the Mikhail Lermontov.

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Snorkelling is easy

It’s the easiest way to enjoy the beauty that’s found just below the surface. There is no academic training required, just put your snorkelling equipment on and jump in. That is all there is to it.

What will you see when snorkelling with Go Dive Marlborough

Marlborough is the ideal place to Discover Snorkelling with rocky shorelines and reefs home to a range of aquatic life. Out experienced guides will lead you on a tour amongst kelp gardens, which house many varieties of reef fish, you may even see a cray fish or two.

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What will you see?

During your Discover Scuba Dive you will be introduced to many new creatures including the very friendly Blue Cod and maybe even interact with a friendly octopus. Whatever you see, we guarantee your first dive with us will be a truly memorable experience that will leave you itching to get back down under.

Options

The Discover Scuba Diving experience can be completed either in Picton or at our Dive Lodge in Port Gore. Those with diving partners can also enjoy a Discover Scuba Dive while their diving partner enjoys a guided dive from the same boat or while diving the Mikhail Lermontov in Port Gore.

If you're planning a Queen Charlotte track walk, you can schedule a rest day from the track, where Go Dive will pick you up from Punga Cove or Portage and take you to our Lodge in Port Gore for a days diving and exploration. A great way to break up the track excursion and to visit Port Gore a seldom visited part of New Zealand

This is only the start

The PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme is an experience that gives you a taste of the underwater world of New Zealand. The skills you learn during this experience can be credited towards your Scuba Diver or Open water Diver rating.

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Includes dives on the Mikhail Lermontov one of the worlds best and biggest ship wrecks.

Your underwater adventure starts here, with the most popular diving programme in the world, where you‘ll learn real skills for real diving. On completion of this course you will hold an internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to dive to a depth of up to 18metres. As well as have completed two extra Adventure dives which can be credited to your Advanced Open-water course - all while under the guidance of our very experienced PADI Instructors and Divemasters.

Fun from day one

Learning to dive should be fun and that is exactly what you will have when learning to dive with Go Dive. We’ll have you under water on your first pool dive and maybe even your first open water dive on the very first day. Our instructors are trained professionals who embrace internet based learning technology as it allows us more time to help you master the skills required to become a confident, safe diver capable of diving in most environments. To help you achieve this goal, we promote the use of PADI elearning, which reduces the amount of classroom time and improves your understanding of diving knowledge.

For those who don’t have online access or time to study online, we can provide independent learning materials as an alternative. To find out more about PADI elearning click on the elearning button above.

Who Can Dive

Virtually anyone in good health and an appetite for adventure and excitement can dive. Participants as young as ten may take the course, but other than that there are few restrictions. A medical statement declaring you fit to dive is required prior to in water activities a copy of this can be downloaded above.

What else is involved?

As long as you complete the independent study requirements prior to your first in-water session, the open-water course can be completed in 3 days, with an extra day to complete the optional adventure dives. However the course is performance based not time based, so you get as much time as you need to practice and master new skills prior to certification. Go Dive offers two Open-water training options- O/W Plus our highly recommended option, includes one day in Picton learning skills in a heated pool and two days, two nights at our exclusive Dive Lodge in Port Gore where you will complete 4 open water dives off our dive boat and have the added option of two extra adventure dives on the Mikhail Lermontov wreck. Meals and accommodation are inclusive in the package as well as transport ex Picton. Non diving family and friends are very welcome at the Lodge. This option not only teaches you to dive, but gives you access to a part of New Zealand most travellers just don’t get the opportunity to visit due to its remote location and private access.

Click here for details on the Lermontov Dive Lodge

The second option the standard Open-water course does not include the 2 optional Adventure dives and is completed entirely in Picton. The training, professional service and the end results are of the same high quality, your course fee is less and the diving is from the beach with you suppling your own accommodation and meals.

When do I start?

Start today, just E-mail us at info@godive.co.nz we can send you your access code to start your PADI online elearning, or if you prefer we can send you a student pack including a manual and DVD. During the summer months Go Dive runs regular weekly courses, on completion of your independent study, let us know and we’ll book you in for your practical training.
or call us (0800 463 483) and we will send you your starter pack, including manual, video or CD Rom, for travellers these materials can be purchased at your local PADI Dive Centre/Resort or you can pick them up on your arrival in Picton.
The course offers tremendous flexibility, its up to you how and when you choose to complete it, just let us know when you plan to arrive in Picton, it’s that easy.
Courses commence every second Tuesday. For those whom want personalized attention, for a little extra we will customize a schedule to fit in with your travel plans.

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This option is ideal for those with limited time available to complete the full Open Water Diver programme, for those who have their Open Water Training interrupted for any reason or for those who never plan to dive outside the limitations that appear on the certification card. It also offers another opportunity to recognise those working towards Open Water Diver certification.

As a scuba diver you will have twelve months to continue training toward the PADI Open Water Diver rating without retraining. The programme is ideal for those who are travelling and can only allow 2-3 days diving in Picton or those who want to complete their training at another dive location in New Zealand or overseas. Or for those who commence their Open Water Diver training elsewhere and complete it in Picton over a two-day period with Go Dive Marlborough.

How to get started!

Getting started is identical to the PADI Open Water Diver course. Allow at least two days in Picton to complete the Scuba diver programme, this is presuming you have achieved some independent study prior to arrival from the Open Water manual. If you haven’t managed to achieve some independent study prior to arrival you will need to allow three days in Picton.

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Whether you’re a newly certified diver or have hundreds of dives logged, Go Dive Marlborough’s Adventure Dives give you the confidence, skills and experience to take your diving to new levels of excitement.

New Dive Adventures, new skills, lots of fun!

Know what they call someone who’s made 5 Adventure Dives? A PADI Advanced Open Water Diver. PADI Advanced Open Water training offers something for everyone. This in-water, performance based programme includes two “core” dives – a deep dive and an underwater navigation dive –and three different elective Adventure Dives that appeal to you including:

Boat Dive Drift Dive
Underwater Naturalist Dive Underwater Photography Dive
Night Dive Search & Recovery Dive
Wreck Dive Fish ID Dive

How to get started on your next dive adventure?

Go Dive Marlborough run Adventure dives every day of the week. As our Adventure Dives and Advanced Open Water programme are in-water performance based, there is no formal academic or pool sessions required. The background info you need you cover by reading short chapters in the Adventures in Diving manual we supply on enrolment, and during some pre-dive briefings. You can earn the Advanced Open Water Diver certification over a period of time by going on Adventure Dives with Go Dive Marlborough or any other PADI Dive Resort or Dive Centre, most divers chose to sign up for it as a programme. It usually takes 2 days, but the schedule is incredibly flexible.

And even better: The Advanced Open Water dive programme Adventure Dive happens to be the first dive of many PADI speciality courses. So if you try, say, a photography Adventure Dive (by itself or as part of the Advanced programme) and decide that you just have to get an underwater camera, you have already got the first course dive under your weight belt.

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Serious Fun

You learn a pile of skills, most of which you hope you’ll never use. It’s a demanding and challenging dive course, aimed at those that are serious about diving. You’ll love it.
Virtually all those who take this dive course cite it as one of the most rewarding courses they’ve taken. Though challenging, you don’t have to be an athlete – you learn rescue techniques suited to your physical characteristics and fitness level – what works for you.

Are you ready!

If you’ve completed entry-level and advanced training (with any training agency), then you’re in.

Some time prior to certification you need to complete training in CPR, if you haven’t already in the last 2 years. We recommend the EFR course, which meets this important prerequisite. An EFR course can be scheduled in with your dive rescue course. As you learn diving accident management, you’ll apply your first aid and CPR skills to the unique needs of diving. By the time you have finished the PADI Rescue course, you’ll be a qualified first-responder – whether an accident occurs in or out of the water.

Let’s go

Go Dive Marlborough has scheduled dates for the PADI Rescue Diver Course. Four days is required to successfully complete the programme and one day for the EFR course if required. If you can’t meet our schedule, all is not lost, we will run the course on demand with prior notice of at least two weeks.