BIG PINE KEY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Finders, Not Losers: Two Days to SSI Search & Recovery on Big Pine Key
A focused, two-day program on Big Pine Key that teaches search patterns, lift‑bag technique and team search skills so divers complete the course with SSI Search & Recovery certification.
Finders, Not Losers: Two Days to SSI Search & Recovery on Big Pine Key.
On Big Pine Key you can turn curiosity into a trained skill set over a compact, two‑day course: Search & Recovery teaches divers to move methodically through water, laying lines, reading a compass and hauling found objects with lift bags while operating as a coordinated team.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Search Patterns & Recovery Techniques
Learn standard search patterns, team communications and how to rig and use recovery gear such as lift bags, lines and reels to locate and recover objects safely underwater.
A Focused Two‑Day Specialty Course
This compact program combines academics and in‑water practice designed to prepare you for real‑world search and recovery dives and culminates in the SSI Search & Recovery specialty certification.
Practical Application on the Reef
The course includes a boat trip with two dives to the reef where students put search patterns and lift‑bag recoveries into practice as part of a dive team.
What the day feels like
What the two days feel like
Expect a short, efficient progression: online academics followed by supervised in‑water drills and team search exercises. You’ll practice laying lines, using compasses and deploying DSMBs and lift bags under instructor supervision, then apply those skills during two reef dives aboard a boat before earning the SSI Search & Recovery specialty certification.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should wait:
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two‑day course; minimum age 12 years.
Students must have and use an underwater slate, compass, line and reel or finger spool, and a DSMB; bring your regular dive kit as directed by the operator.
The course includes one boat trip comprising two dives to the reef; after booking you’ll receive online academic materials and a course introduction letter outlining the schedule.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The Search & Recovery course runs over two days.
What certification do I earn?
Upon completion you earn the SSI Search & Recovery specialty certification.
What prerequisities are required?
Participants must be at least 12 years old and certified as Open Water Divers.
What equipment is required for the course?
The course requires an underwater slate, compass, line and reel or finger spool, and a DSMB in addition to your standard dive gear.
Are there boat dives included?
Yes — the course includes one boat trip with two dives to the reef.
When do I receive the academic materials?
After booking you will receive online academic materials and a course introduction letter, typically within 24 hours.