SDI Boat Diver Course
Your introduction to diving from boats in Nanaimo and around Vancouver Island
SDI Boat Diver Certification in Nanaimo
Learn safe, confident boat diving in one of Canada’s best cold-water destinations
If you want to explore more dive sites, access deeper walls, or join charters around Vancouver Island, the SDI Boat Diver certification is the next step in your training. Boat diving opens up a new range of experiences, from comfortable private vessels to offshore liveaboards. Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters prepares you to dive safely from different types of boats while understanding the procedures, etiquette, and equipment that make boat-based diving smooth and enjoyable.
You’ll learn essential boat skills, practice entries and exits, and complete supervised ocean dives from local vessels around Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island.
Who should take the Boat Diving course?
The SDI Boat Diver course is designed for certified divers who want to:
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- Improve their confidence and efficiency when diving from boats
- Understand boat procedures, safety equipment, and planning
- Expand their access to new dive sites and charter operations
Minimum age is 18, or 10–17 with parental consent depending on agency standards. Students must hold an SDI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
Boat Diver course format (Nanaimo Dive Outfitters)
We run this specialty regularly throughout the year, with training completed in a combination of classroom review and boat-based ocean dives from local Nanaimo charter vessels.
A typical training schedule includes:
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- Pre-class eLearning and knowledge development
- Orientation and boat procedures briefing
- On-board safety review and equipment setup
- Guided boat dives with skill demonstrations
- Post-dive debrief and gear care
This structure gives you time to develop comfort on deck and underwater while experiencing real boat diving conditions.
What to expect from your Boat Diver course
The Boat Diver course has three key areas:
#1. Knowledge development
You’ll complete SDI eLearning and classroom review covering:
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- Types of dive boats: charter, private, and liveaboard vessels
- Boat safety features: radios, life jackets, flares, first aid kits, oxygen kits, and emergency gear
- Navigation basics for boat diving
- Choosing appropriate gear for a boat trip
- Weather considerations, dive trip planning, and site selection
#2. On-board procedures
During the course, you’ll learn:
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- How to load your equipment safely and efficiently
- How to follow captain and crew briefings
- Boat etiquette and best practices on a crowded deck
- How to use descent lines, anchor lines, tag lines, and stern safety lines
#3. Open-water ocean dives
You’ll complete guided boat dives at local Nanaimo sites. Locations vary by season and conditions, but may include:
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- Snake Island wall
- Jesse Island
- Clark Rock
- Local pinnacles and reefs accessible only by boat
Here you’ll practice entries, exits, underwater navigation from a boat, and proper post-dive equipment care.
Equipment used in the Boat Diver course
During the course you will use:
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- Mask, snorkel, fins
- BCD and regulator
- Dive computer
- Cylinder and weight system
- Exposure protection suitable for cold water
- Any additional safety equipment required for boat procedures
Our team will help you prepare your gear for boat diving, including securing equipment on deck, pre-dive setup, and post-dive cleanup.
Train in cold water, dive confidently anywhere
Learning boat diving in British Columbia prepares you for charters and liveaboards anywhere. If you can handle the procedures, equipment management, and environmental conditions here, stepping onto a boat in warm tropical destinations becomes easy. Your certification is recognized globally and can be applied toward your SDI Advanced Diver Development program.
What’s included
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- SDI Boat Diver eLearning
- All classroom and on-board training
- Boat charter fees for training dives
- All required scuba gear for training
- Small class sizes for personal attention and a high instructor-to-student ratio
Student perks: You’ll receive discounts when purchasing your own gear, plus access to our regular boat and shore dives through the NDO club.
Coming from out of town?
If you’ve already started your Boat Diver course elsewhere, we can complete your training through a multi-agency referral. Contact us for details.
Boat Diver Course FAQ
How many dives are included in the Boat Diver course?
You’ll complete boat-based open water dives, typically two, depending on conditions and scheduling.
Do I need my own gear for the course?
Standard scuba gear is required. Nanaimo Dive Outfitters can supply rental gear if needed, and specialized equipment is provided during training.
Is the Boat Diver course suitable for beginners?
Yes. As long as you are an Open Water Diver, you can take this specialty.
Do junior divers have restrictions for boat diving?
Yes. Junior divers must dive with a parent, guardian, or dive professional and must follow all SDI age-related limits.
Can this course count toward higher certifications?
Yes. The SDI Boat Diver course counts toward the SDI Advanced Diver Development program.
Will the skills I learn apply outside British Columbia?
Yes. Boat diving procedures are universal, so after training in Nanaimo’s conditions, you’ll be ready to dive from boats anywhere in the world.
How long is the certification valid?
Your SDI Boat Diver certification does not expire, and you can use it toward higher SDI certifications like the Advanced Diver Development program.
Start Your Adventure
Are you ready to experience the thrill of boat diving and more exciting dive sites?
