TDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Course

The purpose of the TDI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Course is to familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, and hazards of using DPV’s while technical diving. Upon successful completion of the TDI Diver

Propulsion Vehicle Specialty training, the student will be able to: demonstrate comprehension of the practical knowledge necessary for DPV diving, properly plan and safely conduct DPV dives, and implement techniques and procedures to manage and minimize DPV diving hazards.

Who this course is for

The certified technical diver looking to extend their range and take advantage of the benefits of utilizing a DPV on technical dives

Course prerequisites

- Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent
- Certified as an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
- Proof of at least 25 logged dives

What you can expect to learn

The following topics must be covered during this course:

Motivations for DPV diving
Advantages of DPV use
Equipment considerations
DPV options
DPV components
Rated burn time
Care and maintenance
DPV rigging
Problem solving procedures
DPV malfunction or failure
Towing
Gas sharing with DPVs
Entanglement
Collision avoidance
Team separation
Environmental considerations
Appropriate vs. inappropriate dive locations
Suitable environmental conditions
Low impact DPV use
DPV diving techniques
Buoyancy and trim with DPV
Instigating directional and depth changes
DPV “parking”
DPV courtesy and etiquette
Dive planning and gas management
Turn time, turn distance, and turn pressure
Gas mix(es) and NDL’s or decompression obligations

Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements

The student must perform the following S-drill and skills during all dives:
- Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning
- Equipment check and equipment matching
- Bubble check
- Demonstrate specialized propulsion techniques in varying types of flow
- Demonstrate proper buoyancy control
- Demonstrate proper body posture
- Demonstrate proper stress analysis (detection and management)

The student must perform the following in-water skills during dives:
- Proper use of DPV
- Gas sharing ascent with DPVs clipped off
- Ascent with a disabled DPV
- Tow a team member and his disabled DPV

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in DPV diving activities without direct supervision so long as the following limits are adhered to:
- Safety and decompression stops as appropriate or necessary
- Planned dives do not exceed diver’s current certification level

TDI DPV Diver minimum requirements

- Perform all dive requirements safely and efficiently
- Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
- Maintain an appropriate level of awareness and respect for the cavern environment
- Log all dives