WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

Being a diver means exploring new underwater territories, and with a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (also called a DPV or scooter) the exploration range can expand even further. Riding a scooter is not only fun, but it also allows divers to cover more distance with less effort, even while carrying extra gear. GUE’s DPV Level 1 course is designed to introduce divers to the skills and knowledge required to safely use a DPV in open water environments.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This course is essential for any diver interested in using one of the most fun and efficient tools available to divers. Students taking DPV 1 must hold either a GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 certification or a GUE Fundamentals certification. Additional details on prerequisites can be found below.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

DPV 1 is designed to teach basic DPV handling skills and it can be your first exposure to diving with a DPV. However, it is also structured to ensure that any diver (even divers with significant previous DPV experience) have all the skills needed to use their DPV safely and effectively.

In the classroom, we’ll cover the history, design, and construction of DPVs. You’ll learn about how major manufacturers approach the design of their scooters and some of the advantages and disadvantages of common designs. We’ll review battery technologies, handle/trigger designs, scooter configuration, torque management, maintenance, and more.

During our first two days of in-water critical skills, we’ll work on a variety of essentials like DPV handing, team positioning, and communication. We’ll also spend a significant amount of time covering emergency procedures that aren’t often practiced by divers who learn to use a DPV in an informal setting. For example, we’ll learn to manage a runaway DPV, to clear a propellor fouled with line, and learn to deal with a failed DPV.

A DPV also opens up access to many long-range shore dive sites that aren’t practical to access while swimming. During DPV 1 we’ll also learn DPV navigational techniques including dead reckoning and open-water line navigation. We’ll review gas planning with a focus on maximizing our time exploring while staying safe. You’ll come out of class able to safely explore many Pacific Northwest shore diving sites that can’t normally be accessed without a boat.

The class is typically three days long. We’ll cover academics and critical skills during the first two days of the course. On the third day, we’ll conduct an experience dive which will be focused on practicing long-range DPV navigation techniques. In Seattle, the final dive is typically conducted on the Alki Fishing Reef.

PREREQUISITES AND DURATION

Applicants for a GUE DPV 1 course must:

• Be a minimum of 16 years of age.

• Be physically and mentally fit.

• Be a non-smoker.

• Be able to swim.

• Obtain a physician’s prior written authorization for use of prescription drugs, except for birth control, or for any medical condition that may pose a risk while diving.

• Have passed the GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 course or the GUE Fundamentals course.

• Have a minimum of 75 non-training dives, 25 of which are beyond GUE certification.

• For a full list of course prerequisites, click here.

The Diver Propulsion Vehicle Level 1 course is normally conducted over three days. It requires a minimum of five dives and at least 24 hours of instruction, including classroom lectures, land drills and in-water work.

COURSE SCHEDULING & COSTS

Please see the Course Scheduling & Costs page for more information about how to schedule a class and costs related to taking a GUE course.