Diving Courses
Speciality course
PADI courses open a multitude of possibilities. At Sea Dragon, we also offer some speciality courses where you will be able to learn some specialist skills. Please contact us for more information.
SPECIALITY COURSES
Develop your favorite diving skills… Specialize in Deep, Wreck or Nitrox diving… Become a PADI Master Scuba Diver…
With the PADI Speciality Diver programme you can improve your dive skills, learn how to use different types of dive equipment, enhance your knowledge of dive theory, gain a greater understanding of the underwater world, explore wrecks and visit untouched dive sites. That’s quite a lot of choice!
We offer a range of PADI Specialty courses, from the practical skills of Underwater Navigation and Search & Recovery to the conservation focused Project Aware Specialist and Underwater Naturalist, or you might prefer to increase your expertise in your favorite type of diving, whether it is wreck diving, deep diving or drift diving.
These courses take place on half-day or one-day trips to Khao Lak’s reefs and wrecks, on Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trips or on our liveaboards. Not every option is available for every course, as not every dive site is suitable for every speciality, so please read the options carefully.
Do you want to aim for the highest recreational diving certification possible? If you are certified as an Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver, have 50+ dives and have completed five speciality courses then you qualify to apply to PADI for the Master Scuba Diver rating – the top non-professional rating. Please ask at our dive center if you want help with this application.
diving areas that interest you the most
underwater environment with Project AWARE
develop your diving skills
Dive deeper, explore wrecks, drift with the current or practise multi-level dive planning
SEA DRAGON SPECIALITY COURSES
You may have encountered some of these dives already and felt unprepared, or maybe you’re just intrigued by these new experiences on offer?
Explore the depths with the Deep Diver Speciality, learn why the wrecks are so fascinating to so many divers with the Wreck Diver Speciality, drift with the ocean currents with the Drift Diver Speciality or discover how to plan and execute a multi-level dive without relying solely on your computer in the Multilevel Diver Speciality.
DEEP DIVER SPECIALITY
Who doesn’t want to dive deeper? Get certified to the maximum depth for a recreational diver
Dive to a maximum of 40 metres and explore the dive sites you know and love from a different perspective, whilst diving on untouched reefs and experiencing the unique sensation of deep diving. The PADI Deep Diver Speciality is intended to serve as a safe, supervised introduction to deeper diving whilst staying within the limits of recreational diving.
Course Overview :
Using the Deep Diver manual and video, find out why we sometimes dive deeper
- Learn advanced dive planning techniques and familiarise yourself with the hazards associated with deep diving: nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness
- Develop your diving skills by mastering the different dive procedures, techniques and equipment required for deep dives, including the use of a dive computer at depth
- Learn about the effects of depth on objects and colours
This course is available at our local wrecks or on a day trip to the Similans, Koh Bon/Koh Tachai or Richelieu Rock – or a combination of both – or on one of our liveaboard trips. The PADI Deep Diver manual and full diving equipment are included in the price of this course.
B6,000 – add-on price for M/V Andaman liveaboard trip
B11,600 – 2 days – 4 dives – Khao Lak wreck diving*
For all day trips to the National Marine Parks you will also pay B700 National Marine Park fee per day
You must be a PADI Adventure Diver (or equivalent) aged at least 15 years. This 2-day course includes 4 training dives. When extra dives are offered in the options above, they will be fun dives. If you have already logged a PADI Adventure Dive in this Speciality then you may count that dive towards this course and your fourth course dive will be a fun dive. If you are an Adventure Diver you can credit the first dive of this course towards your Advanced Open Water certification.
* Please note that to dive the Sea Chart Wreck you must be either an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives, or an experienced Adventure Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives including Adventure Deep Dive, or an experienced Open Water Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives plus Adventure Deep Dive.
WRECK DIVER SPECIALITY
Get to know Khao Lak’s wrecks more intimately and learn why we don’t penetrate these wrecks as recreational divers
Explore the past! Whether sunk intentionally or tragically, visiting a lost ship or plane can be one of the most mysterious experiences a diver can enjoy. Through the PADI Wreck Diver Speciality course you learn the skills, knowledge and procedures you need to answer the call of wreck diving.
Course Overview
Learn about necessary preparations and practices involved in wreck diving, including:
- Using the Wreck Diver manual and video, discover the planning, techniques and hazards of wreck diving
- Learn about the preparation and use of lights, air supplies, special equipment, penetration lines and reels
- Research limited-visibility diving techniques, safety considerations and emergency procedures
- Survey and map a wreck during the 4 dives of this course
This course is available at our local wrecks. The PADI Wreck Diver manual and full diving equipment are included in the price of this course.
B11,600 – 2 days – 4 dives – Khao Lak wreck diving*
You must be a PADI Adventure Diver (or equivalent) aged at least 15 years. This 2-day course includes 4 training dives. If you have already logged a PADI Adventure Dive in this Speciality then you may count that dive towards this course and your fourth course dive will be a fun dive. If you are an Adventure Diver you can credit the first dive of this course towards your Advanced Open Water certification.
* Please note that to dive the Sea Chart Wreck you must be either an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives, or an experienced Adventure Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives including Adventure Deep Dive, or an experienced Open Water Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives plus Adventure Deep Dive.
Distinguish between the different fish families, learn about Project Aware, identify fish behaviour patterns or explore the challenges of reef conservation
SEA DRAGON SPECIALITY COURSES
PADI ‘Project Aware’ is a campaign to inform and enlist the help of all PADI divers in protecting and preserving the marine environment and to make you more “aware” of your underwater environment.
These four Project Aware courses will help you distinguish between the different fish families with the Fish Identification Speciality, educate you on ecosystems and fish behavioural patterns with the Underwater Naturalist Speciality, introduce you to “Project Aware” with the Project Aware Specialist and you can find out how you can play your part in preserving and protecting these ecosystems with the Coral Reef Conservation Speciality.
FISH IDENTIFICATION SPECIALITY
Struggling to describe a fish to your dive buddies? Learn how to recognise & identify different fish families and species
Ever find yourself saying… “Did anyone see that pink fish”?! This course will introduce you to the most common fish families found in temperate and tropical waters – once you identify the family, it’s much easier to look up the species in your fish guide book after your dive. You will also learn basic fish identification and scientific survey techniques as well as how important your personal involvement is in preserving the underwater world.
Course Overview:
- Using a Fish Identification slate, learn how to identify fish in the Andaman Sea including characteristics of local fish families and species
- Get an overview of fish survey techniques and strategies
- Learn more about Project AWARE activities and marine life protection worldwide
This course is available at our local reefs, Thai Muang or Bangsak Wreck, on a Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trip or on one of our liveaboards. Full diving equipment is included in the price of this course.
B4,500add-on price for M/V Andaman liveaboard trip
B6,3001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak reef diving
B7,3001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak wreck diving
For all day trips to the Similan Islands or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai you will also pay B700 Marine National Park entry fees
You must be a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or equivalent) aged at least 10 years. This 1-day course includes 2 training dives. If you choose the 3-dive day trip to Koh Bon/Koh Tachai, the extra dive will be a fun dive. If you have already logged a PADI Adventure Dive in this Speciality then you may count that dive towards this course and your second course dive will be a fun dive. If you are an Open Water Diver you can credit the first dive of this course towards your Advanced Open Water certification.
UNDERWATER NATURALIST SPECIALITY
Learn about local ecosystems and see new things even on familiar dive sites
Do you want to learn more about the aquatic life and environment that you see whilst diving? This course will introduce you to the ecosystem and the aquatic life and organisms found in temperate and tropical waters. With this knowledge, you’ll find yourself spotting creatures and behaviour patterns you might have missed before.
Course Overview
- Using the Underwater Naturalist manual, learn the key differences between the terrestrial and the aquatic worlds
- Identify aquatic life, groupings and interactions
- Learn about to dive and interact responsibly with the underwater world
This course is available at our local reefs, Thai Muang or Bangsak Wreck, on a Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trip or on one of our liveaboards. The PADI Underwater Naturalist manual and full diving equipment are included in the price of this course.
B4,500add-on price for M/V Andaman liveaboard trip
B6,3001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak reef diving
B7,1001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak wreck diving
For all day trips to the Similan Islands or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai you will also pay B700 Marine National Park entry fees
You must be a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or equivalent) aged at least 10 years. This 1-day course includes 2 training dives. If you choose the 3-dive day trip to Koh Bon/Koh Tachai, the extra dive will be a fun dive. If you have already logged a PADI Adventure Dive in this Speciality then you may count that dive towards this course and your second course dive will be a fun dive. If you are an Open Water Diver you can credit the first dive of this course towards your Advanced Open Water certification.
PROJECT AWARE SPECIALITY
Learn more about the PADI’s conservation “Project Aware” and how you can make a difference
Project AWARE’s philosophy is to mobilize a global force of scuba divers and water enthusiasts who care about protecting the world’s water resources and choose to make a difference – one dive at a time. If this interests you, then this course is for you. You will access the Aware – Our World, Our Water digital manual to enhance your understanding of this course.
Course Overview:
- Learn about the importance of the aquatic ecosystem, its degradation and the conservation measures currently in place, including the Project AWARE philosophy
- Get updated on current issues regarding fisheries, coastal zone management and marine pollution
- Find the status of several critically degraded marine environments
- Discover how you can participate and what your role could be
This theory course takes place either at our dive center in Khao Lak or on one of our liveaboards and, if you choose to add-on two dives, then also at our local reefs, Thai Muang or Bangsak Wreck or on a Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trip. Access to the Aware – Our World, Our Water digital manual is available for free, online. Full diving equipment is included in the price of this course.
B3,500theory only, half day at our dive center or as an add-on to a liveaboard trip
B5,3001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak reef diving
B6,1001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak wreck diving
For all day trips to the Similan Islands or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai you will also pay B700 Marine National Park entry fees
Anyone can take this half day theory course at our dive center in Khao Lak or on one of our liveaboards – there is no minimum age limit. If you are a certified diver and choose to add-on two dives then you will dive at our local reefs or wrecks the same day. Alternatively you can take the whole course during a Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trip. This course may also be conducted in combination with other PADI Speciality Diver courses.
CORAL REEF CONSERVATION SPECIALITY
Discover the complexity of the world’s coral reefs and how you can help to conserve them
The Project AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Speciality course teaches both divers and non-divers about the vital role of coral reefs in the marine environment and the complex nature of life on a reef. You will also learn about the current state of the world’s reefs and why so many of them are in trouble, and how you can help preserve them. You can access the Aware – Our World, Our Water digital manual to enhance your understanding of this course.
Course Overview
- An introduction to Project AWARE and how it makes a difference
- The importance of coral reefs to marine ecosystems and coastal areas
- Coral reef function, biology, association and competition
- The status of the world’s coral reefs and why they need urgent attention
- How participants can help, including responsible diving and snorkelling practices
This theory course takes place either at our dive center in Khao Lak or on one of our liveaboards and, if you choose to add-on two dives, then also at our local reefs, Thai Muang or Bangsak Wreck or on a Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trip. Access to the Aware – Our World, Our Water digital manual is available for free, online. Full diving equipment is included in the price of this course.
B3,500theory only, half day at our dive center or as an add-on to a liveaboard trip
B5,3001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak reef diving
B6,1001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak wreck diving
For all day trips to the Similan Islands or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai you will also pay B700 Marine National Park entry fees
Anyone can take this half day theory course at our dive center in Khao Lak or on one of our liveaboards – there is no minimum age limit. If you are a certified diver and choose to add-on two dives then you will dive at our local reefs or wrecks the same day. Alternatively you can take the whole course during a Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trip. This course may also be conducted in combination with other PADI Speciality Diver courses.
Dive on Nitrox, navigate professionally, search and recover lost items or perfect your buoyancy
SEA DRAGON SPECIALITY COURSES
There can be more to diving than just enjoying the beauty of the underwater world – not that there’s anything wrong with that!
Why not learn how to safely extend your bottom time and shorten your surface intervals by diving on Nitrox with the Enriched Air Speciality, perfect your navigation skills so you always know exactly where you are with the Underwater Navigator Speciality, find out how to effectively “search and recover” that precious underwater camera with all those memories that you accidentally dropped overboard with the Search & Recovery Speciality or refine your buoyancy so you hover effortlessly (just like your dive guide!) with the Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality.
ENRICHED AIR (NITROX) DIVER SPECIALITY
Reduce the amount of nitrogen your body absorbs and extend your no-decompression limits! Learn how to use enriched air (usually referred to as just “Nitrox”) that contains higher oxygen levels and lower nitrogen levels so you can spend more time at depth on your favourite dive sites, feel less tired and safely shorten your surface intervals. You can see why this is one of the most popular speciality courses on the market!
Course Overview
- Use the Enriched Air Diver manual and video to get an overview of Nitrox diving
- Learn dive planning techniques and the use of Nitrox tables, equipment and safety procedures for diving with Enriched Air, including how to set your computer for Nitrox diving
- Learn how to use a Nitrox analyser and plan 2 simulated dives
- Complete the Enriched Air exam and then take the optional 2 Nitrox dives at the Khao Lak wrecks or on a Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trip
This course is available at our local reefs, Thai Muang or Bangsak Wreck, on a Similan or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai day trip or on one of our liveaboards. Full diving equipment is included in the price of this course.
B4,900 – theory only, half day at our dive center or as an add-on to a liveaboard trip
B7,700 1.5 days – 2 dives – Bangsak Wreck or Thai Muang Wreck
B7,700 1.5 days – 2 dives – Thai Muang Wreck and Sea Chart Wreck*
* Please note that to dive the Sea Chart Wreck you must be either an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives, or an experienced Adventure Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives including Adventure Deep Dive, or an experienced Open Water Diver or equivalent with 50+ logged dives plus Adventure Deep Dive. For all day trips to the Similan Islands or Koh Bon/Koh Tachai you will also pay B700 Marine National Park entry fees
You must be a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or equivalent) aged at least 12 years.
UNDERWATER NAVIGATOR SPECIALITY
Learn the art of navigation and never get lost again!
When you’re underwater, knowing where you are and where you’re going comes in handy, especially if you’re looking for that beautiful reef you’ve heard all about! The PADI Underwater Navigator Speciality course will help you become a pro at finding your way around with a compass whilst honing your observation skills and is especially useful if you plan to dive with just a buddy, with no dive guide to show you the way!
Course Overview :
- Using the Underwater Navigator manual and video, learn about underwater navigation techniques and potential pitfalls
- Practise your compass skills and underwater map making
- Use navigation patterns, natural navigation and learn about distance estimation
- Put this theory into practice during your 3 training dives at Khao Lak’s reefs
- This course is available at Khao Lak on our local reefs only. The PADI
- Underwater Navigator manual and full diving equipment are included in the price of this course.
B6,7001 day – 3 dives – Khao Lak reef diving
You must be a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or equivalent) aged at least 10 years. This 1-day course includes 3 training dives. If you have already logged a PADI Adventure Dive in this Speciality then you may count that dive towards this course and your third course dive will be a fun dive. If you are an Open Water Diver you can credit the first dive of this course towards your Advanced Open Water certification.
SEARCH & RECOVERY DIVER SPECIALITY
Lost something overboard – or want to uncover sunken treasure? Learn different search techniques to find whatever it is you’re looking for!
Are you up for a more practical underwater challenge? With the PADI Search and Recovery Speciality you will learn the advanced navigation techniques necessary to locate missing objects, as well as learning how to use the equipment needed to bring them safely back to the surface, depending on their weight and size
Course Overview
- By using the Search and Recovery manual and video you will learn different procedures and techniques including search patterns, dealing with limited visibility and safe object recovery using lift devices
- Plan a search operation based on facts gathered about a lost object prior to the dive
- Put this theory into practice, using a compass and underwater slate, with 4 training dives at our local reefs
- This course is available at Khao Lak on our local reefs only. The PADI Search & Recovery manual and full diving equipment are included in the price of this course.
B9,5002 days – 4 dives – Khao Lak reef diving
You must be a PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) OR a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver with a PADI Underwater Navigator certification (or equivalent) aged at least 12 years. This 2-day course includes 4 training dives. If you have already logged a PADI Adventure Dive in this Speciality then you may count that dive towards this course and your fourth course dive will be a fun dive. If you are an Adventure Diver you can credit the first dive of this course towards your Advanced Open Water certification.
EAK PERFORMANCE BUOYANCY SPECIALITY
Dive like a pro! Improve your air consumption, find neutral buoyancy and hover effortlessly
If you want to fine-tune your buoyancy, reduce your air consumption and soar over reefs whilst extending your bottom time then the Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality course is for you. Once you are correctly weighted, know the correct finning technique and have streamlined your equipment then you will discover the elusive “neutral buoyancy”, and will find yourself hovering effortlessly over the reef, wondering just why you could never do that before!
Course Overview
- Watch the Peak Performance Buoyancy video whilst referring to the Peak
- Performance manual to understand the fundamentals of correct buoyancy
- Practise what you have learned during two training dives, including basic and advanced buoyancy control skills, fining techniques and buoyancy control games
- Get advice on correct weighting, weight positioning for trim and how to streamline your equipment
- Learn how to hover horizontally and vertically – with no effort!
This course is available at Khao Lak on our local reefs only. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy manual and full diving equipment are included in the price of this course.
B6,5001 day – 2 dives – Khao Lak reef diving
You must be a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver (or equivalent) aged at least 10 years. This 1-day course includes 2 training dives. If you have already logged a PADI Adventure Dive in this Speciality then you may count that dive towards this course and your second course dive will be a fun dive. If you are an Open Water Diver you can credit the first dive of this course towards your Advanced Open Water certification.
