You must be a certified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or hold an equivalent certification from another training organization) and be at least 15 years old.

This course teaches you how to safely and responsibly explore wrecks, which are often fascinating historical sites and incredible artificial reefs teeming with marine life. You’ll learn specific planning techniques, hazard avoidance, limited penetration techniques, and how to research wrecks.

Yes, but only within the “light zone” and areas where there’s no overhead environment (meaning you can see a direct exit to the surface). The PADI Wreck Diver course focuses on non-penetration and limited penetration diving where you are always within arm’s reach of the open water and daylight. Full overhead environment penetration diving requires significantly more advanced technical diving training.

Any diving carries inherent risks. Wreck diving introduces additional hazards like entanglement, sharp objects, confined spaces, and silting. The PADI Wreck Diver course is specifically designed to teach you how to identify, avoid, and manage these hazards, making wreck diving safe when proper procedures are followed.

Hurghada and the wider Red Sea offer some of the world’s most spectacular wrecks, suitable for various skill levels. Your instructor will choose appropriate wrecks for training based on conditions and your experience, such as the famous SS Thistlegorm (though typically requires advanced experience) or local wrecks around Hurghada.

You’ll use your standard scuba gear. For the course, we’ll provide specialized equipment like dive reels and slates for mapping. A dive knife/cutting tool and a powerful dive light are highly recommended for wreck diving.

Your PADI Wreck Diver Specialty certification is valid for life and does not expire.