Train to Safely Explore and Penetrate Wrecks with Confidence

The IANTD Advanced Wreck Diver course is designed to provide divers with the advanced skills and knowledge required to safely explore and penetrate wrecks, while developing a strong sense of personal responsibility and risk management.

This course is conducted using Nitrox or Trimix mixtures, depending on the certifications held by the diver. It is the ideal next step for those who want to progress in wreck diving, especially with deep and complex penetrations.

Course Purpose

The course aims to:

  • Teach divers safe procedures for exploring wrecks
  • Develop awareness, attitude, and responsibility when engaging in wreck penetration
  • Focus on risk assessment, emergency management, and dive planning
  • Provide advanced training for penetrations in overhead environments

Course Prerequisites

To enrol in the IANTD Advanced Wreck Diver course, you must:

  • Hold an IANTD Advanced EANx Diver certification or equivalent from a recognised agency
  • Hold an IANTD Wreck Diver certification or equivalent from a recognised agency
  • IANTD Normoxic Trimix Diver certification (or equivalent) is highly recommended
  • Have at least 100 logged dives in your personal logbook

Required Documentation

Before starting the course, students must provide:

  • Medical certificate of fitness for non-competitive sports activities, confirming no contraindications to diving
  • Logbook showing at least 100 logged dives
  • Photocopies of all previous certifications, if not certified under IANTD for Advanced EANx Diver and Wreck Diver

Course Program and Duration

Theory Sessions covering:

  • History of wreck diving
  • Equipment configuration and setup for wreck diving
  • Diver psychology, attitude, and responsibility
  • Ship structure and nomenclature
  • Gas management and consumption
  • Safety procedures for wreck penetrations

Dry Land Exercises:

  • Emergency drills and safety management techniques practiced on land

Confined Water Training:

  • One session in an unobstructed environment, max depth 10 metres, for skill development and drills

Open Water Training:

  • Minimum of 4 wreck dives, up to 42 metres depth
  • For divers also certified as IANTD Normoxic Trimix Diver, dives may extend to 51 metres
  • Penetration training, including areas without direct light but always with visible exits (no tight restrictions or bottlenecks)

Teaching Materials

  • IANTD Wreck Diver Manual
  • Additional recommended texts as advised by the instructor

Equipment Requirements

Each diver must be equipped with:

  • Twin set with manifold valves or Sidemount system with two cylinders
  • Rigid backplate with single harness, D-rings, and non-elastic wing sized for cylinders used
  • Balanced regulator (DIN), with long hose (1.80-2.10 m)
  • Second balanced regulator (DIN), with 60-70 cm hose
  • Pressure gauge (50-60 cm hose)
  • BCD inflator hose (60-70 cm) connected to regulator
  • Primary reel with approximately 100 m line (120 m recommended)
  • Spool reel with minimum 27 m line (43 m recommended depending on penetration)
  • Surface marker buoy (minimum lift 12 kg)
  • Cutting tool (knife with line cutter recommended)
  • Slate and pencil (Wet Notes recommended)
  • Depth gauge and timing device (or dive computer)
  • Two torches: one primary and one backup

Ready to Take the Next Step in Wreck Diving?

For more information or to enrol in the IANTD Advanced Wreck Diver course contact us at: cecilia@dgportofino.com

Explore wrecks safely and professionally — with Diving Group Portofino and IANTD!