Who this course is for:

• The certified diver looking for more information on proper spear fishing and fish collection techniques

Course prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 10 with parental consent

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Hunter/Collector Diver course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Survey of marine life
  • Salt water
  • Fresh water
• Ecology and conservation
  • Ecology
  • Salt water
  • Conservation
• Collecting techniques
  • Where to look
  • What to take
  • How much to take
  • How to take it
  • Legal aspects of collecting
• Spear fishing techniques
  • Handling of the spear gun
  • What fish may be taken
  • Limits of taking
  • Hazards of spear fishing
  • What not to shoot
  • Legal aspects of spear fishing
• Spear fishing rules
  • Rules by law
  • Rules by diving courtesy
• Invertebrate collecting
  • Conch, clams, scallops, etc
  • Lobster

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

• Learn how the collecting device works; for example, how to load and shoot the spear gun
• Use underwater targets for the student to practice shooting, and reloading spear gun underwater
• Teaching how to hunt for lobster, show some of the different habitats in which you may find the species (if conducting this type of hunting and collecting)
• Demonstrate how to collect a certain species, making sure that all local laws are followed
• Enjoy the catch

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities without direct supervision of the SDI Instructor* so long as the following limits are adhered to:

• The diving activities approximate those of training
• The areas of activities approximate those of training
• Environmental conditions approximate those of training

*Note: Junior divers (ages 10-14) must participate in Hunter/Collector diving activities with a parent, guardian, or dive professional.

Also, the SDI Hunter/Collector Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.

SDI Hunter/Collector Diver minimum requirements:

• Complete all open water requirements efficiently
• Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution