SDI Underwater Video Diver

• The certified diver looking for more information to maximum the use of underwater video for scuba diving and to bring back memories to share with others about their experiences

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

The SDI Underwater Video Diver course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

Video Equipment

• Video systems
• Types of video formats
• Video cameras
• Video controls
• Accessories

Underwater Video Housings

• Types of housings
• Housing controls
• Features and benefits
• Selecting housing

Recording Underwater

• Dive planning
• Setting the video and dive objective
• Creating a storyboard
• Safety concerns

Pre-dive Equipment Assembly

• Setting the camera controls
• Assembling the system
• Checking for leaks

Video Camera Handling Techniques

• Using the viewfinder
• Point and shoot
• Using a tripod

Basic Techniques

• Shot selection
• Shot times
• Putting shots in sequence
• Approaching marine life
• Cutting video shots
• Surface water shots
• Above water shots

Underwater Video Lighting

• Natural light
• Artificial light
• Light systems and power supplies
• Lights and filters

Shooting Video at Night

• Safety concerns
• Entries and exits
• Operating the camcorder and housing controls
• Approaching marine life at night

Editing

• Fundamentals of editing
• Required equipment
• Editing equipment configurations
• Editing techniques
• In-camera editing

Care and Maintenance

• After each dive
• Regular maintenance
• Periodic maintenance
• Storing underwater video systems
• Caring for a flooded video camera/housing

Traveling with Underwater Equipment

• Deciding what equipment to bring
• Packing the equipment
• Bringing underwater video equipment on boats
• Flying with underwater video equipment
• Renting equipment

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

• Plan dive
• Set the video objective
• Plan the sequence of shots
• Review of procedures
• Entry
• Diving procedures
• Exit
• Log dive dives
• Care of equipment
• Edit footage to follow story

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 diving activities with a parent, guardian, or dive professional.

Also, the SDI Underwater Video Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to achieve the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.

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