SSI DPV Diver (Scooter)

A Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) is an underwater scooter that lets you cover more distance, conserve energy, and explore areas that would take too long to reach with just fins. DPVs are great for exploring wrecks, diving against currents, and making long-distance dives more enjoyable. They add speed and efficiency to your dives, but most importantly, they make diving even more fun!

Yes, but like any piece of equipment, a DPV needs to be used correctly. This course teaches you proper handling techniques, gas management while using DPV, safe speeds, and how to avoid accidents like entanglement or uncontrolled ascents. You’ll also learn how to manage battery life, what to do if a DPV malfunctions, and how to maintain control without disturbing the environment.

It’s actually very easy with the right training. A DPV does most of the work for you, so there’s no need for heavy finning. However, maintaining good buoyancy and trim while moving at speed takes some practice. That’s why at XR Explorers, we focus on skill mastery, ensuring you don’t just “try it” but actually learn how to control a DPV like a pro.

No prior DPV experience is required. If you have good buoyancy and trim skills, you’ll adapt to DPV diving quickly. If you’re still working on these fundamentals, taking a buoyancy-focused course or Extended Range Foundations first can help you get the most out of DPV diving.

Yes! DPVs are used in recreational diving, wreck diving, sidemount diving, and even technical and cave diving. The skills you learn in this course will allow you to apply DPV techniques to a wide range of dive environments.

Many standard DPV courses focus only on basic operation and recreational scooters, but at XR Explorers, we do things differently. We teach technical DPV diving, not the recreational version, because proper DPV control is essential for safe and efficient diving.

Our training follows DIR (Doing It Right) principles, which means you’ll learn to operate the DPV one-handed—a critical skill that allows you to use your free hand for valve manipulation, communication, managing equipment, and responding to emergencies. Maintaining full control of the DPV while being able to handle critical tasks underwater is what separates a well-trained DPV diver from someone just riding for fun.

You’ll also learn precise maneuvering techniques to avoid silting, maintain proper positioning within a team, and handle speed control, emergency stops, and directional changes without losing control of your trim or buoyancy. This course is designed to make you a competent and confident DPV diver, not just someone who knows how to push a trigger.

Before taking the DPV into open water, you’ll first get hands-on practice in confined water to develop proper scooter handling skills. This ensures that by the time you enter the real dive environment, you’re already comfortable and in full control.

Yes! DPVs and sidemount diving are an amazing combination, especially for wreck and cave exploration. Many sidemount divers use DPVs to extend their range and reduce effort on longer dives.

This is something we cover in detail during training. You’ll learn how to handle DPV failures, manage battery life, and switch to a backup plan if needed. Every DPV diver should know how to safely return to their exit point without relying on the scooter.

Not necessarily. In fact, using a DPV can reduce air consumption since you’re not working as hard to move through the water. However, because DPVs allow you to cover more distance, dive planning is essential to ensure you have enough gas to return safely.

Yes! Many dive shops and resorts require a DPV certification before renting out scooters. With your SSI DPV Diver certification, you’ll be able to rent and use DPVs worldwide.

Absolutely! Many divers pair DPV training with sidemount, wreck diving, or technical diving courses to take their skills even further. If you plan on doing long-range dives, pairing DPV with Enriched Air Nitrox is also a great idea.