SDI Equipment Specialist Course – Know Your Gear, Save Your Dive!

Serving Charlotte, Lake Norman, Gastonia, and the Greater Piedmont Region

Who This Course Is For:

• Certified scuba divers looking to understand the gear they dive with

• Anyone wanting to learn how to handle minor “in-the-field” gear repairs and avoid ending a dive day early due to preventable issues

• Divers preparing to purchase or upgrade their own equipment and wanting to make informed decisions

Course Overview:

The SDI Equipment Specialist Course is designed to make you a smarter, more self-sufficient diver. Whether you’re diving in Lake Norman, the Carolina coast, or a quarry outside Charlotte, this course helps you confidently handle your scuba equipment—without needing to become a technician.

You’ll explore how your gear works, how to maintain it properly, and how to manage common issues that might otherwise ruin your dive day.

Important: This course does not certify you to professionally service or overhaul scuba gear. Major work should always be performed by a certified technician.

What You’ll Learn:

Exposure Suits (Wetsuits & Drysuits)

• How they function underwater

• Materials used and key differences

• Features and comfort considerations

• Field repairs, cleaning, and storage

• How to select the best option for your dive style

BCDs, Regulators, and Alternate Air Sources

• Function and airflow basics

• Construction materials and design

• Features to look for in quality gear

• Troubleshooting and minor repair tips

• Preventive care and best practices

Cylinders & Weight Systems

• Tank types, valve operation, and buoyancy

• Transport and handling considerations

• Field inspection techniques

• Choosing the right setup for your diving needs

Computers & Dive Accessories

• Types of dive computers and how they work

• Alarms, displays, and feature comparisons

• General care, updates, and battery maintenance

• Common issues and simple fixes

Why Take This Course?

• Understand your dive gear inside and out

• Learn how to avoid preventable dive cancellations

• Improve safety and confidence while diving

• Get the most out of your gear investment

• Earn credit toward the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program

Course Requirements:

• Minimum Age: 18 (or 10 with parental consent)

• Certification: SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent

• Final Assessment: Instructor-developed exam to confirm understanding and retention

What You’ll Gain:

• Practical knowledge of scuba systems and accessories

• Skills to perform basic repairs on your own gear

• Enhanced ability to maintain and care for your equipment

• A specialty certification to add to your SDI training path

Ready to Dive Smarter?

Take your dive skills beyond the water. Join the SDI Equipment Specialist Course at Sink or Swim Scuba, Charlotte’s premier SDI Training Center. We proudly serve divers across Lake Norman, Gastonia, Concord, and the greater Charlotte region.