Underwater Videographer (PADI)

The Underwater Videographer Specialty is for certified divers who want to capture smooth, watchable underwater video—without fighting buoyancy, lighting, or shaky camera movement. You’ll learn a practical, repeatable approach to planning shots, filming responsibly around marine life, and building short sequences that actually tell a story.

Your training is adults-only and taught primarily private or semi-private (1–2 students), so you get continuous coaching and time to practice the exact skills that improve your results fastest: stability, positioning, and clean camera handling while staying aware of your surroundings.

By the end, you’ll be able to confidently set up your system, shoot more deliberate clips on dives, and follow a simple workflow to turn raw footage into a polished video you’re proud to share.

Next step: Schedule a Free Phone Chat so we can match the course plan to your camera setup, dive location, and goals.

• How to plan a short video story (subject, sequence, timing, and “must-have” shots)
• Camera setup basics for underwater conditions (exposure, focus, frame rate/resolution choices appropriate to your system)
• Stability and trim techniques that reduce shake and improve footage quality
• How to approach subjects without stirring silt or stressing marine life
• Shot types and moves that work underwater (steady pans, tracking, and controlled framing)
• How to use natural light and positioning to improve color and clarity
• Basic lighting concepts (when lights help, when they hurt, and how to aim them)
• How to manage task loading: filming while maintaining situational awareness and safe dive practices
• Post-dive workflow: selecting clips, building a sequence, and making simple edits for a clean finished video

• Better control and buoyancy means safer dives and less distraction when you add a camera
• Improved awareness helps you avoid separation, contact hazards, and poor ascents while filming
• Cleaner technique reduces environmental impact (less silt, fewer accidental contacts)
• More deliberate filming produces shorter, more watchable videos—without endless clips to sort through
• Good habits around marine life and other divers make you a better, more considerate dive buddy

1. Quick consult: We learn your diving background, comfort level, and what camera system you plan to use. We’ll confirm the best training setting (shore/boat) and any site logistics.
2. Knowledge development: You’ll complete the required learning (digital or instructor-led, depending on your package). We focus on the concepts that translate directly to better footage on your next dive.
3. Equipment & setup workshop: We review your camera rig, mounting/handling, pre-dive checks, and a simple “shot plan” so you enter the water prepared.
4. Open-water training dives: You’ll apply techniques underwater with coaching and debriefs between dives. Many locations run this course as typically three training dives, but scheduling can vary by conditions, logistics, and your pace.
5. Review & edit: We review your footage, identify what to repeat or refine, and walk through a straightforward editing workflow so you can produce a finished video efficiently.

Time planning: Many students complete the course over 1–2 days. Exact timing varies based on travel, conditions, and how much coaching you want on filming and editing.

Required personal gear:

• Mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, and appropriate exposure protection for the training environment
• Your underwater video system (action camera or housed camera). If you’re not sure what you have is suitable, we’ll help you evaluate it.
• A way to review/edit footage after the dives (computer/tablet/phone app, depending on your setup)

Rental gear (varies by location):

• BCD, regulator, cylinder(s), weights, and other standard scuba equipment (rental availability varies)
• Optional accessories (trays/handles/lights) may be available depending on the site and your needs

If you don’t have gear yet, we’ll help you choose properly fitting equipment and a practical camera setup that matches your diving style and budget.

Included:

• Adults-only private or semi-private instruction (1–2 students)
• Course coaching and skill development focused on safe filming habits
• Pre-dive setup guidance, shot planning, and in-water technique coaching
• Post-dive debriefs with specific feedback to improve your next dive’s footage
• Basic editing workflow guidance (tool-agnostic, tailored to your device/app)
• Certification processing upon successful completion (included when part of your selected package)
• Required learning materials/eLearning (included when part of your selected package)

Not included (varies):

• Dive site entry fees, pool/venue fees, and permits
• Required gear
• Charter boat fees and operator charges (if boat diving is used)
• Travel, hotel, meals, parking, tips, and incidental expenses
• Equipment rentals (scuba gear, camera gear, lights) if you don’t bring your own
• Optional purchases (memory cards, batteries, O-rings/maintenance items, accessories)

We confirm expected third-party costs and what’s included in your specific package during the consult before you commit.

• Minimum age (agency standard): 18 years old (ScubaDives.com teaches adults-only; typically 18+)
• Certification requirement: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying entry-level certification from another recognized training organization
• Water skills expectations: You should be comfortable in open water and able to maintain buoyancy/trim appropriate for your environment while adding a camera task
• Medical screening: You’ll complete a diver medical questionnaire before any in-water training. If the questionnaire indicates a medical evaluation is required, physician sign-off is needed prior to participation.

We do not provide medical advice. We’ll help you understand which forms are required and when physician clearance is needed.

Do I need an expensive camera?
No. Many students use an action camera. What matters most is stable technique, good positioning, and a simple plan for each dive.

Can I take this course if I’m newer to diving?
Yes, as long as you’re certified and comfortable in the water. If buoyancy is still developing, we’ll build in extra coaching so filming doesn’t compromise control or awareness.

Will you teach editing?
You’ll learn a practical workflow: selecting clips, building a short sequence, basic trimming, and simple adjustments. The goal is a repeatable process you can use after every trip.

How private is “private”?
Most sessions are one student. A private group is two students. This keeps the pace comfortable and gives you more usable practice time.

Where do the training dives happen?
It depends on your location and goals. We’ll recommend a site that supports calm skill development and good visibility when possible, then confirm any site/boat logistics during the consult.

What if conditions aren’t suitable?
If conditions reduce safety or learning quality, we’ll reschedule or adjust the plan (alternate site, different day, or modified objectives) based on local policies and third-party availability.

What if I need more time to get comfortable filming?
That’s common. If you want additional coaching or practice dives, we can add sessions. Extra dives/time and third-party fees may apply.

Does this count toward higher ratings?
Specialty certifications often count toward advanced recognition levels. If you’re pursuing a specific rating, we’ll confirm how this fits into your pathway during the consult.

Do I have to bring my own lights?
It is best if you can, and preferred for the best outcomes, but isn’t required. We’ll discuss your camera and the environment. In many cases, strong technique and smart use of natural light make the biggest difference.

Your consult is where we make this easy: we’ll confirm prerequisites, talk through your camera setup, and match the course plan to the best location and conditions available. You’ll also get clear expectations on what’s included, what third-party costs may apply, and how we’ll pace the training.

If you want steadier footage, better color, and a calmer filming workflow—without sacrificing safety or control—this course gives you a clear path forward.

Schedule a Free Phone Chat