What type of training is recommended prior to advanced wreck diving?

Prior to engaging in advanced wreck diving, it is vital to have advanced navigation and emergency management training. This type of training prepares divers for the unique challenges associated with wreck environments, which often include challenging visibility, entanglement hazards, and the possibility of disorientation in confined spaces. Proper navigation skills are essential for safely exploring a wreck and ensuring that divers can return to their point of entry without incident. Additionally, understanding emergency management is crucial because divers may encounter unforeseen situations, such as equipment failure or sudden changes in conditions, that require immediate response.

While basic open water diving certification provides a foundation, and knowledge of deep-sea techniques may be beneficial, they do not specifically equip a diver with the skills required for the complexities of wreck diving. Wreck salvage operations training typically focuses on recovering artifacts rather than safety and navigation, which are paramount in advanced wreck scenarios. Thus, advanced navigation and emergency management training is the most appropriate preparatory step for divers looking to enhance their wreck diving experience.