Learn to Dive F.A.Q.

Can I Be A Diver?

Yes, you can. The idea of breathing while underneath the water can be a bit intimidating at first, but with a little nose for adventure and a few hours of training, most people in good health can become confident safe divers. Anyone 12 years and older can register for our beginner classes. All participants will be required to complete a medical certification form.

What Does It Take?

To become a full-fledged diver, you must take a certification course from a qualified instructor licensed by one of the national scuba training agencies. Most courses run once a week for a few weeks or weekends. However a private course can be completed in as little time as a weekend. Part of that time will be spent getting to know more about diving, the underwater world and the animals that live there. The remainder of the time will be spent using scuba gear in confined water and learning the skills you'll need to begin diving. At the end of the course, your instructor will give a short written review to make sure you have the knowledge you need to have fun safely. Then you'll make a series of open-water dives with the instructor to fine-tune the skills you learned in the pool and get comfortable diving in open water.

I've always wanted to learn to scuba dive. Where do I start?

Become a certified scuba diver and join the thousands of people who have already discovered the enjoyment of scuba diving. You can start you dive adventure with our I  Tried Scuba Adventure classes at minimal cost to see if you enjoy the experience. Then sign up for the Open Water course.

But isn't learning to dive difficult?

Learning to dive is a lot easier than you may think. All it takes is good overall health, a basic level of comfort around the water, and the desire to explore the water world. Every year, thousands of people, from teenagers to senior citizens, become certified.

What are the age requirements for enrolling in a scuba certification course?

You must be at least 10 years old. Students between the ages of 10 and 14 receive a junior certification that can be upgraded to a regular certification after age 15.  You're never too old.  In fact, many retirees are taking up scuba diving for the first time.

How long does it take to get certified?

The Open Water Scuba Certification course typically meets for six pool sessions & online learning, followed by four training dives in a natural environment such as a lake.

I've never been a very strong swimmer. Does that matter?

Open Water Scuba Certification requires only that you be a reasonably proficient swimmer, 200 yards using any stroke (no time limit); able to tread or stay afloat for 10 minutes, 25 feet underwater swim.  We want you to be comfortable in the water

What does the online e-learning portion of the course cover?

Numerous topics, including dive equipment, procedures, and the effects of depth and pressure will be covered.  You will be introduced to these topics with the home study materials. In class we will review and elaborate on these topics, then take a short quiz to be sure that you understand them completely.

What about the pool portion?

This is where the fun begins--putting on the equipment and getting wet! Few things in life compare to the thrill of your first breaths under water on a scuba regulator. The pool is also where you begin mastering skills such as breathing from a regulator, clearing your mask, descent and ascent procedures, and proper buoyancy, all the routine skills as well as procedures for dealing with the unexpected.

What are Open Water Training Dives?

During open water training dives, you will practice the skills you have mastered in the pool and learn some navigation techniques. Once you have completed the training skills, the rest of the dive is for your pleasure; you'll have fun exploring while gaining experience and confidence.  The main difference is that now you are in open water. You may do these dives with us in a local lake, while traveling with us to tropical locations, or with another instructor while traveling independently.  Open Water Certification requires one snorkeling dive and four training dives requires to be completed on two separate days.