Open Water Scuba Diver

Every journey begins with a single step. 

The first step on your journey into the underwater world is the Open Water SCUBA Diver course. The cornerstone course for a lifetime of SCUBA adventure and exploration, this entry level certification course qualifies successful divers to dive  in any environment similar to the  environment in which they are trained.

Dive Pros instructors  guide you through the knowledge, skills and applications necessary to make you a safe, comfortable diver. You will learn the sciences of diving and learn how your body is affected by being underwater. In the safe comfort of our training pool we will show you how to properly use diving equipment and allow you plenty of time to practice the skills you will need to comfortably SCUBA dive. Finally you will apply this new found knowledge and skills during your Instructor led Open Water qualification dives.

Our educational program employs the latest instructional methods and technology delivered by certified professional instructors who are dedicated to your success and bound by our commitment to “Safety Through Education”. We never lose sight of the fact that education is the most important thing we do. Our Instructors are the best there are. Each has been carefully selected for their knowledge, skills and love of diving. The Dive Pros instructor team will work harder and provide you with far more training than the minimums required by the industry.

Dive Pros was started with the idea that if we train a diver well and they in turn feel comfortable, confident, and competent then we have earned the right to have them as our customer.

Private Instruction, Home-based eLearning and Referral Instruction are also available:

• Instruction that fits around your schedule
• Personalized, one-on-one convenience

 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions:

I would like to learn to dive, but I don’t know how to get started.

Why are your courses longer than some of the others I’ve seen offered?

What will I need to have for my class and beyond?

What are the total costs associated with taking a SCUBA diver course?

What if I miss a class or pool session or open water dive? Are there make up fees?

What are the health requirements to learn to dive?

Once I’m certified do I have to renew my certification?

Once I take the SCUBA diver course what kind of diving can I do?

What_is_the_“Purchase_Assurance_Program”

Q. I would like to learn how to dive but don’t know how to get started

A: Making the commitment to learn how to dive can be a little intimidating if you don’t know where to begin. We make the process as easy as possible. First, you can call us or come by the store anytime and one of our staff members will explain the course schedules and training process. Here are the basics:

1. Your training begins when you pick up your learning materials. These can be traditional learning materials such as a textbook/workbook or eLearning materials. This allows you to begin the class from the comfort of your own home. At this time, you can pick a course schedule to attend. We have classes beginning weekly with different meeting times so you can pick a schedule that’s convenient for you.
2. Once you complete the home study you will attend the classroom training and pool training here at the store.
3. After these are done, you will spend 2 days diving with your Instructor at some of our many local dive sites. That’s it!

Q. Why are your courses longer than some of the others I’ve seen offered?

A: We at the Dive Pros have a long track record of offering some of the best recreational SCUBA training in the area. In fact, our motto has always been “Not just Certified, but Qualified”. As SCUBA diving educators we have minimum standards to which we must teach before a student can be “certified”. We teach much more than the minimums in all areas of training. Diving is a relatively safe and wonderful lifetime sport, but the potential for injury or even death is real. The difference is proper education. Would you want to know just the bare minimums before trying skydiving or mountain climbing? Of course not. Our goal is to turn you into a Confident, Competent, and Capable SCUBA diver.

Q. I don’t have any diving equipment. What will I need to have for my class and beyond?

A: There’s no doubt that SCUBA diving is an equipment intensive sport, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to spend lots of money on gear. The basic SCUBA equipment you need to take the class is a good set of personal snorkeling equipment. This includes a mask, snorkel, fins, and booties. You can bring your own or purchase them at the store. In addition, if you aren’t sure if the gear you have is adequate, or don’t know what to buy, our staff will be happy to assist you and explain the differences in equipment.

Q. What are the total costs associated with taking a SCUBA diver course?

A: Though there are several expenses associated with dive training, we try to make it as simple and inexpensive as possible for you. Your course fee includes all training materials, classroom time, pool training, open water dives, registration fees, and use of rental SCUBA equipment for the course. Other potential costs may include travel to local dive sites, park entrance fees, and boat fees (optional). These costs usually are minimal and may not apply at all.

Q: What if I miss a class or pool session or open water dive? Are there make up fees?

A: No. Although we highly encourage you to attend all scheduled training sessions, we understand that sometimes things come up. If you are going to miss a training session your Instructor will set up a makeup session with you. This may involve working with another class, but there is no fee for this.

Q: What are the health requirements to learn to dive?

A: Although SCUBA diving is a physical activity, you don’t have to be a Navy SEAL or Superman to do it. You should be in good general health, and have a comfort level in the water. If you have any potential medical contraindications to diving, your Instructor will ask you to get checked out by a physician. You can use the link below to download a medical evaluation form.

PADI Medical Evaluation and Physician Approval Form

Q: Once I’m certified do I have to renew my certification?

A: Nope. Once you’re a certified SCUBA diver, you have it for life. It is up to you to stay current with your diving skills and always dive within your scope of training.

Q: Once I take the SCUBA diver course what kind of diving can I do?

A: The SCUBA diver course is considered “a license to learn”. This class teaches you the fundamentals of diving science and safety. After your certification, you will be qualified to dive in conditions similar to those in which you were trained. You should continue your diving education with as much additional training as possible. Remember, “A good diver is always learning”.

 

Q: What is the “Purchase Assurance Program”?

A: This is a very simple program we offer to all students. Equipment purchase can be a big decision. You’re not sure what you want and don’t want to buy the wrong thing. We guarantee the fit, function, and comfort of every item you purchase from us. If a product is uncomfortable or does not function properly we take it back and replace it with a more appropriate product. If you choose not to complete your certification dives, you can return your diving package to us for a refund. It’s that simple. We want every student to be completely comfortable with their equipment purchases. You can try anything in the store in our heated pool before you buy. We are serious about your success in diving and will always remain dedicated to our customers.