TRAINING

What's Involved in
Learning to Scuba Dive?

Your first step is earning your Open Water Diver certification -- becoming what is commonly known as a "certified diver."

Even if you've previously taken part in introductory scuba experiences (commonly known as "resort courses"), you are most likely aware that the best opportunities in diving await those who are fully certified.

Becoming certified consists of three phases:

Orientation and Self Study
Academic/Confined-Water Training
Open Water Training

Orientation and Self Study

To get started, you'll meet with one of our staff instructors for your scuba orientation when we will answer questions about your training. We will also review your class schedule, and fit your equipment for class. Students may enroll anytime prior to this orientation class and begin studying your home study kit. Decide which class schedule best fits your needs and review the necessary enrollment forms.

Academic/Confined-Water Training

Once you have completed your home study you join us for an academic review and pool sessions.

In the classroom, your instructor will review the information you've gained by working through the self-study materials. He or she will bring this information to life with first-hand examples of how divers apply this information on dive vacations and here at home. Discussions with your instructor and fellow students help you learn and add to the enjoyment.

In our warm, full-size pool, your instructor will demonstrate and have you practice diving's fundamental skills. Like all aspects of learning to dive, pool sessions are fun and enjoyable. They increase your comfort level and make the transition to open water diving easier.

When you've completed your academic and confined-water training, you'll be ready for the final and most important phase of earning your entry-level diver certification: your open water training dives.

Open Water Training

Open water training consists of five dives conducted over two days. Each of the five sessions consists of the opportunity to apply the skills you mastered in the pool, and to make a guided dive under the supervision of your instructor and his or her assistants. As far as open water training goes, you have three options:

During warmer weather, you can join us at nearby Millbrook Quarry for a weekend of open water training. This beautiful setting is famous for its convenient parking, easy entries and fascinating underwater wrecks and artifacts. See pictures from our Halloween dive at Millbrook.

Throughout the year, Adventure Scuba Company conducts long-weekend and week-long trips to destinations such as Florida's Crystal River, Nassau in the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and elsewhere. Many of our students elect to complete their certification dives during the first two days of these trips and then continue diving for fun. See pictures from a recent Crystal River trip.

If you already have a vacation planned to a warm-water destination anywhere in the world, we can provide you with referral paperwork so that you can complete your training at the dive destination of your choice.

Once you've completed your academic/confined and open water training, you'll be awarded Open Water Diver certification, your ticket to a lifetime of diving adventure.