scuba

SCUBA

Serving over 2.5 million active divers and 67 million snorkelers, SCUBA Schools International is one of the most trusted names in SCUBA diving. SSI has set the standard for SCUBA diving certification since 1970 with more than 27 regional offices, representation in more than 110 countries with more than 2400 international locations, and media printed in 25 languages.

Equipment

All SCUBA equipment is furnished as part of the course tuition. SCUBA equipment includes: tank, regulator assembly, and BCD (buoyancy compensator device). Wet suits for open water dives will be provided where conditions require.

Personal equipment to be furnished by the student includes: mask, snorkel, fins & booties, weights and weight belt. This equipment can be rented for the class for $25 from Campus Recreation (certain sizes of equipment may be available on a first-come, first-served basis).

Open Water Diver (OWD) Course

The Open Water Diver course includes 8 classroom and pool sessions. You will practice SCUBA under the Comfort Through Repetition teaching method. Some of the skills you will learn include:

  • Moving in the water with ease
  • Breathing normally under water
  • Controlling buoyancy
  • Safe entry and exit from the water
  • Self-help skills (ex: clearing water from your mask)
  • Buddy-assist skills

You will also learn how to select the best SCUBA equipment for your needs and comfort, as well as how to maintain and adjust for your comfort and safety. At the completion of all classroom and pool sessions, students will be ready to complete the required open water certification dives. These include one snorkel dive and 4 SCUBA dives over a two-day weekend.

Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) Course

The Advanced Open Water Diver course includes 4 classroom and pool sessions. During these sessions, you will learn about and practice advanced diving techniques, such as: Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy, Night and Limited Visibility, and Search and Recovery. At the completion of all classroom and pool sessions, students will be ready to complete the required open water certification dives. These include one snorkel dive and 4 SCUBA dives over a two-day weekend. AOWD certification requires both instructional sessions and open water practical application dives. (Must have OWD certification to take the AOWD course)

Course Fees

The registration fee will secure your space in the class and will be deducted from the final cost of the course. The total course cost is due by the first classroom session.

Member Non-member
Registration $25 $50
OWD Course $250 $275
AOWD Course $180 $205

Course Prerequisites

Comfort in the Water

Participants are required to have a basic swimming ability and pass an entry-level swim test during the first pool session. Relaxation and comfort in the water is more important than correct style.The swim test will consist of:

  • 200yd surface swim – any stroke, no time limit
  • 25ft underwater swim
  • 10min float or tread water

Age Requirements

Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Those between the ages of 12 and 14 must have a parent present during the class. Those under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian’s permission to take the class and that parent/guardian must attend the first classroom session.

Medical Questionnaire

A medical questionnaire must be completed at the first session, and a physician’s approval may be necessary if there are any conditions present that may pose a significant health risk while diving.

Forms

The following forms are to be completed and brought to the first day of class.

For questions, comments or more information, please stop by the Aquatics office in the CRWC Natatorium or call 713-743-SWIM (7946).