Open Water SCUBA Diver - Frequently Asked Questions

OPEN WATER DIVER

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How old do I need to be to learn to SCUBA dive?
In order to take a certification course, individuals must be 12 years old. Children ages 12-14 earn Junior Open Water Diver certification that requires them to dive with an adult diver. Ages 15 and up are awarded adult certification.

2. How long does a certification course last?
The Open Water course includes about 21 hours of training in classroom and pool, plus open water qualification dives. Normally, there will be three classroom and three pool sessions, evenings or weekends, depending on scheduling.

3. How much does a certification course cost?
The cost of a Open Water certification course is $295.00, which includes the classroom and pool sessions, textbook, workbook, plastic dive tables, DVDs, audio CDs, referral for open water qualification and certification card (note that other courses charge additional fees for tables, referral and c-cards and often only loan textbooks and videos). Open water qualification dives are additional, and can be accomplished in several different ways.

4. What equipment will I need to begin a course?
Just a bathing suit! Unlike all the other courses, we don’t REQUIRE you to buy ANYTHING! All necessary equipment and materials are provided for the course. We’re here to teach you to dive, not to sell you dive gear!

5. I’m not sure diving is for me. Can I try SCUBA before I sign up?

Yes! “I Tried SCUBA” is a free, introductory SCUBA experience under the careful supervision of an instructor.

6. Do I have to be a great swimmer to SCUBA Dive?

No! You need only to be able to swim six laps (300 yards) continuously (any stroke; no time limit) and tread water for 15 minutes by the end of the course.

7. How do I get started?

New classes are forming now! Check the Course Schedule, then email Info@yscuba.info or call 203-952-8679 to sign up. Course enrollment forms can be downloaded HERE.