This course consists of a classroom session, pool dives and min of 4 open water dives. You will need to purchase Scuba Quality mask, fins, and a snorkel for this class. the duration of this class is typically completed over the course the course of 2 separate weekends. There is a 1 day in class session prior to in water activities. In order reserve your spot in class you will need to pay a 50% non-refundable deposit. The remainder is due upon first day of class. Your deposit ensured you are reserved for class. You will also be given an academic E-Learning Code that will be emailed to you once registrations have taken place. This content must be completed prior to any in class sessions. Once we meet we will review all items of class and do remedial training on topics of interest that reflected on your e-learning. This is a demanding class and punctuality is a must.
Our Course prerequisites:
Minimum age of 14 years old with signed parental consent
A Signed General Liability Release and Express Assumption of Risk
A properly completed Medical Questionnaire form
A Completed Student learning Agreement for Deep Adventures
The ability to Swim 200 meters non stop and tread/float water for 15 minutes
What you can expect to learn: 40 Hour Class
The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Course will cover all of the necessary skills and knowledge including:
The Aquatic Environment: Vision, Light, Sound, Heat Loss, Tides, Currents, Waves, Surge, Etc.
Physics And Physiology: Buoyancy, Pressure, Air Spaces, Breathing Compressed Air, Mixed Gases, Etc.
Dive Equipment Selection, Assembly, Use And Maintenance, Dive Planning, Oceanography
Basic Scuba Skills Including Mask And Regulator Skills, Swimming Underwater, Buoyancy Control, Basic Rescue Techniques, And Emergency Procedures and so much more!
Academic:
Student will be required to have read and completed their SDI Open Water E-Learning prior to the first day of class. This will ensure that the class will be able to do all knowledge reviews together. There are five chapters and will be an Exam that must be passed with a minimal score of 80% to pass.
Confined Water/Pool Sessions:
Swimming evaluation (Must be completed prior to any scuba skill being taught) Distance swim of 200 meters non-stop using any stroke without the use of mask, snorkel or any swimming aids, or 300 meters nonstop using mask, snorkel, and fins. Next is a Survival tread / float of 10 minutes.
Over the course of 2 days, there will be a min of 5 confined water dives. This is where the instructor will first introduce you to breathing underwater from compressed air. This portion of the class is where we will learn the required Skills necessary for you to be a scuba diver in a controlled environment. Your instructor will explain, demonstrate and guide you through this process step by step.
Open Water Dives:
Students must successfully complete at least 4 open water dives to receive certification. Checkout Dives are normally held at Lake Jocassee in Salem, SC during the warmer months and Lake Keowee at the Hot Hole during the colder months. There are options for trips to Florida though this will be an added cost to the class. Other dive areas available upon request (additional fees may be associated).
We urge everyone to do 1 day of shore diving and 1 day of boat diving to get the most out of your training experience. Shore dives are included with the cost of the course. Boat charters cost $60 (The boat fee is not included in this class)
SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Standards: