scuba programs

SCUBA - Open Water Dive Certification Course

Participants learn skills and techniques associated with SCUBA diving that will allow them to dive as a recreational diver up to 60 feet deep. Obtaining SCUBA Open Water Dive certification is a 3-step process. There is a CLASSROOM component that includes self-study, lecture, and written tests. Upon registration for the course a book or DVD is provided. There are 6 chapters in the book and a Knowledge Review (chapter test) at the end of each chapter that must be completed by each participant. All six Knowledge Reviews must be brought, fully completed, to the first classroom session. There is an exam that is given after the final classroom section. Participants must pass the exam before being allowed to continue.

Sessions move from the classroom to a pool for the CONFINED WATER dives. Participants must pass a swim test (to be completed with mask, fins, and snorkel) prior to pool sessions. Two separate pool sessions allow participants to practice specific sets of SCUBA techniques.

After confined water dives, participants travel to the lake for the OPEN WATER dives. Again, two separate open water sessions allow participants to practice specific sets of SCUBA techniques.

A certain amount of personal skin diving gear is necessary before participating in an OWD certification course. Participants must have their own mask, snorkel, dive fins, booties, dive bag, and dive table calculator. Many of these items may be borrowed from fellow divers, or they may be purchased from Columbia SCUBA on the final night of classroom sessions. Cost for a new set of skin diving gear ranges from $150-$300, depending upon the quality of gear that individuals choose to purchase.

With the exception of wet suits, ALL other diving gear needed for OWD certification is provided in the cost of the course, including tanks, a Buoancy compensation device (BCD), a regulator, a dive computer, and weights. Wet suits may or may not be necessary, depending upon air and water temperature, and person preference, but they can be rented from Columbia SCUBA.

Schedule for this Certification Course is as follows:

CLASSROOM SESSIONS
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings
6:30-8:30pm
Columbia SCUBA

POOL SESSIONS (confined water)
Saturday and Sunday mornings,
Local Pool

LAKE SESSIONS (open water)
Saturday and Sunday afternoons,
Lake Murray, Lake Jocassee or Florida Springs

COST $395
plus personal skin dive gear and wet suit rental

REGISTRATION
call Lucy Kreiling at 803-788-9166
Columbia SCUBA, LLC
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
2645 Alpine Road

Information about SCUBA diving INVESTMENT costs

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