Starting dates

• Saturday, March 23, 2024
• Saturday, October 12, 2024

Saturday classes meet from 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Classes require a minimum of three people to run as scheduled. If fewer than three people sign up, we reserve the right to either cancel the class or impose a $100 surcharge.

Please be aware that, while we make every effort to keep our listings accurate and up to date, you should always call the store to confirm starting dates and times.

• Be at least 21 years old
• Hold Master Diver and Nitrox Diver certifications or equivalent
• Have made at least 75 logged dives
• Obtain a signed physician’s approval for diving
• Hold DAN insurance or equivalent

$450/person includes:

• All instruction in classroom and pool
• Self-study materials

The two open-water dives for certification are $100 plus any dive site admission or boat fees.

Private instruction available at an additional cost.

You supply:

• Swimsuit, towel
• Mask, snorkel, scuba fins, boots, gloves
• Weight system, weights
• Pockets for extra gear
• Adequate exposure protection
• One cylinder per dive
• Buoyancy Control Device (BC)
• Regulator/alternate air source (provide proof of service within last twelve months)
• Mechanical SPG to back up hoseless unit
• Pony bottle and regulator
• O2 analyzer
• Primary and backup dive computers
• Primary and two backup dive lights
• Underwater compass
• Two knives/cutting tools
• SMB and smal reel/spool
• 50# lift bag
• Primary reel
• Audible above- and below-water signalling device
• Signal mirror
• Slate and pencil with eraser
• First aid kit

Students are also responsible for:

• Emergency contact info
• All air or gas fills
• Dive site admission or charter fees
• Transportation to and from dive sites
• Accommodations and meals, as needed
• Plastic, photo-ID certification card, if desired (digital card provided at no charge)

The Independent Diver course is designed to maximize self-sufficiency. Even if you never dive alone, you will be confident your self-sufficiency makes you the best possible buddy for others.

You can get a good feel for this course just by looking at some of the required skills:

• 600-foot surface swim in full scuba, configured for local diving conditions, non-stop and performed with relative ease (six round trips in our pool)
• 150-foot underwater swim without mask
• Demonstrate proper pre-dive planning
• Plan dive based on personal air consumption rate
• Plan proper dive
• Properly execute the planned dive
• Equipment configuration appropriate for solo diving
• Maintain proper descent/ascent rates
• Execute proper safety stop procedures
• Monitori decompression status via equipment, tables, computers, etc.
• Demonstrate proficiency of navigation with compass
• Demonstrate emergency change to and from redundant air supply
• Deploy SMB from a depth of 40 feet or more while staying horizontal throughout
• Demonstrate use of audible signaling device on surface and underwater