SDI Open Water Diver Certification 🤿

Awesome! You're definitely in the right spot.  You can easily sign up online for one of our Open Water classes - just check the Training Calendar (above) for a time frame that works with your schedule. Questions or concerns? Feel free to reach out!

Yes - in order to get the most out of Dive30A's Open Water Certification course, you should have at least a moderate swimming ability. The swim test and survival float are a mandatory part of training.

- 10 years old for Junior Open Water Diver (limited to 40 ft max depth)

-12+ years old to dive to 60 ft max depth

SDI = Scuba Diving International --> (recreational scuba diving section of 'International Training')

PADI  = Professional Association of Diving Instructors

PFI = Performance Freediving International --> (freediving section of 'International Training')

...well, Yes & No -- pretty much all Open Water SCUBA certifications from the major agencies are good for life; they don't expire.  BUT, a valid C-card isn't what's going to save you in an underwater emergency - it's your skills, knowledge, and preparation! Dive30A is more than happy to help you get your competency and comfort level where you want it to be.

 If it's been more than a few years since your last dive, we highly recommend doing a Refresher with us!  

But that said, we've seen plenty of folks get back into a SCUBA kit after years away and pick everything right back up with just a few reminders and updates for new equipment. Every diver is different.  Dive30A is more than happy to help you get your competency and comfort level where you want it to be. 

You MIGHT.  -- It all depends on your individual answers on the Diver Medical Questionnaire.  

*Get a closer look on our Forms page.

Yes - in order to begin in-water training with Dive30A:

• Students must be at least 12 years old.
• Students must provide ALL required forms/paperwork.
  • Dive30A and SDI Liability Waivers
  • completed Diver Medical Questionnaire, 
    • including written clearance from a Physician, if necessary. 
• ALL eLearning modules for a course MUST be completed.
• All Course Deposits must be PAID. 
  • (Full Balance due before final 'checkout' dives)

 ✅ INCLUDED w/ OW Certification course:

• eLearning, online course ($150 value)
• ALL Equipment used for course!
• 2 days, in-water training* + 2 days, open water 'checkout' dives*   
  • [ base price = $250/day ]   x  4 days >>>  * ($1k value)
• *Boat Charter* ^(conditions permitting)^ 
  • ~ Underwater Museum of Art trip  -  ($250 value)

        PLUS

• LOADS of extra knowledge & scuba wisdom! 
• Expanded approach to buoyancy control -
• Extra Focus on Emergency Prevention & Preparedness
• Student Discount on your next Dive30A Charter!

 ❌ NOT INCLUDED:

• entry fees to training locations, like state/county parks or privately owned facilities (e.g. Vortex Springs)
• transportation to/from training locations
• food & drink
• tips/gratuities

We offer Group and Private classes in an effort to accommodate different size groups, schedules, learning styles, etc.

• Group class = $999/student  ~ (base, $250/day)
• Private class = $1199/student  ~ (base, $300/day)

But more important than price point, our Private classes afford more one-on-one attention for students. This can lead to slightly faster skill mastery, which could mean finishing up in three days instead of four. Or maybe we tack on some extra dives!

*The eLearning portion *(approx. 6-10 hrs) is completed on your own schedule prior to in-water training. 

Our Open Water Certification classes usually run four (4) days total for the in-water training and 'checkout' dives. A commonly used schedule is two consecutive weekends, about 8am-3pm, both Saturday & Sunday.  We are sometimes able to offer a 3-day option, when circumstances allow, such as in a Private Class.

Short answer:   

• Because we go the extra mile - always.   
• Because your safety is our top priority, both during the course and after (when goodness knows where you'll be diving)!
• And because of our unique approach to practical learning. 

Look, we'll cut right to the chase -- there are plenty of other awesome + honest + experienced shops/operators/instructors out there that could give you the exact same certification for a whole lot cheaper. If cheaper sounds good, you should absolutely go for it. We won't judge, and you're not gonna hurt our feelings.

  ✅ Proper training is an investment in your safety and in your future!

At Dive30A, our goal is to make you safe, competent, comfortable, and confident in and under the water. 👌 

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If regular scuba classes are like the driving test at the DMV;

then Dive30A's Open Water course is like a weekend seminar 

on how to take your vehicle cross-country.

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Check our reviews. Email with questions. We think our training programs speak for themselves.

 Free Cancellation:
Courses canceled at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time will incur no additional charges.
*(e.g., for an 8:00am course, cancellations must be made by 7:59am CDT, three days before.)

Late Cancellations & No-Shows:
Courses canceled less than 72 hours before the scheduled start time or customers who do not show up will be charged the deposit fee for the course.
*(that is, anytime after 7:59am CDT, three days before an 8:00am course.)

📆Rescheduling Fees (within 72 Hours)

If you wish to reschedule your course within the 72-hour window rather than cancel, we will do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability and scheduling. However, rescheduling is not guaranteed.

Day #1 Rescheduling Fee: $75 per person

Day #2,3,4 Rescheduling Fee: $60 per person/ day

Full Course Rescheduling Fee: $200 per person