Learning to Scuba Dive

Prior to attending a certification class or diving, all divers are required to complete and sign the current NAUI liability waiver. Please carefully review and sign this document. Additionally, it is mandatory to submit a NAUI/DAN medical release form before participating in any class or if there have been updates to your medical information. Remember, you have an obligation as a student to fill out the medical form honestly and accurately.

NAUI E-Learning offers a flexible online platform where students can independently grasp the basics of Scuba diving. Before attending in-person classes, it is necessary to register for an account, upload a passport style photo of yourself, fill out contact/emergency contact info, and purchase an course code. E-Learning must be complete before in-class sessions begin.

Nothing can replace the value of interacting directly with students and reinforcing their understanding by sharing personal experience. Students will engage in conversations with their instructor to review what they have learned, interact with staff members, participate in hands-on activities, and gain practical knowledge. The classroom sessions can take place at a location convenient for the class or in the comfort of your own home. Make sure to bring printed copies of the dive tables and dive planner for the session. The classroom discussion will focus on reflecting on the e-learning content through interactive dialogue.

Once the in-person class is completed and you have successfully passed your e-learning exams, it’s time for the exciting part! We will move on to confined water skills training. If you have access to a pool, that’s fantastic as we can utilize it for some of your practice sessions. However, we will need to transition to around 15 feet of water for certain exercises. The duration of these training sessions may vary between 3-5 hours based on class size. Throughout these sessions, you will acquire essential scuba diving skills starting from the basics up to self-rescue techniques. Towards the conclusion, there will be a pool assessment that you must pass before progressing further. Should you require more time or practice, fret not as additional sessions can always be scheduled. Rest assured, we are committed to supporting our students every step of the way.

Upon successful completion of your training in the pool and receiving a referral from your instructor, you have the option to participate in a checkout trip either with us or another dive center that accepts a Universal Referral. The checkout trips can be customized to suit your preferences, whether extravagant or simple. It is necessary to engage in at least one basic open water day and one boat dive day for practical experience. We recommend completing the checkout within 6 months of commencing your e-learning course to ensure the information remains fresh in your memory. If this timeframe is exceeded, additional costs may apply for a refresher class and/or pool session.

Once you finish your checkout, you’ll get a digital or physical certification card that officially makes you a scuba diver. Plus, you’ll score a cool Blue Planet Diving T-shirt to mark your accomplishments. Just remember, certification isn’t handed out—it’s something you EARN. And hey, don’t forget to fill out our instructor evaluation form so we can keep improving for future classes!