Elite Divers PADI Open Water Class

Q: I went on vacation, and took a "Resort SCUBA Class"...they even gave me a card! Where does that leave me?: A: Actually it depends... if the card says that they are a "PADI SCUBA Diver" then it means that you only have to complete the last 3 of the 5 classroom sessions and the last 2 checkout dives, depending on what you completed at the resort. Depending on your prior experience, we schedule you into a current Open Water class. You most likely have a copy of the PADI Open Water Diver manual if not you will need to purchase one. There is no time limit between becoming a PADI SCUBA Diver and an Open Water Diver, however if it was more than a couple years ago, then you might have an outdated textbook and may want to do a Discover Scuba as a refresher. We will need to look at you paperwork from the resort, and your SCUBA Diver card. Most importantly, you will need an updated medical. The price of the class and dives are adjusted depending on how much instruction is required.

Q: 4 Class Sessions? Can I mix and match dates?: A: Nope. The 4 classes are designed specifically to go in sequence, one session per week. We do not usually have several sessions running concurrently, so jumping into the "Other Class for this week only" is not usually done. You are expected to commit to the 4 sessions, and actually attend all of them, in sequence. If you miss a class, you are expected to arrange and attend a makeup session before the next planned session begins. There will be a $50 fee associated with the make up session.

Q: I'm busy during the classes' scheduled "Check-Out" dives: A: Not a Problem. Although we prefer that you stick with your original class, we recognize that that isn't always possible. We have several instructors out at Dutch Springs during the season who are fully qualified to certify you. This must be pre-arranged with Elite Divers though.

Q: Although we've taken the Class/Pool Sessions at Elite Divers, We'd like to do the Check-Out Dives on our Trip to (Resort)?: A: Not a Problem. This is called a "referral" and is done fairly frequently. PADI is the most highly recognized and respected system of diver education. Just make sure where ever you are going has a PADI diveshop. Your instructor will give you a goodie package of referral paperwork that includes your training history to date. You will need to call the PADI shop and tell them that you have completed the confined water and classroom sessions and you need to complete the open water checkout dives. They will ask for your referral paperwork and they will work with you to schedule your checkout dives. Just remember checkout dives are in addition to your training and you will need to pay for an instructor or any additional fees. They vary depending on where you go in the world so be sure to ask them what is required.

Q: My School is giving a cheaper certification class in it's pool? Is that OK?: A: Depends.... Although you will get an internationally recognized SCUBA certification card, by a qualified instructor (hopefully??), taking your certification class with Elite Divers comes with many unique and subtle benefits. We've certified thousands of divers over the years. We're professionals. Elite Divers offers full sales and service of all makes and brands of equipment. We offer a spectrum of other services, including gear rental, air fills, etc.. We also offer a full realm of additional training. We sponsor local dive trips and travel abroad. In short, we offer many other services that are impossible for discount certification classes to offer in a temporary setting..

Q: I can't swim, but my spouse wants me to take SCUBA anyway..: A: Big Problem. You must demonstrate the ability to swim 200 yards without stopping. You absolutely need to be comfortable in the water. If you cannot do this, do yourself, Elite Divers, and everyone else around you a favor....DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS COURSE!

Q: I've already been certified, but that was a long time ago...and I haven't done any meaningful diving since?: A: Several Options. Elite Divers can either offer you a private "Refresher" class, or you can feel free to take the entire certification class all over again. This is really your option, and is dependant on how confident you are in your abilities.

Q: I have SCUBA equipment that I got from: A yard sale, an old friend, loaned to me from my great-great-grandfather, etc...can I use it for the class? A: Depends! Depends on the age and quality of the gear. Bring it in and we'll assess it for you. Like everything else, SCUBA gear design has come a long way, and is safer and more comfortable than gear sold as early as 10 years ago. Un-maintained gear is dangerous because seals and components can become brittle, fragile, etc.. We've also seen a fair share of embarrassment when teenagers come in with Dad's 35 year old gear. There have been too many diving accidents attributed to faulty gear, so we prefer you do not take chances, especially as a beginner. Additionally, let's be frank here. Your gear is your lifeline. Professional Quality mask, fins & snorkels that you trust your life to, do not come shrink wrapped together on a sheet of cardboard, for $17.99.

Q: What Gear Do I need? Most of what you need to know was on the previous page, but here's more info: You will need to purchase masks, fins, snorkel, boots, weightbelt and weights before the second session. You will need gloves and a compass* before the third class. The shop is very willing to sell you all the items you need at a 10% discount, but we will recommend that you come to the shop very early to make your purchases (Usually, in the hour before the class, the shop is teeming with activity). *Elite offers an upgrade deal on Compasses: If you buy a wrist mount compass for the class, but shortly thereafter buy a console (where compasses are usually mounted)...Elite will take back the wrist mounted compass, and credit this towards the new compass purchase.

Q: How long is my certification good for?: A: Lifetime. The "Open Water" class is a basic SCUBA certification, and it is good for a lifetime of diving. Elite Divers recommends that you continue to regularly dive. Like anything else, it's a "Use it or Lose it" skill, and requires constant practice,. Elite Divers also recommends that you continue to take more Advanced Diver Training. We'll be happy to make recommendations.

Q: What's "Dutch Springs"?: A: Dutch Springs is an old quarry/cement facility in PA (about 15 Minutes West of Easton, PA). The quarry eventually filled with water, fed from a spring. It has become a massive divers haven, with sunken attractions, platforms for skills demonstration, and various other dive support related amenities. You're better off clicking on their site for more detailed information and directions http://dutchsprings.com/ Your instructor will coordinate where to meet at Dutch Springs. Typically, you have to do two days of diving (two dives each day) to satisfy your checkout requirements. You will need to bring all your gear with you to support your dives...your instructors bring NOTHING for you. NOTHING! No tanks, no equipment. NADA, SQUAT! You're a big boy/girl now: Make sure you have your act together, or you will stand onshore all day, looking and feeling a bit like a twit. Be advised that the water can be on the Chilly side, so the gear you need ought to be appropriate. Listen to your instructor.