Do I need to be a strong swimmer to learn how to scuba dive?
You must know how to swim and float/tread water for your safety. There is a swimming assessment at the beginning of the first pool session; it must be a continuous swim without stopping but there is no time limit or stroke requirement. If you are not comfortable with your swimming ability, we offer swimming instruction through our Blue Dolphin Swim School. These lessons are conducted in our heated, private pool at Ocean First Divers.
What is the minimum age to become scuba certified?
The minimum age for enrollment in the PADI Open Water Scuba Diver course is 10 years old. Children complete the same course as adults but receive a Junior certification until they turn 15 and can receive a Junior Advanced Open Water certification at the age of 12. If your child would like to choose the e-Learning option, parental permission is required for children between the ages of 10-13 due to various internet laws.
Do you do scuba birthday parties?
Yes! Click here for more information.
What equipment do I need for my Open Water certification class?
You will need your own mask, snorkel, fins and booties (if required for your style of fins) for the pool session of the Open Water course. All other scuba equipment is included in the cost of the class.
Am I certified after taking the class and pool portions of my scuba course?
Not yet! You will need to complete your open water check-out dives after finishing your academic and pool sessions. 4 dives are required to complete the Open Water certification, 5 dives for Advanced Open Water, and 2 open water rescue scenarios are required for Rescue Diver. The number of required open water dives for specialty certifications depends on the specialty.
How long do I have after finishing the class and pool sessions to do my open water dives?
You have 12 months following the last completed segment of your training to complete your open water dives for your certification. This rule applies to all of our PADI courses that require open water check-out dives. Ocean First Divers strongly recommends keeping your academic and pool training as close to your open water dives as possible.
How much is apporpriate to tip my instructor?
Our instructors work very hard to ensure that you are safe, have fun, and receive top notch scuba training during all of the courses we teach at Ocean First Divers. Though gratuities are not expected, they are always greatly appreciated. Most students feel comfortable with a comparable gratuity for the customer service industry of 10-20% of their course fee. Tips may be given directly to the instructor or left discreetly at the front desk.
It's been a while since I finished my class and pool training for my Open Water certification. Can I take a refresher course if I have not yet completed my 4 Open Water check-out dives?
Yes. You will need to set up a PRIVATE refresher course with us, however, rather than a regularly scheduled group refresher. Private refreshers are very easy for our staff to schedule and your instructor will focus on those skills that you will be asked to perform throughout your 4 open water check-out dives.
How much will it cost for me to do my 4 check-out dives for my Open Water certification?
This cost will vary depending on where you choose to complete your dives. The cost for your certification dives can be anywhere from $200-350 and may or may not include your rental equipment, depending on the dive shop. Check out OFD's open water options and our escorted dive vacations. The price of our Florida Keys trips now INCLUDE the cost of your 4 open water check-out dives!
Where can I find the releases and waivers I need to fill out BEFORE my class?
Click the links to PDF files under the heading "Releases" on each of these pages:
Discover Scuba Diving
Bubblemaker Course (Children ages 8-9)
Scuba Refresher Course
Discover Snorkeling
Even if you've taken courses with us in the past, Ocean First Divers needs a new release each time you take a course with us.
I haven't been diving in a long time, but I know my PADI certification doesn't expire. Should I still take your refresher course?
Yes! Our scuba refresher courses are only 2 hours long and will greatly increase your confidence, safety, and enjoyment when you go on your dive vacation.
I lost my PADI certification card. Can I replace it?
Yes. You can order a replacement directly online with PADI if you have a digital camera or our staff would be happy to take care of this for you when you stop by the dive shop.
Didn't see the answer to your question? Contact us today!