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Open Water

Classroom

The first step in learning to SCUBA dive is the Open Water Diver course. Splash Dive Center, Inc. follows the curriculum of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), the most widely recognized and respected diving certification in the world. The program's modern and convenient training methods allow for a flexible pool and classroom schedule and a relaxed learning environment. Course materials are well organized and designed for self-study academics with class time focused on skills and diving in the water. You will learn by doing.

Clement teaching in the pool

The PADI Open Water SCUBA course is divided into two parts or courses at Splash Dive Center: classroom/pool and open water dives, all with a qualified PADI Instructor. The classroom/pool course consists of two classroom sessions and two pool sessions. The open water dives are four dives done over two days. During the warmer months, these dives are conducted locally 1–3 hours from our dive center (depending on location: usually Millbrook or Lake Rawlings), while other options are available during the winter season.

To sign up: call (703) 823-7680 or email dive@splashdivecenter.com.

Qualifications

After successfully completing this course, you will be qualified to go on SCUBA dives with a buddy or group to a maximum depth of 130 feet (though limiting your depth to 60 feet until you receive more training and experience is strongly recommended). If you wish to dive unsupervised, you should only do so in environments similar to where you have been before. Of course, going on one of Splash's trips will let you explore new environments safely—during or after certification.

You will also be able to purchase and rent basic SCUBA gear from any dive store, and you will be able to get SCUBA tanks filled with compressed air.

Costs

Open Enrollment Classes

  • Classroom and pool sessions: $275
  • Open Water weekend (if done locally): $195

Private Classes

  • Classroom and pool: $475 for 1 person, $350 for each additional person.
  • Open Water: $400 for first person, $300 for each additional person.

Feel free to mix and match, e.g. sign up for a scheduled classroom and pool then arrange for a private open water checkout.

If you wish to do your open water dives on a trip, that can be arranged but there will be additional expenses related to the trip.

Required Equipment

In order to complete the pool sessions and open water dives, Splash will provide SCUBA gear from our rental line: BCD, tanks, regulator and wetsuit. However, it will be up to you to provide some basic snorkeling gear, all of which is available for sale in our dive center. Our professional staff can help you make the selections that best meet your preferences. You will need:

  • Mask,
  • Fins,
  • Neoprene boots (depending on your fin choice),
  • Snorkel,
  • Weight belt, and
  • Weights.

It is possible to rent this gear from us but it really is worth buying up front.

Other Costs

  • Educational materials (book, DVD, etc.): about $100
  • Dive site entrance fees for the open water dives: $20–40 depending on location

Age

The minimum age to begin our SCUBA diving course is 10 years old. Inquire about private or semi-private lessons for young divers age 10–12. We kindly reserve the right to limit our open enrollment courses to ages 14 and above for optimal enjoyment for all participants. Youths may prefer our special youth classes.

Showing up for Class

Times

Monday–Friday: 6–9pm
Saturday: 8:45am–6pm
Sunday: 8:45am–1pm

Show up early (½–1 hour) on the first day of class to get fitted for a wetsuit and BCD. Have the medical form done before class and a doctor's approval if necessary.

Check Splash's training schedule.