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Learning
to dive is a fantastic and rewarding experience. Classes are
fun and easy and can become a new family experience. For most
certification agencies, you must be 15 years of age for certification.
However children 10 -15 may earn a Jr. Certification. Jr. divers
must complete the same class and meet the same physical and
aptitude reqirements, but they must dive with a certified adult.
Children under 12 cannot become diver certified, but there are
a number of courses and programs
available that introduce them to the underwater world.
There are introductory classes to give you just a taste of what
diving is all about, or you may choose a full certification
courses that can be completed while you are on vacation. And
if you have already started your course and just need the open
water dives, you have a great excuse for a great trip to complete
your class in a tropical location?
Resort Course or Introduction to Scuba
This course is designed to give you a diving experience and
the opportunity to "try it before you buy it". The
class includes a short lecture to give you some basic knowledge,
a pool session to acclimate yourself to the equipment and breathing
underwater, and finally a open water ocean dive on a shallow
reef in calm conditions, under the supervision of a qualified
dive instructor. This class does not lead to certification.
Certification Course
If you are ready to take the plunge, the Basic or Open Water
course can be completed at your local dive center or while on
vacation. If you take a local class, you have the flexibility
to sign up for weekend or evening classes that fit your schedule.
You can also complete a class while on vacation and become certified
in as little as 3 - 5 days.
While courses may vary a little among different certification
agencies, most of the content is similar. You will be required
to sign a medical statement to assure that you are able to dive.
If there is any question, you will need to get clearance from
your doctor (standard forms are available from your instructor).
Generally you will be required to have the ability to swim 200
yards and tread water for 10 minutes. You will undergo academic
training in the classroom which may include bookwork, lectures,
videos and slides, pool sessions to practice and reinforce what
you have learned, and a series of open water dives to fine tune
your new skills in the diving environment.
Referral Program
Many people begin their scuba training with their local dive
center where they complete the classroom and pool portions of
the course. Then while on vacation, you can complete the open
water dives portion of your course and receive your certification.
This is an excellent and popular way to become certified, and
is called the Referral Program.
Your local instructor or dive center will provide the necessary
paperwork to show that the initial portion was completed satifactorily
and the instructor at the open water location will conduct your
dives and issue your certification. Enjoy the warm clear waters
of a tropical location as you complete your dive training. The
open water dives can be completed in two days, then your off
on your own for more diving.
Remember to check ahead to make sure the referrel program for
your agency is available. Your local dive center should be able
to help with this.
Certification Agencies
So which is best certification agency to certify with? All major
agencies are members of the Recreational Scuba Training Council
(RSTC) and adhere to the same general rules and course contents.
Classes vary in length, and reqiurements to continue your diving
education may differ, but what you learn to become a diver will
generally be the same. The best advice is to check with local
dive centers and find out who they are affiliated with. Remember,
you will probably be using them for advanced and specialty training
later on. As for travel destinations, most accept all major
certification cards. We have included a list of major agencies
below to help you get more information.
Your diver certification card is your ticket to fun and adventure.
But don't stop with an entry course. There is a whole new world
awaiting down there. Continue your education to become more
comfortable and experienced, learn underwater photography, fish
identification, explore wrecks, and much, much more.
Cost for Dive Gear
The costs of scuba diving equipment can easily run over $1,000
dollars. Although renting is always an option, for a diver that
is developing a long term interest in this sport, purchasing
is worth your while, not just in money but also in the quality
of your scuba equipment.
Without going into the pros and cons of renting vs buying the
scuba diving equipment, let's talk about the various types of
scuba equipment that you should consider buying and how much
you should budget for spending on them.
Mask: a mask can range from $20 to $150.00 dollars. A mask has
relatively little travel inconvenience compared to other scuba
equipment so packing it in a suitcase and walking around in
it will not be a big challenge.
Snorkel: They should not run you more than $50.00, and the lower
end will be around $17.00
Fins: Although they are not as easy to pack as a pair of snorkels,
they range from $30 to $150.00 and are more affordable than
many other scuba diving equipment.
Regulator: They range from $150 - $500, sometimes even more
and are at the higher end of the price range than other scuba
equipment.
Exposure suits: They vary according to type (ie wetsuit vs drysuit).
Check here for types and prices.
BC: Typically from $150 to $500.00 and like regulators, are
also at the high end of the price range than other scuba diving
equipment.
Weights: $1.70 a pound.
Tanks: Between $100 to $400.
Remember, the last two are heavier to carry around than the
others. We recommend buying tanks and weights last, and the
others before as they are less expensive, and easier to pack
and travel with.
The maintenance for scuba equipment is astonishingly the same.
Although there is specific preventative care that is required
for only for dive suits, tanks, or BCs, there are some things
you can do to all your scuba gear that will insure a long life
for them.
After every dive, make sure to give your all of your scuba gear
a good rinse with fresh water.
After rinsing the scuba diving gear, allow it to dry, but not
in direct sunlight. Most of the scuba equipment that you carry
is made of neoprene rubber, which can be broken down when exposed
to direct sunlight. Extra care should be taken between dives,
when they are most vulnerable to the sun, especially in tropical
climates
Whether you have a wet or a dry suit, neoprene exposure suits
should be hung on a non-wire hanger to dry. Wire hangers can
cause unnecessary creases.
All your scuba diving equipment should be stored in a cool,
yet dry place.
Separate your neoprene related equipment from your other scuba
gear, especially if they are damp. Over time, they can stick
together and tear when pulled apart.
After you return from your dive trip, make sure to unpack as
soon as possible to prevent any compression or flattening of
the scuba equipment that you paid good money for.
This article on dive gear cost is courtesy of http://guidetodivingsite.linedancecompany.com
For More Information Contact Your Local Dive Center
Or Click Here For
Certification Agency Information
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