Open Water Certification

Introduces a Simple and Enjoyable Way to Learn

S C U B A D I V I N G

Open Water SCUBA Diver Course consists of five academic/pool modules, and four open water SCUBA certification dives. The five modules can be completed in as little as 3 days. See schedule.

Prerequisites include that you be comfortable in the water, can swim for 200-yards OR 300 yards with mask, snorkel and fins, AND tread water for ten minutes.

Certification includes receiving a PADI Open Water certification card. This "C-card" is evidence of your training and will be required to obtain compressed air, rent or purchase equipment, and participate in diving activities. Course can count towards college credit.

The three parts for Scuba Certification are academic, confined water (pool), and open water certification dives. Academic may be classroom or online (eLearning). Open water may be local quarry or vacation destination (referral). Academic and confined water may be done alone (Scuba Course).

Academic and Pool Sessions normally held over 3 to 5 meetings. Open water certification dives held in PA, MD or VA quarry or a referral to a tropical destination. All equipment except that listed under "Each Student Provides" is included except for referrals. Must be 10 years old to start junior certification. Discount for referal certification dives at a tropical destination is $100.

Entire course video is available on DVD or VHS. All classes will view the video at home prior to the academic session. This will provide more flexibility for the students to view the videos on their own time. Each student or couple will purchase a DVD for $35 for home viewing. The video may be returned after the course for a full refund provided it is in good condition (no scratches). Any student without a video player may view the video portion in our classroom at any time.

*** SPECIAL ***

Students will receive a certificate good for one day of gear rental upon completion of the Open Water SCUBA Diver course, valued at over $50.

FAQ:
I've never been a very strong swimmer. Does that matter? Scuba Certification requires only that you be a reasonably proficient swimmer - able to swim 200 yards using any stroke and to tread water for 10 minutes.

What does the classroom portion of the course cover? The main focus is on the effects of pressure on your body. As you dive deeper, the pressure on your body increases. This changes the pressure of air your regulator delivers and the amount of nitrogen absorbed into your blood.

How long does it take to get certified? Scuba Instruction is built on the mastery of classroom knowledge and water skills How long it takes to achieve that mastery depends on the individual. Normally there are up to 5 classroom and pool modules that normally takes place over a period of up to 4 weeks. An intensive course can be done over a period of 2 to 4 days, but still require a minimum of 2 days for the certification dives. PADI eLearning course requires completion of the online course, 2 pool sessions, and 2 days certification dives.

What are the age requirements for enrolling in a scuba certification course? You must be at least 10 years old. Students between the age of 10 and 15 receive a junior certification requiring diving with a certified adult.

What are "Certification Dives"? These 4 dives are in open water (not a confined pool area) used by the instructor to determine if you have mastered the skills you need to be a certified diver. They are the same skills you practiced in the pool. They are required to be done over a period of 2 days and may be done at a local quarry, or referred to a resort diving destination.

Can I dive on vacation without getting certified? Yes, you can. These experiences go by different names such as "discover Scuba", Introduction to Scuba", or "Resort Course". The activity usually consists of a pool session where you practice some essential skills and then are taken on a supervised shallow dive. These experiences are a safe, inexpensive way to gain familiarity with the sport and decide if you wish to pursue full certification.

My ears hurt even when I dive to the bottom of a pool. What happens when I dive even deeper? The pain you feel is called a "squeeze" and is caused by the pressure of water pushing against your eardrum. One of the first things you'll learn in scuba class is a simple technique of equalizing. When done properly, you won't feel any pain in your ears.

What equipment must I buy? You will need your own mask, snorkel, fins, and 1/4" neoprene boots. All other equipment is supplied for the pool sessions and certification dives held by the BASC. We supply wetsuits for the pool sessions and certification dives. Loaner mask, fins, and snorkel are available free of charge.

Sharks. Is my fear justified? Many people have been made to fear sharks and other marine animals because of the false image given them by movies and TV. Fact is, most marine animals including the shark, octopus, barracuda, and moray eel are shy and passive around humans. None are more misunderstood than sharks. Humans are not the natural prey of sharks.

How much does it cost to refill the oxygen tank? First of all, we do not dive with 100% oxygen. Oxygen is toxic at pressure below 15 feet. We dive mostly using compressed air that has been cleaned and moisture removed to make it suitable for breathing at depth. Cost to refill the tank is $6.00.

Where do you hold the classes? Classroom sessions are held in the shop. Pool session is at the Hood College pool in Frederick or Fort Detrick indoor pool.. Certification dives are at a quarry in MD, PA or VA, or a referral to the Caribbean.

What if I miss a classroom or pool session? You cannot skip any sessions. Classroom modules must be done in sequential order and can be "made up" . We do not charge you more if you need more time to complete the course.

OTHER OPTIONS

AVAILABLE

For those with time constraints.

PRIVATE CLASS

For an accelerated class or special scheduling, you may consider a private class. Plans will be made individually to meet the schedule or deadline of the student. Additional class fee of $200. May be limited by availability of instructors and pool access.

VIDEO or DVD

The video portion of the course is available on VHS video tape or DVD. This two tape set or DVD can be purchased separately for viewing at the students convenience. $30 for VHS or $35 for DVD

PADI eLearning

The entire academic portion of the course can be done online. See padi.com for details.

WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN TO DIVE WITH THE BRASS ANCHOR

No hidden fees. $399 includes certification and rental gear. Compare to others at over $500!

Our Instructors have the most dive instruction experience, some over ten years.

We have the newest rental gear. No gear is over 3 years old. Maintenance cycle is 12 months or less.

We use wetsuits during the pool sessions. It can get cold while being submerged in the pool during the skill development sessions.

Our training agency, PADI, is the worlds largest and most recognized

Our compressed air is tested quarterly for impurities, CO2, and harmful hydrocarbons

We are a full service dive shop, able to help you with all your questions and needs.

We have more inventory and better selection

We have more experience with dive travel and local dive destinations

Brass Anchor is your LOCAL dive shop. Start here to form a connection to our family of divers.

Complete Certification $399 Includes

5 Academic Modules

5 Pool Modules

Free Discover Scuba Session for you and friends

4 Open Water SCUBA Dives

PADI Registration and Certification Fees

Photo ID

Open Water Patch

The PADI 'CREWPACK': Open Water Manual, Log Book, & Dive Tables

Use of Tanks Regulator BCD Wetsuit Hood Gloves Weights

Free 6 month subscription to Dive Training magazine

Free DAN Student Membership

PADI Open Water Certification Card - Your Gateway to Diving Excitement!!!

HOW TO READ THE SCHEDULE

The class number is our name for the course. FD means the pool session is held at Fort Detrick pool. Please refer to this number when signing up for a course.

Each class consists of 5 academic modules and 5 pool modules. These modules can be completed in as few as 4 days or over 2 weekends. The dates and times shown here are the actual times this class intends to meet. The days shown i.e. "Mon & Tues" are when the course is being held.

Each student must attend an orientation to fill out papers, get sized for gear, etc. If you cannot make orientation, call to make other arrangements. The modules must be done in sequential order. You cannot skip any modules.

If you cannot make the certifying dive dates, we will do our best to accommodate you, space permitting. You have the option of certifying at a warm water destination of your choice. We can help you find a PADI facility anywhere in the world.