Scuba Certification FAQ

We certify through SDI (Scuba Diving International) and TDI (Technical Diving International), plus FRTI (First Response Training International) for emergency response courses. SDI and TDI cards are recognized and accepted at dive sites worldwide.

Yes. We keep classes small and move at your pace, and no one gets signed off until they feel ready. If you need extra pool time, we'll help you get there.

Yes. The minimum age for our Open Water course is 10 with parental consent, and family certification, where parents and kids certify together, is one of our most popular experiences. Ask us about age-appropriate options for younger children.

Yes. Our Scuba Discovery Program is a single pool session with all gear included and no certification required. If you decide to keep going, the cost applies toward your Open Water enrollment.

The SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course is $499 and includes your online SDI eLearning, a pool skill-development session, 4 open water certification dives, and gear rental: tank, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, weights, and dive computer. Mask, fins, boots, and snorkel aren't included and are purchased in-store before class. We carry them all, and students get a discount during enrollment.

Most students finish the in-person portion in about 3 days: one pool session plus two open water dive days, two dives each, at a local lake, most often Lake Pleasant. The online academic portion is self-paced and usually takes 4 to 8 hours, done before your first in-person session.

Your Open Water certification clears you to 60 feet (18 meters) in conditions similar to your training. The SDI Advanced Adventure Diver course extends that to 100 feet (30 meters).

No. Your SDI Open Water certification never expires. If it's been a while, we recommend a Refresher before you get back in open water.

Bring your completed SDI eLearning course, your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel from the shop, your completed medical questionnaire (some conditions need physician sign-off), and swimwear and a towel for pool sessions.

Usually, yes, most skills come back quickly in the pool. If your instructor thinks you'd benefit from more time before open water, they'll tell you straight. A Scuba Refresher is $89 for a scheduled session and includes a pool session, all gear rental, and a review of core skills. Check the page for upcoming dates and to book.

If it's been over a year since your last dive, we recommend it. It's a small investment that makes your trip safer and a lot more fun.

Computer Nitrox, especially before a trip. It extends your bottom time, cuts post-dive fatigue, and adds a real safety margin. Advanced Adventure is a great next step for divers who want to keep progressing.

Not required, but Nitrox is a smart add for any multi-dive trip since many resorts offer Nitrox tanks. Deep Diver is worth considering if your destination includes dives below 60 feet.

SDI Open Water, or an equivalent card from any agency, is the minimum. Some trips are beginner-friendly and others are built for experienced divers, so check the recommended experience level on each trip listing.

Yes, and it's a great time to go. We recommend a Nitrox course and, if time has passed since certification, a Refresher before departure. Your trip leaders are in the water with you the whole time.

Absolutely. Group trips are one of the best ways to find a dive community, and most solo travelers leave with new dive buddies.

Trips typically include accommodation, guided boat dives with our trip leaders, meals and drinks depending on the destination, airport transfers, and dive briefings. Airfare, Nitrox fills at the destination, marine park fees, gratuities, and travel insurance aren't included and are the traveler's responsibility.

A deposit holds your spot, with the balance due on a schedule shared at enrollment. All deposits and payments are non-refundable, so travel insurance is worth carrying to protect what you've already paid.

For courses, your tank, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, weights, and dive computer are included in the rental. You'll need your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel, which we sell in-store. Outside of courses, we also rent full gear sets, kayaks, and paddle boards.

Yes. Air fills, Nitrox 32%, and Nitrox 36%, plus visual tank inspections.

Yes. We're an approved ESA/ClassWallet vendor for Arizona homeschool families, and we accept GI Bill funding for eligible veterans. Contact us and we'll coordinate enrollment through either program.

Students get a gear-purchase discount during active course enrollment, and we run multi-course bundle promotions throughout the year. Ask about current promotions when you enroll.

Yes. Private and small-group scheduling is available for most courses, for individuals or groups who want a dedicated session on their own schedule. Call (480) 881-4013 to talk options and availability.

We're inside The Shooting Range at 18618 S 186th Way, Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Once inside, head toward the bathrooms down the hallway, last door on the right. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm, and Sunday, 11am to 5pm. Phone: (480) 881-4013.

Yes. All major agency certifications are recognized. You don't need to be SDI-certified to take courses or join group trips. Just bring your certification card and log book.