Learn to Dive

ONLINE TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE at www.divessi.com/online

Basic Course Information

We currently offer a 2 weekend course, with classroom and pool training the first weekend and open water checkout dives in Avalon the second weekend.

Getting the Ball Rolling

Prior to you first classroom session, you must sign up at Scubahaus and complete your preliminary training. This can be done online, or by picking up your SSI Student Kit from the shop.

You must also complete the SSI Statement of Understanding and Responsibilities, Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement, and Medical History Form. Any medical conditions that can affect your safety will require a medical release from your physician.

Class Schedule

Class schedule consists of one Friday night orientation meeting and two consecutive weekends of training.

Friday night we meet at 6:30pm to pick up SCUBA gear, go over paperwork,  and watch an orientation video.

Saturday and Sunday begin with classroom training at Scubahaus from 8:00 am-12 noon. We break one hour for lunch, then reconvene at the Santa Monica City College Pool from 1:00pm-5:30pm.

In addition to your SCUBA equipment, students should bring a towel, sunscreen, bottle of water and swimsuit to the pool session.

The second weekend consists of two consecutive days of open water check-out dives at Casino Point in Avalon (Catalina Island).

Some students choose to stay overnight on the island. Overnight accommodations are not included in tuition.

Physical Requirements

Students must successfully pass a swim test at the pool consisting of a 50 foot underwater swim, 220 yard swim, and 10 minute tread water.

You should also be able to transport your own SCUBA gear.

Final Exam

Academic proficiency will be evaluated with a multiple choice exam at the end of the class. Students must score a minimum of 75% to successfully complete the academic portion of the course.

Certification is not guaranteed. Students must successfully pass each of the class exams and demonstrate proficiency in each SCUBA diving skill to obtain a SSI certification.

Class Tuition Includes:

• SSI Student Kit and Training Video

• SSI “Open Water Diver” Textbook

• SSI Dive Tables

• Confined Water Dives

• Open Water Ocean/Check-Out Dives: Two-Days at Casino Point, Catalina Island

• Ferry Transfer aboard “Catalina Express” from Long Beach to Avalon, Catalina

• Transfers and Air Fills at Casino Point

• Divers Alert Network (DAN) Student Insurance for Duration of Course

• SCUBA Equipment (BC/Vest, Regulator, Tank, Weight Belt, Wetsuit and Hood)

• 10% Student Discount on all store merchandise

Equipment you need to get started:

• Mask and Snorkel

• Fins and Booties

• Gloves

• Gear bag

Tuition Fees:

The current cost for basic open water certification is $425.  Referral courses (first weekend only, no check-out dives) are $250, and Refresher classes are $175 (first weekend only, all lectures and pool training included.)  All prices are subject to change without notice.

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