Open Water Advanced Open Water Rescue
Emergency First Response Nitrox Specialties Self Reliant Diver Divemaster
Columbia Scuba offers Open Water classes year-round. We have two convenient class/pool formats:
Tuesday/Thursday evening classes begin every two weeks and
the Sunday morning classes begin on the first Sunday of every month. Students must provide mask,
snorkel, fins, boots, weight belt (not weights), swimsuit and towel. Columbia Scuba
provides all other equipment needed for the course. The Open Water course
fee includes use of all equipment needed for the course, except as noted above.
In addition, each student will need to purchase an Open Water Student Package,
which contains a text book, student log book, student folder and recreational
dive planner.
Once students have completed the classroom and pool training, they must complete four open water dives which are described below.
Columbia Scuba is now open for training 24 hours a day 7 days a week!!! With the addition of PADI's new eLearning online classroom option, you don't need to wait to start your class! Learning to scuba dive has never been more convenient. Whether you’re on the go or want to take it slow, now you can complete the knowledge development portion of the PADI Open Water Diver course online with PADI eLearning. It’s a great match for your active schedule. While you're working through the PADI Open Water Diver course online or after you complete all the segments, you can print your eLearning Record and bring it in to start your underwater adventures. Click on the link to the right to start your scuba adventure today!
Weather you're doing the more traditional classroom style program, or our new e-Learning program to complete the Open Water Diver certification, four open water dives must be completed after you have completed your classroom/pool sessions. These four open water training dives (usually two dives on Saturday morning and two dives on Sunday morning) are completed at Millbrook Quarry in Haymarket, Virginia, usually on the weekend following completion of the five classroom/pool sessions. Millbrook Quarry is open from the first weekend in April to the weekend before Thanksgiving. Students completing classroom/pool training while the quarry is closed are scheduled to go to the quarry when it opens in April following their classroom/pool training. Students wishing to complete their certifications when the quarry is closed can be given a referral letter which will allow them to complete their open water dives at another PADI dive center anywhere in the world. If you decide to complete your open water training dives with Columbia Scuba, there is a $100 fee for the weekend. This fee covers the four required training dives and all equipment except as noted above. Quarry passes for each day are extra (currently $16/day) as well as the PADI certification card (currently $30).
Upon successful completion of the training, including the four open water training dives, students will receive a PADI Open Water Diver Certification Card. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification is recognized worldwide as a standard of excellence and proficiency in scuba training.
Costs: Classroom/Pool Course Fee: $295, Open Water Student Package: $60, Open Water Training Dives: $100, Quarry Passes for open water dives: $32. PADI Certification card: $30.
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(One classroom session, five Open Water dives on two or more days)
Expand your abilities in our underwater environment with this introduction to
five PADI
specialties. The course credits one dive each toward PADI Underwater Navigator
(required), PADI Deep
Diver (required), and 3 other elective PADI specialty certifications. Learn how to navigate
underwater using what you see around you and by using a compass to follow more complex
dive patterns. Expand your capabilities by learning how to dive safely in the 60-100 foot
range and how to pre-plan deeper dives. Choose 3 electives from the following lists:
| At Millbrook Quarry (Haymarket) | On trips with Columbia Scuba |
|---|---|
| Multilevel Diver | Boat Diver |
| Night Diver | Drift Diver |
| Peak Performance Buoyancy | Multilevel Diver |
| Search and Recovery Diver | Night Diver |
| Underwater Naturalist | Underwater Naturalist |
| Underwater Photographer | Underwater Photographer |
| Wreck Diver | Wreck Diver |
Prerequisites: PADI Open Water or equivalent. Minimum age 15 years (Children ages 12-14 can earn a Jr. Advanced Open Water certification).
Additional Equipment Required: PADI Adventures in Diving - Advanced Training for Open Water Diver Manual, PIC envelope or on-line PIC, dive knife, depth gauge, underwater compass, underwater timing device, dive light, signaling device, underwater slate and two Quarry Passes to Millbrook Quarry.
Cost: $175 plus additional equipment. Credits $20 each for any dives already completed. Students must show C-card(s) or instructor signature(s) in log book for any such credits.
Rentals for course: $50 to $75. for weekend package including: full wetsuit, hood, gloves, regulator with SPG and alternate air source, BCD with low-pressure inflator, mesh gear bag, and weights.
Includes: Rental of three filled compressed air cylinders and valves for the weekend. No charge for rental cylinders refilled at Columbia Scuba for this course.
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(two classroom sessions, two pool sessions, and one open water session)
Learn the importance your training has for your safety, the safety of others and to the diving industry
in general. Develop the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effective diver rescues
and assists, manage diving-accident situations, render appropriate first aid and qualify
for PADI Master Scuba Diver or PADI Divemaster training. Learn the techniques used to
prevent the need for use of rescue skills.
Columbia Scuba is now open for training 24 hours a day 7 days a week!!! With the addition of PADI's new eLearning online classroom option, you don't need to wait to start your Rescue Diver class! Learning to scuba dive has never been more convenient. Whether you’re on the go or want to take it slow, now you can complete the knowledge development portion of the PADI rescue Diver course online with PADI eLearning. It’s a great match for your active schedule. While you're working through the PADI Rescue Diver course online or after you complete all the segments, you can print your eLearning Record and bring it in to start your underwater adventures. Click on the link to the right to start your scuba adventure today!
Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent. Minimum age 15 years. Prior to beginning the course, students must show proof of completion of a sanctioned course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR-primary care) and basic first aid (secondary care) within the past two years prior to taking the class.
Additional Equipment Required: PIC envelope or on-line PIC, PADI Rescue Diver Manual and all equipment the Manual describes in "Section 2" and "Section 3". "Additionally, students are encouraged to construct and maintain a diving first-aid kit consistent with the guidelines provided in the manual.
Cost: $175 plus additional equipment.
Includes: Rental of one compressed air cylinder.
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(One classroom session)
Learn what to do in an emergency. The Emergency First Response course offered by
PADI is a basic training course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of an Automatic
External Defibrillation (AED) and basic first aid. It is a medically based assistance
course designed to train students to follow, at the layman's level, the same emergency
procedures and priorities used by paramedics and doctors. The Emergency First
Response course is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health
Administration.
Prerequisites: Minimum age: 12 by the starting date of the course. Open to the general public.
Additional Equipment Required: Emergency First Response Participant Manual.
Cost: $85 plus additional equipment (includes PIC envelope). Students must view video (available from Columbia Scuba - deposit required) and complete knowledge reviews in participant manual prior to class.
Note: Certification expires after two years and a recertification course is required to renew certification. Please call Columbia Scuba to schedule your Emergency First Response recertification class.
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Learning to dive safely with Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) is easy to learn and once you understand Nitrox you will likely choose to dive it on most of your recreational scuba dives. Enriched Air Nitrox allows you to dive with a larger safety margin and extend your bottom times beyond the times you could attain with air. Open Water Certification is the only prerequisite that is required to sign up for and enjoy this class. Nitrox is considered by many to be the most popular gas for use in recreational diving today. We are now teaching the TDI (Technical Diving International) Nitrox and PADI Enriched Air Diver classes. The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is PADI’s most popular specialty scuba diving course and it’s easy to see why. Scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no decompression dive time. This means more time underwater, especially on repetitive scuba dives.
PADI now also offers their Enriched Air Nitrox course
ONLINE! The PADI
Enriched Air Nitrox Class online allows you to complete the pre-reading at your
own pace, significantly decreasing the amount of time you will need to spend in
the classroom allowing you to get in the water even faster. For more information
or to sign up for the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox class online, click on the above
banner today!
Call or stop in to sign up for the classes.
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Available Specialty Classes:
Atlantis/Dolphin Rebreather - Cost $450. Prerequisites: Open Water Diver or equivalent and Enriched Air Diver Certifications. Includes use of rebreather for in-water activities if done locally. Minimum age requirement: 15 years. Course consists of classroom training, one confined water (pool) session and three open water dives. Additional Equipment needed: Atlantis/Dolphin Instructions for Use manual, DiveSorb© and any other equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fee (see below for a list of equipment and materials).
Boat Diver - Cost $85. Prerequisites: Open Water Diver or equivalent. Minimum age requirement: 10 years. Consists of one classroom session and two open water dives from a boat. Additional equipment required: any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fee (see below for a list of equipment and materials). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Boat Dive may satisfy requirements for dive one of this course.
DAN On-site Neurological Assessment (DAN certification only) - Cost $70. Prerequisite: DAN Oxygen Provider certification. Consists of one classroom session. Additional equipment required: DAN On-site Neurological Assessment student manual which includes slate.
DAN Oxygen Provider (PADI certification also available) - Cost $70. Prerequisite: None. Consists of one classroom session. Additional equipment required: DAN Oxygen Provider student manual, a non-rebreather mask and a PIC envelope or on-line PIC (only if PADI certification is requested).
Deep Diver - Cost $175. Prerequisite: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 15 years. Consists of one classroom session and four open water dives on two or more days. Additional equipment required: underwater light and any other equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fee (see below for a list of equipment and materials). The PADI Advanced Open Water Deep Dive may be counted as dive one for this course.
Drift Diver - Cost $80. Prerequisites: Open Water Diver or equivalent. Minimum age requirement: 12 years. Consists of one classroom session and two open water dives. Additional equipment required: any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fee (see below for a list of equipment and materials). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Drift Dive may be counted as dive one for this course.
Dry Suit Diver - Cost $250. Prerequisites: Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver. Includes tank rental and use of a dry suit if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 12 years. Consists of one classroom session, one pool session and two open water dives. Additional equipment required: any equipment, materials fees not listed as being included in the course fee (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Dry Suit dive satisfies requirements for dive one of this course.
Equipment Specialist - Cost $100. Prerequisites: PADI Scuba Diver or equivalent. Minimum age requirement: 10 years. Additional equipment required: PADI Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, Scuba Equipment: Care and Maintenance, Farley and Royer.
Multilevel Diver - Cost $120. Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 12 years. Consists of one classroom session and two open water dives. Additional equipment required: a Dive Computer, or ERDPML (electronic recreational dive planner - multilevel) and any other equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fee (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Multilevel Dive may be used as dive one of this course.
Night Diver - Cost $125. Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 12 years. Consists of one classroom session and three open water dives. Additional equipment required: primary and backup underwater dive lights, tank light and any other equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fee (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Night Dive may be used as dive one for this course.
Peak Performance Buoyancy - Cost $110. Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 10 years. Consists of one classroom session and two open water dives. Additional equipment required: any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fees (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive may be used as dive one for this course.
Search and Recovery Diver - Cost $170. Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent or PADI Open Water Diver and Underwater Navigator or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 12 years. Consists of one classroom session and four open water dives. Additional equipment required: any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fees (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open water Elective Search and Recovery Dive may be used as dive one for this course.
Underwater Naturalist - Cost $100. Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 10 years. Consists of one classroom session and two open water dives. Additional equipment required: waterproof aquatic life identification books or slates, a magnifying glass and any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fees (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Underwater Naturalist Dive may be used as dive one for this course.
Underwater Navigator - Cost $100. Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 10 years. Consists of one classroom session and three open water dives. Additional equipment required: any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fees (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Underwater Navigator Dive may be used as dive one for this course.
Underwater Photographer - Cost $150. Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 10 years. Consists of one classroom session and two open water dives. Additional equipment required: Underwater camera and any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fees (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Underwater Photographer Dive may be used as dive one for this course.
Underwater Videographer - Cost $200. Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 12 years. Consists of one classroom session and three open water dives. Additional equipment required: one video system per student or buddy team and any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fees (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Underwater Videographer Dive may be used as dive one for this course.
Wreck Diver - Cost $175. Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. Includes tank rental if training is done locally. Minimum age requirement: 15 years. Consists of one classroom session and four open water dives. Additional equipment required: dive lights - primary and backup, diving navigational aids and any equipment, materials and fees not listed as being included in the course fees (see below for a list of equipment, materials and fees). The PADI Advanced Open Water Elective Underwater Wreck Dive may be used as dive one for this course.
Equipment and fees not typically included in specialty course fees include appropriate thermal protection for open water dives; quick release weight system and weights; BCD with low pressure inflator; regulator and alternate air source; PIC envelope or on-line PIC; instrumentation to include a means to monitor depth, time and direction; quarry pass(es); and boat fees.
Note: The following basic equipment is required for all in-water specialty courses and will not be provided or rented: mask, snorkel, boots, fins and weight belt. Additional equipment and materials may be needed for specific specialty courses. Other basic required in-water equipment and materials include a recreational dive planner (table or wheel), log book, slate with pencil, dive tool or knife (where permitted) and signaling device.
Technical Courses:
Call for information about the technical courses we offer.
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(One classroom Session, 3 Open Water Training Scenarios done over 1 day)
The purpose of the Self-Reliant Diver specialty course is to recognize and accept the role of the buddy system and its contributions to diver safety while identifying and developing self-reliance and independence while diving. This course covers how to be a better buddy and the need to compensate for those situations, including dive planning, life support system readiness, adaptive training, equipment and responsibility. There are two reasons for an experienced diver to take the Self-Reliant diver course. To sharpen skills for diving self-reliance, making the diver a stronger partner in a dive pair or team. Additionally if you are planning or have thought about becoming a TecRec diver this course will provide you with the principles of being a self-reliant diver to make you a better team mate that is required with technical team diving. This course is an introduction to self-reliant diving that helps student divers develop the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to rely on themselves first, including.
• The value and application of being a stronger / self-reliant dive buddy.
• The philosophy of, and motivation for being a self-reliant diver.
• Potential risks of diving and how to manage those risks.
• The value of equipment redundancy and what back-up equipment is needed.
• Dive planning and gas management.
Prerequisite: Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization. Have a minimum 100 logged dives. Be 18 years of age or older. Successfully complete a dive skills assessment by a PADI Self-Reliant Diver Specialty Instructor.
Additional Equipment Required: Divers interested in the Self Reliant Diver course are required to own their own redundant air supply.
Cost: $295 plus additional equipment.
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(Ten classroom sessions, three pool sessions, internship with at least two Open Water classes,
one Rescue Diver class and one additional advanced training class. Approximate duration:
six
months)
Are you interested in a career in diving? This is the place to start! Develop your
watermanship, diving skills and knowledge of diving to instructor level. Learn how to plan
and supervise open water dives, both shore-based and boat-based. Develop skills necessary
for assisting in training activities, in classrooms, in confined water and open water. Learn
how to conduct PADI Discover Local Diving experience. Become eligible to
be an Emergency First Response Instructor.
Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Rescue Diver, PADI Deep Diver Specialty AND PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty, or equivalent ratings from a recognized scuba training agency. Minimum age 18 years by start of course. Candidate must be in good physical condition for diving and submit an approved medical-exam form for a diving-medical examination conducted within the past year. Candidate must submit proof of 20 logged dives to begin the program (candidate must show proof of 60 logged dives before certification). Candidates must own all their own equipment, as listed below, prior to course start date. If you intend to seek employment at Columbia Scuba upon certification, all equipment must be brands carried by Columbia Scuba.
Equipment Required: During open water training, candidate must be equipped with: fins, mask, snorkel, cylinder(s) and valve(s), regulator, alternate air source, buoyancy control device (BCD) with low-pressure inflator, backpack (if not integrated into the BCD), weight system, appropriate exposure suit for the environment, timing device and depth gauge (or dive computer), submersible pressure gauge, compass, knife/diver's tool and an emergency signaling device (i.e. whistle, sausage, etc.). Candidates must also purchase their own quarry passes to Millbrook Quarry for internship assistance with training classes.
Training Materials Required: PADI Instructor Manual, PADI Divemaster Manual, PADI Divemaster Video, Recreational Dive Planner (Table, and ERDPML)
Cost: $495 plus additional equipment and application fee.
Includes: Divemaster Application form, air fills at Columbia Scuba for internship assistance with training classes, admission to Columbia Swim Center for internship assistance with training classes or candidate training sessions.
Call Columbia Scuba for details! 410-381-1994
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