FAQ
How can I register for a Divers Direct scuba diving course?
The easiest way to register is to visit our location, let one of our friendly and knowledgeable associates know that you would like to learn to dive…or continue your diving adventures…and they will be happy to find a class schedule that meets your needs and complete your registration. Another registration option is to contact our Director of Instruction who will assist you in signing up for class and completing the registration process.
What if I don’t live near your store location? Can I still complete a course while I’m on vacation in Florida?
- Definitely! We offer several options for completing dive courses while on vacation. Many people will complete the classroom and pool skills portion of their Open Water course where they live and then come to us on a “Referral” to complete the final certification dives. We will be happy to assist you in completing just the open water dives or your complete in-water training consisting of pool skills and open water dives. We also offer accelerated courses for vacationing individuals, families and groups. You can complete an entire Open Water course with our instructors in as little as four days. For certified divers we offer a wide range of continuing dive education programs from half-day refresher courses to Advanced Open Water, which can be completed in three days, to specialty classes that can be completed in one or two days. For divers who can spend additional time in the Florida sunshine, we also offer Rescue Diver, Master Diver, and professional level dive training.
What other options do I have?
- Contact our Director of Instruction; he will work with you to create a custom or private class and arrange for an instructor who can assist you on a schedule that meets your needs. We also offer online instruction, enabling you to complete the academic portion of your course at your convenience and in the comfort of your own home or office. When you are ready for your in-water training, we will arrange a schedule for you.
What happens if I register for a course but have to cancel the class due to personal circumstances?
- We realize that sometimes circumstances occur that force us to change our plans. We will be happy to reschedule your class for a more convenient time, or if you have already started a course, arrange an alternative schedule for you. If you need to cancel a class and have not begun your instruction, we offer a full refund if the course materials have not been used. For those who cancel without rescheduling once the class has started, we have a pro-rated refund policy based on the amount of instruction you have received.
What qualifications must I have in order to successfully complete a Divers Direct scuba diving course?
- For our Open Water course you must be in reasonably good health and physical condition, have the desire to experience a new and exciting world of fun and adventure, and meet the minimum age requirements of the certifying training agency. Before you begin your adventure, you will complete a medical statement that helps identify any potential health risks that scuba diving might present. If you, or our staff, have any questions about your health or fitness, we will provide you a form to take to your physician before beginning your class. Most continuing dive education courses have certain prerequisites such as certification levels and minimum age requirements. Our knowledgeable associates can advise you about the specific courses and programs that we offer. You may also contact our Director of Instruction with any questions that you may have.
What is the minimum age for taking one of your courses?
- The minimum age for taking dive classes vary with the certifying agencies that our instructors use. For example, the minimum certification age for PADI is 10; the minimum certification age for NAUI is 12. The minimum age for our Nitrox course is 15. Other specialty and advanced certification courses have various age requirements. Any of our associates can provide you the age requirements for specific courses and programs.
Can I still learn how to scuba dive?
- The answer is yes…although your instructor may advise you to take additional training in swimming prior to receiving your certification. In general, if you can swim at least 200 yards using any stroke or a combination of strokes and either float or tread water for at least 10 minutes, you can meet the swimming requirements for your Open Water certification. I received a dive certification several years ago, but have not been diving in quite a while.
Can I get a refresher on my skills, without having to take the entire course again?
- Absolutely! We offer scuba refreshers for all levels of certified divers regardless of how long they have been out of the water. Our refresher programs are tailored to the individual diver, family or group. Your instructor will design the program to meet your needs and assist you in refreshing and enhancing your diving skills.
