Learning Scuba and the PADI Open Water Diver Course

 

Start your underwater scuba adventures with the PADI Open Water Diver Course at Carmel Bay Divers. We offer small class sizes and flexible schedules to help you maximize the value of your scuba diving experiences. We offer both group and private classes.

 

Learn 2 Scuba Dive at Carmel Bay Divers in San Jose, CA

 

At Carmel Bay Divers, we use the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) system of diver education. Most of these courses as taught by Carmel Bay Divers have received ACE (American Council on Education) recommendation for college credit.

 

The beginner level course is the PADI Open Water Diver Course. The PADI Open Water Diver certification is the world's most recognized entry level scuba diver certificatiton. Earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification means that you and your dive buddy have the knowledge, training and skills necessary to plan your own dives in conditions equal or better than those in which you trained.

 

Class size is limited to 4 students per class, so hurry and register now by contacting Carmel Bay Divers

 

What's the minimum age?

 

For group classes at Carmel Bay Divers, the minimum age is 14. Divers age 10 - 13 may earn their PADI Jr. Open Water Diver certificaion with Carmel Bay Diver; however, we will need to arrange a private schedule. We do this so that your child receives the best possible learning environment and the safest possible scuba training. For younger divers, the course must move at their pace. Please call John at Carmel Bay Divers for more details (408) 227-2822.

 

How do I get started?

 

Anyone is reasonably good health and physical fitness can scuba dive. Stop by Carmel Bay Divers to complete the registration forms and sign-up for a class schedule. You will need to complete a "Liability Release" and a "Medical History" statement to make sure you are ready to scuba dive. You need to be comfortable swimming as well.

 

What's the class schedule?

 

Carmel Bay Divers offers both group and private schedules. Private schedules can be arranged almost anytime outside of the store's retail hours. Group schedules alternate between Class/Pool weekends and Ocean weekends.

Class/Pool Weekend:

Friday evening 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. - noon

 

Monterey Ocean Weekend:

Saturday & Sunday morning 7:15 - 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. (2 dive days, shore diving)

 

Channel Islands Ocean Weekend: 

Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (3 dive days, boat diving)

* Instructor/Ocean fee for the Channel Islands weekend is $485 per person which includes the cost of the boat

 

The Weekend Schedule is currently available on our Carmel Bay Divers Facebook Page: 

 

What gear do I need to scuba dive?

 

As part of your learning scuba with Carmel Bay Divers, you will schedule a personal (1-on-1) Equipment Orientation Session with your Carmel Bay Divers PADI Professional Scuba Instructor. When you purchase your scuba gear from Carmel Bay Divers you will have help in selecting gear that is right for your scuba diving needs, proper fit and proper type of gear for your next dive. With personal gear items such as your mask and fins, you can exchange these for a better fit during your pool training if needed. Use of the Scuba Life-Support Package is included in your course fee.

 

A basic set of scuba diving gear includes:

• Mask

• FIns

• Snorkel

• Wetsuit Boots

• Wetsuit Gloves

• Wetsuit Hood

• Wetsuit or Drysuit (appropriate exposure protect your where you will be diving)

• Scuba Tank

• weighs

• Buoyancy Control Device (BC or BCD)

• Scuba Regulator with an Alternate AIr Source and Gauges

• Dive Computer

• Safety devices (whistle, dive lights, Surface Marker Buoy, slates)

• Gear Bag

 

What is the Scuba Life-Support Package?

 

The gear that supports your life underwater while scuba diving which is readily available for rent:

• Scuba Tank

• Regulator with Alternate Air Source and Gauges

• Buoyancy Control Device

• weights

 

After I complete my PADI Open Water Diver program at Carmel Bay Divers, what's next?

 

The next step in your scuba training and experience should be to complete your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificaiton. The more you learn about scuba diving and the more frequently you can go diving, the more your will enjoy your dives. As you are more comfortable with your scuba gear and more familiar with your dive sites, you will see more marine life. Your air will last longer and your buoyancy will become much easier to control. Maybe you can become a scuba instructor and join the pro's at Carmel Bay Divers.