OK, so you think you want to learn to dive, but you still have some questions about the whole process. Well, hopefully you will be able to find the answers to your questions here. If not, that's still ok, we are here to help. If you don't find the answers you are looking for here, just drop us an email and we will do everything we can to get you the answers you need!

How does all this work?
Simple, dive training is basically split up into 4 parts. First, upon receiving the Training Deposit, the students receive an email with their online access code and all of the necessary instructiosn to begin the online training course. The student can proceed at their own pace from the comfort of their home. Second, we schedule a short orientation class (about 1 hour) where the instructor (that's me) will review some of the basic information covered in the online course, teach the student about dive computers and fill out the necessary paperwork. The third part is where you get wet! Here the students and the instructor will meet at the pool where the "confined-water" portion of the training happens. A calm, safe environment where everyone has an opportunity to learn about the gear, how to put it together and how to use it. There will also be some skills to learn and master during the session at the pool. Finally, the last portion of training is in an "open-water" environment (usually Lake Pleasant) where the students get a chance to actually dive, master their underwater skills and complete their certification.
See, simple!

How long does it take?
The length of time required to complete the certification process depends a lot on the student and their schedule as well as how prepared they are when beginning training. The online training can be done in as little as day if the student is very motivated, but most often takes about a week if taken at an easy pace doing a little each day. The orientation is a single session lasting about an hour. The confined-water portion or pool session can be completed in one full day session lasting about 6 hours, and the open-water portion is split up over two sessions over two days, 3-4 hours each day. The largest determining factor is your schedule, since training is done at YOUR pace, we can move along as quickly or as slowly as you wish. The orientation and the confined water portion of the training can also be combined depending on schedules and available facilities. Call for more info on this.

So I have a trip planned in a few weeks, is that enough time to get certified?
Absolutely! We are only limited by your ability to get through the self-study or eLearning portion and get to the pool and lake. We also have a couple of different options for training and certifications on short notice. Give us a call for more details on this based on your situation.

What do I need?
Each student must purchase their own "personal gear" which consists of a mask, fins, booties, and snorkel prior to attending the first water training session. If you need assistance with what you need or where to buy, we would be happy to help you with recommendations and any assistance you may need. We have relationships with several quality Dive Shops here in town and often can get special discounts on some items.

What makes SCUBA-AZ different from a regular Dive Shop?
Well, for starters, we don't sell any gear or equipment nor do we have a retail outlet. We offer PRIVATE and semi-private lessons. These lessons can be conducted right in your own living room and your own pool, if you wish. We schedule your training around YOUR schedule and we move along at YOUR pace. You get one-on-one attention and instruction just for you or your small group. The SAME PADI/SDI directed quality training and instruction you would receive from any PADI or SDI dive shop from a Certified SCUBA Instructor. We all teach to the same industry standards.

Doesn't Private Instruction cost a LOT more?
NO! While we do structure our pricing a little differently from the shops, if you are researching pricing, make sure you are asking ALL the right questions. Our pricing for PRIVATE lessons is about the same or often less than that of many valley dive shops for the FULL certification. They may offer cheap $125 certification classes, but these classes only cover the classroom and pool sessions. To complete your certification, you still have to complete the Open Water portion, which they charge quite a bit more for and often do not include your gear, costing you even more money. Some don't even offer the Open Water portion here, they want to sell you a trip to California or Mexico on top of the training costs to complete your certification. Make sure if you research price that you find out the ENTIRE cost of the FULL certification. We offer ONE price for ALL of the necessary training. For that price you also receive one-on-one instruction versus sitting in a class of 5-20 other students taking quite a bit more time to complete the same training.

Is SCUBA Diving safe?
YES, absolutely! With the proper instruction and training, diving is one of the safest and most exciting recreational activities around. We WILL teach you how to dive safe and have a great time!

Where do we do the pool training?
We come to YOU for that as well. If you have access to a pool that is at least 7ft. deep or deeper, (a diving pool) we can train right there. (It also needs to be heated in winter months...) If you don't have access to a pool that meets these requirements, that's OK. We have access to several large aquatic facilities for pool training, however we are subject to their availability for training dates and there can be additional costs if we need to rent them privately. Often we are able to combine the training classes of a couple of clients for just this portion of training, thereby minimizing any additional costs to any one student. In semi-private classes such as these, class size should never exceed 4-6 total students. The rest of your training sessions will remain private. Contact us for more information if you have specific questions about pool use or shared facility policies.

Part of the training includes "open-water" training, where can you do that in Phoenix?
The open-water portion of the training can be completed in any open environment. In the Phoenix area the most popular location is Lake Pleasant, however depending on the time of year and current conditions, there are several other lakes around the Phoenix area that can be used. We can also plan a weekend trip to Mexico or California to complete your certification depending on schedules and preferences. (Our Travel Professionals can help us with any of those plans!) Of course the expense of the trips would be over and above the cost of the dive course and are completely optional.

What is the difference between PADI and SDI? Is one any better than the other?
Both PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SDI (SCUBA Diving International) are internationally recognized SCUBA training agencies. The governing body over the SCUBA industry is the RSTC (Recreational SCUBA Training Council). They set the standards and performance requirements for all dive training agencies. Each agency then creates their training curriculum to meet or exceed those standards. Each may very in their methods slightly, but upon completion and certification, each diver must pass the same requirements to become certified. Different agencies have different pricing structures and courses available for their training professionals to teach. Having the ability to select the best from both agencies gives SCUBA-AZ the advantage of offering the best options and pricing to our clients.

What if I already have a certification from another agency?
Since all agencies are required to meet the same standards for their certification levels, you can "cross-over" your certification from one agency to another pretty easily if you are seeking additional training, certifications or specialties. All you need is your current certification card.

Is it true that I can earn College Credit for getting certified?
Absolutely! In fact PADI is the only Dive Certification agency approved by the American Council of Education (ACE) to allow students to earn college credits for dive training. Credits can be earned not only for receiving Open Water instruction, but additional credits can be earned for continuing your dive training. Here is a link to PADI's information page on this program. Give us a call if you are interested and we can provide any additional details.

Who can dive?
Just about anyone! The minimum age for full certification is 15 years old. Other than that, anyone who likes adventure, can swim (at least a little), and has no major medical conditions can dive. We can even train those with some medical conditions as long as your doctor says it's OK and signs a medical release. Contact us for more information if you have specific questions about limitations.

Our family wants to Dive, but the kids are under 15...
No problem! You have to be 15 for a full certification, however PADI also has a Jr. Open Water Certification for those between 10 and 15. The classes are the same, however once certified they must dive with an adult certified diver (Preferably mom or dad...) or a Dive Professional at all times. There are also other programs for kids ages 8 to 10 which are held in local swimming pools (including yours!) in a controlled safe environment where the kids begin learning the basic skills while playing games and accomplishing goals. The programs can also be set up for kids parties too. Please contact us for more details on these programs.

We have a trip planned, can we start with you and finish on the trip?
Yes, you can. As long as there is a Certified Instructor at your vacation destination, you can complete the classroom and confined-water portions of your training with us, then we will provide you with a "referral" which includes all the necessary forms and documentation for you to complete your certification while on your trip. The only draw-back to that is you will spend two days of your vacation completing training dives for the open-water portion of your certification before you will get to experience diving as a fully certified diver. We recommend completing your certification prior to your trip so you can spend your vacation enjoying yourself and diving when and where you want to, that's what vacations are for, right?

I am a certified diver, but it has been a few years, what can you do for me?
Wow, loaded question...Just kidding. We also offer SCUBA Refresher courses for those already certified to get you back up to speed and make sure the important points of diving are still there for a safe and enjoyable time back in the water.

What about Specialties and other advanced certifications?
Just because you have earned your Open Water Certification doesn't mean you have to stop learning. The more knowledge you have the better diver you will be and the more fun you can have doing it! We offer a full line of continuing dive education including Advanced Open Water Diver, various Dive Specialties, Rescue Diver, Master SCUBA Diver - the highest certification available in the recreational dive community, and Divemaster - the first level of Professional Certification and the first step in becoming an Assistant Instructor or Open Water SCUBA Instructor for those seeking a possible career path. Contact us for pricing and more details on all of these programs.

I'm still not sure if it's for me, any ideas?
Well of course! If you're still not sure if it's for you, or you want to, but your prospective dive buddy that you are trying to get to come along is a little hesitant, NO PROBLEM! Give us a call and we can schedule a Discover Dive session. A chance to "try it out" in a nearby pool, no strings, and see what you think. Each session is about 90 minutes and covers a basic orientation and then some "dive" time in the pool. We also sell vouchers for these sessions, as they make great gifts for friends and family.

How much does it cost and how can I pay?
We accept cash, check, and most major credit cards through Paypal online. You don't even have to have a Paypal account to use this service. Prices for all of the classes can be accessed through our Training page. When you are ready, just click on the yellow "Payments" tank in the middle of the page which will take you to our payment gateway if you choose the credit card option or we can provide address information if you wish to send a check.

What is your Refund Policy?
Since setting up Private Instruction relies heavily on scheduling and making sure your time is set aside as well as making sure all necessary training materials we provide are available, all training deposits are non-refundable. (Discounted specials require full payment at the time of purchase and are also considered non-refundable) Any monies paid toward training classes beyond the deposit are 100% refundable if cancelled at least 48 hours before training classes are scheduled to begin. If classes are cancelled within the 48 hour period we will do our best to reschedule your training at a time more convenient or should you decide to cancel all courses, your balance monies will be refunded less a $100 cancellation fee per student. Once training begins all fees become non-refundable. Proceeding with payment processing demonstrates your understanding and willingness to abide by these policies. Please contact us to address any questions or concerns BEFORE you proceed with payment.

What's next?
Call and schedule a class of course!!!! If you still have questions, please email us or call 602-361-1300 and get those questions answered or schedule YOUR class TODAY!!!

We're waiting for you and the water is GREAT!!!

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