Pro, Safe, Fun Environment
Calm coaching, strict safety standards, and a positive pace for every student.
Open Water Scuba Certification
Train your way. Dive with confidence.
Program Snapshot
Clear structure, flexible options, and SDI training built around safety, confidence, and real skill.
Student-First Flexibility
We work around busy schedules and let you shape the class structure.
Premium Gear
High-quality, high-performance equipment. No worn-out, tired gear.
What Makes This Open Water Program Different
Becoming a certified scuba diver should feel exciting, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. This program is built around personalized instruction, real-world diving, and flexible options designed to fit your lifestyle, schedule, and goals.
SDI eLearning + In-Person Coaching
Complete SDI Open Water eLearning before sessions, then we review key concepts in depth.
Pool Training Done Right
Custom pool curriculum, skills coached carefully, and extra time where you need it.
Open Water Dives Included
Certification requires 4 dives over 2 days, and we include up to 6 dives in the price.
Parent-Approved Training
Patient instruction, strict safety standards, and gear you will feel good about your child using.
How It Works
- eLearning + Review. Finish SDI eLearning first, then we review and go deeper in class.
- Pool Training. Classroom and pool can run together, with skills coached at your pace.
- Open Water Dives. Complete 4 required dives over 2 days, with up to 6 dives included.
Course Options
Private Open Water Certification
Ideal for one-on-one learning, busy schedules, or anyone who wants extra confidence.
- Fully tailored pace and schedule
- Personalized dive planning
- Maximum attention and coaching
Group and Family Open Water Certification
Perfect for friends, couples, and families (teens and adults).
- Small group sizes for safety and comfort
- Shared learning with people you know
- Fun, supportive environment
Youth Open Water (Ages 10-15)
Built for young divers with parent-approved standards and a confidence-first approach.
- Patient coaching with strict safety standards and high-performance gear sized for kids
- Confidence-building instruction that helps young divers stay calm, focused, and capable
- Flexible scheduling for school, sports, and busy family calendars
- Family-friendly options so you can certify together or let us handle the training
Choose a youth-only track or make it a family experience with shared training and dives.
SDI Junior Open Water depth limits
Age 10-11: 40 ft / 12 m max.
Age 12-14: 60 ft / 18 m max.
Age 15: converts to regular SDI Open Water (normal buddy rules apply).
Supervision requirements (Once Certified)
Ages 10-11 must dive with a parent/guardian or dive professional in direct supervision and close proximity, like a true buddy plus adult escort at all times.
Ages 12-14 must dive with a certified adult diver (18+) who is a parent/guardian or an adult designated by the parent/guardian, and must follow the 60 ft / 18 m limit.
Coming soon: a DMZ Camp n' Dive summer program at Gilboa Quarry with diving, conservation, and marine biology themes — plus Family Weekend trips that make planning easy.
Pricing and Payment Options
Base Open Water Certification
Starting at $699. Includes:
- SDI Open Water eLearning
- Classroom review and in-depth coaching
- Confined water training with a custom curriculum
- Open water dives (4 required, up to 6 included)
- Professional instruction and planning support
We can pace sessions around school, work, and family schedules.
Flexible Payment Plans
- Deposit Required
- No requirement to pay everything upfront
- Pay as you progress through training
- Per session rates available
- Designed to be accessible for students and young divers
- Student, Public Safety & Military discounts available!
What's Included
- Global certification recognition so you can dive worldwide with any certified operator regardless of agency
- Extra time in the water and a coach-first approach (not a rushed checklist)
- High-performance gear that is clean, reliable, and dialed in for comfort
- Refreshments during training days
- Photos and videos from your experience so you can relive and share it
- Paperwork handling and certification processing support so you can focus on learning
- Fun dives included once certification dives are complete
- Clear communication and flexible scheduling to fit real life
Not Included
- Transportation to classroom, pool, or dive sites
- Additional instructional dives beyond the included training dives
- Rental gear transport (students are responsible for handling their rental gear)
- Any liability-based items that must remain student-managed (medical, logistical, parental)
Lock in your training dates
Tell us your schedule and goals. We will build the right plan and timeline.
Training Locations (Midwest)
Open water dives are conducted at well-known, diver-friendly sites across the region.
We prioritize calm progression, clear briefings, and plenty of in-water time to build confidence.
- Haigh Quarry
- Gilboa Quarry
- Mermet Springs
- Pearl Lake
Sites are selected based on conditions, student comfort, and training goals.
Final locations are chosen collaboratively to ensure the best learning experience.
Certification Vacations (Optional)
Prefer warm water and clear visibility? Complete your certification while traveling.
We coordinate the requirements so your training stays smooth and stress-free.
- Tropical resort training
- Quarry and destination hybrid programs
- Full certification completed during a vacation
Perfect for honeymooners, spring break trips, and first dive travel experiences.
Want a fully guided experience? We can travel with you, handle instruction on-site, and support your diving for part of or your entire trip (minimum of 4 days). This is a premium, concierge-style option for families or groups who want a dedicated instructor from start to finish.
- Pick a location or resort and we'll handle the diving
- Single point of contact for training, schedules, and dive planning
- Calm, consistent coaching in the environment you actually want to dive
- Built-in continuity and oversight for parents, couples, and groups
- Local operator coordination and on-site logistics handled with you
Optional Add-Ons You May Want to Consider Later
Not required, but helpful if you want extra reps or more time in the water.
- Free post-certification fun dives (Location dependent)
- Gear orientation workshop
- Dry suit or specialty preview sessions
- Alumni dive days and travel priority access
- Student referral discounts
House-Call Instruction (Available)
Bring the classroom to you when schedules are tight or travel is difficult.
- Classroom sessions
- Academic reviews
- Non-diving specialty courses
Ideal for busy families, group bookings, and students who prefer a relaxed environment.
Additional fee applies.
Who This Course Is For
Whether you are brand new or returning after time away, the course meets you where you are.
- First-time divers
- Students and young adults
- Families and friend groups (parent-approved training)
- Travelers planning future dive trips
- Anyone who wants real instruction, not rushed certification
Real-World Training
Confidence comes from practice in real conditions, guided by a calm, steady plan.
Ready to start?
If you are ready to learn scuba in a way that makes sense and sets you up for confident, enjoyable diving, this program was built for you.
Get Started