YMCA Scuba logo YMCA Open Water Diver certification


This is the entry level certification. All scuba divers start with this certification.
Learning to SCUBA dive is safe, affordable and requires a modest amount of training. An entry-level certification course takes approximately 32 hours to complete during day or evening classes from a couple of weekends to several weeks. In order to earn a SCUBA certification, you will participate in classroom sessions and practice essential diving skills in a pool. Finally, you will test your knowledge on a written exam and apply your skills during training dives in a lake, quarry, spring or ocean (most of the time, we will go to Monterey). Upon completion, you will receive a certification card that identifies you as a diver, allowing you to rent SCUBA equipment, participate in advanced training and explore exotic diving destinations.

Prerequisites:
This certification is for people at least 15 years old. (It's possible for persons from 12 to 14 years old to take a Junior Openwater Class, this requires a parent/guardian to be present at all classroom, pool and ocean sessions). Persons from 15 to 17 requires parent/guardian permission. (Proof of age required).

All students have to pass a basic swim skill tests consisting of:
  1. 300 yards swim, any style, no time
  2. 50 feet underwater swim
  3. 15 minutes treading water/survival floating (no touching of the side or bottom of the pool)
You must be able to complete these tests without stopping, holding the side of the pool or showing signs of distress.

Forms:
All students need to fill the following forms:
  1. Waiver form (PDF file)  (to be signed at the first class)
  2. Medical Questionnaire form (PDF file) (IMPORTANT: read the form and fill it. If you are currently under the care of a Medical Doctor, or have a pre-existing medical condition that requires permission from a Physician (for example, if you answered yes to one of the questions on the medical questionnaire), you will need to have a signed Medical Release form from your doctor before you can participate in any in-water activities). If you need a signed Medical Form from your doctor, take care of that now or you won't be able to take the class !! To obtain the medical release form to be signed by your doctor click here (PDF file).
You need Adobe Acrobat reader to read PDF files, if it's not installed on your computer, click here to obtain it for free !!
If you can't print these files, send us an email at info@frogdivers.com and we will send them to you by mail or fax.

Cost:
  50$ Swimming pool fee (including scuba diving equipment to use in the pool, except the personal gear described below)
  75$ Instructor Fee
  40$ Student Kit (includes Text book, Dive Log and Submersible Dive tables)
about 130$ Rental Fee for the ocean dives (for a wetsuit, hood, BC Jacket, Regulator with console, weights and tanks. This will be paid at the diving shop).
  15$ Certification card fee (if you succeed all the tests). Optional: 15$ additional if the student requires a CMAS certification card.

in addition to the above, you have to bring, rent or buy your own personal gear: Mask, Snorkel, Booties, Gloves and Fins (from 200$ to 400$ retail price in general). If you already own this equipment, please bring it to the first class for evaluation by the instructors.

Note: All students are insured through DAN for the duration of the class (read conditions on DAN's website by clicking here).

What to bring:
A swimsuit and towel on the first swimming pool session class (Goggles are optional).
Pencil, papers and a calculator at the first classroom session.

Class content:
The class includes about 32 hours of classroom teaching (16 hours) and pool training (16 hours). The Open Water SCUBA Course is offered in the following schedule format:

The format is a four weeks course consisting of eight classroom/pool sessions (one 4 hours classroom session and one 4 hours swimming pool session a week), and ocean dives on the final weekend of the class.

The swimming pool is located at:
Stan's skin and scuba diving
554 S. Bascom Av.
San Jose, CA 95128

Opening hours for the swimming pool are:
    Mon - Fri: 11:00 - 7:00
    Sat: 10:00 - 5:00
    Sun: Closed

If you pass all swimming pool and written tests, we will go to Monterey for the ocean dives during a weekend (2 days are necessary). They include:
  1. 1 skin dive
  2. 4 scuba dives

If you miss one field trip, you must complete it within 30 days by special arrangement with the instructors, and an additional fee will be charged (minimum 50$).
If you miss any pool or classroom session, you will be required to take a makeup session. Makeup sessions are by special arrangement with the instructors, and an additional fee will be charged (minimum 25$ per session).
The instructor fee is to pay the instructor to teach you scuba diving, you need to pass all written, pool and open water tests to get certified. 100% refund of the instructor fee and student kit is available only within the first week and if you are determined to be medically unfit for SCUBA and if class materials are returned undamaged.

If you have any question, please send an email to info@frogdivers.com.

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