Beginning Open Water Scuba Diver Courses
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE OPEN WATER SCUBA PROGRAM IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.
WHY LEARN WITH US?
We know you have options to get certified through the other agencies and shops, but here at Lighthouse Diving Center, we take the time and give you the experience and necessary to enjoy the underwater world safely.
Our teaching staff is a dedicated group of professionals chosen for their skill and approach to safe, fun and enthusiastic Scuba instruction. Lighthouse instructors are qualified to train and certify divers using the internationally recognized NAUI or SDI instruction system.
Our Weeknight and Weekend programs ensure you get maximum time in class and pool to develop your scuba skills including simplified rescue skills which no other shop programs do not include.
HOW LONG IS IT?
Our program combines classroom, pool, and ocean time two different ways:
The weeknight course which runs two evenings per week for three weeks with open water dives on the final weekend.
The weekend course holds classroom and pool session over the first Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and second Friday of the course with open water dives on second Saturday and Sunday.
Private Lessons (one-on-one with you and the Instructor at your own pace and schedule) are available at special rates for you or your family/group (one to four persons per instructor ).
CLASSROOM SESSIONS
While the included e-Learning is great and a valuable tool for review. Here at Lighthouse we believe in experiencing the knowledge of diving through experiments and interactive discussions. That is why we hold 5 classroom session during your course. We even add a classroom session if you choose one of our upgrades.
POOL SESSIONS
Our pool sessions are taught in an indoor, heated, full-size pool to insure your comfort as you learn the easy, fun and practical skills of diving.
The large pool we use allows the room for our small classes to learn the SCUBA skills without interference normally found in a smaller training pool.
OCEAN DIVES (OPEN WATER TRAINING)
The completion of the class/pool sessions leaves you ready and prepared for the experience of your life! Our five open water training dives are done in Puget Sound, giving you the opportunity to use your newly acquired diving skills in the open water environment. It also prepares you for our continuing education programs such as Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver, Divemaster and other Specialty Programs like Night Diver, Wreck Diver, Underwater Digital Photographer and local dive trips with your Lighthouse Instructor.
If you prefer you can do the referral program which allows you to do your ocean dives during your tropical vacation.
EQUIPMENT
We provide all necessary state-of-the-art SCUBA equipment: Tanks, BCD, Regulators with Octopus and combination gauges, 7mm 2-Piece cold water wetsuits with hood, and weight belts.**
Since individual needs such as fit and preferences vary, each student is required to provide their own approved personal snorkeling gear, which consists of mask, snorkel, fins, boots and gloves. Note: Proper fit is essential for your comfort and success in learning scuba diving and this is where our professional sales staff excel.
Students are also encouraged to purchase their own SCUBA gear because they learn faster and more comfortably in their own gear.
**Equipment provided in standard sizes only, (students may need to purchase their own non-stock sizes)
COURSE UPGRADES
Drysuit Upgrade: For an additional fee you may chose to learn in a drysuit! Diving in a drysuit, allows you to stay warm and dry during all of your open water training dives!
Nitrox Upgrade: For an additional fee you may chose to learn with the use of oxygen-enriched air which will decrease your fatigue.
CLASS SIZE AND ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Our class averages 4 students per instructor with a maximum of 8 which offers maximum individual attention to our students.
These smaller classes lead to a safer, more intimate environment and eliminate confusion in our diving activities. No herds of students here! Smaller classes fill quickly, so payment in full is required to hold a spot in a class. For your convenience you may enroll over the telephone with the credit card of your choice!
Medical Conditions: If you have Epilepsy, Asthma, Diabetes, or a heart condition, you might not be able to take dive lessons. If you have questions about a medical condition, please check with one of our staff, and your doctor. You will need a medical release to take a dive class.