SCUBA CLASSES
Designed to accomodate those who are visiting Miami for a day or short on time, this full day PADI experience will get you in the water and experiencing two dives over our offshore reefs with a certified PADI professional.
The first entry-level certification for those fascinated by diving, the PADI Open Water certification allows you to dive to 60 ft. independently anywhere in the world. All you need is two full days to complete the course.
TAKING THE PLUNGE: GETTING SCUBA CERTIFIED IN MIAMI BEACH
SCUBA diving is an activity that requires training and education in order to understand how to properly use, prepare, and maintain the specialized gear. There are many diving associations to choose from which have their own training curriculum. PADI is the largest and most recognized internationally. The certification proves to dive centers and dive professionals that you have received the proper training to understand the scope of diving - including all of the risks and safety procedures to follow.
While it is not necessary to have a certification to dive ( see Discover Scuba ), you should be certified if you plan on going out either privately or with a public charter. You will find that you will not be allowed to rent dive gear from a dive center without having a certification, even if you plan on using it on your own. Just as taking a car out for a drive, you would not want to operate dive gear without having the education to handle it and any situations that may arise underwater.
What is the certification I need in order to scuba dive
While it is not necessary to have a certification to dive ( see Discover Scuba ), you should be certified if you plan on going out either privately or with a public charter. You will find that you will not be allowed to rent dive gear from a dive center without having a certification, even if you plan on using it on your own. Just as taking a car out for a drive, you would not want to operate dive gear without having the education to handle it and any situations that may arise underwater.
What is the certification I need in order to scuba dive
The Open Water certification course will give you the education necessary to make dives up to 60 feet (20 meters) deep with another certified diver as a buddy. Most major dive sites across the world are found in only 20 - 40 feet (10 meters) of water - exactly where you want to be to get up close and personal to marine life! Most professional dive operators around the world will not allow their divers to dive independently without have at least a PADI Open Water rating or similar.
Can anyone take a scuba certification class?
The short answer is yes - taking into consideration the following two key factors:
1) You must be in good health, without any major health issues that would impede your being able to dive safely and comfortably. It is always suggested to consult your doctor beforehand and specifically inquire about how scuba diving can impact your body and particular health circumstances if you are unsure.
2) The course is open to anyone 10 years and older. Divers who are 10 - 14 years old are considered Junior Open Water divers. Divers who are certified as Junior Open Water Divers are upgraded to the standard Open Water Diver level when they reach the age of 15.
Do I need to know how to swim to get scuba certified?
For your safety and the safety of other divers, you should be comfortable in the water before getting certified. While you don't have to be an Olympic swimmer, you should be able to confidently handle yourself in various bodies of water (pools, lakes, oceans, etc.) including being able to doggie-paddle and hold yourself up in an aquatic environment without buoyancy gear on.
Where can I get scuba certified in Miami Beach?
Conveniently located on the water at the Miami Beach Marina in South Beach is Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center. Having opened their doors in 1952, this family-run full service dive center is the premiere diving education center in South Florida. They sell and rent diving and snorkeling equipment, as well as offer excursions, gear sales and repair.
You can find them at online at
www.TarpoonDiveCenter.com
, or in person at 300 Alton Road, Suite 110, Miami Beach, FL 33139.