Your Open Water Course may be completed in only two weekends. Class size is limited, and the cost is $275, which includes course materials and use of scuba equipment (BCD, regulator, cylinder, weight belt, wetsuit). You must supply personal equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, booties), which may be purchased in the store and you may apply your student discount. The cost of personal gear is typically between $175-$500 or you may supply approved personal gear from other sources There are 10-12 hours of home study that must be completed BEFORE your first class night(Friday), and you must score at least a 75% to pass your required written exam and continue on to your open water dives. A Medical Release may be required from your doctor depending on health issues.
Classroom and pool work scheduling the first weekend is typically as follows: Friday 6:30pm-10pm (classroom only), Saturday and Sunday 8am–5pm (finish classroom Saturday AM then pool work the remainder of the weekend).
The second weekend consists of five open water dives over Saturday and Sunday to complete your certification. The scheduled times for Saturday and Sunday are 8am–3pm. These dives normally take place at Clear Springs Scuba Park (CSSP) in Terrell, Texas (approximately 1 hour east of Grapevine).
CSSP collects a daily fee of $20 and air fills are $8 (CASH ONLY). You should plan on bringing all your scuba gear, a cooler with food and drink, lounge chair, towel, tarp and sunscreen. You will be responsible for picking up your scuba equipment either Thursday or Friday at the store and returning it rinsed and clean on Monday. A $25 cleaning charge will be assessed for equipment returned not cleaned.
Once your open water dives are completed, you will be issued a temporary certification. Your permanent card should arrive at the store in about two weeks. Once all information is verified as correct, you will be notified to pick up your card.
Some individuals may wish to do their classroom and pool work here and complete their open water checkout dives while on vacation. Cost for this procedure is $200 and you still supply your own personal gear. Be aware that checkout dives at resort locations can cost as much as a full course here in the states. Check this out as part of your vacation plans.
Others may be bringing a referral for work done elsewhere and need completion of their course work. These prices vary depending on what work is required. Check with the store for availability. Four checkout dives for certification is $200 and includes the scuba equipment needed, but not personal gear or park fees/expenses.