Learn to Dive with MidCoast Scuba Center - Omaha, Nebraska
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What does certification
mean in scuba diving?
Open Water Diver Scuba certification denotes having completed a recognized course of instruction in scuba diving. Upon completion of the Open Water evaluation dives you will receive a certification card (c-card) as an Open Water Diver. The Open Water Diver c-card is your ticket to dive anywhere in the world. It is also the proof required to be presented before participating in dives, renting or purchasing compressed air equipment, or having cylinders filled.
An Open Water Diver certification card has no expiration date. In other words it is valid for life. However you do lose the academics and skills you learned over time. A Scuba Update or Refresher should be completed every few months to keep your skills sharp and learn what has changed since your initial training. Click here to see the Scuba Refresher page.
What is the difference between the Open Water and Basic Diver Courses?
The Open Water Diver Course requires all six chapters of the text to be completed, and completion of the full slate of diving skills be mastered during confined water training. The Basic Diver Course requires only the first three chapters of the text be completed and fewer confined water training skills. Certification as a Basic diver requires only 3 evaluation dives. Thus the Basic Diver Course can be completed in less time, getting the diver in the water at their chosen destination faster, with the option of completing their training to Open Water Diver at a later date.
Who should take the Basic Diver Course?
A diver candidate who has little time until an upcoming trip to a dive destination. The Basic Diver certification allows the diver to dive anywhere in the world under the watchful eye of a dive leader (Instructor, Dive Control Specialist, or Dive Master). The Basic Diver may continue, when more time is allowed to continue on to Open Water Certification, or may elect to remain certified as a Basic Diver.
Remember, a certification card has no expiration date. In other words it is valid for life. However you do lose the academics and skills you learned over time. A Scuba Update or Refresher should be completed every few months to keep your skills sharp and learn what has changed since your initial training. Click here to see the Scuba Refresher page.
How do I become a certified Basic Diver?
Becoming a certified Basic scuba diver is an easy, fun, two-part process.
Part one consists of academic review sessions covering only the first three chapters of the text and DVD and confined water dive training designed to prepare you for the Open Water evaluation dives (part two). "Open Water" means diving in a lake or ocean, as opposed to confined water which generally means a pool or similar controlled environment. As a Basic Diver you will only need to complete the first three Open Water Evaluation Dives.
Part two is diving with an instructor, putting into practice your new skills and abilities in the open water environment. You will demonstrate to the certifying instructor your comfort and ability to perform the skills you have learned. Upon successful completion of part two you will receive your certified Scuba Schools International Open Water Diver certification enabling you to dive any where there is water. Since water comprises over 75% of our planet your future diving activities are limitless!
All scuba training is conducted in essentially the same manner. The difference among programs is how you get there. At MidCoast Scuba Center we offer superior diving instruction with the most up-to-date training system available, Scuba Schools International Open Water Diver Program.
How do I become a certified Open Water Diver?
Becoming an Open Water certified scuba diver is an easy, fun, two-part process.
Part one consists of 6 academic review sessions and confined water dive training designed to prepare you for the Open Water evaluation dives (part two). "Open Water" means diving in a lake or ocean, as opposed to confined water which generally means a pool or similarly controlled environment.
Part two is diving with an instructor, putting into practice your new skills and abilities in the open water environment. You will demonstrate to the certifying instructor your comfort and ability to perform the skills you have learned. Upon successful completion of part two you will receive your certified Scuba Schools International Open Water Diver certification enabling you to dive any where there is water. Since water comprises over 75% of our planet your future diving activities are limitless!
All scuba training is conducted in essentially the same manner. The difference among programs is how you get there. At MidCoast Scuba Center we offer superior diving instruction with the most up-to-date training system available, Scuba Schools International Open Water Diver Program.
What is the fee for part one training (classroom and confined water diving)?
Compared with getting started in other popular adventure sports and outdoor activities, learning to dive isn't expensive. For example you can expect to pay the same as you would for:
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a full day of surfing lessons |
| a weekend of rock climbing lessons | |
| a weekend of kayaking lessons | |
| a weekend of fly-fishing lessons | |
| about three hours of private golf lessons | |
| about three hours of private water skiing lessons | |
| one partying night at the local pub |
The combined fee for part one pool diving and classroom sessions is determined by your needs and your schedule. The fee includes instruction in the Scuba Schools International Open Water Diver Program, pool fees, teaching materials and rental of scuba equipment for pool diving. Teaching materials include: the Scuba Schools International Open Water Diver Manual with DVD or Video (for home study), log book of your choice, and the Scuba Schools International Dive Tables, all of which are yours to keep. Not included are required personal snorkeling system equipment. We offer private, semi-private or group lessons:
The absolute best way to learn to dive is utilizing private instruction and in your own Total Diving System. Private Lessons are best for individuals, or couples. We can usually meet any schedule, daytime, evening weekends or a combination of all three. And you will never sit on the bottom waiting for a number of other students to complete skills before it is again your turn.
Semi-private lessons are best for small intimate groups of three to four wishing to learn to dive together. The same ease of scheduling options as private lessons apply.
Group lessons are a little less expensive but are subject to a stricter schedule to complete.
MidCoast Scuba Center offers three different personal snorkeling equipment packages that include the part one course and all teaching materials at a reduced rate to fit your needs and budget. Please come in to discuss the best options for your needs and schedule.
We will provide state of the art SCUBA equipment for your course pool diving. Our Premier Scuba Course offering gives you the opportunity to learn to dive using traditional 4-hose regulator systems and BCD's with weight belts as well as more modern 3 and 2 hose regulator systems and weight integrated BCD's equipped with alternate inflator regulators and hose-less air integrated Personal Dive Computers.
Stop by MidCoast Scuba Center at 8831 Maple St. Omaha, NE and we will be happy to register you. Or call MidCoast Scuba Center. 391-1559. You may also contact us via e-mail at info@midcoastscuba.com to register or via mail at the above address, or by fax at 402-391-1163.
You may reserve a space for one or more divers with a credit card number over the phone! We accept all major cards. Should you need, teaching materials will be shipped to you and your course begins the moment you start reading the text and watching the training video.
You may also now take the academic portion of your course on-line.
It is possible to earn college credit for your scuba class taken at MidCoast Scuba Center. Courses from Scuba schools International have been recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).
It's easy. Take a dive course from our SSI training facility. Then order an Official Transcript and send it to your college or university. Transcripts are also available for SSI courses completed as far back as 1991.
For more information click here.
Scuba Schools International courses for credit:
Open Water Diver
Diver Stress & Rescue
Dive Control Specialist
Open Water Instructor
Our address is 8831 Maple St. Omaha, NE. 68134. We are located on the south side of Maple St., one half block east of the S.E. corner of 90th and Maple on the south side frontage road.
Minimum age for SCUBA class is ten years old. Divers 10 to 14 years old receive a Junior Diver Certification and must dive with an adult.
No, you need only be comfortable in the water and; (1) capable of swimming 6 laps of the pool continuously, in mask, fins, snorkel, exposure suit and at your own relaxed pace, and (2) tread or float in water too deep to stand up in for 5 minutes.
As a minimum you will want your own mask, fins, snorkel and diving booties when you start diving in the Scuba Schools International Open Water Diver Course. These items require a personal fit. It's recommended that you invest in your own equipment when you start your course for the following reasons:
You will be more comfortable learning to dive using gear chosen to fit you personally
Divers who own their own equipment dive more
Having your own equipment is part of the fun of diving
Pool sessions interrupted due to poorly fitting or performing equipment become more problematic with make up scheduling, and equipment replacement logistics
We guarantee fit and comfort for any equipment purchased in our retail facility and provide on the spot replacement if necessary.
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| Mask | Dry Snorkel | Twin Jet Split Fins | Molded Sole Boots | Mesh Bag | Personal Dive Log | Comfort / Easy Change Weight Belt |
We strongly recommend you schedule a time to have our professional staff help you choose the fit and features best suited to you. We absolutely guarantee fit and comfort for any equipment purchased from our retail facility.
Should you need vision correction we specialize in prescription masks. Tell us your prescription in advance and we will have your mask ready in time for you to use during your in water training. You will also need a swimsuit and a towel for your pool sessions.
One additional item to bring to all sessions: a smile, after all you are learning to dive and having fun!
You will need to fill out a simple registration form including a Medical Statement. Certain medical conditions require a signed physicians approval before your first pool session. You will also want to read the first chapter of the text, fill out Knowledge Quest answers, and watch the first section of the video.
Class room review sessions are held at MidCoast Scuba Center 8831 Maple St. Omaha. Pool sessions are held at number of different sites depending on season and availability. Most pool sessions are held less than 6 minutes drive from MidCoast Scuba Center.
I have a hectic schedule, what are my options?
The absolute best way to learn to dive is through private lessons. Your needs can be catered to and training usually can be completed in far less time as you will not be waiting for other students to practice directed skills during pool sessions. Private lessons are available for those desiring them or with difficult schedules.
We usually can meet anyone's difficult scheduling needs. Day time, evening and or weekends, or a mix of all three may be arranged. Private and Semi-Private lessons are priced higher to accommodate increased pool and instructor costs.
What is the course fee and cancellation policy?
The course fee is due when you register for your class. Your course fee is non-refundable within fourteen days of the class starting date and is non-transferable within seven days of the class starting date.
What are the options for part two, The Open Water Evaluation Dives?
As a MidCoast Scuba Center Student you have three options for your evaluation dives.
Certi-Vacations
A Certi-Vacation is the ideal way to complete your scuba training. Travel with us on a guided dive vacation and complete your training with your confined water and classroom instructor.
Local Evaluation Dives
If you cannot travel with us to more exotic "Certi-Vacation" destinations, local evaluation dives (May through November) allow you to finish your training with your instructor. Fees for local evaluation dives are destination dependent. Private open water evaluation dives are available and may be scheduled for your convenience.
Referral Evaluation Dives
Referral evaluation dives are done on your personal vacation with another instructor at a destination of your choice. You may take up to six months after completion of your part one training to complete your part two evaluation dives for certification. At the end of six months a scuba refresher will extend your eligibility for an additional six months for up to a full year total after completion of your part one training. We will assist you in locating a diving facility to accomplish your certification goals. A fee is charged for the processing of your certification card.
MidCoast Scuba Center Inc.
For information on any of our products, services, courses or trips please call or contact Terry Hurley using the information provided below.
