Scuba Skills Update Program

Continuing Education with MidCoast Scuba Center - Omaha, Nebraska

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Scuba Skills Update:

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why take the MidCoast Scuba Center Scuba Skills Update?

• Who should take the Scuba Skills Update Program?

• Are any prerequisite forms required?

• What will I review / learn in the MidCoast Scuba Center Scuba Skills Update Program?

• What is the format of the MidCoast Scuba Center Scuba Skills Update?

• What if my Open Water Training was through another agency?

• What are my equipment needs for the Scuba Skills Update Program?

• Are there other areas of diving that may be presented at the time of my Scuba Skills Update?

• When are the MidCoast Scuba Center Scuba Skills Updates offered?

• I have a hectic schedule, what are my scheduling options?

• The Code of the Responsible Diver

• How do I contact MidCoast Scuba Center?

Why take the MidCoast Scuba Center Scuba Skills Update Program?

We all get a little rusty when we don't practice what we've learned - it's only natural. The SSI Scuba Skills Update program taught at MidCoast Scuba Center will give you an opportunity to review your scuba skills and knowledge with a professional dive leader.

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Who should take the Scuba Skills Update Program?

In your Open Water Diver course you were taught the need to dive frequently to maintain your skills. Most training agencies recommend diving four to five times per year to keep your skill level current. If you cannot dive this often and or have not been diving for several months or longer you should get a Scuba Skills Update.

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Are any prerequisite forms required?

As with any scuba course a liability release and current medical form must be completed. Certain medical conditions require a signed physicians approval before any in water review. Should you need a physicians sign-off this will need to be done prior to any in water training. These forms are available in the store. Though not required, we recommend you complete the self-graded workbook and watch the DVD before the in water review.

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What will I review / learn in the MidCoast Scuba Center Scuba Skills Update Program?

The SSI Scuba Skills Update study guide and video are divided into the following sections which review the scuba skills from your Open Water Diver course.

• Responsible Diver Code                     
• Preparing Your Equipment
•     Cylinder and Valve Prep
•     BCD Prep and Safety Checks (double pump and push pull techniques)
•     Regulator Attachment and Safety Checks (negative and positive checks)
• Planning Dives (including dive tables review)
• Diving Skills
•     Equipment Handling at Depth and on the Surface
•     Mask Clearing Techniques
•     Regulator R/R both Sweep and Reach Methods
•     Neutral Buoyancy Skills both Power and Oral Inflation
•     Free Flow Regulator Breathing
• Emergency Skills
•     Air Sharing Stationary and Ascent Techniques (4-hose or 3 / 2 hose techniques)
•     Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascents
•     Buoyant Emergency Swimming Ascents
• Using Your Dive Log
• Continuing Education

There is an excellent chance you will not only review but learn some new things as well!

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What is the format of the MidCoast Scuba Center Scuba Skills Update?

For many divers one pool session, an equipment familiarization session and an academic review session are all that is necessary. The academic review and equipment familiarization may be combined in one session depending on scheduling needs.

A few divers may have had too much time elapse from their last dives or updates and need more than one pool skills update session. This will be determined by the dive leader conducting the session and the diver. We will be happy to schedule additional sessions as required, however seldom are more than 2 sessions necessary.

If you have not been diving with a Personal Diving Computer we strongly recommend arranging a PDC workshop. Ask about scheduling when signing up for your Skills Update.

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What if my Open Water Training was through another agency?

Most Training Agencies in the U.S. teach to the same standards and belong to the same teaching standards organization, the World Recreational Scuba Training Council.

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What are my equipment needs for the Scuba Skills Update Program?

You need your own dive tables, preferably the SSI Low Bubble table, and personal fit items (mask, fins, snorkel, boots). Check these items carefully, maybe it is time to replace with modern equipment! Of course it is always best to dive in your own BCD and Air Delivery System. For your safety these will need to have been demonstrably serviced within the last year minimum.

Mask You may need to stop in and get some de-fog and mask scrub. Perhaps a new soft-bag to protect your mask during travel and storage.	Dry Snorkel You may want to upgrade to a new dry snorkel.	TwinJet Max Split Fins Just ask and we will provide a pair of Scuba Pro Split  Fins for you to try at no additional charge! You will be amazed at what they do for your diving!	Boots Your boots may be worn and need to be replaced, Check them out then come in and try on a new pair! The ScubaPro Molded Sole boot offers comfort and extreme protection.	Mesh Bag Time for a new Boat Bag?	Personal Dive Log Check out the SSI Total Dive Log System.	SSI Low Bubble Dive Tables

Should you not yet own your own Buoyancy Control System and or Air Delivery System we will be happy to help you select the right system for your diving needs. You will then be able to complete your review as you get familiar with your new systems. This will also help assure no problems with ill-fitting and problematic rental equipment during your upcoming dives.

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Are there other areas of diving that may be presented at the time of my Scuba Skills Update?

1. Yes, this would be an ideal time to learn additional information on diving techniques and equipment. You may elect to be introduced to and dive with a modern weight-integrated BCD. No more uncomfortable weight belts! You may wish to try diving with a modern two-hose dive system. This is a course upgrade for a small additional fee. Should you decide to purchase a modern weight-integrated BCD after trying one out your fee will be applied to the purchase price.

2. You may wish to try Split Fins and see what all the fuss is about! Increase your dive time by 40%! Just ask and we will provide a pair for you to try at no cost to you!

3. An additional workshop on Personal Dive Computers (PDC's) may be desired. Diving computers have become commonplace over the last 25 years, yet many divers lack the information on how PDC's may be used to increase their dive safety while allowing additional dive time.

What you will learn during your Personal Dive Computer workshop

• The 3 Different PDC configurations
• The advantages of Air Integrated PDC's
• Using PDC's to read your NDL's for single and repetitive dives
• Ten rules for using PDC's safely
• The Six Most Important Reasons for Using a PDC
• An overview of using PDC'S with Enriched Air Nitrox
• The good and the bad of Forward, Reverse, Saw-tooth and Square Profile PDC Dives
• Reading safe to fly times and slow ascent warnings of PDC's

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What is the Scuba Skills Update Program fee?

The fee(s) for your Scuba Skill Update Program depend on your diving and scheduling needs and desires. Private sessions are available for those who desire one on one review or with difficult scheduling needs.

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When are the MidCoast Scuba Center Scuba Skills Updates offered?

Regularly scheduled Scuba Skills Updates are held in the evening the third Wednesday of every month. For those with personal scheduling needs private sessions may be scheduled.

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I have a hectic schedule, what are my scheduling options?

Private sessions are available for those desiring them or with difficult schedules. The absolute best way to review is through private sessions. Your needs can be catered to and training usually can be completed in less time as you will not be waiting for other students to practice directed skills during confined water session(s). 

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 confined water and instructor costs. Please call for private pricing, 402-391-1559.

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The Code of the Responsible Diver

As a responsible diver I pledge to:

• Dive within the limits of my ability and training.
• Evaluate the conditions before every dive and make sure they fit my personal capabilities.
• Be familiar with and check my equipment before and during every dive.
• Respect the buddy system and its advantages.
• Accept the responsibility for my own safety on every dive.
• Be environmentally conscious on every dive.

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Contact Information

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. 

Telephone

402-391-1559

FAX

402-391-1163

Postal address

8831 Maple St. Omaha, NE 68134

Electronic mail

General Information: Info@MidCoastScuba.com
Customer Support: Terry@MidCoastScuba.com