Open Water Diver

Learn Scuba Chicago offers the Open Water Diver certification, an entry-level course designed to equip individuals with the fundamental knowledge and skills for safe scuba diving. This certification allows divers to explore underwater environments down to 60 feet. The program begins with self-paced academics, covering essential theoretical concepts and previewing practical skills. This thorough preparation ensures students are well-informed before their practical training.

Practical training involves a minimum of five confined water (pool) sessions. These sessions are crucial for mastering basic scuba skills such as buoyancy control, mask clearing, and emergency procedures in a controlled environment. Learn Scuba Chicago utilizes various pools, including The Water’s Edge Aquatic Center in Bensenville and the University of Illinois of Chicago's Small Pool, providing accessible training locations. The organization actively seeks new pool access to expand opportunities for the Chicago community.

Following the pool training, students must complete four open water check-out dives, typically conducted over two days at Haigh Quarry. This site, known as the 'Caribbean of the Midwest,' offers a challenging yet rewarding environment for divers to hone their skills. Learn Scuba Chicago believes that learning in these conditions builds superior confidence and competence compared to tropical water certifications. The center is certified by IDEA, NAUI, and PADI, ensuring a high standard of training.

Students will need to provide their own mask, snorkel, boots, and scuba fins, along with a surface marker buoy and a water-resistant timepiece. While not mandatory for the course, a dive computer is highly recommended as a first equipment purchase for new divers. Learn Scuba Chicago offers rental gear for training purposes, including BCDs, cylinders, regulators, and wetsuits for quarry dives. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well-prepared for their underwater adventures.