• You must be at least 10 years old to be certified; however, Internet privacy laws dictate that you must be at least 13 years old to participate in the online training offered here. Minors must have their parents complete the enrollment process for them.

• You must be able to swim at least 180 m/200 yds, without stopping, in water too deep to stand (any stroke, no time limit).

• You must be able to tread water, drownproof or float for ten minutes in water too deep to stand.

• You must download and read the NASE Liability and Assumption of Risk form, and agree to abide by it.

• You must download and complete the NASE Medical History form. If you can honestly answer No to all of the questions it asks, you are good to go. Otherwise, you must take the completed form to your physician and obtain his approval to participate in diver training, on the form, before enrolling on line.

• Knowledge development on line.
• Skill development in confined water.
• Skill application in open water.

Here is how it works:

• You start by completing the NASE Open Water Diver online training course. This gives you the knowledge and understanding you need to participate in the in-water training.

• Skill development typically takes place in a swimming pool or similar body of confined water. Here you master the fundamental skills of diving in a safe, controlled environment.

• Open water training dives generally take place at a local dive site typical of those frequented by new divers. There is some additional skill practice — but mostly you just go diving under your instructor’s supervision.

• You should allow between eight and twelve hours to complete all of the required self study. (Remember that this must be completed before you can take part in any in-water training.)

• Locally conducted pool and open-water training generally takes place over two weekends.

• In a resort setting, all in-water training generally takes three to four days.

If you have an upcoming vacation trip or other event that makes it essential you complete at least the academic and confined water portion of your training within a certain time frame, we can most likely accommodate you. However, do not sign up on line before contacting us and telling us your needs.

• Use of the NASE Open Water Diver online course.
• The NASE Open Water Diver Student Kit, with free shipping in the USA.
• All academic and confined-water training.
• Use of tanks, BCs, regulators, weights and air fills in confined water.
• Certification processing fees.

You are responsible for the following:

• Required equipment purchases (see below).
• Any fees or expenses associated with open-water training.
• Any travel, accommodation or meal expenses associated with the course.
• Any fees for make-up or remedial instruction.
• Any other costs or fees not listed.

Your instructor can give you a better idea of exactly what these additional costs may be.

• Dive mask.
• Wetsuit boots.
• Adjustable scuba fins.
• Snorkel.

Your instructor may have additional recommendations or requirements, such as an equipment bag, mask defog, a lightweight wet suit, weight belt and/or gloves.

You will learn more about these items, and the features to look or, in the online course.