Published October 29, 2009
Written by Grace Chen
Are you interested in a new hobby that will open the mysteries of the sea? Are you hoping to enrich your college experience with a unique and entertaining course? Whether you’re interested in learning to scuba dive for recreational or educational reasons, community colleges across the country are qualified to provide students with the necessary skills, training, and practice to become a certified diver. These courses are generally open for both registered students, as well as adult community members pursuing continuing education.
Indeed, scuba diving courses can be a fun and engaging opportunity to explore new underwater worlds!
How to Get Certified to Scuba Dive
Scuba divers must first obtain a certification card to prove their completion of a reputable training course. The most common certification agencies are PADI, NAUI, YMCA, SSI, as well as other local institutions. Oftentimes, community college campuses provide certification courses through one of these leading agencies.
When enrolling in a scuba training class, the most common certification venue is known as an “open water” scuba class. Once you complete this type of primary scuba course, you will need to pass all the tests and required dives before receiving official certification. Upon earning a certification card, a scuba diver never needs to re-enroll for training, but once this step is completed, you can maintain your certification status for life!
Most scuba courses require that all participants ensure they are in healthy physical shape. Participants should be able to swim at least 200 yards and float or tread water for at least 10 minutes without stopping. Adding to these standards, a scuba course will guide students through the major concepts and elements of scuba diving, including mandatory book work, exams, pool training, and open water diving sessions. The duration of a certification course may fluctuate depending on the training facility.
Community College Scuba Certification
While many community colleges sponsor various scuba clubs, an array of campuses have integrated scuba diving into their physical education and/or science education curriculum options.
For example, Broward Community College, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers a comprehensive scuba diving training and instruction course through their department of physical education. By enrolling in the BCC certification class, students will be exposed to the fundamental skills of scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as learn theories and safe scuba practices. While some schools allow students to practice their newly acquired skills in a chlorinated pool, BCC students can take advantage of a more realistic scuba experience by participating in open water dives at the campus’ nearby Tigertail Lake.
Similar to BCC’s open water scuba course, Lane Community College, located in Eugene, Oregon, also allows students and adult learners to obtain their certification and training through an open water course option. In examining the details of LCC’s scuba training class, a student’s progress is based on standards of performance focused on the core content areas of scuba diving. As such, students’ grades are determined based on specific class percentages:
- 20% of the course grade is based on Affective Domain (students’ sportsmanship, responsibility, and timeliness)
- 40% of the course grade is based on “Watermanship” (this category includes activities known as “pool labs,” wherein students practice their learned skills and techniques)
- 20% of the course grade is based on quizzes
- 20% of the course grade is based on the final scuba diving exam
Taking Scuba Diving Classes One Level Deeper
Building on the foundational certification courses provided by school such as BCC and LCC, individuals can also enroll in more advanced options geared towards experienced divers.
For example, Des Moines area students who have already earned their scuba certification can opt to enroll in the Diving Biology course, available at Highline Community College in Iowa. In HCC’s field-based diving class, expert instructors teach students about the identification and natural history of marine life, specifically marine invertebrates. With a series of lectures, as well as dives in the Puget Sound, students can expand their diving skills and knowledge through the guidance of trained and experienced experts.
Community colleges are an excellent way to learn about scuba diving and earn your certification. What are you waiting for? Dive right in!
Resources:
Broward Community College, available at http://www.broward.edu/ext/DepartmentCourseList.jsp?Name=PEL
Highline Community College, available at http://onlineschedule.highline.edu/default.aspx?page=ClassDetail&PKClassID=59602664
Article Base, “Scuba Diving Certification,” available at http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/scuba-diving-certification-what-you-need-to-do-before-you-go-looking-for-nemo-461884.html
Lane Community College, “Open Water Scuba,” available at http://www.donaldheer.com/scuba/lcc/LCC Open Water Sp09.pdf
Read Related Courses in College Articles:
- Career Socialites Rejoice in Event Planning Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about how you can turn your passion for parties into a career through event planning courses at your local community college. - Graduate Early and Save Money by Testing Out of Community College Classes
Learn about how you can save thousands in tuition costs by testing out of community college classes. - The Benefits of Earning Honors Credit at Your Community College
Learn about the many benefits associated with taking honors courses at your local community college and what you should expect in these rigorous classes. - Community College Curriculum: Drastically Changed by Today's Economy
Learn about how today's economy has impacted community college curriculum, increased occupational programs, and grown specific career-preparation courses. - How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career. - Why You Should Earn Your Teacher Certification in Community College
If you are planning on earning your teaching certificate, consider attending community college as an affordable and cost-effective way to garner your certification. - Obtaining Your Autism Teaching Certificate at Community College
Given the increasing number of diagnosed autistic children, the demand for autistic specialists grows as well. Learn about how you can specialize in autistic education by taking courses at your local community college. - How to Prepare for a Career in Electronic Health Records at Your Community College
Healthcare reforms will demand changes in healthcare facilities, including the usage of electronic health records. Learn how you can get a jump start in this field by pursuing a program at your local community college. - A Rewarding, Recession-Proof Nursing Career Starts at Community College
Nursing remains a highly rewarding career that will remain not only in demand, but recession-proof. Learn about how to begin your nursing career at community college. - Polish Your Job Candidacy with an Ethics Business Course
Learn about business ethics courses offered at community colleges and how the curriculum can enhance your job candidacy and resume. - Want to Lose Weight? How Your Community College Can Help
If you are looking to shed extra weight, your best source of support may be your community college. Learn about dieting programs, support groups, and even classes to help you get healthy. - How Community College Classes Can Improve Your Marriage
Community college workshops and credit courses are improving marriages across the country. Learn about how you can take advantage of these great resources at your local community college. - Culinary Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about highly acclaimed culinary programs at community colleges. - Calling All Entrepreneurs! How Community Colleges Can Help You Start Your Business
Learn about the courses and resources available at your community college that can help you start the business of your dreams. - Happier Families Start at Community College Parenting Courses
Your local community college is an excellent resource for free parenting classes. Take advantage of the learning opportunities and give your baby the best start in life. - Cosmetology Programs in Community Colleges
Learn about cosmetology programs in community colleges. - Should You Become a Paralegal in a Recession?
Learn about the opportunities you have to become a paralegal through community college courses, and why this is a recession-proof profession. - How to Become an Emergency Technician Quickly and Affordably
Learn about community college programs that can help you become certified as an emergency technician affordably and expeditiously. - Green Community College Programs Grow Red Hot
Learn about "green" educational opportunities in high-demand environmental fields that can start right at your local community college. - Renewable Energy Creates Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community colleges are evolving to provide opportunities in the growing fields of renewable energy. - Fine Tune Your Vocals through Community College Singing Classes
Those with the gift of song can take their singing to the next level with classes at community college. Learn about the courses offered at community college that can help prepare you for a singing career. - From AM to FM: How Community College Can Prepare You for a Radio Career
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college. - How to Start Your Aquarium Science Career at Community College
If you are interested in the mysteries of the deep or marine life, consider pursuing an aquarium science career. Through innovative programs, community college students can embark upon an educational pathway in marine and aquarium based sciences. - How to Go Organic at Community College
Learn about how community colleges across the nation are offering organic gardening classes, as well as opportunities to grow your own organic crops! - Whistling All Animal Lovers! Pursuing an Animal Service Career at Community College
Learn about how courses and training at your local community college can open the doors to a fulfilling animal care and service career. - Impress the Best with Business Etiquette
Take advantage of your local community college's business etiquette courses, which can help you stand out from the candidate crowd upon graduation. - Could a Career in Welding Technology Solidify Your Financial Future?
Whether you have technical or creative skills, a career in welding technology can be rewarding and lucrative. Learn how you can start a welding career right at your local community college. - Race to Your Community Colleges New Auto Program
Take advantage of your local community college's auto program, which can prepare you for a lucrative career in the industry. In addition, you may have the potential to earn while you learn! - How to Dance Towards a College Degree
Learn about how you can pursue a rewarding dance career by starting at your local community college. Whether you are a dancer or aspire to be a choreographer, your community college may be a fantastic starting point. - A Dazzling Degree: How to Pursue Jewelry Design at Your Local Community College
Learn about the dazzling jewelry programs and certificates that are avaialble at your local community college campus. - Fashion Careers Start at Community College Runways
Learn about how you can embark upon a fashion career starting with the fashion design, merchandising and buying courses available at local community colleges. - Blast Off for Space Studies in Community College!
Learn about the space studies programs offered through community colleges that can prepare you for an engaging career with NASA or private space companies. - Sail Your Way Through Community College
Consider a career on the high seas and learn from sailing and seamanship programs available at your local community college. - How to Earn a College Degree Drinking Wine
If you enjoy wine, learn more about how you can earn a college degree in winemaking and wine tasting at your local community college. - Earn Your Film Degree At Community College
Learn about how you can pursue a degree and career in the entertainment industry by starting at your local community college. - Community College Air Force Programs
Learn more about the opportunities available through the Community College Air Force Program, and how the degrees may benefit your future service career. - Studio Art Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about the excellent traditional and modern art programs available at your local community college campus. - More than Mozart: Community College Music Programs
Learn about the new and dynamic music programs available at community colleges that explore more than just music theory. - Theater Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn more about the powerful acting and theater programs available at your local community college. - Foreign Language Courses & Careers
Learn about the foreign language courses and career opportunities offered by community colleges. - Theology Programs in Community College: Pursuing Studies in Religion
Learn how you can pursue your career in religion and service through theology programs available through your local community college. - Why Community Colleges are Cutting Friday Classes
Learn about how budgetary constraints are prompting community colleges to only offer four-day school weeks.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
