Open Water Diver

Open Water is an entry level course which will train an individual to SCUBA dive safely and with confidence. Topics covered are equipment, physiology, oceanography, decompression and open water techniques. At the end of the course, open water dives are made to complete the certification. The course is open to all ages from 15 and up

Advanced Diver

The Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver course is designed to increase the basic diver's knowledge of various diving techniques. The course covers advanced physiology, night, deep, and wreck diving, in addition to many other interesting topics. This course will help the SCUBA diver become more confident and comfortable when diving. Open to all Certified SCUBA Divers, age 15 and up.

Dive Rescue

This course will better prepare you to handle the diving-related incidents that can occur while diving. You will learn to be a better, more confident diver while becoming a more effective dive buddy. In addition, specific training is given in proper rescue techniques both under water and on the surface. Prerequisites are a minimum age of 15, an advanced rating, and current First Aid and CPR certification.

Dive Supervisor

This is the first step in professional diving. As a Dive Supervisor, you will learn all the skills, techniques and rewards of helping other divers perfect their skills. You will lead dives, assist instructors with pool and open water training. A Dive Supervisor has the respect of every dive boat and dive shop owner, These are the people who make the difference in diving for many recreational divers. The training for this leadership position in diving can vary with the individual's level of experience. Prerequisites are numerous and the time frame can vary accordingly.

Nitrox Diver

As it relates to the PDIC recreational SCUBA diver, Nitrox is best described as oxygen (O2) enriched air containing between 22% and 40% oxygen. Air is comprised of approximately 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen with the remaining 1% being trace amounts of several other gases. As with all recreational SCUBA diving activities, the 130 foot/no-decompression diving rule applies.

By breathing Nitrox a typical diver will take up less nitrogen (N2) on a given dive, therefore lowering his/her risk of decompression sickness. An additional benefit of Nitrox is the reduced effect of nitrogen narcosis. While diving to depths below 80 feet or so, the nitrogen partial pressure will be less than a comparable air dive, thereby reducing the effects of nitrogen at deeper depths (80-130 foot range).

After a given dive the residual nitrogen levels will be lower than a comparable air dive, which in turn will increase available bottom time on repetitive dives, decrease your surface interval, or both. This also reduces the risk of flying after diving.

The PDIC Nitrox diver certification is a means to allow a preciously certified SCUBA diver the ability to purchase and use Nitrox breathing gas. A PDIC Nitrox diver has successfully completed the necessary study materials and exam to intelligently and responsibly use Nitrox. PDIC Nitrox is always a mix of between 22% and 40% oxygen used within the recreational depth limit of 130 fsw.

PDIC adheres to the concept that Nitrox mixes up to 40% content may be used in equipment which has not been cleaned for oxygen service. PDIC maintains that because a SCUBA cylinder may see pure oxygen service from time to time that the cylinder and the cylinder valve should be cleaned for oxygen service and be oxygen compatible. It should be emphasized that this position follows the Nitrox community and NOAA policies. PDIC recognizes that in the SCUBA environment, certain dangers associated with using oxygen (such as self-ignition or auto-ignition of oxygen mixtures) are limited at best.