I'm interested in getting dive certified

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jef4y

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I missed out on the course this last fall that the ARC had, but am interested in getting certified.

My main purpose will be to apply for the volunteer program at the GA Aquarium since we're members and it's walking distance from me, as well as to dive on vacations. With my storage situation I won't be buying full gear, just the minimum mask/snorkel/fins to get through the class.

I know we have a couple of divemasters here. Can you let me know if you offer training/certification?

Thanks.
 
Tagging along... This is something that I've been interested in for a while now. I've checked out a few local dive shops but never pulled the trigger.
 
I dove in the GA Aquarium back in Nov, I have the info for one of the instructors there, He has a Dive school, and is a very nice guy. pm me for his info. You can book youre class for Open water diver most any weekend with him I believe. Usually they will discount the price if you all book together, and I would def include you're intentions to volunteer at the aquarium.
 
I just did my classwork at Dive Dive Dive on Duluth. Caught a special in December for $350. Included fins, boots, snorkle, mask, equipment bag, collection bag, log, and training book. Great facility and people. Maybe they will do another special this year.
 
I know of a class coming up for $100. PM me for more info.
 
I can handle your certification but I need to setup a class of 4-6 students.
been a PADI instructor for 12 years, if you prefer using a dive center check out SeaVentures on Holcomb Bridge rd. They have some great instructors, fantastic pool onsite and you can't find a dive center with more class and integrity anywhere in Atlanta or southeast for that matter.
 
wmboots;745194 wrote: I can handle your certification but I need to setup a class of 4-6 students.
been a PADI instructor for 12 years, if you prefer using a dive center check out SeaVentures on Holcomb Bridge rd. They have some great instructors, fantastic pool onsite and you can't find a dive center with more class and integrity anywhere in Atlanta or southeast for that matter.
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Interested
 
bigtom70@hotmail.com;745186 wrote: I have been a SCUBA diver for about 10 years. I do not recommend buying only the snorkle, fins, and mask...you simply MUST buy the complete system. You need to get fitted for a BCD and your own regulator. It's not an inexpensive start up cost, but once you have it, there is only minimal maintenance involved. As for volunteering in the aquarium, you need to check with their volunteers. As I understand it, you need to have a minimum of 100 dives logged before you can dive there. Depending on what part of town you're in, I'd be happy to suggest a couple of dive shops for certification.

Tom
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Hey Tom,

I'm in Midtown. Thanks for the heads up on the GA AQ volunteer program. I will give them a call to find out more details.

The issue with buying full gear isn't money, it's space. I literally have no place to store it. Likewise, I doubt that I will be doing more than a couple dives per year outside of the aquarium program (if I can get into it).

Edit:
wmboots;745194 wrote: I can handle your certification but I need to setup a class of 4-6 students.
been a PADI instructor for 12 years, if you prefer using a dive center check out SeaVentures on Holcomb Bridge rd. They have some great instructors, fantastic pool onsite and you can't find a dive center with more class and integrity anywhere in Atlanta or southeast for that matter.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Will be looking around. If you have a class setting up, let me know.
 
wmboots;745194 wrote: if you prefer using a dive center check out seaventures on holcomb bridge rd. They have some great instructors, fantastic pool onsite and you can't find a dive center with more class and integrity anywhere in atlanta or southeast for that matter.
Click to expand...

+1

Edit: I was a volunteer for the past 5-6 years at the aquarium and loved every minute of it. Had to resign as I moved to Boca Raton and couldn't commit to the required hours. Having your own gear is great (it is your life support underwater and who is going to take of you better than yourself?).
There are many different places to get certified. Visit the stores/people, ask questions and get recommendations. These days it's hard to find a difference between PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc....just go with who you feel comfortable with.
As for diving at the aquarium, when I started I was a volunteer on the floor as a docent for a year. Then "applied" for the dive program. After an interview, physical, and a swim test, then I started the program. I think a minimum is 12 non-diving shifts and 24 dive shifts, but that may have changed around a bit. I do know earlier this year that they asked existing volunteers if they knew people who would be interested.
Todd Washowich is another member on these boards and is still an active volunteer at the aquarium who may be able to answer more questions.
 
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