| Email
 

SPECIALTIES

You've made a few Adventure Dives and now you have a good idea of what really interests you. It's time for the PADI Specialty Course program. Remember, the dives you did for Adventure/Advanced Open Water can count as the first dive in the related specialty, so you already have a head start. Just look over the wide variety of courses in the program and choose a few that get you excited about going in the water.

 




Boat Diver

Whether it's a wall dive in Cayman, a wreck dive in North Carolina, a live-a-board in Australia, or a local offshore adventure, before long, you will have the opportunity to go diving from a boat. Many of the world's most beautiful pristine reefs can be reached only by boat. Awaiting you offshore is clearer water for underwater photography or better visibility on that wreck just loaded with marine life. This course is designed to prepare you for safe, comfortable and enjoyable boat diving. You will have a chance to perfect your giant stride entry, gain knowledge in boat diving etiquette, and learn how to assemble your equipment in a confined space.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 10 years of age
Program: 1 Class Session, 2 Open Water Training Dives
Course Fee: $100 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification. NJ Boat Fee approximately $90
Academic
Materials:

Text and DVD $49.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Deep Diver

Take your dives further with a Deep Diver Specialty! Some of the most breathtaking dive sites such as walls and some wrecks are found at depths greater than 100 feet. Let us teach you how to safely and efficiently dive to 130 feet. Deeper dives necessitate additional planning and considerations such as air supply and shorter no-decompression limits. You will learn about specialized equipment as well as the latest in decompression theory research.

Prerequisites: PADI Adventure Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 15 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session, 4 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $175 includes Class, Open Water Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text & Video $49.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment with a redundant air source i.e. Pony Bottle or Spare Air. Dive Computer Recommended.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Dry Suit Diver

Local diving has a lot to offer as long as you are properly dressed. Dry Suit diving adds to both your time underwater and the length of your diving season. Imagine being able to dive comfortably 10 months out of the year in our quarries, rivers and ocean. Dry Suit diving is different from wetsuit diving in that it uses a layer of trapped air rather than water for thermal protection. This trapped air creates a difference in buoyancy and therefore necessitates relearning and fine-tuning this skill. You will gain experience in proper buoyancy procedures as well routine maintenance and performance checks for your dry suit.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session, 1 Pool Session, 2 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Pool, Open Water Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book & Video $49.95
Equipment: Dry Suit And Full Personal Scuba Equipment.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Equipment Specialist

Curious about what's inside a regulator? Need to fix the hole in your wetsuit? Scuba diving is an equipment intensive recreation, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the operation and maintenance of your equipment. In this course, you will learn the theory, principles and operation of diving equipment as well as routine, recommended care and maintenance procedures and equipment storage. We will also discuss some simple suggestions for comfortable equipment configurations and an introduction to the newest and latest equipment.

Prerequisites: PADI Scuba Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session
Course Fee: $100 includes Class, Supplies, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving $39.95
Equipment: None required, but students are encouraged to bring in their own equipment for assessment
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Peak Performance Buoyancy Diver

Imagine floating weightlessly like an astronaut while effortlessly moving through the water. As a Peak Performance Buoyancy Diver you will learn how to fine-tune your weighting, how to maintain neutral buoyancy, and how to adjust your weights for different diving situations. You will also learn how proper buoyancy can help preserve delicate underwater ecosystems.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 10 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session, 2 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $100 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Peak Performance Buoyancy Video $24.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

AWARE Fish Identification Diver

Have you ever come up from a dive and said, I just saw the coolest fish, it was blue with little blue dots and a yellow tail; I wonder what it was?? The Project Aware Fish ID course will introduce you to the most common species of fish found in temperate and tropical waters. You will learn basic fish identification along with surveying techniques. Through an overview of Project Aware and other preservation and research efforts, such as the REEF Fish Survey Project, you will also learn the importance of personal involvement in aquatic environment conservation.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 10 years of age.
Program: 2 Class Sessions, 2 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $100 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Paul Humann's Reef Fish Identification $39.95 (Recommended)
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Night Diver

Have you ever wondered about the nocturnal wanderings of the elusive underwater critters that seem to stay hidden during the daylight hours? Join us in this very entertaining course and learn to dive safely and efficiently at night. We'll train you in planning and preparation, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards, buoyancy control, aquatic life and communications. If you enjoy the marine life in the daytime, you won't believe your eyes on our fascinating night dive. Dont miss the night dive on your next trip to the islands. Practice with our professionals now, so you'll get to spend some time with the shy night critters on your next vacation.



Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session, 3 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text & DVD $49.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment, Dive Light, Back-Up Light & Marker Light.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Nitrox (EAN) Diver

It's about time! Wouldn't it be great to extend your bottom time to see more of the reef or wreck, or to take more pictures? EAN Nitrox or Enriched Air is air with a kick of extra Oxygen, which, with special procedures, can significantly and safely increase your bottom time. While Nitrox diving may seem a little more technical than some specialties, our professionals make it fun and easy to understand. Nitrox is not just for tech divers, in fact it was originally developed for research divers who needed to work at shallow depths for long periods of time. Nitrox diving is definitely for anyone who wants to spend more time underwater.



Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 15 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Sessions, 1 Practical Application Session.
Course Fee: $100 includes Class, Practical Application, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book, Video/DVD, and set of 3 Dive Planners. $74.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Search and Recovery Diver

Has something you value disappeared underwater? Or has the lure of pirate's loot and sunken treasures always intrigued you? If so, our Search and Recovery course will give you the skills to find and bring to the surface objects of all shapes and sizes. You will practice specialized navigation skills, search patterns, and safe recovery procedures. So grab your compass and lift bag and join us for an underwater expedition. You never know what you might find!




Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Sessions, 1 Optional Pool Dive, 4 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $175 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text & DVD $49.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Underwater Naturalist

As an underwater naturalist you will explore the intricate amazing animals and ecosystems of the underwater world. You will also learn eco-friendly diving practices that will help minimize your impact on aquatic environments. So ask questions and let us help you find the answers. New discoveries await you around every corner. When you understand more about the undersea world, you begin to notice more interesting and wonderful things that intrigue and astound you.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 10 years of age.
Program: 2 Class Sessions, 2 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $100 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving and Ned Deloach's Reef Fish Behavior (Recommended)
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Underwater Navigator

Was the boat that way? Where was the wreck? Learn how to flawlessly relocate your favorite dive site and, more importantly, how to find your way back to the anchor line to avoid long surface swims. Navigation is one of the most practical specialized diving skills and can be used in all diving situations. You will learn the techniques used in both natural and compass navigation as well as the proper way to use a Nav Finder. Join us for our navigation specialty and never get lost again.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 10 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session 3 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book & Video $49.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment including Compass.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Underwater Videographer

Capturing that special moment, sharing an experience with friends, proving you were actually there, and remembering the excitement and the fun are all reasons why you should take an underwater video camera along on your dives. With some simple techniques and practice you can be ready to capture those rare moments underwater when; the lobster comes out to meet you, the eagle ray glides by gracefully, a fish decides to befriend you, or a whale puts on a show. Video is a very forgiving medium and it's easy to get reasonably good footage. With the right training you can get excellent results you'll be proud to show friends and family.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 2 Class Sessions, 1 Optional Pool, 2 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Pool, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Jim Church's Guide to Underwater Video $24.95 (Recommended)
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment. Access to U/W Video Camera.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Wreck Diver

Each of us has experienced the lure of diving on the remains of a ship which may have gone to a watery grave 50, 100 or even 200 years ago! Now is your chance to explore these relics with us. You'll learn proper planning and organization, specialized techniques and equipment, safety procedures, historical research and more. This course concentrates on shipwrecks off the New Jersey Coast, but techniques are universal and can be applied anywhere. Come explore with us!




Prerequisites: PADI Adventure Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 15 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session, 4 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book and Video $49.95, NJ Boat Fee - Approximately $90
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment. Dive Computer and redundant air source is Recommended.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Digital Underwater Photographer
(Camera and Photo Basics)

Digital has taken the underwater photography world by storm. Get in on the action with the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty course. You can quickly and easily capture the underwater world with your camera and on your computer.

During the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty course, you learn to use the PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine and Adjust) method, which takes full advantage of digital technology. The result is good underwater photos faster than you may imagine. You not only learn how to take good photos, but how to share them with your friends via email or printing, optimizing your work with your computer, storage and more.

Level One of this Course is designed for Snorkelers, Divers, and Open Water Students. During Level One you will learn camera basics and how to take great photos in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Prerequisites: Snorkelers, Open Water Divers, and OW Students
Program: 1 Class Session, 1 Pool or 1 Open Water Dive/Snorkel.
Course Fee: $100 includes Class, Dive/Snorkel, and Completion Card.
Academic
Materials:

PADI Digtal Underwater Photo Manual and White Balance Slate $39.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba or Snorkel Equipment, Digital Underwater Camera
(Rentals Available).
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty
(Camera and Photo Basics, Composition, Digital Editing and Storage)

Digital has taken the underwater photography world by storm. Get in on the action with the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty course. You can quickly and easily capture the underwater world with your camera and on your computer.

During the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty course, you learn to use the PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine and Adjust) method, which takes full advantage of digital technology. The result is good underwater photos faster than you may imagine. You not only learn how to take good photos, but how to share them with your friends via email or printing, optimizing your work with your computer, storage and more.

Level Two is designed for certified divers who want to make their pictures even better. During Level Two, you will learn how to adjust your cameras settings for exposure, white balance, and more. You will also learn how to compose eye-cathing photos that are suitable for framing. Finally, you will learn how to use your computer to adjust your images.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver (OW Student) or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 10 years of age.
Program: 2 Class Sessions, 2 Open Water Training Dives (one can be in the pool).
Course Fee: $175 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

PADI Digtal Underwater Photo Manual and White Balance Slate $39.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment, Digital Underwater Camera
(Rentals Available).
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Drift Diver

Imagine going on a hot air balloon ride. Picture the ever-changing landscape as you glide over hills and valleys. Now imagine the same experience underwater, as you gracefully drift over coral heads, through a school of yellow-tailed snappers and under an eagle ray. Drifting in an envelope of water while the scenery passes by can be a truly spiritual experience. Plan to take advantage of the moving water; spend a minimum of energy and conserve air. Get the most out of your drift diving experience; learn the best ways to stay with your buddy or group, how to judge the currents, and special navigation and buoyancy techniques.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session, 2 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $100 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

None Required
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Underwater Sign Language

Where are we going? Take a picture of the lobster! What kind of fish is that? Between the water and the regulator, talking underwater is basically impossible without the use of specialized equipment. So divers must find other ways to communicate with each other. One of the easiest to learn and most practical types of communication underwater is the use of sign language. Our Underwater Sign Language Course is designed to develop your knowledge and skills in communicating with your buddy using a system of signs adapted from those used by the hearing impaired.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 2 Class Sessions, 1 Pool, 2 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book $20
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

River Diver

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to dive in clean, clear fresh water where the fish and artifacts are plentiful? You don't have to travel any further than the rivers of upstate Pennsylvania. Learn to navigate a dive in current while you enjoy some extremely good visibility. If you're lucky you may find a fishing pole some weekend canoeists lost or you could find an arrowhead or some pottery that settled to the bottom 200 years ago! Join us in this course that will open up a whole new selection of dive sites that are just a short drive away.

Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 2 Class Sessions, 2 Open Water Training Dives.
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book $20
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment, Float and Line.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top

Oxygen Provider

While diving emergencies are extremely rare, the proper procedure for handling them always includes supplying the patient with oxygen. This course will familiarize you with the different types of oxygen delivery systems and give you the skills necessary to assist an injured diver. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a difference.

Prerequisites: Open to divers as well as non-divers.
Program: 1 Class Session (approx. 4 hours)
Course Fee: $100 includes Class and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text and Emergency Care at A Glance Card $32.95
Equipment: Pocket Mask with Oxygen Port
Where Can I Go from Here:
Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top


Project AWARE

The underwater world needs heroes. You can be one of them by championing the causes of the world's most fragile and important aquatic ecosystems. Sign up for the Project AWARE Specialty course to learn about some of the most pressing problems facing these vulnerable environments and everyday actions you can take to help conserve them. It's informative, interesting and most importantly, you learn how to make a difference.

Prerequisites: Open to divers as well as non-divers.
Program: 1 Class Session (approx. 3 hours).
Course Fee: $100 includes Class and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book $29.95
Equipment: None Required
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top


Project AWARE Coral Conservation

The AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course teaches divers, snorkelers and nondivers about the vital role of coral reefs in the marine environment. The course also familiarizes participants with the current state of the world's coral reefs and how they can help.



Prerequisites: Open to divers as well as non-divers.
Program: 1 Class Session (approx. 3 hours).
Course Fee: $100 includes Class and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book $29.95
Equipment: None Required
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top


Diver Propulsion Vehicle

DPV's offer a thrilling way to see a lot of underwater territory in a brief amount of time. They scoot you through the water without kicking. Want to visit that offshore reef from the beach? A DPV may be the way to go.



Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 12 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session, 2 Open Water Training Dives
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book and DVD $49.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top


National Geographic Diver

Continue the adventure with the PADI National Geographic Diver Specialty course. During the course, you join an elite group of divers who are more than tourists. Become an explorer, adventurer and conservationist. As part of the National Geographic Diver Specialty course, you fine-tune your buoyancy, then set off on your exploration project. Whether it's a survey of plant life or a study of water temperature variation, this project is your chance to think, observe and document like those who dive for science and discovery. On your next dive you'll hone your navigation skills, then you'll dive into an aquatic life exercise- which may also be part of your exploration project.

Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization and a minimum of 10 years of age.
Program: 1 Class Session, 3 Open Water Training Dives
Course Fee: $150 includes Class, Training Dives, and PADI Certification.
Academic
Materials:

Text Book and DVD $39.95
Equipment: Personal Scuba Equipment.
Where Can I Go from Here:
Master Scuba Diver or Other Specialties
 
top




© Copyright 2002 by Mid-Atlantic Scuba Center.