Open Water Referral Dives Day 1 or 2

Most likely by this point in your certification, you've already been cleared to dive but if you've answered "YES" to any of the questions on the Medical Questionnaire, you will need to provide a physician's signed PADI Medical Statement and Guidelines for Recreational Scuba Divers Physical Examination prior to diving. If you have not consulted with a physician and have a signed document at the time of the dive, you will not be able to dive and the cost will not be refunded.

These dives are to FINISH your OPEN WATER certification. You need to complete all coursework and confined dive with your local dive shop before attending these dives. If you cannot complete a confined dive, you may be able to add that on. Gear ranges from XS to 2XL, if you require larger or smaller sizes please contact. Prescription masks are not available, please rent ahead of time from other rental areas specializing in those masks.

You will see the same wildlife on a shore dive as a boat dive in Kona due to the reef structure. Kona does not have any fringe reefs, meaning the reef is right along the shoreline instead of further swimming out to it. Therefore, the further away from the shore, the less you will actually see. This adventure has guides who specialize in going off the beach and is incredibly beneficial to those who easily get seasick on a boat. There is less time getting sunburnt or seasick when you go from shore as well as personalized options to get lunch or have access to personal goods in the vehicles.

Shore diving for certification offers several advantages, allowing you to gradually ease into deeper waters at your own pace. This approach helps you practice and refine your skills comfortably. After obtaining your certification, many divers continue shore diving, giving you ample opportunity to gain experience and confidence before venturing out with a dive buddy.

Flying directly after scuba diving is incredibly dangerous and could result in a life-threatening illness called the Bends/Decompression Sickness. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines for flying after diving include:

• A single no-decompression dive, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000ft (305m) interval of 12 hours suggested.
• Multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000ft (305m) interval of 18 hours is suggested.
• Dives requiring decompression stops are recommended to have longer than 18 hours.

Please discuss with your dive guide ahead of time what is suggested! BE CAREFUL driving past Captain Cook area and DO NOT DRIVE TO HILO after diving. The elevation of the saddle road is unsafe and should be treated with the pre-flight surface interval requirements. Definitely DO NOT consider driving to Mauna Kea or Volcanoes National Park until you’ve waited the 12 + hours (depending on your dives) required.

You are welcome to bring a camera but it will be on a case-by-case basis and completely up to your instructor if you get to use it on the dive. There are a number of factors that can make it unsafe for students to handle a camera while learning how to safely dive and completing required skills. The camera must be able to be tucked away safely in a pocket and out of the way until the instructor gives the sign for you to use it.

It is also completely your responsibility to ensure it is in a DIVE safe case. Pressure increases when you are diving down and although it doesn't feel all that different to you, it will impact your camera. To be safe, a case certified to 60 feet or 18 meters is a good idea! GoPros, for example, have a specific, clear dive housing that is rated to bring them to depth. The case must be more than just waterproof, also depth and pressure proof. The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost equipment.

Enrollment in the course does not guarantee graduation or certification. Instructors will only officially certify you if they feel confident you understand the information and skills necessary to complete open water dives safely on your own.

This shop certifies divers through PADI. It is up to your own research if this is the scuba company you would like to be certified in as there are several options that all have their pros and cons, and therefore up to you to decide what is best. 

If your local dive shops certify in NAUI or SSI, you can do the coursework and confined dives with them and then finish through this certification. All dive organizations have the same basic principles of diving that you must learn and complete, therefore it is normally possible as long as you show proof you have completed coursework and confined dives.