Congratulations!  Often times, the hardest part about learning to dive is finding the right place to get started.  By choosing Castaway SCUBA you can rest assured that you will receive the best possible instruction and customer service. We are an SSI (SCUBA Schools International) training facility committed to developing confident, comfortable, certified divers.  As such, we offer everything from entry-level programs through many levels of advanced training.  In addition, we provide courses in CPR, First Aid, and DAN (Divers Alert Network) Oxygen Administration for SCUBA Diving.  We even have SCUBA Rangers, a way cool kid’s club!  So, whether you are just thinking about learning to dive or have a special need, we have just what you are looking for!  At Castaway SCUBA, we have something for everyone in the family! 

^{Information & Course Descriptions} 

What Certifications Do You Offer?			How Do I Get Certified?
What About Continuing Education?			OK, I'm Certified. Now What?
Where Can I Meet Other Divers?			When Is Your Next Class?
<--- Click here to meet the Castaway SCUBA Team

Send your training inquiries to: CastawayInstruct@aol.com

What Certifications Do You Offer?

We offer SSI, Medic First Aid/CPR and DAN certification training.  SSI (SCUBA Schools International) only grants dealerships to facilities that embrace a philosophy of excellence, teamwork, and integrity.  In order to be accepted by SSI, Castaway SCUBA had to meet strict selection criteria and agree to maintain the highest standards in every aspect of the business.  All SSI programs meet or exceed industry standards, and worldwide consistency and quality are maintained through SSI’s unique MAP (Monitor Assessment Procedures) Program. SSI dive leaders go through extensive training and must affiliate with an authorized SSI Dealer.  This is important because it means that you, the customer, are continuously evaluating our instructors and our facility.  In return, you are assured consistent quality instruction and service by a knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced staff.  We are extremely proud of our affiliation with SSI and know that you, too, will notice the SSI difference!

We also offer DAN (Divers Alert Network) Oxygen Administration certifications.

For the certified diver see our What About Continuing Education? section for additional information.

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How Do I Get Certified?

The Open Water Course is comprised of both academic and in-water training.  The SSI Total Teaching System allows us to offer you the best in educational materials, methodologies, and practical application.  Each student receives an Open Water Home-Study Kit that they review at their own pace in the comfort of their own home.  Upon completion of the home-study portion, students meet at the store for an academic review and store orientation, and a quiz is given to evaluate the student’s comprehension of the material. 

With the academics out of the way, it's time to get wet! Initial water training is done in confined water (pool or pool-like conditions), followed by two days of open water diving - typically in one of Florida’s fresh water springs.  Ocean dives can also be arranged and are a good way to gain some additional experience.  Upon successful completion of the course, students are awarded the popular Open Water Diver (or Junior Open Water Diver) certification.

The all-inclusive Open Water package includes: Home-Study Kit, rental SCUBA equipment, instruction, certification card, log book, pool and open water dives. *  As is the industry standard, you will be required to provide your own mask, fins, snorkel, booties, weights, weight belt and SSI Logbook.  Not to worry – we offer special package prices and a knowledgeable staff to help you choose the package that is right for you. 

* There are additional fees required for academic, pool, and open water make-up sessions, should you find that you are not able to meet the scheduled class times.

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What About Continuing Education?

SSI has 15 standard specialties and Castaway SCUBA offers almost all of them.  Pick one or pick several, but you’ll be sure to find something to suit your interests and sense of adventure, but, the adventure doesn’t stop there!  We hope you will love diving as much as we do and will want to join the ranks of diving’s “upperclassmen” by becoming a dive leader. The first step is SSI’s DiveCon (Dive Control Specialist), followed by the prestigious Open Water Instructor rating.  There are many opportunities for dive leaders to continue their education and upgrade their certifications too! 

Here a list of the types of courses and specialties we offer to certified divers: 

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Okay I'm Certified.  Now What?

Your SSI certification is recognized, accepted, and respected all over the world.  So, if exotic destinations are in your plans, no problem!  Or you can stay close to home and take advantage of over 600 Florida dive sites.  You’re sure to find many places to get wet right here in your own back yard. Keep an eye on our Trips page to see where we're headed – we’d love to have you join us!

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Where Can I Meet Other Divers?

It’s no secret that divers enjoy a special camaraderie and many become life-long friends. At Castaway SCUBA, we understand that.  On our trips, divers become friends, it's time to meet other divers.  Castaway also enjoys various guest speakers and fun gatherings at the store.  Keep your eyes on the Dive Club page for more information.

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