The Finest Scuba Instruction in Southern California
As the largest scuba school in the United States, PCH Scuba can teach you everything about diving, from your initial PADI Open Water certification that will let you play in southern California's underwater forests, to advanced diving techniques on everything from wrecks to oil rigs. PCH Scuba will give you the training you want and provide the attention you need because we use multiple instructors in every class that we teach. We invite you to read our reviews on Yelp from students who learned to dive with us.
Read MoreExploring Your Home Waters
PCH Scuba charters top of the line dive boats here in southern California waters for trips to both familiar and unique dive sites surrounding the Channel Islands. From Farnsworth Bank on the windward side of Catalina to a relaxing Catalina Weekend Getaway, we are thrilled to share with you our favorite sites. We have trips perfectly suited for every level of experience and can satisfy your hunger for exploration.
Read MoreUnbiased Advice
PCH Scuba is not a dive shop—we don't sell gear—so we can give you our unvarnished opinion on every piece of dive gear we've come into contact with. We'll be happy to help you build your gear package, making sure you source the right gear for your style of diving, and get the competitive price you're expecting. The PCH Scuba dive staff has rich experience in underwater photography, wreck diving, tec diving, night diving and even, occasionally, warm water tropical diving, so tell us what gear you're curious about, and we'll give you the benefit of our experience!
- Scuba Training
- Local Dive Trips
- Equipment
Scuba Certification
We teach:
- Open Water
- Advanced Open Water
- Enriched Air Nitrox
- Peak Performance Buoyancy
- Wreck Diving
- Deep Diving
- Search and Recovery
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Common Name: “Nav”
It is frustrating to be twenty minutes into your dive and realize that you suddenly have no idea where you are. What direction did you start in? How do you get back to the boat? Which direction is the shore? If you are tired of getting lost or having to follow someone else on your dives, the Underwater Navigator class will help you stay on course.
The unknown can be a source of stress during diving, and not knowing where you are or where you are going is probably the single greatest stressor to any diver. Extensive compass work and practice using natural underwater features to navigate, will increase your comfort level dramatically underwater and give you the confidence to explore a greater distance from your exit point. If your buddy constantly kicks up sand in your face while you dive (they need the Peak Performance Buoyancy class) it's time for you to take over and start leading the way!
The Underwater Navigator class also qualifies as a specialty towards Master Scuba Diver certification.
Who can participate…
Any diver that has achieved Open Water Certification is qualified to take the Underwater Navigator class. Successful completion of this class also qualfies an Open Water Certified diver to begin the Search and Recovery class.
What is the class like…
While there is a small academic component to the class, the majority of the training occurs in open water. Initially you will learn how to estimate distance underwater by measuring both the time and kick cycles required to swim 100'. Then using that measurement as your baseline, you will learn how to use natural landmarks underwater as guideposts during a dive and then how to navigate a series of patterns underwater, simulating the way a diver would explore a new dive site.
Where will you learn…
The Underwater Navigator class is taught entirely at Casino Point Dive Park on Catalina.
When is the class offered…
The Underwater Navigator class is offered every weekend with the exception of major holidays.
How much does it cost…
The Underwater Navigator class is $199 and includes
- Instructor time
- Academic materials
- Certification paperwork
In addition to the training materials, Underwater Navigation students will need an underwater slate and compass to complete their training.