Common Name: “Deep”
As your desire grows to explore more underwater, you'll discover that there are reasons to go below the 60' depth limit associated with your Open Water certification. In Southern California, the Wreck of the Suejac sits at 85', the bottom of The Arch at 100' and the Purple Hydrocoral at Farnsworth Bank even deeper than that. Knowing how to properly prepare for a dive to those depths is imperative.
Physiologically, the deeper you dive, you begin to experience Nitrogen Narcosis, and you'll go through your air much faster. Gear selection becomes critical as does your familiarity with your equipment. Excellent buoyancy control begins to really make itself known as every burst of air you add to your BCD causes a magnified loss of breathing air due to the depth. PCH will teach you how to handle yourself safely when diving deep, and give you the confidence to begin planning dives all the way down to 130'.
The Deep Diver certification also qualifies as a specialty for the Master Scuba Diver Program, and is one of the specialties that PCH Scuba highly recommends towards that certification.
Who can participate…
Any Open Water certified diver 15 years of age or older.
What is the class like…
There is a self study component that your instructor will review with you, and four open water dives. Among the things you'll learn are the appropriate methods for preparing to dive deep, how to plan a dive below Open Water limits, how to mitigate the risks of deep dives and what gear is best suited for dive profiles of this sort.
In the ocean, you'll begin with performing simple tasks at depths below 60', so you can begin to gain an understanding of how nitrogen narcosis affects the human body and observe the practical effects of increasing pressure on various objects. We'll slowly increase the complexity of the tasks that you perform underwater, including blue water navigation at depth and the use of pony bottles in a simulated emergency.
Where will you learn…
The self study review and dives can all be performed at Casino Point in Avalon as part of a Catalina Weekend Getaway, although divers with more experience prior to taking their deep class, might consider performing the last few open water dives on one of our Advanced Only dive boat charters.
When is the class offered…
This class is available every weekend of the year at Casino Point with the exception of major holidays.
How much does it cost…
The Deep Diver class is $249, and includes the following:
- Instructor time
- Academic materials
- Certification paperwork
Click here to sign up for your Deep Diver Specialty class now!
The Master Scuba Diver Program
For many students, diving is a transformational experience, showing that person the breadth and depth of experience our planet holds for them. For these divers, we created the Master Diver Program, to help them attain the highest rank of non-professional diver. First and foremost, the Master Scuba Diver certification is evidence to yourself that you have worked hard to be the absolute best diver that you can be. As a Master Scuba Diver certified by PCH Scuba, you will be regarded as a role model and others will follow your obvious example of what it means to dive well, dive with enthusiasm and conduct yourself with the utmost regard for safety. Further, this certification is proof to any dive operator that you have not only solid training, but a wealth of practical diving experience, and will be a safe participant in any dive activity.
Some students come to PCH Scuba for their Open Water training and then go on to dive a few times each year with us at our bi-annual dive bashes, or attend one of our tropical trips. It is absolutely our pleasure to welcome those divers into our family, help them stay fresh with their skills through our Scuba Review program and encourage them to dive as often as their schedules allow. However, for those that wish to embrace the sport fully, the Master Scuba Diver program is your immersion class.
The class above is offered as part of the program and qualifies for graduation from it. Learn more about the Master Scuba Diver Program here.