At Columbus SCUBA, Inc. (CSI) we progressively teach students the essential skills needed for successful completion of our Open Water course.  This allows the student to take the necessary time required to master certain skills so they can be utilized in an Open Water environment.  We do not rush our pool time.  All your SCUBA equipment will be at the poolside ready for you to begin your new underwater experience.

Our confined water training locations have at least 12 ft pool depth and the equivalent of 6 lanes of swimming space. This allows the student to feel comfortable practicing equalization at depth, but within a safe environment.  As equalization is a necessary and required skill, pool practice will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable diving experience.  This also prepares you for your Open Water checkout dives and helps ensure that you are more comfortable during those dives.  The confined water setting is designed to allow the student to develop a strong foundation for comfort and safety.

Prior to beginning the Open Water course, students are required to perform a swimming skills test.  We use this to be sure the student has the swimming capability to sustain themselves at the water surface in the unlikely event of equipment failure. 

The swim test consists of the following:

• 200 yard swim (8 lengths of the swimming pool)
• 10 minute deep water tread or survival float
• 25 ft underwater swim

It is very important to us that each student feel comfortable with all the skills we cover in the confined water trainings.  We provide one-on-one instruction for any student that needs additional practice.  We will ensure that you have had plenty of time to practice all the skills so you are comfortable with your new sport!