Learning to SCUBA Dive

Learning to SCUBA dive is safe and affordable and it can expose you to an amazing underwater world.  It requires a reasonable amount of training from instructors whose main goal is your safety and enjoyment.  To ensure you are completely comfortable in the water Columbus SCUBA, Inc. (CSI) classes are performance-based. This means that you earn your certification when you demonstrate that you've mastered the required skills and knowledge.  An entry-level certification course takes approximately 5 class sessions and a weekend during the summer.    Classes typically take place during the evening in a small classroom setting.  Your SCUBA education will involve classroom sessions and pool sessions.  Classroom sessions provide an opportunity to learn about the history, theory, and essentials of SCUBA diving. Pool sessions allow you to practice the diving skills necessary to be a safe and well trained diver.  You will test your knowledge on a written exam and can apply your skills during training dives in a local quarry or through an open water referral. Upon completion, you will receive a certification card that identifies you as a trained diver, allowing you to rent SCUBA equipment, participate in advanced training, and explore exciting diving destinations.

   
Frequently Asked Questions

Question
How old must I be to earn a Diving certification?

Answer
We offer junior SCUBA certifications. You must be at least ten years old to receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification.

Ten and eleven-year-old Junior Open Water Divers must dive with a certified parent, guardian or PADI Professional and are eligible to dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres/40 feet.

Twelve to fourteen-year-olds must dive with a certified adult. At age fifteen, the diver may upgrade to a regular PADI Open Water Diver certification without further training.

Question
Can I try SCUBA diving without signing up for a course?

Answer
Definitely! We are happy to provide a SCUBA Discovery to anyone who is interested - free of charge - regardless of whether you end up taking a course with us.

Question
How long does a certification course last?

Answer
A traditional Open Water course includes approximately 5 days classroom and pool training. These classes usually occur during evening classes, over a period of several weeks, depending on scheduling.  There are 4 required check out dives which must be done in open water.  We usually do these in the summer when the water has warmed in our local diving quarries.  We are also happy to provide a referral so you can perform your checkout dives at another location. Some choose this option if they are learning to dive for an upcoming vacation and they would rather do their checkout dives in an open ocean environment.

Question
How much does an Open Water certification course cost?

Answer
Please check our Prices page for more information about the cost and what is included.

Question
What equipment will I need to begin a course?

Answer
We ask that all students purchase their own mask, fins and snorkels, as these are personal fitting items. This can be completed after the first class at any location you choose. We do offer significantly discounted student packages. Your instructor will explain the benefits and features of the equipment you will need on the first day of class. This will help you make decisions about what you'll need and how much you should spend without going overboard. In the unlikely event you don’t complete the course, we’ll buy back your equipment. We are that sure that you’ll enjoy our course.

Question
Speaking of equipment - I see that you sell equipment, but you don't have any prices listed. How can I find out how much something cost?

Answer
Our primary goal is teaching, not selling gear.  We know SCUBA equipment can be costly, but you shouldn't have to go broke in order to get wet.  So CSI decided to help SCUBA divers get access to reasonable prices for gear and equipment.  You can stop by our store at 41 W. Washington Street, Nelsonville, OH 45764, contact us here or give us a call at (614) 353-DIVE (3483). We will be happy to help you.  You will not find lower prices for equipment anywhere. Remember - our sole purpose for becoming authorized equipment dealers is so we can equip our students in the best gear for the best price possible.  You are welcome and encouraged to compare our prices with any other store, physical or online.

Question
How do I get started?

Answer
To begin a certification course, you first must contact a CSI Diving instructor.  You can use the contact page or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The instructor will give you all the information on class schedules, costs, necessary materials and equipment, class location, etc.

Question
I must have to swim pretty well to learn to SCUBA dive, right?

Answer
The most important thing is to be open to a new experience.  An ability to swim is required, but it is really about being comfortable in and around water. Your first night of class will involve a 'swim test' in which you will swim 200 yards.  You will also tread water for 10 minutes.  If you would like to take some swimming lessons first — just let us know.

Question
Is it difficult to learn to SCUBA dive?

Answer
SCUBA diving is like anything else new in life that we try to learn — there is always a learning curve.  It is new and foreign and it is natural to have apprehensions. However, the more you experience SCUBA diving and practice the skills the more comfortable you will become.  We can help you become comfortable by using repetition and by touching on the same topics in many different ways.  What feels completely foreign to you at the beginning of the class will be fun and enjoyable by the end of the class.

Question
Why should I choose Columbus SCUBA, Inc.?

Answer
CSI is all about you!  We are in this sport to make diving achievable and fun for anyone interested.  Our primary focus is providing a high quality dive education, training, and certifications.  We are truly in this sport because we love to dive and like helping people discover how great it is.  We spend the majority of the summer weekends diving in locations around central Ohio - with past open water students - some from over 10 years ago.  Your involvement with SCUBA and our group of divers can continue for as long as you want after your Open Water course is over.  CSI has a family feel, as you can tell from our testimonials page, and we wouldn't be in SCUBA diving if it was any other way.

Question
What should I do if I need more information?

Answer
Please contact us by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give us a call at (614) 353-DIVE (3483).