Training

 BLUE MARBLE DIVERS TRAINING CERTIFICATION

Welcome to our world, the underwater environment. If you are interested learning to dive this is the place to start. Here you will find a complete description of our Open Water certification course and what you’ll need to get started. 

Already a diver, then scroll down for a complete list of continuing education/specialty and professional development courses.

Blue Marble Divers offers a wide range of courses for beginner or advanced sport and technical divers.  We are Hagerstown's first and only full service diving facility teaching SCUBA Diving International / Technical Diving International  (TDI/SDI), YMCA SCUBA and World Underwater Federation (CMAS) scuba certifications.  Blue Marble Divers is a certified Divers Alert Network (DAN) Training Facility and Business Member so you know our first priority is SAFETY.

BLUE MARBLE DIVERS PHILOSOPHY ON TRAINING

Our philosophy on dive training is a simple one. To provide an enjoyable quality course, at a reasonable price which produces knowledgeable, competent, confidant and safe divers.

For the most up-to-date training schedule see the calendar.

OPEN WATER DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$325 / Student
Prerequisite: None
Classroom: 10 hours
Pool Time: 10 hours
Dives: 4 (open water)

 SCUBA diving is unlike any other activity you can participate in. Learning to dive involves a modest investment of time to become a safe diver. As an entry-level certification, SDI has streamlined the course materials covering the essential academics that you study at your own pace.

The classroom sessions build upon and reinforce the information learned during your self-study. In combination they provide you with a solid base of knowledge that teaches the limitations of and influences upon our body while we are underwater breathing compressed air.

Pool sessions are designed to slowly and systematically develop your skills. This approach builds confidence in your ability to respond to and correct common problems either you or your dive buddy may have.  Our skill development is based upon continued repetition so that the skill becomes a reflexive act.  

We realize that not everyone learns at the same pace. We always have additional staff on hand to work one on one with someone until their ability to perform a skill is perfected.  

The equipment we use ranges from entry level to higher priced regulators and buoyancy compensators. We believe this mix of equipment affords you the opportunity to experience first hand the differences in the equipment. Not only between the different brands, but also the differences in each manufactures line.  That way when it comes time for you to purchase your equipment, you are already an informed consumer. 

During the open water checkout dives you will demonstrate and apply your diving skills. Upon completion of your open water dives you will receive the SDI Open Water Diver Certification Card. This card identifies you as a diver, allowing you to rent SCUBA equipment, participate in advanced training and explore exotic diving destinations. 

If you’ve made it this far you probably have some questions. Here we’ll answer some of the most common we receive.

What does the course price include?

Included in the price of the class is everything except your personnel equipment, (mask, fins, snorkel, booties and a rental wetsuit for the checkout dives).

Do I have to know how to swim? 

Basic swimming skills are needed. Now that doesn’t mean you have to be an Olympic swimmer, but you must be able to swim 200 yards non-stop using any stroke and tread water for 10 minutes. What is most important is that you posses a modest physical fitness level and be comfortable in the water.

I have a medical condition can I still dive?

There are some medical conditions that may exclude you from diving. When you sign up for a class you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire. If you answer yes to any question on the questionnaire, then you must receive medical clearance from a physician before you can participate in training or dive. For a specific medical condition question visit the Divers Alert Network

What is the minimum age to dive?  

The minimum age to learn to SCUBA dive is 12 years old.

What if I miss a class?

While we prefer that you not miss any classes, we do understand that sometimes things arise in our lives that demand our attention. If you must miss a class we will do our best to arrange makeup time or move you into one of our other classes.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/SPECIALITY COURSES 

ADVANCED ADVENTURE DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$150 / Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 0 hours
Dives: 5
The Advanced Adventure Diver course is for divers wanting to expand their knowledge and diving experience to include varying diving environments and an introduction to specialty diving.  The SDI Advanced Adventure Diver course will give you an overview of 5 specialties, two of which, Deep Diver and Navigation Diver, are the foundation of continuing diver education. The reaming three dives are; Night Diving, Underwater Search and Underwater Recovery.

Price includes quarry passes, air and weight. 

DEEP DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$150 / Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)/Jr. Open Water (15 years of age) with parent signature – Maximum Depth 70 Feet
Classroom: 2 hours
Dives: 2
SDI’s Deep diver course will teach you the risks and benefits of deep diving. During the course you will make two dives during which you will learn proper descents, air management, nitrogen narcosis, dive planning and proper ascents. Upon completion you will be certified to dive to the maximum sport diving limit of 130 feet.

Price includes quarry pass, air, weight and manual 

UNDERWATER NAVIGATION
SCUBA Diving International
$150 / Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 2
Dives: 4
Underwater Navigation is one of the essential skills every diver should have. SDI’s Underwater Navigation Course will teach you how to navigate using a compass or by underwater terrain features. During the course you will learn compass features, distance estimation distance and reading bottom contours. During the second day’s dives you and your dive buddy will put your learned skills to the test by navigating a pre-determined underwater course.

Price includes quarry passes, air, weight and manual 

EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST
SCUBA Diving International
$75 / Student
Prerequisite: none
Classroom: 6 hours
Dives: 0
There are many things you as a diver can do to maintain your equipment. This course provides you with information on selection, function and maintenance of your diving equipment. During the course you will receive training in routine field and after use maintenance that you will be able to do on your own equipment.  You will also receive an appreciation for the equipment maintenance and service procedures performed by a full service dive shop. 

UNDER PHOTOGRAPHY
SCUBA Diving International
$150/ Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 3 hours
Pool Time: 2 hours

Dives: 0
Learn how to take pictures underwater that make your family and friends say ohhhhh and ahhhhh. The SDI Underwater Photography course will teach you about the special considerations and challenges of making pictures underwater. During the classroom session your will learn about camera selection, buoyancy control, framing and lighting, wide angle and macro photography. During the pool session, in our “pool reef”, you’ll put your newly learned knowledge to the test photographing underwater reef creatures and scenes. 

DRY SUIT DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$150.00 / Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 1 hour
Pool Time: 2 hours
Expand your diving season and experiences. The SDI Dry Suit Diver course provides you with information on selection, types, insulation considerations, maintenance, buoyancy control and emergency procedures while diving dry.  Why dive wet and cold when you can drive warm and dry?

Course price includes manual, quarry pass, air and weight.  Dry Suit rental for open water dives $50.00. 

This certification is FREE with the purchase of a dry suit from Blue Marble Divers. 

ICE DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$150 / Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency), 18 years old & 25 open water dives
Classroom: 6 hours
Dives: 2
The SDI Ice Diver specialty program is offered for SCUBA divers who desire to explore the underwater realm beneath the ice. The crystalline structures and the extended visibility brought on by colder water temperatures can make ice diving an exciting and rewarding and at the same time presents hazards not common to the Open Water Diver.

Course price includes manual, air and weights. 

SEARCH AND RECOVERY DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$125 / Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 0 hours
Dives: 2
The SDI Search and Recovery Diver course will teach you the basics to search for and locate lost items from jewelry to outboard motors. Once you’ve located the lost item you’ll learn how rig it and bring it back to the surface or shore using a lift bag.

Course price includes quarry pass, air and weight. 

NIGHT/LOW VISIBILITY DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$150/ Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 0 hours
Dives: 2
The SDI Night/Low Visibility Diver course will teach you the procedures, techniques and potential hazards associated with diving at night or limited visibility. By becoming familiar with the use of dive lights and night diving techniques you will be able to enjoy night diving with a maximum amount of comfort and security.

Course price includes student manual, quarry pass, air and weight. 

ALTITUDE DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$125/ Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 0 hours
Dives: 2
The SDI Altitude Diver course teaches you the particular techniques and differences for diving at altitude. Some of the skills you will learn during the course are; calculating nitrogen absorption using dive tables and correcting for altitude, correcting for gauge depths and the physics and physiology of altitude diving.

Crouse price includes dive table, air and weights 

SHORE/BEACH DIVER
SCUBA Diving International
$125/ Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 0 hours
Dives: 2
The SDI Shore/Beach diver course will teach you the proper techniques for entries and exits, navigation, avoiding currents for making safe shore dives.

Course price includes quarry pass, air and weight. 

NITROX

Technical Diving International
$150 / Student
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency)
Classroom: 4 hours
Dives: 0
This is the entry-level certification course for recreational divers wishing to utilize Enriched Air NITROX (EAN) as a breathing gas. The objective of this course is to train divers in the benefits, hazards and proper procedures for using NITROX mixes from 22% to 40% oxygen content.  Book and NITROX table included. 

ADVANCED DIVER

SCUBA Diving International

$25.00 (Certification Fee)
Prerequisite: Open Water Diver Certification (from any agency), 4 SDI Specialty Certifications and 25 Logged Dives
Classroom: 0 hours
Dives: 0
Unlike most agencies where the open water student can receive Advanced Certification with as little as nine dives, all made under the direct supervision of an Instructor, the SDI Advanced Diver Program was created to make truly “Advanced Divers”. The Advanced diver certification is awarded upon completing 4 SDI specialty courses and logging 25 dives.   

RESCUE DIVER

SCUBA Diving International                                                          

$175/student
Prerequisite: SDI Advanced Diver or 40 Logged Dives, CPR, 1st Aid and DAN O2
Classroom: 2 hours Pool Time: 2 hours
Dives: 2
The SDI Rescue Diver course is designed to develop your knowledge and necessary skills to effectively perform diver rescues and to assist with or administer first aid. You will learn how to perform self rescue, buddy rescue, recognize and calm panicked divers, administer proper First Aid to divers suffering from diving related injuries and to manage accident scenes

Course price includes; quarry pass, air and weight. 

MASTER SCUBA DIVER

SCUBA Diving International

(SDI) $25.00 (Certification Fee)
Prerequisite: SDI Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver and 50 Logged Dives
Classroom: 0 hours
Dives: 0
The SDI Master Scuba Diver is the highest non-professional level of certification. As an earned certification it identifies you as a knowledgeable, well-trained and experienced diver.  

SOLO DIVER

SCUBA Diving International

(SDI) $150.00

Prerequisites: 21 YOA, SCUBA Rescue, 100 Logged Dives

Classroom: 4 Hours

Dives: 2

PPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES

DIVEMASTER

SCUBA Diving International

$350 (Course Fee)
Prerequisite:

Available upon request
Classroom: 40 hours
Dives: 10
The SDI Divemaster program is the first level of the professional certifications. During this course you will be challenged to learn what it is like to work with new divers and how to lead already certified divers on underwater excursions. Among the other things you will learn is how to work a dive site in support of an open water class, boat operations, advanced physics and physiology and the responsibility of being in charge of divers and dive operations. Your diving skills will be developed to presentation quality and your knowledge will be increased to that of a diving professional.

Course price includes Leadership Manual, Instructor Guide and air.  Certification fees, insurance and quarry passes are additional. 

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

SCUBA Diving International

$350 (Course Fee)

Prerequisite:

Available upon request
Classroom: 70 hours
Dives: 10
The SDI Assistant Instructor program is the next step in your professional development. The course is designed to give you practical teaching experience under the supervision of an SDI Instructor.  You will assist an Instructor teaching Open Water, Advanced Diver and Rescue courses. Upon completion you will be certified to teach and certify Skin Divers, conduct the Inactive Diver Program and conduct the Knowledge Quest Review of the Open Water diver course.   

Certification fees, insurance and quarry passes are additional.