The Typical Open Water Class
The class really begins the day you pick up the book kit. To make classroom time more effective, we ask that you watch the included DVD - about 2.5 hours - follow along in the study guide, and begin answering the study questions in the workbook before coming to the first formal class session. The workbook does not have to be complete prior to starting the course. For those that do not have the opportunity to complete this "homework", don't worry, we'll get you caught up.
MBT's classes are taught in the shop, using state of the art video and computer multimedia presentations. All of our classes are very informal and We encourage you to ask questions. Open discussion is encouraged.
The first formal class session begins with introductions of the shop staff, your instructor, and the rest of your class. Afterwards, we watch a 15 minute video and fill out some paperwork. The rest of the first classroom session consists of an overview of the snorkeling and SCUBA equipment, introduction to diving, equipment assembly, and a practical walkthrough of your first dive. By the end of the first session, you'll have a much better understanding of SCUBA diving and you'll be able to assemble, test, and disassemble all of the equipment.
In the second classroom session we cover dive physics and physiology, emergency procedures, and dive planning. Don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds, and like everything we do, we make it fun! At the end of the second session, you'll know how to safely plan and conduct a scuba dive, recognize and avoid physical problems, and safely handle an emergency situation.
At the pool sessions, we start with some "warm up" swimming followed by an introduction to basic snorkeling skills. With that out of the way, It's finally your opportunity to take your first breath underwater and experience the virtual weightlessness known only to scuba divers and astronauts - this is how NASA trains them to handle themselves in space!
You'll get to see and experience everything you've covered in class, and you'll get to practice all of the basic skills and emergency drills. By the end of your pool training you'll be comfortable with the operation of the equipment, have a firm understanding of the basic scuba skills, and you'll have practiced all of the emergency procedures. You're ready for you first real SCUBA dive in the open water!
Dive day one provides you with the opportunity to complete all of the skills done in the pool, but this time you'll be a little deeper, and in the "wild". Whether your first dives are in the freshwater springs or in the Gulf of Mexico, you'll have the chance to swim with fish and other marine life and really gain an appreciation for the wonderful new world that is opening up to you as a SCUBA diver. The excitement of your first open water scuba dive is something that you will never forget!
The second dive day gives you the chance to continue to refine your skills and lead your instructor through a dive. You'll prove to yourself that you're ready to continue your adventure without an instructor at your side.
Following your final certification dive, you'll take the final exam - don't worry, you'll be prepared and it's multiple choice - and turn in your completed workbook. We'll complete the paperwork necessary to get your certification card and You'll be a certified SCUBA DIVER and part of the MBT Dive Team family!
What's next?
Our goal is to keep all of our new divers active and we provide plenty of opportunity for you to continue your diving adventures. All certified divers are welcome to accompany us on any of our student dives free of charge - all it costs is admission or charter fees and any rentals you may need. We also offer the complete catalogue of follow on training, which is an excellent way to continue diving and refining your skills while learning lots of new fun stuff along the way!
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3920 Barrancas Ave
Pensacola, Florida 32507
(850) 455-7702
GPS Coordinates N30:23.393 / W87:16.220
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