This class is for those interested in recreational scuba diving, and serves as a prerequisite to more advanced levels of training.
     There is a minimum of 30 hours of instruction, including time in the classroom and pool. In addition, before receiving your certification, 4 open water training dives must be completed. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and a certification card that you can carry with you. This card is needed whenever you rent scuba equipment, or go on diving trips and is recognized world-wide.
     Cost: $295.00, a $50.00 deposit will hold your place in class, plus the cost of books ($50.00). This includes an instructional book, log book and dive tables. The book must be read, and knowledge reviews completed, before the classroom sessions begin. 

Equipment:All equipment needed for the class is provided by the Minnesota School of Diving.  All we need you to bring is a swimming suit and a towel.

Swimming:  In order to complete the class, PADI does require that you pass a short swim test.  You must be able to complete a continuous swim for 200 yards.  This can be any swim stoke and is not timed.  You will also need to complete a 10 minute float/tread.

Class Schedule:  MSD offers  weekend  schedules. Weekend classroom and pool sessions will be offered on Friday evenings from 5:00 to 10:00, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Open water dives will be scheduled with each student independently.

Medical Information:  Although scuba diving is safe, there are a few basic medical questions that need to be addressed.  On the bottom of this page there is a link to the medical form that needs to be filled out before you attend class.  If you need to answer yes to any of these statements, you need to talk over the risks of scuba diving with your physician before you take the class and have the form signed by that physician.  If you answer no to all the questions  you are not required to see your physician. 

Class Size: Maximum of 10 people.

Minimum Age: 10 (Students between the ages of 10 and 15 will receive a Junior Open Water Diver certificate).