Serving the Scuba Divers and Snorkelers of Cape Cod

specialty courses

Course Schedule for All Specialties

DEEP DIVING SPECIALTY

Many of the more exciting dive sites are found in deeper waters. This specialty covers the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary for deeper diving. This specialty is generally taught along with the Advanced Open Water Course, but can be taught individually. The dives require the student to dive from a charter boat, and those fees will be paid to the captain (avg. $75.00). Students need the Deep Diver Manual w/answer sheets and exam.

Learn the basics of:
* Making an effective deep dive plan
* Proper surface support
* Using backup equipment
* Enhancing your scuba skills for deeper diving
* Recognizing and handling hazards

COST: $75.00
Plus Boat Charter Fees

NIGHT / LIMITED VISIBILITY DIVING

If you think night diving looks fun, or if you want to be more comfortable in turbid water conditions, SSI's Night / Limited Visibility Diving Specialty is just for you. This specialty is packed with practical information about planning and conducting night and limited visibility dives for fun, adventure and exploration. This specialty is generally taught along with the Advanced Open Water Course, but can be taught individually. Students need the Night Diver Manual w/answer sheets and exam.

Learn the Basics of:
* Setting up shore lights at night
* Having fun in turbid water
* Holding lights to maximize visibility
* Locating entry and exit points as well as the charter boat
* What to do if you lose sight of your buddy
* What to do if your light goes out

COST: $75.00

NAVIGATION DIVING SPECIALTY

Whether using a compass or their natural surroundings, scuba divers can learn to master their marine environment through the skills of navigation. The ability to navigate into fascinating, new destinations increases the diving adventure - and your confidence. This specialty is generally taught along with the Advanced Open Water Course, but can be taught individually. Student need the Navigation Diver Manual w/answer sheets and exam.

Learn the Basics of:
* Compass Navigation
* Natural Navigation
* Special Navigation Situations
* Selection and types of compasses
* How to combine compass & natural navigation

COST: $75.00

DRY SUIT DIVING SPECIALTY

Do you get cold while diving? Does your "dive season" cease to exist when the water temperature drops below 50 degrees? Have you ever heard us talk of ICE Dives and thought that sounds like fun (or crazy)? Then a dry suit may be for you. Dry Suits keep the diver warm, comfortable, and DRY - even under the water. With just a little training, you can enjoy diving as you never have before. You'll see, that once you go dry suit diving - you'll NEVER go with a wetsuit again. Student need the Dry Suit Diver Manual w/answer sheets and exam.

Learn the Basics of:
* Selecting the right dry suit and undergarments for you
* Putting on a dry suit properly
* Dry suit buoyancy & proper weighting
* What to do in emergency situations
* Dry suit maintenance
* Dry suit repairs you can do yourself

COST: $95.00
(rental dry suit for course $75.00)

BOAT DIVING SPECIALTY

Not all boats are the same, not all divemasters are the same, and certainly, not all Captains are the same. This specialty covers the additional knowledge and techniques you'll need to dive properly from all types of boats and all sizes (including your own boat, your buddy's boat, and any charter boat). This specialty is generally taught along with the Advanced Open Water Course, but can be taught individually. Students need the Night Diver Manual w/answer sheets and exam.

Learn the Basics of:
* Selecting the right dive boat for you
* Traveling and staying comfort on boats
* Boat terms that make you sound like a pro
* Avoiding seasickness
* Packing and storage techniques
* Proper etiquette on boats (tipping, etc)

COST: $75.00
Plus Boat Charter Fees

WRECK DIVING SPECIALTY

Wreck Diving is one of the most popular styles of diving in the world, enjoyed by all levels of divers. It offers a new outlet for adventure and helps satisfy the diver's natural curiosity by allowing a glimpse at our past. Discover how to select the best wreck site for your skill level. Wreck diving will open up a whole new world, but only if the diver is properly trained. Students need the Wreck Diver Manual w/answer sheets and exam. This specialty requires a minimum of 4 wreck dives, 2 trips from our charter boat.

Learn the Basics of:
* Mapping wreck sites
* Researching the history of a wreck
* Special equipment used by wreck divers
* "The Rule of Thirds"
* Penetration into overhead enviornments

COST: $175.00
Plus Boat Charter Fees

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY

If your looking for a fun new activity for underwater, then photography is for you. With this specialty, you will learn to bring back beautiful images and memories to show friends and family, even if you aren't an experienced shutterbug. This course avoids all of the "techno babble" and explains everything you need to know about selecting cameras and accessories to take great pictures. Student need the U/W Photo Diver Manual w/answer sheets and exam.

Learn the Basics of:
* How to select the best camera system and accessories for you
* How to care for your camera system
* How to identify good subjects
* The 3 simple principles for taking U/W Photos
* Which is better for you, film or digital
* How to improve shot composiiton

COST: $125.00
(rental Camera for course $50.00)

EQUIPMENT TECHNIQUES SPECIALTY

A Total Diving System can bring you years of excitement and adventure. How to select, service, and care for your equipment enhances the enjoyment and contributes to the safety of the sport. If your planning on purchasing a Total Diving System, or already have one, this specialty can help make the most of your investment, and introduce you to specialized equipment to expand your diving horizons. Student need the Equipment Techniques Manual w/answer sheets and exam.

Learn the Basics of:
* Tips from leading technicians on care, maintenance, and storage of gear
* Simple field repairs, so you don't have to miss a dive
* Key features of equipment so you can talk knowledgeably to salespeople and make informed gear purchases
* Basic and Advanced Equipment
* Packing and storage techniques for local and international travel

COST: $75.00