AWARE Shark Conservation Diver
Sharks are crucial to marine ecosystems, yet sharks are in a global decline. Learn about the value of sharks and what is causing the rapid loss of shark populations. Pair this course with our Shark Awareness Dive on your next trip to St. Maarten and get to see those amazing creatures in their natural environment!
Freediver
Freediving is about inward power, discipline and control. If you’ve always wanted to enter the underwater world quietly, on your own terms, staying as long as your breath allows, then freediving is for you. Confined water session to learn breathhold techniques as well as static and dynamic apnea. Goal – static apnea of 90 seconds and dynamic apnea of 25 metres/80 feet. Open water sessions to practice free immersion and constant weight freedives, plus proper buddy procedures. Goal – constant weight freedive of 10 metres/30 feet.
A.W.A.R.E. Fish ID
During two scuba dives, you’ll learn: How to identify characteristics of local fish families and species.Fish survey techniques and strategies.About Project AWARE activities that can help protect aquatic life
Boat Diver
You’ll gain experience scuba diving by completing two dives from a boat and learn: Boat terminology; Boat diving procedures and etiquette, including how to enter and exit, and where to stow your gear. Boating safety, including how to locate safety equipment.
Deep Diver
Your training starts by reviewing reasons for deep diving and how important it is to know your personal limits. During four deep dives with your instructor, you’ll go over: Specialized deep diving equipment. Deep dive planning, buddy contact procedures and buoyancy control. Managing your gas supply, dealing with gas narcosis and safety considerations.
Digital Underwater Photographer
Through hands-on training during two scuba dives and guidance from our passionate PADI Photo Instructor, you’ll discover: How to choose the right underwater camera system for you. The PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine, Adjust) method for getting great shots quickly. Principles for good composition of underwater images. Practical techniques to take great photos with your digital camera. Still not sure if you want to take the course? Check out our awesome photos on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/divestmaarten/ or instagram @oceanexplorersdiving
Drift Diver
Along with drift diving techniques and procedures, you’ll: Receive an introduction to drift diving equipment – floats, lines and reels. Get an overview of aquatic currents – causes and effects. Practice with buoyancy control, navigation and communication during two drift dives. Learn techniques for staying close to a buddy or together as a group as you float with the current.
Enriched Air Diver
During a practical session, and two optional scuba dives, you’ll: Discuss managing oxygen exposure. Practice analyzing oxygen content in your scuba tank. Set your dive computer for diving with enriched air nitrox.
Night Diver
Scuba diving at night teaches you to focus on what you can see in your light’s beam, on controlling your buoyancy by feel, on staying with your buddy and on paying attention to details you may overlook during the day. During the course you’ll practice: Light handling and communication techniques. Entering, exiting and navigating in the dark. Identifying how plants and animals differ or change behavior at night.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Who should take this course? EVERYONE. During two scuba dives, you’ll learn how to: Determine the exact weight you need, so you’re not too light or too heavy. Trim your weight system and scuba gear so you’re perfectly balanced in the water. Streamline to save energy, use air more efficiently and move more smoothly through the water. Hover effortlessly in any position – vertical or horizontal.
Search and Recovery Diver
Gathering information and resources, then carefully planning a search are the first important steps you learn. During four scuba dives you’ll practice: Swimming search patterns using your compass and natural navigation. Locating large and small objects using various search patterns. Using a lift bag for large or heavy objects, plus other recovery methods. Planning a search operation based on facts gathered about a lost object prior to the dive.
Sea Turtle Awareness
There’s been a steady decline in worldwide sea turtle populations, but there are ways to fight this. Learn basic sea turtle identification, how to record sightings and conservation steps you can take. The course includes two scuba dives
Underwater Navigator
You’ll learn the tools of the trade, including navigation using natural clues and by following compass headings. During three scuba dives, you’ll practice: Methods to estimate distance underwater. Compass navigation while making at least five turns. Marking or relocating a submerged object or position from the surface. Underwater map making.
Underwater Videographer
You will learn how to select, maintain and care for your underwater video equipment, whether it’s a housed unit with external lights, or your underwater camera that also shoots video. You’ll cover fundamentals such as exposure, focus, story line and sequencing. Post dive, you’ll learn about the editing process and how to produce a video that truly captures your scuba adventures.
Wreck Diver
There are many different types of wrecks, some of which are protected by laws that guard their historical and cultural significance. Your training starts by reviewing guidelines for researching and respecting wrecks. During the course you’ll learn: Safety considerations for navigating and exploring wrecks. Surveying and mapping a wreck. Using penetration lines and reels to guide exploration. Techniques to avoid kicking up silt or disturbing the wreck and its inhabitants.
Add a Specialty Course to your Open Water Certification with just one extra dive!
In just one extra dive you can add a PADI Specialty Certification to your Open Water Diver course! Gaining a PADI Specialty gives you focused training on one aspect of diving. The courses bellow will help you gain confidence as a new diver, give you an extra dive after your certification, and provide training in the area you chose to specialize in.
Underwater Navigator
Digital Underwater Photographer
Underwater Naturalist
Boat Diver
Peak Performance Buoyancy