AQUA SHACK...

Education, Equipment & Experiences... we got it all!

Course Offerings:

• Scuba Review
• Open Water Diver. (PADI or NAUI)
• Advanced Open Water, Advanced Plus (PADI or NAUI)
• Rescue Diver w/ Medic First Aid (PADI)
• Kayak Diving (PADI)
• Specialty courses including:
• Enriched Air/Nitrox
• Technical Nitrox
• Staged Decompression Procedures
• Wreck
• Night, Deep, Underwater Hunter
• U/W Photography.    To Check out some of Capt. Jim's photo work,  Click Here
• Many more Specialties! (PADI, NAUI, TDI)
• Professional courses: Divemaster, Instructor. (PADI, TDI)

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Scuba Review Program

The purpose of this program is to review and update the knowledge and skills of certified divers particularly those who have had an extended period of inactivity in diving. This knowledge review will take place in one classroom session, followed by the diving skills review in confined water (a pool). An optional open water (ocean) dive to provide a supervised environmental orientation for an area may also be included at the students discretion. Both the Scuba Review Program and the Environmental Orientation dive are PADI sanctioned training activities, and a special decal is affixed to the certification card to denote completion of training.

Course Standards

Prerequisites

The only prerequisite is proof of certification as an Open Water diver (or higher).

Program Materials

The materials used in the program will consist of a self study workbook, a final written examination, the registration envelope, and the decal upon completion. These are all included in the cost of the course. The student must provide their own dive tables (the PADI Recreational Dive Planner is required).

Knowledge Review Requirements

1. Take home and complete independently the self study Scuba Review workbook.
2. Attend a review of the workbook material which will be conducted by a PADI Instructor.
3. Score satisfactorily on the standard PADI Scuba Review written examination.

The workbook is completed by the student at home prior to arriving for the classroom session. An instructor will conduct a review of the material prior to the pool session to make sure the student understands the topics presented, and will discuss any missed questions with the class. The written test will then be administered and reviewed and the instructor will again review any missed questions to ensure understanding of the material.

Students are encouraged to ask questions.

Water Skills Review Performance Requirements

The Scuba Review Program includes a confined water skills review. During this session the student will:

1. Perform local entry and exit techniques.
2. Achieve neutral buoyancy at the surface, with the BCD deflated by adjusting the amount of weight worn.
3. Hover motionless (without kicking or moving arms) underwater for at least 30 seconds by using buoyancy control (BCD and lungs).
4. Completely remove, replace, and clear the mask of water while underwater.
5. Ascend using an alternate air source with a buddy diver.
6. Simulate a controlled emergency swimming ascent.
7. Buddy breathe sharing a single air source underwater.
8. Remove and replace the weight belt and scuba unit at the surface.

An instructor will brief the students on the skills, explain the key points, demonstrate each skill, and help students become proficient in them.

Divers who satisfactorily complete the program will receive a PADI Scuba Review decal for their certification cards.

The optional Environmental Orientation Dive which will be conducted by an instructor will include:

1. an area overview and briefing on expectations, local conditions, hazards, and points of interest
2. an orientation to special procedures and techniques pertinant to the area (entries, diving techniques, and exits)
3. a debriefing to include what was observed and suggestions for improving technique to make your diving safer, more relaxing, and more FUN !

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PADI Open Water Diver Course 

PADI Open Water Diver Certification

Your first step into the underwater world, PADI's Open Water Diver course certifies you as a diver. This certification allows you to buy/rent scuba equipment, fill air tanks, and dive safely without instructor supervision.

The program consists of:

• Six nights of classroom and confined water (pool) training.
• Four open water (ocean) certification dives.

Students must provide own masks, fins, and snorkels

OPEN WATER DIVER  Course Flyer with current prices.

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Advanced Open Water, Advanced Plus (PADI)

PADI Advanced Open Water and Advanced Plus

For the diver who wants to learn more about various types of specialty diving, PADI offers the Advanced Open Water Diver course. Requires Open Water certification to register.

The course consists of one or two nights of classroom instruction as needed, and 5 open water dives. 3 Core dives and 2 Elective dives. Core dives are Deep, Navigation, and Night dives. Elective could include Wreck diving, Multi-level diving and/or Boat diving procedures.

The Advanced Plus option adds 4 extra Elective dives, for a total of 9 dives. Other electives may include Underwater Naturalist, Enriched Air Diver, Search & Recovery, Drysuit diving, Underwater Photography and more!

Equipment required: Full SCUBA equipment (rented or owned) plus depth gauge, timing device, compass, log book, two light sticks, underwater slate, underwater light and dive tables. (PADI Encyclopedia is recommended)

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Rescue Diver w/ Medic First Aid (PADI)

Medic First Aid

The Medic First Aid course is a basic training course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency care. It is a medically based assistance course designed to train students to follow, at the laymans level, the same emergency procedures and priorities used by paramedics and doctors. The skills of patient care necessary to support the life of an ill or injured person are covered in seven modules in which practical application and hands-on practice are emphasized. Students learn these skills in the same sequence they would use in caring for a patient. This is very important in that it facilitates memory when the skills are actually needed in a real world situation.

The Medic First Aid course is approved by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Mine Safety, and Health Administration; and covers primary care, secondary surveys, and lastly treatments according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Standards and Guidelines for Basic Life Support; and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, text "Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured". This text, commonly known as the "Orange book", is used extensively for the training of EMT's throughout the Unites States.

Medic First Aid is a basic course in CPR and other important emergency care skills, which is taught in an eight hour course (usually two four hour sessions), which allows the graduate to function with one consistent set of priorities in a medical emergency. Students learn the same priorities of care for the patient as are used by the professionals. This approach results in a continuity of care as the patient is passed on from the first responder, to the paramedic/EMT, nurse, and finally to the doctors.

Emphasis in the Medic First Aid Training Program of America is on the seven basic skills of care; Primary Assessment, One Rescuer CPR, Obstructed Airway Maneuvers, Control of Bleeding, Shock Management, Illness Assessment, and Injury Assessment. Students learn these seven skills in the sequence listed here - this is the same sequence in which they will actually be used. Each segment reinforces the priorities of care and approach to the patient. Medic First Aid Training uses seeing, hearing, and doing to make learning easier and more enjoyable! In practice sessions, numerous uses of the information (repetition), always in the same sequence, helps create retention of the skills in the proper order in which they will be used in an actual emergency.

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Kayak Diving (PADI)

Coming Soon!

(508) 229-7707

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Specialty courses including

• Enriched Air / Nitrox
• Technical Nitrox
• Staged Decompression Procedures
• Wreck
• Night, Deep, Underwater Hunter
• U/W Photography
• and many more! (PADI, NAUI, TDI)

Enriched Air / Nitrox

Symbiosis SCUBA Academy (SSA)

TDI or PADI  Enriched Air Nitrox Program

I. INTRODUCTION

This is the entry level certification course for recreational divers wishing to utilize enriched air nitrox (EAN) as a breathing gas.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES

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.

Ill. QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES

A. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities utilizing EAN 22 to EAN 40 without direct supervision.

B. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are qualified to enroll in:

1. TDI Advanced Nitrox Course

2. TDI Decompression Procedures Course

3. TDI Semi-closed Rebreather Course

VI. STUDENT PRE-REQUISITES

A. Minimum age 15

B. Minimum certification of O/W Diver.

C. Minimum of 10 (ten) logged dives, or the equivalent at the discretion of the instructor.

VII. REQUIRED COURSE MINIMUMS

A. The suggested number of classroom hours is 3.

B. 2 Nitrox dives

VIII. REQUIRED SUBJECT AREAS

The following topics must be covered during this course. The appropriate TDI or PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Manual is mandatory for use during this course but instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.

A. History of EAN

B. Physiology

1. Oxygen

2. Nitrogen

C. Physics

1. Pressure review

2. Partial pressures

D. Equipment Considerations

1. 40% oxygen content and less

2. Above 40% oxygen content

E. Dive Tables

1. Equivalent Air Depth (introduction of concept only for demonstration)

2. EAN Tables

3. Switching mixes on repetitive dives

F. Dive Computers

1. Mix adjustable

2. 02 integrated

G. Advantages and Disadvantages of EAN

1. Use as air for physiological advantage with air tables or computers

2. Use to extend no-decompression bottom times or shorten surface intervals 3. Oxygen toxicity hazards and depth limits

4. Discussion of myths and facts regarding EAN mixtures

H. Procedures

1. Use and theory of oxygen analyzer

2. Gas analysis and logging

I. Common Mixing Procedures

1. Partial pressure blending

2. Continuous blending

3. Membrane separation system

IX. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to complete this course, students must:

A. Satisfactorily complete the TDI / PADI Nitrox Course written examination.

B. Demonstrate understanding of oxygen analysis for nitrox mixtures by properly analyzing gas, logging fill and writing out “Contents Sticker” with the appropriate information.

C. Complete 2 Enriched Air Nitrox dives demonstrating sound pre-dive planning, proper execution and detailed post-dive analysis and documentation.

(508) 229-7707

Technical Nitrox

Advanced Nitrox
This course examines the use of EAN 21 through 100% (oxygen) for optimal mixes to a depth of 150fsw/45msw. The object of this course is to train divers in the benefits, hazards and proper procedures for utilizing EAN 21 through 100% (oxygen) for dives not requiring staged decompression. (Decompression techniques may be combined with this course at the discretion of the instructor).

Call (508) 229-7707

Staged Decompression Procedures

TDI Staged Decompression Procedures

For the diver who wants go beyond the limits of recreational diving. Not for everybody. Divers trying to proove the theory of Natural Selection need not apply. We will question your motivation and assess your character for entry into this course. This program is involved, both in terms of time and money, but the rewards are you will be able to go places and do things that the average "recreational" diver simply can not. "We only get one chance at life. There are no "do-overs" if you don't make the best of this one. We can sit around and wait for the grim reaper to call our number or we can explore our world and have fun while we're here!" Capt. Jim.

Overview

The course consists of four nights of classroom instruction and pool training as needed, and 4 Staged Decompression Dives.

This course examines the theory, methods and procedures of planned decompression diving. This program is designed as a stand alone course (recommended maximum depth 130') or it may be taught in conjunction with such TDI courses as Advanced Nitrox, Advanced Wreck or Extended Range Diver if deeper dive operations are required.

Course objective

The objective of this course is to train divers how to plan and conduct a standard staged decompression dive not to exceed a maximum depth of 190' (when combined with other appropriate TDI courses). The most common equipment requirements, gear set ups, decompression techniques and decompression mixtures (including EANx and Oxygen) are presented.

Qualifications of graduates

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in decompression diving activities utilizing air, nitrox and Oxygen without direct supervision so long as:

1. The diving activities approximate those of trailing.
2. The area of of activities approximate those of trailing.
3. The environmental conditions approximate those of trailing.

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are qualified to enroll in:

1. TDI Extended Range Course
2. TDI Advanced Nitrox Course
3. TDI Advanced Wreck Course

Equipment required: Required Equipment - the following is required for each student: Full SCUBA equipment plus depth gauge, timing device, compass, log book, underwater slate, underwater light and dive tables. Plus as required for the dives:

1. Primary cylinder(s) - volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption rate.
2. Dual outlet valve or manifold required - isolator recommended.
3. Cylinders to be labeled in accordance with TDI Standards
4. Travel or deco cylinders as required by site conditions, rigged for back mount or clips for side or front mounting to harness.
5. Primary and primary redundant regulators and pressure gauges required on all primary breathing cylinders.
6. An emergency use long hose second stage should be designated and appropriately rigged to facilitate air sharing at depth.
7. Buoyancy compensator as appropriate for equipment configuration.
8. Back-up depth and timing devices.
9. Primary and back-up lights.
10. Ascent reel with lift bag.
11. Exposure suit adequate for the temperature at depth.
12. Oxygen analyzer (may be supplied by Instructor).
13. Underwater slate.
14. Surface signaling devices - audible and visual.
15. Technical Dive Log Book

Student Pre-requisites

1. Minimum age of 18.
2. Minimum certification of Advanced Open Water from nationally recognized recreational agency. such as PADI, NAUI, SSI, YMCA, etc. or equivalent. .
3. Proof of a minimum of 50 dives in the environment in which the course is to be presented.

Required course minimums.

1. Classroom / briefing: 6 hours .
2. Wreck Dives - 4 minimum - required skills listed later in this course description..

Required Equipment - the following is required for each student.

1. Primary cylinder(s) - volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption rate.
2. Dual outlet valve or manifold required - isolator recommended.
3. Cylinders to be labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
4. Travel or deco cylinders as required by site conditions, rigged for back mount or clips for side or front mounting to harness.
5. Primary and primary redundant regulators and pressure gauges required on all primary breathing cylinders.
6. An emergency use long hose second stage should be designated and appropriately rigged to facilitate air sharing at depth.
7. Buoyancy compensator as appropriate for equipment configuration.
8. Back-up depth and timing devices.
9. Primary and back-up lights.
10. Ascent reel with lift bag.
11. Exposure suit adequate for the temperature at depth.
12. Oxygen analyzer (may be supplied by Instructor).
13. Underwater slate.
14. Surface signaling devices - audible and visual.
15. Dive Log Book.

Subject Areas Covered.

Text: TDI Staged Decompression: Equipment, Techniques and Procedures 1995 Jan Neil .

(Deep Diving by Gilliam & Von Maier and The Essentials of Deeper Sport Diving by Lippman recommended but not required)

1. Overview of Decompression Illness - safety stops and required stops.
2. Physics - Pressure review and Formulas for solving dive planning problems (Best mix, MOD, EAD, PO2 , CNS clock, etc.).
3. Physiology - bubble formation, oxygen toxicity, advantages of hyperoxic mixtures for decompression, nitrogen absorption and elimination, carbon dioxide toxicity, ascent/descent rates, hyper and hypothermia, Negative Psychological aspects (task loading, stress, panic, time and gas limitations) and stress management procedures.
4. Decompression options - air, EANx or oxygen. Air Breaks every 20 minutes.
5. Equipment requirements - twin tank or single tank options, valve options, stage bottle options, regulator options, BC/harness options, computer/depth gauge & timer options, ascent and navigation reels, lift bags for drifting or free deco, Jon line or Garvin clips, Proper weighting and bouyancy control during dive phase and deco phase
6. Dive tables vs. Computers - different models (Buhlmann, DCIEM, US Navy, DSAT, etc.) and proper use of electronic multi-level dive computers for planning and decompression.
7. Dive Planning - standard operations: gas requirements, oxygen limits (CNS and whole body), nitrogen limits; and emergency operations planning:omitted deco, oxygen toxicity, decompression illness or equipment failure.
8. Operational Procedures - primary and deco gas, descent, ascent, fixed or drifting deco methods, surface and sub-surface support.

Required Open Water Skills.

The following skills will be performed on all dives. The maximum depth will be 130' unless combined with other TDI courses where more advanced depth techniques are incorporated into the program.

A. Properly analyze all gas mix to be used.

B. Demonstrate adequate safe pre-dive planning

1. Calculate limits based on personal and team gas consumption
2. Calculate exact dive and decompression profile.

C. Properly execute the planned dive within all pre-determined limits.

D. Demonstrate the proper navigational techniques for the specific dive.

E. Demonstrate the proper procedure for switching and isolating a malfunctioning regulator.

G. Demonstrate the proper technique for locating a lost penetration line.

H. Missed Up-line procedure demonstrate deployment of a lift bag or up-line for decompression.

I. Conduct a proper decompression profile - recalculate contingency for lost deco gas.

J. Demonstrate sound mature judgment concerning all dive planning and execution.

Class Dates: By demand. OR Call the Aqua Shack for the date of the next scheduled course.

Cost: $400.00 Includes classroom instruction, TDI Staged Decompression: Equipment, Techniques and Procedures 1995 Jan Neil, handout materials, and Certification fee.

*Does NOT include breathing gasses or boat charter fee.

Wreck

PADI/NAUI Wreck Diver Course