PADI Specialties
Note: All Classroom / Course Instruction fees are based upon Student selecting Aquatic Realm Scuba Center as Dive Shop for eLearning class.
AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty
Sharks are crucial to marine ecosystems. They maintain a balance in populations of prey species
and keep the ocean healthy by removing ill or diseased animals. They are an important resource
supporting local economies through fishing and as an attraction to dive tourists.
But sharks are in a global decline. Overfishing has reduced many shark populations around the world to levels that threaten their continued existence. Shark numbers have fallen by more than 80% in many cases, and the continued existence of some species is at immediate risk in some regions.
You will also discover how close we are to losing some shark species forever, but there is hope. This Course takes you through the management strategies that can help protect sharks and, best of all, the many actions you can take to give sharks a fighting chance. Two Dives
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 12 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Download The Shark Conservation Study Guide
Dates
-------------------------------------------
June 15th or 16th (Date TBD)
Much of the world’s best scuba diving is accessible only by boat. Whether you’ve never made a boat dive or you’ve logged dozens, the PADI Boat Diver Specialty course will benefit you because boats in various parts of the world do things differently. Scuba diving from a boat is fun and relatively easy because you usually descend directly onto your dive site. Two Dives
- 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.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Boat Diver eLearning. Read and watch video about boat diving, then interact with knowledge checks.
Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
Everyone likes to scuba dive or snorkel in warm, clear water on a vibrant coral reef, yet many people know little about what they’re seeing or the importance of reef ecosystems. The Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course helps you appreciate the complexity of these habitats and teaches you how you can help conserve these vital systems. No Dives Required
- How Project AWARE unites divers and water enthusiasts to make a difference.
- How coral reefs function and the complex nature of life on a reef.
- Why coral reefs are so important.
- Why many coral reefs are in serious trouble.
- What you can do to prevent further decline.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Anyone who has an interest in the aquatic world can take this course. There are no prerequisites or age restrictions and no water sessions are required to earn this non-diving certification
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Download Free AWARE Our World Underwater Manual
The lure of the deep. There’s something exciting and mysterious about exploring deeper dive sites while scuba diving. Sometimes it’s a wreck that attracts you below 60 feet, and on wall dives it may be a giant fan or sponge. Whatever it is, to scuba dive with confidence at depths down to 130 feet, you should take the PADI Deep Diver Specialty course. Four Dives
- Specialized deep diving equipment.
- Deep dive planing, buddy contact procedures and buoyancy control.
- Managing your gas supply, dealing with gas narcosis and safety considerations.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 15 years old and have earned the PADI Adventure Diver rating or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $150 (additional course
material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Deep Diver eLearning. Your training starts by reviewing reasons for deep diving and how important it is to know your personal limits.
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Diver Specialty
With DSMB use becoming common in most areas and required in some locations, this course focuses on the protocols and proper techniques for using surface marker buoys (SMBs) and delayed surface marker buoys (DSMBs) in the local area. Two Dives
- You will learn the value of having and using DSMBs or SMBs
- You will learn the potential risks, risk management techniques and the need for proper training when using DSMBs or SMBs
- You will learn the local protocols/requirements and demonstrate proper technique for using DSMBs.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 12 years old and have earned the PADI (Junior) Open Water rating or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Dates
-------------------------------------------
June 15th or 16th (Date TBD)
Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty
Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties, and with so many underwater cameras to choose from, it has become easier and more fun than ever to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course gets you going quickly, whether you use a point-and-shoot camera or a sophisticated dSLR like the pros.
Because underwater photography is also popular with snorkelers, there is an option for avid snorkelers and skin divers to complete the course.
This course has 2 options: Full Specialty Certification has Two Dives; but Divers and Snorkelers can participate in this course (beginner level) with just one required pool session.
- 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.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Full Specialty Certification requires participant to be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher; Beginner Course is open to snorkelers, divers and non-divers able to swim.
Camera Required for Course and not included in Course Fee.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Digital Underwater Photographer eLearning.
Read and watch video about Digital Photographer diving, then interact with knowledge checks.
Now divers of all experience levels can be equipped with better knowledge of debris issues and empowered with the skills to complete ongoing Dive Against Debris surveys.
From planning the dive to reporting the debris data, the AWARE Dive Against Debris Specialty prepares students to participate and support regular Dive Against Debris surveys, join other surveys, or, in case of more experienced divers, to start surveys of their own.
If you're looking to really make a difference and support a growing global army of volunteers combatting ocean trash, then this course is for you. One Dive.
- Educates divers about tthe messy problem of marine debris the damage done, what it is, where it comes from, and how divers are part of the solution.
- Equips divers with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct a Dive Against Debris survey - considerations for creating a survey dive profile, use of photography, and decision making on what to remove and what to leave behind.
- Highlights the five steps needed to record and report findings from a Dive Against Debris dive - weigh, sort, record, dispose, and report.
- Explains how to join the global Project AWARE movement of scuba divers protecting our ocean planet.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $120 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Dive Against Debris eLearning. Read and watch video about Dive Against Debris, then interact with knowledge checks.
Diver Propulsion Vehicle Specialty
DPVs offer a thrilling way for scuba divers to see a lot of underwater territory in a short amount of time. They scoot you through the water allowing you to glide over reefs, buzz around a large wreck or weave through a kelp forest. Whether making a shore or boat dive, a DPV is a great way to see more and have fun doing it. Two Dives.
- Maintaining your DPV.
- How to plan dives, including procedures for staying with your buddy.
- DPV-handling skills, such as making proper descents and ascents.
- Potential problems and ways to deal with them.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 12 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
DPV Rental $50 for Training
Course Instruction Fee: $125 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Diver Propulsion Vehicle eLearning.
Read and watch video about DPV diving, then interact with knowledge checks.
The PADI Drift Diver Specialty course teaches you how to enjoy going with the flow as you scuba dive down rivers and use ocean currents to glide along. It feels like flying – except that you’re underwater using scuba equipment. Drift diving can be relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. Two Dives.
- Receive and introduction ot 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.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 12 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Drift Diver eLearning.
Read and watch video about Drift diving, then interact with knowledge checks.
Want to stay warm? Want to extend your scuba diving season? Then dive dry. A dry suit seals you off from the water and keeps you comfortable, even in surprisingly cold water. There is incredible diving in the world’s cooler regions and in some areas, conditions are even better in colder months. Becoming a dry suit diver allows you to expand your boundaries and dive more places, more often. Two Dives.
- Don and doff techniques specific to your dry suit
- Dry suit buoyancy control skills
- Dry suit maintenance and storage
- Undergarment (fleece or overall-type garments worn under the dry suit) options
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $125 (additional material required & Drysuit required - can be purchased at dive shop)
Pool Session Required (Approximately 2 hours)
Additional Course Materials: Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials – Dry Suit Diver eLearning. Read and watch video about dry suit diving, then interact with knowledge checks.
Emergency Oxygen Provider Specialty
Knowing how and when to use emergency oxygen is a great skill to have and means you're ready to help others should the need arise. Becoming a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider lets you breathe easy knowing that you can recognize scuba diving illnesses treatable with emergency oxygen, and are prepared to offer aid. Practical Session - Approx 3-4 hours
- Assembling and disassembling emergency oxygen equipment.
- Deploying a non-rebreather mask and a demand inhalator valve on a breathing diver.
- Using a pocket mask on a nonbreathing diver.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: There are no prerequisites, age restrictions, or required dives. Scuba divers, snorkelers and anyone who is around divers - boat crew, lifeguards, ect. - will benefit from having this training.
Recommend Pre-requistes: CPR and First Aid Training
Course Instruction Fee (Practical Classroom
Session): $99 (Required Materials: Pocket Mask with O2 Inlet - Can be purchased at Dive Shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $120 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Emergency Oxygen Provider Specialty. Read and watch video about Emergency Oxygen, then interact with knowledge checks.
The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is PADI’s most popular specialty scuba course. Why? Because scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives. If staying down longer and getting back in the water sooner sounds appealing, then don’t hesitate to become an enriched air diver. This course requires the diver to own an Enriched Air Dive Computer. No Dives Required.
- Discuss managing oxygen exposure.
- Practice analyzing oxygen content in your scuba tank.
- Set your dive computer for diving with enriched air nitrox.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 12 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee (Practical Classroom Session): $50
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $212 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Enriched Air Diver Specialty. Read and watch video about Enriched Air, then interact with knowledge checks.
(Complete your online course and call 937-428-9836 to schedule your practical classroom session at Dive Center)
Dates & Times:
-------------------------------------------
This practical session (approx 2 hours) is available by appointment.
Please call 937-428-9836 or email diving@aquaticrealmscuba.com to book your appointment.
Don’t miss a dive due to minor issues with your scuba diving equipment. Whether it's a missing o-ring, wetsuit tear or a broken fin strap, the PADI Equipment Specialist course teaches you to manage basic repairs and adjustments. You'll also learn more about how your gear works, making you more comfortable with it and better prepared to take care of your investment. No Dives Required.
- Reviews the theory, principles and operation of dive equipment
- Routine, recommended care and maintenance procedures, and equipment storage
- Common problems with equipment and recommended professional maintenance procedures
- Simple suggestions for comfortable equipment configurations and an introduction to new gear
- The PADI Equipment Specialist Course is not an equipment repair or assemble course, but it provides the foundation you'll want if you're interested in learning equipment repair.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $65 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Equipment Specialist eLearning. Read and watch video about how each piece of scuba gear and accessory dive equipment works.
Fish Identification Diver Specialty
“What was that fish?” is a common question heard after a dive. If you want to be the scuba diver with the answers, instead of the one asking the questions, then take the Fish Identification Specialty course. You’ll enjoy your dives even more when you recognize the creatures that you see and can identify the main fish families and their characteristics. Two Dives
- How to identify characteristics of local fish families and species.
- Characteristics of local fish families and species will be explained
- Fish survey techniques and strategies
- Fish identification dive planning, organization and procedures will be practiced
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
The thought of dipping below the surface at night seems mysterious, yet so alluring. Although you’ve been scuba diving at a site many times before, at night you drop into a whole new world and watch it come to life under the glow of your dive light. The scene changes as day creatures retire and nocturnal organisms emerge. If you’ve wondered what happens underwater after the sun goes down, sign up for the PADI Night Diver Specialty course. Three Dives
- Light handling and communication techniques.
- Entering, exiting and navigation in the dark.
- Identifying how plants and animals differ or change behavior at night.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 12 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $125 (additional course
material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Night Diver eLearning. Read and watch video about night diving, then interact with knowledge checks.
Dates
-------------------------------------------
Fri/Sat - Aug 2nd & 3rd
Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You’ve seen them underwater. They glide effortlessly, use less air and ascend, descend or hover almost as if by thought. They more easily observe aquatic life without disturbing their surroundings. You can achieve this, too. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course improves the buoyancy skills you learned as a new diver and elevates them to the next level. Two Dives.
- 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.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start
elearning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Peak Performance Buoyancy eLearning. Read and watch video about
peak performance buoyancy, then interact with knowledge checks.
Make a difference for yourself and others by learning and applying tips to save the ocean. The PADI AWARE Specialty course equips you with tangible actions and opportunities to bring about positive ocean change.
Supported by PADI eLearning, this course dismantles the barriers between diving and conservation, making responsible marine conservation accessible to all. No Dives Required
- Become part of the PADI AWARE movement and protect the underwater world
- Understand the 10 Tips to Save The Ocean
- Participate in informative and exciting "Take Action" workshops
- Develop an action plan for ocean conservation and marine animal protection
Pre-requisite: Any age, any diving experience level (including none), and any person anywhere, can take this course, you only need a passion for saving the ocean and protecting the underwater world.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (additional course
material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $64 Start
elearning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
PADI AWARE Specialty eLearning.
Available only at Aquatic Realm! We wrote the specialty for seasoned and new divers alike. Improve your skills and enjoyment in our local diving environment. Two Dives.
- Quarry Diving Techniques
- Entries & Exits
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 12 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (no additional material required)
Dates
-------------------------------------------
June 15th or 16th (Date TBD)
Search and Recovery Diver Specialty
Spend time around water, and sooner or later, you come across someone who lost something underwater. If you're looking for the challenge and excitement - along with doing your good deed for the day - the PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course is for you. It gives you the skills you need to find what's been lost, and how to get it to the surface.
In the PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course, you learn search and recovery dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and how to deal with potential problems. You learn how to locate large and small objects using search patterns, and various ways for lifting them to the surface. Not only do these skills make you more capable and confident in the water, but most Search and Recovery Divers eventually end up searching for and recovering something they lost themselves. Four Dives
- 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.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 12 years old and PADI (Junior) Advanced or a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver with the PADI Underwater Naviagtor Specialty.
Course Instruction Fee: $150 (additional course
material required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Search and Recovery Diver eLearning. Read and watch video about
search and recovery, then interact with knowledge checks.
Dates
-------------------------------------------
Sept 7th & 8th
This is an Advanced Level Course
Although most scuba dives are made with a buddy, and experienced diver may want or need to make dives without a partner. During the Self-Reliant Diver course, you learn about potential risks of diving alone and the value of equipment redundancy and necessary back-up gear. During three scuba dives, you will develop skills for self-reliance and independence while becoming a stronger partner in a dive pair or team. Three Dives
- You will learn to develop understanding of the value and application of the buddy system and the philosophy of, and motivation for, diving without a partner.
- You will be introduced to the potential risks, risk management techniques and the need for equipment redundancy in self-reliant diving.
- You will learn to improve self-reliant dive skills, dive planning and gas management abilities.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite:
- Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization.
- Have a minimum 100 logged dives.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Must attend academic knowledge development, prior to Open Water Dives.
- Successfully complete a Confined Water Dive Skill assessment by Course Instructor, prior to Open Water Dives.
Standard Equipment Requirements:
- Fins, Mask, Snorkel, Tank, BCD, Primary regulator and alternate air source, pressure and depth gauge, wet suit, weights, one audible and visual signaling device, dive computer or rdp.
Additional Student Diver Equipment Requirements: - Purchased from Dive Shop
- Surface Marker Buoy, such as DSMB or lift bag with at least 100 feet of line.
- Redundant Gas source - such as pony cylinder or twin cylinders with isolation valve or sidemount configuration. Redundant gas supply must be configured so that the diver can access it with one hand.
- Redundant dive computer or depth gauge and bottom timer.
- Redundant surface signaling devices (both visual and audible).
- Knife/Cutting Tool.
- Slate and Pencil
- Back-up mask
Academic Development / Confined Water Dive Skill Assessment Fee: $100 (course instruction only)
Open Water Course Fee: $195 (course instruction only)
Tank & Weights are not included in course fee.
Release forms for Self-Reliant Diver
Underwater Naturalist Specialty
Take the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course and you’ll see new things, even on the most familiar scuba diving sites. Why? Because when know more about symbioses, underwater ecology, and aquatic plant and animal habitats, you notice behaviors and see creatures you may have previously missed. Learn more about the local ecosystem and take a closer look on your next scuba diving adventure. Two Dives.
- Key differences between the terrestrial and aquatic worlds.
- Major aquatic life groupings, interactions and information that dispels myths.
- Responsible interactions with aquatic life
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $99 (no additional material required)
Underwater Navigator Specialty
Be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. The PADI Underwater Navigator course fine-tunes your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you like challenges with big rewards, take this course and have fun finding your way. Three Dives
- 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.
- Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 10 years old and a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $125 (additional course material
required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Underwater Navigator eLearning. Read and watch video about underwater navigation, then interact with knowledge checks.
Dates
-------------------------------------------
Sept 7th & 8th (Date TBD)
Whether purpose-sunk as an artificial reef for scuba divers, or lost as the result of an accident, wrecks are fascinating windows to the past. Ships, airplanes and even cars are fascinating to explore and usually teem with aquatic life. Each wreck dive offers a chance for discovery, potentially unlocking a mystery or spying something others have missed. The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course is popular because it offers rewarding adventures while observing responsible wreck diving practices. Four Dives
- Safety considerations for navigating and exploring wrecks.
- Surveying and mapping a wreck.
- Using pentration lines and reels to guide exploration.
- Techniques to avoid kicking up sit or disturbing the wreck and its inhabitants.
Pre-requisite: Must be at least 15 years old and have earned the PADI Adventure Diver rating or higher.
Course Instruction Fee: $150 (additional course material
required - purchased at dive shop)
Additional Course Materials:
Online Course Fee $146 Start learning now with PADI’s home-study materials –
Wreck Diver eLearning. Read and watch video about
wreck diver, then interact with knowledge checks.