Entry level SCUBA certification

An entry level Open Water SCUBA Certification is acquired by mastering SCUBA water skills and completing academic study. Pool sessions are, obviously, the method for learning basic SCUBA water skills.fish

Classroom work, which includes tests and a final exam, are conducted by several methods.

  • classroom lecture
  • self study
  • PADI online study

Upon successful completion of the pool sessions and academic elements of your training you'll then complete four certifying dives with an instructor in an open water environment (quarry, lake, ocean, etc).

Our entry level open water SCUBA class schedule is listed below.

Other classes

SCUBA classes for the certified diver - advanced SCUBA classes

Divemaster Program - the first of the professional recreational SCUBA certifications

Discover Scuba - a "Try-it before you Buy-it" in-water SCUBA session

Discover Snorkeling - learn to snorkel the right way, it's easier than you think

merit badgeBSA SCUBA merit badge - Boy Scouts of America SCUBA merit badge

 

Our SCUBA class schedules

For more general information about SCUBA diving and Scuba certifications visit the PADI web site.


2012 SCUBA class schedule

Harrisburg Scuba Center is a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) dive center, and we use instructional procedures and certifying standards established and maintained by PADI.

classesPADI link

Sign up for Scuba lessons by calling the facility where classes are being held

Mechanicsburg HS logo MECHANICSBURG RECREATION
(Mechanicsburg High School)
691-4572

Thursdays 6:30 pm- 10:30 pm
February 9 - March 22

redland HS logo WEST SHORE RECREATION
(Red Land High School)
920-9515

Weekend courses **
Friday March 30, 6:30pm - 9:00pm   (at dives shop -       introduction & paperwork)
Saturday April 14, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (pool)
Sunday April 15, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (pool)
Discover Scuba - 6 pm - 9 pm **
March 23

 
Summer class to be announced

Fall class to be announced

boiling springs logo BOILING SPRINGS
(Boiling Springs High School)
258-4441

Weekend course **
Friday April 13, 6:30 pm - 9:30pm
      (swim test and paper work)
Saturday, April 21, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (pool)
Sunday April 22, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (pool)

Summer class to be announced

Fall class to be announced

** Weekend courses are an accelerated program. Academics are self study with tests and final exam completed on your own schedule. All pool sessions completed in one weekend.

east penn logo EAST PENNSBORO RECREATION
(East Pennsboro Middle School)
732-0711

Mondays 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
February 27 - April 2
Discover Scuba - 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm **
January 30
February 6
Discover Snorkeling - 7:30pm - 10:00pm **
January 23

ymca logo YMCA - WEST SHORE
737-0511

 

 

Tuesdays 7:15 pm - 10:30 pm Pool at YMCA
Wednesdays 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Class at HSC
January 3 - February 7
February 28 - April 3
April 24 - May 29
June19- July 24
August 14- September 18
October 9- November 18

ymca logo YMCA - HARRISBURG CENTRAL
232-9622

 

Class schedule and enrollment coordinated by instructor. Contact instructor at:
Vaughn@HarrisburgScubaInc.com

Hershey Logo HERSHEY RECREATION
(Hershey Plaza)
533-7138

Class and enrollment coordinated by instructor. Contact Ray at 832-2226
Sunday mornings 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
February 2 - March 25
September 30 - November 18

PRIVATE CLASSES

Private (1 student)
Semi-Private (2 or more students)

Call the dive shop to speak with an instructor


Other courses closed to the public

Penn State Capital Campus - students should call admissions


Dickinson College - students should call admissions
  • Class participants must supply their own mask, fins & snorkel by the second session.
  • Sign up and pay for class where the class is being held. Class fees are set by the facility where classes are held. Cancellations are controlled by the facility where classes are taught.
** Additional Discover Scuba and Discover Snorkeling sessions are run throughout the year based on individual requests. Call the dive shop to discuss a time/date that better meets your schedule.
SCUBA Instruction and Certification Requirements:
  1. SCUBA class - pool sessions and classroom lecture
  2. PADI Open Water Manual and Dive Planner materials
  3. Your own fins, mask and snorkel
  4. Open Water Certification dives- options:
    • Open Water Certification dives with HSC dive center at Bainbridge Sportsman's Club or
    • get a referral - take your four certifying dives with any PADI dive center, anywhere in the world.

PADI e-Learning is an option for completing the academic portion of your SCUBA class on-line.
Pool sessions and Open Water Certification dives are still performed with a Harrisburg Scuba Center Instructor.
e-learning

Advanced and continuing education

Advanced SCUBA courses will improve your existing skills and introduce you to new skills. Get more comfortable in the water by completing five adventure dives under the supervision of your PADI Instructor. Classes such as Wreck Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver and many others will prepare you for safe diving in more challenging environments. If you're looking to build your confidence and gain more experience, these courses are the natural next step.

Divemaster Program

"Divemaster" is the first of the professional recreational diving certifications. Your entry into the professional levels of recreational scuba diving begins with the PADI Divemaster program. Working closely with a PADI Instructor, in this program you expand your dive knowledge and hone your skills to the professional level. PADI Divemaster training develops your leadership abilities, qualifying you to supervise dive activities and assist instructors with student divers....call the dive shop if you have an interest in attaining the Divemaster certification.

Discover Scuba

If you're still not sure SCUBA is for you try one of the Discover SCUBA sessions. Discover SCUBA is a fun "try it before you buy it" option. During Discover SCUBA you get to don all the scuba equipment and swim around a local pool. This way you can discover if scuba diving is for you.

Discover SCUBA sessions are conducted throughout the year... call the dive shop to schedule yourself and family members in a class near you.

Discover Snorkeling

Learn to snorkel the correct and easy way. Spend an hour or two in class and make your future snorkeling experiences so much more enjoyable. With a little instruction it's easier than you think.

[Return to top of page]      [Return to class schedule]