The Open Water Scuba Diver course teaches practical applications in math, physics, physiology, chemistry, and marine ecology. During the course, students learn to calculate pressure changes that occur during a diver’s descent or ascent, as well as explain the physiological effects these pressure changes have on the human body. Students will study Boyle’s, Henry’s, Charles’s, and Dalton’s laws and begin to understand how water affects light, sound, and thermal properties. They will also learn the properties of various gases and how they interact within the human body. Additionally, all Ocean First Education short courses are fully aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and verified by an independent third party.
The time to complete the home study, classroom workshops, and pool training is consistent with other successful programs currently offered at similar schools. If used as a science elective, all study time is supported by the allotted classroom time and scheduled pool sessions.
It’s best to have a minimum of eight and a maximum of 16 students, though a program could run with fewer than eight. The cost includes everything in the program, including all training materials, coursework, snorkeling and scuba equipment, rentals, transfers, and the open water trip. It typically starts at $799 per student and goes up to over $3000. The final cost depends on a number of factors, including the open water destination, number of school chaperones, and the number of students requiring financial aid.
The cost is absorbed by the other students.
Make up days may be arranged for any unexpected scheduling changes.
As a science elective, there is no impact on school sports since the class is conducted in the scheduled classroom time. As a club, there is a potential to conflict with after school sports, but classroom workshops and pool trainings can be scheduled in the evening or on the weekends, so most students are able to work around other commitments.
Students can enter or leave at any point. There is no requirement to continue in the program, though history shows that most students will enroll into the next TIDES class if it is offered at their school.
In order to participate, students need to be at least 12 years old, complete a medical questionnaire, and be able to afford the tuition. Many students who are unable to afford the tuition elect to fundraise to cover the shortfall.