These Eight Essential PADI Scuba Diving courses during the long winter months can help get your scuba fire roaring again.
As divers we have all been through the winter blues at one point or another. As professional divers we sometimes look forward to having a winter break especially if you work and live in a tropical place fulltime. But if you have just started out with your open water course and don’t want to have a long break waiting for the summer diving season to come.
Here are Eight essential courses which will keep your diving fire going. These courses do not require open water dives so you can complete them at any time.
1.Equipment Specialist
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. If you’re at least 10 years old and certified as a PADI (Junior) Scuba Diver or higher, you can enroll in the Equipment Specialist course, because it can come in handy
2.Emergency Oxygen Provider
Because knowing how and when to administer emergency oxygen is a valuable skill to have in a dive emergency. PADI® Emergency Oxygen Provider prepares you to offer aid and teaches you to recognize scuba diving injuries and illnesses requiring emergency oxygen. This is an excellent course for scuba divers, boat crew, lifeguards, free diver , mermaids or anyone who spends time in and around water. No age restrictions or water sessions required.
3.AWARE Shark Conservation
Do you love sharks? Are you Scared of sharks? Or do you just want to know more about them? Enroll in an AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course and discover the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies. You’ll also learn more about the causes of declining shark populations and the actions you can take to become a knowledgeable and passionate shark defender. By being informed, you can dispel misconceptions and act to protect sharks. Sharks need you! If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Specialty course.
4.Project AWARE Specialist
The Project AWARE Specialty course is an introduction to the global AWARE movement for ocean protection. It focuses and expands on the 10 Tips for Divers to Protect the Ocean Planet. Through interactive discussions, you’ll learn how you can make a difference for ocean protection every time you dive or travel. A dry, ‘fins off’ course, this specialty is ideal for divers and non divers alike to gain insight into how decisions above and below the surface impact our water planet.
5.Coral Reef Conservation
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. Anyone who has an interest in the aquatic world can take this course. There are no prerequisites or age restriction, and no water sessions are required to earn this non-diving certification.
6.Emergency First Response EFR
Emergency First Response® primary and secondary care training teaches you what to do in the critical moments between when a life-threatening emergency occurs and when emergency medical services arrive. Learn how to perform CPR, provide first aid that eases pain, assess a variety of injuries and illnesses and practice bandaging and splinting.
7.Dive Theory Online
Dive Theory will dramatically expand your understanding of dive physics, physiology, equipment, decompression theory and dive planning.
Any diver can complete Dive Theory eLearning for personal enrichment. PADI Divemaster, IDC, IDC Staff and CDTC candidates may earn credit toward the dive theory exams.
…and the most commonly completed essential PADI diving course over the winter months is…
8.EANX – Enriched Air Nitrox
Learn why Enriched Air nitrox allows you to make longer dives ,and how to dive with nitrox safely. Meet with your PADI Instructor for theory, and hands-on practical exercises.