Certifications
In order to go scuba diving, you need to be certified. The largest scuba certification organization is PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Under the PADI system, gaining your entry-level certification makes you an "Open Water Diver." This certification requires four confined water dives (i.e. in a swimming pool), four open water dives, and a small amount of classroom work.
Open Water is the only certification you need in order to go diving on the club's trips. If you choose to pursue additional certifications, there are a great many to choose from, ranging from the mundane (drift diving, night diving) to the extreme (ice diving).
Getting Certified with Offshore Carolina
Each year, Offshore Carolina organizes and sponsors 1 - 2 Open Water certification courses. These courses are structured to be convenient for UNC students, and we get a group discount. (The cost after the group discount, including classes, textbook, and gear rental, is usually about $350 - $400.) We may organize additional certification courses if there is demand.
2010-2011 Certifications
The Fall Open Water certification class is complete. Watch the email list for details about a Spring certification class.
2009-2010 Certifications
Offshore Carolina sponsored two Open Water certification classes in 2009-2010, one per semester. All together, almost two dozen students were certified with us this year. Congratulations to all of you!