SCUBA Diving

The University of Rhode Island’s Tootell Aquatic Center and Diving Safety Program are offering a basic Open Water SCUBA Certification course.

All SCUBA certification courses are taught by SCUBA Diving International-certified instructors. Please note that participation in a certification class does not guarantee certification. All skills related to the certification must be properly demonstrated (as defined by the course outline) in order to receive certification.
If the minimum enrollment for any safety course is not met three days prior to the scheduled start date, the class will be canceled.

 
PRICING / DETAILS / REGISTRATION

 

Basic Open Water SCUBA Certification

The course follows standards outlined by the training agency SCUBA Diving International. Upon registration, participants will be notified with detailed information regarding the course outline, logistics, what to bring to class, and assignments. Upon successful completion of all requirements participants will receive an Open Water Scuba Certification which allows participants to dive to 60 feet or the first level in SCUBA diving. If the participant is under the age of 15, parental/guardian approval is required and participants will receive a Junior Open Water SCUBA Certification that involves certain restrictions.

All classes are mandatory and will consist of academic coursework, pool training, and four ocean dives.

Prerequisites

  • Be at least 14 years of age by the last scheduled session of the course.
  • Successfully completed required documents, including a general liability release form, medical statement, statement of safe diving practices, and waiver release and indemnity agreement
  • Purchase your own mask and snorkel for a recognized dive shop (see the guide below)
  • Comfortable-moderate level swimmer that can pass a swim test involving 200-yard swim, 10-minute tread water.

Certification Requirements

Each session is mandatory for participants to complete the SCUBA certification. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as sickness or additional training required, the instructor will attempt to make accommodations to meet the participant’s needs when possible. SCUBA is an inherently high-risk activity and participants may only continue each phase of the course at the discretion of the instructor. If the instructor is unable to allow participants to continue or complete the course due to safety concerns, there will be no refund provided.

Fees and Registration Information

URI Students & Community Members $475 – fee includes textbook, training materials, equipment, instruction, and certification. If prerequisites are not met, participants will be unable to continue in the course and will receive a 90% credit on their customer account. If a participant may not be able to take the course due to an incomplete medical statement, then a refund will be provided. 

 

Required Documents

To help you fill out the forms, your instructors are Alexandra Moen, Katie Nickles, and Anya Hanson, the Dive Center or Instructional Facility is “URI”, the location is “Kingston, RI”, the course name is “SDI Open Water Scuba Class”, and the training agency is “SDI.” The witness may be any individual above the age of 18. 

All completed paperwork must be sent to Alexandra Moen via email at alexandra_moen@uri.edu or brought with you on the first day of class. All documents are required before participating in any SCUBA diving. If they are not filled out properly, the instructor may have to decline your participation. If you have any questions regarding SCUBA diving or paperwork, please contact Alexandra Moen at 401.874.6205.

If the participant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their paperwork to be considered complete. A parent or guardian will have to accompany the minor on the first day of class to ensure paperwork has been properly completed. 

Required Forms

 

Medical Statement Instructions

Please use black or blue ink. On the first AND second page, please indicate “yes” or “no” in the box next to each question. If you answer “yes” to any of the items listed, you must get a physician’s signature on page two approving your participation in diving. This is required PRIOR to any diving. If you answer “no” to all of the items, then you do not need a physician’s signature. Please fill out the document truthfully so that we can ensure your safety throughout the course.

Online Registration

 

Driving Directions to the URI Bay Campus

Once on campus, continue on Pier Road past shipping and receiving road. As you drive down the hill towards the water, the dive locker is located on the right at building #80 on Pier Road. There are two white containers in front of the building.

bay campus directions