Open Water SCUBA Certification with Aquatic Center of Rochester
We are a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Training Facility. You can begin with a snorkeling lesson and we can take you right up to becoming a qualified PADI Open Water Scuba instructor.
Open Water Certification
The adventure begins
with the Scuba Diving Certification for Open Water Diving. You will begin with a review in the classroom where we will help to make sure you understand the basics of Scuba Diving. We will review all the safety features of diving, help you understand the basics of physics and physiology of Scuba diving, and review the importance of proper equipment selection.
Sound daunting? Not really, it's easy and fun, and you get hands on the equipment.
Then it's off to our beautiful indoor heated pool. You will play on scuba gear while we instruct you in the basics of breathing underwater. The thrill of weightlessness is beyond anything you have ever experienced. Wait till you see not only how easy it is to Scuba Dive, but how exhilarating and yet relaxing it is.
Once you've mastered Scuba techniques in the pool, its off to the Open Water to enjoy four training dives. You will repeat everything you learned in the pool, but in the fun of our private training ground, Aquatic Haven. But its winter you say? Then you will take a referral with you on vacation, and complete your training dives in warmer water. Or you may join one of our Travel Adventures to complete your dives.
How Our Training Works
- Traditional Group Course
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- Offered all year, at least one a month.
- Class and pool times typically Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 6pm to 10pm. Saturday classes are available during the winter.
-Current schedule is on the upcoming course dates page - Course Tuition
includes your student kit and use of the Scuba Equipment for the pool.
- e-Learning Component - You can start your training TODAY by doing the classroom learning on line, at your pace and schedule, then join our regularly scheduled pool sessions, or set up your private pool time.
- Scuba Diver Certification
- Short on time, or just want to dive with a PADI Professional in shallow water? Then this is the certification for you. Less class time, and less pool time, but still a Certification.
- Open Water Completion Dives - To complete the certification you will need to do four Open Water Training dives. We schedule these on weekends through out the late spring, summer and early fall. We can also give you a referral to complete these dives on your vacation.
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Private Lessons
- Private Classes
-Because time is precious, you might not be able to fit into our schedule. Let us fit into yours! For only a little bit more, you can set your own class schedule. Because class, pool and full time instructors are all in one place, we can easily tailor a class to match your schedule.
Private classes are available for up to 4 participants - Stop in the store with your calendar and we will set up your personal training course today!

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PADI Open Water Certification Prerequisites
Almost anyone can learn to Scuba Dive. There are only a few prerequisties for taking the course:
- Must be 10 years old
- Must be in good health. A Medical Release Form may need to be signed by your physician if any medical conditions apply. Ask us for details.
- Must have basic swimming skills
We can accommodate special needs, so be sure to let us know if you have any limitations.
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E-Learning Options
There are many of the PADI Certification courses that you can start on line today. The classroom portion can be completed in the comfort of your home, office, even on an airplane - at your convenience and pace. We will then expand on the program with a brief in store class session, and then it is off to the pool or open water to complete your certification.
E-Learning
You can sign yourself up today by clicking the button below, or call us and we can walk you through the many options.


What will I need?
Read MoreThe use of all major Scuba Equipment is included
in the Open Water Certification Course tuition.
We recommend you invest in your own mask, fins and snorkel.
Because fit and comfort is so critical, we do not impose our taste on your face or feet by including them in your course tuition.
At the Aquatic Center you will find an extensive selection of masks, fins and snorkel, all competitively priced
with the internet. Plus, you will have professionals help you with proper fit. If the mask you buy from us does not work for you during our training sessions we will make it right.
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How long is the course
Our classic PADI diving course takes places over 3 evenings, or 3 Saturday mornings, and includes 2 hours of classroom review of your online coursework as well as 8-10 hours of pool time. Both the classroom and pool are conveniently located in the same facility.
Private classes are at your pace.
However, after the three sessions, sometimes more time is needed to become proficient in the skills. We can accommodate extra time.
There are 4 open water dives required to complete the certification. These are usually done two per day, typically on a Saturday and Sunday morning.
