Open Water Checkout Dive FAQs

What Does the Course Fee Include?
The course fee includes all four training dives, rental of BC, regulator, tanks, weights & wetsuit, boat fees where applicable, and certification processing fees.

What Does the Course Fee Not Include?
The course fee does not include transportation and lodging, quarry fees where applicable; students should also provide their own mask, fins & snorkel for the training dives (mask/fins/snorkel can be rented for local dives for $30)

I have a friend who is dive certified - can they join me for my training dives?
So that your instructors can dedicate all of their attention to their students, we ask that certified friends and family members do not dive with classes. Friends and family members can certainly join you for your dive weekend and dive themselves, just not with class. If you are completing your dives in Fort Lauderdale, please make arrangements for any friends or family members that will be coming with you directly with the boat operator ( info can be found on the course description ).

What If the Weather Is Bad?
Like anything else, bad weather can affect our ability to complete our dives. There are contingency plans in place for bad weather, so we ask you to please plan to be flexible in the event of bad weather. We will do everything we can to accomplish our training dives and complete your certifications. In the event that we can't, divers will be given the opportunity to reschedule to another class date.

Why Do You Use Lake Millbrook/Hydes Quarry/Dutch Springs For Your  Local Training Dives
All three of these lakes are good places to do training dives, with lots of easy entry points and platforms for training. We have also chosen locations so that everybody has a reasonably close option (Millbrook is in VA, Hydes in MD and Dutch Springs in PA.) All three offer excellent logistics for doing training dives - no current, no waves, easy entry/exit, etc.

I Did My Class/Pool Work Elsewhere - Can I Do My Dives With Atlantic Edge?
Yes!  You need to make sure that you did your Class/Pool work with a PADI Instructor or shop, as we can only accept PADI referrals.  You will need to bring this referral as well as a full set of paperwork with you to the class.

How Long Do I Have From My Class/Pool To Complete My Dives?
You have 12 months from the time your Class/Pool work ends to complete your checkout dives.  If it has been more than a few months since your Class/Pool, you should consider taking a refresher prior to doing your dives.