Scuba Coach Trace

learn to SCUBA DIVE

My personal equipment configuration:


Hogarthian Gear Configuration 

  • Low profile face mask.
  • Long hose regulator for swimming in tandem donated from the mouth so shells, sand, or  debris won't choke an out of gas diver in an emergency.
  • Quality back-up regulator worn on a necklace so it is easily found.
  • Custom fit, single weave harness.
  • Crotch strap for security & extra gear.
  • Metal backplate to hold tank secure.
  • Buoyancy compensator worn behind the diver out of the way providing proper lift in a diving position and will float diver on back easily on the surface in an emergency. 
  • No dangling items. 
  • Simple, easy to read pressure gauge.
  • Time/Depth worn on wrist easily viewed by rescuer in an emergency or while using a DPV (diver propulsion vehicle). 

Learning to SCUBA dive begins with the SEI Open Water Diver course. Since 1959, the YMCA's SCUBA program was the gold standard for recreational SCUBA diving. In 2008, the YMCA decided to eliminate their SCUBA and lifeguard programs. YMCA instructors decided to form their own training agency and Scuba Educators International was born. The Professional Diving Instructors College was started in California and was composed largely of former US Navy frogmen. The agency was moved to Pennsylvania in the 1980s as the Professional Diving Instructors Corporation. SEI bought PDIC in 2011. Combined, SEI is a powerhouse of history and quality. 

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  • ​SEI Open Water Diver - This is the entry-level SCUBA course where you will become a "certified diver." This course is typically completed in  6 to 8 days to give you time to digest information from self-study, classroom, pool/confined water, and open water training. Classes are typically private or private group. Proper team diving is no more than 3 divers per team. The most students I will place in a class is 6 students divided into two teams of 3 divers. You may take this course alone, with a buddy, or with a group. It may be scheduled one or two days per week, over consecutive days, or over two or three weekends. SEI is a member of the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) and C-cards are accepted world-wide. The instructor you choose for training matters more than what C-card you earn. I work really well with kids, families, couples, groups, or anyone who wants to become a quality diver. Course cost is $800. 
  • SEI Advanced Diver Level 2 - This course teaches you more advanced navigation than you learned in your open water course, how to dive deep, and how to dive at night. In addition, you will make your first boat dives, learn search & recovery and learn to drift dive or visit your first shipwreck... or both! If your trim, buoyancy and propulsion need work, we will work on improving your skills. This course requires a minimum of 5 dives and may be completed in one or two weekends depending upon your skill level. I typically do not enroll more than 3 students in the course. However, if you are part of a family or larger group, adjustments to training can be made to accommodate your needs such as adding safety divers or assistant instructors. Course cost is $500.



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sport diver Training