Our Standards

Basic International Scuba Diver
(100 question, open-book test)

Scuba Skills - Student must demonstrate:
A. ability to clear a regulator using blast, purge and no air methods
B. skill with buoyancy control by establishing the following three (3) states:

1. Positive
2. Neutral
3. Negative

C. the ability to dump air from any depth or attitude using at least three (3) types of buoyancy compensators
D. the ability to swim on the surface in full SCUBA gear
E. while blindfolded, their ability to assemble and dis-assemble SCUBA units 
F. knowledge of the following issues:

1. tank sizes
2. air quality
3. buoyancy compensator strap adjustment
4. integrated weight systems
5. safely stowing and transporting gear

G. the ability to recognize common marine animal and ocean hazards
H. the proper and responsible use of dive tables
I. understanding of the physical demands needed for diving

Mask Clearing   -  Student must demonstrate clearing:
A. a completely flooded mask under mild duress;
B. a completely flooded mask at least twice on one breath of air
C. their completely flooded buddy's mask  
D. a regular and "purge valve" mask and knowledge of the difference between the two masks

Fin Kicks   -  Student must demonstrate:
A. three (3) types of fin kicks that are wide, strong and from the hip:

1. Flutter
2. Dolphin
3. Sidestroke

B. with no use of hands the following five (5) fin kick skills:
Stop, start, change of direction, go up, go down

Snorkel Clearing  -  Student must demonstrate:
A. three (3) different blast and displacement methods:

Surface Dives  -  Student must demonstrate:
A. four (4) different methods of surface dives:

1. Pike
2. Kelp or Tuck
3. Moving
4. Motionless

Rescue & Safety -  Student must demonstrate:
A. use of the buddy system (one up, while one down)
B. knowledge of self-rescue techniques including 

1. Buoyancy issues
2. Long-distance swimming

C. knowledge of emergency first-aid techniques for common marine injuries
D. rescue abilities for:

1. Rescue of buddy out of air
2. Buddy tow
3. Retrieve from bottom
4. Emergency injury management

E. knowledge of various types of wet suits to match different conditions
F. knowledge of the causes of hypothermia and it's treatment