Your Scuba Certification Path
Three clear steps—from online learning to pool training and open-water certification dives.
Step 1 — Online Learning
Complete the online coursework at your pace. After finishing, choose an available pool training schedule online or contact Pro Dive and we’ll help you reserve one.
Online learning: $195
Step 2 — Pool Training
Build comfort and confidence while learning equipment setup, buoyancy fundamentals, core scuba skills, and safe diving habits—taught step by step in small groups of four or fewer. Private and semi-private options are available by request.
Pool training: $350
Step 3 — Open-Water Certification Dives
Complete the required open-water dives to finish your scuba certification. These are often called “checkout dives” in the scuba industry.
Most students complete them locally over two days in Point Pleasant or Belmar. Planning to travel? Ask about completing your certification dives almost anywhere in the world through a universal scuba referral.
Open-water certification dives: $350
Step details
Step 1 — Online Learning
What you’ll do
Complete the online coursework on your schedule.
What’s included
•Online course activation code (lifetime access)
• Optional in-store help if you want extra support
• NAUI digital scuba certification card issued after successful completion of all three required training steps
Next step
After completing the online modules, move on to Step 2 — Pool Training by choosing an available pool training schedule online, or contact Pro Dive and we’ll help you reserve the best option for your schedule.
Step 2 — Pool Training
What you’ll do
Work with an instructor in the pool to build comfort and confidence while learning equipment setup, buoyancy fundamentals, essential scuba skills, and safe diving habits. Classes are limited to four students or fewer for more individual attention.
Private and semi-private training options are also available by request.
Need a Different Schedule?
Our published pool-training dates are the simplest way to reserve your class, but private and semi-private training options are also available.
If you have access to a suitable pool within a reasonable distance of Pro Dive, we may be able to offer much more flexible dates and times. Groups of two or three students who provide the pool may also qualify for semi-private instruction without the usual private-training premium.
We can also arrange private or semi-private training using a pool we provide, although available dates and times may be more limited.
Please call Pro Dive before booking to discuss custom scheduling, pool suitability, availability, and pricing.
Before Your First Pool Session
Before attending pool training, every student must complete a required pre-pool preparation visit at Pro Dive.
During this visit, we will:
- Complete and review the required course paperwork
- Review your online-learning results and answer any remaining questions
- Fit the BCD and other training equipment we’ll provide
- Check that your required personal gear fits properly and is suitable for training
- Make sure you know exactly what to bring to the pool
This visit helps prevent avoidable equipment or fit problems at the pool so you can arrive comfortable, prepared, and ready to focus on learning.
What to bring (required)
Mask, snorkel, fins, and a personal regulator mouthpiece (for hygiene).
Recommended for comfort
A wetsuit is recommended for the pool, but not required.
If You’re Completing Step 3 with Pro Dive
We recommend practicing in the pool with the exposure gear you’ll use during your open-water certification dives—wetsuit, boots, hood, and gloves—so the equipment and fit already feel familiar.
Training equipment we provide at no charge
Tanks, BCD, regulator set, gauges, and computer.
Student Gear Benefits
Enrolled Pro Dive students receive exclusive in-store pricing on required personal gear, wetsuits, and major scuba equipment.
During your pre-pool preparation visit, we’ll review what you already own, check proper fit, explain what is required for training, and go over the student offers currently available.
Gear purchased through Pro Dive also includes our fit support throughout your course. If equipment we helped fit is not working properly during training, bring it back and we’ll help correct the fit or arrange an appropriate size exchange.
Step 3 — Open-Water Certification Dives
What you’ll do
Complete the required open-water dives that finish your beginner scuba certification. These are often called “checkout dives” in the scuba industry.
When completed with Pro Dive, the dives are typically scheduled over two days in Point Pleasant or Belmar.
Complete Your Certification While Traveling
Planning a trip? Through the NAUI Universal Referral Program, you can complete Step 1 — Online Learning and Step 2 — Pool Training with Pro Dive, then finish your required open-water certification dives almost anywhere in the world with a qualified instructor from NAUI, PADI, SSI, or another recognized scuba training agency.
Contact the destination dive center in advance to confirm its schedule and referral arrangements.
Contact Pro Dive before making arrangements so we can explain the process, confirm the required paperwork, and help you prepare for your referral dives.
Required for Step 3 with Pro Dive
Dive fins and boots • Wetsuit, hood, and gloves appropriate for the conditions • Cutting tool
Recommended (skills builders)
A compass, and either an SMB or dive flag—helpful for comfort and skill development.
Once you enroll, we can provide a recommended gear checklist based on your course and local conditions.
Student Wetsuit Options
Students may purchase a wetsuit through Pro Dive with exclusive in-store student pricing or rent one for $30 per session, subject to sizing and availability.
During your pre-pool preparation visit, we’ll help you determine the best option for your training schedule, fit, and future diving plans.
Training equipment we provide at no charge
Tanks, BCD, regulator set, gauges, and computer.
Why train with Pro Dive
Trusted for a reason • Since 1971
Small groups mean more instructor attention, more time to build confidence, and a better learning experience. Choose from our published class dates, or contact us about private or semi-private training and additional scheduling options if you have access to a suitable pool. We’ll also help you choose properly fitted gear for local diving and travel—without pressure.
Scuba Lessons FAQs
What’s the best way to start?
Start with Step 1 — Online Learning. After completing it, move on to Step 2 — Pool Training by choosing an available schedule online, or contact Pro Dive and we’ll help you reserve the best option.
Before your first pool session, you’ll also complete the required pre-pool preparation visit at Pro Dive.
How does pricing work?
Training is priced in three separate steps, so you pay for each stage as you progress:
Step 1 — Online Learning: $195
Step 2 — Pool Training: $350
Step 3 — Open-Water Certification Dives: $350
Some students complete all three steps with Pro Dive, while others complete Steps 1 and 2 with us and finish their certification dives while traveling through a universal scuba referral.
This process is formally known as the NAUI Universal Referral Program.
Contact Pro Dive if you’re unsure which training path is right for you.
How long does it take to get certified?
Most students finish in a few weeks, depending on how quickly online learning is completed and how soon pool and open-water dates are scheduled. We’ll help you choose a timeline that fits your schedule.
What if I’m nervous or it’s my first time?
You don’t need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water and able to complete the required swim and float skills.
What are the basic requirements to start?
You don’t need to be a competitive swimmer, but you do need to meet the program’s required swim/float skills. If you have questions, call/text 732-775-8292 and we’ll guide you.
Do I need to buy gear before I begin?
No. You do not need to purchase a complete set of scuba equipment before starting. Pro Dive provides the major training equipment used during pool sessions at no additional charge.
Students do need certain properly fitted personal gear for pool training, and additional exposure gear is required for local Step 3 certification dives.
During your required pre-pool preparation visit, we’ll review what you already own, check proper fit, explain exactly what you need, and go over the student gear benefits available in-store.
Where do the open-water certification dives take place?
When completed with Pro Dive, they are typically scheduled over two days in Point Pleasant or Belmar.
Planning to travel? Through the Universal Referral Program, you can complete Steps 1 and 2 with Pro Dive, then finish your open-water certification dives almost anywhere in the world with a qualified instructor from NAUI, PADI, SSI, or another recognized scuba training agency.
Contact the destination dive center in advance to confirm its schedule and referral arrangements. After the dives are completed and the signed referral paperwork is returned, Pro Dive completes your NAUI certification.
Are private or semi-private sessions available?
Yes. Private and semi-private training is available for students who prefer more personalized instruction or need dates outside our published schedule.
If you have access to a suitable pool within a reasonable distance of Pro Dive, we may be able to offer additional scheduling flexibility. Contact us to discuss availability, group size, pool location, and pricing.