(704) 547-5991
12210 N TRYON STREET
Charlotte, NC 28262
Hours: Monday – Saturday
10:00am to 6:00pm
Advanced Scuba Courses
Open Water Adventure's Continuing Education System is designed to let you personalize your education to become the type of diver you want to be. Through our Specialty courses, you will be introduced to the knowledge, skills, and equipment required to become a proficient diver in specialties such as Nitrox, Equipment, Boat and Deep Diving, Navigation, Wreck Diving, and others. You can also earn Continuing Education Ratings such as Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Master Diver. Advanced Ratings combine training and experience requirements, which improves your comfort and skill.
At Open Water Adventures we offer a flex learning system that allows you to choose which classes you wish to attend and when you would like to join them. You will complete most of the Academics and the Final Exams online in your education portal. All of the practical training happens on our Dive Trips, because Diving is what it is all about. Experience is a great teacher, and you will need a minimum of two OW Dives for most of the Specialties in the Advanced Open Water curriculum.
Advanced Certification Package - Call Open Water Adventures at 704-547-5991 for Pricing and Registration.
Nitrox, Boat, Deep, Navigation, and Equipment Techniques.
Open Water Adventure's Continuing Education System is designed to let you personalize your education to become the type of diver you want to be. Through our Specialty courses, you will be introduced to the knowledge, skills, and equipment required to become a proficient diver in specialties such as Nitrox, Equipment, Boat and Deep Diving, Navigation, Wreck Diving, and others. You can also earn Continuing Education Ratings such as Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Master Diver. Advanced Ratings combine training and experience requirements, which improves your comfort and skill.
At Open Water Adventures we offer a flex learning system that allows you to choose which classes you wish to attend and when you would like to join them. You will complete most of the Academics and the Final Exams online in your education portal. All of the practical training happens on our Dive Trips, because Diving is what it is all about. Experience is a great teacher, and you will need a minimum of two OW Dives for most of the Specialties in the Advanced Open Water curriculum.
Advanced Certification Package - Call Open Water Adventures at 704-547-5991 for Pricing and Registration.
Nitrox, Boat, Deep, Navigation, and Equipment Techniques.
Nitrox
The legend, the myth, is that Nitrox is a DEEP mix for technical or extreme diving! The TRUTH... it is most effective for extending dive times for the recreational sport diver in 40-80 feet. It can significantly extend dive times as well as shorten surface intervals. Nitrox is simply Oxygen Enriched Air. More Oxygen means there is less Nitrogen content in your breathing gas, thus reducing Nitrogen Absorbtion and extending your No-Deco Limit Times. This is a 3 hour class with no pool requirement. You will complete the academic training and the written exam on line (approx 90 min), and demonstrate the task of analyzing your cylinder, and other practical applications in a single session (90 mins). There are no dives required for this specialty because no new diving skills are needed to breath Nitrox. The benefits of breathing Nitrox are tremendous. Nitrox qualifies as one of the four certifications needed to obtain an Advanced Certification. We offer classes February thru November.Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to sign up!
The legend, the myth, is that Nitrox is a DEEP mix for technical or extreme diving! The TRUTH... it is most effective for extending dive times for the recreational sport diver in 40-80 feet. It can significantly extend dive times as well as shorten surface intervals. Nitrox is simply Oxygen Enriched Air. More Oxygen means there is less Nitrogen content in your breathing gas, thus reducing Nitrogen Absorbtion and extending your No-Deco Limit Times. This is a 3 hour class with no pool requirement. You will complete the academic training and the written exam on line (approx 90 min), and demonstrate the task of analyzing your cylinder, and other practical applications in a single session (90 mins). There are no dives required for this specialty because no new diving skills are needed to breath Nitrox. The benefits of breathing Nitrox are tremendous. Nitrox qualifies as one of the four certifications needed to obtain an Advanced Certification. We offer classes February thru November.Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to sign up!Boat
"Come Aboard”! As a SCUBA Diver, we spend a great deal of time on and around boats. It makes sense to be as familiar and comfortable with the terminology, etiquette, and safety equipment of dive vessels. In various parts of the world boats are rigged with equipment and tools that are specific to the type of diving in that region. This course will discuss all of the various conditions that might exist while diving from a boat on your Scuba vacation. This class is provided in conjunction with the DEEP class, giving you a two-for-one visit! The exam for the Boat Diving and Deep Diving Specialties are administered online in your education portal. There are two required Open Water Dives for Boat Diving and Three dives for Deep Diving. You may also have previously logged dives that qualify, or you may decide to complete the dives by referral. Boat Diving Certification qualifies as one of four required specialties for your Advanced Certification and puts you another step closer to the your "Master Diver" rating!
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to sign up!
"Come Aboard”! As a SCUBA Diver, we spend a great deal of time on and around boats. It makes sense to be as familiar and comfortable with the terminology, etiquette, and safety equipment of dive vessels. In various parts of the world boats are rigged with equipment and tools that are specific to the type of diving in that region. This course will discuss all of the various conditions that might exist while diving from a boat on your Scuba vacation. This class is provided in conjunction with the DEEP class, giving you a two-for-one visit! The exam for the Boat Diving and Deep Diving Specialties are administered online in your education portal. There are two required Open Water Dives for Boat Diving and Three dives for Deep Diving. You may also have previously logged dives that qualify, or you may decide to complete the dives by referral. Boat Diving Certification qualifies as one of four required specialties for your Advanced Certification and puts you another step closer to the your "Master Diver" rating!Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to sign up!
Deep
The world beyond 60' can be explored safely and yield many new wonders. There are Sea Mounds, Pinnacles and Ship Wrecks waiting to be explored. There are warm and cold water opportunities waiting for the adventurous diver, however most dive operators will need to see your advanced card with deep specialty certification before taking you to dive sites beyond 60 feet. It is simply a matter of safety. During this 3 hour course you will discuss air management, equipment concerns, proper dive planning, and many other concerns associated with Deep Diving. This course is a recreational deep diving course with a limit of 130 feet. If you would like to explore deeper depths you will want to consider Technical Diving Courses. The written test is administered online, and you will need to log 3 open water dives under the supervision of a certified instructor. We offer many opportunities on most of our trips. Deep Diving Certification qualifies as one of four required specialties for your Advanced Certification.
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
The world beyond 60' can be explored safely and yield many new wonders. There are Sea Mounds, Pinnacles and Ship Wrecks waiting to be explored. There are warm and cold water opportunities waiting for the adventurous diver, however most dive operators will need to see your advanced card with deep specialty certification before taking you to dive sites beyond 60 feet. It is simply a matter of safety. During this 3 hour course you will discuss air management, equipment concerns, proper dive planning, and many other concerns associated with Deep Diving. This course is a recreational deep diving course with a limit of 130 feet. If you would like to explore deeper depths you will want to consider Technical Diving Courses. The written test is administered online, and you will need to log 3 open water dives under the supervision of a certified instructor. We offer many opportunities on most of our trips. Deep Diving Certification qualifies as one of four required specialties for your Advanced Certification.Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
Navigation
Reduce anxiety, know where you are, where you are going, and how to return! Most new divers choose to dive with a dive professional that leads the way and points out all of the interesting marine life and other underwater sites. Imagine instead, with a new found skill, that you are now able to blaze your own trail beneath the surface by understanding the art of Navigation. You will learn to combine keen observation skills, proper use of a compass, and geographic formations to find your way across the reef and back to the boat or shore. Underwater Navigation is a hands on course that is challenging and fun all at the same time. You will gain a new confidence and will improve your buoyancy. The only way to learn to navigate underwater is to jump in and practice. All of our Navigation Courses are offered at a local training site under the supervision of one of our specialty instructors. You will need to complete a minimum of two dives and run various navigational patterns that you read about in your online education portal, and discuss with your Instructor. After successful completion of 3 navigational patterns, you will receive your Navigation Specialty Certification Card. Navigation Certification qualifies as on of four required specialties to receive your Advanced Certification.
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
Reduce anxiety, know where you are, where you are going, and how to return! Most new divers choose to dive with a dive professional that leads the way and points out all of the interesting marine life and other underwater sites. Imagine instead, with a new found skill, that you are now able to blaze your own trail beneath the surface by understanding the art of Navigation. You will learn to combine keen observation skills, proper use of a compass, and geographic formations to find your way across the reef and back to the boat or shore. Underwater Navigation is a hands on course that is challenging and fun all at the same time. You will gain a new confidence and will improve your buoyancy. The only way to learn to navigate underwater is to jump in and practice. All of our Navigation Courses are offered at a local training site under the supervision of one of our specialty instructors. You will need to complete a minimum of two dives and run various navigational patterns that you read about in your online education portal, and discuss with your Instructor. After successful completion of 3 navigational patterns, you will receive your Navigation Specialty Certification Card. Navigation Certification qualifies as on of four required specialties to receive your Advanced Certification.Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
Equipment Techniques
You do not need to be a mechanic or engineer to learn how to make simple adjustments, change O-Rings, and make minor repairs. Do not rely on others to keep you diving. Resources are generally limited at dive destinations and generally the local dive operator is reluctant to fix your gear. In the Equipment Techniques Course your instructor will discuss the top 20 malfunctions that commonly occur. You will learn how to conduct a thorough pre-dive check, trouble shoot basic equipment problems, and how to take better care of your equipment after your dive. This class covers the simple tools and parts you can add to a “Save A Dive Kit.” This 3 Hour class will build your knowledge base and confidence. There are no required dives to complete the course. The written test will be completed online prior to attending the academic session. You will need to bring some basic tools and your Life Support Gear to class for the "hands on" practical part of the program. We will provide you with a list of items when you register. Equipment Techniques Certification qualifies as one of four required specialties to receive your Advanced Certification.
Call (704) 547-5991 for more information.
You do not need to be a mechanic or engineer to learn how to make simple adjustments, change O-Rings, and make minor repairs. Do not rely on others to keep you diving. Resources are generally limited at dive destinations and generally the local dive operator is reluctant to fix your gear. In the Equipment Techniques Course your instructor will discuss the top 20 malfunctions that commonly occur. You will learn how to conduct a thorough pre-dive check, trouble shoot basic equipment problems, and how to take better care of your equipment after your dive. This class covers the simple tools and parts you can add to a “Save A Dive Kit.” This 3 Hour class will build your knowledge base and confidence. There are no required dives to complete the course. The written test will be completed online prior to attending the academic session. You will need to bring some basic tools and your Life Support Gear to class for the "hands on" practical part of the program. We will provide you with a list of items when you register. Equipment Techniques Certification qualifies as one of four required specialties to receive your Advanced Certification.Call (704) 547-5991 for more information.
Wreck Diving
Wreck diving is an exciting type of diving that can be done nearly any where in the world. The Carolina coast is one of the greatest and most abundant ship graveyards. The Great Lakes and Truuk Lagoon are two other very famous locations for those that are interested in exploring a piece of history. You can explore ship wrecks from the Civil War, World Ward II, artificial reef programs, and if you are real fortunate Treasure Ships. You might discover a new wreck site on your own! This is a recreational specialty, so you will learn the basics of Wreck Diving. This is not a course intended to certify you for penetration dives. The primary focus will be navigating wrecks on the outside and how to find artifacts and marine life in and around the wreck site. We will also discuss special equipment that may be needed to enjoy wreck diving safely. Wreck Certification qualifies as one of four specialties required for your Advanced Certification. If exploring the interior of wrecks interests you, then you will need to consider technical training. Wrecks are similar to caves. Both are considered overhead environments. That means that a diver does not have free and direct access to the surface in a low air situation. Detailed planning, specialty equipment, auxiliary air supply, and a good dive buddy are required to make penetration dives.
Call (704) 547-5991 today to begin your next adventure.
Wreck diving is an exciting type of diving that can be done nearly any where in the world. The Carolina coast is one of the greatest and most abundant ship graveyards. The Great Lakes and Truuk Lagoon are two other very famous locations for those that are interested in exploring a piece of history. You can explore ship wrecks from the Civil War, World Ward II, artificial reef programs, and if you are real fortunate Treasure Ships. You might discover a new wreck site on your own! This is a recreational specialty, so you will learn the basics of Wreck Diving. This is not a course intended to certify you for penetration dives. The primary focus will be navigating wrecks on the outside and how to find artifacts and marine life in and around the wreck site. We will also discuss special equipment that may be needed to enjoy wreck diving safely. Wreck Certification qualifies as one of four specialties required for your Advanced Certification. If exploring the interior of wrecks interests you, then you will need to consider technical training. Wrecks are similar to caves. Both are considered overhead environments. That means that a diver does not have free and direct access to the surface in a low air situation. Detailed planning, specialty equipment, auxiliary air supply, and a good dive buddy are required to make penetration dives.Call (704) 547-5991 today to begin your next adventure.
Computer Diving
Computers can make your diving experience much easier. It is the way almost every diver plans and executes dives in the sport today. Dive Tables are the basis for the way a dive computer works, however tables are very limiting, cumbersome to use, and cannot provide all of the wonderful information that Dive Computers offer to the diver. Dive Computers can track decompression information and gas consumption. They also log, plan, and report all your diving stats. They help you extend your dive times up to 3 X’s longer, which means you spend more time underwater on your dive vacation. Most individuals carry “smart phones” with the power of a computer at the fingertips, so dive computers are a natural choice. All of this is only possible if you know how to use your computer. This 2 hour class will give you all you need to safely maximize the use of a dive computer. This class is great for divers interested in buying a computer as well. OWA offers this class for a fee a few times a year.
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
Computers can make your diving experience much easier. It is the way almost every diver plans and executes dives in the sport today. Dive Tables are the basis for the way a dive computer works, however tables are very limiting, cumbersome to use, and cannot provide all of the wonderful information that Dive Computers offer to the diver. Dive Computers can track decompression information and gas consumption. They also log, plan, and report all your diving stats. They help you extend your dive times up to 3 X’s longer, which means you spend more time underwater on your dive vacation. Most individuals carry “smart phones” with the power of a computer at the fingertips, so dive computers are a natural choice. All of this is only possible if you know how to use your computer. This 2 hour class will give you all you need to safely maximize the use of a dive computer. This class is great for divers interested in buying a computer as well. OWA offers this class for a fee a few times a year. Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
Night/Limited Visibility
Diving in low visibility or after dark can be a little intimidating, but the reward is great! The underwater world changes at night and there are some great low visibility dives around the world as well. The colors on a night dive explode in the beam of your light. Animals that were hiding by day from predators come out of the reef at night and marine life that is very active by day will tend to rest under the reef at night. This provides you with a great opportunity to observe marine life up close. Also you will be much more focused on detail because you only see what is in your light beam. Night diving will expand your underwater findings by many fold. This class will cover all the additional considerations associated with diving at night and in low visibility situations. We offer this course as an on-site option for nearly all of our group trips and schedule it for individuals as requested. No academic session in the classroom is required. You will complete the online academics and attend a 30 minute pre-dive briefing that outlines what you need to know to dive safely at Night and in Low Visibility conditions. Open your world to the splendors of night Diving! Night/Limited Visibility Certification qualifies as one of four specialties required to receive your Advanced Certification.
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
Diving in low visibility or after dark can be a little intimidating, but the reward is great! The underwater world changes at night and there are some great low visibility dives around the world as well. The colors on a night dive explode in the beam of your light. Animals that were hiding by day from predators come out of the reef at night and marine life that is very active by day will tend to rest under the reef at night. This provides you with a great opportunity to observe marine life up close. Also you will be much more focused on detail because you only see what is in your light beam. Night diving will expand your underwater findings by many fold. This class will cover all the additional considerations associated with diving at night and in low visibility situations. We offer this course as an on-site option for nearly all of our group trips and schedule it for individuals as requested. No academic session in the classroom is required. You will complete the online academics and attend a 30 minute pre-dive briefing that outlines what you need to know to dive safely at Night and in Low Visibility conditions. Open your world to the splendors of night Diving! Night/Limited Visibility Certification qualifies as one of four specialties required to receive your Advanced Certification.Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
Underwater Photography
Underwater Photography is very challenging and rewarding. You can share your adventures with friends, catalog species and behaviors, and one day look back on some great memories. Everyone loves to take pictures and these days getting good results on land is not hard with the camera on your phone, however the underwater environment presents some challenges that are not present on land.
Underwater a diver is already multi tasking, the marine life does not wait for you to take a picture, and the lack of light is a big challenge. However, it is a very exciting time to take pictures under water because of all of the new digital technology and interesting camera options. Learn digital photography from a person passionate about the subject. Our very own Scuba Joe!! Learn the ins and outs as well as the little tricks that will give your images a professional look. You will work on perfecting your buoyancy, learn about setting up your camera, talk about camera settings, and learn techniques specific to shooting underwater. We offer two types of classes. One for point-and-shoot cameras, and one for the full digital SLR system. Both courses include online academics, contact time in the classroom, and pool time. Underwater Photography Certification qualifies as one of four required specialties to receive your Advanced Certification. These classes are set up upon request and limited to two students.
Call (704) 547-5991 to set up a time for the Class. By appointment Only.
Underwater Photography is very challenging and rewarding. You can share your adventures with friends, catalog species and behaviors, and one day look back on some great memories. Everyone loves to take pictures and these days getting good results on land is not hard with the camera on your phone, however the underwater environment presents some challenges that are not present on land.Underwater a diver is already multi tasking, the marine life does not wait for you to take a picture, and the lack of light is a big challenge. However, it is a very exciting time to take pictures under water because of all of the new digital technology and interesting camera options. Learn digital photography from a person passionate about the subject. Our very own Scuba Joe!! Learn the ins and outs as well as the little tricks that will give your images a professional look. You will work on perfecting your buoyancy, learn about setting up your camera, talk about camera settings, and learn techniques specific to shooting underwater. We offer two types of classes. One for point-and-shoot cameras, and one for the full digital SLR system. Both courses include online academics, contact time in the classroom, and pool time. Underwater Photography Certification qualifies as one of four required specialties to receive your Advanced Certification. These classes are set up upon request and limited to two students.
Call (704) 547-5991 to set up a time for the Class. By appointment Only.
Stress and Rescue Combined with React Right
The Rescue Diver Course is one of the favorites among our divers. You will exit with new confidence and you will be better prepared on your next dive vacation. Stress is a normal part of life but can be managed or prevented with proper dive planning. The important part is to recognize Stress before it leads to an accident. You also need to be able to make the “dive” or “no dive” decision.
Sometimes unexpected things happen. Be prepared with the Diver Stress and Rescue class. Stress is a major contributor to rescue situations and diving accidents. This course will teach you accident prevention, as well as how to handle problem situations if they occur. This course has been voted by our students as “The Most Rewarding and Challenging Class a diver can take” and a whole lot of FUN! This course is also a stepping stone to achieving your “Master Diver Rating” This rating is a combination of at least 50 Logged Dives, an Advanced Certification, and the Rescue Diver Course. It shows a commitment to the sport of SCUBA and demonstrates a level of comfort in the water that puts dive operators at ease. Our goal is for all of our students at Open Water Adventures to achieve the Master Diver Certification even if it takes a couple of years to log the dives.
Our course includes CPR, AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider.
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
The Rescue Diver Course is one of the favorites among our divers. You will exit with new confidence and you will be better prepared on your next dive vacation. Stress is a normal part of life but can be managed or prevented with proper dive planning. The important part is to recognize Stress before it leads to an accident. You also need to be able to make the “dive” or “no dive” decision.Sometimes unexpected things happen. Be prepared with the Diver Stress and Rescue class. Stress is a major contributor to rescue situations and diving accidents. This course will teach you accident prevention, as well as how to handle problem situations if they occur. This course has been voted by our students as “The Most Rewarding and Challenging Class a diver can take” and a whole lot of FUN! This course is also a stepping stone to achieving your “Master Diver Rating” This rating is a combination of at least 50 Logged Dives, an Advanced Certification, and the Rescue Diver Course. It shows a commitment to the sport of SCUBA and demonstrates a level of comfort in the water that puts dive operators at ease. Our goal is for all of our students at Open Water Adventures to achieve the Master Diver Certification even if it takes a couple of years to log the dives.
Our course includes CPR, AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider.
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 to reserve your spot!
Dry Suit Diving
Do you get cold while diving? A dry suit may be the answer for you. You might think dry suits are only for ice diving or for commercial divers, however they just make
good sense for dives that are 65 degrees or cooler. The navy actually suggests that all divers use a drysuit below 65 degree water temperatures. Warmth is a matter of safety and enjoyment. You may not see yourself as a cold water diver, but maybe you want to extend your dive season and diving opportunities. You can accomplish
both with a Dry Suit!
Dry Suits keep you warm, comfortable, and dry, even under water. With just some pool and open water training, you can safely enjoy diving a drysuit and dive more often. You’ll see, as so many others have, that dry diving really is better! This Certification qualifies as one of four specialties required to receive your Advanced Certification.
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 for more information and to sign up.
Do you get cold while diving? A dry suit may be the answer for you. You might think dry suits are only for ice diving or for commercial divers, however they just make
good sense for dives that are 65 degrees or cooler. The navy actually suggests that all divers use a drysuit below 65 degree water temperatures. Warmth is a matter of safety and enjoyment. You may not see yourself as a cold water diver, but maybe you want to extend your dive season and diving opportunities. You can accomplish
both with a Dry Suit!
Dry Suits keep you warm, comfortable, and dry, even under water. With just some pool and open water training, you can safely enjoy diving a drysuit and dive more often. You’ll see, as so many others have, that dry diving really is better! This Certification qualifies as one of four specialties required to receive your Advanced Certification.
Check our Calendar for dates and times. Call (704) 547-5991 for more information and to sign up.