TRAINING COURSES & PROGRAMS
Dive Mentor offers recreational, professional, and adventure-based scuba diving courses and programs for high schoolers, college students, and adults looking for vocational training and opportunities to work in the diving industry. If you’re looking for something you don’t see here, reach out to us. We also work with Homeschoolers, high school and college administrators, and teachers looking to incorporate unique hands-on experiential learning programs into their curriculum.
Recreational
Specialities
Medical
Professional
Adventures
SCUBA DIVING COURSES
Dive Mentor is excited to offer you a variety of scuba courses that will introduce you to the underwater world or help you grow as you expand your knowledge and experience in diving that allows you to progress to the next certification level. As a non profit, we are focused heavily on helping you get the very best return on your investment (ROI) possible. We know you have options for your scuba programs, so we’ve work really hard to make ours the most dynamic, exciting, affordable, and generous in the world of diving.
The SSI Try Scuba program is your introduction to the underwater world. This entry-level program gives you the opportunity to experience the underwater world, in a confined water setting. You will earn the SSI Try Scuba recognition rating. 1 Day | $127 USD
The Scuba Diver program is for students who do not have the time to complete the Open Water Diver program, and provides you with the training and experience required to dive in open water environments under the supervision of a dive professional. You will earn the SSI Scuba Diver certification, which can be upgraded to the Open Water Diver certification with additional training at a future date. 3 Days | $397 USD
The SSI Open Water Diver is a globally-recognized certification program and is the best way to begin your life-long diving adventure. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. Watch the video for more information! 4 Days | $547 USD
The Classified Diver has been specially designed for individuals with disabilities that necessitate they learn specialized techniques to dive, or who must dive with a buddy. This program is beneficial to veterans returning from tours of duty who sustained injuries in war. We’ve partnered with Boots on the Ground for this program. Grants Available.
The Advanced Adventurer diver course is the next level you can complete after Open Water. The SSI Advance Adventurer course is actually a combination of skills from different specialties, with Deep and Navigation being required dives. The rest, you get to choose from a variety of areas you may have an interest in such as drift diving, wreck, fish identification, Nitrox, and more. 2-3 Days | $447 USD*
Specialty Diver certification is your first step toward becoming a Master Diver, and can begin as soon as you complete your Open Water Diver training. By completing any two Specialty programs that interest you, and logging 12 open water dives, you will automatically receive the SSI Specialty Diver recognition rating along with your Specialty program certifications. See Specialty List Below.
Our Advanced Open Water Diver is the next recognition rating on the path to becoming a Master Diver. After completing four Specialty programs that interest you (such as wreck, deep diver, navigation diver, or others), as well as 24 logged dives, you will automatically receive the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver recognition rating, along with your SSI Specialty program certifications. Time & Price Varies
React Right is SSI’s emergency training program, consisting of the following basic components: Primary Assessment, First Aid & CPR Skills, Primary Stabilization Techniques, and includes two optional components: Oxygen Administration in Diving Emergencies and Automated External Defibrillation Basics. Students who complete this program earn the SSI React Right specialty certification. 1 Day | $147 USD*
Stress is a major cause of diving accidents and negatively impacts rescue situations. This program, equivalent to PADI’s Rescue Diver course, teaches you the skills required to recognize and deal with stress, prevent accidents, and properly deal with emergency situations encountered by divers. You will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification after completing this program. 3 Days | $497 USD*
The much sought-after Master Diver is the final step in your recreational diving career. It’s often referred to as the black belt of diving. It’s a recognition, not a certification. To earn it, you must complete the Stress & Rescue Specialty, 4-additional specialities, and have a total of 50 open water dives. You’ll then automatically earn the Master Diver recognition rating, as well as the Specialty program certifications. Ask us about the Master Diver Challenge! Price Varies.
SPECIALITY SCUBA DIVING COURSES
There are a lot of options for a diver to take their skills in another direction, or to another level. Whatever your interest, we can help you go there:
- Altitude diver: Planning, procedures and equipment for diving at altitudes above 300 meters (1,000 ft) with reference to the modified decompression procedures required. Price Varies.
- AWARE: In this course you’ll learn the most pressing problems facing vulnerable aquatic environments and what actions you can take to help protect them. 1 Day | $90 USD*
- Boat Diving: Boat diving techniques, choosing a travel agency and diving operator and what equipment to take when traveling. 1 Day | $197 USD*
- Coral Identification: This program teaches you the skills and concepts required to recognize and identify common families of coral species. 1 Day | $147 USD*
- Deep diving: Planning and conducting dives up to 40 meters (130 ft). 2 Days | $297 USD*
- Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV): This program provides you with skills and concepts required to safely plan and conduct dives using underwater scooters or DPVs. You will learn the special precautions for using DPVs, how to maintain buddy contact and control your equipment, and how to safely enjoy the new experiences that a DPV dive provides. 2 Days | $297 USD*
- Diver stress and rescue: How to avoid, recognize and deal with problems on the surface and underwater. 3 Days | $497 USD*
- Dry Suit Diving: Advantages of dry suit diving, types of suits, valves, underwear and accessories, dry suit diving techniques and suit maintenance. Price Varies.
- Drift Diving: Some places like Cozumel allow divers to drift in strong currents their entire dive. This speciality teaches you the ins and outs of diving in currents. 1 Day | $147
- EAN Nitrox: Planning dives with Nitrox and using Nitrox safely, including analyzing the mix before use. This speciality can be tacked onto the Open Water Scuba Diver course. 1 Day | $197 USD*
- Equipment Techniques: Choice of diving equipment to suit needs, and how to fit, adjust, maintain and make minor repairs to equipment. 2 Day | $197 USD*
- Fish Identification: The ocean is filled with fascinating and beautiful fish of every shape and size. This non-diving specialty program teaches you the skills and concepts required to identify the common families of Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, and Red Sea reef fish. You will earn the SSI Fish Identification Specialty certification after completing this program. 1 Day | $147 USD*
- Independent Diving: This program provides the skills and concepts required to safely and comfortably dive without a designated dive buddy. You will learn about self-reliance, proper equipment maintenance, and the special considerations and rescue techniques required to dive independently. You will earn the SSI Independent Diving Specialty certification after completing this program. 2 Day | $297 USD*
- Marine Ecology: This program provides a general understanding of the complex and exciting science of marine ecology, which is the study of how organisms interact with each other and the environment, the flow of energy through communities, and the link between ocean ecosystems. You will earn the Marine Ecology Specialty certification after completing this program. 1 Day | $147 USD*
- Navigation: Using a compass and using environmental clues, how to estimate distances, navigate search patterns, find waypoints, and return to the exit point. 1 Day | $197 USD*
- Night and Limited Visibility: Comparison of night and limited visibility diving, preparing for the dive, and the appropriate equipment and procedures. 1 Day | $197 USD*
- O2 Provider: Learn how to use medical Oxygen in diver emergencies. 1 Day | $147
- Perfect Buoyancy: Understanding the principles of buoyancy control and applying them in the water to reduce diver impact on the environment. 1 Day | $197 USD*
- Sidemount Diving: Background, history, benefits and equipment of sidemount diving and how to configure the equipment and manage it in the water. 2 Days | $497 USD*
- River Diving: Peculiarities of diving in rivers, identifying and assessing hazards an how to manage river diving equipment. Price Varies.
- Science of Diving: This speciality will teach you physics, physiology, decompression theory, marine life and diving equipment. It is required for Divemaster. 1 Day | $197 USD*
- Sea Turtle Ecology: This program teaches the skills and concepts required to recognize and identify common species of sea turtles, and explains their role in the ocean’s ecosystems. 1 Day | $147 USD*
- Search and Recovery: Various search patterns using ropes and compasses, planning of search and recovery operations in a team, and the correct handling of lifting bags. 2 Days | $297 USD*
- Shark ecology: Biology, ecology, and procedures for diving with sharks. 1 Day | $147 USD*
- Underwater Photography & Videography: Introduction to underwater photography and video, using a digital camera system, composition and editing of media. 3 Days | $197 USD*
- Waves, Tides & Currents: Water motion can have a tremendous effect on your diving experience This program gives you the skills and knowledge required to conduct dives from shore, in currents, and in different types of waves. Students completing this program earn the SSI Waves, Tides and Currents Specialty certification after completing this program. 1 Day | $197 USD*
- Wreck Diving: This course will teach you how to find information on wrecks, how to locate them, how to prepare for a wreck dive, the use of appropriate wreck diving techniques, and how to identify and avoid hazards while diving on wrecks. 2 Days | $297 USD*
MEDICAL COURSES
Dive Mentor is partnered with Boots on the Ground, the Emergency Care and Safety Institute, and National Health Care Provider Solutions, the Stop The Bleed initiative, SSI, the and others to offer laymen, basic, intermediate, and advanced provider certification courses.
This Bleeding Control (BCon) ‘Stop the Bleed‘ course teaches divers to provide immediate, frontline aid until first responders are able to take over the care of an injured person. These skills are of particularly importance in dealing with shark bites and propeller strikes. Free.
This Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers course uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. It is consistent with ILCOR and AHA standards, and covers CPR, AED, obstructed airway, and Basic First Aid for adult, child, and infant patients. $87 USD*
This Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) for Providers course highlights the importance of high-performance team dynamics and communication, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest, acute dysrhythmia, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). $197
This Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course uses a series of videos and simulated pediatric emergencies to reinforce the important concepts of a systematic approach to pediatric assessment, basic life support, PALS treatment algorithms, effective resuscitation, and team dynamics. The goal of the PALS Course is to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children. 2 Days | $197
The Diver Medic training course is composed of two sections and is designed for SCUBA divers and medical professionals who want to advance their understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of dive related injuries. The Basic Emergency Care Provider is 210 hours of didactic lectures and practical exercises, with the Diver Medic portion being 110 hours. $4700 USD (Non-EMT) | $1800 USD (EMT or Higher)
PROFESSIONAL & VOCATIONAL LEVEL
Beyond the recreational levels, we also offer vocational and professional scuba diver courses for those who are interested in working in the industry or advancing their career. While we are an independent organization, we award internationally recognized certifications. Those who complete our compressive Divemaster Internship program or our Instructor Training Course can earn professional credentials. You can learn more about all of the vocational courses we offer here.
The SSI Dive Guide scuba course is the first professional level you can earn, without having to become an instructor (similar to PADI, NAUI, and TDI Divemaster ratings). The program give you the skills and experience required to safely lead groups of certified divers, in a variety of places, environments, and conditions all over the world. During this intensive professional vocational training program, you will focus very heavily on advancing your skills, perfecting your understanding of diving and dive related topics, and will learn how to setup dive sites, prepare dives, give dive briefings, and lead other divers safely. Inquire for Pricing.
The Divemaster combines the Dive Guide and the Science of Diving Speciality, along with having the requisite number of dives and leadership experience. Unlike other organizations, we only award this rating to individuals who have significant training and experience. Our comprehensive Divemaster Internship program will help you become a dive leader. Inquire for Pricing.
The Snorkeling Instructor provides candidates with the knowledge and training necessary to conduct entry-level snorkeling programs in a safe and enjoyable manner. Upon completion you will be certified as an SSI Snorkeling Instructor. Inquire for Pricing
The Assistant Instructor scuba course is the first part of the Instructor Training Course (ITC), and will prepare you to work alongside qualified Open Water Instructors. With this rating you can teach portions of the Open Water Diver program under the indirect supervision of an Instructor, the Scuba Skills Update program, Try Scuba Pool Experience, and selected Specialties. Inquire for Pricing.
The ultimate expression of your love for diving, is in sharing it with others. Becoming a Scuba Instructor, by attending one of our Instructor Training Courses (ITC), is the logical next step for any Divemaster who truly wants to be a leader in the industry. On successful completion you can attend an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Passing earns you the right to issue certifications for Open Water Diver, Advanced Adventurer and other programs. Inquire for Pricing.
The SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor, is awarded to Open Water Instructors who have completed four Specialty Instructor ratings (ie., Deep, Navigation, Boat, etc) and have issued 15 Specialty certifications. This is similar to PADI MSDT. Inquire for Pricing.
The Divemaster Instructor (DMI) is the next instructor level after Advanced Open Water Instructor (AOWI), which may conduct the Divemaster Crossover program for candidates from other recognized scuba training agencies. Inquire for Pricing.
The SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer scuba course provides candidates with the knowledge, concepts and training necessary to conduct the Assistant Instructor training program. Candidates will learn how to evaluate and provide feedback to dive professional candidates in a variety of in-water and academic settings. Candidates who complete this program earn the SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer certification. Inquire for Pricing.
Master Instructors are some of the most capable, competent, experienced, and well trained scuba diving instructors in the world. It’s not a course you can take, but rather, it’s a recognition only awarded to SSI Assistant Instructor Trainers (PADI Staff Instructors) who truly embrace not only teaching diving, but mentoring other divers. Inquire for Pricing.
Instructor Trainers are authorized to organize and conduct standard diver programs, speciality diver programs, Divemaster and Assistant Instructors programs, and Instructor Training Courses (ITCs), Instructor-level programs, and Dive Professional Crossover programs for candidates from training agencies. This position is the equivalent of a Course Director (CD) or Instructor Trainer with other agencies such as PADI, TDI, and NAUI. If you’re interested in reaching the top, contact us and our resident Instructor Trainer will share how you can progress towards this achievement.
ADVENTURES PROGRAMS
Through the use of highly interactive, engaging, and dynamic curriculum combined with unique hands-on experiential learning adventure or vocational training, we educate, inspire, and mentor others to become professional, conscientious, and ocean literate change agents.
During your Caribbean Residential Adventure Program you’ll meet every sunrise with a dive exploring a world class marine park, snorkel with Wale Sharks, and spend afternoons exploring beaches, jungles, and quaint villages. You’ll also visit ancient ruins, try new foods, experience a different culture and language, and engage in exciting team bonding and self discovery activities. Learn More
There’s absolutely nothing like our Caribbean Voyages Adventure! Imagine spending time under the ocean, with friends, drifting along effortlessly. It’s the closest most of us will ever get to experiencing the weightlessness of outer space. Imagine meeting every sunrise with a dive exploring a world class marine park, spending the afternoons exploring beaches, jungles, and village towns, visiting ancient ruins, experiencing new cultures and languages, and engaging in exciting team bonding and self discovery activities that will inspire you to reach after your goals and create the life you want. If you’re looking for an adventure for your Summer, then look no further than this. Learn More
Caribbean Marine Biology is an intensive academic and hands-on educational module that can be added onto the core Caribbean Residential or Caribbean Voyage Adventure Programs. It includes Coral Conservation, Turtle Ecology, Shark Ecology, Marine Ecology, and other components that are designed to strengthen your understanding of the Ocean and everything in it. Learn More
Our Coral Conservation module is a major part of our Marine Biology add-on. Coral is at significant risk all around the world due to a number of prevalent factors such as rising ocean temperatures, overfishing and destructive fishing, marine-based pollution, coastal development, and watershed-based pollution. During your program, you’ll learn about these causes and how you can have a positive impact on the future of this amazing animal. To see before and after photographs that illustrate the stunning damage being done click on the link. Learn More
These amazing gentle creatures can be found in virtually every ocean basin throughout the world. They nest on tropical and subtropical beaches and migrate long distances to feed, often crossing vast bodies of water. As part of either our Caribbean Residential or Caribbean Voyage based Marine Biology Educational Adventure Summer Program, you’ll work alongside experts to learn about green, loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley, hawksbill, flatback, and leatherback marine turtles, study their importance to ecosystems, spend time with them on lazy drift dives, and assist in conservation projects designed to mitigate risks to their existence. Learn More
Set sail for an adventure that will change your life and the way you look at the world around you. The core of Dive Mentor’s Sail and Dive adventures are designed to inspire, educate, and help you become a better leader, more self confident, and self reliant. You don’t need to be a sailor or diver already. We will start you out from the beginning, and you’ll learn by doing. This is all about experiential learning, team building, and fun.