Ocean First

The Science of Diving course is a fantastic way to learn about all of the areas of diving knowledge, including: physics, physiology, decompression theory, aquatic environment, and diving equipment. This course is especially important if you are planning on becoming a dive professional.

Completion Requirements:

Digital materials and a passing score of 80% on the exam

9 hour classroom sessions over three days

If you are already comfortable in the water but want to improve your swimming skills, join us for a special workshop designed just for scuba divers!

Prerequisites:
Comfortable with your face in the water
Comfortable one length of the pool without assistance
Able to tread water for at least one minute comfortably

A Scuba Skills Update provides you with the opportunity to review and practice necessary scuba skills that you learned in your original Open Water Diver program under the guidance of an SSI Dive Professional. The Scuba Skills Update is often a required for continuing your diving training after a long period of time away from the sport. You will be issued an SSI Scuba Skills Update recognition card.

The Enriched Air Nitrox program will teach you how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Diving with enriched air can increase your no-decompression limits, increase your safety, and reduce the required length of your surface intervals when compared to air.

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.

This class is for kids 6 years old and up, and adults alike, even non-certified divers. It can be taken online as a standalone course, in conjunction with a virtual webinar, or in a classroom seminar with an Ocean First marine biologist.

This program teaches you the skills and concepts required to recognize and identify common species of sea turtles, describes their history and role in marine ecosystems, and threats to their survival.

This class is for kids 6 years old and up, and adults alike, even non-certified divers. It can be taken online as a standalone course, in conjunction with a virtual webinar, or in a classroom seminar with an Ocean First marine biologist.

Many humans fear sharks, but is that reputation deserved? By taking the SSI Shark Ecology program, you will learn how sharks and their behavior are often misunderstood, and how you can safely observe them in their natural habitat.

This class is for kids 6 years old and up, and adults alike, even non-certified divers. It can be taken online as a standalone course, in conjunction with a virtual webinar, or in a classroom seminar with an Ocean First marine biologist.

This program teaches you about the amazing variety of rays you can find in our oceans, how to recognize ray species by their unique physical characteristics and behaviors, and the vital role rays play in our ocean’s ecosystems. You will learn how to safely interact with rays, and why living animals are worth more to our industry.

Our introductory course, Level 1 Freediving, will introduce you to the world of apnea and through a combination of classroom training and pool-based experiences, you will learn the essential skills needed to dive safely and confidently to 33-66ft on one breath.

Level 1 Freediving includes three sessions of classroom and pool training at our facility, and two open water training sessions, which can be conducted at the Blue Hole, NM or one of our upcoming coastal freediving trips.

Invertebrates make up over 95% of all species on planet earth, but what is an invertebrate? From crustaceans to arthropods, invertebrates range from the smallest to some of the largest creatures on earth. Join us in learning all about the major groupings of invertebrate life on earth, and take home some cool facts about the most abundant life on earth to share with your friends and family. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

The deep sea is a world of great wonder and mystery. From vampire squid to monstrous dragon fish, all sorts of crazy creatures make up the deep. Our knowledge of the deep sea is constantly expanding, and this lesson will cover deep sea diversity, habitats, and function of these ecosystems. We will cover how nutrients are transported throughout the ecosystem, from marine snow all the way to whale falls. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Sharks are magnificent but misunderstood creatures that have an incredibly long history on our planet. Learn about species diversity, amazing adaptations and issues facing sharks today. Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza will discuss her shark research and why conservation for these species is critically important. Hands-on activities include shark anatomy, jaw and tooth morphology, and aspects of shark sensory biology. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

The marine pelagic environment accounts for around 99% of the biosphere. This ecosystem is the physical, chemical, and biological attributes making up the open-ocean water column. It supports most marine life and maintains an ecosystem that provides nearly 1/2 of all oxygen on Earth! Explore the ecology within and issues facing our open oceans by creating your own ocean circulation and density models. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Whales are found in every ocean region and are the largest mammals on the planet. Learn whale diversity, adaptations allowing growth to large dimensions, dive deep underwater, survive in cold-water habitats, and sing elaborate songs! Students will learn about feeding and communication strategies and how scientists study these animals in the wild, then discuss whale conservation efforts and what they can do. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Marine reptiles are reptiles that adapted to aquatic or semi aquatic life. They first arose 300 million years ago and include many forms that are no longer alive, including the gigantic mosasaurs and ichthyosaurs which returned to the ocean from land! Living marine reptiles include sea turtles, sea snakes, and marine iguanas. We will survey them and learn about their past through activities with fossils. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Jellyfish are free swimming animals within the Phylum Cnidaria, meaning stinging cells. They are found all over the world from the surface waters to the deep sea and have been in existence for over 500 million years. Jellyfish have tentacles that can sting and are often used to hunt and ensnare their prey. This program explores jellyfish diversity and those that create bioluminescent light. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Corals are the building blocks of reef environments. While coral reefs make up less than 1% of the marine environment, about 25% of all marine species live within them! These valuable ecosystems are threatened by global warming, ocean acidification, and more. We will cover coral diversity, their importance, and the reef habitats they build. Students will learn about coral anatomy and learn important research.Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Many communities around the world rely on money obtained through fishing using many different methods and scales. Unsustainable fishing can damage marine habitats and drive fish populations to crash. We investigate the several types of unsustainable fishing and learn the challenges to overcome through fun hands-on activities. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

The group Chondrichthyes includes sharks, skates, rays, and chimeras. For over 400 million years cartilaginous fishes survived, adapted, and diversified into one of the most successful groups of marine fishes today. We will survey the diversity of this group that has radiated into nearly every aquatic habitat on Earth. Discussions will center on research and conservation measures aimed to help these species. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

We offer hands-on, marine adventures, even while socially distanced! Our camp fosters curiosity and creativity, providing you with opportunities to explore, discover, and value marine habitats in a blend of science and conservation. Students will expand their knowledge while working alongside our staff scientists and conservationists. Topics include: coral reef ecology, climate change, sharks, and more. Camp for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

We offer hands-on, marine adventures, even while socially distanced! Our camp fosters curiosity and creativity, providing you with opportunities to explore, discover, and value marine habitats in a blend of science and conservation. Students will expand their knowledge while working alongside our staff scientists and conservationists. Topics include: coral reef ecology, climate change, sharks, and more. Camp for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

We offer hands-on, marine adventures, even while socially distanced! Our camp fosters curiosity and creativity, providing you with opportunities to explore, discover, and value marine habitats in a blend of science and conservation. Students will expand their knowledge while working alongside our staff scientists and conservationists. Topics include: coral reef ecology, climate change, sharks, and more. Camp for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Invertebrates make up over 95% of all species on planet earth, but what is an invertebrate? From crustaceans to arthropods, invertebrates range from the smallest to some of the largest creatures on earth. Join us in learning all about the major groupings of invertebrate life on earth, and take home some cool facts about the most abundant life on earth to share with your friends and family. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

The deep sea is a world of great wonder and mystery. From vampire squid to monstrous dragon fish, all sorts of crazy creatures make up the deep. Our knowledge of the deep sea is constantly expanding, and this lesson will cover deep sea diversity, habitats, and function of these ecosystems. We will cover how nutrients are transported throughout the ecosystem, from marine snow all the way to whale falls. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Sharks are magnificent but misunderstood creatures that have an incredibly long history on our planet. Learn about species diversity, amazing adaptations and issues facing sharks today. Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza will discuss her shark research and why conservation for these species is critically important. Hands-on activities include shark anatomy, jaw and tooth morphology, and aspects of shark sensory biology. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

The marine pelagic environment accounts for around 99% of the biosphere. This ecosystem is the physical, chemical, and biological attributes making up the open-ocean water column. It supports most marine life and maintains an ecosystem that provides nearly 1/2 of all oxygen on Earth! Explore the ecology within and issues facing our open oceans by creating your own ocean circulation and density models. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Whales are found in every ocean region and are the largest mammals on the planet. Learn whale diversity, adaptations allowing growth to large dimensions, dive deep underwater, survive in cold-water habitats, and sing elaborate songs! Students will learn about feeding and communication strategies and how scientists study these animals in the wild, then discuss whale conservation efforts and what they can do. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Marine reptiles are reptiles that adapted to aquatic or semi aquatic life. They first arose 300 million years ago and include many forms that are no longer alive, including the gigantic mosasaurs and ichthyosaurs which returned to the ocean from land! Living marine reptiles include sea turtles, sea snakes, and marine iguanas. We will survey them and learn about their past through activities with fossils. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Jellyfish are free swimming animals within the Phylum Cnidaria, meaning stinging cells. They are found all over the world from the surface waters to the deep sea and have been in existence for over 500 million years. Jellyfish have tentacles that can sting and are often used to hunt and ensnare their prey. This program explores jellyfish diversity and those that create bioluminescent light. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Corals are the building blocks of reef environments. While coral reefs make up less than 1% of the marine environment, about 25% of all marine species live within them! These valuable ecosystems are threatened by global warming, ocean acidification, and more. We will cover coral diversity, their importance, and the reef habitats they build. Students will learn about coral anatomy and learn important research.Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

Many communities around the world rely on money obtained through fishing using many different methods and scales. Unsustainable fishing can damage marine habitats and drive fish populations to crash. We investigate the several types of unsustainable fishing and learn the challenges to overcome through fun hands-on activities. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

The group Chondrichthyes includes sharks, skates, rays, and chimeras. For over 400 million years cartilaginous fishes survived, adapted, and diversified into one of the most successful groups of marine fishes today. We will survey the diversity of this group that has radiated into nearly every aquatic habitat on Earth. Discussions will center on research and conservation measures aimed to help these species. Course for 6th-12th graders. If you cancel less than 48 hours before class, no refund will be given.

One of our retail specialists can recommend the appropriate gear for your course.

Complete all the nitty gritty details before your open water class! If you have your own mask, fins, and snorkel please bring them to your orientation. Otherwise, one of our retail specialists can recommend the appropriate gear for your course.

Get all of your questions answered. We will call you at the number you provide, at the time you select below.

Full Course Schedule
Orientation (Virtual):
Thurs 3/3 - 6p-6:30p
Classroom/Pool Sessions @ Ocean First:
Thurs 3/10 @ 6-8pm, Thurs 3/17 @ 6-8pm, Thurs 3/31 @ 6-9pm, Thurs 4/7 @ 6-8pm, Thurs 4/14 @ 6-9pm

Full Course Schedule @ Ocean First
Orientation:
Tues 3/1 - 6:30p-7:30p
Classroom/Pool Sessions:
3/8 @ 6-8pm,
3/12 @ 1:30-4:30pm,
3/13 @ 1:30-3:30pm,
3/15 @ 6-8pm,
3/29 @ 6pm-9pm,
4/2 @ 12:30pm-4:30pm
4/3 @ 12:30pm-3:30pm
4/5 @ 6-8pm
Open Water Trip Midway, Utah
Fri 4/22 - Sun 4/24

Full Course Schedule
Orientation (Virtual):
Mon 6/27 - 6p-6:30p
Classroom/Pool Sessions @ Ocean First:
Tues 6/28 @ 10am-12pm, Wed 6/29 @ 10am-12pm, Thurs 6/30 @ 10am-12pm, Fri 7/1 @ 10am-12pm, Sat 7/2 @ 10am-2:30pm

Full Course Schedule @ Ocean First
Orientation:
Mon 5/23 - 6:30p-7:30p
Classroom/Pool Sessions:
5/31 @ 9:30am-11:30am,
6/1 @ 9:30am-2:00pm,
6/5 @ 9:30am-3pm,
6/6 @ 9:30am-2pm,
6/7 @ 9:30am-11:30am,
6/8 @ 9:30am-2pm
Open Water Trip Midway, Utah
Fri 6/10 - Sun 6/12

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.

For students 8 and up

This program provides the skills and concepts required to safely and comfortably dive at night or in limited visibility conditions. Some of the ocean's most amazing creatures only come out at night, so your dive doesn't have to end when the sun goes down.

*This course requires 2 open water training dives with an SSI instructor. We recommend completing these dives within 6 months of the virtual class. Call 303-444-7234 to book your open water dives with Ocean First. (Training dives are sold separately.)

Many exciting dive sites are located in deeper water. Without proper training, this kind of diving puts you at risk. The SSI Deep Diving Specialty will give you the ability to safely and comfortably plan and conduct dives beyond 18 meters, and is a prerequisite for some advanced training. You will earn the SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification after completing this program.