Steps to signing up for PADI Specialty Courses
Step 1: Download and fill out the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire.
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The medical questionnaire is not required for the following Specialty Courses
Emergency Oxygen Provider, Equipment Specialty, and Enriched Air Diver
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Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire Form must be filled out and submitted to Big Al's Scuba before signing up and purchasing Specialty Courses.
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Follow the instructions on the form. If you answered YES to questions 3, 5, or 10 on page 1 OR any of the questions on page 2, please take all three pages of the form (Participant Questionnaire and the Physician’s Evaluation Form) to your physician for a medical evaluation. Participation in a diving course will require your physician’s approval before signing up and purchasing Specialty Courses.
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To download the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire click the link below.
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Email completed forms or questions to bigalsscuba@gmail.com
Step 2: After forms are completed and submitted then sign up for the PADI Specialty course of your choice.
Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire
.Join the best of the best in recreational scuba diving and live the dive life as a PADI Master Scuba Diver. The Master Scuba Diver rating places you in an elite group of respected divers who have earned this rating through both significant experience and scuba training. Fewer than two percent of divers ever achieve this rating. When you flash your Master Scuba Diver card, people know that you’ve spent time underwater in a variety of environments and had your share of dive adventures.
Every diver, who is at least 12 years old, should aim for Master Scuba Diver.T
The path starts with earning a PADI Open Water Diver certification, followed by
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PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
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PADI Rescue Diver (or qualifying certifications).
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You also need to earn five PADI Specialty Diver certifications
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logged a minimum of 50 dives.
Call today to start your journey to being the best of the best in scuba diving "Master Scuba Diver"
SPECIALTY COURSES
Scuba diving is a way to explore the underwater world in new and different ways. PADI Specialty Diver courses teach you new techniques and give you the tools to enhance your exploration.
PADI BOAT DIVER
This course helps you expand your knowledge about boats from small inflatables to large liveaboards. You'll gain experience in scuba diving by completing two dives from a boat.
Description
Much of the world's best scuba diving is accessible only by boat. Whether you've never made a boat dive or you've logged dozens, the PADI Boat Diver Specialty course will benefit you because boats in various parts of the world do things differently. Scuba diving from a boat is fun and relatively easy because you usually descend directly onto your dive site.
If you're a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 10 years old, you can enroll in the Boat Diver course.
Getting Started
Fill out the required Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire located at the top of the page.
Step1: Sign up and purchase the PADI Boat Diver eLearning course. You'll receive an eLearning code from PADI which will allow you to finish the bookwork at your own pace from home.
Step 2: After you complete Step 1, sign up and purchase the PADI Boat Diver dives. Big Al's Scuba will contact you and go over arrangements for making 2 dives off a boat in 1 day.
What will you learn
The PADI Boat Diver course teaches you about the advantages and ease of diving from a boat. You'll practice boat diving techniques and learn:
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Boat terminology.
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Boat diving procedures and etiquette, including how to enter and exit, and where to stow your gear.
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Boating safety, including how to locate safety equipment.
Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification - ask Allen about earning credit.
Equipment
Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you'll want to have a surface signaling device, such as an inflatable signal tube. Having a complete spare parts kit is also a good idea. Big Al's Scuba may suggest additional equipment depending on what type of boat and where your boat diving adventures take you.
Continuing Education Document
fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
PADI DEEP DIVER
Explore deeper dive sites with confidence at depths down to 130 ft. Learn to manage your gas supply, go over buddy contact procedures, and buoyancy control.
The lure of the deep. There’s something exciting and mysterious about exploring deeper dive sites while scuba diving. Sometimes it’s a wreck that attracts you below 60 feet, and on wall dives, it may be a giant fan or sponge. Whatever it is, to scuba dive with confidence at depths down to 130 feet, you should take the PADI Deep Diver Specialty course.
If you’ve earned the PADI Adventure Diver rating or higher, and you’re at least 15 years old, you can enroll in the Deep Diver course.
Description
Getting Started
Fill out the required Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire located at the top of the page.
Step 1: Sign up and purchase the PADI Deep Diver eLearning course. You'll receive a PADI Deep Diver eLearning code which will allow you to finish the book work at your own pace.
Phase 2: After you complete the Deep Diver eLearning, sign up and purchase the Deep Diver Dives. Big Al's Scuba will contact you to plan your 4 deep water dives that can be completed in 2 days.
What will you learn
Your training starts by reviewing reasons for deep diving and how important it is to know your personal limits. During four deep dives with your instructor, you’ll go over:
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Specialized deep diving equipment.
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Deep dive planning, buddy contact procedures and buoyancy control.
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Managing your gas supply, dealing with gas narcosis and safety considerations.
Also, the first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask Allen about earning credit.
Equipment
You’ll need a dive computer along with the rest of your basic scuba equipment. A dive light and slate are also recommended.
Continuing Education Document fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
COURSE LINKS
Enriched Air Diver
Wreck Diver
Peak Performance Buoyancy
PADI DIGITAL UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER
The most popular diving specialties course. It's easy and fun to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures.
Description
Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties, and with so many underwater cameras to choose from, it has become easier and more fun than ever to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course gets you going quickly, whether you use a point-and-shoot camera or a sophisticated dSLR like the pros.
PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers who are at least 10 years old are eligible to take the Digital Underwater Photographer course.
Getting Started
Fill out the required Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire located at the top of the page.
Step 1: Sign up and purchase Digital Underwater Photographer eLearning course to get started immediately. The web-based system guides you through the principles of great underwater photography, with a bonus section on underwater imaging (including video).
Step 2: After you complete Step 1 sign up and purchase the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Dives. Big Al's Scuba will contact you to schedule your 2 dives that can be completed in 1 day.
What will you learn
Through hands-on training during two scuba dives and guidance from your PADI Professional, you’ll discover:
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How to choose the right underwater camera system for you.
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The PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine, Adjust) method for getting great shots quickly.
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Principles for good composition of underwater images.
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Practical techniques to take great photos with your digital camera.
Get credit! The second dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask Allen about earning credit.
Equipment
Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a digital underwater camera and a computer or other device for downloading and viewing your images. Your PADI Pro may suggest additional equipment and accessories depending on your camera system.
Continuing Education Document fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
COURSE LINKS
Boat Diver
Night Diver
Wreck Diver
PADI EMERGENCY OXYGEN PROVIDER
Immediately recognize scuba diving illnesses treatable with emergency oxygen and be prepared to offer aid. There are no prerequisites or age restrictions. This course is open to everyone.
Description
Knowing how and when to use emergency oxygen is a great skill to have and means you’re ready to help others should the need arise. Becoming a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider lets you breathe easy knowing that you can recognize scuba diving illnesses treatable with emergency oxygen, and are prepared to offer aid.
There are no prerequisites, age restrictions or water sessions required for this course – it’s open to everyone. Scuba divers, snorkelers and anyone who is around divers – boat crew, lifeguards, etc. – will benefit from having this training.
Getting Started
Step 1: Sign up and purchase the PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider eLearning course. Emergency Oxygen Provider eLearning is a convenient way for students to complete the independent study portion of their Emergency Oxygen Provider specialty course from a laptop/desktop computer or mobile device.
Step 2: After completing Step 1. Sign up and purchase Step 2 Emergency Oxygen Prover Skills Training. Big Al's Scuba will contact you to schedule your classroom training that will be completed in 1 day.
What will you learn
You’ll learn about dive injuries, different types of emergency oxygen equipment and safety considerations when using oxygen. Then you’ll practice:
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Assembling and disassembling emergency oxygen equipment.
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Deploying a non-rebreather mask and a demand inhalator valve on a breathing diver.
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Using a pocket mask on a nonbreathing diver.
Equipment
Big Al's Scuba will have emergency oxygen units available to use for training and can help you p. You’ll also need to have a disposable non-rebreather mask to use during practice sessions, which Big Al's Scuba will provide.
Continuing Education Document fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
COURSE LINKS
Rescue Diver
Emergency First Responder
Advanced Open Water Diver
PADI ENRICHED AIR DIVER
Description
The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is PADI’s most popular specialty scuba course. Why? Because scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives. If staying down longer and getting back in the water sooner sounds appealing, then don’t hesitate to become an enriched air diver.
If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old, you can enroll in the Enriched Air Diver Specialty course. Note that in some regions the minimum age is older than 12.
Getting Started
Step 1: Sign up and purchase the Enriched Air Diver eLearning course. The web-based system covers all the enriched air diver course content and allows you to study at your own pace through an easy-to-use, interactive program at home.
Step 2: After you complete Step 1. Sign up and purchase Step 2 Enriched Air Skills Training. Big Al's Scuba will contact you to schedule your skill check-offs that can be completed in 1 day. You will learn how to analyze a scuba tank, learn how enriched air is mixed and set up your dive computer to dive with enriched air.
What will you learn
You’ll learn why diving with air that has higher oxygen and lower nitrogen content gives you more bottom time, along with enriched air equipment considerations. During a practical session you’ll:
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Discuss managing oxygen exposure.
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Practice analyzing oxygen content in your scuba tank.
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Set your dive computer for diving with enriched air nitrox.
Equipment
Most modern scuba equipment and dive computers can be used with enriched air, but Big Al's Scuba will let you know if your gear meets manufacturer recommendations and local requirements. However, scuba tanks must meet oxygen service standards and be dedicated for use with enriched air. You’ll practice using oxygen analyzers and special cylinder decals.
Continuing Education Document fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
COURSE LINKS
Deep Diver
Digital Underwater Photographer
Wreck Diver
PADI EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST
Learn to manage basic scuba diving equipment repairs and adjustments. Understand routine care and maintenance procedures and how dive gear works.
Description
Don’t miss a dive due to minor issues with your scuba diving equipment. Whether it's a missing o-ring, wetsuit tear or a broken fin strap, the PADI Equipment Specialist course teaches you to manage basic repairs and adjustments. You'll also learn more about how your gear works, making you more comfortable with it and better prepared to take care of your investment.
If you’re at least 10 years old and certified as a PADI (Junior) Scuba Diver or higher, you can enroll in the Equipment Specialist course.
Getting Started
Step 1: Sign up and purchase the Equipment Specialist eLearning. Learn how each piece of scuba gear and accessory dive equipment works. This background information will prepare you to learn even more about your dive equipment.
Step 2: After you complete Step 1. Sign up and purchase Step 2 Equipment Specialist Skills Training. Big Al's Scuba will contact you to schedule your hands-on portion of the course that will be completed in 1 day.
What will you learn
You’ll learn about routine care and maintenance procedures as well as scuba equipment storage recommendations. Your instructor will show you how to overcome some common equipment problems and offer equipment configuration suggestions. You may even get to jump into the water to try new or unfamiliar equipment.
Get hands-on experience making minor equipment repairs and learn about different types of dive gear. Learn how to properly clean and maintain gear, and how to create a save-a-dive kit.
Equipment
Your PADI Instructor may ask you to bring your basic scuba equipment to class, but will also have examples of other dive gear for you to work with during training.
Continuing Education Document fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
COURSE LINKS
Deep Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Digital Underwater Photographer
PADI NIGHT DIVER
The underwater world changes as day creatures retire & nocturnal organisms emerge. If you've wondered what happens underwater after the sun goes down, enroll in the PADI Night Diver Specialty course.
Description
The thought of dipping below the surface at night seems mysterious, yet so alluring. Although you’ve been scuba diving at a site many times before, at night you drop into a whole new world and watch it come to life under the glow of your dive light. The scene changes as day creatures retire and nocturnal organisms emerge. If you’ve wondered what happens underwater after the sun goes down, sign up for the PADI Night Diver Specialty course.
PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers or higher, who are at least 12 years old, can enroll in the Night Diver specialty course.
How can you start learning now
Fill out the required Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire located at the top of the page.
Step 1: Sign up and purchase the PADI Night Diver eLearning course. The eLearning allows you to finish the online course at your pace and at home. When you complete Phase 1, purchase Phase 2 and sign up for the 3 PADI Night Diver dives. Allen will contact you to schedule the dives.
Step 2: After you complete Step 1, sign up and purchase the Night Diver Dives. Big Al's Scuba will contact you to schedule your dives that can be completed in 1 night.
What will you learn
Scuba diving at night teaches you to focus on what you can see in your light’s beam, on controlling your buoyancy by feel, on staying with your buddy and on paying attention to details you may overlook during the day. During three night dives, you’ll practice:
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Light handling and communication techniques.
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Entering, exiting and navigating in the dark.
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Identifying how plants and animals differ or change behavior at night.
Also, the first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask Allen about earning credit.
Equipment
Along with your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a primary dive light and want to have a backup light, too.
Continuing Education Document fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
COURSE LINKS
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Search & Recovery Diver
Underwater Navigator
PADI UNDERWATER NAVIGATOR
Fine-tune your underwater observation skills and learn to use your compass more accurately.
Description
Be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. The PADI Underwater Navigator course fine-tunes your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you like challenges with big rewards, take this course and have fun finding your way.
If you’re a PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver who is at least 10 years old, you can enroll in the PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course.
Getting Started
Fill out the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire located at the top of the page.
Step 1: Sign up and purchase the PADI Underwater Navigation eLearning course. The eLearning course will allow you to complete the bookwork at your own pace at home.
Step 2: After you complete Step 1, sign up and purchase the 3 PADI Underwater Navigation dives. Big Al's Scuba will contact you to schedule your 3 dives that can be completed in 1 day.
What will you learn?
You’ll learn the tools of the trade, including navigation using natural clues and by following compass headings. During three scuba dives, you’ll practice:
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Methods to estimate distance underwater.
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Compass navigation while making at least five turns.
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Marking or relocating a submerged object or position from the surface.
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Underwater map making.
Also, the first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask Allen about earning credit.
Equipment
Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a compass and underwater slate.
Continuing Education Document fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
COURSE LINKS
Advanced Open Water Diver
Search & Recovery Diver
Deep Diver
PADI WRECK DIVER
Description
Whether purpose-sunk as an artificial reef for scuba divers, or lost as the result of an accident, wrecks are fascinating windows to the past. Ships, airplanes and even cars are fascinating to explore and usually teem with aquatic life. Each wreck dive offers a chance for discovery, potentially unlocking a mystery or spying something others have missed. The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course is popular because it offers rewarding adventures while observing responsible wreck diving practices.
If you’re at least 15 years old and have earned a PADI Adventure Diver certification or higher, you can enroll in the Wreck Diver Specialty course.
Ships, airplanes and even cars are fascinating to explore and usually teem with aquatic life. Each wreck dive offers a chance for a new discovery.
Getting Started
Fill out the required Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire located at the top of the page.
Step1: Sign up and purchase the PADI Wreck Diver eLearning course. The eLearning course will allow you to complete the bookwork at your own pace at home.
Step 2: After you complete Step 1 sign up and purchase the PADI Wreck Diver Dives. Big Al's Scuba will contact you to schedule the 4 dives that can be completed in 2 days.
What will you learn
There are many different types of wrecks, some of which are protected by laws that guard their historical and cultural significance. Your training starts by reviewing guidelines for researching and respecting wrecks. During four dives you’ll learn:
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Safety considerations for navigating and exploring wrecks.
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Surveying and mapping a wreck.
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Using penetration lines and reels to guide exploration.
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Techniques to avoid kicking up silt or disturbing the wreck and its inhabitants.
Also, the first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask Allen about earning credit.
Equipment
You’ll need your basic scuba equipment, plus a dive light to see into the wreck, a slate and underwater compass for mapping and navigation, and a line and reel for practicing wreck penetration.
Continuing Education Document fill out the form and return to your instructor before class
COURSE LINKS
Deep Diver
Digital Underw Photographer
