What is Involved in Getting Your Scuba Certification?
The certification process consists of independant study, knowledge review, pool skill development and four open-water training dives.

Independent Study

You can complete the Independent study requirements using the PADI eLearning  program at your leasure. Estimated time to complete the independent study is 10-15 hours. The PADI eLearning program is included in our course fees.

Knowledge Review and Pool Skill Development

Your instructor will go over what you have learned through independent study, eLearning and then give you a mini quiz. You'll then practice scuba skills in the pool. Knowledge review and skill development sessions take place at one of the many pool locations in the DC/MD/VA that we teach every weekend from approximatly 10am-5pm depending on location.  See our schedule below.

Open Water Training

You will have to complete four instructor-supervised dives over two days. From May through October, you can complete your open-water training dives at local a quarry with Atlatnic Edge. During the rest of the year, you can complete your training on a vacation or on one of our many group trips.

Why Learn to Scuba with Atlantic Edge? 

All Equipment Included, NO purchase necessary for the Class and Pool - We make sure you like scuba diving before you have to purchase any equipment. Just show up with your bathing suit, towel and paperwork!
One Day Course!
Includes all material,  Including eLearning fees etc.
1 to 2 Instructor to Student Ratio.This individualized attention is what allows us to offer a one day class that covers the classroom and pool portions of the certification.
Classes are offered all year round, Almost every weekend in different locations throughout the DC/MD/VA area.
Want more time in the water?  Once you complete your first Learn to Dive class you can sign up for as many additional water sessions for 30 days as you like, to get comfortable or master any skill, for just $25 a session!
Over 30 Years’ Experience Training Scuba Divers!
Official Dive Store for the National Aquarium. Atlantic Edge manages and staff the Guest Dive Program for the National Aquarium. This means you can dive with us at the Aquarium once you're certified!   Divers and Dolphin
 When can you start? Part One - Learn to Scuba Class & Pool

We offer classes each weekend in several locations in the Baltimore, Washington and Virgina area. Class times usually are from 10am to 5pm depending on the location.

Check out locations and schedule below.

How much does it cost?

The Learn to Scuba knowledge development (eLearning), review and pool instruction is $395 and includes:

PADI eLearning Program ( $175 value)
Knowledge review and pool training
Use of all gear, mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, tanks, regulators, BCDs and weights in the pool
 Open Water Training Dives

If your plan is to complete your Open Water Training Dives locally, the dives are usually conducted at Hyde’s Quarry in Westminster Maryland. Training dives take place on a Saturday and Sunday where you will complete 2 dives each day for a total of 4 Open Water dives. Cost of all 4 training dives is $249. Check out information on training dives here.

Are You Ready Now To Learn How To Scuba Dive?  How to Sign Up!

Just pick a date and location from our list below and we’ll email you a eLearning code and information during our normal business hours Monday through Saturday.

Prerequisites

Anyone who is in reasonably good health, and comfortable and relaxed in the water, can usually learn to dive without difficulty.
Students need to be ten or older by the start of the course. We also offer summer ScubaCamp programs for 10-15 year olds.
You need to be able to answer No to all questions on the PADI/RSTC Medical History form, or secure a physician’s approval for diving prior to the start of the course.
There is a watermanship assessment. You need to be able to float, tread water or drownproof for ten minutes and either:
Swim 200 yards, no time limit, any stroke.
Swim 300 yards with mask, snorkel and fins.
Once you complete these two steps you are certified for life!  It is then time to join us at the National Aquarium in Baltimore for the best local dive around, or on one of our many dive trips to an exotic destination.  Learning to dive opens a world of opportunities most will only dream of.  Imagine exploring a coral reef, discovering shipwrecks, taking under water photographs, and much more! 

Atlantic Edge conducts the class and pool skills in one day, but that does not mean everyone can complete it in one day, or may just wish to spend extra time in the pool to gain even more confidence and experience. We offer our students the opportunity to repeat the entire 4 hour pool session for $25 as many times as you need within 30 days of your class.  That way those that can complete the skills in one day are all set to go to the next step. Those that wish to practice some more can attend another session. Check out our testimonials. We want all of our students to be safe and confident divers.

Learn to Dive Paperwork

Learn to Dive Course Description

Learn to Dive Paperwork Packet