where is the bsa scuba course offered in il?

Where can I find the BSA Scuba policy?

For the most recent version of the BSA Scuba Policy, visit the Guide to Safe Scouting at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/healthandsafety/gss/toc.aspx. You can print out page 11 and 12 on this Scuba BSA PDF With Application and follow the requirements, instructions, and guidelines to be a part of the scuba program.

How do I become a BSA Scuba Instructor?

Counselors for Scuba BSA must hold current scuba instructor certification from PADI, NAUI, SSI, or other RSTC member organizations. Instruction must comply with RSTC standards for introductory scuba experiences. These minimum standards include instructor-to-participant ratios.

What equipment do I need for Scuba BSA training?

A swimming pool is recommended. Scuba BSA is ideally suited to winter programs using indoor pools. Two 45-minute sessions are recommended for instruction, practice, and completion of requirements.

Is scuba diving safe for Scouts?

Scuba diving is an advanced swimming activity. Safe Swim Defense guidelines, as found in the Guide to Safe Scouting, apply, but must be extended to cover underwater communication, the use and care of equipment, buoyancy control, and the effects of pressure.

Where can you best learn to scuba dive?

10 incredible places to learn to scuba diveGili Trawangan, Gili Islands, Indonesia.Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia.Ko Tao, Thailand.Dahab, Red Sea, Egypt.Caye Caulker, Belize.Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras.Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.Port Vila, Efaté, Vanuatu.More items...

What is the most common scuba diving certification?

Here are the most common types of scuba certifications:PADI Scuba Diver.PADI Open Water Diver.PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.PADI Rescue Diver.PADI Master Scuba Diver.PADI Wreck Diver.PADI Enriched Air Diver.ACDE Commercial Diver.More items...•

What is the best way to get scuba certified?

“Use a local school [at home] where you can do your training, that way when you get on vacation you can enjoy the dives and not be wasting time stuck in a classroom.” The academic part of scuba certification, which can be done online, precedes your diving hours to ready you for an actual dive (more on that below) and ...

Is getting scuba certified worth it?

While you can go out and scuba dive without certification, it can be a death sentence. Most people who are certified will tell you not to go out without at least some knowledge of how to dive properly, how to resurface, how to communicate, etc.

What are the two scuba certifications?

New SCUBA divers commonly ask about the similarities and differences between NAUI and PADI. Because these two diving certification institutions are the most notable in the United States, choosing between the two can be difficult. However, generally speaking, the agencies are very similar.

Is PADI or SDI better?

If you're looking to become professional as a scuba diving instructor you may want to opt for PADI since it is the more well-known of the two. If you want to pursue diving as a career (and not be a dive instructor) then SDI may work better for you, given their connection to TDI.

Do scuba certifications expire?

Your PADI certification never expires; but if you haven't been diving in a while, it's better to be over-prepared than risk a problem because you forget something important. Dive shops also appreciate seeing a recent ReActivated date on your certification card.

How fast can you get scuba certified?

It's possible to complete your confined and open water dives in three or four days by completing the knowledge development portion via PADI eLearning, or other home study options offered by your local dive shop or resort.

What state has the most certified scuba divers?

Though the state is revered for its massive mountains, Colorado is also a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the lakes scattered throughout the state or the oceans encompassing the planet. As a result, Colorado actually has the most certified scuba divers per capita than any other state.

What are the 4 open water dives?

There are four components to the PADI Open Water Diver course: theory, confined water work, waterskills asessement, and open water dives.

Is scuba diving an expensive hobby?

Yes, scuba diving is an expensive hobby. You can expect to spend roughly $300 to receive your diving certification, anywhere from $200 – $2,000 on scuba diving gear, and anywhere between $75 – $150 per dive. Renting your gear instead of buying can let you scuba dive on a budget.

How much does scuba equipment cost?

Most divers will typically spend between $200 and $300 on their personal equipment, and may spend quite a bit more if they are also purchasing a wetsuit and a personal dive computer. A diver who wants to be comfortable and confident in open water will typically invest in a full equipment system.

Where to dive in Illinois?

In addition to Lake Michigan in general, some of the more popular dive sites in Illinois include Haigh Quarry, Pearl Lake, and the wreck of the Rotarian. Access at some dive sites may be restricted, or may require a diver be scuba certified to dive at that site. Be certain you check site-specific requirements before attempting your dive.

Why is it important to get a scuba certification?

It is important to obtain your scuba certification in order to stay safe while diving in any body of water. This is especially true for dives in the Great Lakes, which are essentially inland, freshwater seas.

What is the dive flag in Illinois?

Divers must stay within 50 feet of their dive flag.

Do you need a scuba license to dive in Illinois?

Divers are not required to be certified in order to go scuba diving in Illinois. However, most divers recommended that you obtain your scuba certification before embarking on anything other than training dives with professionals.

What is a BSA scuba?

The Scuba BSA program is conducted in clear, confined water by an instructor certified by diving organizations recognized by the BSA. Completion of Scuba BSA requirements sets the stage for additional training but does not qualify the participant to dive independently, either in confined water or open-water environments.

What is scuba diving BSA?

Scuba BSA introduces qualified Boy Scout, Venturing, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving; encourages aquatics activities that promote fitness and recreation; and provides a foundation for those who later will participate in more advanced underwater activity.

What is merit badge scuba diving?

Like other merit badges, the Scuba Diving merit badge has been developed to teach and train youth in a manner consistent with the overall goals and values of the Boy Scouts of America.

What are the conditions that can occur while scuba diving?

Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while scuba diving, including hypothermia, hyperventilation, squeezes, decompression illness, nitrogen narcosis, motion sickness, fatigue, overexertion, heat reactions, dehydration, injuries by aquatic life, and cuts and scrapes.

What is the BSA swim defense training?

Provides adult leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training. Persons completing the training should be better able to assess their preparation to supervise unit swimming events. The BSA recommends that at least one person with this training is present to assist with supervision whenever a unit swims at a location that does not provide lifeguards.

What are merit badges for Scouts?

Scouts earn a merit badge in a topic by completing specific requirements and demonstrating that they understand and can master basic skills in a particular field of study.

Do you have to complete the Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training?

Whichever activity you choose, it’s important to make sure you’re providing a safe environment. The Boy Scouts of America requires at least one adult leader to first complete the Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training courses before planning or conducting a water activity.

Do you need to supervise a unit swim?

Persons completing the training should be better able to assess their preparation to supervise unit swimming events. The BSA recommends that at least one person with this training is present to assist with supervision whenever a unit swims at a location that does not provide lifeguards. Learn More.

What is scuba diving BSA?

Scuba BSA introduces qualified Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving, encourages aquatics activities that promote fitness and recreation, and provides a foundation for those who later will participate in more advanced underwater activity.

How to swim in BSA?

To begin the test, jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

What is a PADI diving scholarship?

Each year we work with numerous Boy Scout groups for SCUBA BSA activity badges, SCUBA BSA merit badges and groups going to the Seabase camp but something that has just came to our attention that the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) offers a multilevel scholarship program to introduce Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts to the exciting underwater world. PADI recognizes that adventure is one of the key elements of Scouting and scuba diving is an exciting avocation or vocation that can be enjoyed in just about every part of the country. click here for more information.

What are the skills required to dive in open water?

Open Water Scuba Skills. Perform the following scuba skills while diving in open water. ♦ Equipment inspection (at water’s edge) ♦ Entries and exits ♦ Proper Weighting ♦ Mouthpiece clearing—snorkel and regulator ♦ Regulator/snorkel exchanges at the surface ♦ Controlled descents and ascents ♦ Underwater swimming Mask-clearing Buddy-system techniques Underwater and surface buoyancy control Diver assistance techniques (self/buddy) ♦ Surface-snorkel swimming with full diving system ♦ Removal and replacement of weight/ballast system ♦ Removal and replacement of scuba system ♦ Out-of-air emergency alternatives ♦ Equipment care and maintenance (at water’s edge) ♦ Underwater navigation ♦ In shallow water, breathe underwater for at least 30 seconds from an alternate air source supplied by the instructor. ♦ Demonstrate the techniques for a proper ascent.

What is a buddy system in scuba diving?

Explain that a dive buddy is there to assist with the donning and doffing of equipment, to lend assistance in case of emergency and to share in the underwater experience. Remember, always dive with a buddy — Never dive alone!

When is the sunken treasure scuba center?

When is it offered: Each week during the months of June/July, Sunken Treasure Scuba Center offers scouts the chance to earn their Scuba BSA Activity Badge while at Camp K on Thursday nights nights.

What is the philosophy of scuba diving?

It is a life changing experience that enables young men and women to embrace challenges in a whole new way. That first breath underwater; the feeling of total weightlessness as you embark into a foreign world enables you to be part of something so powerful it transforms your life!