WHO: Those 10 years of age and above. Ages 10-14 will receive a Junior Scuba Diver certification which depending on age has a limited depth range.

WHAT: The Scuba Diver course is your first step into the underwater world. It is the most exhilarating experience you may ever have. Imagine being in outer space without gravity, but underwater. From the time you take your first breath underwater there is no turning back.

The course is divided into three sections:

1. Register and Get Digital Online course code: You should register several weeks in advance to have enough time to read the required material and take the appropriate tests. All coursework and documentations needs to be completed proir to the confined pool session. You will not be allowed to participate in the class if these are not completed.
2. Confined Water Sessions: Next step is joining one of our confined pool sessions in which you will be learning the skills required to be comfortable in the water with your scuba equipment.
3. Open Water Training: You will complete four open water dives over a two day period – typically over a weekend.

Once you complete all three sections of training, you will receive your Scuba Diver certification card or “C-card.” This certification card is recognized worldwide and is administered for your lifetime. You may also choose to complete your open water dives with Milinko's Scuba & Swim at one of our travel destinations or when you travel on your own. Don’t forget the Scuba Diver card is just the beginning of what you can experience when deciding to adventure into the underwater world.

WHEN & WHERE:

• Private Classes: Available upon request.
• The weekend schedule concludes the entire process of certification in two weekends. The first consisting of all the confined water (pool sessions). The second consists of completing the four open water training dives (at Gilboa Quarry).
  • Times vary based on the pool location. Check the dates and location above for the times classes start on Saturday and Sunday. 
  • Address for Elkhart Aquatic Center: 200 E Jackson Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46516
  • Address for Bridgman Aquatic Center: 9964 Gast Road, Bridgman, MI 49106
  • Address for Plymouth Aquatic Center: 2740 Miller Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563
  • Address for Gilboa Quarry: 3763 Old state Route 224, Ottawa, OH 45875
  • Address for France Park Quarry: 4505 W US Highway 24, Logansport, IN 46947

Once you have completed the first weekend of pool training you can schedule the open water dives. Open water dives are scheduled after completion of confined water (pool sessions).

Dates for open water dives for 2024 for France Park Quarry and Gilboa Quarry: We recommend making reservations to either camp at Gilboa Quarry or stay at the Drury Inn. A disocunted rate for the Drury Inn will be provided once you schedule your open water dives. 

May 17/18 - France Park Quarry, Logansport, IN

June 28/29 - Gilboa Quarry, Ottawa, OH

July 19/20 - Gilboa Quarry, Ottawa, OH

August 30/31 - Gilboa Quarry, Ottawa, OH

September 13/14 - Gilboa Quarry, Ottawa, OH

October 11/12 - Gilboa Quarry, Ottawa, OH

COST:

• Class Fee: $380.00 includes digital online course, confined water sessions (pool), open water dives (Gilboa Quarry), and and Ecard. Additional $40 fee for hard plastic card. All scuba courses are final sale!
• Students must purchase:
  • Mask
  • Fins
  • Snorkel
  • Boots
• Additional costs: park admission, parking fees at the quarry, and extra air fills if needed.
• Milinko's provides: Scuba equipment including tanks, weights, regulator and BC (wetsuit for open water dives). All safety equipment including first aid kit, emergency oxygen and dive flag & float as required. And any other equipment as required by the diving environment.
  • Participants are required to pick their issued gear up at the shop the week prior to the course and return the gear one week after the course. We do transport gear for customers who live at least 45 minutes away. Make sure to bring a bathing suit and towel!