Advanced Specialties
Continuing dive education is the most efficient way to gain experience and competency! To show this, SSI (Scuba Schools International) awards divers Advanced Diver Ratings as they complete dives and courses.
Most of these can be taught on a custom basis, just like our Open Water classes. And a lot of our courses can be taught during our trips, ask us or your trip leader if that’s an option.
Custom Schedule:
If you do not see something that fits your schedule, we do offer custom Advance Specialty courses in Raleigh, or potentially on your Gypsy dive trip. Please call in to check on availability!
Specialties Currently Available:
The price below includes training material and class time only, it does not include any equipment or cylinders you may need for the course.
Before each class:
For each of the courses below, you will need to complete the following BEFORE class:
- All of the mandatory forms on your SSI document manager. This includes a valid medical statement issued within the past year. Note, depending on your answers to the medical questions, you may need to have an MD/DO sign off before you can get in the water.
- A recently logged dive. Advanced Specialties are not to be used as a refresher.
- Required SSI digital material and final exam
Enriched Air Nitrox:
You will learn all the necessary rules for planning dives for and safely using Nitrox. An important key point in the entire program is analyzing your own tank before any Nitrox dive.
Tuition, Home Study Materials, and Certification: $200
Custom Schedule:
SSI has moved the majority of Nitrox online. You can take the course, study, and complete the test at your leisure. When you have passed the test, call us and we’ll set up a time to finish the practical portion. This is where you’ll see tank analysis in person, learn about renting nitrox tanks, and ask any questions you may have!
The in-person portion takes about 15 minutes and can happen anytime the store is open.
Perfect Buoyancy:
Every diver wants to be a good diver. Good divers move efficiently through the water with minimum effort and maximum environmental awareness – i.e. with perfect buoyancy. The class will start at 8 AM.
Tuition and Certification: $200
Annual Schedule:
Classes take place during our Quarry Cookouts on the 2nd Saturday of every month in the Spring and Summer.
Navigation:
This specialty will teach you to navigate with a compass and how to apply natural navigation skills. You will also learn to estimate distances, navigate different search patterns, find your way to different marking points, and be able to get back to the exit point at any time. The class will start at 8 AM
Tuition, Materials, and Certification: $200
Annual Schedule:
Classes take place during our Quarry Cookouts on the 2nd Saturday of every month in the Spring and Summer.
Night / Limited Visibility:
Just because the visibility is limited doesn’t mean the opportunities for fun and adventure have to be. This program is filled with information about planning and conducting night and limited visibility dives for fun, adventure, and exploration. The class will start at 6:30 PM
Tuition, Materials, and Certification: $200
Annual Schedule:
Classes run during the Spring and Summer on the 2nd Friday of each month, starting in May.
Deep Diver:
Many of the more exciting and intriguing dive sites are located in deeper water. Without proper training, this kind of diving can put you at risk. This program will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to safely enjoy these dives.
Tuition, Materials, and Certification: $200
Schedule:
We typically offer this specialty on our Key Largo trips.
Wreck Diver:
Wreck diving is one of the most exhilarating adventures there is, but it can be challenging. This program will introduce you to wreck orientation and awareness, and the necessary protocols for keeping the dives safe and enjoyable.
Tuition, Materials, and Certification: $200
Schedule:
We typically offer this specialty on our Key Largo trips.
Diver Stress and Rescue:
This program will teach you how to anticipate, recognize, and avoid common stress-related diving situations; and how to deal with and resolve unanticipated problems on the surface and underwater.
Pre-requisites:
- Red Cross or similar first-responder course that includes CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 Administration. This can be covered with our React Right course. If you have questions about this requirement, let us know!
- Perfect Buoyancy and Navigation specialties
Tuition, Materials, and Certification: $300
2022 Fall Session Schedule:
October 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 23rd
(If Needed) React Right at Gypsy Divers: Tuesday, October 11th, and Thursday, October 13th starting at 6:00 PM
Classroom at Gypsy Divers: Tuesday, October 18th, and Thursday, October 20th from 6:30 to 10:30 PM
Open Water at Fantasy Lake Scuba Park: Saturday and Sunday, October 22nd and 23rd starting at 8 AM
Search and Recovery:
There are definitely times when knowing how to search for lost objects would be beneficial. This program will teach you different search patterns for use in various conditions and the proper techniques for lifting objects to the surface.
Pre-requisites:
Perfect Buoyancy and Navigation specialties
Tuition, Materials, and Certification: $300
2022 Schedule: August 10th, 13th, and 14th
Classroom at Gypsy Divers: Wednesday, August 10th from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Open Water at Fantasy Lake Scuba Park: Saturday and Sunday, August 13th and 14th, starting at 8 AM.
Further Education and Leadership:
Come in and talk with us if you have any interest in the dive leadership program, which starts with dive guides, or any other advanced classes!