Scuba Diving Classes in New Jersey

Scuba diving enthusiasts can be found in many geographic locations, and New Jersey is no different. Despite living in a location many may not consider prime diving territory, these divers need resources. Similarly, folks interested in taking up the sport need some form of formal education on diving matters. Luckily, the Garden State offers a few notable dive sites that cater to both the seasoned pro and the novice looking to increase their diving knowledge by taking classes.

  1. Ocean Explorers

    • Under the auspices of the Professional Association of Dive Instructors, or PADI as it’s more commonly known, divers in Edison looking to upgrade their skills or get their feet wet for the first time can go to Ocean Explorers Aquatic Center. For first-timers, OEAC offers Discover Scuba, a basic program designed to introduce beginners to what it’s like to be submerged while breathing through a scuba regulator. As of 2010, the class is free; all one needs is a bathing suit and bath towel when attending an Open Water night. For those who like the experience, Open Water classes exist, consisting of both classroom and in-pool instruction, culminating in the granting of the Open Water Certification, or “C-Card."

      Ocean Explorers Aquatic Center
      180 Layfayette Ave.
      Edison, NJ 08837
      732-906-8400
      njoceanexplorers.com

    Scuba USA

    • With a strong emphasis on a total and well-rounded dive education, the staff at 1877 Scuba USA are there to get you started. Under the direction of Scuba Diving International (SDI) educational protocols, students can take the classroom portion of their Open Water class online and at their own pace. Water skills can then be scheduled in a local pool or enclosed body of water. Once the skills are taught, they must be demonstrated under the direction of a Scuba USA/SDI instructor out in an open body of water, such as a river, lake, pond, flooded quarry or the ocean itself. Certified divers can advance their skills by taking advanced classes in wreck diving and photography, to name but two.

      1877 Scuba USA
      480 Rt. 17 North
      Paramus, NJ 07652
      877-728-2287
      1887scubausa.com

    Scuba Connection

    • Also under direction from PADI is The Scuba Connection in Hillsborough. Founded in 1996 as the family business of the Fisch family, TCS is noted as one of the nation’s top dive shops and offers not only top-notch instruction but top-notch gear from industry names like Dacor, Cressi, Oceanic and Mares. TCS also sponsors several dive trips to some of the world’s most popular diving locales, like Cozumel, Belize and the Cayman Islands. Kids at least 8 years old can participate in the SEAL program (not the guys from the Navy) that lets them get experience the underwater world as well.

      The Scuba Connection
      Mountain View Plaza
      856 Route 206
      Hillsborough, NJ 08844
      908-359-1250
      www.tscscuba.com