Scuba Diving Certification in Nebraska

Nothing really compares to the first breath you take while under water. After all, breathing underwater just does not come naturally. This is so, even after you have received hours of theoretical training and tested your scuba equipment on land. That first breath through your regulator is tentative and almost like being born anew. Fortunately, living in a land-locked state like Nebraska does not mean certification is beyond your reach.

  1. Certification Bodies

    • One of the most important things to consider when searching for the right scuba instructor is deciding on the certification body. This is the organization that developed the curriculum and is standing behind the qualifications of your instructor. In the U.S., PADI, NAUI and Scuba Schools International are the most common organizations, but only PADI and Scuba Schools International diving instructors are in Nebraska.

    Basic Equipment

    • You can rent most of the gear needed for scuba school. These items include your wetsuit, air tank, weights, regulator and depth gauge. However, there is some personal equipment you will need to buy. This is basically snorkeling equipment like a mask, swim fins and snorkel. The dive shop you are getting your lessons from should have what you need, but if you require more selection there are many places online with good prices.

    Beginning Certification

    • Depending on which organization you choose, your first level of certification will be an 'open water' or 'scuba diver' certification. This means you have attended a class where you have learned the basics for safe diving. You know how to assemble your gear and its purpose. You know how to calculate the nitrogen load from a dive, how long it will take before you can safely dive again, and then to record this information in a log. At this level of certification, you will also have undergone some simulated emergencies such as running out of air or losing your mask. This class typically takes about two weekends to complete.

    Advanced Certification

    • After obtaining your entry-level certification, you become eligible for an advanced certification. At this level, you will refine you diving skills in practical situations. You will also gain experience with more demanding diving such as deep diving and nighttime diving. Keep in mind that most certification bodies honor each other's certifications. This means if you have a PADI Open Water Diver card, you will be able to take a Scuba Schools International advanced class. You can complete this level of certification in two days plus one day for study.

    Specialty Certifications

    • Most dive shops in Nebraska offer specialty certifications as well. Specialty courses offered typically include instruction like deep diver, Nitrox, rescue diver and others. These courses let you experience more demanding dive situations while maximizing safety. There are several specialty certifications available once you complete your entry-level dive certification, but some will require a certain number of logged dives or a specific prerequisite class. These classes vary in length and can range from an evening to several days.

    Instruction in Nebraska

    • Currently there are five PADI affiliated schools in Nebraska. Three are in Omaha, and North Platt and Randolph each have one. There are also Scuba Schools International centers in Omaha, Lincoln and Scottsbluff. Complete details for selecting a dive shop are available on the PADI or SSI websites.

    Online Training

    • If you don't live near a Nebraska dive center, scuba certification is still possible. Many programs offer on-line instruction for the theoretical portion of certification. This way, you can begin your certification at home. Once the classroom learning is complete you can schedule your practical certification classes, which usually only take a day or two. With this option you can complete your certification while on vacation or on a weekend trip to a city with a dive center. Just keep in mind, you must complete the certification you start. For example you cannot start with a PADI class then finish with a SSI class.