Scuba Training FAQs Across Los Angeles and Southern California

Most students complete Open Water Diver certification in two weekends. Required eLearning is completed independently before in-water training begins. Weekend one focuses on pool training and skill development, followed by open water training dives on weekend two at Catalina Island, California.

Need more flexibility? Private instruction is available for a fully customized schedule—you can move at an accelerated pace or spread training out to fit your calendar. We confirm all dates at enrollment so we can plan ferry, hotel, and travel details in advance.

You should be comfortable in the water and able to swim continuously for a short distance and float for a few minutes, as required by training standards. You do not need to be an athlete, but basic water comfort helps you focus on learning dive skills instead of fighting nerves. If you are unsure, start with Discover Scuba in the pool — our instructors will honestly tell you when you are ready to move toward certification.

Our all-inclusive Open Water packages include eLearning, pool sessions, ocean training dives, round-trip Catalina Island ferry, and two nights of hotel accommodations on the island. Full scuba gear is provided for training, with the exception of a personal mask and snorkel, which you can bring or purchase if needed. Certification processing is also included.

Meals, gratuities, and optional upgrades are not included. If you have any questions, please reach out before booking—we're happy to help clarify everything in advance.

Private instruction is available at an additional cost and is built entirely around your schedule, pace, and goals—ideal if you want one-on-one coaching, need to complete training quickly before a trip, or prefer to train at a pool you already have access to. Group classes follow a set schedule with other students and offer the most affordable path to earning your certification.

Both options meet the same certification standards. Private training simply provides greater flexibility and more personalized instruction.

All core scuba equipment—including dive computers, regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, booties, and fins—are included with your Open Water course, so there is no gear rental requirement for students.

The only personal items you must either provide or purchase from us are a mask and snorkel.

For anything beyond Open Water (including Advanced, Specialty Courses, Master Scuba Diver training, Divemaster training, and/or fun dives), you can rent gear from us at rates typically lower than other local locations until you're ready to purchase your own equipment. When or if you are ready to buy, our instructors are happy to recommend what to buy first based on your training and dive plans.

Discover Scuba is designed for people who want to experience breathing underwater for the first time without committing to full certification. It's a supervised pool session that gives you a safe introduction to diving and a feel for what it's like underwater.

A Refresher course is for certified divers who haven't been in the water for a while and want to rebuild skills, buoyancy control, and confidence before returning to ocean diving or travel.

If you already hold a certification card, choose Refresher. If you've never been certified, start with Discover Scuba or Open Water.

Minimum age requirements vary by program—many entry-level courses start as young as 10–12 years old, with depth and training limits for junior divers. Students under 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the required forms.

All divers complete a medical questionnaire before in-water training. In some cases, a physician's clearance may be required depending on your answers. Honest disclosure is essential for your safety.

If you have conditions such as asthma, heart concerns, or recent surgery, please contact us before booking so we can help guide you through the correct requirements and paperwork.

Ocean training depends on safe and suitable conditions. If weather or visibility requires us to cancel or postpone in-water training, we will reschedule your dives at no additional instructional cost—your safety always comes first.

For course fees, trip bookings, and retail orders, cancellations are not refundable. We understand plans can change; however, once a booking is confirmed, funds are allocated to vendors, permits, and logistics and cannot be recovered. If you are unable to attend a trip, you are welcome to transfer or resell your spot to another diver.

If funds have not yet been allocated, we will do our best to help you reschedule. Once funds have been disbursed, a new booking would be required to rejoin the program or trip.

Scuba Life serves divers throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties, with pool training based in Agoura Hills, California. Ocean training dives take place at Southern California dive sites, with Catalina Island, California as the most popular destination.

Trip locations vary by schedule—from local boat dives to international adventures. Your enrollment confirmation will include exact meeting locations, times, and what to bring for each session.

Private sessions are also available for an additional fee and can be scheduled at your location and on your timeline for maximum flexibility.

Guided dives and most boat trips require an Open Water certification (or equivalent) from a recognized training agency. Discover Scuba and select introductory experiences are available to uncertified guests in controlled pool settings only.

Trip pages outline all prerequisites, depth requirements, and whether each outing is suitable for newly certified divers or those with recent experience. If you haven't been diving in a while, we recommend booking a Refresher course before your trip so you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than thinking about skills.

Browse courses and trips on this website, select the program you want, and complete secure checkout through Stripe. You'll need an account so we can manage your forms, schedules, and equipment details.

For private instruction, Divemaster training, or custom travel, contact us directly at scubastevenar@gmail.com or 714-728-2300. We'll build a personalized plan with dates, pricing, and logistics tailored to you.

Your welcome email includes a detailed checklist for your specific class—review it before day one so you arrive prepared and ready to learn.

At a minimum, bring a pen for your in-person knowledge review, swimwear, a towel, snacks, and water to keep you fueled and hydrated. Personal items such as a fitted mask and snorkel can be brought with you or purchased from us prior to your pool session.

For ocean training days, pack warm layers and sunscreen, especially for boat trips. Avoid flying within the recommended window after ocean dives.