certifications

We offer open water certifications in Bonaire, when you go with one of our groups to Buddy's. Here is how it works.

Sign up for a dive certification class through Steve's Scuba in Milwaukie, OR.

The class will consist of 6 weekly classroom sessions lasting approximately 1 1/2 hours each. These classroom sessions include videos, a workbook, and teaching by one of the Instructors or Dive Control Specialists (Dive Cons) in the shop. Immediately following the classroom time, you will head out to one of the local swimming pools for your water session. These are approximately one hour each. Here you will learn the hands-on part of your training. You will become comfortable putting your gear together and learning your water skills.

By the time these 6 classes are over, you will be ready to head to open water. Here is where our offer comes into play. Most people head up to Tacoma or Hood Canal for an open water certification weekend. There are 4 open water dives that are required to complete your certification. During these dives, you will be asked to perform the skills you have learned over the last 6 weeks of training. IF YOU CHOOSE TO FINISH YOUR CERTIFICATION IN BONAIRE, you will be doing your 4 required open water dives off the dock at Buddy's. Then you will have the rest of your vacation to hone your skills while diving in the warm, clear waters of the southern Caribbean.

NITROX, BOAT DIVING and other SPECIALITY CERTIFICATIONS can be done on our Bonaire trips also. If you are interested in any of the speciality certifications, let us know.