Specialty Courses

Sea of Cortez Scuba Center

Specialty Courses

Wreck Diving: The thrill of gliding by a sunken ship underwater can only be experienced, not explained. The dream of finding a Spanish Galleon loaded with gold, jewels, and pieces of eight stimulates the imagination of any diver. The hope of finding an intact yacht waiting to be raised, cleaned up, and sailed away has become a fact for some lucky divers. The realty of being asked to find and recover a sunken fishing boat has put $ in a divers pocket. Any dive on a sunken vessel - regardless of its size or condition - can be stimulating to the most experienced diver. We invite you to join us in this fun and exciting wreck Diving Specialty course which will provide you with both knowledge and skills development sessions providing an unlimited number or tours to underwater wrecks. This program will prepare you to safely enjoy your experience.
$275.00 per person

Underwater Photography: Capturing that special moment, sharing an experience with friends, proving you were actually there, remembering the excitement and fun are all reasons you take a camera along on your dives. With some simple techniques and practice you can be ready to capture those rare moments underwater, when the lobster comes out to meet you, the eagle ray glides by gracefully, a fish decides to befriend you, a sea lion treats you as a toy, or a whale puts on a show. It is the lament of many divers "Oh! If I only had a camera. You should have seen what just happened to me. No one will ever believe me." By the time you complete the Underwater Photography Course, you will be able to venture into the water and return with invaluable "prizes". Join us now for the fun and excitement of documenting your underwater experience.
$ 265.00 per person

Underwater Hunting & Collecting: The U/W Hunting & Collecting Specialty course is designed to assist you in expanding your horizons as you apply your diving skills to another aspect of enjoying the aquatic environment. Man's earliest ventures into this environment were to gather food - from intertidal organisms to deep water fishing. Early man also discovered the value of the marine organisms and their by-products as food, ornaments and trade items. Many cultures developed and thrived throughout the world based on their abilities to collect, convert and trade the items. Fish & fish by-products, pearls, coral, shells (beads, buttons, ornaments), sponges, dye (sea hares), shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels, scallops), cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish), crustaceans (crabs, lobsters), mollusks (snails, conch, abalone) and algae's. With the advent of modern equipment and ingenuity, may marine organisms have been pressured to the point of extinction.
The purpose of this Specialty program is to introduce the diver to the marine environment from the viewpoint of a new "Predator" with the capability of preserving or destroying a balanced ecosystem. You'll learn 1.) How Fish & Game laws are determined. 2.) How to take, clean and prepare seafood. 3.) How to collect and preserve marine specimens. 4.) Introduction to aquarium systems. The diver who completes this program will not only benefit from the standpoint of food/diet, but also from an awareness of how ecosystems work. You'll also learn 1.) How to identify marine life. 2.) Why Fish & Game laws are necessary 3.) How to prepare marine specimens for display & gifts. Since these concepts cross all boundaries - fresh/salt water, warm/cold water, shallow/deep water, bottom composition, or world location - this specialty is for everyone. Join others who are expanding their awareness of how you, the diver, can use and interface with the marine environment without abusing it.
$ 269.00 per person

Search & Recovery: "An action specialty, virtually invaluable to every diver."; could be the best way to describe the Search & Recovery Specialty. Since every time you enter the water, you are searching - for something to observe, catch, photograph or collect - the more you develop skills to assist you the more comfortable and successful you will be. Man enjoys the challenge of searching, finding and retrieving anything since it satisfies an inner need. Adding this skill to the already rewarding skills learned in your Open Water and Advanced Open Water Scuba Courses will expand your horizons and give you additional applications for diving. Since you never know when or where something will be lost in the water, it may be a good idea to be prepared. Just a few of the object that people lose in the water are: Prescription glasses, wallets, tools, anchors, boat motors, bicycles, weight belts......and the dream of all divers......boats and ships. Completion of this specialty will prepare the Advanced diver to both plan and execute your own Search and Recovery operation. Come and join us in this action packed and fun program.
$ 149.00 per person

Advanced Search & Recovery: Advanced takes up where the basic Search & Recovery leaves off. Advanced students will study in depth all gas laws, diving physics & physiology, search & recovery techniques and skills. Your workshop will train you to a high level of safely and skill required to dive and recover objects and artifacts, at deeper depths and larger in size.
$ 249.00 per person

Diver's Safety Assistant: To train a non-diver (non diving friend, parent, etc.) to assist a diver in the event he was in trouble on the surface and needed assistance. The purpose of this specialty is to provide the non-diver with enough background knowledge of diving so as to enable that person to feel comfortable at the dive site, and to enable that person to render assistance when needed. It is not the intent of this course to provide diving certification. This course would be especially useful to the parents of Jr. Divers, and to husband/wife combinations where one dives and the other does not. In completing this program, these individuals will feel less "Left out" and more importantly, they will be able to aid the divers if the need should arise.
$ 99.00 per person

Artifact Diver: This workshop is designed to be a safe supervised introduction to artifact diving. It will place special emphasis on collecting and reporting artifact finds, terminology and how to identify types of artifacts.
$ 259.00 per person

Current (Swift & Drift) Diving: Moving water offers thrilling experiences to divers who know how to "Go with the flow". Drifting in an envelope of water while the scenery passes by can be a truly spiritual experience for the experienced Drift Diver. Planning to take advantage of moving water allows you to expend a minimum of energy and conserve air - thereby getting more out of the dive. In many areas of the world, the only types of diving which are done are drift dives, and as you begin to expand your exploration of innerspace you will need drift diving skills to safely enjoy this exciting aspect of diving.
$ 99.00 per person

Research Diving: You and the aquatic environment - could be the title of this specialty. As you continue enjoying diving and expanding your horizons through continuing education, no doubt there will be many circumstances occur which will make you wonder about Mother Nature and what makes her "Tick". Why is the water dirty one day and clear the next, what was that funny looking wiggly/crawly you saw, how many different types of plants were on the rocks you slipped on, what was it that cut your suit/glove, where did the sand go after the storm, what organisms are attached to the pier pilings, what is it that makes all those holes in the bottom, how many different types of snails are there on any one rock, and why are some species of fish only inshore during certain times of the year? These and many more questions can be answered by you with a little bit of "Research". Curiosity is what has taken man to the sea, and as your curiosity is stimulated you will want to expand your involvement in the adventure of discovery. As you become more aware of the dynamics, you will begin to have more fun in diving and feel more at ease in and one with the marine environment.
$ 99.00 per person

Equipment Specialty: SCUBA - HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS YOU TO ENTER A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT, SURVIVE AND PERFORM FEATS OF WONDER. Since diving is an equipment intensive recreational activity, we have designed this equipment specialty program to help make you an aware consumer by providing you with information on the benefits, features, application, personal requirements and environmental consideration for the selection of the full range of SCUBA diving equipment. Well chosen and maintained equipment allows you to enjoy with confidence and comfort you experiences underwater. Care, maintenance, service and repair is critical to this equipment's longevity and your continued enjoyment of diving as well as to protect your investment. Come join us for the fun filled exploration of the world of SCUBA diving equipment and accessories. Learn how to properly maintain and learn to be a knowledgeable consumer when it comes to the purchase & repair of your equipment. Observe a regulator being completely dismantled and rebuilt......observe a BCD power inflator mechanism being serviced. Bring in your own equipment for hands on proper cleaning demonstrations. Observe what a hydrostatic test and visual tank inspection consists of. Plus lots of extra inside tips to understand this stuff.
$ 179.00 per person

Deep Diving: Every diver who ever expects to dive over 60 feet should be Deep Diver Certified. This course is designed to develop the specific knowledge, attitude and skills required to plan and execute safe deep dives. This program should be a prerequisite to any training program over 60 feet, i.e., Photography, Wreck, Search & Recovery, Research, etc. Note: All Divers should take this specialty program based on the in-depth instruction in the Physics & Physiology and the safe diving techniques experienced. The main emphasis during the diving should be; using proper techniques for descents and ascents, monitoring the gauges and logging the information: awareness.
$ 275.00 per person

Night Diving: Night diving is one of the most exciting and rewarding activities of the diver. Many new divers find the idea of night diving scary but once you have learned the techniques and safety involved in a night dive the spectacular array of nocturnal creatures that unfold before your eyes makes this one of the most desirable activities. Lobster hunting or playing with the bioluninescence......this is fun! This course is to prepare the diver to dive safely at night and includes the planning and preparation, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of night diving. The following topics are covered in the course; dive lights, navigation, buddy system techniques, buoyancy control, communications, disorientation, and nocturnal aquatic life. There is minimum of three dives for this course. The Advanced Open Water night dive may constitute one of the required dives for this specialty.
$99.00 per person

Limited Visibility Diver: This workshop is intended for the Advanced diver to learn how to safely dive in conditions of silted water or dark water. This course is beneficial to have in other specialty areas such as Collecting, Artifact, Search & Recovery and Salvage.
$ 99.00 per person

Underwater Navigation Specialty: Being able to travel underwater from point to point accurately saves time, air and energy. By understanding and being able to use your compass you will be able to locate an offshore rock or reef, a wreck , your exit point or return to your boat underwater. You will be able to plan and execute a safe, simple and rewarding dive. Knowing where you are underwater is a rewarding and secure feeling. The true test of an accomplished diver is the ability to relocate a dive spot by using fixes, and/or making a complete dive and finding the exit point without surfacing. This course is designed to establish a base of knowledge and skills which are used throughout your continuing education program.
$ 99.00 per person

Boat Diving Specialty: The ease of boat diving and its accessibility to dive sites which cannot be reached from shore, draw all divers to boat diving trips. The exhilaration of traveling with a squadron of porpoise, observing whales spout, seeing flying fish skip across the waves can be an exciting addition to a boat diving trip. Finding clear water offshore for u/w photography, or the perfect reef loaded with lobster, fish, crabs or scallops asking to be placed in your goodie bay awaits you in boat diving. This course is designed to prepare the diver for safe, comfortable, and enjoyable boat diving whether from a small rubber boat, six pack boat or a large multi-day liveaboard. Boat diving expands the divers ability to explore and infinite number of new and exciting dive sites - easily. Good visibility and calm water awaits you.
$ 49.00 per person

Underwater Naturalist: A look at the sea through questioning eyes - what was that wiggly crawly I saw on the last dive? What does it do? How does it move? Where does it live? What does it eat? How does it reproduce? What is its part in the ecosystem? Does it have any relatives? How big does it get? Is it distributed world wide or just locally? Is it good to eat? Is it harmful? What eats it? How fast does it grow? How does it change color/shape? Is it territorial? All of these questions and more would pertain to the lowly octopus and any one would do for a PH.D. dissertation. The more you visit the undersea world, the more questions you will ask. This Marine Awareness program will help you on your way to seeing more and enjoying what you see - the whole reason you began to dive in the first place. Since each environment is different - sand, mud, rock, kelp, coral, fresh water, brackish water, salt water - this program will be offered in as many different and diverse habitats as feasible. Take advantage of you opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills while under the guidance of our highly qualified staff.
$ 99.00 per person

Dive Medic:
$ 225.00

Cavern Diving:
$ 199.00 per person

Archaeology Diving Specialty: Sunken cities, historical shipwrecks, submerged civilizations, prehistoric remains all draw on our curiosity. The possibility of being involved in an archaeological find with significance to the historical world, or which will shed light on our historical past is of interest to Adventurers and the curious the world over. Buried cities in China, Inca temples and sacrificial wells, pyramids in Egypt, Greek & Roman sunken cities and ships, Spanish Galleons, Prehistoric remains, and much more stimulates the imagination and awaits discovery. As information, technology and experience improves new and exciting opportunities await the diver who is trained in the proper techniques of performing Underwater Archaeological excavation, mapping and artifact handling. Prerequisites: Advanced, Artifact, U/W Navigation, Night, Deep, Search & Recovery, Wreck and U/W Photography.
$ 325.00

Underwater Video: Capturing that special moment, sharing an experience with friends, proving you were actually there, remembering the excitement and fun are all reasons why you should take a video camera along on your dives. With some simple techniques and practice you can be ready to capture those rare moments underwater when: the lobster comes to meet you, the eagle ray glides by gracefully, a fish decides to befiend you, a harbor seal treats you as a toy, or a whale puts on a show. It is the lament of many divers "Oh! If I only had captured that on a tape of disk. You should have seen what just happened to me. No one will ever believe me." By the time you complete the Underwater Video Course, you will be able to enter the water and capture the moments on tape or disk so you can relive the experience and share it with others. Join us now for the fun and excitement of documenting your underwater experiences.
$ 325.00 per person

Multilevel Diving: This specialty course is designed to make you proficient using the PADI wheel for calculating your nitrogen groups. You keep the wheel & get a specialty to boot.
$ 85.00 * Includes PADI wheel and specialty certificate.

Resort Divemaster Specialty: So...... you want to make your work play and play all day in the land of sun and fun. White sand beaches, warm clear water, fun, excitement, entertainment and unlimited diving await you in the resort setting. Learning how you can be the best you can be as a Resort Divemaster is what this specialty program is all about. Interfacing with Mother Nature, exciting experiences, meeting new friends, exploring and mapping new dive sites and playing in paradise all await the well trained Resort Divemaster. Sign up now to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to take on the responsibilities of a Resort Divemaster. Job placement assistance is available.
$ 495.00 per person

Kelp Diving Specialty: The beauty of fluid motion is constantly apparent when we dive in the kelp. Gliding effortlessly through the forests of the sea, with the sensation of weightlessness is a spiritual experience. Enjoying Mother Nature in one of the truly prolific areas of the world is possible once you have developed the proper knowledge, attitude and skill. Having the confidence to venture into, utilize and appreciate the algae's whenever you go diving will be a direct result of completing the Kelp Diving workshop. The proper techniques for moving up, down, through and around algae's without getting tangled or disturbing the environment will be integrated with learning about the algae ecosystem. Expect Mother Nature to put on a show, enter a kelp bed and stand by for one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of your diving career. Come with us to Catalina and San Clemente, two of California's most beautiful Channel Islands and complete this workshop.
$ 99.00 per person

Rocks, Rips & Reefs: This specialty workshop will teach you the proper techniques to enter and exit in these various environmental conditions. Also the importance of dive planning - obtaining an elevated overview positioned by proper watching techniques to determine the correct place to enter and exit. We also cover practical oceanography with respect to rocky shoreline, rip areas and reef diving.
$ 99.00 per person

High Altitude Diving: Beautiful scenery, clear skies, Mother Nature at her best - and you with the knowledge and sill to explore where others have never been. ALTITUDE DIVING - expands you opportunities to enjoy a totally different environment - safely. Exploring a submerged town, searching for a lost outboard motor, collecting fishing lures are all diving pastimes available in high altitude lakes. Providing a meal of fresh fish (Caught with hook and line underwater), crawdads, clams or mussels for your friends would leave a lasting impression. The excitement of locating favorite hang-outs for the linkers and then feeding them. Learning what fish eat and how they react to bait would make you a better fisherman. The knowledge that wherever you go you can enjoy your chosen recreation - SCUBA diving - expands you ability to enjoy what the earth/water have to offer.
$ 99.00

Marine Aquarium Specialist: This workshop will develop the necessary skills and knowledge to build and maintain your aquarium. We recommend taking the U/W Hunting & Collecting Specialty along with this course to help you understand how to collect and preserve the animals in your local area.
$ 249.00 per person

PSO Water Rescue Specialist (Basic): This specialty is designed to be presented to Fire, Rescue or Police teams. It is designed for a quality rescue procedure with a minimum of risk for the rescuer.
$199.00 per person

IDEA Open Water Pro: This course stresses proficiency and quality. The course consists of 9 classroom sessions, 8 pool sessions and 8 open water dives. This is a 10 week quality instructional program where the diver becomes proficient in all aspect of diving. IDEA is leading the industry with this Open Water Pro Card. You get what you pay for. SCUBA training is equally as important to you personal safety as the dive equipment. After all, the best equipment in the world won't save you if you don't know how to handle the situation. You can take the quick $ 99.00 training class and learn enough to keep you safe. The question is, do you want to be a safe diver or a safe, proficient diver?
$ 360.00 per person

Master Diver: The IDEA Master Diver program is part of the advanced educational program for sport divers. This program is offered to Advanced certified divers, to train in different specialty areas of diving. The advanced educational programs are designed for divers who wish to continue their scuba education but not pursue the professional levels. It is required that the diver complete five specialty courses one of which is Rescue Diver. The Master Diver must also complete the IDEA Dive Medic program or its equivalent and be certified in CPR.
$ 600.00 per person

Scuba Master: The Scuba Master program is a continuation in advanced education for the sport diver. Advanced education programs offer continuing education scuba courses for divers not interested in the professional level. It is important that the sport diver stay active and continue to develop their open water skills and classroom knowledge. Diver safety is important, the well trained active sport diver is a safe diver. To achieve this level the Advanced Diver must complete a total of ten specialty courses, Certified IDEA Dive Medic or its equivalent & be certified and current in CPR & Rescue.
$ 600.00 per person

Scuba Master Elite: The Scuba Master Elite certification is the final level of certification for the non professional sport diver. On completion of the course the student is eligible for the Scuba Master Elite Award Jacket. The certification package is to have completed a total of fifteen specialty courses. Complete a medical evaluation form, Dive Medic & CPR Certified, Complete the Scuba Master program. This certification is the most highly respected in the industry. Frankly Scuba Master Elite status is most coveted and many Instructors don't have the experience level as the non professional level. To achieve this level and then to go on as an Instructor makes for top notch sought after Instructor.
$ 900.00 per person

Underwater Modeling: Prepares the student to communicate effectively with an U/W photographer. Proper posing techniques demonstrated and buoyancy control perfected. Student gets copy's of pictures for portfolio. If you are already a model or an aspiring model this course will help your resume & put you out in front of the competition.
$ 349.00 *Includes photos & specialty certification.

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Captain Dave