You are required to purchase the essential equipment listed below:

• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins

We highly recommend our snorkeling package to students. Students can also choose from our selection of masks, fins, and snorkels at the shop. 

We recommend purchasing your equipment at Aquatic Specialties so we can personally fit the equipment to you and your body type. We have many different brands, styles, and sizes, and having equipment that fits well will enhance your performance in the water and make your dive experience more enjoyable! We offer our students a 10% discount* on any required equipment that is purchased while actively enrolled in a course! Every customer matters and your support of your local dive shop is the backbone to our success. Your patronage motivates us to keep improving, and allows us to be able to provide you with the services that we do today - together, we will dive into great things!

*Some restrictions apply on select products

**Due to hygiene and fit considerations, Aquatic Specialties does not rent basic snorkeling equipment. 

To ensure a safe, successful, and enjoyable dive experience, we ask that all students take the following responsibilities seriously throughout the course:

GEAR TRANSPORTATION

Students are responsible for transporting their own personal equipment and rental equipment to and from each class and dive session. If you are unable to do so, we may be able to assist with transport for an additional surcharge. Please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.

PUNCTUALITY & ATTENDANCE

Arrive on time for all sessions. Diving requires structure and safety protocols - late arrivals may miss important briefings and could be asked to reschedule at an added cost. Full attendance is required for certification.

PRE-COURSE STUDY

If your course includes eLearning or textbook materials, they must be completed before your first in-person session. This ensures you understand the theory and can focus on skills during practical training.

MINDSET & FOCUS

Stay attentive and engaged throughout the course. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and support your fellow divers. Please be mindful that this is a classroom setting and we are all here to learn together. If you would like a private class, please contact the shop for more information. Teamwork is a key part of the experience!

MEDICAL & PHYSICAL READINESS

You must complete a medical questionnaire prior to starting the course. If any answers indicate a potential condition, a physician's clearance may be required. Being comfortable in the water and in reasonably good health is essential for completion of the prerequisites of this course.

COMMUNICATION

Keep in touch with us if anything changes - whether it is scheduling conflicts, health concerns, or gear issues. We are here to help, and clear communication ensures a smoother experience for everyone!

Need help preparing or have questions? Reach out to our team at any time - we are here to support you at every step of your diving journey!

The course fee ($150) includes the following:

• Digital learning material, course registration, and certification fees for SSI
  • Lifetime access to SSI's digital learning material, digital logbook, digital certification cards, dive tables, and more

• 1 in-person (or virtual) classroom sessions 
  • Students must complete the online material prior to attending
  • Allows students to ask questions in real-time and engage more directly with the subject matter
  • Develop a genuine connection with your classmates and instructor
  • Facilitates collaborative work and learning

• 1 Pool/confined water session
  • Hands on learning where you will apply what you learned in class while in the safety of our on-site, heated pool

• Snorkeling excursions may be available to those looking for an open water experience. Please contact us for more details.

Looking to gain more proficiency and confidence in the water?

Check out our Swim Classes: We offer swim classes for children and adults of all ages and skill levels. Swim courses are taught on site in our heated pool and students will learn the skills and safety needed to become a confident swimmer! Please contact us for more details. 

Snorkeling Excursions: Interested in continuing your snorkeling adventures and want to explore the New England Coast? Aquatic Specialties offers snorkeling excursions - please contact us for more details. 

Interested in continuing your underwater journey? Check out some of our other courses we have available for our students interested in starting Scuba Diving:

Try Scuba Diving (Ages 8+): This is a program designed to give you a taste of scuba diving, without committing to a certification or diving in deep water. To be clear, you do not receive a certification, but you will receive a recognition card, and it will give you and/or your child a chance to experience scuba diving in shallow water, and teach you a little of what it’s all about. The program lasts around 3 hours in total and is a combination of a little basic theory and one shallow water session in our indoor heated pool!

Open Water Scuba Diver (Ages 10+): This program certifies students as an SSI Open Water Diver. This entry-level course is the most popular scuba diving certification worldwide, perfect for beginners who want to learn how to dive safely and confidently. SSI's Open Water Diver certification is valid worldwide, allowing you to dive anywhere with a reputable dive shop. This program consists of 6 sessions (3 hours/session), and 4 open water dives. 

Please note: Some courses have other prerequisites or required equipment that is necessary to complete the class. Please see the "prerequisites" and "required equipment" tabs for each individual class for more details.