One of the best ways to get back into diving is with a scuba refresher course. Whether it’s been a year since your last trip or 10 years, a scuba diving refresher will help you regain your confidence, remember safety guidelines, and feel prepared for your next big dive. At SilentWorld, we make it easy to brush up on your skills in the water. Find out more about our scuba recertification classes, what they cover, and how to sign up.
What is a Scuba Refresher Course?
A scuba refresher is a brief review of everything you learned the first time you got scuba certified. While scuba certifications never technically expire, some companies require refresher courses before booking a dive if it’s been more than two years since your last trip.
Scuba refresher courses (also called scuba recertification classes) go over several important points including:
- General dive theory
- Buoyancy control
- Regulator and mask recovery
- Equipment setup
- Underwater communication
- Safe diving
- Basic skills
- Emergency protocol
Types of Scuba Refresher Courses
Depending on where you recertify, the format of your scuba diving refresher class may vary. For example, some dive centers include an online review portion in scuba refresher courses. Before attending an in-person session, you may be asked to take a quiz, watch videos, and read up on some material.
There are also scuba refresher courses that are done fully on-site. Often, participants start out in a pool to get their bearings and then spend additional time in a deep water location.
Either way, the goal is again to feel informed and confident in your scuba diving abilities. And even if you have a great memory, getting a review from a professional after a several-year gap doesn’t hurt.
Who Should Take a Scuba Diving Refresher Course, and What are the Benefits?
Anyone who has previously become scuba certified can take a scuba refresher course. Most of the time, people who take a refresher course include:
- Divers with extended time between dives: Many diving spots require a recertification if it’s been 2+ years since your last dive.
- Infrequent or vacation divers: It’s common to take a scuba refresher before each vacation dive, especially if you don’t make it out to a dive site that often.
- Divers who don’t feel confident: Even if it’s only been a few months since you became scuba certified, it’s perfectly normal to want a refresher course before your next dive—especially if you didn’t leave certification feeling confident.
Taking a refresher course decreases your chance of injury, helps cement dive theory in your mind, and increases overall safety. Anyone who has been certified knows that scuba diving involves serious risks—from the bends, to air embolism. Empowering yourself with more knowledge could be the difference between a fun vacation excursion and a life-threatening event.
Key Skills Covered in a Scuba Diving Refresher Course
Since you’re coming from a place of previous knowledge, you can expect a scuba refresher course to be different from your original certification. While the same essentials of scuba diving are covered, you’ll be surrounded by individuals who have done this before and can help you build up your confidence.
Review of Essential Diving Skills
Most refresher courses start with the basics by going over essential diving skills. You’ll get an overview of things like mask clearing, buoyancy control, navigation, regulator recovery, pre-dive checks, and underwater communication.
Equipment Familiarization
Your equipment is your lifeline in scuba diving, so it’s important to re-familiarize yourself with these tools. Get re-acquainted with your mask, snorkel, wet suit, fins, buoyancy control device, regulator, and more.
Safety Procedures and Protocols
Safety skills like ascent rate, buddy checks, and handling emergency scenarios are a must for any scuba refresher course. The better you understand your limits and surroundings, the safer you’ll be out in the water.
How to Enroll in a Scuba Refresher Course at Silent World Dive Center
At Silent World, enjoying the water while staying safe and informed is our top priority. We know how important it is to brush up on your scuba knowledge, and our team of experts is here to address your needs and concerns every step of the way.
Silent World offers a few different options for scuba diving refresher courses. Depending on your choice, the course will take one full day, or be split up into two days.
- Digital Manual & Pool Session ONLY – $159.95
- Digital Manual, Pool Session & Boat Trip – $274.95
- Refresher – $235.00
To enroll, simply visit us online, or contact us to get help with signing up. To enroll on our website, select Book Now, choose a date that works best for you, enter your information, and check out. Remember, you must already be certified in order to take a scuba recertification class. You may also need a release note from your physician if you have pre-existing conditions listed in the PADI medical form.
FAQs About Scuba Recertification and Refresher Courses
How often should I take a refresher?
It’s typically recommended for divers to take a scuba refresher course after two years of inactivity, but you can take one whenever you feel like you need some practice and review.
Is a refresher course required by dive operators?
Yes, many dive operators require you to take a scuba diving refresher if it’s been a long time since your last trip, to ensure your safety.
Can I complete a refresher course if I’ve lost my certification card?
Yes, you can definitely complete a scuba refresher course, even if you’ve lost your certification card. You can request a replacement card online or ask for proof of certification from the organization you originally certified with.
