What's Needed to Learn Scuba Today!

Paperwork, Forms, and Releases

Paperwork in Scuba diving is a serious matter.  Several forms are required to take a Scuba class.  It is important that you and your spouse (significant other, children, etc.) review the documents carefully.  If you have any questions, please consult your instructor prior to signing.  Your forms must be complete PRIOR to class starting.

Required forms include: the Liability Release, the Medical Statement, and if you answered "yes" on any of the medical history questions, we must request your physician review and complete the Physician Sign Off Form.

Required and Recommended Class Materials

Required Materials include either the Scuba Diver Manual and Knowledge Quest Book or access to the Online Learning module.

Recommended Reading Materials include: Diverwire, Phoenix Scuba Examiner, Scuba Diving Magazine, Dive Training Magazine, ArizonaScuba.com, Academy of Scuba Facebook Page, and Scubaboard. Also, we recommend having a log book, and the Scuba Diver DVD.

FOOTNOTE: Required Materials are included with the Academy of Scuba's Beginner Courses.

Required Scuba Diving Equipment

Scuba diving is an equipment intensive sport.  Students are required to bring their own personal dive equipment. Divers' personal dive equipment consists of a mask, snorkel, fins (and boots if necessary), a timing device, and any in water essentials they may need (such as a bathing suit, sun block, etc.).  A strong mesh gear bag is highly recommended to carry your personal equipment and other scuba related gear.

Other equipment, which can be rented, includes a wet suit, BCD, regulator, octopus, computer, or SPG/depth gauge. If you are not using a dive computer, a set of decompression tables will be mandatory.

Lastly, all divers should have a personal safety kit which includes one audible and one visual safety emergency notification device. A whistle and safety sausage work very well.

Renting Versus Owning Scuba Equipment

Everyone understands that getting into Scuba, much like any other adventure sport, has an up-front cost/investment to it.  And, for a while you may need to rent, which, if you have to, is better than not diving at all.  From a cost perspective, a mid range set of gear pays for itself in about 20 to 30 dives. Further, when renting, you are generally using lower end gear versus what most people dive with, which is a better grade of Scuba gear.

The Academy of Scuba recommends owning your own gear.  It will keep you in the water more often. Further, having your own gear will assist with the development of muscle memory.  This is a critical component to safe, fun, and relaxing diving.  Owning your gear will allow you to develop better buoyancy, better air consumption, and a higher level of enjoyment from the sport.

Speak with your instructor or dive professional about gear that is right for you.  Buy right; buy once.

Used Gear

The Academy of Scuba does not recommend purchasing used gear!