Tuition Assistance Program: Open Water – Dive Master

MISSION: Specialized in depth course designed to certify and train each individual from the basics of Open Water diving through Master Diver Syllabus end state each Marine will be a fully trained SSI Dive Master.

COURSE OVERVIEW

• Open Water Diver
• Navigation
• Deep Diver
• Limited Visibility/Night Diving
• Wreck Diving
• Computer Diving
• Drysuit Diving
• Search & Recovery Diver
• Stress & Rescue Diver
• Nitrox Diver or Mixed Gas
• Comm Mask
• Oxygen 1 & 2
• AED
• First Aid CPR
• Dive Master Credentials

Do I qualify?

The prerequisites are as follows:

-Active duty Marine Corps personnel, active duty Marine Corps Reserve personnel (Active Reserve (AR) and Extended Active Duty (EAD)), and personnel of the other military Services on active duty who are operationally or administratively attached to the Marine Corps, are eligible for Marine Corps TA. Navy personnel shall be funded according to current Navy TA policy. Participants in special education programs including, but not limited to: MECEP, BOOST, College Degree Program, and the SNCO Degree Completion Program, are ineligible for TA.

-GT Score 100 or higher (Reference BTR Section TEST SCORES in MOL)

–Officers incur an additional two year commitment if TA is utilized (Note- case by case basis with verification by the JEC)

 

How do I sign up?

Step 1: Download the TA Application (HERE)

-When filling out the form annotate in Course ID: (0700001)

-Total course hours will be 270 hours with C for clock hours

-Total cost is $4,500.00

 

Step 2: Contact your local base education center and make an appointment for TA. Below are the locations and times in the local San Diego Area:

 

 

***Military students using TA for the first time are required to attend a College 101 Brief at their respective base education centers.

 

Step 3: Once the education center has given you TA Authorization form contact MiraCosta Community Services to arrange for an appointment with the Director, Linda Kurokawa, (760-795-6820)

 

Step 4: Lastly, visit us at:

 

 

Where can I find more information on Tuition Assistance (TA)?

Reference the following Marine Corps Order (MCO P1560.25C ) and scroll to Chapter 3 Tuition Assistance Program

 

Where can I go for additional information?

Email us at: ncscubacenter@att.net or call us at (760)-753-0036

 

How long will the program take?

We understand the fast paced and training intensive tempo of the Marine Corps so to accommodate individual special situations we have tailored this program to meet the demands of particular schedules. Typically, this program will take 3 to 6 months to complete but if operational constraints require you to deploy NCSC will be happy to put your individual program on hold temporarily until you return stateside to complete the course.

 

What is the instructor to student ratio?

In accordance with Scuba Schools International (SSI) and international diving regulations, the ratio will be 1:8 (instructor to student) or more diving professionals depending on availability of personnel and specific class requirements.

 

How often will I be going to classes/diving?

Students will be expected to show up twice a week. Lectures will be held on Monday evenings at 6 pm at the Dive Center, Friday evenings are pool sessions at Pacific Athletic Club, and will start at 6 pm-9 pm, and Saturday Mornings are Open Water Evaluations at La Jolla Shores with a start time of 7 am-12 noon.  Sometimes the students will meet on Sundays as well for additional training. Same schedule will apply that we use on Saturdays. We will let you know in advanced if there will additional training on Sunday’s.

 

Where do I meet for my first class?

Initial orientation classes will be held at our commercial office below:

 

 

What do I need to bring for my first class?

Students need to come prepared for class. Items to bring as follows; The Open Water Manual, and issued student educational kit, Log Book, pen, scratch paper to take notes, mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, and boots. Please bring a set of trunks so you can be fitted into your wetsuit. All lecture classes start at 6pm sharp at the Dive Center.

 

Are there any incidental costs not covered with TA funding?

Yes, students will be responsible to purchase there Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Gloves, and Booties at NCSC, and will receive a 10% military discount. Students buying full sets of equipment will also receive the 10% off. Full sets of gear range between $1500.00-$4000.00. This would include 1st and 2nd stages, BC with integrated inflator/regulator, diving computer. More expensive system include weights, tanks, wetsuit, clips, lights, and back up lights.

***Please add the cost of the boat at $150.00 for gas fees and transportation fees.

 

What if I already have my OPEN WATER Certification?

If a student already has an open water diver card, they will be responsible to do an evaluation instead of the open water diver program. It will consist of an academic written test, 1 pool session, and 2 open water dives.

 

Very Respectfully,

Gregory A. Knyper

Chief of Diving Operations

North County Scuba Center