DIVE TRAINING
SCUBA DIVING INSTRUCTION
(PRIVATE TRAINING)
Avoid the crowds and enjoy a private scuba dive! If you love to snorkel and swim, then this activity is for you. There is nothing more exciting than your first few breaths underwater! During this half day adventure, you’ll learn the basics of scuba diving, perform a few skills in shallow water to ensure your comfort, and then your Instructor will guide you through a dive around the old Frederiksted Pier. This dive site is famous for its beautiful aquatic life, including close encounters with corals, sponges, sea turtles, stingrays and many colorful Caribbean fish!
Disclaimer: Nep2une is not responsible for Mermaid sightings, Pirate encounters, or any sudden urges to become a Marine Biologist.
Your underwater adventure begins as soon as you confirm your Basic Diver reservation. Your confirmation email will contain a link to the MySSI app (Scuba Schools International diving agency) where you need to create a free user profile. Once your profile is set up, you just need to let us know and we will assign your Basic Diver Digital Learning. You will also need to complete the waivers and Diver Medical statement prior to your scheduled dive. This whole process only takes about 20 minutes to complete. Upon check in for the dive, your Scuba Instructor will review everything you learned in your Digital Learning course and answer any questions. Then it’s off to shallow water to practice a few basic scuba skills before enjoying a guided scuba dive with your instructor.
Please Note: For everyone’s safety, the successful completion of all scuba skills is required to participate in the scuba dive portion.
OPEN WATER DIVER
You can complete the SSI Open Water Course in just 2.5 days! There is no better place to start your scuba adventure than right here in St. Croix with Nep2une Scuba Diving! This course teaches you the skills necessary to become a safe and confident diver even with no previous experience. After booking your reservation directly with us, you will receive instructions on how to enroll in your SSI Digital Learning. This online course can be completed at your own pace, but must be finished prior to your first day of in-water training with us.
Upon arrival, you’ll work with a Nep2une Instructor over 2.5 days, to complete 5 shallow, confined water dives in the pool-like conditions at the Frederiksted Pier. Next you will have 4 open water dives to implement your newly learned skills. If you have already completed the Classroom and Confined Water/Pool Sessions with your local dive shop, you can finish your remaining open water dives in the warm, clear waters of St. Croix as an Open Water Referral with our shop.
Open Water students can complete all dives from shore, or choose the Boat Upgrade option to complete their last 2 open water dives from our boat, and dive reef sites to a maximum depth of 60 feet. This is the best way to experience a full range of diving scenarios while alongside your Instructor!
Nitrox Bundle: You can add the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Course when you book your SSI Open Water Certification with us for just an additional $50! The two courses must be booked at the same time to take advantage of this $125 savings!
If you have not snorkeled much and are not sure how you will feel about scuba diving, we recommend first starting with our Try Diving experience.
SDI OPEN WATER SCUBA DIVER
You can also complete your SDI Open Water Certification or Open Water Referral. The prerequisites and training are very similar to SSI and there is only a small difference in price. Referral Programs may or may not have the cost of the certification e-card included in their Educational Development (i.e. book, classroom, eLearning). If your Referral Program does not include this, there will be a $30 fee added onto your Instructional Dive Package with us.
SCUBA SKILLS UPDATE
If you haven’t been diving recently, or on a regular basis, we highly recommend that you complete a SSI Scuba Skills Update prior to any boat dives. This will allow you to refresh important dive safety concepts alongside one of our awesome instructors, such as dive planning essentials, buoyancy skills, and stress management. Afterwards, you’ll be a confident and knowledgeable diver ready to jump right back into the underwater world!
The first step is to make a reservation with us for your half day in-water training session. Next we’ll send you instructions to register for the online course which must be completed prior to arrival. Click here to get started by creating your MySSI student profile! Complimentary rental gear is provided if needed and a guided dive is included as part of your 1-tank refresher at the world famous pier.
REFRESHER & BOAT COMBOS
Are you planning on joining any of our guided boat dives after your refresher? Or are you traveling with a group on a dive package but haven’t been diving recently? You might be interested in one of our refresher combos. If you don’t see what you need, or have any questions, please call or email us.
ADVANCED ADVENTURER
Are you already certified and ready to take the next step in your dive education? The SSI Advanced Adventurer course is designed to advance your diving knowledge, increase your confidence and expand your scuba skills with 5 Adventure/Specialty Dives. You will complete 2 of these dives as part of a 2-tank boat dive, and the remaining 3 as shore dives. Deep Diving (boat dive) and Navigation (shore dive) are both required dives, but then you get to choose the remaining three dives from the list below for a total of five dives:
- Boat Diving (Available as Boat Dive Only)
- Perfect Buoyancy (Available as Shore Dive Only)
- Photo & Video (Available as Boat or Shore Dive)
- Search & Recovery (Available as Shore Dive Only)
- Night Diving (Available as Shore Dive Only)
After completing the online course, you will need a minimum of 3 half days sessions (1.5 days total) for in-water training to complete this certification. Our recommended schedule to maximize your time and deliver the most knowledge is:
- Day 1: 9:00AM or 1:30PM
– 2 Shore Dives (Navigation and Perfect Buoyancy) - Day 2: 8:30AM
– 2-Tank Boat Dive (Deep Diving and Boat Diving) - Day 3: 9:00AM or 1:30PM or Sunset
– 1 Shore Dive (Search & Recovery, Photo & Video, or Night Diving)
Nitrox Specialty Bundle: Interested in getting Nitrox certified? You can add the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty to your SSI Advanced Certification for a discount!
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
- Must be at least 12 years old
- Must have an Open Water or Jr Open Water Diver Certification
- At least 10 logged dives as Certified diver is recommended
- For the Photo & Video dive you must have your own digital camera or Gopro
SCUBA DIVING SPECIALTIES
Continue your underwater journey with SSI Specialty Courses. These advanced training programs increase your knowledge to build a solid base for exciting scuba diving adventures. Choose from Boat Diving, Deep Diving, Night Diving, Wreck Diving, Enriched Air Nitrox, and Ecology Specialties! You can also fine tune your scuba skills with Perfect Buoyancy, Navigation, Search & Recovery, or Photo & Video courses. Call or email us if you have any questions about a Specialty!
SSI BOAT DIVING SPECIALTY
The ocean is filled with dive sites, but many of the best ones can only be accessed by boat. If you want to discover these incredible dive sites, become an SSI boat diver. It is the best way to learn how to dive from different types of boats safely and with confidence. As a boat diver, you will be able to explore offshore dive sites that attract schooling pelagics and marine megafauna not found closer to shore. You can experience the excitement of liveaboard diving anywhere in the world, fill your day with diving away from the crowds, and cruise along as the sun goes down. Using online training and open water diving sessions, the SSI Boat Diving Specialty program is the best way to learn. This program teaches you all the skills and techniques you need to dive safely and comfortably from boats, including small personal craft and liveaboards.`
SSI PERFECT BUOYANCY SPECIALTY
Perfect Buoyancy is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!
SSI DEEP DIVING SPECIALTY
This specialty will teach you all you need to dive to depths between 18 and 40 meters, through a mixture of academic sessions and open water dives. You will learn to plan and safely complete your deep diving adventures and use computers and gas consumption calculations to get the most from your deep dives. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore beautiful deep dive sites wherever you choose. This SSI Specialty is also a prerequisite for some advanced training, making it the next logical step to take in your dive education. If you do not have experience diving deeper than 60 feet, this course is a great way to safely explore deeper dive sites like the Deep Wrecks, Armageddon, King’s Corner, Tres Amigos, and the Cane Bay Wall. You will feel much more confident at deeper depth after completing this specialty.
SSI NAVIGATION SPECIALTY
In this specialty program, you will gain the advanced skills and knowledge you need to safely and confidently navigate underwater. You will learn how to use a compass and natural navigation techniques, estimate distance, how to leave and return to a designated point, plus basic navigation patterns. You will also be taught how to combine navigation techniques to enhance your diving experience. All of which hones your underwater observation skills, improves your dive safety and helps you to get the most out of every dive. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Navigation Specialty certification.
SSI NIGHT DIVING SPECIALTY
Night diving requires different skills from diving during the day. The SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility specialty is the best way to learn about night diving and practice the techniques you will need to become a safe and confident night diver. In this program, you will be provided with all the knowledge and skills you need to safely and comfortably dive at night or in limited visibility conditions. With a combination of online learning and open water training dives, you will learn how to enter and exit the water, use specialized equipment, and how to communicate with your buddy easily at night or in limited visibility. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility specialty certification and be ready to go night diving with confidence.
SSI ENRICHED AIR NITROX SPECIALTY
As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals – so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification. Although there are no dives required for this course, it does include a tank of Nitrox for you to use on any of your dives after completion of this specialty.
SSI PHOTO & VIDEO SPECIALTY
Underwater photography has some challenges not found on land, but with the SSI Photo & Video specialty program, you will soon learn how to capture your amazing underwater experiences. This program provides the in-depth knowledge you need to dive with an underwater camera and properly use, maintain and store your equipment. You will develop your skills and learn techniques to take underwater images and video safely and easily, plus perfect your diving abilities while using your underwater camera system. Learn how to take high quality images that you can share with everyone and earn your SSI Photo & Video specialty certification. Get started today!
SSI SEARCH & RECOVERY SPECIALTY
In this fascinating program, you will learn all the skills you need to safely and confidently conduct search and recovery dives. You will be taught how to use search patterns, specialized dive plans and equipment such as lift bags, lines and reels. By developing your search and communication techniques and practicing searches in a dive team, you will become a confident search and rescue diver in no time. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Search & Recovery specialty certification.
SSI WRECK DIVING SPECIALTY
Many of the ocean’s best dive sites are wrecks. These impressive structures attract unusually high densities of marine life and give you the chance to immerse in living history as you dive. There is nothing quite like wreck diving and the SSI Wreck Diving specialty will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to become a safe and confident wreck diver. With a combination of academic and confined water sessions, you will be taught how to safely conduct non-penetration dives around wrecks and artificial reefs, up to a depth of 30 meters. You will also get to practice your wreck diving skills during open water training dives. All of which will ensure you can enjoy wreck diving with confidence and get the most out of every dive. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Wreck Diving specialty certification. Continue your adventures and become a wreck diver. Get started online today!
SSI ECOLOGY SPECIALTIES
If you are a budding underwater naturalist, join one of our SSI Ecology Specialty programs! They are the perfect way to enhance your dive experience by learning about different marine life, gaining a better understanding of how ocean ecosystems function, as well as how to safely dive with sharks, turtles, and rays. Whatever your passion, we have a specialty for you! Any diver or snorkeler aged 10 upwards can join these SSI Ecology courses, guided open water or snorkeling sessions are optional, and all courses can be completed online – making them perfect for all to enjoy. Start online today and earn your SSI Ecology Specialty certification and then sign up for a guided dive or snorkel tour to put your new knowledge to use. You can also save money by upgrading one of your boat dives into an SSI Ecology Specialty Dive.
MARINE ECOLOGY
You will learn how ocean organisms interact with each other and their environments. You will be taught how energy flows through communities and the links between different ocean ecosystems. With your newfound knowledge, you will appreciate the marine life you dive with even more!
CORAL IDENTIFICATION
Coral reefs are prized among divers and rightly so. Drifting over a healthy reef filled with bustling marine life is magical, and this course is the best way to get the most out of your reef dives. In this coral specialty program, you will learn how to identify different corals and earn your SSI Coral Identification certification.
FISH IDENTIFICATION
The world’s oceans are home to thousands of fish species, and you will encounter plenty of these fascinating creatures on your dives! In this course, you will be taught all the skills and concepts you need to identify common families of Caribbean, Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reef fish. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Fish Identification certification.
SHARK ECOLOGY
Learn how to interpret shark behaviors, why they are often misunderstood, and how to dive with sharks. This is a perfect course for shark fans as well as divers who are nervous about sharks but want to overcome their fear. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Shark Ecology certification and become an avid shark diver.
SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY
Sea Turtle Ecology: Sea turtles are some of the most wonderful animals to dive with. You will want to dive with them even more after completing this course, which provides the skills and concepts you need to recognize and identify common sea turtle species. It teaches you about the fascinating history of sea turtles, their role in marine ecosystems, and threats to their survival. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology certification.
MANTA & RAY ECOLOGY
In this specialty program you will learn how to dive with rays and recognize different ray species. You will be taught how rays contribute to healthy ocean ecosystems and why these precious animals need our protection. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Manta & Ray Ecology certification.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
• Must be at least 12 years old
• Open Water Diver Certification
• At least 10 logged dives as a Certified Diver is recommended
• Photo & Video Specialty – Your own digital camera or Gopro
RESCUE COURSES
SSI REACT RIGHT – CPR & FIRST AID TRAINING COURSE
Emergencies can happen before, during and after a dive. This course provides you with the knowledge and training you need to act as an emergency first responder by providing first aid, CPR, administering oxygen and/or providing Automated External Defibrillator (AED) support in the event of a medical emergency. There are no dives associated with this training – only an online course which takes 5 hours to complete and then a half day of hands-on training at our dive shop. This course is a prerequisite for either SSI or PADI Rescue Courses, but non-divers are also welcome to sign up for this CPR & First Aid training course.
SSI DIVER STRESS & RESCUE
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to identify stress, how to prevent accidents, and manage common emergency situations encountered by recreational divers. This is one of the most important courses you can take as a diver and also a lot of fun with our enthusiastic Instructors! The online course will take at least 5 hours and must be completed prior to your in-water training days. Save money by booking our SSI Rescue Bundle which reserves your SSI React Right and Diver Stress & Rescue courses together!
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
• Must be at least 12 years old and physically capable of completing the required skills
• Advanced Scuba Certification
• Proof of current O2 Provider, First Aid, and CPR training within two (2) years prior to issuing a certification card. (React Right, EFR, or Red Cross)
WHY CHOOSE NEP2UNE:
At Nep2une Scuba Diving, we are proud to offer private instruction for a full range of Scuba Schools International (SSI) certification courses, such as Open Water instruction, Advanced dive training, Specialty courses, and Rescue certifications. SSI is a globally recognized scuba certification program and the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. No need to worry about other students with our private classes. Our instructors all have many years of experience to ensure that you receive the best instruction possible. Our goal is for you to become a safe and confident diver while having fun exploring the underwater world.! All dive training courses include online and in-person instruction, shore dive or boat dive fees, as well as complimentary rental gear, if needed.
Click here to get started by creating your MySSI student profile! Please call or email us with any questions or concerns about dive training!
PREREQUISITES:
• Must be 10 years of age or older and in good health (able to perform moderate physical activity)
• Be comfortable in the water and know how to swim (snorkeling experience is recommended, but not required)
• MySSI Student Profile and Diver Medical must be completed (some participants may require a physician’s release to scuba dive)
• No flying for a minimum of 12 hours (or 18 hours after more than one dive)
• Each course may have Additional Prerequisites
WHAT TO BRING:
- Swimsuit & Towel
- Reef Safe Sunblock
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Medical Release (only if required)
ATTENTION: ALL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE THE DIVER MEDICAL DURING THEIR ONLINE COURSE. CLICK THE LINK TO PREVIEW THE QUESTIONS.
ANY STUDENT ANSWERING “YES” TO QUESTION #3, #5, #10, OR ANY QUESTION ON PAGE TWO, MUST HAVE A PHYSICIAN FILL OUT THE EVALUATION FORM ON PAGE THREE. OTHERWISE, IF YOU HAVE ALL “NO” ANSWERS, YOU CAN SKIP THIS STEP. IF REQUIRED, WE MUST HAVE THE EVALUATION FORM ON FILE PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY IN-WATER INSTRUCTION.
