REQUIREMENTS: Some medical histories and current pregnancy preclude diving, and a medical history will be obtained from each student on the first session. Students need to be adequately comfortable in the water so a water ability test will be administered the first meeting; this includes swimming 10 lengths (not laps) of the pool without resting using snorkeling gear after instruction, a 10-minute tread water or float, and a short underwater swim. Students need to obtain personal snorkeling gear adequate for ocean diving BEFORE THE FIRST POOL SESSION; this includes mask, snorkel, boots, and fins. It is also recommended that you have a breathable dive bag and an inexpensive octopus holder necklace. Do not get slipper fins because you will need boots with fins for boat and shore diving. It is recommended that students purchase this equipment with guidance from an instructor or reputable dive shop. Omar's One More Chance Dive Shop in Charleston also provides a student discount from already reduced prices. His dive shop has been highly recommended by our students. He can be reached at (843) 573-7573.