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MarineQuest Scientific Diver

Program Dates, Tuition & Registration

 

Scientific Diver Program Dates, Tuition & Registration
Ages 15 - 17 (must complete 9th grade and turn 15 by the start of the program)
Prerequisites

Accredited Open Water Diver Certification

DAN insurance coverage

Staff/Student Ratio 1:8 with a scuba ratio of 1:4
Schedule Sunday - Friday
Check-in/out Sunday 3:00 PM
Friday 12:45 PM
Summer Sessions

Fish ID & Peak Performance Buoyancy

Week 3: June 22 - 27, 2025

Week 6: July 13 - 18, 2025

Advanced Certification

Week 7: July 20 - 25, 2025

Academic Fee** $1,500 (Cost reflected is from 2024. 2025 cost will be available soon)
Overnight Fee

$770 
Total Cost: Academic + Overnight = $2,270

(Cost reflected is from 2024. 2025 cost will be available soon)

Location UNCW Campus - TBD
Registration You must register two weeks prior to the start of the program.

*Note that prices, content, dates, and times are subject to change without notice.  

**The academic fee includes specialty course eLearning, charter fees, SCUBA equipment rental of BCD, regulator, computer, and wetsuit.  Students are responsible for bringing their own mask, fins, and snorkel.  You can go to a local dive shop or purchase mask, fins, and snorkel on the first day of the program at Aquatic Safaris. 

Scuba Diving Program FAQs

DAN insurance is a specialized insurance coverage for diving accidents and dive travel.  Dive Hawks, MarineQuest Scientific Diver, and Oceans-17 students are required to have DAN insurance with at least coverage at the master level.  

  1. Select the membership that fits your student (either individual or family).
  2. Select the plan that fits your students (must be at least mater level).

Get your coverage today!

 

PADI eLearning is the book work required to earn your Open Water, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Nitrox, or Advanced Open Water certification.  About 3 weeks prior to your program start date you will be issued an eLearning code.  You are required to complete your program eLearning course before arriving at your MarineQuest program.

The PADI eLearning portal will also contain additional PADI forms that must be completed.  This includes the PADI Medical Statement.  If you answer yes to any of the questions in the medical statement you will require a physician's clearance in order to participate.  You will review the PADI medical statement in the MarineQuest application.  

Learn more about PADI.

Students participating in MarineQuest scuba diving programs are required to bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins.  All other scuba gear (BCD, wetsuit, regulator, computer, weights, and tank) are provided.  Students who would like to use their own gear must provide a receipt of service within one year.  

MarineQuest suggests that you purchase your mask, fins, and snorkel in person at the scuba diving shop.  The mask is very important and should be fitted to your student's face.  If you do not have a shop where you live, students can purchase mask, snorkel, and fins at Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center, Inc. while during their MarineQuest program.  

 

Frequently Asked Program Questions & Useful Links

Most MarineQuest program educators are marine scientists pursuing or have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degree in a marine science discipline. Also, we hire teachers who have a passion for marine science education. We search through 100+ staff candidates to identify a summer team with experience working with youth, marine science and hold safety certifications including first aid, lifeguard, and more.

We are proud to have a team that is highly trained in both safety and marine science. Each staff member passes a criminal background check before hiring, is First Aid certified, passes a DMV check if they are driving, and is lifeguard certified if required by their position.

MarineQuest's optional and for some senior programs required overnight programming provides participants with a full pre-college experience.  

After the day's activities, students will have free time before dinner.  After dinner, students will have fun, community, and leadership-based activities as well as additional opportunities for free time to read, exercise, and more.  

Stay overnight with MarineQuest

The MarineQuest staff is more than happy to pick up and drop off students at ILM. An airport transportation request form is required.  In some instances, there may be an additional charge. 

More airport Transportation info

Contact Us

MarineQuest

Main Office: 626 MacMillan Ave. 
MarineQuest Lab: Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane 

Registration Office:
Phone: 910.962.2939

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday,
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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