MarineQuest 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 CANCELLED Week 6: July 13 - 18, 2025 Advanced Certification Week 7: July 20 - 25, 2025 |
| Academic Fee** |
Fish ID: $1,525 Advanced Certification: $1,550 |
| Overnight Fee |
$810 Fish ID Total Cost: Academic + Overnight = $2,335 Advanced Certification Total Cost: Academic + Overnight = $2,360 |
| 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
Students will dive in the UNCW Student Rec Center pool to experience what it's like to breathe underwater and become comfortable with the equipment used in SCUBA.
Dive Hawks (Open Water Certification Students)
Students will begin with completing the confined water requirements for their certification in the UNCW Student Rec Center pool. Their first two open water dives will take place at Fantasy Lake SCUBA Park. Their second two dives will take place offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, weather permitting. If conditions warrant, students will return to Fantasy Lake to complete remaining dives.
MarineQuest Scientific Diver & Oceans 17 (Advanced Certification Students)
Students will complete refresher dives at Fantasy Lake SCUBA Park. Remaining dives will be completed offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, weather permitting. If conditions warrant, students will return to Fantasy Lake or another protected location to complete remaining dives.
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, ranging from $80 - $100.
- Select the membership that fits your student (either individual or family).
- Select the plan that fits your students (must be at least mater level).
PADI eLearning is the online work required to earn your Open Water, Peak Performance Buoyancy, 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.
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.
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.
Contact Us
MarineQuest
Main Office: 626 MacMillan Ave.
MarineQuest Lab: Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane
