It may be easy to find rodeos and bull riding in Fort Worth, but finding sanctioned scuba-diving classes can be a challenge. One of the best ways to find scuba-diving classes is to start with the organizations that offer certifications. NAUI, which stands for National Association of Underwater Instructors, is one of the primary diving certification organizations in the world. NAUI itself provides the standard coursework materials and methodology, and then certifies both dive centers and instructors to train other divers. This practice ensures consistency regardless of where you receiving your training. In Fort Worth, for example, the NAUI scuba-diving classes and training will be the same as if you took a class at a premier scuba diving destination.
Dive Centers
NAUI maintains a locator on its website where you can find dive centers and instructors. There are two dive centers or training locations in Fort Worth that teach NAUI scuba-diving classes. Lone Star Scuba, located just west of downtown Fort Worth, teaches the standard range of NAUI dive classes, from beginning to specialty. University Scuba, located just east of downtown Forth Worth, is based at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and teaches scuba to both UTA students and non-students. University Scuba also teaches beginning and specialty classes.
Cost
The cost of taking NAUI scuba classes varies based on the specific dive center. The cost in Fort Worth is typically between $300 and $400, as of August 2010. The cost of classes at University Scuba also vary depending on whether you are enrolling as a UTA student or taking non-student classes.
Duration
A typical NAUI certification class, including the one offered through Lone Star Scuba, typically requires 10 to 15 hours of self-study, followed by two weekends in the classroom or pool. The exact time spent on coursework depends on how quickly you can read and understand the material. If you take NAUI classes as a UTA student, the class runs for a full semester. Some advanced classes may have different durations.
Coursework
Lone Star Scuba teaches classes several times a month, and their online class schedule lists both a starting date for a specific class and a lake weekend where you will perform open-water dives. University Scuba offers a scuba certification course as part of the university curriculum, for which you can receive university credit. The schedule for these courses is published in the university schedule. If you are not a UTA student, contact University Scuba directly for information about class start times.
When you start with the coursework, you learn through self-study. This allows you to learn thoroughly but at your own pace. An in-class portion follows the self-study portion and includes an instructor who goes through the materials, demonstrates how to use the equipment and administers any tests.
Confined-Water Dives
Following online and classroom coursework, you complete a series of dives in a confined water location. University Scuba uses either UTA's pool facilities or a third-party pool. Lone Star Scuba uses a pool facility located at their store. The confined-water dives allow you to practice your skills and receive additional instruction.
Open-Water Dives
Completing a NAUI certification requires checkout dives, which you complete in the open water. You complete checkout dives with your instructor, who tests the skills you have learned to certify that you know how to dive. Fort Worth does not have immediate access to saltwater diving, but there are several lakes and quarries within a short drive. One popular place for checkout dives near Fort Worth is Athens Scuba Park, located about 90 miles southeast of Fort Worth. Another popular location for checkout dives is Clear Springs Scuba Park, located in Terrell, Texas, which is about 60 miles east of Fort Worth.
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