Frequent aquatic questions
Do I need any prior experience?
Nope – all you need is enthusiasm and the ability to swim! Our Open Water Diver course starts from zero, teaching you scuba basics in three easy steps (e-learning, pool, ocean). If you’re already certified with another agency, just send us your card and we’ll get you on the next Advanced or specialty program.
What’s the minimum age to dive?
You can start at age 10 to become a Junior Open Water Diver (depending on maturity level) and upgrade to full Open Water at 15. For advanced or specialty courses, the minimum age is 12—or 15 for deeper dives like the “Deep” specialty in the Advanced program.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete, but you must demonstrate basic water skills: surface-swim 200m (or snorkel-swim 300m) and tread water or float for 10 minutes. This is ultimately for your safety and comfortability during the difference phases of the Open Water course!
Where do the pool and ocean sessions take place?
Confined Water Options (Naugatuck YMCA Pool)
Fridays 4pm - 8pm
Saturdays 10am - 2pm
Sundays 8:30am - 12:30pm
Open Water Weekend (May - November)
Stonington, CT, -Saturday 7am - 11am
Fort Wetherill, RI - Sundays 8am - 12pm
Lake Hydra Weekend
For advanced courses or upon special request
If you’d rather finish in a tropical location, ask about our Referral Program*
What if I have medical or fitness concerns?
Before we dive in—literally—you’ll complete a Diver Medical Questionnaire. Depending on your answers, a physician’s approval may be required before participating. If you have any existing medical conditions or fitness concerns, consulting your doctor before enrolling is always recommended.
What gear do I need to bring?
You need your own personal dive mask, snorkel and dive boots. We will provide everything else (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, tanks, weights).
We offer a student gear package which includes a mask, snorkel, boots, and fins that are yours to keep after certification. Contact us for more details.
How long does the full course take?
Typically 3–4 weeks during open water season. You’ll complete the e-learning on your own schedule, followed by an online virtual classroom session with Mike. From there we’ll book two 4-hour pool sessions to begin working on your skills. Lastly, you’ll complete open water weekend which includes two repetitive dives on Saturday in Stonington CT and two repetitive dives on Sunday in Fort Wetherill, RI. Open water dives only take place between May and November, pending weather.
Once you complete the final performance requirement for the open water dives, you’ll walk onto the beach as a certified diver (assuming all other requirements have been met).
Do I need dive insurance?
While it isn’t strictly mandated by PADI, we strongly recommend—and for some specialty or referral programs require—that you carry dive-accident insurance. Plans through organizations like DAN cover emergency evacuation, hyperbaric treatment and lost or damaged gear. A typical one-year policy runs around $65–$75 and can be purchased online in minutes.
What’s the water like in New England?
Expect summer temps of 60–70 °F in a 7 mm wetsuit (we supply). Visibility ranges from 5–12 ft depending on ocean conditions.
Spring and Fall temperatures can drop as low as 50 degrees during our dive season. When the temperatures drop lower than this, we end our dive season for the winter.
If you request a Lake Hydra trip instead, you can expect better visibility (around 10-20 feet) but sharper temperature changes with thermoclines (40 to 70 °F).
If you crave warmer water, our referral option lets you complete your pool sessions up here, but you’ll finish your open water dives in the destination of your choice!
How do I book?
You can start by clicking on “reserve your spot” in the top right corner of this website. Once you fill out the intake form, you can expect us to be in touch shortly!
Do you offer a military or student discount?
As a veteran myself, I’m proud to support those who’ve served. Active-duty military, veterans, reservists and first responders receive 10% off all courses—just reach out with proof of service for your discount code.
I also know how hard it is to balance life with school. Therefore we also provide a 10% student discount to all currently enrolled university students.
(These discounts do not stack).
what is your refund policy?
At Finn’s Up Dive School, we know plans can change—and we’ll always do our best to accommodate you. Please note that the $230 e-learning fee is non-refundable, as it covers the immediate purchase and licensing of your official PADI digital course materials.