What To Do After Registering for Your Scuba Class

For safety, consistency, and liability reasons, all personal gear used in OCD Divers Open Water classes must be obtained through OCD Divers. This includes your mask, snorkel, boots, and fins.

We move quickly during training, and we cannot assume responsibility for unsafe, poorly fitting, or low‑quality gear purchased elsewhere. Our gear is vetted, training‑appropriate, and fitted to you so you can focus on learning—not fighting with equipment.

Please do not buy gear from other online retailers to use in our classes. We want you in gear that we know is safe, reliable, and appropriate for the skills you’ll be performing.

Two ways to complete this step:

• Choose a gear package online from OCD Divers:
  Select from rental or keep‑forever packages. Your selections will be prepared for your class.
• Visit the shop in person (recommended):
  Come by at least three days before class so we can help you find the best‑fitting mask, fins, snorkel, and boots.

Class sign‑up bonus: You receive 25% off masks, fins, snorkels, and boots when purchased in person with your class.

All tanks for training must be rented through OCD Divers so we can ensure proper fills, safety checks, and availability at your training site.

You can choose your tank rental package online or at the shop. Options vary by location (Scuba Ranch or Balmorhea), and higher‑tier packages include additional convenience such as delivery and fills.

Many divers choose to add certifications that pair perfectly with Open Water training:

• Advanced Buoyancy Diver — eLearning + two additional dives (discounted $30 if taken the same weekend, no additional charge for gear rental, and no extra entry fees to the lake)
• Computer Nitrox Diver — eLearning + lakeside skills (no dives required) (discounted $30 if taken the same weekend)
• Both together at a discounted rate (Discounted an additional $20 for taking both - exceptional value!)

You can add these options online or at the shop. Adding in advance guarantees tank availability and ensures your eLearning is ready to go before your training weekend. Not

Within about 24 hours of online registration, you’ll receive an email from PandaDoc containing all required forms, including the official diver medical questionnaire.

Please complete these forms as soon as possible. We cannot begin in‑water training until all required documents are fully signed and submitted.

Youth Divers & Email Requirements

Each youth diver must have their own email address so they can sign their forms electronically. If a youth does not have an email they can receive external mail to, parents/guardians may:

• Create a free Gmail account for the child and keep the password
• Use another parent email address (for example, personal vs. work)
• Use one parent's email for the youth’s eLearning/forms account and another for the parent signature

If there is more than one youth diver in the family, each youth must have a separate email address.

Parents will know their youth’s forms are ready once they receive their own release to sign. Please watch your inbox in case we need to request an additional email address.

The diver medical form is part of your PandaDoc packet and is based on the RSTC Diver Medical Form used worldwide. Most divers complete it with no issues, but some conditions require a medical provider’s sign‑off. Above all, it is critical that you are honest about your answers for your own safety as well as the safety of the other divers and professional team. 

Because medical clearance can take time, complete your medical form as soon as you receive it. If a doctor’s signature is required and you wait until the last minute, your training may need to be rescheduled. A yes anser on page one to questions 3, 5, or 10 require a medical provider review. A yes answer to the other questions on page one requrie ansering the questions on page two - any yes answers on page two require medical provider sign-off.

Once you complete your paperwork, PandaDoc will email you a PDF copy for your records. No in‑water training can begin until all required signatures are in place.

For a explanation of the medical form and readiness for scuba training, visit:our blog post about medical fitness to dive.

Within about 24 hours of your online registration, we create your SDI account. Once it’s ready:

• Go to https://tdisdi.com
• Click Log In
• Select Forgot Password
• Reset your password and complete your profile

You’ll need to upload a head‑and‑shoulders photo for your future certification card:

• Clear, well‑lit image
• Only the diver (no group or couple photos)
• No sunglasses, hats, scarves, or other obstructions

You can also complete this step using the SDI app if you prefer.

Once your SDI account is active, your course will appear under My eLearning on the left‑hand navigation.

To be fully prepared for class:

• Complete all eLearning segments
• Continue until you see the completion certificate
• Remember: finishing the final exam alone does not complete the course
• All eLearning must be completed by two days before the in-person segments of your class begin

Your instructor will review any missed questions with you before the pool session. Please pace yourself over several days rather than trying to rush everything at the last minute. We request parents and guardians monitor their youth's progress to ensure on-time completion.

Personal Gear Packages

One set per student. Options range from rental‑only to premium keep‑forever packages.

Tank Rental Options

Bronze and Silver are Scuba Ranch‑only options. Gold and Platinum work at both Scuba Ranch and Balmorhea, with Platinum including delivery and fills.

Add‑On Classes

• Advanced Buoyancy Diver — eLearning + two additional dives
• Computer Nitrox Diver — eLearning + lakeside skills
• Both together at the best value

You can select all of these options online here:
Open Water Diver Add‑On Options

Once you’ve selected your gear and tanks, completed your PandaDoc forms and medical questionnaire, set up your SDI account, and finished your eLearning by Thursday, you’re ready for a smooth, low‑stress training weekend.

If you have questions about gear, medical clearance, youth divers, or which add‑on options make the most sense for you, reach out. We’re obsessive about making your first dive experience safe, predictable, and genuinely enjoyable.

Our classes normally sell-out and we turn away divers all the time. Therefore your spot is valuable and we kindly ask that you take care of personal gear, rentals, paperwork, medical forms, and eLearning on time or sooner. If incomplete before class begins, you won't be able to participate and a $150 rescheduling fee will apply.