Private Scuba Classes

Private scuba classes provide a structured, individualized training environment where you can learn at your own pace with a dedicated instructor. This format is ideal for youth, new divers, anxious divers, and anyone who benefits from a quieter, more predictable setting.

Private training follows the same international standards as our group programs. The difference is the environment. Your instructor works exclusively with your group, allowing more time, more repetition, and more support. Because private sessions replace a full group class, pricing is based on group size and the time required.

Families choose private training because it creates a calmer learning environment, a predictable pace, and a safer experience for youth and new divers. Private classes are ideal for anxious divers, sensory needs, ADHD, autism, and anyone who learns best with one on one support.

Private training also gives families the ability to train together, build confidence as a team, and create the strongest possible buddy pairs for future diving.

Private classes are the fastest path to scuba certification. Start eLearning immediately, schedule pool sessions around your availability, and complete your open water dives locally or on vacation using referral paperwork.

If you have a deadline or upcoming trip, private training is the most reliable way to meet it.

Youth ages 10 and 11.
Private classes are the safest and most effective option for younger divers. The pace is slower, the environment is calmer, and the instructor can focus on your child. Parents are strongly encouraged to join the class and be their child’s buddy.

Divers with anxiety, ADHD, autism, or sensory needs.
Private training provides a quieter environment, predictable pacing, and the ability to pause without pressure. Many divers who struggle in group settings thrive in private instruction.

Nervous or unsure divers.
You can repeat skills, slow down, and build confidence with a dedicated instructor who adjusts the pace to your comfort level.

Families and friend groups.
Train together on your schedule with a private instructor dedicated to your group. Ideal for families preparing for travel or groups who want a shared experience.

Anyone who learns better with more attention.
Private classes offer the lowest student to instructor ratio and the most personalized coaching.

Parents can join their child’s private class by enrolling as students. This creates the strongest buddy team, improves safety, and builds confidence for youth divers. Training together also helps parents understand skills, equipment, and safety procedures so they can support their child on future dives.

Certified parents.
Certified parents may join the private class as an Inactive Diver Refresher at a reduced rate. You complete a shorter eLearning module and participate in all pool and lake sessions alongside your child.

Simultaneous courses.
Certified parents may also take Advanced, Navigation, Deep, or other courses during the same private class. Standard tuition applies plus the private instructor upgrade of $200..

Private classes include everything you need for a structured, predictable, and personalized training experience:

• Dedicated instructor for your group
• Flexible scheduling around your availability
• Extended pool time when needed
• Rental gear included for all training sessions
• Personalized coaching and repetition
• Clear preparation steps and online eLearning
• Option to complete open water dives locally or on vacation

Private training replaces a full group class, which is why pricing is based on group size and instructor time rather than an added fee.

Private Open Water Diver Certification

• 1 to 2 divers: 799.99 each
• 3 to 4 divers: 699.99 each
• 5 to 6 divers: 599.99 each
• 7 to 8 divers: 499.99 each

Private Referral Diver (finish dives on vacation)

• 1 to 2 divers: 699.99 each
• 3 to 4 divers: 599.99 each
• 5 to 6 divers: 499.99 each
• 7 to 8 divers: 399.99 each

Private scheduling for other courses.
Advanced, Deep, Navigation, Rescue, and other specialties can be taken privately. Standard tuition applies plus a $200 private instructor rate.

Private classes give you the most flexibility, but they still require coordination behind the scenes. Most instructors are teaching on weekends during our Weekender programs, and those classes use a large portion of our rental gear and lake access. We can sometimes run a private class during a group weekend, but it depends on gear availability, instructor schedules, and lake conditions. Weekday private sessions are often the easiest to arrange because they do not overlap with group programs.

When we build a private class, we coordinate your availability with instructor schedules, shop coverage, pool time, and lake access, all of which shift seasonally. Unfortunately, while we are always happy to try, last minute sign ups may not be possible. You will also need time to complete your eLearning before pool training begins, so reaching out early gives you the best chance of securing the right instructor, reserving the pool and gear you need, and creating a training plan that feels calm, organized, and stress free.

Properly fitting gear is essential for safe and comfortable scuba training. Borrowed gear from parents, family members, or friends may not fit correctly and may not be appropriate for scuba use, even if it is scuba gear. Fit and function matter in the water, so we only train students in properly fitting, scuba appropriate equipment. All required personal gear must be purchased or rented through OCD Divers so we can ensure the right fit, quality, and performance for your training.

Required personal gear

• Mask
• Snorkel
• Boots
• Fins

Rental gear for training

• Provided: BCD, Regulators, Dive computer, Weights
• Rental Options: Tanks ($20/day and you pay for fills or $40/day and we handle fills)
• Wetsuit when needed seasonally

Properly fitting gear also helps new divers feel more comfortable and confident in the water, which is especially important for youth and anxious divers.

Mental readiness.
Clear instructions, predictable pacing, and the ability to pause when needed.

Physical comfort.
Flexible breaks, individualized coaching, and support managing gear and movement.

Emotional confidence.
A quieter setting, fewer distractions, and more time to build trust and comfort.

Skill mastery.
More repetition, more instructor attention, and a pace that matches your needs.

Many divers who worry they cannot dive discover that they simply needed a more personalized learning path. They often thrive in private instruction.

Private classes

• Calmer, quieter environment
• Flexible scheduling
• More repetition and personalized coaching
• Ideal for youth, anxious divers, and families

Group classes

• Structured weekend format
• Social learning environment
• Fixed dates and predictable schedule
• Ideal for divers who enjoy group settings and thrive with focused training environments

Private classes are scheduled individually. Contact us to review your goals, choose dates, and begin eLearning. Early planning ensures a smooth, predictable training experience.

How far in advance should we schedule?
Private classes require coordination with instructors, pool time, and gear availability. Starting early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates.

Can we use our own gear?
Personal gear must be purchased or rented through OCD Divers to ensure proper fit and scuba appropriate design. Borrowed gear may not fit correctly and may not be suitable for training.

How long does eLearning take?
Most divers complete eLearning in eight to twelve hours. Starting early helps keep the training process calm and organized.

Can we start this week?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on instructor schedules, pool availability, and gear inventory. Last minute sign ups may not be possible.

Why do private classes cost more?
Private training replaces a full group class and uses dedicated instructor time. Pricing is based on group size and the time required.

Where do pool sessions happen?
Pool sessions are scheduled at partner facilities based on availability and your group’s schedule.

How do private classes help with anxiety?
Private training provides a quieter environment, predictable pacing, and the ability to pause without pressure. Many anxious divers thrive in private instruction.

What age can kids start scuba?
Certification begins at age ten. Divers ages 10 and 11 are best served through private training for safety and developmental reasons.

Can we switch from a group class to a private class?
Yes. If you begin a group class and decide you need a more personalized environment, we can transition you into a private format.

Do we need a medical form?
Yes. All divers must complete a medical questionnaire. Some conditions require physician approval before training.