These are the top dive shops I patronize in and around the NYC area which are all near me. Each dive shop is staffed with highly knowledgeable scuba divers. All of the dive shops listed below offer various levels of scuba diving classes, gear service, equipment sales, and organize dive trips.

NYC Dive Shops

Westchester County Dive Shops

Connecticut Dive Shops

Images From Recent Expeditions

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  A Few More Lion Images
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  Hitting 1K Dives
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  999 Scuba Dives
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  Whale Watching Wednesday

To receive scuba diving certification cards, commonly referred to as diving certification cards or “C-cards,” individuals must complete scuba diving training courses offered by recognized diving agencies. These courses are designed to ensure that divers have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to safely enjoy scuba diving. The specific skills required may vary slightly depending on the level of certification and the agency providing the training, but here are the fundamental skills typically required for scuba diving certification:

1. Basic Scuba Skills:
   • Equipment Assembly and Disassembly: Demonstrating the ability to correctly set up and take down scuba gear, including the tank, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), and weight system.
   • Pre-Dive Safety Checks: Conducting pre-dive safety checks to ensure that all equipment is functioning correctly and that the diver’s air supply is adequate.
2. Buoyancy Control:
   • Achieving neutral buoyancy: The ability to maintain a stable and level position underwater without sinking or floating.
   • Proper weighting: Adjusting the amount of weight to achieve neutral buoyancy and minimize exertion.
3. Breathing Techniques:
   • Controlled and efficient breathing: Using breathing techniques to conserve air and reduce air consumption.
   • Equalization: Clearing ear and sinus pressure as the diver descends and ascends.
4. Dive Planning:
   • Dive tables or dive computers: Understanding and using dive tables or dive computers to plan and monitor dive profiles and dive times.
   • Dive planning and safety considerations: Assessing dive conditions, including depth, temperature, visibility, and currents, and making appropriate safety plans.
5. Underwater Navigation:
   • Use of a compass: Navigating underwater using a compass to maintain course and return to the starting point.
   • Natural navigation: Using underwater landmarks and topography for orientation.
6. Mask Clearing and Removal:
   • Clearing water from the mask while underwater.
   • Demonstrating the ability to remove and replace the mask underwater if necessary.
7. Regulator Recovery and Clearing:
   • Recovering and clearing the regulator (breathing apparatus) in case it becomes dislodged or malfunctions underwater.
8. Emergency Procedures:
   • Sharing air: Demonstrating the ability to share air with a buddy in case of an out-of-air emergency.
   • Controlled ascents and descents: Safely ascending and descending in the water, including safety stops when required.
9. Marine Life and Environmental Awareness:
   • Respect for marine life and ecosystems.
   • Understanding and following guidelines for responsible diving practices, such as not touching or damaging coral reefs.
10. Safety Protocols:
    • Understanding and following established safety protocols, including dive planning, buddy checks, and emergency procedures.
11. Knowledge Assessments:
    • Passing written exams to demonstrate knowledge of diving physics, physiology, decompression theory, and safety practices.

Scuba diving certification courses are typically offered by well-known diving agencies such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), and SSI (Scuba Schools International), among others. Completing a course from one of these agencies and passing the required assessments and open water dives will lead to the issuance of a scuba diving certification card at the specific level achieved (e.g., Open Water Diver, Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver). The requirements for each certification level may vary, so it’s important to check with the specific diving agency for the most up-to-date information on their certification programs and requirements.