Open Water Dives
What You Will Do and Learn
Apply your new knowledge, skills and gear in an open water environment.
Plan and conduct open water dives.
Use a either a dive computer or RDP to plan and manage your dives.
Basic underwater navigation.
Earn your certification.
When and Where
Saturday and Sunday, starting at 8:15AM each day. View the Open Water Class Dates.
Ravenal Quarry, 5820 New Road, Ravenal SC 29407
The drive is approximately 19 miles west of the Ashely River Bridge on US 17 South. This the nearest address. DO NOT CROSS THE RAILROAD TRACKS, turn left on the unimproved road which parallels the railroad tracks and pass through the wrought iron gate. Travel east for approximate 1/2 mile. The dive site is along the Southwest edge of the quarry. This is private property and you will not be entry without a scuba guide. It is recommended that you stop in Ravenal to use bathroom facilities since there are no bath facilities at the quarry. The nearest public restroom is approximate 4 miles away at the Food Lion at the corner of US 17 South and SC Route 165.
A parent or legal guardian of students under age 18 must be on-site during training unless other arrangements have been made with the instructor and a notarized parental release is completed. Unaccompanied minors will not be admitted entry into Ravenal Quarry.
Completion time can vary due to class size, weather, environmental conditions and other factors. Classes usually finish by 4:00PM, but may finish sooner or later. We encourage you to not plan other important events during your open water weekend. You will want time to rest after the dive day.
Your instructor will monitor the weather conditions and contact you if the schedule will be adjusted due to lightning. Otherwise, we dive rain or shine.
For each person entering the Quarry is required to complete a Ravenal Quarry Liability Wavier before your open water weekend. Each student will be registered with DAN for free Liability Insurance which will cover the student for 180 days or until they complete their entry level scuba diving course
What to Bring
PADI Diver Logbook and Pen
Recreational Dive Planner
Mask
Snorkel
Fins
Boots
Surface Marker Buoy
Defog Solution
Mesh Gear Bag
Swim Suit
Towel
Weather Appropriate Dry Clothing
Sunscreen
Plenty of Drinking Water
Snacks and Lunch
Beach or Camp Chair (There are no facilities for picinicing .)
Any other items as directed by your instructor.
Regulators, BCDs, Wet Suit, Weights and Air Tanks are kept on-site at the park and will be issued to you by your D & K Scuba Adventures dive crew.
What About Wetsuits?
You will need to wear a wetsuit during your open water dives.
Remember, water temperature at depth is considerably cooler than the surface temperature of the water and will conduct heat from your body up to 25 times faster than air.
Late March to Early May: Minimum 5mm wetsuit with hood and gloves.
Mid-May to Early June: Minimum 5mm wetsuit. Layer wetsuit over 1.5mm shirt and shorts if you tend to feel cold.
Mid-June to Early October: 5mm shortie wetsuit highly recommended.
Mid-October to Early November: Minimum 5mm full wetsuit.
Mid-November to Early March: Minimum 7 mm wetsuit or drysuit by layering with hood and gloves is the norm.
When You Arrive
If the gate is open procedure to the southeastern shore of the quarry and look for your instructor.
If the gate is not open, call or text your instructor.
Park in the grass near the shore entry point.
Prices
$50 admission per day per person.
Upon Completion of Your Open Water Dives
You now have the knowledge and skills expected of an entry level Open Water Diver.
Your instructor will take your photo for your certification card.
Your certification will be processed electronically by your instructor.
You will receive a confirmation email from PADI with your temporary certification card. Check the email you used when registering for eLearning.
Your temporary card is valid for 90 days from your certification date and can be used to dive on an upcoming vacation you may have planned.
You will receive your permanent certification card by mail from PADI within 4 weeks, but usually sooner. This will be mailed to the address you provided when registering for eLearning.
If you do not receive your permanent certification card from PADI within 4 weeks, please contact Scuba Frisco or your certifying instructor.
Now That You're a Certified Diver
Celebrate and be proud of your accomplishment!
Keep diving and don't stop learning.
Check out our Guide to being a Diver.