Scuba Training Roadmap
Try Scuba · Get Certified · Build Skills · Go Pro
6
Training Levels
PADI
Certified Curriculum
Ages 8+
Programs Available
Pro
Level Achievable
Your Scuba Diving Journey
Scuba diving is more than a course — it’s a journey. Whether you’re just curious about breathing underwater or dreaming of becoming a dive professional, there’s a clear path to help you build skills, gain confidence, and explore the underwater world safely.
Below is your step-by-step roadmap through PADI scuba training at Scuba Shack. Every diver starts somewhere — and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
How the Roadmap Works
The six steps below progress from complete beginner to dive professional. You don’t have to complete every step — most recreational divers stop at Step 3 or 4 and dive happily for life. But if you catch the bug, the path to Divemaster and Instructor is right here waiting for you.
Flexible Scheduling — Start When You’re Ready
Most of our courses don’t require a fixed start date. You can purchase your course anytime and schedule your training through the shop, where our team of instructors will work with you to build a schedule that fits your availability—whether that’s evenings, weekends, or a custom timeline. Not sure where to start? Contact us and we’ll help you create the right plan.
The Six Steps to Scuba Mastery
Follow the path at your own pace. Every step builds on the last.
Step 1 — Try Scuba
No certification required
Not sure if diving is for you? Start here. Discover Scuba Diving and Bubblemaker (ages 8+) let you try scuba in a safe, controlled environment with an instructor. Perfect for first-timers, families, and groups.
Step 2 — Get Certified
Open Water Diver · Ages 10+
Your first full certification — your license to dive the world. Learn essential skills, safety procedures, and complete open water dives. After this, you can dive anywhere with a buddy.
Step 3 — Build Experience
Advanced Open Water · Navigation · Night Diving
Improve your skills and expand your comfort zone. Advanced Open Water, Underwater Navigator, and Night Diver courses help you gain experience across different environments. Recommended before moving to more advanced training.
Step 4 — Rescue & Safety
Rescue Diver · Emergency Oxygen Provider
Become a better, more aware dive buddy. You’ll learn to prevent and manage problems, assist other divers, and respond in emergency situations. Often considered the most rewarding PADI course divers take.
Step 5 — Specialty Training
Nitrox · Deep · Wreck · Dry Suit · Photography · Naturalist
Customize your diving experience. Choose from a wide range of specialties and focus on what excites you most — whether that’s exploring wrecks, night diving, underwater photography, or extending your bottom time with enriched air.
Step 6 — Go Professional
Divemaster · Instructor
Turn your passion into a career. Become a leader in the dive community, guide dives, assist with training, and inspire others. As a Divemaster or Instructor you can work in the dive industry anywhere in the world.
Bonus: Specialty Paths
Depending on your interests, you can also explore Public Safety Diving, Conservation & Environmental courses, Technical Diving (advanced pathway), and Youth Programs for younger divers ages 8 and up.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Everyone’s journey is different. Whether you want to dive on vacation, explore local Connecticut waters, or become a professional, we’ll help you choose the right path and build a schedule that works for you.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Connecticut’s premiere scuba training center is here to guide you every step of the way.