Step Up For Students Scholarship
Open Water Scuba CertificationLEARN. EXPLORE. DISCOVER FLORIDA
A 3-day educational adventure that combines classroom instruction, hands-on-training, and real-world exploration of Florida’s springs, reef, and marine ecosystems.
At Ranger Rick’s Scuba, we believe education is most powerful when students experience it firsthand. Our Step Up For Students eligible Open Water Scuba Certification combines classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and real-world exploration of Florida’s incredible underwater ecosystems.
Students don’t simply learn how to scuba dive—they develop confidence, critical thinking skills, environmental awareness, and a deeper understanding of Florida’s unique natural resources.
As an approved Direct Pay Provider for the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program, eligible families can use scholarship funds toward this educational experience through the EMA Parent Portal.
Approved Step Up For Students Provider
Ranger Rick’s Scuba is proud to participate as an approved provider for eligible Step Up For Students scholarships.
Eligible scholarship programs include:
- Personalized Education Program (PEP)
- Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)
- Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
Please verify scholarship eligibility and available funding through your Step Up For Students parent account before submitting your service order.
Course Overview
Open Water Scuba Certification
- Course Price: $750
- Course Length: Three Days
- Certification: NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver
This three-day certification course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become certified scuba divers.
Students complete classroom instruction, confined water training, and four open water dives while learning about Florida’s springs, marine ecosystems, conservation, and safe diving practices.
Successful completion earns students an internationally recognized NAUI Open Water Scuba Certification.
Three-Day Course Schedule
Day 1: Classroom & Pool Training
Students begin by learning:
- Scuba equipment and assembly
- Dive planning
- Underwater communication
- Safety procedures
- Buoyancy fundamentals
- Marine conservation principles
The afternoon includes pool training where students practice essential scuba skills in a controlled environment with certified instructors.
Day 2: Open Water Dives 1 & 2
Students travel to a Florida spring or approved open water training location where they will:
- Practice underwater skills
- Improve buoyancy control
- Build confidence underwater
- Experience Florida’s aquatic environment firsthand
Day 3: Open Water Dives 3 & 4
Students complete their remaining certification dives while developing greater independence, confidence, and environmental awareness.
After successful completion of all required skills, students earn their NAUI Open Water Certification.
Why Scuba Is Outstanding STEM Education
Physics
Students experience:
- Pressure changes
- Boyle’s Law
- Buoyancy
- Density
- Air volume
- Underwater movement
These scientific principles are no longer abstract—they become something students experience firsthand.
Marine Biology
Students discover:
- Fish identification
- Marine ecosystems
- Aquatic food chains
- Coral communities
- Freshwater habitats
- Marine mammals
Students learn how species interact and why healthy ecosystems are essential.
Environmental Science
Students explore:
- Conservation
- Water quality
- Habitat protection
- Responsible recreation
- Human impacts on aquatic environments
Students learn that every diver has a responsibility to protect the underwater world.
Earth Science
Students gain an understanding of:
- Florida’s spring systems
- Karst geology
- The Floridan Aquifer
- Groundwater movement
- Natural freshwater ecosystems
Florida’s springs become a hands-on science laboratory
Discover Florida's Natural Wonders
Florida Springs
Fed by the Floridan Aquifer, these crystal-clear springs have supported wildlife and communities for thousands of years. During training dives, students experience these remarkable ecosystems while learning how groundwater shapes Florida’s landscape and why spring conservation is so important.
Florida's Aquatic Wildlife
Florida’s waters are among the most biologically diverse in North America.
Students may encounter:
- Manatees
- Freshwater fish
- Turtles
- Native aquatic plants
- Birds
- Invertebrates
Learning takes place in the environment itself, helping students build lasting connections with nature.
Florida's Coral Reefs
Florida Reef Tract is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
Coral reefs provide habitat for thousands of marine species while protecting coastlines and supporting healthy oceans.
Students learn:
- Coral biology
- Reef ecosystems
- Threats facing coral reefs
- Reef conservation
- Responsible diving practices
Understanding these ecosystems helps inspire future environmental stewardship.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Assemble scuba equipment correctly
- Perform comprehensive buddy safety checks
- Demonstrate safe underwater communication
- Control buoyancy effectively
- Plan recreational dives safely
- Navigate underwater environments
- Identify common Florida aquatic life
- Explain how Florida springs are formed
- Describe the importance of coral reef ecosystems
- Practice environmentally responsible diving
- Apply scientific concepts during underwater exploration
- Earn an internationally recognized scuba certification
Educational Benefits
Students gain far more than a scuba certification.
This course helps develop:
- Leadership
- Responsibility
- Critical thinking
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Environmental stewardship
- Physical fitness
- Lifelong outdoor recreation skills
Many students also discover interests that lead toward future careers in marine biology, environmental science, conservation, education, public safety diving, underwater photography, and ocean exploration.
What's Included
Your course includes:
- Three days of instruction
- Classroom education
- Pool training
- Four open water dives
- Professional instruction
- NAUI Open Water Certification
- Use of required scuba equipment during training (where applicable—contact us for details)
- Digital learning materials
Why Families Choose Ranger Rick's Scuba?
Ranger Rick’s Scuba has helped divers safely explore Florida’s waters through professional instruction and a commitment to exceptional training.
Families appreciate:
- Small class sizes
- Personalized instruction
- Experienced NAUI instructors
- Safe and supportive learning environment
- Hands-on education
- Real-world outdoor experiences
- Focus on conservation and responsible diving
- Flexible scheduling when available
Our goal is not simply to certify divers—we strive to build confident, knowledgeable, and environmentally responsible underwater explorers.
How to Enroll Using Step Up For Students
- Log in to your Step Up For Students EMA Parent Portal.
- Select your student’s profile.
- Choose “Find a Provider” or “Educational Marketplace.”
- Search for Ranger Rick’s Scuba.
- Select the Open Water Scuba Certification course.
- Submit your Service Order.
- Contact Ranger Rick’s Scuba to schedule your class dates.
Need assistance? Our team is happy to help guide you through the enrollment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course eligible for Step Up For Students funding?
Yes. Ranger Rick’s Scuba is an approved Direct Pay Provider. Eligible families may use approved scholarship funds based on scholarship rules and available funding.
How long is the course?
The Open Water Certification is completed over three days.
What certification will students receive?
Students who successfully complete all requirements earn a NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver Certification recognized worldwide.
Do students need previous scuba experience?
No. This course is designed for beginners.
Is equipment included?
Please contact Ranger Rick’s Scuba for current equipment and rental information.
Where are the open water dives completed?
Training dives are conducted at approved Florida dive locations selected by Ranger Rick’s Scuba.
What age can students participate?
Please contact us for current age requirements and prerequisite information.
Ready to Begin Your Underwater Adventure?
Turn curiosity into confidence while exploring one of Florida’s greatest natural classrooms.
Whether your student dreams of marine biology, enjoys outdoor learning, or simply wants an unforgettable educational experience, Ranger Rick’s Scuba offers hands-on instruction that combines STEM education, environmental stewardship, and internationally recognized scuba certification.
Contact Ranger Rick’s Scuba today to learn more about upcoming course dates and begin your Step Up For Students enrollment.
JOIN US ON ONE OF OUR TRIPS
Check our Calendar of Events to see what exciting trips Ranger Rick’s Scuba Adventure already has planned. We would love to have you join us.