Dive Professionals - How to Become a Dive Leader

Our dive leaders train all levels of diving as well as conduct crossover programs for qualified member of other agencies who choose MDEA. For more information on MDEA and how to become involved with our fast growing and progressive agency, please contact us so we can put you in touch with the nearest training facility in your area. MDEA has an extensive network of instructors and instructor evaluators worldwide. We welcome qualified divers at all levels who would like to enjoy our benefits and help us grow.

DiveMaster The MDEA Divemaster Training Course enables the graduate to perform the following tasks: Act as a dive Guide Act as a Dive Rescue Specialist Conduct the tour portion of a level one class open water dive after all skills are complete and if Instructor is present Oversee shore diving activities Oversee boat diving activities Coordinate dive trips / vacations Assist Instructor in confined and open water classes, but not instruct Conduct youth diver practice activities Prerequisite level three or equivalent Assistant Instructor The Assistant Instructor course enables the graduate to instruct and certify students in the following areas: Skin Diver Sea Otter Level One Youth MDEA Assistant Instructors may: Independently give all MDEA classroom lectures from skin diver through Divemaster Assist a certified MDEA Scuba Instructor with Confined and Open Water training sessions Independently conduct MDEA Scuba Review Course Teach Sea Otter and Level One Youth diver programs as well as conduct all youth diver practice Level One Instructor The Level One Instructor course enables the graduate to instruct and certify students in the following areas: Skin Diver All Youth Diver Programs Level One Diver Level Two Diver Rescue Diver* Divemaster* *With approval of Training Director of Level Five Instructor Level Two Instructor The Level Two Instructor can conduct specialty courses that he or she is qualified for Level Three Instructor The Level Three instructor can teach A.I.C. and I.D.C as well as conduct I.O.S and S.I.S. programs Level Four Instructor The Level Four Instructor can train, evaluate and certify Level One and Level Two Instructors Considered part of the national staff Level Five Instructor Part of MDEA’S Worldwide staff Performs any duties sanctioned by the MDEA Training Director

Membership Info
MDEA has developed a unique program that benefits members at all levels. Our “Level Diver” program combines dive specialty ratings plus dive experience to earn higher levels of certification. Instead of just Open Water and Advanced Open Water ratings, MDEA has five levels of non-leadership certification for goal oriented divers. We also have added the Extreme Diver rating for divers who choose to pursue some of the more challenging specialties.

MDEA is the only certification agency that offers free membership dues for qualified instructors. We also build our agency around our member’s needs. Through our annual convention, quarterly newsletter and open line of communication, all members have a voice. Ideas are listened to, discussed and considered so that MDEA can continue to grow in the direction the members choose.

How to Become a Scuba Diver Becoming a certified scuba diver is an unforgettable experience and is an opportunity to explore some of the most unique environments on this earth. Our SCUBA instructors here at MDEA, take a hands-on approach to insure educational and fun SCUBA classes. Learn to Dive from the Best MDEA has been teaching SCUBA diving since 1984. We take a professional approach to our dive classes rather than conducting them like a "boot camp." You will learn to dive safely while having a great time. Our patient instructors teach at each student's pace and we are confident that you will be pleased with your experience. MDEA has the industry's highest standards for education and service. We also have a well-organized procedure for advanced and specialty classes that is unique. Who Can Scuba Dive? Almost anyone in good health who is comfortable in the water can learn to SCUBA dive, providing they are five years or older. Some of the most enthusiastic divers are well into their golden years. There are certain medical or physical conditions that would not be compatible with safe diving. If someone is interested in diving and has a condition that is questionable, a medical examination by a doctor may be required. The Level Diver Program Open Water Level One (Beginners Class) The MDEA Level One course is designed to teach the basics of safely SCUBA diving. Our program is the oldest dive school in Tennessee and we pride ourselves in teaching a fun & thorough experience with our patient & exciting instructors. SCUBA class is held on the weekends & is split between 3 parts: Academic, Pool & Open Water Checkout Dives. Academic Instruction MDEA has the industry’s highest standards for education & service. During your academic instruction, you will be taught the basics of underwater physics and physiology as well as an understanding of various underwater environments. We pride ourselves in teaching a hands-on classroom with your instructor. Our program is comprised of 3 classroom sessions. Confined Water (Pool) Instruction After each academic lesson we will proceed to the pool to learn skills required to safely dive. We have an emphasis on your experience, so if you need any extra time developing your skills underwater, our patient instructors are glad to take the time so that you’re comfortable. Open Water Checkout Dives After you have mastered all skills necessary in the pool, you are required to complete 4 open water checkout dives. These first few dives are done in just usually one weekend. Referrals with other agencies are welcome. Level Two (Advanced Class) Already have your open water certification? What’s next? Our advanced dive class is design to expand your skills & knowledge beyond the Level One Class. You will be introduced to 6 different specialty dives and log 5 dives with an instructor practicing in these specialty environments. The class is mostly focused on 5 open water dives & a brief classroom session. The class includes procedures & skills for deep diving, underwater navigation, night diving, wreck diving, search & recovery and current diving.  Level Three Any two dive specialties plus a minimum of 25 logged dives Level Four Any four dive specialties plus a minimum of 50 logged dives Extreme Diver Four of our advanced or technical specialties plus a minimum of 75 logged dives Level Five Diver Any six specialties plus a minimum of 100 logged dives Specialty Ratings Current Diver Deep Diver Nitrox Diver Pelagic (Blue Water) diver Night diver/Limited visibility Ice diver Cavern diver Wreck diver Solo diver Re-Breather Cave diver Tri-Mix Diver Rescue Diver Other approved by Training Director   The Youth Diver Program Sea Otter Surface scuba with positively buoyant back pack - can not descend underwater. Minimum age is 5 years. Level One-Youth Confined water only, maximum depth 4 feet / 1.2 meters. Must be under the direct supervision of a dive professional when on scuba. Minimum age is 8 years. Level Two-Youth Confined water only with certified diving parent, guardian or dive professional. Can dive in open water under optimal conditional to a maximum depth of 30 feet / 9 meters. Can only dive open water with a dive professionals direct supervision. Minimum age is 10 years. Junior Level One Diver Same as adult Level One Diver. Maximum depth is 40 feet / 12 meters. Must dive with a certified diving adult. Minimum age is 12 years. Junior Level Two Diver Same as adult Level Two Diver. Maximum depth is 40 feet / 12 meters. No extreme of technical dives. Minimum age is 12 years. Junior Level 3, 4, & 5 Same as adult Level Three, Four and Five, except only certain specialties qualify. Minimum age is 12 years. Assistant Divemaster Can assist Divemasters, Assistant Instructors and Instructors with diving activities. Minimum age is 14 years.

Membership Info
MDEA has developed a unique program that benefits members at all levels. Our “Level Diver” program combines dive specialty ratings plus dive experience to earn higher levels of certification. Instead of just Open Water and Advanced Open Water ratings, MDEA has five levels of non-leadership certification for goal oriented divers. We also have added the Extreme Diver rating for divers who choose to pursue some of the more challenging specialties.