Training
The staff at Phoenix Scuba of Buffalo has been training comfortable, competent divers for over 5 decades and Scuba Schools International dive professionals for over 30 years.
We continue to offer ALL LEVELS of Diver education and certification from snorkeling and “Try Scuba” programs, continuing with our open water diver programs, all levels of recreational and professional training including Instructor through Scuba Schools International (SSI). Our training programs can be tailored to accommodate Youth, Adult, Family and the physically challenged, as well as accommodating group needs.
Our diver and aquatic safety programs for both Divers and non -divers are offered through Divers Alert Network (DAN) for both the provider and instructor levels including CPR and First Aid programs.
The Phoenix Scuba of Buffalo professional staff shares their passion, training and experience in every program. This assures that each of our programs exceed the training standards for the associations that we represent and industry standards. Our programs are designed to be safe and enjoyable, with the goal of making you a competent and comfortable diver, not just a certified diver.
We have 2 experienced SSI Classified SCUBA instructors on staff that have provided the only SCUBA program in Western NY to train individuals of ALL abilities and the adjacent Niagara Peninsula for almost 20 years. Come in and ask about Dive Pirates, WNY Adaptive Water Sports and “First Dive” the adaptive charities we support.
We invite you to share our passion for the underwater world. Scuba diving is an exciting, challenging and rewarding experience. The sport continues to grow year after year and more people are being enticed into the underwater world. People from all walks of life are now becoming certified to scuba dive. Diving offers a lifetime of exciting adventure.
Experience the thrilling sensation of flying underwater and the wonder and magnificence of inner space. Explore exotic islands, colorful coral reefs, and the waters near your home. As you grow in experience and education you'll discover new friends, new worlds, and a new passion for life.
Call us today to find out more
(716) 939-3889
Begin your adventure here!
Interested in becoming a SCUBA diver?
If you think you want to become a diver we recommend that you take our Try Scuba experience as your introduction to the underwater world. This entry-level program gives you the opportunity to preview the underwater world in confined water without committing to the expense of committing to a longer certification program. The cost of this program applies completely to the cost of an open water diver program. You will also earn the SSI Try Scuba recognition rating.
The SSI Snorkeling program may be your first step in becoming a freediver or even a scuba diver. Most people enjoy it so much that they enroll in a dive training program afterwards. Through the SSI Freediving Level 1 or SSI Open Water Diver program, you can complete your training and get full credit for what you have already accomplished in your Snorkeling program.
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View ClassesONLINE LEARNING WITH PHOENIX SCUBA OF BUFFALO
Our passion for Scuba extends to offering this mainstream activity for individuals of all abilities. Phoenix Scuba of Buffalo is the only facility in Western New York to offer these programs with one of the largest trained adaptive instructor staffs in upstate New York.
We not only train individuals with disabilities to become Scuba Divers, we gear travel programs and local trips so our Classified Divers can enjoy this adventure for a lifetime. Our adaptive divers have traveled with us to the Florida Keys, U.S. Virgin Islands and Cayman over the past 9 years.
Those typically qualified for this program can include people who have: Spinal Injuries, Amputations, MS, MD, Diabetes, Sight and Hearing Loss.
Phoenix Scuba of Buffalo supports the Dive Pirates Foundation, Western New York Adaptive Water Sports, Disabled Sports USA, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Orthotic Prosthetic Athletics Foundation's First Dive Program.
Call or stop in and find out more about our programs and prepare to enjoy the underwater world. 716-939-3889
If you would like to learn more about the Dive Pirates Foundation CLICK HERE
DIVE PIRATES
Phoenix Scuba of Buffalo is proud to be the Western New York Chapter of Dive Pirates.
Who we are:
A group of volunteers that believes in supporting our community with our passion of scuba diving through the Dive Pirates Foundation, a 501 c 3 not-for-profit public charity
What we do:
Dive Pirates supports, trains, equips, and provides dive travel to individuals with disabilities through Classified Scuba Diving
Our Mission:
Based on camaraderie, compassion, freedom to dive, and the Code of Conduct, Dive Pirates will support, train, equip, and provide dive travel to individuals with disabilities through Classified Scuba Diving.
Our Vision:
Dive Pirates will create a community of Disabled Divers that will dive and travel in the mainstream world of Scuba Diving through education and overcoming obstacles.
What's in a Name?
Dive Pirates derives its name and philosophy from the combination of diving adventure and the romance of the Caribbean, especially the panache of pirates. Traditionally, pirate crews would take care of injured crew members by making them peg legs, hooks, eye patches, etc. Disabled crew members were not banished from the ship, but were given new tasks that they could perform and be useful to the rest of the crew. They were also given a pre-determined cut of the booty in exchange for their contribution. Dive Pirates continues that spirit by bringing the Classified SCUBA Divers along with the rest of the crew and cutting them in on the priceless booty of Scuba Diving in the Caribbean.
Click HERE to visit SSI website
Become a Diver -- The SSI Difference
We make learning to dive as easy as 1-2-3
1 - STUDY ACADEMIC MATERIALS AT HOME
Start your adventure today with our Digital on line academic program at your convenience anywhere with your Smart Phone, Tablet or computer. You can complete the materials that include interactive video and testing.
2 - COMPLETE ACADEMIC REVIEW & POOL SESSIONS
After your academic and equipment review session, it's off to the pool to become comfortable and proficient with your new scuba skills and equipment under the guidance of a professional SSI Instructor.
3 - COMPLETE OPEN WATER CERTIFICATION DIVES
Let's go diving! You will join your Instructor for two exciting days of scuba diving. There you will apply all the knowledge and skills form steps 1 and 2. You can make the dives locally or join a scheduled trip to a diving destination. A referral can also be arranged if you already have a vacation planned.
The newly updated MySSI app is the strongest, most comprehensive tool for divers today. This impressive, FREE application is a one-stop-shop for dive enthusiasts, where you can find everything related to scuba, freediving, extended range, and mermaiding. Access your digital logbook anywhere in the world with advanced logging features, connect with your buddies, search for SSI Training Centers worldwide, see upcoming events in your area, and so much more!
SSI (Scuba Schools International)
Decades of experience has taught us that there are four requirements to successful diving: proper knowledge, proper skills, proper equipment, and experience.
Proper Knowledge
There are certain safety rules that must be learned. With a professional teaching system (a manual, video, and study guide), you can study this information on your own. An Instructor will be available for assistance.
Proper Skills
You must develop ability with basic scuba skills, such as moving in the water and equipment handling. The best way to learn is from a qualified Instructor at a professional scuba school. Review and practice time reinforces the skills.
Proper Equipment
The most comfortable, convenient and enjoyable way to dive is with your own set of properly-fitted equipment. As you become familiar with your equipment, your ability level increases. Servicing your equipment annually improves your equipment's performance, and minimizes malfunctions, which provides peace mind.
Proper Experience
While education helps develop knowledge and skills, the key to becoming a comfortable and confident diver is simply to dive as much as possible. Your experience increases as you explore different diving locations, meet new friends, have new adventures, and explore new worlds. That's why SSI's motto is “serious diving, serious fun!”
Click HERE to visit DAN website
DAN First Aid Courses
Whether it's being on the scene of an accident or witnessing a medical emergency, most people will be involved in a crisis at some point in their lives. First aid training and incident management skills empower people to step up and take action should these situations arise.
Developed by dive medicine physicians and diving educators, DAN's courses are easy to understand and designed to provide you with the skills and confidence you need to respond in emergencies. DAN first aid courses prepare people to manage injuries related to scuba diving as well as those that occur in other settings. All courses meet current ILCOR and AHA guidelines. Isn't it worth a few hours one evening or weekend to learn skills that could save a life?
DAN Courses
CPR & First Aid
Basic Life Support: CPR and First Aid (BLS)
This fundamental course prepares you to provide proper care for life-threatening illnesses or injuries until professional emergency medical care is available. The life-support skills taught in this course include one- and two-rescuer CPR for adults, children and infants. Use of automatic external defibrillators, bleeding management, assisting a choking victim and responding to a person in shock. The first aid skills taught include conducting secondary assessments, splinting and responding to medical emergencies.
DAN Courses
Emergency Oxygen (EO2)
Emergency Oxygen for SCUBA Diving Injuries (EO2)
Administering emergency oxygen is the preferred first aid for scuba diving injuries, and early administration can drastically improve the outcome for an injured diver. The DAN Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries course teaches you how to administer life-saving oxygen first aid to divers who may be suffering from decompression illness (DCI). Additionally, this course will teach you how to recognize the signs and symptoms of decompression illness and respond to them accordingly. The emergency response skills taught in this course are not unique to scuba diving; they're applicable to many other watersports and other activities.
Note: Current DAN BLS: CPR & FA, CPR: HCP provider or other nationally recognized full CPR training is prerequisite to this course.
The DAN Oxygen Grant Program allows DAN members who are certified in EO2 or DFA Pro to apply for a low- or no-cost oxygen unit for use during scuba diving emergencies. Find out more or apply here.
DAN Courses
Diving First Aid
Diving First Aid for Professional Divers (DFA Pro)
Professional divers have unique responsibilities and a duty to respond to unique situations; their first aid training should not be any less unique. DAN's Diving First Aid for Professional Divers course is designed for commercial, professional, aquarium, and scientific divers, and it provides knowledge and first aid skills specifically for these work environments.
DFA Pro includes all elements of the DAN BLS and EO2 courses and includes material on neurological assessment and first aid for hazardous marine life injuries. In the neurological assessment portion of the DFA Pro course, you will learn how to properly manage injuries with neurological implications. You will learn to recognize these injuries and properly perform a neurological assessment. You'll also learn what information to collect and relay to emergency medical services. Recognizing symptoms and responding quickly can shorten recovery times and improve long-term outcomes. In the hazardous marine life injuries segment, you will gain the knowledge you need to identify specific types of marine life injuries and the first aid skills to treat them.
DFA Pro is the most comprehensive first aid course in the dive industry. While geared toward dive instructors and divemasters, anyone, even non-divers, will learn an indispensable set of first aid and risk-mitigation skills.
Click HERE to visit ERDI website
Emergency Response Dive Instruction Courses
ERDI is the Public Safety Diving (PSD) agency that trains Police, Fire and other public safety organizations in Search and Rescue techniques in just about every submerged environment known. ERDI trains departments on how to make and maintain their own PSD teams along with being the only Public Safety diving training agency that has their own insurance that endorses its own standards. All ERDI programs are OSHA and NFPA compliant. In fact, some of the largest successful and renowned departments use ERDI Programs to conduct their training.
Each and every day public safety divers face the challenges of swift water, black water, and a myriad of other potentially harmful situations as part of the job. ERDI offers training to help teams accomplish these missions with the best possible education available.
All ERDI programs are both Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant. Many of the ERDI programs can be taught at several levels in accordance with NFPA guidelines. The level of participation in the practical portion of the course will determine the final level of certification. The classification levels are: Awareness, Operations, and Technician. All ERDI programs are available to public safety professionals regardless of their position within a department.
Levels of Training and Certification
Awareness - The Awareness level can be completed by doing the online academics, or participating in the associated classroom-based section of education for the ERDI course of interest. Upon completion of any of the online or classroom ERDI Academy courses, an individual will receive an awareness level certificate. For additional insight and understanding of the course, the individual can audit the practical session.
Operations - The Operations level of certification requires the participant to complete the online or classroom academics and also participate in the non-diving practical segments of the course taught by an ERDI Instructor. Depending on the program an individual is completing, this portion of the training shows how to properly perform and/or supervise non-diving emergency response duties.
Technician - The Technician level is the final step and requires the participant to complete the required number of practical training sessions under the supervision of an ERDI Instructor. Here, the individual will apply what he or she has learned during the awareness and skill-development sessions, while learning practical lessons that can only be gained by performing all practical activities associated with the program.
We offer ERDI courses from Tender through ERD Instructor Trainer as well as many more.
Click HERE to visit Boy Scouts of America website
Boy Scout's of America Scuba Merit Badge
Phoenix Scuba is a proud partner with the Boy Scouts of America.
Phoenix SCUBA has participated as a consultant to the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America Powder Horn High Adventure Training Program, co-sponsor of Sea Scout Ship 1, and as merit badge councilors for the BSA Scuba Merit Badge for over 15 years.
Contact us today to find out how you can earn the BSA Scuba Merit Badge.
