Frequently Asked Questions
Policies and Procedures:
What is your return policy for equipment purchases?
All sales are final. We do not do refunds, only store credit and exchanges. No returns on soft goods (masks, snorkels, clothes, wetsuits, rashguards, etc.). Typically, returns on hard goods are accepted within 10 days if item is unused, unopened and with an original receipt. Special orders are non-returnable and non-refundable.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, we offer gift certificates for products, courses, and dive trips. They can be purchased in-store or over the phone and mailed to you. Gift cards must be used within 12 months of purchase and are non-refundable.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept various payment methods including credit/debit cards, cash, and online payments. We do not accept bitcoin/cryptocurrency.
What is your tipping policy?
While tips are not required, they are certainly appreciated for the exceptional service of our divemasters and instructors.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy and fees for classes?
Classes must be used within 12 months from the date of purchase. Classes must be completed with 6 months of the class start date. No refunds will be issued once online e-learning codes have been administered and activated. Please ensure you are medically sound with the DAN Medical Waiver before committing financially to any classes.
All classes are subject to a cancellation/rescheduling fee/no-shows within 48 hours of the start of the course. The cancellation/rescheduling fees are given for each class below. No refunds, only store credit and exchanges.
Try Scuba - $35 per student
Refresher - $50 per student
Nitrox - $75 per student
Confined Water - $80 per student
Open Water Weekend - $90 per student
Advanced Open Water - $165 per student
Rescue - $165 per student
Master Diver - $250 per student
Intro to Tech - $300 per student
Drysuit - $100 per student
Full Face Mask - $100 per student
Training Assistant - $100 per student
Divemaster - $400 per student
DFA Pro - $140 per student
BLS/EO2 Combo - $90 per student
BLS/EO2 Separately - $50 per student
Clinics - $25 per student
Open Dive/Scuba Lunch Break - $10 per student
General information:
What services do you offer?
We offer a range of services including scuba diving equipment sales, rental gear, dive training and certification courses, guided dive trips, equipment maintenance and repairs, and air and nitrox tank fills, visual inspections, and hydrostatic testing. We do not offer CO2 tank fills.
What brands of equipment do you carry?
We are a platinum ScubaPro dealer and primarily stock ScubaPro diving gear. We stock a variety of other reputable brands such as Huish Brands (Oceanic, Atomic, Bare), Henderson, Shearwater, Suunto, etc. If you have a specific brand in mind, let us know and we can check online gear availability.
Do you have a physical store or are you only online?
We have a physical retail store located at 1303 Durrett Lane, Louisville, KY 40213.
Diving Training and Certification Information:
What certification agencies are you affiliated with?
We offer certification courses through agencies such as NAUI, SDI/TDI/ERDI, PADI, and DAN. Most of our classes are NAUI, but some specialty courses are through SDI/TDI and DAN. Inquire with us if you are interested in being certified through PADI.
What are the prerequisites for taking a scuba diving course?
Typically, you need to be at least 10 years old, in good health, and comfortable in the water to be certified in the Basic Open Water course. Specialty courses may have additional certification, age, and diving experience requirements.
How can I sign up for a scuba diving course?
We offer a wide range of pre-set schedules available months in advance, making it easy for you to plan ahead or join an open class at the last minute. If you prefer private classes, we offer them at a private rate ($100/person). We’re also flexible and can work with you to accommodate your schedule or any upcoming deadlines, potentially adjusting the class rate as needed. Please be aware that a private fee may apply for any classes scheduled specifically around your availability. You can sign up by visiting our store, calling us at 502-368-8427, or through our website.
What do I need to complete before starting my course?
You must purchase your specific personal gear for the course, sign all waivers, and finish 100% of your e-learning prior to the start date of your course. We understand that life can be unpredictable, but it is essential that you complete 100% of the e-learning before the Open Water checkout dive weekend—no exceptions.
How long does it take to get certified?
Certification times vary depending on the course. The Basic Open Water scuba course includes confined water sessions, which typically take 3-4 days and can be spread over two weeks or completed in a single weekend. It also includes open water checkout dives that generally take an entire weekend (Saturday and Sunday). The advanced and specialty courses usually require only a single weekend (or 2 separate days) to complete. All classes have an e-learning portion that takes several hours.
Do you offer referral programs?
Yes, the price of the Open Water course remains the same, even if you choose to complete your open water checkout dives at a different center. You may be subject to their referral pricing. After finishing your e-learning program and confined water training, we will provide you with a Universal Referral. You can take this referral to any dive center of your choice to complete your checkout dives. Be sure to return the signed referral form to the Louisville Dive Center to receive your certification through our facility.
If you are transferring from another facility and wish to complete your Open Water checkout dives with us, you will be required to pay the associated fees ($324.50), but will receive open water rental gear.
What are my options for Open Water checkout dive locations?
Depending on the time of year, you have several options for your dives. During the summer months, we regularly visit the Pennyroyal Scuba Center in Hopkinsville, KY, and Mermet Springs in Belknap, IL. In late fall and winter, we offer long weekend trips to Florida (Vortex Springs, Key Largo), where you can dive with us and complete your dives in a warmer climate!
If you're planning a vacation and want to complete your open water dives there, we provide a Universal Referral, allowing you to do so at your destination. If you choose this option, please discuss it with us early, as some locations may require a specific agency certification.
Diving Gear Information:
What is “personal gear”, and why is it important for my Open Water scuba course?
Personal gear includes the following items: mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and surface marker buoy. Because scuba gear is highly personal, we recommend that everyone uses their own personal gear for the best experience. It’s important for your gear to be individually fitted. Please stop by the shop to be fitted today!
Why should you buy gear at LDC instead of online? Do we match prices?
The key advantage of purchasing from LDC is the personalized fitting you’ll receive in-store, ensuring your gear is tailored perfectly for you—something you can't achieve with online shopping. In the world of scuba, manufacturers set the pricing, but we’re committed to your satisfaction. We will match any online price from an authorized dealer for new equipment of the same make and model year. Shop with us for the best fit and value!
Equipment Servicing and Rentals:
Can I rent scuba diving equipment from your shop?
Yes, we offer rental gear for all levels of divers, including wetsuits, BCDs, regulators, tanks, weights, and weight belts. We do not rent out dive computers, masks, fins, boots, or snorkels.
What should I do if I need to rent equipment for a trip?
Contact us in advance to reserve your gear. It’s helpful to provide your sizes and any special requirements. We will have you try on the BCD and wetsuit while you are here.
Do you offer equipment maintenance and repairs?
Yes, we provide maintenance and repair services for most types of scuba diving equipment.
Diving Trips and Local Information:
Do you organize dive trips?
Yes, we organize local dive trips as well as international dive vacations. Check our website or visit the store for upcoming trip details.
What are the best local dive sites?
Local dive sites vary depending on where you are, but we can provide recommendations and detailed information on popular spots in the area. We certify our students at Pennyroyal Scuba Center in Hopkinsville, KY and Mermet Springs in Belknap, IL. Falling Rock Park LaGrange Quarry in LaGrange, KY is also available for scuba diving use outside of the shop.
How can I stay safe while diving?
Safety is crucial. Always dive with a buddy, follow the training you’ve received, adhere to dive tables or computers, and stay within your limits.