Frequently Asked Questions

Effective December 15th, the Louisville Dive Center will no longer offer PADI courses or accept PADI referrals.

What does this mean for you?

❓ Will my PADI certification still be valid?
Yes! Your PADI card remains valid and accepted worldwide. Past certifications are unaffected.

❓ Will LDC offer PADI courses anymore?
No. Independent instructors may keep their personal PADI credentials, but LDC will not teach PADI courses. Call the Louisville Dive Center to inquire more about private courses with independent instructors. 

❓ What happens to my current class?
Your training continues uninterrupted through NAUI, SSI, or SDI/TDI. Your instructor will confirm your updated pathway.

❓ Are NAUI, SSI, and SDI/TDI recognized globally?
Yes. All major agencies, including SDI/TDI for advanced and technical training, are recognized worldwide.

❓ Will this affect my ability to dive or travel?
Not at all. Certifications from NAUI, SSI, SDI/TDI, and PADI are accepted worldwide.

❓ Will LDC accept PADI referrals?
No, but we’ll gladly help students crossover into NAUI, SSI, or SDI/TDI to continue training.

❓ Do I need to redo any courses?
No. All previous certifications remain valid.

❓ Will training prices change?
By focusing on agencies that allow flexible, transparent training, we keep programs affordable and consistent.

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 the 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, online, or over the phone and mailed to you. Gift cards 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.

❓Can I attend a class without making a reservation in advance?

No. All classes require an advanced reservation and payment made through our website, over the phone, or in person. Without a confirmed registration and email, your spot is not guaranteed. Simply telling us you plan to attend does not count as a reservation. If no one is signed up for a class, instructors will not be on site to lead it. This policy applies to all classes, including Open Dives and Scuba Lunch Breaks.

❓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 or rescheduling fee, including no-shows, if changes occur within 48 hours of the course start, regardless of reason. 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

Important: Rescheduling a course more than twice will incur additional rescheduling fees, even if the changes are made more than 48 hours before the course starts.

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, Zeagle, Atomic, Bare), Henderson, Shearwater, Akona, Spacefish Army, Seac, Tusa, Dive Rite, 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, SSI, and DAN. Most of our classes are NAUI, but some specialty courses are through SDI/TDI and DAN.

❓What are the prerequisites for taking a scuba diving course?
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 Scuba Diver 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 ratio 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. 

❓Do you offer private scuba lessons?

Yes, we do offer private scuba lessons scheduled around your availability at a rate of an additional $100 (course price + $100/person). Please note that a private lesson fee may apply for any class arranged specifically to fit your schedule. You can sign up for a private course by visiting our store or calling us at 502-368-8427.

❓What do I need to complete before starting my course?
You must purchase your specific personal gear for the course, which we sell in-store, 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 Diver 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 Vortex Springs, 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. 

We provide in-house servicing for ScubaPro, Avelo, and Interspiro AGA masks. Other brands will be sent to our trusted sister service company.

❓Do you offer prescription masks?

We offer a few options for prescription dive masks. You can purchase a new mask and lenses that closely match your prescription. We offer two compatible mask models: the ScubaPro Zoom and the D-Mask. The Zoom has a wide selection of optical and bifocal lenses in stock, while the D-Mask has limited in-stock availability at this time. If your specific prescription is not in stock, it may take a minimum of 1-2 weeks to order and receive the necessary lenses. These lenses correct either nearsightedness or farsightedness but cannot do both in the same lens. For a more precise solution, you can purchase a mask or bring in an older one to be sent to Prescription Dive Mask. They will create custom lenses tailored to your exact prescription. You also have the option to send your mask and prescription directly to them through their website. 

❓How often does equipment need to be serviced?

Regulators must be serviced in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, generally ranging from 12 to 24 months or 100–200 dives, whichever comes first. Proof of service may be required for participation in training or guided dives.

BCDs: Annual servicing (full check + inflator/valve servicing) — or sooner if leaks or issues occur — to preserve function and warranty.

Dive computers: Check manuals; many brands recommend annual battery replacement and inspection (including O-rings). 

Louisville Dive Center provides battery replacement services exclusively for Scubapro dive computers. Owners of all other dive computers with user-replaceable batteries are responsible for performing their own battery replacements.

Scuba Cylinders: 

• Visual Inspection: Every 12 months. Must have a valid VIP sticker from a reputable dive center. 
• Hydrostatic Testing: Every 5 years (per DOT/transport regulations).
• Valve service: With hydro test or when parts show wear.

❓How much is equipment servicing?

Effective February 1, 2026, Louisville Dive Center will be updating our equipment service fees. This change allows us to continue providing high-quality, manufacturer-compliant service for all dive gear.

ScubaPro Parts for Life Program:

❓What is ScubaPro's Parts for Life Program?

The SCUBAPRO “Parts for Life” program is a benefit that provides free replacement parts for eligible SCUBAPRO regulators when they are serviced at the proper intervals by an authorized SCUBAPRO dealer. These parts are provided at no cost, but labor charges for service are not included.

❓Who Qualifies for ScubaPro's Parts for Life Program?

Original ownership: You must be the original purchaser of the regulator.

Purchased from an authorized ScubaPro dealer: The regulator must be bought from a SCUBAPRO Authorized Dealer in the Americas and registered to you at the time of purchase.

Bundled purchase requirements: The SCUBAPRO regulator must be purchased with all of the following within one year of the first item’s purchase:

• A SCUBAPRO regulator first stage
• A SCUBAPRO second stage
• A SCUBAPRO octopus (AIR2) or alternate second stage
• A SCUBAPRO BCD
• A SCUBAPRO dive computer

❓How Do You Keep the Coverage Active?

To maintain eligibility for free parts under the program:

• You must have your SCUBAPRO regulator serviced by an Authorized SCUBAPRO Dealer at the recommended intervals — every 100 dives or every 24 months, whichever comes first.
• The service interval must be met, and there is a strict one-month grace period. If your regulator goes past the service window without being serviced, SCUBAPRO will remove it from the Parts for Life program permanently.
• Once removed for missing the service requirement, the regulator will still be covered under the regular SCUBAPRO limited lifetime warranty, but you will no longer get free parts for future services.

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.