Ways to Help
At Victorian Mermaid and Dive Company, we have developed a comprehensive SCUBA and aquatic program aimed at youth, grounded in Christian values such as Mission, Faith, Family, Leadership, Charity, and Stewardship. Our curriculum emphasizes essential subjects such as Practical Math, Physics, Physiology, the Environment, and Ecology, allowing students to explore the interconnectedness of these disciplines while fostering a strong sense of responsibility toward our planet.
Whether your child is taking swimming lessons with us, participating in mermaid swimming, or engaging in in-depth SCUBA training, our philosophy remains the same: to teach Excellence through training, repetition, and experience. Our swimming classes are designed for all ages, while SCUBA training begins at 8 years old and continues through to age 18.
Our program adheres to the guidelines and standards of esteemed organizations including PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), WRSTC (World Recreational SCUBA Training Council), DAN (Diver Alert Network), AHA (American Heart Association), Starfish Swimming, Dive Heart, Reef Ministries, Christian Divers Association, and Project AWARE. These partnerships ensure that we provide high-quality training that aligns with global standards and best practices.
Ways to Help
In addition to earning college credits that are recognized at most institutions across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and many other countries, our classes afford students the opportunity to dive all over the world. Your child will also have the chance to embark on Dive Mission Trips, family-based dive excursions, and trips to natural springs and the Florida Keys, depending on their certification levels. Through initiatives like DAD (Dive Against Debris), students can actively participate in environmental outreach, assist in coral restoration, and engage in research and rescue dives, embodying the spirit of stewardship that we promote.
We strive to cultivate knowledgeable and talented divers who not only appreciate the beauty of our oceans but also embrace their roles as protectors and researchers of the future. By instilling values rooted in faith and community service, we are shaping future leaders who understand the significance of their mission and the importance of caring for our environment.
Join us at Victorian Mermaid and Dive Company, where we blend faith, education, and passion for the ocean into an enriching experience for your child. Together, we can inspire a generation committed to stewardship of our planet, ensuring that the wonders of the underwater world are preserved for years to come.
Ways to Help
At Victorian Mermaid and Dive Company, our SCUBA classes are structured to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for young divers. Our program combines online eLearning, classroom workshops, and practical training in confined and open water, tailored to ensure that each student receives a well-rounded education in diving. And YES parents and other family members are invited to participate.
eLearning: The eLearning component allows students to access course materials anytime on their computers or smartphones. This flexibility enables them to learn at their own pace, ensuring they grasp the theoretical aspects of diving before moving on to practical applications.
Classroom Workshops: Our classroom workshops can take place via Zoom, poolside, or in a traditional classroom setting. These sessions are designed to reinforce the concepts learned in the eLearning modules, providing opportunities for interaction, discussion, and hands-on demonstrations.
Ways to Help
Confined Water Training: Confined water training is conducted in our 25m x 25m swimming pool, where students can practice essential skills in a controlled and safe environment. This setting allows students to build confidence and competence before venturing into open water.
Open Water Dives: The open water portion of the training takes place in either the ocean, local springs, or rivers, depending on the class. We believe in taking our time to ensure a thorough understanding of all material covered. For instance, our Open Water Class spans a minimum of 5 weeks, with at least 2 hours per week spent in training, followed by open water dives over an additional 2 days. While some dive shops may complete this training in just two days, we prioritize quality over speed, ensuring that our students are fully prepared.
We emphasize the importance of confidence and problem-solving skills in our training approach. Our goal is to create talented divers who can handle any challenges that may arise during their dives without feeling pressured. Additionally, we encourage family involvement, allowing qualified family members to learn alongside their children and participate in open water dives together.
Ways to Help
Our SCUBA classes follow a structured hierarchy to ensure progression and skill development:
- - Age 8 - Bubble Maker: A fun, introduction to diving.
- - Age 8 - SEAL Team: A ten-week program featuring ten pool dives with engaging activities designed to foster teamwork and skills.
- - Age 10 - Junior Open Water: An 5-week course that includes 5 classroom sessions, 5 pool sessions, and 4 open water dives.
- - Age 10 - Junior Advanced Open Water: A 3-week advanced course that builds on the skills learned in the Junior Open Water program.
- -Age 14 – Regular Open Water and Advanced Open Water
At Victorian Mermaid and Dive Company, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of divers. Our comprehensive training program, rooted in Christian values of stewardship and community, ensures that your child not only learns how to dive safely but also develops a lifelong appreciation for the ocean and its ecosystems. Join us in creating confident, capable divers who will cherish and protect our underwater world.