Recieved AOW classes for Christmas

[onfloat]

A little background first. I recieved my OW cert ( in Guam) while on deployment last May. I knew I was hooked. I don't own most of my equipment yet, only Mask, snorkel and fins. My wife has been hearing me go on about diving since I got certified. She decides to get me AOW for Christmas at the LDS. She buys the book and the gift certificate for the class ($150). The salesman tells her that all I will "need is a light, knife and a slate. The store will provide the rest of the equipment." After looking at my schedule I to to the LDS to set up the class for Feb. When I get there I see that they are offering a Nitrox class in conjunction with the AOW class for an additional $99. While I'm considering adding doing that at the same time, I'm told that I will need to purchase the blue folder ($25) and that I will have to buy a ticket for the boat ($70). What I want to know is all of this normal? I feel like the sucker that was walking down the street with a big sign on my forehead. How many hidden fees are there?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[DiveTyme]

Tom,
The dive shops in this area do require you to purchase light, knife, slate and whistle. Here they do not include scuba gear rental in the AOW class, so consider yourself lucky there. $99 for nitrox class sounds very resonable. I dont' know what the "blue folder" is. Here, AOW classes are usally done at quarries so I am not comment on the boat fee.
I had the same feeling when I did my OW. The instructor had a base price for the instruction but then charged extra for gear rental, air, books, and charter fees. At the time I felt I was being ripped off, but the end cost was reasonable. That is why I quote my students a complete price, nothing hidden.

 

[DandyDon]

And welcome to Scuba Board. Put us in Favorites on your computer and come visit often...

I really like recreational Nitrox, and would suggest it along with AOW. Some agencies requires check out dives to becoming Nitrox certiried, so why not do it at the same time.

My original OW instructor was open and honest about whall was included with his course, and what I'd need to provide. I like that approach a lot better than the surprise requirements. After thanking your wife for being one of the nicest ladies in the worldfor her support of your interests, maybe you and your wife should start asking for total answers. "Please itemize the requirements, the provisions, and the prices on paper, so I may review them intelligently." There's nothing wrong with that request, puts you in control, and you get what you need - in buying anything.

Enjoy!! don

 

[jiveturkey]

The charges seem right. If it's too expensive, take it a little slower. You can always do the nitrox course later on. You should be able to rent a dive light though. I've been diving for several years and done many, many night dives. I just got my first light over xmas. I usually rent them. Night diving is sooooooooooo fun. You're going to love it.

Whatever you decide, good luck and dive safe.

 

[ReefTrekker]

Tom,
Don't feel taken......that's a reasonable price.

Especially the $99 for the Nitrox.
Jump in! have fun.....the AOW course is definitely one of the most exciting, and you'll get some use out of that Nitrox card. The boat fee isn't that great, but the payoff is that you'll get to do your certification dives in better locations than without the boat fee.

I've taught in Texas and Florda, and the prices you mentioned are about average.

If you're worried about hidden costs, just ask the LDS......they'll be straight with you if you ask them about "possible other expenses".

 

[DandyDon]

You should be able to rent a dive light though. I've been diving for several years and done many, many night dives. I just got my first light over xmas. I usually rent them. Night diving is sooooooooooo fun. You're going to love it.

You can, but I like to carry a medium sized one (4 c-cell batteies) on every day dive, to peek in holes, etc. For a night dive, I carry 2 lights.

 

[onfloat]

that really bothers me. The store did mention the equipment that I would need for the class, to my wife ( And I'm going to buy that, and the compass that they didn't mention to her). I do plan on taking the nitrox class. I was just surprised about the boat fee and the blue folder fee. I just wondered if it was normal to spring extra fees after the class has been paid for. I can almost understand the boat fee, but I would figure the blue folder would have been part of the class fees from the get go.

 

[onfloat]

Thanks, for the welcome aboard Dandy Don. I have already had this in my favorites for about 3 months. I have just been doing a lot of reading and learning.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[DandyDon]

that really bothers me. The store did mention the equipment that I would need for the class, to my wife ( And I'm going to buy that, and the compass that they didn't mention to her). I do plan on taking the nitrox class. I was just surprised about the boat fee and the blue folder fee. I just wondered if it was normal to spring extra fees after the class has been paid for. I can almost understand the boat fee, but I would figure the blue folder would have been part of the class fees from the get go.

I agree on the feeling. I would prefer a more direct and open explanation, but then - it also helps if you make sure you're talking to a lead employee, or manager. Wonder if y'all might have been talking to an inexperienced staff member.

Anway, enjoy it - but then I'm sure you will. don

 

[JRScuba]

Welcome to the board and glad you are expanding your horizons. One thing that I learned about in this sport is to CHECK AROUND, see who has the best price and what they offer. Also as someone mentioned earlier, get it on paper. That way there is no "hidden" costs. The boat fee is very high as far a I'm concerned. Around where I live 45 to 50 is normal ( southeast Florida ). The most I paid in a boat fee was $70.00 in Grand Cayman. The least I spent on a 2 tank dive is $37.00 in Key Largo. Again check around and get it on paper.


Good luck and Safe Diving.