• Peak Performance Buoyancy
• Project AWARE Specialty Course
• Sea Turtle Awareness Specialty
• Search & Recovery
• Self Reliant Diver
• Semiclosed Rebreather - Dolphin/Atlantis
• Aware Shark Conservation
• Sidemount Diver
• Underwater Hunter
• Underwater Naturalist
• Underwater Navigator
• Underwater Pumpkin Carving Specialist
• Underwater Sign Language
• Underwater Videographer
• USS Oriskany Specialty Diver
• USS Spiegel Grove Specialty Diver
• USNS Vandenberg Specialty Diver
• Whale Shark Awareness
• Wreck Diver

• Master Scuba Diver Rating

Cost: $100

Any time you're diving from 1,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level, you're altitude diving. If you want to explore the hidden world of a mountain lake, the PADI Altitude Diver Specialty course is for you..

You'll learn about:
• Altitude dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards
• Special Recreational Dive Planner procedures for diving at altitude
• Safety stops and emergency decompression procedures
• Special equipment necessary for altitude diving

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age: 10 years old

Course Materials:
• Adventures in Diving Manual
 

Cost: $75

Learn the techniques and procedures for diving from different types of boats.

You'll learn about:
• Boat diving planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards
• Proper boat diving etiquette, including equipment storage and conduct
• Common boat terminology
• Specific and local boat diving laws and ordinances
• Overview of emergency and safety equipment needed on private dive boats

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age: 10 years old

Course Materials:
• Boat Diver Crew Pak (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class.

 Course offered upon request and on any Y-kiki sponsored dive vacation.

Cost: $200

If you dive within the light zone of a cave, the area near the cave entrance where natural light is always visible, you're cavern diving. If you want to explore secrets hidden in caverns around the world, you'll need your PADI Cavern Diver certification.

During your first open water dive you'll practice line handling, reel use and emergency procedures without entering a cavern. But, for your next three dives, you're headed into the cavern, staying within the light zone and 130 feet total distance of the surface.

You'll also cover the following:
• Planning, organization, techniques, problems and hazards of cavern diving
• Special equipment use, such as lights, guidelines, reels and redundant breathing systems
• Proper body position, buoyancy control, air management and emergency procedures
• Cavern diving hazards such as silting, line problems, disorientation and emergencies

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 18 years old

Materials:
• NSS/CDS Cavern Diving Manual (included in cost of class)
• Getting Started in Cavern Diving workbook (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to read the manual and workbook prior to attending class. Participants must have the knowledge reviews from the workbook completed prior to the first night of class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.

 
 Class: January 26, 2013 (Call for details)
 Open Water Dives:: January 26 & 27, 2013
 Cavern Dives: January 26 & 27, 2013

 Class: March 9, 2013 at South County, 1-4:30 p.m.
 Open Water Dives at Quail Run Quarry, Rolla, Missouri: March 16, 2013
 Cavern Dives: March 17, 2013

 Class: June 24, 2013 at Creve Coeur, 6:30-10 p.m.
 Open Water Dives at Quail Run Quarry, Rolla, Missouri: June 29, 2013
 Cavern Dives: June 30, 2013

 Class: Oct. 18, 2013 at Creve Coeur, 6:30-10 p.m.
 Open Water Dives at Quail Run Quarry, Rolla, Missouri: Oct. 26, 2013
 Cavern Dives: Oct. 27, 2013

Cost: $75

The AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course teaches divers, snorkelers and nondivers about the vital role of coral reefs in the marine environment. The course also familiarizes participants with the current state of the world's coral reefs and how they can help.

This non-diving course includes:
• An introduction to Project AWARE
• The importance of coral reefs to marine ecosystems and coastal areas
• Coral reef biology, association and competition
• The status of the world's coral reefs
• How participants can help, including responsible diving and snorkeling practices

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• No dive certification required
• No minimum age limit

Course Materials:
• AWARE - Our World, Our Water Manual
This manual is available as a download: Click here to download.

Note: You will need to download and read Chapter 4 of AWARE - Our World, Our Water prior to attending class.
 
 AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Class Schedule

Cost:$155

The Deep Diver Specialty course offers you the opportunity of a lifetime: going deep to see things others can only dream about. You'll learn deep dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and hazards. You'll also put this knowledge to the test as you go on four open water dives that range from 60-100 feet.

You can count the Deep Adventure Dive from your Adventures In Diving program as the first dive of the Specialty course at instructor discretion.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Adventure Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Course Materials:
• Deep Diver Crew-Pak (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.

 Deep Diver Class Schedule

Cost: Level One: $80 / Level Two: $95 / Package price: $155

Digital has taken the underwater photography world by storm. Get in on the action with the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty course. You can quickly and easily capture the underwater world with your camera and on your computer.

The Digital Underwater Photographer course has two sections which can be taken separately or combined.

Level One:
During Level One you will learn about digital cameras, underwater housing systems and the PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine and Adjust) method, which takes full advantage of digital technology. You will practice basic underwater photography with available light. Level One consists of a classroom and a pool session.

Level Two:
During Level Two you will expand on your experience from Level One by adding strobes (flashes) to you photography. You will not only learn how to take good photos, but how to share them with your friends via email or printing, optimizing your work with your computer, storage and more. Level Two consist of a classroom session, open water dive and a digital workflow workshop.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water (or have a qualifying certification from another training organization)
• You can take the course as a snorkeler and receive a nondiving certification.

Course Materials:
• Digital Underwater Photographer Pak (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class. If you don't own an underwater digital camera, Y-kiki Divers will provide one for you for use throughout the course.

 Digital Underwater Photographer LEVEL 1 Class Schedule

Cost: $100

DPV’s offer a thrilling way to see a lot of underwater territory in a brief amount of time. They scoot you through the water without kicking. Want to visit that offshore reef from the beach? A DPV may be the way to go.

In this course, you'll learn diver propulsion vehicle dive planning organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards. You'll also cover equipment considerations, diver etiquette and how to avoid harming fragile aquatic life.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
•Must be a PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization) and 12 years old.

Course Materials:
• Diver Propulsion Vehicle Crew Pak (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class.

 Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Specialist Class

Cost: $30

By diving with enriched air rather than standard air you can extend your no decompression limits. This means more time underwater. For example, if you dive to 50 feet on air, your no decompression limit is 80 minutes. But, diving on EANx36 gets you 220 minutes of no decompression time - an increase of 140 minutes.

You'll learn about:
• The procedures and preparation necessary to safely dive using enriched air.

Prerequisites:
• At least a PADI Open Water Diver (or have a qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Materials:
• There are no course materials for this course.
 

Cost: $75

Drift diving is effortless and relaxing because you simply glide with the current and feel the rush of flying underwater. But, with this type of diving come special procedures that you need to know so you can maximize your fun underwater.During your PADI Drift Diver certification course, you'll learn about drift dive planning, organization, techniques and potential hazards, as well as special equipment and procedures like buoyancy. But it's not all theory because you'll go on two open water dives where you can put your new knowledge into action.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 12 years old

Course Materials:
• Drift Diver Crew Pak (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class.

 Course offered upon request and on appropriate Y-kiki sponsored dive vacations.
 

Cost: $160

If you want to see the spectacular and prolific aquatic life often found in colder water climates you'll need to stay warm and that means a dry suit. But, you want to be trained in proper techniques and this is where PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty course comes in.

During your PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty course, you'll not only cover the background knowledge related to dry suit diving, you'll get into confined water to put that theory into practice. Then, once you've mastered confined water, it's time for two open water dives and applying that knowledge, including dive planning, organization, techniques, problems and buoyancy control.

For this class, you will be diving a premium DUI dry suit.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 10 years old

Course Materials:
• Dry Suit Diver Crew Pak (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class.

 Dry Suit Diver Class Schedule

Cost: $130

Maximize your dive time with the PADI Enriched Air Diver course.

Enriched Air saves you time by allowing you to:
• Stay underwater longer
• Get back into the water sooner
• Plus, by diving with Enriched Air you may feel less tired on your vacation

How much more time can I be underwater?
For example, if you dive to 50 feet on air, your no decompression limit is 80 minutes. But, diving on EANx36 gets you 220 minutes of no decompression time - an increase of 140 minutes! It’s perfect for underwater photographers, wreck divers and anyone who wants to stay down longer.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 15 years

Course Materials:
• PADI Enriched Air Crew-Pak (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class.

 EANX Enriched Air Nitrox Class Schedule

Cost: $95 for dual certification from both DAN & PADI

Be the one ready to help a fellow diver should the need arise by becoming a Emergency Oxygen Provider. This specialty course is an entry-level emergency oxygen course that also teaches you how to recognize dive illnesses treatable by emergency oxygen.

Though suited for divers, this course has no prerequisites and doesn’t include dives, which means it is equally applicable to those who are around divers – boat crew, nondiving buddies, lifeguards, and shore staff. You don’t need any previous CPR or first aid training to take the course.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• No dive certification required
• Recommended minimum age is 12 years old

Materials:
• PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider crew pak (included in cost of class)
• DAN Oxygen First Aid For Scuba Diving Injuries (included in cost of class)

With Y-kiki, students earn dual certification from both PADI and DAN.

 Emergency Oxygen Provider Class Schedule

Cost: $85

Whether it's a regulator problem, a wet suit tear or a broken mask strap, the Equipment Specialist course can help.

This Specialty course prepares you for the basic equipment maintenance, care and adjustments you'll encounter every day. In addition, you'll get the valuable background on equipment repair and purchase, making you better able to protect your investment.

During your PADI Equipment Specialist program, you'll familiarize yourself with the operation and maintenance of your personal equipment. Your instructor might also provide the opportunity to review new or unfamiliar dive equipment.

The program is not an equipment repair program, but it does give you:
• Theory, principles and operation of dive equipment
• Routine recommended care and maintenance procedures
• Common problems with equipment and recommended professional maintenance procedures
• Simple suggestions for comfortable equipment configurations and an introduction to new equipment

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Scuba Diver, Junior Scuba Diver, PADI Open Water Diver, Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 12 years old (10 for PADI Junior Scuba Diver and PADI Junior Open Water Diver)

Course Materials:
• The classroom is lecture-based and there is no prior reading or homework required.

 Equipment Specialist Class Schedule

Cost: $100

This course will introduce you to the most common fish families and species found in temperate and tropical waters as well what you might see here in Missouri while diving locally.

You'll also learn basic fish identification and scientific survey techniques as well as how important personal involvement is in aquatic conservation.

During your AWARE - Fish Identification Diver Specialty course, you'll practice basic fish identification techniques then collect fish identification data.

The course includes all the background you'll need to identify fish, including:
• Information on Project AWARE and aquatic protection worldwide
• Characteristics of local fish families and species
• Fish survey techniques and strategies
• Fish identification dive planning, organization and procedures

The AWARE - Fish Identification Adventure Dive from the Adventures In Diving program credits toward this specialty at the discretion of the instructor.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 10 years old

Course Materials:
• Adventures in Diving Manual (not included in cost of class)
• Fish ID/Counting Slate (included in cost of class)
• Waterproof Pocket Guide to Corals and Fishes Florida, Bahamas & Caribbean (included in cost of class)
• Missouri Game and Fish Booklet (provided in class)

Note: You will need to complete the appropriate knowledge review in the Adventures in Diving Manual prior to attending class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.
 

 Course offered upon request and on any Y-kiki sponsored dive vacation.

Cost: $155

If you've recently purchased an Ocean Reef full face mask or if you've always wanted to try one, this class is a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with the techniques and benefits of diving a full face mask system.

Masks and regulators have traditionally been separate units, but by keeping the mask and regulator separate, it allows the rest of the face to be exposed to the elements. By integrating these two systems you stay warmer, you can breathe through your nose -- or mouth, whichever is most comfortable -- and you can communicate (with additional communication devices).

The course includes all the background information you'll need including:
• Donning & adjusting the unit
• Becoming familiar with the NIRA adjustment
• Descent & equalization techniques
• Clearing a flooded mask
• Out-of-air emergency procedures
• Care and maintenance

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 12 (although please note that the masks only come in adult-sizes Small/Medium and Medium/Large)

Course Materials:
• Ocean Reef Diver Course Kit (included in cost of class)

Note: If you don't own a full face mask, Y-kiki Divers will provide one for you for use throughout the course.

 Ocean Reef Full Face Mask Diver Schedule

Cost: $175

If the spirit of adventure and unusual, challenging diving appeals to you, try diving under the ice. Ice diving opens a new and different view of familiar dive sites. During the PADI Ice Diver course, you dive with a PADI Professional in one of the most extreme adventure specialties recreational diving offers. If you like fun, people and a challenge, you’ll love the PADI Ice Diver Specialty course.

In this course, you'll:
• Learn to plan and organize ice dives
• Practice the procedures and techniques for handling the problems and hazards of ice diving
• Site selection, preparation and hole-cutting procedures
• Use of specialized ice diving equipment, safety lines, signals, communications, line tending and line-securing techniques
• Learn about the effects of cold, emergency procedures and safety-diver procedures
• Explore the unique aquascape found only under ice

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization.
• 18 years of age or older

Course Materials:
• The classroom is lecture-based and there is no prior reading or homework required.

 Course offered upon request.

Cost: $75

This specialty is an introduction to invasive Lionfish tracking, to familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of invasive Lionfish management diving. It’s intended to serve as a safe and supervised introduction to invasive Lionfish tracking. Training should emphasize safety and fun.

The Invasive Lionfish Tracker Distinctive Specialty Course educates divers about invasive Lionfish, including the essential Lionfish facts and their progressive invasion of the Northwestern Atlantic and the Caribbean.

The course also explains why action is required now to endeavor to control the population and describes the practical way to safely and humanely capture and euthanize these fish, along with behavioral characteristics.

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver, or qualifying prerequisite
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Course Materials:
• AWARE - Our World, Our Water Manual
This manual is available as a download: Click here to download.

Note: You will need to download and read Chapter 4 & 5 of AWARE - Our World, Our Water prior to attending class.

 Course offered upon request and on any Y-kiki sponsored dive vacation.

Cost: $75

The Manatee Awareness Distinctive Specialty Course educates and informs divers and snorkelers of the physical make-up, habitat, behavior, regulations, and present and future status of the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee.

The goals of manatee awareness training include:
• To educate students of the physical make-up, habitat and behavior and of the Florida Manatee
• Create an awareness of the current status of manatee population in Florida
• Review current US Game and Wildlife laws protecting Florida manatee
• Provide guidelines for interaction with manatee

Prerequisites:
• PADI Discover Snorkeling or snorkeling experience
• Minimum age is 8 years old

Cost: $56 (2013 pricing)

Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

This certification denotes that you've reached the highest recreational diver level in the PADI system of diver education. PADI Master Scuba Diver indicates you have a significant amount of training and experience in a variety of dive environments.

While the PADI Master Scuba Diver certification is the highest recreational level in the PADI system of diver education, you can continue on to become a PADI Professional. As a Master Scuba Diver you'll be well qualified to begin your training as a PADI Divemaster.

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• PADI Rescue Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• 50 logged dives
• Five PADI Specialty course certifications
• Minimum age is 15 years old (12 for Junior Master Scuba Diver)

Download the Master Scuba Diver Application.

Cost: $100

Since there's so much to see underwater you'll want to make the most of your stay. The PADI Multilevel Diver Specialty course tells you how by introducing you to the many varieties of multilevel diving.You'll learn what multilevel diving is and why you want to plan for multilevel dives. You'll also get to see the various types of multilevel dive calculators (including the Recreational Dive Planner, Wheel version and dive computers), as well as learn about multilevel dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques, and potential problems.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 12 years old

Course Materials:
• Recreational Dive Planner, The Wheel

 Course offered upon request.
 

Cost: $135 (Add-on to Advanced Open Water Weekend, $115)

When you go night diving you'll see a whole new world. Even your local dive site takes on a new personality at night, as many underwater creatures and plant life (different from those you see during the day) are active at night.

You'll learn night dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and potential problems. You'll also learn how to control your buoyancy, navigate and communicate at night. Since many of the plants and animals you'll see are different, you'll also get an introduction to nocturnal aquatic life.

Your Adventures In Diving Night Adventure Dive may count towards the Night Diver Specialty course at instructor discretion. This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 12 years old

Course Materials:
• Night Diver Crew Pak (included in cost of class)
• Personal marker light, primary light, secondary/back-up light

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.

Night Diver Class Schedule

Cost: $110 (Add-on to Open Water or Advanced Open Water Weekend, $85)

If you want to fine-tune your buoyancy and soar over reefs, extend bottom time by reducing air consumption and prolong the life of your dive equipment, the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course is for you.

During your Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course, you'll use PADI's Basic Weighting Guidelines to determine the correct amount of weight. Then you'll practice the fundamentals of peak performance buoyancy during two open water dives, including the buoyancy check, fine-tuning buoyancy underwater, weight positioning for trim, streamlining and visualization.

Your Adventures In Diving Peak Performance Buoyancy Adventure Dive may count towards your Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course at instructor discretion. This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 10 years old

Course Materials:
• Peak Performance Buoyancy DVD (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to view the video prior to attending class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.
 

 This course is offered following every Open Water dive weekend (those are the dates listed
 below), as an add-on to any  Advanced Open Water course or on any Y-kiki dive travel
 vacation. Simply contact Y-kiki Divers to preregister and to receive materials.
 

 
2013 Schedule
(Class & Dives)

May 19
May 26
June 2
June 9
June 16
June 23
June 30
July 14
July 28
Aug. 11
Aug. 18
Aug. 25
Sept. 8
Sept. 22
Sept. 29
Oct. 6
Oct. 20
Oct. 27

 
2013 Schedule
(Class & Dives)

May 5
May 12
May 26
June 9
June 23
June 30
July 7
July 21
July 28
Aug. 4
Aug. 18
Sept. 1
Sept. 8
Sept. 15
Sept. 29
Oct. 6
Oct. 13
Oct. 27

Cost: $75

If you want to learn about the plight of worldwide aquatic ecosystems and how you can protect them, this Specialty course is for you. You'll learn about aquatic ecosystem degradation and the conservation measures protecting aquatic resources. This includes:

• The Project AWARE philosophy
• The importance and interdependence of worldwide aquatic ecosystems
• Current issues regarding fisheries, coastal zone management and marine pollution
• The status of several critically degraded marine environments
• How you can help

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• No dive certification required
• No minimum age limit

Course Materials:
• AWARE - Our World, Our Water Manual
This manual is now available as a download: Click here to download.

Note: You will need to download and read AWARE - Our World, Our Water and complete the required knowledge reviews prior to attending class.

 Project AWARE Specialty Course

Cost: $100

The Sea Turtle Awareness Distinctive Specialty course introduces divers and snorkelers to basic sea turtle identification and conservation. The goals of Sea Turtle Awareness course training are:

• To familiarize students with the role of Project AWARE in preserving the aquatic environment.
• To introduce sea turtle species common in temperate or tropical waters.
• To provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to identify turtles and record sightings.
• To inform students about decline in sea turtle populations, importance of sea turtles to marine biodiversity and what they can do to reduce the loss of sea turtles worldwide.

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)*
• Minimum age is 10 years old

*Nondiver route: Snorkelers may participate in the course but will have different administrative, certification and in-water requirements.

 Course offered upon request and on any Y-kiki sponsored dive vacation.

Cost: $155

Have you ever dropped something in the water? Are you looking for lost treasure? The PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty course will teach you effective ways to find objects underwater and bring them to the surface.You'll learn about:
• Search and recovery dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and potential problems
• Limited visibility
• Search patterns
• Safe object recovery using lift devices

Your Adventures In Diving Search and Recovery Adventure Dive may count toward this Specialty certification at instructor discretion. This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization) OR
PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver AND PADI Underwater Navigation certifications (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age: 12 years old

Course Materials:
• Search & Recovery Crew Pak (included in cost of class)

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.
 
Search & Recovery Diver Class Schedule

Cost: $199

The Self-Reliant Diver Distinctive Specialty course gives you the confidence and skills to rely on yourself and only yourself when diving. If you’re a photographer, frequently travel alone, on a “Pro” Track, or just want to improve your confidence in diving this class is for you!

The purpose of the Self-Reliant Diver specialty course is to recognize and accept the role of the buddy system and its contributions to diver safety while identifying and developing self-reliance and independence while diving. There are two reasons for an experienced diver to take the Self-Reliant diver course:

• To develop the skills of planning and carrying out dives without a partner when preferred or necessary.
• To sharpen skills of diving self-reliance, making the diver a stronger partner in a dive pair or team.

This course covers when diving alone may be applicable, and the need to compensate for those situations, including dive planning, life support system readiness, adaptive training, equipment and responsibility. This course is an introduction to self-reliant diving that helps student divers develop the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to rely on themselves first, whether or not they are diving with a partner, including:

• The value and application of the buddy system. 
• The philosophy of, and motivation for, diving without a partner. 
• Potential risks of diving alone, and how to manage those risks. 
• The value of equipment redundancy and what back-up equipment is needed.
• Dive planning and gas management.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Advanced Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum 100 Logged Dives
• Minimum age is 18 years old

Required Equipment (Rental Available):
• Appropriately Rigged Pony Bottle or Tank equipped with H or Y-valve
• Surface Marker Buoy and Reel
• Backup Signaling Device (Whistle, Mirror, etc.)
• Slate and Writing Instrument
• Compass
• Cutting Tool

Course Materials:
• Manual (included in cost of class)

 Class & Dives at Mermet Springs
 April 7, 2013
 July 28, 2013
 Oct. 6, 2013
 Dec. 1, 2013

Have you ever wanted to go diving, but without most of those bubbles? Here's your chance to try it with the PADI Semiclosed Rebreather Dolphin/Atlantis Specialty course. This Specialty course introduces you to the Drager Dolphin/Atlantis semiclosed rebreathers.

This Specialty course introduces the planning, organization, procedures, potential problems and hazards of semiclosed rebreather diving. It is specific to the features, accessories, maintenance and proper use of the Dolphin/Atlantis semiclosed rebreathers.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisities:
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization) OR PADI Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization) with proof of at least 10 logged dives beyond open water training dives
• PADI Enriched Air Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Course Materials:
• Student Workbook will be provided in class

 Course offered upon request.
 

Cost: $75

Shark populations are rapidly declining, mainly due to overfishing. Many actions are required to protect sharks including improved fisheries management and trade regulation. An important step towards gaining improved protection for sharks is to raise the public’s awareness of the issues and engage them in shark conservation activities. With this in mind use this course to become an advocate for shark conservation. Gain the knowledge to understand the issues, and the inspiration to take action!

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 12 years old

Course Materials:
• Project AWARE Ten Ways a Diver Can Protect the Underwater Environment
• AWARE Shark Conservation Study Guide

Note: Students who complete only the knowledge development section may be issued an AWARE Shark Conservation Program Participation Certificate.

Cost: $305 (if student owns needed gear) / $405 (with loaner gear for the class)

What is Sidemount?
Diving in a sidemount configuration is the process of taking one or two cylinders and placing them on either side of your body, rather than mounting them on your back.

Why use sidemount equipment configuration?
A sidemount equipment configuration enables a unique method of buoyancy control which results in a more streamlined profile, reducing drag making kicking and moving through the water easier and more efficient.

Sidemount equipment and harness are custom fit to each individual, accommodating divers of all shapes and sizes. Most importantly, side mount can be used for all recreational, reef, wreck, and wall dives. Interested in technical diving? No need to purchase another set of cylinders just to double up. Sidemount is the lighter way to technical dive. Sidemount is easier on the back: divers carry the cylinder(s) separate from your harness to the water. Cylinders and weights are then mounted and attached in the water, making the entries and exits to dive sites much easier.

The purpose of the PADI Sidemount Diver specialty course is to familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of diving in double cylinders properly configured for open water side mount diving.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or a qualifying certification from another training organization)
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Course Materials:
• The classroom is lecture-based and there is no prior reading or homework required

Gear Requirements:
• All personal standard diving equipment including mask, boots, fins
• Two independent cylinders (65 cu.ft. or larger)
• Exposure suit (including hood and gloves)
• Weight system
• Two first stage regulators with a second stage (one with a seven foot hose for air sharing),
  pressure gauge, low pressure inflator hose
• BCD properly configured for open water side mount diving with a low-pressure inflator
• Complete instrumentation, including a means to monitor depth, time and direction
• Recreational Dive Planner (table or eRDP/eRDPml) or dive computer
• Diving tool or knife capable of cutting line
• Slate with pencil
• Whistle or other surface signaling device
• Log book
• Dive light (recommended)

 Class: April 5 at South County, 7 p.m.
 Pool: April 6 at South County YMCA pool
 Dives: April 13 & 14

 Class: June 7 at South County, 6:30 p.m.
 Pool: June 8 at Ladue High School pool
 Dives: June 22 & 23

 Class: Aug. 2 at South County, 6:30 p.m.
 Pool: Aug. 3 at Ladue High School pool
 Dives: Aug. 17 & 18

 Class: Oct. 17 at South County, 6:30 p.m.
 Pool: Oct. 19 at South County YMCA pool
 Dives: Nov. 2 & 3

Cost: $155

If you're interested in spearfishing then the PADI Underwater Hunter Specialty course is for you! This course is an introduction to underwater hunting providing hands-on training/use of spear guns especially centered around spear gun safety.

During your PADI Underwater Hunter Specialty course, you'll learn the ethics of spearfishing, the pros/cons of various types of spear guns (pneumatic and rubberband powered spear guns), underwater tactics/techniques and state fishing laws and regulations. You'll also get an overview of fish species identification as well as practice with various sizes and styles of spear guns and auxiliary equipment in the pool.

Participants will need to complete their training by participating in a trip to a local lake to put their classroom and pool training to test with two open water training dives. Students will receive hands-on training on how to properly care for/clean the fish that are taken. Y-kiki sponsors a year-end fish fry and all hunters are invited!

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Course Materials:
• The classroom is lecture-based and there is no prior reading or homework required.
• Missouri Game and Fish Booklet (provided in class)

Additional Expenses:
• Spearguns are provided for pool session practice, but students will be required to purchase or rent one for the open water dives.
• Participants will collectively split the cost of a pontoon boat rental for the weekend dives.
• Travel expenses and accommodations.

 June 8 - Class/Pool
 June 15 & 16 - Lake Dive

 July 13 - Class/Pool
 July 20 & 21 - Lake Dive

 Aug. 10 - Class/Pool
 Aug. 17 & 18 - Lake Dive

Cost: $100

If you're interested in aquatic life, then the PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course is for you. This course is an introduction to the underwater aquatic environment and will help develop safe and responsible aquatic life interaction techniques.

During your PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty course, you'll learn underwater naturalist dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and potential problems. You'll also get an overview of the major aquatic life groupings, interactions and factual information that dispels negative myths. You'll put this information into practice during your two open water dives.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 10 years old

Course Materials:
• PADIs Underwater Naturalist Manual (included in cost of class)

Note: Participants need to complete the required knowledge review in the student manual prior to attending class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.
 

 Course offered upon request and on any Y-kiki sponsored dive vacation.
 

Cost: $155

When you're underwater, knowing where you are and where you're going comes in handy, especially if you're looking for that beautiful reef that you've heard all about. The PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course will help you become a pro at finding your way underwater.

During your PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course, you'll learn underwater navigation dive procedures, techniques, planning, organization and potential problems. You'll also be introduced to natural navigation, underwater patterns, distance estimation and further your compass navigation skills. You'll put these into practice during your three open water dives.

Your Adventures In Diving Navigation Adventure Dive may count toward your Specialty course at instructor discretion. This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certified (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 10 years old

Course Materials:
• Navigation Crew Pak (included in cost of class)
• Compass

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.

Underwater Navigator Class Schedule

 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Specialist

 Cost: $35

Sign up to take the PADI Underwater Pumpkin Carving Distinctive Specialty course — a fun and unique c-card for your logbook! Learn all about what it takes to carve a pumpkin underwater including proper weighting, buoyancy control and cool techniques. Each buddy team carves a pumpkin over two dives. Be sure and register for the Soak Your Gourd Event which includes quarry entry fee, supper, drinks and an event t-shirt (click here for details).

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification.

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 10 years old
• Each diver will be required to sign PADI’s Continuing Education Administrative Document, including the Divers’ Medical Questionnaire. Medical clearance by a doctor may be required for some.

Required Materials:
• Divers will need to bring their own pumpkin, carving tools, mesh bag for collection of pumpkin guts and dive equipment

Cost: $100

Have you ever needed to communicate with your dive buddy under water? Waiting until your surface interval just to communicate can be frustrating. Whether you are having a problem or just want to point out something cool, keeping good communication with your buddy can make the difference between an "okay" dive and a "great" fun and safe dive. ‘Look there, see the lobster’, ‘Where is the Boat’ or ‘My Tank Strip is Loose, Could You Tighten It’ are just some of the messages you will be able to send, and receive, once you understand just a few simple, dive specific, hand signals!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 10 years old

Course Materials:
• Sea Signs© “Fun & Safety Signing” Crew Pak (included in cost of class)
• Sea Signs© “Fun & Safety Signing” Flash Cards (optional)

Note: Prior to coming to class, please read the manual and watch the Sea Signs DVD that has been provided to you. In class we will practice signs, go through development exercises, and take a brief underwater sign language quiz. We'll practice in the pool. Underwater Sign Language students will receive a Sea Signs© certification and a tag that can be worn on your BC indicating you are a Sea Signs specialist.

 Underwater Sign Language Class Schedule

Cost: $100

Do you want to show the underwater world to your land-based friends? Take the PADI Underwater Videographer Specialty course and you'll learn the skills necessary to shoot your own underwater footage.

You'll learn about selecting, maintaining and caring for your underwater video equipment as well as safe diving practices while on a videography dives. Further, you'll learn videography fundamentals, such as exposure, focus, shot types, moves, story line and shot sequencing. Then you'll get to put your knowledge to actual use during your three open water dives.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 12 years old

Course Materials:
• Student must have their own camera and housing

  Course offered upon request and on any Y-kiki sponsored dive vacation.

Cost: $155

Y-kiki Divers offers the PADI USS Oriskany Specialty Diver course to provide students a historical background of the ship as well as familiarize them with the planning, techniques and hazards of diving this most notable of artificial reefs.

On Aug. 7, 1943, Congress authorized the construction of the attack aricraft carrier USS Oriskany CV-34.  On Sept. 25, 1950, Oriskany was commissioned at the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard and was sent out "to oppose the enemy with vigor, as a true patriot, for the defense of (her) country". The ship, through it's many years of distinguished service, participated in the Korean conflict, made several combat tours during Vietnam, was the first aircraft carrier to round Cape Horn and was one of the first on the scene to assist the USS Forrestal following its horrific shipboard fire in 1967.

The "Mighty O" was retired in 1976 and in 2003 the Navy decided to use the Oriskany to construct an artificial reef. She was sunk in May 2006 and currently rests off the coast of Pensacola, Florida. At  911 feet  long, 150 feet wide and over 150 feet tall she is the largest vessel ever sunk as an artificial reef.  The top of the ship is at 80 feet and the flight deck is at 145 feet. There's plenty to see above 100 feet, making her a great recreational advanced dive.

The goal of this course is to provide a safe and supervised introduction to diving the USS Oriskany with an emphasis on fun and safety. You'll learn:
• The history of the ship
• The procedures used for her planned sinking
• The benefits of an artificial reef
• The social and legal aspects of her sinking

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Adventure Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• 50 logged dives
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Materials:
• Student Workbook will be provided in class

 Course offered upon request.
 

Cost: $155

Y-kiki Divers offers the PADI USS Spiegel Grove Specialty Diver course to provide students a historical background of the ship as well as familiarize them with the planning, techniques and hazards of diving this artificial reef.

From its commissioning in 1956, the Spiegel Grove helped enforce America's Cold War strategy of containment, which called for rushing troops and equipment to support friendly governments. The landing ship spent the greater part of her active service participating in amphibious exercises along the eastern seaboard and in the Caribbean. She was decommissioned in 1989.

About six hours prior to her intended scuttling as an artificial reef, the Spiegel Grove unexpectedly sank on May 17, 2002, and rolled over. Resolve Marine Group finished scuttling the ship on it side June 10, 2002. That's where it stayed until Hurricane Dennis waves helped to finish the job correctly uprighting the ship where she currently stands tall. The vessel is 510 feet in length, 84 feet wide and she resides at a depth of 134 feet about five miles off Key Largo, Florida. The depth at the highest point of the ship is 60-65 feet, depending on the tide level making it an excellent recreational advanced dive.

The goal of this course is to provide a safe and supervised introduction to diving the USS Spiegel Grove with an emphasis on fun and safety. You'll learn:
• The history of the ship
• The procedures used for her initial planned sinking, the procedures used for turning the wreck on its side and the affects leading to its eventual righting
• The benefits of an artificial reef
• The social and legal aspects of her sinking

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Adventure Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• 50 logged dives
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Course Materials:
• Student Workbook will be provided in class

 Course offered upon request.

Cost: $155

Y-kiki Divers offers the PADI USNS Vandenberg Specialty Diver course to provide students a historical background of the ship as well as familiarize them with the planning, techniques and hazards of diving this artificial reef.

The USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg is Key West’s newest artificial reef. She lies in 140 feet of water approximately 6 miles SSE of Key West in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS).

She was originally commissioned as the General Harry Taylor in May 1944 and served as a troop transport in World War II. She was re-commissioned in 1963 as the USAFS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg and began service for the Atlantic Missile Range as a missile tracking ship.

In 1983, she was mothballed and transferred to MARAD at the James River fleet in Virginia. Universal Studios used her in 1996 in California for the filming of the motion picture Virus starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Sutherland before returned to the James River fleet.

A project that spanned over 14 years was begun by a Florida dive boat captain, Joe Weatherby, to bring the Vandenberg to Key West and sink her. After years of toil and fund raising the USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg was brought to Key West and sunk on May 27, 2009.

The ship now is a habitat to all the different species of fish and coral in the Florida Keys.

The goal of this course is to provide a safe and supervised introduction to diving the USNS Vandenberg with an emphasis on fun and safety. You'll learn:
• The history of the ship
• The procedures used for her planned sinking
• The benefits of an artificial reef
• The social and legal aspects of her sinking

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Adventure Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• 50 logged dives
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Course Materials:
• Student Workbook will be provided in class

Cost: $100

The purpose of the Whale Shark Awareness Specialty course is to introduce divers and snorkelers to whale sharks and familiarize them with proper recreational diving techniques for responsible interaction. Training should emphasize fun and safety. The goals of the Whale Shark Awareness Specialty course training are:

• To introduce divers to whale shark biology, behavior and distribution.
• Provide an overview of whale shark research and worldwide conservation status.
• To enable divers to plan, organize and execute a whale shark dive in a safe, passive manner.
• To emphasize the importance of whale shark monitoring activities and provide whale shark conservation opportunities through participation in Project AWARE’s Whale Shark Project

Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 10 years old

Nondiver route: Snorkelers may participate in the course but will have different administrative, certification and in-water requirements.

 Course offered upon request.

Cost: $155

The lure of exploring sunken vessels, airplanes and automobiles is something most divers can't resist. The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course introduces you to wreck diving and helps you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and fun wreck diving.

You'll learn about:
• The planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems and hazards of wreck diving
• The preparation and use of lights, air supplies, special equipment, penetration lines and reels
• Limited-visibility diving techniques and emergency procedures

Your Adventures In Diving Wreck Adventure Dive may count toward this Specialty certification at instructor discretion.

This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!

Prerequisites:
• PADI Adventure Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 15 years old

Course Materials:
• Wreck Diver Crek Pak ( included in cost of class)
• Reel
• Personal marker light, primary light, secondary/back-up light

Note: You will need to view the video and complete the required knowledge reviews in the student manual prior to attending class. Course fee does not include rental equipment.

Wreck Diver Class Schedule