Camp Emerald Bay Frequently Asked Questions

1) What scuba programs do you offer?

2) When can I sign up

3) How do I sign up

4) Can a Troop reserve several spaces at once

5) When should I sign up

6) How much does the Certification program cost

7) What is included in the certification program

8) What do I need to bring to camp for the certification program

9) What happens if I do not complete the home study for the certification program

10) Is a doctor's exam required

11) Are there medical conditions that can prevent me from diving

12) How do adult leaders sign up

13) Will I have time for other activities

14) What do I need to bring to camp for Scuba BSA

15) How do I schedule my dives (half day program and certified divers)

16) Can I schedule additional dives at camp for Scuba BSA or Discover Local Diving

17) I am certified, but only 10 or 11 years old. Can I go diving?

1) What scuba programs do you offer?

--Open Water Scuba (Rugged Scuba) - A one week scuba certification program for those at least 12 years old.

--Scuba BSA - A half day experience program for anyone at least 12 years old. No prior diving experience required.

--Discover Local Diving-Guided dives for certified divers at least 12 years old.

--Advanced Open Water (Rugged O)-Continuing education for certified divers at least 12 years old

2) When do sign ups begin?

-- Sign ups for Scuba BSA and Discover Local Diving begin March 15, 2010 with Malibu Divers.

-- Sign-ups for Rugged Scuba (Open Water) and Rugged O (Advanced Open Water) are currently being taken by the West Valley Scout Office Camping Department or register on-line.

3) How do I sign up?

-- For Scuba BSA and Discover Local Diving, please call Malibu Divers beginning March 15, 2010. All sign-ups are done over the phone. Malibu Divers is open Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturdays 8am - 6pm, and Sundays 10am - 5pm. The phone # is (310) 456-2396. Additional questions may be emailed to malibudivers@gmail.com.

-- For Rugged Scuba and Rugged O, please contact the West Valley Scout Office (818 933-0130 or camping@bsa-la.org), Camping Department.

4) Can a troop leader reserve several spaces in a program?

--No. It is important that we talk directly to scouts and their parents.

5) When should I sign up?

--It is important that scouts sign up as early as possible. Every year, the Scuba BSA and Rugged Scuba programs fill during certain weeks of camp and scouts are turned away.

6) How much is the scuba certification program (Rugged Scuba)?

--The cost of the Open Water Scuba Program (Rugged Scuba) is bundled with Camp Fees and  the total cost (camp fees and scuba) is $779.

7) What is included in the scuba certification program?

--Malibu Divers includes home study materials via PADI's eLearning System, log book, all necessary paperwork, snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins, booties, gloves and mesh carry bag) for participants to keep (a value of $300). Malibu Divers and the Boy Scouts will also provide the use of all additional scuba gear necessary for completion of the class. Participants who successfully complete the program receive a lifetime, non-expiring scuba certification from PADI (the largest and most widely recognized scuba training agency in the world).

8) What do I need to bring with me to camp for the Open Water Scuba program?

--Participants must bring their completed registration paperwork, signed medical release from a doctor (if applicable), completed homework, a bathing suit, a towel, and a smile.

9) What happens if I do not complete the 12 -18 hours of home study before I arrive at camp?

--You will not be allowed to participate in the program.

10) Is a doctors exam and medical exam form required for participation in scuba programs?

--That depends. Rugged Scuba participants answer the Divers Medical Questionaire (download here) as a part of the registration process. If all questions are answered "no", then no doctor visit or release paperwork is required. If any question is answered "yes" it means that person has a pre-existing condition that could affect their ability to dive safely. An exam by a doctor is then necessary and the PADI Medical Release Form (download here) must be signed off by a doctor. 

11) Are there any medical conditions that can prevent me from participating in scuba diving?

--Asthma or diabetes often times prevent a person from scuba diving although it depends upon the type and severity. An exam by a doctor is necessary to determine if it is safe to dive.

12) How do Adult Leaders sign up for the Open Water Scuba program?

--Adult Leaders sign-up in the same manner as Scouts.

13) Will I have time for other activities (merit badges, etc) while at camp?

--The Open Water Scuba program is a full time program and there is not time during the day for other activities. Scuba BSA (the half day experience program) and Discover Local Diving (for certified divers) do permit scouts to participate in other camp activities.

14) What do I need to bring to camp for Scuba BSA?

--Completed registration paperwork, a bathing suit, a towel, shoes that can get wet and a smile.

15) How do I schedule my diving if I am doing Scuba BSA or Discover Local Diving?

--During the Sunday afternoon orientation when you arrive at camp, the Malibu Divers instructors are available to meet with you and schedule your diving so that it does not conflict with your other activities.

16) Can I schedule additional dives for Scuba BSA or Discover Local Diving while I am at camp?

--It depends upon how full each program is, but generally, yes you can.

17) I am a certified diver, but I am only 10 or 11 years old. Can I participate in Discover Local Diving?

--Unfortunately, no. National scout policy requires that certified divers be at least 12 years old to participate in Discover Local Diving.