What is Aquatic Adventures Ohio?
Aquatic Adventures Ohio (AAO) is a full-service scuba diving center in Columbus, Ohio, serving divers throughout Ohio. Our roots in the Central Ohio diving community can be traced back to the 1970s.
We offer scuba training, dive travel, scuba and snorkeling equipment sales, equipment service, rental gear, air and Nitrox fills, local diving opportunities, and more. Whether you're interested in trying scuba for the first time or pursuing advanced technical diving, our goal is to help you enjoy a lifetime of diving.
Why should I choose Aquatic Adventures Ohio for scuba diving and training?
Our goal is simple: we want to create divers for life.
Our dive professionals are passionate, active divers with extensive real-world experience. We place a strong emphasis on customer service, adherence to training standards, and lower student-to-staff ratios.
We don't just want you to earn a certification card. We want you to become a comfortable, capable diver who stays active and shares our passion for diving. The more divers we create, the more dive buddies we have!
Is Aquatic Adventures Ohio a full-service scuba shop?
Yes. Aquatic Adventures Ohio is a full-service dive center offering scuba training, dive travel, equipment sales, equipment service, scuba and snorkeling rentals, air and Nitrox fills, and diving opportunities.
If it's scuba or snorkeling related, there's a good chance we can help.
What levels of scuba training does Aquatic Adventures Ohio offer?
You can start with little or no scuba experience and continue into some of the most advanced forms of diving.
Training opportunities include Discover Scuba, Discover Snorkel, Open Water Diver, Advanced Adventure Diver, Rescue Diver, professional-level training, specialties, technical diving, Advanced Nitrox & Decompression Procedures, Intro to Cave, closed-circuit rebreather training, and more.
Does Aquatic Adventures Ohio organize scuba diving trips?
Yes! AAO organizes multiple group dive trips every year, including several trips to the Caribbean as well as at least two larger dive adventures each year.
Our Dive Club also provides opportunities to dive locally and regionally throughout the year. Getting certified is only the beginning—we want to help you actually go diving.
What scuba equipment brands does Aquatic Adventures Ohio sell and service?
AAO sells and services equipment from many of the industry's most popular scuba brands, including brands from Huish Outdoors such as Oceanic, Hollis, BARE, Zeagle, and Atomic Aquatics, along with TUSA, Aqua Lung, Apeks, Dive Rite, HOG, Suunto, Sherwood, OTS, Ocean Reef, and many others.
We can also service many older pieces of scuba equipment. Contact us if you have a specific piece of equipment that needs service.
Do I have to be SDI certified to dive or train with Aquatic Adventures Ohio?
No. Divers certified through PADI, SSI, NAUI, and other recognized scuba training agencies are welcome at AAO.
Most recreational scuba certifications have equivalent certifications recognized between agencies. In most cases, you can continue your education with SDI without repeating training you've already completed.
Does Aquatic Adventures Ohio work with professional dive teams and organizations?
Yes. AAO's experience extends beyond recreational scuba diving. We are the dive shop of choice for organizations including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus Police, Columbus Fire, and other organizations throughout the area.
Our training capabilities include recreational, technical, professional, and public-safety diving.
How long has Aquatic Adventures Ohio been part of the Ohio diving community?
Aquatic Adventures Ohio can trace its roots in the Central Ohio scuba diving community back to the 1970s.
While diving equipment and training have changed tremendously over the decades, our passion for getting people underwater and keeping them diving remains at the center of what we do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving
Is scuba diving safe?
Scuba diving has inherent risks, but with proper training it can be an enjoyable lifelong adventure.
Quality training, properly maintained equipment, good judgment, and diving within the limits of your certification, experience, and conditions all contribute to safer diving. At AAO, adherence to established training standards is a fundamental part of how we teach.
Do I have to be a strong swimmer to learn to scuba dive?
You don't need to be a competitive swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable in the water.
For Open Water Diver certification, students must complete a 200-meter swim and a 10-minute tread or float. The swim isn't timed, and it doesn't have to be pretty—you simply need to complete it to the required standard.
How old do you have to be to learn to scuba dive?
The minimum age for SDI Junior Open Water Diver certification is 10 years old. At age 15, students can earn the full SDI Open Water Diver certification.
Age, maturity, comfort in the water, and the individual's ability to understand and perform the required skills should all be considered when deciding when a young person is ready to begin scuba training.
Can I scuba dive if I have a medical condition or take prescription medication?
Every scuba course requires completion of a medical questionnaire. Taking prescription medication or answering “yes” to certain questions may require clearance and a signature from a physician before participating.
AAO does not determine whether a medical condition makes someone fit to dive. When medical clearance is required, we defer to the student's physician.
Is scuba diving expensive?
Scuba has a relatively high initial cost compared with some hobbies, but it's helpful to look at that cost over a lifetime of diving.
Your Open Water Diver certification is a lifetime certification. Unlike activities that may require paying $100 or more every month for ongoing classes or memberships, there is no monthly fee required simply to remain scuba certified.
Equipment can also be purchased gradually, and rental equipment allows new divers to get underwater without immediately buying a complete set of scuba gear.
Does a scuba certification expire?
No. Your recreational scuba certification is a lifetime certification.
However, being certified and being current are two different things. The general industry recommendation is to make at least one dive per year or complete a scuba refresher if you haven't been diving regularly.
Can you scuba dive in Ohio?
Absolutely. You don't have to travel to the Caribbean to go scuba diving.
Ohio and the surrounding region offer numerous diving opportunities, including Gilboa Quarry, White Star Quarry, Silver Cup Lake, the Great Lakes, and other local and regional dive sites.
The Aquatic Adventures Ohio Dive Club meets monthly and provides multiple opportunities throughout the year to get underwater with other divers.
Can you scuba dive in Ohio during the winter?
Yes! Diving doesn't have to stop when the temperature drops.
AAO offers drysuit training throughout the year and sells drysuits and other equipment for cold-water diving. We even traditionally celebrate the start of the year with a New Year's Day dive at Gilboa Quarry.
How deep can an Open Water scuba diver go?
An Open Water Diver certification qualifies a diver to dive to a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters), subject to training standards, conditions, experience, and other applicable limitations.
Additional recreational and technical training can prepare divers for different environments and greater depths.
Do I need to buy all my scuba equipment before getting certified?
No. AAO provides most of the scuba equipment you'll use during your Open Water Diver course.
Students are required to have their own mask, fins, snorkel, and boots. If you don't already own those items, AAO can help you select and purchase properly fitting equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Training & Certification
How do I get scuba certified in Ohio?
Your Open Water Diver certification through Aquatic Adventures Ohio combines independent academics with hands-on training.
You'll complete SDI e-learning and required paperwork before beginning your confined-water training. You'll learn and practice scuba skills in a controlled environment before completing your required open-water certification dives.
Once you've successfully completed the academic, watermanship, confined-water, and open-water requirements, you'll earn your SDI Open Water Diver certification.
How long does it take to get scuba certified?
A typical Aquatic Adventures Ohio Open Water course is completed over two weekends.
For strong swimmers who are comfortable in the water and prepared for an accelerated schedule, we also offer an option that can complete the hands-on portion of the Open Water course in as little as two days.
The required academics are completed separately before the hands-on training.
How much online learning is required for scuba certification?
Students should plan on approximately 10–12 hours to complete the SDI Open Water Diver e-learning.
AAO's Open Water program also includes Computer Nitrox training, which requires approximately another 4 hours of online academics.
We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to complete and understand the material rather than waiting until immediately before class.
What is included with AAO's Open Water Diver course?
AAO's Open Water Diver program includes:
- SDI Open Water Diver e-learning
- Confined-water instruction
- Open-water certification dives
- Use of most required scuba equipment during training
- SDI Computer Nitrox certification
Students need their own properly fitting mask, snorkel, fins, and boots.
What happens if I have trouble learning a scuba skill?
Not everyone learns scuba skills at exactly the same pace, and that's okay. Our instructors will work with students for a reasonable amount of time and can circle back to skills that need additional practice.
Training standards still have to be met before certification. If a student needs significantly more time, we may recommend an additional confined-water session or private instruction for an additional fee.
Our goal isn't to rush you through a class—it's to help you become a capable diver.
Can I get scuba certified during the winter in Ohio?
Ohio's typical local Open Water diving season runs from approximately May through the end of October, but you can begin your training outside of that window.
Students can complete their academics and confined-water training with AAO and then use a Global Referral Form to complete their open-water certification dives with a reputable dive center in a warmer destination.
Can I finish my scuba certification while I'm on vacation?
Yes. AAO can provide a Global Referral Form allowing you to complete your open-water certification dives with a reputable dive shop at your destination.
We'll even help you find a quality dive center to complete your training.
Students who complete their certification dives elsewhere instead of completing them through AAO can receive a $50 AAO in-store credit after returning with proof of certification.
Can a PADI, SSI, or NAUI diver take an SDI course?
Yes. You generally don't need to start your scuba education over simply because your original certification came from another agency.
Most equivalent certifications from recognized scuba training agencies are accepted as prerequisites for SDI continuing-education courses. There are a few exceptions for specialized training, so contact AAO if you're unsure whether your current certification meets the prerequisites.
What scuba certification should I take after Open Water?
For many recreational divers, Advanced Adventure Diver is the natural next step after Open Water certification.
After gaining additional experience, Rescue Diver is another important milestone that develops greater awareness, problem-solving abilities, and skills for assisting other divers.
From there, your training path can be tailored around where and how you want to dive.
Does Aquatic Adventures Ohio offer private scuba lessons?
Yes. Private scuba instruction is available for an additional fee.
Private lessons can be a good option for students who want more individualized instruction, need additional time to develop particular skills, or require greater scheduling flexibility.
Why does AAO include Nitrox training with Open Water certification?
We believe Nitrox is an important tool for modern recreational divers. When used appropriately, Nitrox can provide an increased no-decompression safety margin compared with air.
It's also extremely common in recreational dive travel, and many dive resorts and trips encourage divers to be Nitrox certified.
Including Computer Nitrox with Open Water training supports our larger goal: creating divers for life, rather than simply getting students through their first certification.
Frequently Asked Questions About SDI Scuba Certification
What is SDI?
Scuba Diving International (SDI) is an internationally recognized scuba training and certification agency and part of International Training.
SDI provides recreational scuba education ranging from entry-level training through professional and advanced recreational diving.
Is an SDI scuba certification recognized worldwide?
Yes. SDI is an internationally recognized scuba certification agency.
An SDI certification earned through Aquatic Adventures Ohio can be used to demonstrate your training when diving with dive centers and resorts throughout the world.
Why does Aquatic Adventures Ohio teach SDI?
SDI's approach to scuba education closely aligns with AAO's goal of creating divers for life.
We value SDI's emphasis on adherence to training standards while still giving instructors the flexibility to teach to the needs of their students. SDI also embraces modern diving practices, including the use of dive computers beginning with entry-level training.
What is the difference between SDI, TDI, and ERDI?
SDI, TDI, and ERDI are all part of International Training, and each serves a different part of the diving community.
SDI (Scuba Diving International) primarily focuses on recreational diving.
TDI (Technical Diving International) focuses on technical diving and advanced forms of diver training.
ERDI (Emergency Response Diving International) was developed specifically around the needs of public-safety dive teams and public-safety divers.
Together, they provide a training pathway that can take someone from their first underwater experience into extremely advanced forms of diving.
What makes SDI scuba training different?
One difference AAO particularly values is the flexibility SDI gives instructors to teach to the students while still meeting established training standards.
If a student struggles with a skill, the instructor has the ability to circle back, provide additional practice, and adjust the progression of training to meet the needs of the class.
SDI also requires dive computers in its Open Water training, introducing students to the equipment and practices they'll actually use as certified divers.
Is SDI as good as PADI, SSI, or NAUI?
SDI, PADI, SSI, and NAUI are recognized scuba training organizations, and certifications from major agencies are commonly accepted throughout the diving industry.
At Aquatic Adventures Ohio, we prefer SDI. We believe its emphasis on training standards, modern diving practices, dive-computer use, student-to-instructor ratios, and instructor flexibility aligns particularly well with how we believe divers should be trained.
We also value being able to communicate directly with knowledgeable people at the training agency when questions arise.
Ultimately, the logo on a certification card is only one component of becoming a good diver. The quality of your instructor, adherence to standards, amount of meaningful practice, and your own commitment to developing your skills matter tremendously.
Can I switch from PADI, SSI, or NAUI to SDI?
Yes. In most cases, there isn't even a formal “switch” required.
If you hold an equivalent certification from another recognized scuba agency, you can generally use it to satisfy the prerequisite for your next SDI course.
For example, a diver with an equivalent Open Water certification from another recognized agency can generally continue into SDI training without repeating Open Water.
Does an SDI scuba certification expire?
No. SDI recreational scuba certifications are lifetime certifications.
Divers should still remain active and keep their skills current. If you've been away from scuba for an extended period, a refresher is a great way to rebuild your skills and confidence before returning to regular diving.
Does SDI have digital certification cards?
Yes. SDI offers digital certifications through an easy-to-use app, making it convenient to access proof of certification when you're traveling or heading out for a dive.
Physical certification cards are also available.
Can I become a technical diver through SDI?
SDI is part of the International Training family alongside Technical Diving International (TDI).
That means your training can begin at the recreational level and eventually progress into some of the most advanced diver training available through SDI/TDI.
At Aquatic Adventures Ohio, that pathway can include advanced recreational training as well as opportunities such as Advanced Nitrox & Decompression Procedures, closed-circuit rebreather training, Intro to Cave, and other advanced courses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Gear Service & Repair
Does Aquatic Adventures Ohio service and repair scuba gear?
Yes. Aquatic Adventures Ohio is a full-service scuba equipment service and repair center in Columbus, Ohio. We service most types and many brands of scuba equipment, including regulators, BCDs, drysuits, full-face masks, scuba cylinders, and select dive computers.
We can also work on many older and discontinued pieces of scuba equipment that other service centers may no longer support.
Call or visit AAO for current service pricing.
What brands of scuba equipment does AAO service?
We service many major scuba equipment brands, including Atomic Aquatics, Apeks, AquaLung, Oceanic, Hollis, Zeagle, Sherwood, Dive Rite, HOG, OTS, Ocean Reef, and many more.
Two notable brands we currently do not service are Mares and Cressi.
Because serviceability can depend on the specific model, age of the equipment, and availability of parts, contact us if you're unsure whether we can service your gear.
Can I mail my scuba gear to Aquatic Adventures Ohio for service?
Yes. You do not have to live in Columbus or even Ohio to have AAO service your scuba equipment.
For mail-in service, we recommend calling us with your equipment in hand before shipping it. This allows us to verify the make and model and determine whether the equipment is something we can service.
Include your contact information with the equipment. Once your gear arrives, we'll contact you and place it into our service queue. Customers are responsible for shipping costs.
Local customers do not need to call first and can bring their equipment directly to Aquatic Adventures Ohio.
How should I prepare scuba equipment for mail-in service?
Please make sure all equipment is clean and dry before packing it for shipment.
Remove unnecessary accessories whenever possible. Do not send gear bags, knives, rattles, or other accessories unless those items also require service.
Pack the equipment securely and include your contact information inside the shipment. We recommend calling AAO before shipping so we can verify that your specific equipment is serviceable.
How long does scuba gear service take?
Our typical turnaround time is approximately two weeks, assuming the necessary parts are available.
Turnaround times are estimates and are not guaranteed. Parts availability, equipment condition, discontinued components, seasonal service volume, and the type of repair can all affect completion time.
If you have a hard deadline—especially an upcoming dive trip—let us know. We will work with you whenever possible.
Does AAO offer rush scuba equipment service?
Yes. Rush options may be available depending on our service workload and parts availability.
For service needed in less than our typical two-week turnaround, a $25 rush fee may apply. A 3-day rush option may also be available at double the normal service price.
Turnaround times cannot be guaranteed when required parts are unavailable. Contact AAO as early as possible if you have a specific deadline.
Does Aquatic Adventures Ohio service public safety dive equipment?
Yes. Aquatic Adventures Ohio provides scuba equipment service for public safety dive teams, police departments, fire departments, rescue teams, and other emergency-response diving organizations.
We understand that public safety dive equipment is mission-critical and may need to be returned to service quickly. Public safety dive equipment receives front-of-the-line priority in our service department at no additional charge.
We can service a wide range of public safety diving equipment, including regulators, BCDs, drysuits, OTS and Ocean Reef full-face masks, scuba cylinders, and other supported equipment.
Serviceability depends on the specific make and model, condition of the equipment, and availability of parts. Departments with larger service needs or questions about specific equipment are encouraged to contact AAO directly.
How often should I have my scuba regulator and other equipment serviced?
Always follow the service requirements established by your equipment's manufacturer because recommendations vary by brand and model.
Many manufacturers recommend having scuba equipment professionally evaluated approximately once per year, with a complete regulator service or rebuild approximately every two years.
Your equipment should also be evaluated whenever you notice unusual performance, leaks, free-flowing, breathing changes, visible damage, or other problems. Equipment that has been sitting unused for an extended period should also be evaluated before returning to regular diving.
Regular service can help identify deteriorating O-rings, worn components, damaged hoses, corrosion, pressure changes, leaks, and other issues before they develop into more serious problems.
Should I have my scuba gear serviced before a dive trip?
Yes, but don't wait until the last minute.
If you're preparing for a major dive vacation or liveaboard, bring your equipment in well before your departure date. This provides time for the equipment to be inspected or rebuilt, allows for unexpected parts delays, and gives you time to use or test your equipment before traveling.
Discovering that a specialized part is needed a few days before an international dive trip can leave very few options. Give yourself—and your service technician—plenty of time.
What is the difference between a regulator inspection and a full regulator service?
A regulator inspection evaluates the regulator's condition and performance without completely rebuilding it.
During an inspection, our service technician checks for obvious problems and tests pressures and the performance of the different components of the regulator. If the regulator is operating within the manufacturer's specifications and no problems are identified, it can pass the inspection.
If a problem is discovered or the regulator does not meet the appropriate specifications, it will fail the inspection and a complete service or rebuild may be recommended.
During a full regulator service, the regulator is disassembled and cleaned. Required O-rings, filters, and service components are replaced, the regulator is reassembled and adjusted back to the appropriate specifications, and its performance is tested.
How does AAO test a regulator after a rebuild?
A regulator isn't finished simply because new parts have been installed.
After service, AAO reassembles and adjusts the regulator and tests its performance. Testing includes intermediate pressure, cracking and breathing performance, leak testing, and other applicable checks to verify that the regulator is performing appropriately before being returned to the customer.
Can Aquatic Adventures Ohio service old or discontinued scuba regulators and equipment?
Often, yes.
AAO will make every reasonable effort to service older and discontinued scuba equipment when it can be done safely and the necessary parts are available.
Older equipment can require additional technician time, sourcing of discontinued parts, and specialized work. Because of this, discontinued equipment is subject to higher service pricing or additional fees.
If you have an old regulator or other piece of scuba equipment sitting in storage, bring it in for an evaluation. For mail-in service, call us with the equipment in hand before shipping so we can determine whether the specific model is potentially serviceable.
Do I need my previous scuba equipment service records?
Generally, no. We can evaluate equipment even if you don't know when or where it was last serviced.
Service records become particularly important when participating in manufacturer programs such as Parts for Life. These programs may require documentation showing that the equipment was serviced according to the manufacturer's required schedule, often including the previous year's service record.
AAO maintains records for equipment we service, but we strongly recommend that divers maintain their own copies of service documentation as well.
Does Aquatic Adventures Ohio service Suunto dive computers?
Yes. Aquatic Adventures Ohio is a Suunto Level 2 Service Center.
Among our Suunto services, we can perform battery replacement on applicable Suunto D-series dive computers.
If you're unsure whether we can service your particular Suunto dive computer, contact AAO with the model information or bring the computer into the shop.
Does AAO service full-face scuba masks?
Yes. Aquatic Adventures Ohio services full-face masks from brands including OTS and Ocean Reef.
Full-face masks are specialized pieces of dive equipment, so service requirements depend on the particular equipment and its condition. Contact us or bring your mask into the shop for evaluation.
Does Aquatic Adventures Ohio perform scuba tank hydrostatic testing and visual inspections?
Yes. AAO handles both hydrostatic testing (hydro) and visual inspections (VIP) for scuba cylinders.
In the United States, scuba cylinders generally require hydrostatic testing every five years, while an annual visual inspection is standard practice for scuba cylinders used in the diving industry.
When you bring your cylinder to AAO, we'll take care of the process for you. When a tank is due for hydrostatic testing, we also recommend considering a valve rebuild.
What other scuba tank services does AAO offer?
In addition to hydrostatic testing and annual visual inspections, AAO offers scuba cylinder services including:
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Valve service and rebuilds
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O₂ cleaning
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Cylinder tumbling
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Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) service
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Air and Nitrox fills
The exact service needed will depend on the cylinder's condition, intended use, and inspection results.
Will AAO give me a quote before servicing my scuba equipment?
Yes. We can provide a quote for service based on the equipment and work required.
During a normal service, our technicians may discover additional issues that weren't apparent during the initial evaluation. If something significantly outside the ordinary scope of service is discovered, we'll typically contact you.
Damaged or broken hoses discovered during service are automatically replaced as necessary.
How much does scuba equipment service cost?
Because service requirements vary considerably by equipment, brand, condition, parts required, and manufacturer specifications, call Aquatic Adventures Ohio for current service pricing.
Local customers can bring equipment directly to our Columbus dive shop for service.
If you're mailing equipment to us, please call with the gear in hand before shipping it. We can verify that we service your particular equipment and discuss the service process before you incur shipping costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Gear Rental
Where can I rent scuba gear in Columbus, Ohio?
Aquatic Adventures Ohio offers scuba and snorkeling equipment rentals from our full-service dive center in Columbus, Ohio.
Whether you're heading out for a local Ohio dive, need equipment for training, or want rental gear for a dive trip, our staff can help you get properly equipped.
What scuba equipment can I rent from Aquatic Adventures Ohio?
AAO maintains a wide range of scuba and snorkeling rental equipment, including BCDs, regulators, dive computers, wetsuits, drysuits, thermal protection, hoods, gloves, fins, masks, snorkels, boots, scuba tanks, weights, dive lights, full-face masks, scooters, snorkeling vests, and more.
Specialized equipment may require appropriate training or certification, and all rental equipment is subject to availability.
Do I have to be scuba certified to rent scuba gear?
Yes, certification is required to rent scuba equipment intended for use by certified divers.
You do not have to be SDI certified. Certifications from other recognized scuba agencies, including PADI, SSI, NAUI, and others, are accepted.
General snorkeling equipment can be rented without a scuba certification.
Can I rent scuba equipment during the week?
Yes. Scuba equipment rentals are available throughout the week and are not limited to weekends.
AAO also offers a convenient weekend rental period with Friday pickup and Monday return, making it easy to grab your equipment before heading out for a weekend of diving.
Does Aquatic Adventures Ohio price-match resort scuba gear rentals?
Yes. If you're traveling to a dive resort, AAO can price-match the resort's published rental pricing for comparable equipment over the same rental period.
This can allow you to get fitted for your equipment before leaving Ohio and become familiar with the gear you'll be using instead of waiting until you arrive at your destination.
Bring us the resort's published rental pricing so we can compare the equipment and rental period.
Can I reserve scuba rental equipment in advance?
Yes, and advance reservations are recommended.
Ohio's dive season can get busy, and certain sizes or specialized equipment may have limited availability. Reserving ahead of time gives us a better opportunity to make sure the equipment you need is available.
Will AAO help me get fitted for rental scuba gear?
Yes. Proper fit can make a significant difference in your comfort underwater, and our staff can help fit you for rental equipment.
We also keep records of previous rentals, which can make it easier for returning customers to get the same or similar properly fitting equipment the next time they dive.
Are tanks and weights included with a complete scuba rental package?
Yes. Tanks and weights are included with AAO's complete scuba equipment rental package.
Tanks, weights, and other individual pieces of scuba equipment can also be rented separately when you don't need a complete setup.
Can I get Nitrox in an AAO rental scuba tank?
Yes, provided you hold the appropriate Nitrox certification.
Rental tanks normally come filled with air, but certified Nitrox divers can have tanks filled with Nitrox.
Can I rent scuba gear from AAO if I was certified somewhere else?
Absolutely. You don't need to have been trained by Aquatic Adventures Ohio or certified through SDI to rent scuba equipment from us.
As long as you have an appropriate scuba certification from a recognized training agency, you can rent equipment from AAO. Additional certification requirements may apply to certain specialized equipment.
