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PADI CERTIFIED COURSES
Dive with purpose. Protect South Florida's reefs.
Become a certified BleachWatch coral monitoring diver through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Earn a distinctive PADI specialty certification — internationally recognised for dive professionals, shop staff, technical divers.
✓ For certified divers who care about reef conservation
✓ For dive professionals, shop staff, technical divers
Coral Reef Conservation
Dive with purpose. Protect South Florida's reefs.
Become a certified BleachWatch coral monitoring diver through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Earn a distinctive PADI specialty certification — internationally recognised for dive professionals.
✓ For certified divers who care about reef conservation
PSI Inspection Certification
Become a certified cylinder inspector.
The PSI Cylinder Inspection Training program qualifies you to visually inspect and condemn compressed gas cylinders. Industry-recognised credential for dive professionals, shop staff, technical divers.
✓ For dive professionals, shop staff, technical divers
CORAL REEF CONSERVATION
Choose Your Starting Point for Reef Conservation
Not sure which course to choose? Use the comparison table below, or call us at (954) 616-5909 — our instructors will point you in the right direction based on your goals and schedule.
★ MOST POPULAR COURSE
PADI CERTIFICATION
BLEACHWATCH MONITORING PROGRAM
BleachWatch Course
Coral bleaching monitor certification — class only
CORAL CONSERVATION CERTIFICATION
FL SEAFAN NETWORK
BleachWatch Course
This is the recommended full experience — it is the same conservation program as the class-only option with the additional benefit of certification that counts toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating. You'll complete the 2-hour classroom session, then conduct two guided open-water dives on South Florida reefs applying BleachWatch monitoring techniques. This is the most rewarding option to build on your diver profile — combining ecological impact with all PADI recognition.
This is the recommended full experience — it is the same conservation program as the class-only option with the additional benefit of certification that counts toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating. You'll complete the 2-hour classroom session, then conduct two guided open-water dives on South Florida reefs applying BleachWatch monitoring techniques. This is the most rewarding option to build on your diver profile — combining ecological impact with all PADI recognition.
Requires Open Water Diver: Half day + 1–2 dives
Pool needed: No — open ocean dives on real Florida reefs
Course price
FREE
Live price from Shopify™ · Includes everything
BLEACHWATCH + PADI DISTINCTIVE SPECIALTY DIVER
BleachWatch Course + PADI Specialty Certification
CONSERVATION + PADI CERTIFICATION
RECOMMENDED SPECIALTY
BleachWatch Course + PADI Specialty Certification
This is the recommended full experience — it is the same conservation program as the class-only option with the additional benefit of certification that counts toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating. You'll complete the 2-hour classroom session, then conduct two guided open-water dives on South Florida reefs applying BleachWatch monitoring techniques. This is the most rewarding option to build on your diver profile — combining ecological impact with all PADI recognition.
Working toward Master Scuba Diver? This specialty counts as one of the five required specialty certifications. Combined with Rescue Diver and other specialties, this course puts you well on your way to the highest non-professional PADI rating.
Requires Open Water Diver: Half day + 1–2 dives
Pool needed: No — open ocean dives on real Florida reefs
Course price
$185
Includes classroom + 2 guided conservation dives + PADI certification
Which BleachWatch option is right for you?
BleachWatch Class Only
✓ Free — no monitoring credential
✓ No certification required
✗ PADI specialty cert not awarded
Best for: learning about the reefs without the full course
BleachWatch + PADI Specialty
RECOMMENDED
✓ Earns PADI Distinctive Specialty cert
✓ Counts toward Master Scuba Diver rating
✓ Distinctive PADI cert — not issued by every shop
Best for: Divers aiming for Master Scuba Diver or beyond
Visual Cylinder Inspection®
Professional Scuba Inspectors
TECHNICAL / PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
THE ONLY COMPLETE
PSI Cylinder Inspection Certification
THE SPECIALTY MOST COMPLETE — you can use it in the industry
Cylinder element safety for visual inspection of scuba and compressed gas cylinders. Recognised by dive shops, dive operators, and compressed gas facilities worldwide. For dive professionals, shop staff, technical divers — this is the most in-demand technical credential. Gold Coast Scuba is a PSI-certified monitoring center.
Who is this course for?
- Dive shop staff who need to inspect cylinders
- Dive professionals and Divemasters
- Equipment technicians and shop owners
- Anyone who handles high-pressure cylinders
What's included
- Training materials & manuals ($30 value)
- PSI registration ($50 value)
- Hands-on cylinder inspection practice
- Industry-recognised PSI/ANSI CGA certification
Min. age
18+
Duration
1–2 days
Prereq
None required
Practical hands-on assessment
Course price
$375
Find the right course for where you are
GUIDANCE TOOL — answer three questions about yourself and we'll suggest the right course
🤿
I'm a certified diver who cares about the reefs
The BleachWatch courses are designed specifically for you. The class-only option is FREE and you can earn a PADI Distinctive Specialty as an add-on. Earn a credential in the process.
🔧
I work in the dive industry or maintain equipment
The PSI Cylinder Inspection certification is the industry standard for visual cylinder inspection. Recognised worldwide, it qualifies you to inspect and document cylinders at any dive facility.
🏅
I'm working toward Master Scuba Diver
The BleachWatch + PADI Specialty counts as one of your five required specialty certifications. Combined with Rescue Diver and other specialties, this course puts you well on your way to the highest non-professional PADI rating.
BLEACHWATCH CERTIFIED MONITORING CENTER
Gold Coast Scuba is a BleachWatch certified monitoring center
Gold Coast Scuba is officially affiliated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida SEAFAN network. Our shop and instructors are among the few dive operations in South Florida authorised to train and certify BleachWatch monitors. Every BleachWatch class we run contributes directly to reef management decisions.
"Gold Coast Scuba is one of the most trusted BleachWatch training centers in South Florida — one of the most trusted association shops with all of the United States. We are proud to be part of a community of divers that help protect the future generations of divers."
Common questions about these courses
COMPARISON TABLE — compare these courses side by side to find the right one
| Course | Min. age | Duration | Certification? | Prereq | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BleachWatch Class Only | Any | Half day (2 hrs) | No — monitoring credential | None | FREE | BleachWatch + PADI Specialty |
| BleachWatch + PADI Specialty | Any | Half day + 1–2 dives | Yes — PADI Distinctive Specialty | Open Water Diver | $185 | Master Scuba Diver |
| PSI Cylinder Inspector | 18+ | 1–2 days | Yes — PSI/ANSI CGA standards | None | $375 | Dive shop staff / technical diving |
Common questions about these courses
Do I need to be a certified diver to take BleachWatch?
No — the BleachWatch classroom program is designed for anyone who cares about coral reefs: divers, snorkelers, and even non-divers. The PADI Specialty add-on (which includes open-water dives) does require an Open Water Diver certification or higher.
Does the BleachWatch certification count toward Master Scuba Diver?
Yes! The BleachWatch + PADI Distinctive Specialty Diver certification counts as one of the five specialty certifications required for the Master Scuba Diver rating.
Do I need a diving background to take the PSI Cylinder Inspection course?
No diving background is required. The PSI course is open to dive shop staff, technical divers, equipment technicians, and anyone who handles high-pressure cylinders professionally. It is especially valuable for dive professionals and shop staff.
Is the PSI certification valid at other dive shops and facilities?
Yes — PSI (Professional Scuba Inspectors) certification is the industry standard for visual cylinder inspection, recognized by dive operators, equipment suppliers, and compressed gas facilities worldwide.
How often are BleachWatch class sessions scheduled?
BleachWatch classroom sessions are held throughout the year at Gold Coast Scuba. Upcoming dates are posted on our Dive Trips Calendar on the Shopify store. Private group sessions are also available for an additional fee.
WAIVER REMINDER
Before your first session — complete your PADI medical questionnaire and liability waiver.
Takes 5 minutes. Do it before you arrive.