"I'm an advance Open Water Diver, one of my buddies is a Rescue Diver. What is a Rescue Diver and why would I want to be one? "

Dear Sharkie,

I'm an advance Open Water Diver, one of my buddies is a Rescue Diver. What is a Rescue Diver and why would I want to be one?
Sincerely, Sally

Dear Sally,

The Rescue Diving Class is a class to enhance your diving skills. It gives you training on what to do if there is a problem with you or your diving buddy. We show you how to react during a major problem under the water and above. We teach you what to look for to prevent a problem, but mostly it's a class to give your confidence a major boost. This class is for divers that want to be more confident in and around water, and also in your every day life's little and major problems. With teams you will go over all types of problems that get you thinking on what to do and more importantly what to look for before a problem becomes an all out emergency. Please stop in, we would be glad to talk more on this very important part of your dive training.

" Wow! What a web site! You must have a huge team working on this 24 hours a day! "

Dear Sharkie,

Wow! What a web site! You must have a huge team working on this 24 hours a day!
Sincerely,"Impressed!"

Dear "Impressed!",

Thanks, but the "huge team" is one little rat in the closet .

"I just completed my Open Water with you, I wanted to Tell you how much I enjoyed the two days of diving, Your instructors and Staff were very.."

Dear Sharkie,

I just completed my Open Water with you, I wanted to Tell you how much I enjoyed the two days of diving, Your instructors and Staff were very friendly, The private Quarry was wonderful!
Sincerely,, Shark Watcher

Dear "Shark Watcher",

YOU ARE SO VERY WELCOME,, We have the best Trained instructors in the Diving World, and our Staff is second to none. We are a diving family, and you are now part of our family, Bring a partner over to our store and show them around, introduce them to YOUR new Diving Family, But please do not ask for an allowance!

" I have not been Diving in a long time, what do I need to do to get re-certified? "

Dear Sharkie,

I have not been Diving in a long time, what do I need to do to get re-certified?
Sincerely,,, I want to get wet again,,

Dear "I want to get wet again",

First of all my diving water friend "you need to get wet",, Once you have your Open Water you do not need to get Re-Certified, You are in it for life. We "DO" recommend a Refresher class for you, We can handle this and all your Diving needs here at Tri-State Scuba,, We also have a Discover Scuba for your partner so that He or She can experience that thrill of breathing under water, this can be done while you are taking the refresher. So get that partner and come on down, the water is calling you back,,, can you hear it?

"After I finish my Open Water class, Why is it so important for me to take the Advance Open Water Class? What benefit will I get for taken this..?"

Dear Sharkie,

After I finish my Open Water class, Why is it so important for me to take the Advance Open Water Class? What benefit will I get for taken this class?
Sincerely,
New Diver

Dear "New Diver" ,

"We get more money" That's what everyone thinks, but continuing your Diving education is very Important, not only for you, but your diving Buddy. It also gives you a lot more confidence in your ability to dive more comfortably. Night Diving, Search and Recovery,( Looking for a NASA Satellite) and Deep Diving are only a few items that you will be doing. Safety is our main concern, and we will teach you how to enjoy diving much, much more!

"When I am diving, occasionally I will see something that I would like to know the name of and a little bit about. The problem is that when I..."

Dear Sharkie,

When I am diving, occasionally I will see something that I would like to know the name of and a little bit about. The problem is that when I get back on the boat, I can’t make anyone understand what I am trying to describe. (And I have tried some strange gyrations!) How can I find a way to describe the animal more effectively?
Sincerely, Frustrated

Dear Frustrated,

Kill It! Bring it up to the boat and show everyone. (Not really.) How about an AWARE Fish or Creature Identification Course? It could minimize the gyrations and save you some energy.

"I am going to the Bahamas in July. From what I’ve been told, there are lots of sharks in that area. What kind of problems may I encounter?"

Dear Sharkie,

I am going to the Bahamas in July. From what I’ve been told, there are lots of sharks in that area. What kind of problems may I encounter?
Sincerely, Fearless

Dear Fearless,

None.

"With all the fuss over internet pricing, and all the different Web pages on Diving gear, why would I want to buy gear from a local dive shop? "

Dear Sharkie,

With all the fuss over internet pricing, and all the different Web pages on Diving gear, why would I want to buy gear from a local dive shop?
Sincerely, "Diver on a Budget"

Dear "Diver on a Budget",

You are correct about all the web sights on diving gear, but you need to know the facts. Most all major dive equipment manufacturers do not warrant products sold on line. For instance - An Aqua Lung Regulator purchased on-line is not covered under warranty by Aqua Lung. Some of the e-stores will carry their there own warranty, but that warranty is only as good as the e-store issuing it. The e-store is not an authorized dealer. These major manufacturers are protecting the investment and overhead expense that a retail dealer must incur in order to stay in business and service the gear. Over head expenses include an onsite technician, compressors for filling tanks, a retail establishment, etc. Products purchased online often are "gray market" items, meaning, while not necessarily used, it is still a second sale. It is also VERY difficult to get equipment purchased online serviced. An authorized dealer will require both a purchase receipt and the warranty card in order to perform annual maintenance. Some dive centers will service this gear without the necessary paperwork, but the service price is a premium and eats the initial savings up immediately.

The second part to this is the service that you receive when working directly with an authorized dealer. We are taught by the manufacturer how to custom fit your body; from wet suits all the way to fin straps. We have the staff and training to talk to you specifically about the type of diving you are going to do.( Ocean, Fresh, Cold or cool water) You might buy an item from the internet only to try it and find it is not what you thought it might do for you. Our staff gives you personal care in fitting you with the most comfortable gear that you will need on your type of diving, without over selling or underselling based on needs and budget. We ask questions, one on one, service the way you want it, something the internet can not do! Stop by and see for yourself. You will learn that even a diver on a budget can afford the best at ,,,,OOH MY,, a dive store!!!