Some people think of scuba diving as a career, many as just a leisure activity. Regardless of the reason to scuba dive though, it requires certification.
What many do not know is that Marines can use tuition assistance to get scuba diving certified. North County Scuba Center collaborates with Mira Costa College to offer them a chance to receive different levels of diving certifications.
The program offers all the levels of certification, from Basic Open Water Diver to Master Diver.
“I love it, it's a great opportunity,” said Cpl. Doug Burkhart, an Arabic linguist with 1st Radio Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and a Porterville, Calif., native. “I've always wanted to scuba dive and [TA] gave me a shot to try it out, and I really liked it.”
Service members only have to pay for their gear and North County Scuba Center offers a 10 percent discount for all military personnel.
“A lot of these [Marines] are getting out, the Marine Corps is downsizing and these guys want to have some sort of job,” said Greg Knyper, chief diving officer and owner of North County Scuba Center and a Del Mar, Calif., native.
While most might not consider scuba diving as a career, there are several different jobs related to scuba diving, such as rescue diver, underwater welder, underwater tour guide or instructor.
“I know it's a professional certificate, so it just kind of opened up another avenue after the Marine Corps for something I'd want to do,” said Burkhart.
The program not only offers a possible career after the Marine Corps, but also provides confidence.
Lance Cpl. Kasey Goulet, an avionics electrician technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 and a Vacaville, Calif., native, was shy before entering the program and since being enrolled in the program has gained the confidence to do several different things.
“It gave me the confidence to achieve some goals that I otherwise wouldn't believe in myself to do,” said Goulet.
Whether using the certifications to make scuba diving a career or just a hobby, tuition assistance can help cover the cost.
“It was a fun experience and a great experience that I would have never been able to do without taking advantage of TA,” said Goulet.
For more information on the program visit http://northcountyscubacenter.com/usmc-ta-ow-dm-program/.