Scuba Merit Badge Program

Give your Scout a ticket to the underwater world while meeting every requirement for the official scuba merit badge. Scuba Schools of America with Scouts BSA to deliver classroom theory, pool skills, and six ocean dives—everything needed for SSI Open Water certification and the coveted patch.

How the Program Works

Knowledge Sessions

(6-8 meetings)

We come to your troop or host you in our Montclair classroom. Using SSI digital materials, the program focuses on knowledge, skills, experience, and equipment—core topics outlined by the Scouts BSA merit-badge guide.

Pool & Practice Sessions

(6-8 visits)

Train in our 20,000-sq-ft heated pool using more than $30,000 worth of donated Mares equipment. Scouts can book extra pool time at no charge to refine buoyancy, mask clearing, and emergency skills.

Open-Ocean Dives

(6 total)

  • 1 guided snorkel dive to master surface skills
  • 5 scuba dives from beach or boat—your choice

Each dive is supervised by SSI pros who sign off individual log-book entries for badge verification.

Program Cost
& Inclusions

  • Membership Fee (SSI registration, e-learning, pool & ocean training): $165
  • Personal Gear Package (mask, fins, snorkel, boots, gloves, hood, mouthpieces, antifog, bag): $495 (retail value $955, thanks to sponsorship)

All training equipment—BCDs, regulators, cylinders, and wetsuits—is supplied free to use during the course.

Why Choose Our Scouts BSA Scuba Program?

SSI-certified instructors with youth-protection training

SSI-certified instructors with youth-protection training

Flexible scheduling to fit troop calendars

Flexible scheduling to fit troop calendars

Optional family participation for the same training rate

Optional family participation for the same training rate

FAQ – Scouts BSA Scuba Merit Badge

Who may enroll in the merit-badge course?

Registered Scouts BSA, Venturers, or Sea Scouts **age 11 or older** who have earned the Swimming MB and passed the BSA swimmer test. Cub Scouts are **not** eligible for scuba activities.

• Adults who wish to train alongside their Scout may participate under identical agency standards. 

What certification do Scouts earn?

Requirement 4 of the badge mandates a full Open Water Diver certification from a scuba agency recognized by the Recreational Scuba Training Council (PADI, SSI, NAUI, SDI, etc.).

Our program issues the SSI Open Water card, which satisfies the merit-badge requirement.

Who teaches the dives?

All classroom, pool, and open-water sessions are conducted by SSI instructors in good standing, insured, and approved by the local council, exactly as Scouting America policy requires.

Is personal gear mandatory?

Policy calls for each Scout to own personal “hygiene” items—mask, snorkel, fins, boots, gloves, hood, mouthpieces, antifog, and a gear bag. Our $495 bundle (retail $955) meets that requirement at a steep discount; all other training gear is lended to the scout for free. 

How many dives must a Scout log?

The SSI Open Water course includes 4 qualifying open-water dives. We add one extra scuba dive plus an introductory snorkel, giving your Scout 6 ocean entries—all of which count toward the badge’s open-water requirement.

May parents or siblings dive too?

Yes—family members can enroll at the same $165 tuition, provided they meet age, swim, and medical prerequisites. Adults often serve as the required over-15 buddy for younger Scouts. 

What if my Scout is already certified?

Scouts who hold a current Open Water card from a recognized agency need only present proof of certification, earn the Swimming MB (if they haven’t already), and complete the remaining badge requirements with our counselor. 

Ready to launch your Scout’s underwater journey?

Reserve your troop’s spot today and watch young divers earn skills, confidence, and an unforgettable scuba merit badge experience.


Reserve Today

With promotional financing from SCUBA SCHOOLS OF AMERICA & SWIM, major purchases don't have to wait. Get what you want now and pay over time.

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