Has It Been a While? When to Take a Scuba Refresher

Ben Lair   Sep 09, 2025

Dust Off Your Fins: Is It Time For a Scuba Refresher Course?

You did it. You earned your Open Water certification, and you have the card to prove it. You have a logbook filled with incredible memories from that trip to the Caribbean or the Sea of Cortez. But that was last year. Or maybe the year before. Now, with a new and exciting dive vacation on the horizon, you’re starting to think about the practicalities. As you picture yourself on the dive boat, a few questions pop into your head:

"How do I set up my regulator again?" "What are the steps for a proper buddy check?" "How much weight did I use last time?" "What do I do if my mask completely floods?"

If these questions sound familiar, you are not alone. Scuba diving is a skill-dependent activity. And like any skill, if you don’t use it, you start to lose it. This is precisely why the SSI Scuba Skills Update, often called a refresher course, exists. It's not a test, and it's not a mark of failure. It is the single best decision a responsible, "rusty" diver can make to ensure their next dive is safe, confident, and fun.

Why a Refresher is So Important

Think of it like this: you wouldn't jump into a double black diamond ski run after five years off the slopes. You’d take a few easy runs first. A scuba refresher is your easy run—a chance to rebuild your muscle memory in a controlled, stress-free environment.

1. Safety First, Always: This is the most critical reason. Forgetting a key step in your buddy check or fumbling with your equipment on the surface can lead to problems underwater. A refresher with a trained professional ensures your fundamental safety skills are sharp and second nature before you get on that vacation dive boat.

2. Confidence is Key to Enjoyment: The difference between a great dive and a stressful one is confidence. When you’re not worried about your skills, you can relax. You can focus on the breathtaking marine life, maintain good buoyancy, and truly enjoy the experience. A refresher replaces anxiety with the calm confidence you need to have a fantastic time.

3. It Maximizes Your Vacation Time: The last thing you want to do on your expensive, long-awaited dive trip is waste the first day feeling nervous or struggling with your gear. Many dive operators in popular destinations will require a refresher dive if you've been inactive, forcing you to use precious vacation time (and money) on-site. Taking care of it at home with 72 Aquatics means you arrive at your destination sharp, prepared, and ready to hit the best dive sites from day one.

So, When Do You Need One?

There's no single, universal rule, but here are the industry-standard guidelines:

• 6-12 Months of Inactivity: You might feel pretty good, but this is a great time for a refresher. It will knock the dust off and fine-tune your skills.

• 1-2 Years of Inactivity: A refresher is highly recommended. You'll likely be surprised at the small, important details you've forgotten.

• 2+ Years of Inactivity: At this point, a refresher course should be considered mandatory for your own safety and the safety of your buddy.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you feel rusty, you probably are. Listening to that instinct is the sign of a smart, responsible diver.

What to Expect in a 72 Aquatics Scuba Skills Update

Our refresher course is a simple, effective, and fun process designed to get you back up to speed.

• Knowledge Review: We'll start with a quick review of the essential dive theory you learned in your Open Water course. We'll refresh your memory on dive planning, table use, and safety procedures.

• In-Water Skills Session: This is the core of the course. You’ll get in the pool with one of our SSI instructors and practice the key skills:

  • Setting up and breaking down your gear

  • Mask clearing (partial and full)

  • Regulator recovery and clearing

  • Buoyancy control practice

  • Emergency procedures like alternate air source use

Our instructor will work with you personally, spending extra time on any skill you feel weak on. By the end of the session, your confidence will be restored.

Don't Let Your Skills Fade

Your scuba certification is a passport to a lifetime of adventure. Don't let it sit in a drawer collecting dust. If it's been a while, make the smart choice. Give us a call, stop by the shop, or check our website to schedule your Scuba Skills Update. Let's get you feeling confident and ready for your next incredible underwater journey.