Spring Lake Dive Authorization Course
Date and time is TBD for April & May course
|The Meadows Center
The Spring Lake Management Plan requires that anyone diving in Spring Lake must first take the Spring Lake Dive Authorization course (DAC). This requirement is in place to ensure that all divers are proficient, familiar with our policy, and have a basic understanding of this unique environment.
Time & Location
Date and time is TBD for April & May course
The Meadows Center, 211 San Marcos Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
Guests
About the event
Scuba diving in Spring Lake, for any reason, is complicated by the delicate nature of the environment. Declared a "Critical Habitat" in 1980, Spring Lake is home to seven federally listed species and is governed by the rules and regulations of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. In addition, Spring Lake is registered as an Archaeological site governed by the rules of the state of Texas Antiquities Law. Consequently, there is no recreational diving in Spring Lake.
 Course DescriptionÂ
- The course takes place over two days.
- Academics – Day One (At Home)The Spring Lake Dive Authorization Course is divided into four academic modules and assessment quizzes that are to be completed by each student prior to the beginning of class. The academic portion of the class is conducted via Zoom on the Wednesday prior to the diving portion. The class is approximately 2 hours long and begins at 6:30 p.m.Â
- Diving – Day Two (At Spring Lake)Students will meet at Spring Lake for a diving skills assessment, familiarization with the grounds, and a tour of the springs, as well as a demonstration of common volunteer tasks to create and maintain viable habitat in the springs. The diving portion takes place typically takes place the 3rd weekend of the month. This portion is approximately 4 hours long and begins at 1 p.m.Â
- All course materials and related information will be provided after registration.
- This course is PASS/FAIL. Students must score at least 70% on each of the assessment quizzes and demonstrate that they are competent divers (good buoyancy control and situational awareness) to successfully complete the course and earn a Spring Lake Diving rating.
 Course RequirementsÂ
- Show proof of a Full Open Water SCUBA Certification through a major Dive Training Agency (at this time, Junior Open Water and Junior Advanced Certifications are not being accepted);
- Show proof of a minimum of 25Â logged dives;
- Provide all your own equipment, including tanks and weights.
 Course FeeÂ
- Registration fee paid to your local dive shop, Dive Masters of San Antonio: $30
- Standard:Â $285
- 25% Discount for Dive Instructors and Veterans:Â $213
- 50% Discount for Current Texas State students, faculty, and staff: $142
The DAC course is full up until March. Â Please Register by calling Dive Masters. Once you register, then I can reserve your spots for the April or May courses, Â they fill up fast!