Thank you for contacting us regarding the DoD SkillBridge Transitioning Military Program. We are proud to finally offer an opportunity for service members to use their G.I. Bill® to get certified anywhere from beginner scuba diving to becoming a scuba instructor. The new NAUI VA licensing and certification reimbursement program allows service members to explore scuba diving and all the therapeutic benefits and adventures while being able to get reimbursed for their exam fees.
Our internship allows you to use your G.I. Bill® to become a NAUI Dive professional at one of our 75 NAUI VA approved testing centers around the world. We have 5,000 positions around the world where you can use your new license and experience to start a new chapter and/or just explore something you’ve never done before. If you end up liking what you are doing at your specific internship, there may be an opportunity for you to be hired on after your internship is completed (all based on the need for each location).
If you are already a certified dive instructor read Part 1.
If you are not a certified dive instructor read Part 2.
Part 1- Certified Dive Instructors
If you are already a certified dive instructor, you may participate in NAUI’s SkillBridge program as an instructor. If you are certified with an agency other than NAUI, your certification may be used to crossover to a NAUI certification. Instructors will be able to work at one of more than 5,000 NAUI locations across the world for on the job training.
Part 2-Dive students
NAUI’s SkillBridge program is designed for service members to become a NAUI scuba instructor as well as learn the diving business. The program will last 120-180 days in the SkillBridge location of your choice. You may pick your SkillBridge location at:
https://www.naui.org/locate-dive-centers/
After going to the link, go to the bottom of the web page and on step 3 it will show you how to search for a testing center.
Keep in mind that you are responsible for your housing n the location you select, and you will not receive additional housing allowance. During the internship you could work Monday through Sunday as long as it is not over 40 hours a week. Service members can begin the program with any level of scuba certification they may already have, or none at all! If you have a certification from another scuba agency, it can crossover to
NAUI.
The SkillBridge program allows the use of the G.I. Bill® to fund the certifications and licenses you will need to become a NAUI instructor and be able to make a career in diving. If you have never scuba dived before you will use 6 months of your G.I. Bill® benefits to earn all your certifications and licenses necessary to be an instructor. You can choose between using the Post 9/11 or Montgomery G.I. Bill®. During the internship you will be earning the following certifications and licenses:
Certifications:
1. NAUI Basic Level Scuba Certification NES-VA010 $1500
Open Water Scuba Diver
Basic Life Support: CPR and First Aid
Electives: You get to choose one elective
• Underwater Digital Imaging Diver
• Enriched Air Nitrox Diver
• Full Face mask
• Drysuit Diver
2. NAUI Advanced Level Scuba Certification NES-VA011 $1500
Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver
02 Provider
Electives: You get to choose one elective
• Deep Diver
• Underwater Digital Imaging Diver
• Enriched Air Nitrox Diver
• Full Face mask
• Drysuit Diver
• Underwater Hunter and Collector
• Wreck Diver (External Survey)
• Underwater Archaeologist
• Night Diver
• Altitude Diver
3. Rescue Scuba Diver Certification NES-VA012 $1500
Rescue Scuba Diver
Search and Recovery Diver
Electives: You get to choose one elective
• Deep Diver
• Underwater Digital Imaging Diver
• Enriched Air Nitrox Diver
• Full Face mask
• Drysuit Diver
• Underwater Hunter and Collector
• Wreck Diver (External Survey)
• Underwater Archaeologist
• Night Diver
• Altitude Diver
• DFA Pro
4. Master Scuba Diver Certification NES-VA013 $1500
Master Scuba Diver
Training Assistant
Electives: You get to choose one elective
• Deep Diver
• Underwater Digital Imaging Diver
• Enriched Air Nitrox Diver
• Full Face mask
• Drysuit Diver
• Underwater Hunter and Collector
• Wreck Diver (External Survey)
• Underwater Archaeologist
• Night Diver
• Altitude Diver
• DFA Pro
Licenses:
1. NAUI Divemaster NES-VA003 $2000
2. NAUI Instructor NES-VA001 $2000
You will have to pay for the courses upfront and out of pocket, and then submit for reimbursement from the VA once you have completed the certification or license. With that being said, make sure you have the funds to be able to initially pay for the courses out of pocket. It is advised to apply for your G.I. Bill® first so you can submit for reimbursement by the time you have completed your first certification. You can apply for your G.I. Bill® at:
https://www.va.gov.
Other out of pocket expenses include any scuba gear you may need (i.e. fins, snorkel, mask, etc.). These can range from $100 to hundreds of dollars depending on the gear you choose to buy for yourself.
If you are interested in NAUI’s SkillBridge program, pick a location and fill out the application below. From there, a phone interview will be set up so you can learn more about the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
-Will I be receiving additional housing allowance for the location of my SkillBridge?
No. If you are already receiving housing allowance you will continue to receive it for your current duty station, NOT your SkillBridge location.
-If I have a dive certification through another agency (i.e. PADI, SSI, etc.) can it crossover to NAUI?
Yes, your certifications will be able to crossover.
-Will I still be able to participate in the SkillBridge program if I have less than 150 days left in the service?
Yes. Though the program is designed to be 150-180 days, you may still participate if you have less than 150 days left, though there is no guarantee you will be able to complete all the dive certifications in that time.
-Can I finish my scuba certifications even after my SkillBridge has ended?
Yes. You are welcome to continue using your G.I. Bill® and continuing scuba certifications or license once your SkillBridge has come to an end, but keep in mind that you will no longer be receiving pay from the military and NAUI will not be paying you to continue learning.
-Do I have to use my G.I. Bill® to pay for the courses?
No. While using the G.I. Bill® is the most popular option to pay for the courses, you may also choose to pay out of pocket with the total coming to $10,000 for all the certifications and licenses.
-Which G.I. Bill® can I use for this SkillBridge?
You are allowed to pick from the Post 9/11 or Montgomery G.I. Bill®, whichever best suits you.
-Can I start my scuba courses before I start my SkillBridge?
Yes. You are welcome to begin classes before your SkillBridge begins.
-Do I have to begin the SkillBridge at a certain time or date?
No. The SkillBridge is 150-180 days from your end of service date.
-Can I use this program if I’m currently enrolled in school?
Yes. You can use this program and go to school.
-Do I receive the BAH from the G.I. Bill® while on this program?
No. You are not considered a full-time student on this program. You are using one month of benefits to be reimbursed certification and license fees. Find out more at the VA website:
-Can I use TA or the COOL program for this course?
No. Those are two separate programs that are not able to be used for this program.
-Is equipment included in this program?
Yes and No. You will be required to buy Mask, Snorkel, Fins, and Boots when you arrive unless you already have them. Your first two courses will include rental gear but once you get to your Rescue Course you will be required to have your own gear.
