SITKA, Alaska, March 7, 2013 – The University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus has rescheduled the orientation session for its PE 200 ocean diving class.

The orientation now will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at the UAS Sitka Campus. The actual classes take place at various times and locations in Sitka from April 2 through May 4.

This two-credit class allows students to earn a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver certification. The certification teaches student divers the fundamental knowledge and skills they need to go ocean diving with a buddy, independent of supervision.

The course includes five knowledge development units, five review quizzes, a final exam, classroom work at UAS Sitka Campus, pool sessions at Blatchley Middle School and supervised open-water instruction around Sitka. Students must complete all academic and confined water skills for each unit prior to progressing in the course.

The tuition and fees for this course are $353.20, plus there is a $250 lab fee for equipment rental, books (the text is the PADI Open Water Crew Pack) and pool costs. The course will be taught by Gary Baugher. Students must be able to complete a 200-yard swim and spend 10 minutes treading water before starting the course.

Students must provide their own personal gear, such as mask, fins, snorkel, gloves and hood. Borrowed or used gear must be approved by the instructor, since inadequate used gear can cause life-safety issues. All other gear and course material is provided within the course fees.

To learn more about this class and other UAS Sitka Campus programs, stop by the campus, call 747-7700, or go online at www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka.