Deep Diving Specialty Course at Mac's Sports in Clearwater
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–5 hours including dives and classroom sessions
Fitness Level
Moderate level of physical fitness recommended; comfortable swimming skills required
Overview
Take your diving skills to new depths with Mac's Sports in Clearwater, FL. Their SSI Deep Diving Specialty Course teaches safe, technical dives to 130 feet, unlocking access to extraordinary underwater sites.
Adventure Tips
Check your equipment thoroughly
Ensure all dive gear is in excellent working order before deep dives, especially regulators and dive computers.
Practice buoyancy control
Master buoyancy before the course to handle deep water pressure changes smoothly.
Consider nitrogen narcosis risks
Be aware of signs of nitrogen narcosis at depths greater than 60 feet and communicate clearly with your buddy.
Stay hydrated and rest well
Good hydration and rest help reduce decompression sickness risk when diving deeper.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Southern stingray
- Goliath grouper
History
Clearwater’s boating and diving heritage dates back decades, with shipwrecks around the Gulf that attract divers worldwide.
Conservation
Mac's Sports emphasizes responsible diving practices to protect fragile reef ecosystems and marine species in the Gulf of Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Full wetsuit (3-5mm)
Protects against cooler water temperatures typical in deeper dives around Clearwater.
fall|winter|spring specific
Dive computer
Crucial for tracking depth, bottom time, and decompression limits on deep dives.
Surface marker buoy (SMB)
Increases visibility to boats during ascent and safety stops.
Underwater slate or dive tablet
Useful for taking notes during training or communicating underwater.