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The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

Spring Lake Dive Authorization Course

Spring Lake Diver

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.

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 Description

  • 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.
  • 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 on the dates listed below. This portion is approximately 4 hours long and begins at 1 p.m.
  • 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 Requirements

  • 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 25 logged dives;
  • Provide all your own equipment, including tanks and weights.

Course Fee

  • Standard: $285
  • 25% Discount for Dive Instructors and Veterans:  $213
  • 50% Discount for Current Texas State students, faculty, and staff: $142

If fees for the course are to be paid through an organization or department, please inform the Spring Lake Diving team when inquiring to register.

Course Dates

September 2024

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, September 25  FULLY BOOKED

Dive Portion

  • Friday, September 27 FULLY BOOKED
  • Saturday, September 28 FULLY BOOKED
  • Sunday, September 29 FULLY BOOKED

October 2024

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, October 23

Dive Portion

  • Friday, October 25
  • Saturday, October 26
  • Sunday, October 27

November 2024

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, November 6

Dive Portion

  • Saturday, November 9
  • Sunday, November 10

December 2024

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, December 4

Dive Portion

  • Friday, December 6
  • Saturday, December 7
  • Sunday, December 8

 

Registration Details

If you meet the course requirements, please email the Spring Lake Diving team with the date you would like to attend at divecoordinator@txstate.edu.

If you would like to speak with a Spring Lake Diving staff member, our office hours are Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and we can be reached at 512.245.7541.