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The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

Spring Lake Dive Authorization Course

Diver in Spring Lake.

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 Texas Antiquities Code. 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, which each student must complete before the beginning of class.
    • The academic portion of the class is conducted via Zoom on the Wednesday before the diving portion.  The class is approximately two 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, a tour of the springs, and a demonstration of common volunteer tasks for creating and maintaining viable habitat in the springs.
    • The diving portion takes place on the dates listed below. This portion is approximately four hours 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 assessment quiz 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 weights and two tanks.
     

Course Fee

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

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

Course Dates

June 2026

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, June 10

  • Friday, June 12 - FULLY BOOKED
  • Saturday, June 13 - FULLY BOOKED
  • Sunday, June 14

July 2026

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, July 15

  • Friday, July 17
  • Saturday, July 18
  • Sunday, July 19

August 2026

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, August 19

  • Friday, August 21
  • Saturday, August 22
  • Sunday, August 23

September 2026

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, September 9

  • Friday, September 11
  • Saturday, September 12
  • Sunday, September 13

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. You can reach us at 512.245.7541.