North Carolina is First in Flight, but they are also one of the best states for scuba diving. The Tar Heel State has plenty of scuba diving sites for beginners, intermediate, and even the most advanced divers. North Carolina even has diving resorts, purpose-built for scuba divers! Some of the most highly-rated scuba diving sites in North Carolina are the wreck of the Indra, the wreck of the USCGC Spar, Blue Stone Dive Resort, Acapulco Lake, and Fantasy Lake Scuba Park. These are just a few of North Carolina’s awesome scuba sites. Be sure to check site-specific information before planning a dive because some dive sites may have restricted access or special regulations.
Scuba Diving Requirements in North Carolina
In North Carolina, you are not required to have your scuba certification in order to go diving. However, for your own safety, it is highly recommended that you earn your scuba certification. The certification program will teach you all of the necessary skills you need to stay safe while diving, to be a good dive partner, and have more enjoyable dives.
Though you are not required to have your scuba certification, North Carolina does have some regulations governing diving and vessel operation around divers:
- Divers are required to display a red and white Diver Down flag while diving
- Dive flags must be at least 12″x12″
- Vessel operators must stay at least 50 feet away from all dive flags
Get Your Scuba Certification in North Carolina
North Carolina has some of the best scuba diving sites in the United States. Some dive companies that provide dive transport and guide services may not take uncertified divers to certain dive sites. This, in addition to the safety skills you will learn in the program, is yet another reason all divers should obtain their scuba certification. Make sure you check out our directory to find a local company that can help you earn your scuba certification in North Carolina!