FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on each of the FAQ questions below to review the answers.

Can I use my G.I. Bill® benefits to attend Pacific Diving Academy?

Yes, Pacific Diving Academy offers programs for students using VA Benefits. Using your GI-Bill® (Ch 30 or 33), you are eligible to take the following professional level dive courses including Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, Open Water Scuba Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer and IDC Staff Instructor.

CH35 and CH1606 beneficiaries are also eligible to enroll in ETI

How do I sign up for the VA program and use my GI Bill® Funding?

To get started, apply for your benefits:

Go to www.gibill.va.gov
Click on “Apply for Benefits”
Select “Launch VONAPP and Apply for Benefits”
Download PDA Application Form , fill out and email to info@aaronsdiveshop.com

Once accepted and we have all the required paperwork, we can set your start date and begin your training.

Are there any additional cost that the G.I. Bill® does not cover?

Yes. Professional certification fees by PADI are not covered by VA Benefits.

Equipment/gear is not covered by VA benefits. VA beneficiaries are responsible for equipment/gear.

What SCUBA certifications can I use the G.I. Bill® for?

Minimum commitment level is Divemaster. Anything less than a professional level certification would be considered recreational. The program you sign up for must result in a professional rating. These levels are:

Divemaster

Assistant Instructor

Open Water Scuba Instructor

Master Scuba Diver Trainer

Instructor Development Course (IDC) Staff Instructor

What if I am already a Rescue diver and want to become a Divemaster or Instructor?

If you have all the pre-requisite for Divemaster for enrollment in the Open Water Scuba Instructor program, your benefit cannot be used to retake these classes but you will be issued prior credit.

Can I use Tuition Assistance to enroll in Pacific Diving Academy?

No. Tuition Assistance is for accredited degree granting institutions. Pacific Diving Academy is a non-college degree school.

Will I receive BAH?

YES, retired members, spouses and children of retired members using a service member’s benefits will receive BAH – provided there is enough remaining benefit.

NO, if the member is still active duty they will not receive BAH.

http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill/new-post-911-gi-bill-overview.html

How much G.I. Bill® benefit will be used for attending Pacific Diving Academy?

CH33: If Tuition and Fees are paid (NCD): Divide amount paid for term by the daily rate. The daily rate is computed as: The Yearly CAP divided by 360 times the benefit level. The result is the amount of entitlement charged (in days). CH30, CH35, CH106: Entitlement is charged 1 day for every day of full-time training.

For any other questions or clarifications, please email jacob@aarondiveshop.com for more information.

What happens if I get deployed?

All requests for a Leave of Absence are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please see your School Certifying Official for details.

USE THE GI BILL® TO BECOME A PADI SCUBA INSTRUCTOR

Whether you are planning for a full time post military career employment or simply looking for a way to supplement your income with your weekend hours, Pacific Diving Academy can help you turn your passion for scuba diving into a vocation.

Learn more on how to use your GI Bill® at Pacific Diving Academy by contacting your VA representative or contact jacob@aaronsdiveshop.com to help point you in the right direction and answer questions. When ready, prepare to submit the following: