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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

March 2024

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, March 13 – Fully Booked

Dive Portion

  • Saturday, March 16 – Fully Booked
  • Sunday, March 17 – Fully Booked

April 2024

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, April 3

Dive Portion

  • Friday, April 5
  • Saturday, April 6
  • Sunday, April 7

May 2024

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, May 15 

Dive Portion

  • Saturday, May 18 – Fully Booked
  • Sunday, May 19 – Fully Booked

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, May 22 

Dive Portion

  • Friday, May 24
  • Saturday, May 25
  • Sunday, May 26

June 2024

Zoom/Academic Portion: Wednesday, June 19 

Dive Portion

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

Registration Details

If you meet the requirements to take the course, 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.