STEP 1:
Find a safety training course in your area using the Find a Course tool. Review the course policies for information on deadlines, fees, etc. Review the course format options to determine which option works best for you.

STEP 2:
If you wish to purchase the course text (USA Diving Safety Training Manual), please fill out an order form and submit to the USA Diving Office with your check or money order. The course text is $25 for USA Diving members and $35 for non-members.

Download additional course materials
- USA Diving Safety Training Manual Update (2008) (a must for first-time participants and for all coaches who have taken the safety certification course before as new material has been added)
- USA Diving Safety Training Exam Study Guide

STEP 3:
Complete the USA Diving Safety Training Course, which consists of two parts and costs $75. The fee can be paid for by credit card when registering online. The first part of the course consists of registering and taking an online exam. Please make sure you have one hour of uninterrupted time to complete the online exam. Once you register, your exam will start. 

For the second part of the course, to be completed after you have passed the online exam, you will need to register for a pool session (3-4 hours) by contacting the local contact or instructor for the class you wish to attend.

STEP 4:
Make sure you have current certification in both first aid and CPR. Check the safety curriculum section to find first aid and CPR providers on the list of accepted courses. It is not necessary to take first aid and CPR before taking the USA Diving safety training course, but coaches must be current in all three before applying for USA Diving coach membership. While first aid and CPR are not prerequisites, taking first aid and CPR prior to taking USA Diving Safety Training for Competitive Diving Coaches will better prepare and enhance instructor-participant communication during the Safety Training course.

STEP 5:
After successfully completing the USA Diving safety training course and becoming current with both first aid and CPR certification, register online to become a coach member of USA Diving. After registering, fax (317-237-5257) or mail (USA Diving, 132 E. Washington St., Suite 850, Indianapolis, IN 46204) copies of your current first aid and CPR status (i.e. certification card).

STEP 6:
Use USA Diving's elective courses to continue developing your coaching skills. Elective courses are held regularly in tandem with Safety Training courses. Elective certification includes: Level I Spotter, Level II Spotter, Level III Spotter, Specialty Spotter Wet Board Ropes and Specialty Spotter Project Aerial Training. Check the schedule for new courses or call your local contact for more information.