Did you know that the first scuba certification program was started here in Los Angeles County in 1954?

That the County's Department of Parks and Recreation's Underwater Unit continues to offer one of the country's premiere scuba training programs?

The County's Advanced Diver's Program is taught by volunteers from the Underwater Instructor's Association. We teach because we love to dive and to have others enjoy safe dive experiences.

Its a rigorous, but fun program that goes from July 12 to October 4 and includes over 100 hours of instruction, pool sessions, and over 14 ocean dives. Its capped off by a two day dive and campout at Castaic Lake where you put into practice the skills learned througout the course in buoyancy, navigation, physics, search and recovery (and even underwater construction!)

Certifications available through this program include NAUI SCUBA Rescue Diver, NAUI Master Diver, and NAUI Nitrox Diver. But the card you'll most treasure is the LA County gold ADP card.

When I took ADP I had over 300 dives and Rescue certification and divinotter had over 200. ADP opened up a whole new world world of learning and skills mastery. It was one of the most enjoyable dive adventures we've experienced and we highly recommend it for all levels of divers.

For more information, check the link below or visit the LA County booth at Scuba Show.

• Los Angeles County's ADP Program 2008