MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --  Camp Pendleton’s land is ideal for Marine Corps’ amphibious training, and on the grounds of the base is a scuba center that can train service members to stay submerged under water.

The base’s Scuba Center has everything to fulfill any underwater diving needs. It offers gear rental and purchases, repairs, information on scuba diving excursions, and scuba diving lessons.

The lessons’ schedule is flexible for Marines that have a busy work schedule, said Ray M. Simon, owner of The Scuba Center and a retired Marine. Instruction is available for novice to expert divers.

“Discover Scuba” is an introductory course that is an opportunity for a service member to get acquainted with scuba diving. The lessons take place in a classroom setting or are available online, followed by swimming pool instruction that incorporates safety procedures, and familiarization of the gear.

“Scuba diving is a really cool hobby for someone in southern California,” said Kara D. Aniya, sales associate, The Scuba Center. “This is also a great opportunity if you are new to the area.”

In addition to introducing service members to scuba diving, the center also has a course for their kids. The center’s “Bubble Maker” class is a pool conducted dive course for children 8 years and older.

“My son Tom recently went through Bubble Maker and he has been hooked ever since,” said Jayne L. Healey, a military spouse who recently moved to the area. “The staff was extremely helpful; they really did their best to make sure my son was comfortable getting in the water.”

Tom is just one of the many who have enjoyed what The Scuba Center has to offer.

The center has recently started other projects to benefit base residents such as special classes for wounded warriors.

For more information or to schedule a lesson, call The Scuba Center at (760) 725-5910.