International Scuba is a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area from two locations in Carrollton and Frisco, Texas. Founded in 1998, we train divers from their very first breath underwater through earning a PADI Instructor rating and everything in between. 

PADI 5-Star IDC: The Highest Facility Rating in Recreational Diving

There are more than 6,400 PADI dive centers worldwide, but fewer than 1,000 hold a 5-Star Instructor Development Center rating, the highest designation PADI awards. Earning it requires maintaining a team of Course Directors (the instructors who train instructors), meeting strict facility and equipment standards, and demonstrating consistent quality across every certification level.

At International Scuba, we have three active PADI Course Directors on staff. Whether you're learning to breathe underwater for the first time or training to teach others to do the same, you're in a facility built for the full journey.

Why North Texas Divers Choose International Scuba

Most dive shops can certify you. Fewer can train you the way we do.

• Small classes. We keep class sizes intentionally small, so every student gets real attention
• Flexible scheduling. We offer weekend, weeknight, and private options that work around your life.
• Year-round diving. We don't shut down in winter. With 30+ dive professionals on staff and active travel programs, there's always a way to get in the water.
• A safety-first approach. Owner Richard Thomas is direct about it: "Many dive shops focus on getting certifications. I'd rather see students practice and master skills as they advance. It's not a race."
• Programs for every level. We train beginners from age 8 through adults, specialty divers, technical divers, and aspiring professionals from Open Water through Master Instructor.

Learn Here, Certify Here...or Anywhere!

North Texas isn't exactly known for its dive sites, but we support local diving for all of your certification needs. We dive locally year-round, only avoiding a few weeks in February. Should you want to do your checkout dives in warmer, clearer oceans, we can help!

All classroom sessions and pool training take place locally at our Carrollton facility. Open Water dives happen nearby at The Scuba Ranch, or you complete your open-water certification dives on a real dive trip to the Caribbean, Mexico, the Florida Keys, Hawaii, or anywhere PADI certifies worldwide.

PADI TecRec Technical Diving Courses

For divers who want to go deeper, literally and technically, International Scuba is a PADI TecRec facility offering the full range of technical certifications:

• Self-Reliant Diver
• Sidemount
• Cavern Diver
• Cave Diver (Full Cave)
• Tec 40 / Tec 45 / Tec 50
• Closed-Circuit Rebreather (CCR)

Owner Richard Thomas is a technical instructor and active cave diver, so TecRec courses here are taught with genuine expertise rather than as an afterthought.

International Swim: Build Your Foundation in the Water

Scuba diving starts with being comfortable in water, which is why we also offer swim lessons for all ages. Our swim instruction program at our Carrollton location makes learning to swim and being comfortable in the pool easy! Become part of our Swim Tribe through our swim lessons and then the Dive Tribe with scuba!

We believe that starting early and reinforcing the basics of water safety are among the best ways to prevent drowning and water-related injuries in both children and adults. Our program is for everyone from 6 months to adults, offering group and private lessons.

Whether your goal is eventually earning a scuba certification, improving water confidence, or simply learning to swim properly, Swim Tribe is where it starts. Learn more about Swim Tribe →

Meet Our Owner: Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas has been part of International Scuba since the early days, growing into the General Manager role before taking ownership in 2018. His first dive was more than 20 years ago and set a direction he hasn't deviated from since.

"Many dive shops focus on getting certifications. I'd rather see students practice and master skills as they advance. It's not a race."
— Richard Thomas, Owner

Two Convenient Locations in North Texas/DFW

Dallas (Carrollton)
2540 Marsh Lane, Suite 128, Carrollton, TX 75006
(972) 416-8400
Monday–Friday: 11am–7pm  |  Saturday: 10am–4pm  |  Sunday: Closed

Frisco
2930 Preston Road, Suite 930, Frisco, TX 75034
(214) 227-2494
Tuesday–Friday: 11am–7pm  |  Saturday: 10am–4pm  |  Sunday–Monday: Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is International Scuba a PADI-certified dive center?

Yes. International Scuba is a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC), the highest facility rating PADI awards. We can train divers from their very first certification through becoming a PADI Instructor. 

Where are International Scuba's locations?

We operate two locations in North Texas: our Carrollton location at 2540 Marsh Lane, Suite 128 (972-416-8400), open Monday through Saturday, and our Frisco location at 2930 Preston Road, Suite 930 (214-227-2494), open Tuesday through Saturday.

What is the minimum age to start scuba diving?

Kids as young as 8 can get started with us. PADI's Bubblemaker and Seal Team programs are designed for younger divers in controlled, shallow-water environments. Open Water Certification is available starting at age 10. Adults of any age can certify; there's no upper limit.

Do you offer swim lessons as well as scuba diving?

Yes. Through our Swim Tribe program, we offer swim instruction for all ages at our Carrollton location. Swimming is the foundation of everything we do in the water, and our instructors bring that aquatic expertise to every Swim Tribe class. Learn more about Swim Tribe →

What technical diving courses do you offer?

As a PADI TecRec facility, we offer Self-Reliant Diver, Sidemount, Cavern, Full Cave, Tec 40/45/50, and Closed-Circuit Rebreather (CCR) certifications. Owner Richard Thomas is himself a technical instructor and cave diver.