Use Your GI Bill® to Earn Scuba Certifications
Are you a veteran or active service member who wants to learn to dive, build new skills, or become a dive industry professional? Now you can — using your GI Bill® benefits.
Texas Scuba Academy is proud to offer VA-approved scuba certifications and professional-level licenses through the SDI/TDI International Training program.
How It Works
- 01 Confirm Your EligibilityContact the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office or a local VA Assistance Office to confirm your eligibility and remaining benefit level before committing to a course. Eligibility is based on GI Bill® Chapters 30, 32, 33, 35, and 1606.
- 02 Choose Your ProgramSelect the certification or professional license you want to pursue from our list of VA-approved programs below. Not sure where to start? We can help you find the right path.
- 03 Pay & Keep Your ReceiptPay for your selected program and hold onto your proof of purchase. You will need this to submit for VA reimbursement.
- 04 Complete Your TrainingFinish all required coursework and dives with your Texas Scuba Academy instructor. We'll guide you every step of the way.
- 05 Submit for ReimbursementFill out VA Form 22-0803 and upload it through Ask VA along with all supporting materials, or mail it to your regional VA processing office. We provide pre-filled forms for each course to make this easy.
VA-Approved Certifications & Licenses
SDI Open Water Diver Package
- SDI Open Water Scuba Diver
- SDI Computer Nitrox Diver
SDI Full Advanced Diver Package
- SDI Deep Diver
- SDI Underwater Navigation
- SDI Night / Limited Visibility Diver
SDI Rescue Diver Package
- SDI Rescue Diver
- First Response CPR
- First Response Oxygen Administration
- First Response Bloodborne Pathogens
- First Response Airborne Pathogens
Fill Station Attendant Package
- SDI Visual Inspection Procedures
- Air Fill Station Technician
- TDI Nitrox Gas Blender
- TDI Advanced Gas Blender
- SDI Equipment Specialist Diver
- TDI Oxygen Equipment Service Technician
TDI Technical Diver Package
- TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver
- TDI Decompression Procedures Diver
All certifications are accepted globally. Equipment purchases are not covered under this program. Contact us to see the full list of available VA-approved programs.
Eligible GI Bill® Chapters
- Chapter 33 — Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 30 — Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty)
- Chapter 1606 — Montgomery GI Bill® (Selected Reserve)
- Chapter 32 — Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Assistance Program
- Chapter 35 — Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance
Common Questions
How do I know if I'm eligible?
Contact the VA Regional Office or a local VA Assistance Office before signing up. Each veteran's situation is different — confirming eligibility, time remaining, and benefit level with your VA representative first is the best approach.
How does reimbursement work?
You pay for your course upfront, complete your training, then submit VA Form 22-0803 to the VA for reimbursement. We provide pre-filled forms for each program to simplify the paperwork. You will only be reimbursed the amount listed on our website.
Is equipment covered?
No — equipment purchases are not covered under the GI Bill® program. Only course and certification fees are eligible for reimbursement.
Where do I get the VA Form 22-0803?
We provide pre-filled versions of VA Form 22-0803 for each of our programs to help avoid mistakes. You can also find forms at tdisdi.com/gibill. Submit the completed form through Ask VA or mail it to your regional VA processing office.
Are these certifications recognized worldwide?
Yes — all SDI and TDI certifications earned through this program are accepted globally at dive shops and dive sites around the world.
What if the course I want isn't listed?
Reach out to us directly — there are 18 VA-approved programs available and we can help point you in the right direction or refer you to the appropriate resource.
What Divers Are Saying
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.