Business Details
42 Years
experience
Learn to Scuba Dive with UnderWater Works in Fairhope, AL
UnderWater Works has been a trusted name in scuba diving instruction and equipment sales since 1984. Founded by Kent & Kathy Trione, our facility has evolved into a premier destination for divers of all skill levels. With over 40 years of combined teaching experience, our SSI-certified instructors prioritize personalized training in small classes (1-6 people) to ensure safety and proficiency. Our on-site heated pool allows students to test equipment before purchase, and our comprehensive repair services keep divers in the water year-round.We specialize in SSI open water diver courses, advanced certifications, and specialty programs like wreck diving and underwater photography. As an authorized dealer for top brands including Scubapro and Riffe, we offer price-matched gear and a robust trade-in program for used equipment. Our commitment to quality training and customer service has made us a cornerstone of the Alabama Gulf Coast diving community.
Services
Scuba Diving Instruction
Dive Equipment Sales
Equipment Repair Services
Gear Price Matching
Guided Dive Excursions
Certification Courses
Specialty Diving Programs
Dive Trip Planning
Used Equipment Trade-In
On-Site Pool Training
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer SSI-certified scuba instruction with over 40 years of combined teaching experience.
- Our on-site heated pool allows equipment testing before purchase.
- Small class sizes (1-6 people) ensure personalized attention.
- We provide on-site equipment repair with a one-year service agreement.
- We price-match all equipment lines we carry.
Associations and certifications
- Scuba Schools International (SSI)
Services
Scuba Diving Instruction
Our SSI-certified instructors provide comprehensive scuba training in small classes (1-6 people). Courses include pool sessions, open water dives, and personalized skill development. Students receive SSI certification valid for global diving adventures.
Dive Equipment Sales
We sell top brands like Scubapro, Riffe, and Ocean Reef with price-matching guarantees. Test gear in our heated pool before purchasing. Our inventory includes new and used equipment for recreational and technical divers.
Equipment Repair Services
Our certified technicians perform on-site repairs for all major scuba brands. Services include regulator overhauls, BCD servicing, and computer diagnostics. Repairs come with a one-year warranty for customer confidence.
Guided Dive Excursions
Explore Alabama's 20,000+ dive sites including shipwrecks and artificial reefs. Our guides lead trips for photographers, spearfishermen, and recreational divers. Equipment rental available for visiting divers.
Certification Courses
We offer SSI certification programs from beginner to master diver levels. Courses include open water diver, advanced certifications, and specialty programs like wreck diving and underwater photography. Continuing education available for professional development.
People
Chas Broughton
Owner/Manager
Chas Broughton has owned UnderWater Works since 1992. With decades of diving experience, he oversees daily operations and ensures quality instruction. He built the current facility in 2001 and maintains a hands-on approach to customer service.
Kent Trione
Founder
Kent Trione established UnderWater Works in 1984 as a part-time venture. His vision created Alabama's premier dive training facility. Though no longer involved in daily operations, his legacy continues in our training philosophy.
Kathy Trione
Co-Founder
Kathy Trione co-founded UnderWater Works with Kent in 1984. Her contributions helped establish the business's customer-centric approach. She remains a respected figure in the Gulf Coast diving community despite retiring from active operations.
Questions
What scuba certification courses do you offer?
We provide SSI-certified courses from beginner open water diver to master diver levels, including specialty programs like wreck diving, underwater photography, and enriched air nitrox training.
Do you sell used dive equipment?
Yes, we buy and sell used equipment. We also accept trade-ins toward new purchases, including non-scuba gear. All used equipment undergoes inspection to ensure safety and functionality.
Are there age requirements for scuba lessons?
Students must be at least 10 years old for open water certification. Younger participants can enroll in pool-based programs. No upper age limit exists for those meeting basic health requirements.
What areas do you serve for guided dives?
We primarily serve Alabama Gulf Coast waters, including Fairhope, Mobile Bay, and Orange Beach. Our region features 20,000+ dive sites with shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and marine life habitats.
Do you offer equipment repair services?
Yes, our certified technicians provide on-site repairs for all major scuba brands. Services include regulator servicing, BCD maintenance, and dive computer diagnostics with a one-year warranty.
Reviews (7)
Lynn Harrelson
Nov 06, 2020
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Went through Underwater Works to obtain my open water certification and throughoutly enjoyed the experience. My instructor was John Morris and I must say he was calm and patient with me the entire time. I can't wait to get more dives under my belt so to speak and feel confident in my future dives due to John's teachings.
Josh Gates
Jun 20, 2020
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My father and I just completed our open water diver certification. The program was thorough and comprehensive. Our instructor, John Morris, was incredibly competent and amazingly helpful. Overall this was an experience that we will never forget, and will always appreciate.
Rachel Simpson
Dec 11, 2019
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My husband and I just got certified at underwater works, and it was one of the best experiences weve had! John Morris was our instructor and he was the absolute best at making sure we had the knowledge, skills, and equipment we needed. We had the best time with him, and feel totally confident in our diving ability after our training!
Emma Humphreys
Nov 02, 2019
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Best experience of my life with some of the most wonderful and helpful people you'll ever meet. I'm a college student majoring in marine biology, and I decided to take an open water diving course over the summer. The location was convenient, and Chas and the crew were more than helpful with fitting me with the right equipment. You'll learn the science behind diving and enjoy the moments it and the shop provides. A great environment all the way around, Underwater Works is thorough in its SSI education, and I would recommend them to anyone looking to get certified.
BobbiRose Aitcheson
Aug 21, 2019
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Brand new certified scuba diver here!!! Learning to scuba dive with Underwater Works was spectacular!
Thorough education, approachable and knowledgeable instructor (John Morris), knowledgeable staff on equipment and guidance.
Felt very secure at the end of each class that even on the first day of open water the anxiety came and went as quick as it came. John is calm, collected, open to all questions/comments/concerns/feedback. He ensures you are confident not only for the skills but also for the test! He even makes the open water dives fun and even
Thorough education, approachable and knowledgeable instructor (John Morris), knowledgeable staff on equipment and guidance.
Felt very secure at the end of each class that even on the first day of open water the anxiety came and went as quick as it came. John is calm, collected, open to all questions/comments/concerns/feedback. He ensures you are confident not only for the skills but also for the test! He even makes the open water dives fun and even
Bennie Henderson
Jan 14, 2019
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I got certified with Underwater Works two years ago. The training I received was great. Chas ensured I had the best training and was ready from day 1. His experience and concern for his students is readily apparent. Pool time, classroom time and open water time are spent making sure you are ready and also that you enjoy your dive time completely. He and his staff are always available for any dive needs or if you just have questions or want to talk about dive experiences. I do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who wants to train or re-train.
Dale Wood
Jan 09, 2019
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My twin brother and I have been diving with Under Water works for about 15 years. We have been fortunate enough to have gone with them to Honduras, Mexico and the Bahamas. Each and every trip was magnificent . Actually, the people make diving special and along the way we have met and made some good friends through diving.
Chaz runs his shop like a professional and yet it still has a family feel to it. All of his instructors main focus is to make you feel safe in the water through proper training. My introductory course there was one of the best experiences of my life.
Chaz has maintained the
Chaz runs his shop like a professional and yet it still has a family feel to it. All of his instructors main focus is to make you feel safe in the water through proper training. My introductory course there was one of the best experiences of my life.
Chaz has maintained the
