Dive Newsletter
Hello Divers! To say that a lot of diving is going on would be an understatement. We usually average 50
We offer comprehensive scuba diving classes taught by experienced instructors, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become confident and safe divers.
Explore the depths of the world’s oceans and discover a breathtaking underwater world full of vibrant marine life, ancient shipwrecks, and awe-inspiring coral reefs on unforgettable Scuba Diving trips around the globe.
Join our Southern Skin Divers Supply “Passport Club” for exclusive discounts, priority booking, special events, and more!
As one of the original Authorized Aqualung Dealers, we boast a vast inventory offering everything from snorkeling gear to the latest in Scuba life support equipment.
Located in the Birmingham metro area, SSDS is a family-owned and operated dive center that has been serving the community for over 70 years. What sets us apart from our competitors is our rich history and deep roots in the diving industry. We were already an established business when our competitors opened shop, and we’re proud to have had a close relationship with our founder, the Late Bill Tant, who was one of the pioneer SCUBA divers and a living legend in the diving world.
At SSDS, we take pride in our family business and our passion for diving. The owners of Southern Skin Divers Supply are brothers Forrest and Spencer Phillips and Mark Tant, all of whom are long time Instructors to Instructor Trainers with multiple certification agencies like Scuba Diving International, Scuba Schools International, NAUI, PADI and IDEA. In addition to training new Openwater divers, for decades, we have taught specialties like salvage diving, black-water diving, artifact diving, underwater photography, search and rescue recovery, crime-scene investigation, law enforcement, and Spearfishing. We’re all about hands-on learning and a real hands-on approach to diving.
Our Scuba School is a testament to our commitment to the diving community. We have over 5000 square feet of classrooms, a retail showroom, and an indoor heated 14′ deep pool where you can test out equipment before buying. We offer classes all year long and provide the best training, largest inventory, and the finest dive facility in the Birmingham metro area. We also offer a wide range of diving equipment and are the original Aqualung dealer in the U.S.
But what really sets SSDS apart is our passion for diving and our dedication to the diving community. We don’t just sell equipment and offer classes; we live and breathe diving, and we want to share that passion with others. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, we have something for everyone, and we’re always here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and offer support.
In short, SSDS is more than just a dive center; it’s a community of divers who share a love for the underwater world. So if you’re not a SCUBA diver yet, it’s time to get started, and there’s no better place to start than SSDS. We welcome you with open arms!
Southern Skin Divers Supply is older than all of the certification agencies. We have taught divers through SDI, SSI, NAUI, PADI, IDEA and are NASDS. Currently we teach through Scuba Diving International (SDI).
Explore the world’s underwater treasures through the lens of our scuba diving blog, which takes you on a thrilling journey across the globe, covering top destinations for diving, featuring expert tips on gear and travel, and sharing stories of adventure and discovery.
Hello Divers! To say that a lot of diving is going on would be an understatement. We usually average 50
Hello Divers! We have just completed our 20th group trip so far this year and are taking two or three
Here’s a fun video on Vimeo about the guys & the shop. Steve has also created a new YouTube channel