Stay TFA from this place... tried to get a pool dive scheduled from this place, and the owner initially "forgot" my information (even though I actually had filled this all out on an official form when I got there). I was attempting to get my pool dives done to get my PADI certification (was assured they had a PADI instructor available even though this is a SI dive shop). Paid for the training and everything... After multiple weeks and multiple phone calls (and an official email, mind you), I finally got in touch with the owner (Laird) who when I asked for a refund for the lack of service they provided, had the audacity to say to me, and I quote... "We don't do refunds" WTF Stay the F away from this place, it's beyond toxic and if you get swindled by this dude, get your credit card company involved, they will certainly fix this dude's "business transaction"... they fixed it for me! Stay away from this place, go to SOS Diving instead... that's where I went to get my certification, for like 40% less of the cost too!!! read more

I am a 30 + year experienced certified SSI (previous NASDS) diver and I posting this to notify all prospective divers of the business practices of the SSI Dive Center Undersea Outfitters located in Westminster Maryland and actions by owner by Laird Brown. My scuba gear encompassing a Zeagle FlatHead regulator (primary, 2 secondary, and one console) was given to UnderSea Outfitters (a proclaimed authorized Zeagle dealer) for routine annual service. I have been a certified diver since 1983 thus I am NOT new to this process. This is life support equipment utilized for recreational scuba diving. Within this service the authorized technician makes any needed repairs, replaces any needed parts, and makes any necessary adjustments. Above all this equipment is returned in FULL WORKING ORDER ready for use. This can be confirmed through any dive equipment manufacturer which also complies with governing bodies of Scuba Schools International (SSI) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). In my instance with UnderSea Outfitters the gear mentioned above was NOT returned in working order and was otherwise damaged. Both second stage housings (the piece from which a diver breathes) were returned cracked (I can provide pictures). This was not pre-existing and if it were I should have received notification of such in that it would not have passed a bench test (that is if the technician in this case Laird Brown even did one). I was billed $120 (per a receipt I can provide). Upon sending pictures to Laird he did ask me to bring the equipment back and he would fix it HOWEVER I had travel plans PLUS due to an extensive travel distance to the merchant I would not be able to get the gear back to the merchant AND there was no way the merchant could render repairs in the amount of time necessary to meet departure dates. Besides given the nature and sensitivity of the equipment I no longer trusted this merchant center to complete the job correctly. To be blunt when submerged under water at 80+ feet my life depends on this equipment functioning correctly thus depends on the merchant doing their job to the regulatory requirement expected. I requested a refund to which the merchant agreed yet never credited. E-mails were ignored thus I was not able to resolve the issue with the merchant. Further the when approached the merchant-owner (Laird Brown) stated out right that he "did not care if I was happy or not" a refused to resolve the situation. In other words he did not care if something serious happened to me as a result of his negligence! As an immediate resolution I was forced to purchase a whole new set-up so I was ready for my travel plans which amounted to $810.90 (I can provide a receipt from Divers Den). Also I contacted the Zeagle Manufacturer (Huish Outdoors) who provided instructions to return the damaged gear (costing $25 in shipping). Finally, on September 16, 2019 I received notification from the manufacturer that the repairs as a result of UnderSea Outfitters damage and negligence will cost $225 plus shipping costs. Essentially the merchant (UnderSea Outfitters) did not perform their job correctly and returned damaged gear to me resulting in my costs of this whole ordeal equating to $1180 plus whatever additional shipping costs I will incur. Moreover although I know SSI cannot help with this it is important for you to know this center's practice. This whole situation is deplorable and one I have NEVER experienced in my 30+ years scuba diving. Further this is not as important as making sure this merchant (Laird Brown) changes his business practices or ceases business altogether which includes calling his affiliation with PADI into question. He should not be authorized to work on anyone's scuba gear. It is only my extensive experience as diver that allowed me to notice the damage prior to use. If not for this I could have sustained significant injury. Further the simple fact that he stated (which I have in writing) that he 'did not care' is inexcusable. No one should trust this person. Essentially it is not all about any personal gain for me but rather the safety of others. Personally I will never utilize his services again. Sincerely and Respectfully, Christopher C. King read more

My wife and I have been diving for several years now, having taken our Open Water certification classes with Undersea Outfitters. Over the years we've bought numerous pieces of dive gear from them, as well as continuing our education and training as we increased our certification level up to Master Diver. The shop has changed locations and (some) personnel through the years, but Laird (the owner) has been a consistent presence, delivering quality service, gear, and advice time and time again. While on a dive trip in Bonaire, my wife's gear managed to slide down towards the tailgate of our truck and a few bumps in the road later, her 2nd stage regulator fell through the tailgate (one of those fabric mesh kinds) and bounced along the dirt road for a few miles. We both figured it was ruined and would need to be replaced. When we returned home, we contacted Laird and instead of going along with our thoughts of it being a total loss, he urged us to leave it with him and let him try to repair it. For less than 1/5th of the cost of a replacement, he was able to return that regulator to perfect working order. I wanted to share that particular anecdote because I think it best shows the shop's level of service and willingness to ensure that the customer's needs are met, as opposed to making a quick sale. read more

Laird has done a good service for me . He provided a great dive shop experience with the ability to repair my equipment and save Money! He has an great quarry with deep water to enjoy on the weekends for a great dive experience. Go Undersea Outfitters! Edward Smith read more

Great, personal service. They really want to make great divers, not just turn our one-day-wonders like some shops. You're almost always dealing directly with the owner, who wants to see customers happy. read more