Adaptive SCUBA

Approximately 15% of the population is statistically classified as “handicapped” either from accident or disease. In the United States alone this percentage translates into millions of people, many of whom are fully capable of becoming scuba divers. Dive Pro’s Open Water training programs for people with disabilities are taught with a high degree of safety because we use teaching techniques developed with over 20 years of continuous feedback and research.

Handicapped students are trained and certified according to Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) Physical Performance Standards and a multilevel certification system. The system is so precise and sensitive it enables Dive Pros to train people with a wide range of disabilities, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, the blind and those with high – functioning brain injuries or mild retardation.

We base our student’s diving proficiency on their ability to assist another diver in the water. For example if you’re a Level A diver, you’re certified to dive with one other person. A level B diver must dive with two other able-bodied divers. A level C diver not only requires two dive buddies, but one buddy must be trained in diver rescue. The third member of the buddy team is not there to further assist the B or C level diver, they are there to ensure the safety of the A level or above diver that cannot be assisted by the B or C level diver. Also unique to the training system is Marine Life Identification. Our Open Water Scuba course requires that one marine life form be described and identified on each of the student’s five certifying scuba dives.

Prerequisites:

  • Complete Medical Questionnaire
  • Minimum Age: 12

 

Advanced Scuba Diver Certification

Once performance requirements are met for open water certification. level “A” “B” and “C” divers can continue their diving education to obtain Advanced Scuba diver Certification.

Dive Buddy Course

Dive Pro’s Dive Buddy Course welcomes certified divers to the challenge of learning about disabilities, accessibility issues and how to dive with people who have disabilities.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum Certification Open Water Diver
  • Minimum 40 logged scuba dives, within 2 years prior to starting date of Dive Buddy course.
  • Minimum Rescue skills: Successfully challenged H.S.A. Physical Performance Standards or Equivalent.
  • Minimum Air Sharing Skills: Successfully challenge H.S.A. Physical Performance Standards or Equivalent.