Scuba Magic has Instructors certified to teach and certify divers of all ability levels through a traditional PADI certification or through a conditional HSA certification that may require the handicapped Diver to only dive with a HSA Certified Buddy.
You must have a Medical Release form signed by a Doctor to participate in any Scuba program if you say Yes to any of the questions on the Medical Release form. Under the HSA program you Physician can specify under what conditions an individual may dive, other certification agencies, as a general rule, require that an unconditional release is given by the Doctor.
The Program:
We start all divers out with the same academics, the 5 knowledge reviews and quizzes from the PADI Open Water Manual, and then go through the 20 basic skills that you are required to master prior to your Open Water dives in our pool.
If you are able to perform these tasks then you will be issued a full PADI Open Water Certification card. It is understood that the level of physical ability that any individual has may require less traditional methods of performing a skill. If your Instructor is confident that you can accomplish the any task consistently, regardless of method, you will acknowledged as Mastering that skill.
HSA Buddies are required:
When a Handicapped Divers abilities limit them in the areas of being able to help their Dive Buddy is when the HSA trained Dive Buddy comes into effect and a HSA B or C level certification card will be issued. This requires that the Handicapped diver have two people dive with them. The first Diver is the HSA Divers Buddy and the second Diver is there for the HSA Dive Buddy. This is explained in further detail in the HSA Dive Buddy part of this web site.
Program Cost:
The cost of the Training is the same as our standard Open Water course. If additional pool sessions are required, or Open Water days scheduled, there will be additional cost, just like the regular OW course.
Scuba Magic is taking steps to involve the various Non-Profit organizations into paying for or supplementing the cost of training for those Handicapped folks with a desire to Explore the Undersea Realm. If you know of a Veterans aid Agency or any other that has an interest in enriching the lives of disabled folks; have them contact Scuba Magic and ask to speak to Gary.
This program is for anyone who has any disability. This can include Amputees, Blind, Deaf, Paraplegic, Quadriplegic, Cognitive etc. There are only a few extreme case that won't be able to enjoy the Adventures of diving and that is usually because of a Doctor imposed limitation.
