FOR MORE INFORMATION TO BECOME A DIVER AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Official Sites:
Note: All training that stems from Grants or Donations (this is all training) must begin with an application and forms being sent to jcampbell@lifewaters.org for grant and donation tracking purposes. These forms are available here on this site. If the forms are not available or easily accessible please email Jill at jcampbell@lifewaters.org.
Training Locations as of 10/27/2019
Arnold, MO (St Louis): LifeWaters www.lifewaters.org. Instructors: Charley Wright, Bill and Peggy Harrison, Gary Bufalo, Geoffrey Laing, Brian Cole
Mesa, AZ: Saguaro Diving. www.saguaroscuba.com
Houston, TX: training through Gigglin’Marlin. Instructors: Keith and Robin Fite, Tonya Merritt
Dallas, Tx: training through Bjorn Loftis Diving. Instructor: Bjorn Loftis
Lakewood, CO: Twin Dolphins Diving. Instructors: Jill Knapp Campbell, Alexandra Johnson
Mermet Springs, IL: Instructors: Tish Kautz, Randy Ren, Michael Thevenot
Jupiter Beach, FL: Jupiter Beach Diving. Instructors: Lisa Carroll, Sandra Carlson
More to come in November and December 2019.
SDI Open Water Diver Course
Start Learning to Dive Today SDI makes it possible for you to complete all of the academic requirements for your entry-level diver certification on line. You can get started right now and, when you are done, complete your in-water skill-development sessions and final open-water training dives at an SDI Dive Center close to home, or at a popular vacation destination.
Getting your entry-level diver certification is a three-step process:
The first step is to acquire all of the important academic information every certified diver must know. (This is the underwater equivalent of a student pilot going through “ground school.”) Traditionally, this required attending several hours of formal classroom training. Now, through on-line training, you can complete this phase through self-study, at your own pace, in the convenience of your home or office.
The next step is to complete your in-water skill-development training. This takes place in a swimming pool or similar body of confined water. Here you will learn the fundamental skills that every diver needs to know. (It’s also a lot of fun.)
dive-flag
The final step is complete four or more open-water training dives under the supervision of your SDI Instructor. Here you will apply what you have learned during your academic and skill-development sessions, while learning practical lessons that can only be gained through real-world experience in open water.
You have several options to complete the in-water phases of your training:
You can complete both the skill-development sessions and open-water training dives at your local SDI Dive Center.
You can complete the skill-development sessions at your local SDI Dive Center, and do your open-water training dives at the vacation destination of your choice.
Whatever option you choose, your local SDI Dive Center can help you with the arrangements. When you are done with all three phases of your training, your SDI Dive Center will order your permanent certification card.
SDI Scubilitity Open Water Diver
This entry-level certification course is designed to give physically or mentally disabled students the necessary skills to conduct open water dives in conditions similar to their training without the direct supervision of an instructor.
*Note: Diving under the supervision of a qualified SDI Dive Buddy may be required.
Who this course is for:
Physically disabled individuals wishing to become certified scuba divers
Course prerequisites:
Minimum age of 18, 10 with parental consent
Students between the ages of 10 through 14 may obtain a age related restricted SDI Scubility Scuba diver certification if the following conditions are met; students are to train and dive under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or active leadership level diver with an SDI Dive Buddy certification
When a age related restricted SDI Scuba Diver reaches the age of 15, they can upgrade to the SDI Scubility Open Water Scuba Diver certification
What you can expect to learn:
Instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.
The following topics must be covered during this course:
History of diving
Aquatic environment
Vision
Light
Sound
Heat loss; emphasis on specific disability
Tides
Currents
Waves
Surge
Marine life injuries
Physics and physiology
Buoyancy
Pressure
Boyle’s Law
Air spaces
Breathing air under pressure
Scuba Equipment; modified and special equipment must be covered on each part of this section
Mask, fins, and snorkel
Exposure protection
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Regulator
Cylinders
Weight systems
Underwater instruments
Accessories
Planning your dive
Special considerations for the disabled diver
Buddy system
First aid
Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements
Students are required to successfully complete the following skills:
Swimming evaluation
100 metre distance swim, using any stroke or 150 metre distance swim using mask, snorkel and fins or webbed gloves; wetsuit can be worn
Survival swim of 10 minutes; wetsuit can be worn
Scuba skills
Scuba system assembly and disassembly; minimal assistance
Weight system adjustment with proper weighting; minimal assistance
Removal and replacement of weight system:
Pre-dive check of self and buddy
Mask clear:
Partial, at depth
Full, at depth
Breathing and swimming underwater without a mask; distance 12 metres
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) use:
Inflation and deflation (oral/auto)
Removal and replacement:
Buoyancy Control
Hovering
Controlled ascents; minimal assistance- dependant on disability
Controlled descents; minimal assistance- dependant on disability
Regulator use
Breathing, clearing, and recovery:
Alternate air source use (air sharing with a buddy; stationary and while making a controlled ascent)
Underwater swimming (proper use of fins and/or webbed gloves)
Entries and exits
Controlled seated entry; if suitable for level of disability
Back-roll entry; if suitable for level of disability
Giant stride entry; if suitable for level of disability
Shallow water exit; assistance of up to 100% depending on level of disability
Deep water exit; assistance of up to 100% depending on level of disability
Snorkel use
Adjustment
Clearing (blast method)
Computer use
Reading and understanding data
Understanding functions of computer
Use of gauges
Underwater communications
Special signals for sight impaired diver
Rescue techniques
Tired diver tows; instructors discretion
Cramp relief
Out-of-air emergencies
Simulated swimming ascent
What’s in it for you?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:
Conduct open water dives in conditions similar to their training
Enroll in the Advanced Adventure Diver Program, individual SDI Specialties or the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program
Dive-Buddy System
The Dive-buddy system puts flexibility into the training program by allowing certification according to which performance requirements have been met.
DB1: All of the performance requirements have been met; the diver has demonstrated the ability to perform self rescue and can provide equal assistance to his/her buddy should it become necessary. This diver can dive with any other certified diver
DB2: All of the performance requirements have been met; the diver has demonstrated the ability to perform self rescue but is not able to provide assistance to his buddy should it become necessary. This diver must dive with 2 adult certified divers, one of which must be a qualified SDI Scubility Dive Buddy
DB3: The physical performance requirements have been met; the diver has demonstrated the ability to safely use scuba in an open water environment. But the diver does not have the ability to perform self rescue or provide assistance to his buddy should it become necessary. This diver must dive with 3 adult certified divers, one of which must be a qualified SDI Scubility Dive Buddy
SDI Scubility Open Water Diver minimum requirements:
In order to complete this course, students must:
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
Satisfactorily complete the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Knowledge Quest or equivalent SDI electronic / online learning exam. Instructors my use additional exams that can be found on the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Resource CD
Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently
SDI Scubility Dive Buddy
The SDI Scubility Dive Buddy Program is designed to develop the knowledge and necessary skills for an individual to effectively perform as a dive buddy for a physically disabled diver. The practical skills developed are the same as for the SDI Scubility Instructor, making the dive buddy course an important step in the development process.
Who this course is for:
Certified divers looking to assist disabled divers enjoy the underwater world and SDI Instructors wishing to become an SDI Scubility Instructor
Course prerequisites:
Minimum age 18, 16 with parental consent
Provide proof of:
Current CPR and first aid certification
Rescue diver certification
OR
Advanced Diver certification with 40 logged open water dives
What you can expect to learn:
The SDI Scubility Dive Buddy Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:
Background information
Instructor awareness
Public acceptance
Lifestyle and personality
Social integration
Common medical conditions and disabilities
Amputations
Asthma
Cerebral palsy
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Hearing disorders
Muscular dystrophy
Motor neurone
Multiple sclerosis
Sight impairment
Spinal injuries
Diving environment
Confined water
Open water
Accessibility
Access to confined water
Access to open water
Liability and related legal considerations
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
Sight impaired diver; show proficiency at giving and receiving tactile signals
Complete 2 open water dives as a dive buddy, 1 sight impaired, 1 paraplegic
Complete 2 open water dives as a student, 1 sight impaired and 1 paraplegic
Complete 1 confined water training session with sight impaired diver (real or simulated)
Equipment assembly / disassembly and adjustment
Weight system assembly / adjustment with proper weighting
Suiting up and de-suiting
Pre-dive check of self and buddy
Use of mask, fins and snorkel
Entries; assistance with controlled seated, back roll, giant stride entries
Equipment; suiting up of diver in the water
Equipment; removal of divers equipment in the water
Exits; assistance with shallow water and deep water exits SDI Instructor Manual
Tired diver tows
Communication; show good communication / understanding skills on surface and at depth
Dive planning; use of tables and PDC, logging of dives
Demonstrate sound judgment in dive site suitability planning
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive emergency planning and execution
Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently
Complete a panicked diver rescue drill (surface)
Complete a distressed diver rescue drill (at depth)
Be seen to be having fun during the course
What’s in it for you?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are able to conduct dives with physically disabled divers
Upon successful completion on this course, SDI Assistant Instructors are able to functions as a Scubility Assistant
SDI Open Water Scuba Diving Instructors are eligible to enroll in the upgrade course to become a Scubility Instructor
SDI Scubility Dive Buddy minimum requirements:
Complete all open water requirements efficiently
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
SDI Scubility Instructor
The SDI Scubility Instructor Program is for those students who have successfully completed the SDI Scubility Dive Buddy Program and are currently an active Instructor or higher with a recognized dive training organization.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR:
Disabledinstructor1
Certified divers looking to assist disabled divers enjoy the underwater world and SDI Instructors wishing to become an SDI Scubility Instructor
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Minimum age 18
Provide proof of:
Scubility Dive Buddy certification
Current CPR and first aid certification
Current SDI Open Water Scuba Diving Instructor
Dash
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:
The SDI Scubility Instructor Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:
Background information
Instructor awareness
Public acceptance
Lifestyle and personality
Social integration
Common medical conditions and disabilities
Amputations
Asthma
Cerebral palsy
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Hearing disorders
Muscular dystrophy
Motor Neuron
Multiple sclerosis
Sight impairment
Spinal injuries
Diving environment
Confined water
Open water
Accessibility
Access to confined water
Access to open water
Liability and related legal considerations
Training
Confined water
Open water
Academic
Liability and related legal considerations
Marketing
Course structure
clients
Standards
Scubility course requirements and standards
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
Show preparation and planning for:
Academic lessons
Confined water training
Open water training
Complete one:
Academic session for a paraplegic diver
Confined water training session with sight impaired or paraplegic diver (real or simulated)
Open water training session for a sight impaired or paraplegic diver
Be seen having fun and enjoying teaching
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:
Teach the full range of SDI Scubility courses
SDI SCUBILITY INSTRUCTOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Complete all open water requirements efficiently
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
Disabledinstructor2
Note: All training that stems from Grants or Donations (this is all training) must begin with an application and forms being sent to jcampbell@lifewaters.org for grant and donation tracking purposes. These forms are available here on this site. If the forms are not available or easily accessible please email Jill at jcampbell@lifewaters.org.
Training Locations as of 10/27/2019
Arnold, MO (St Louis): LifeWaters www.lifewaters.org. Instructors: Charley Wright, Bill and Peggy Harrison, Gary Bufalo, Geoffrey Laing, Brian Cole
Mesa, AZ: Saguaro Diving. www.saguaroscuba.com
Houston, TX: training through Gigglin’Marlin. Instructors: Keith and Robin Fite, Tonya Merritt
Dallas, Tx: training through Bjorn Loftis Diving. Instructor: Bjorn Loftis
Lakewood, CO: Twin Dolphins Diving. Instructors: Jill Knapp Campbell, Alexandra Johnson
Mermet Springs, IL: Instructors: Tish Kautz, Randy Ren, Michael Thevenot
Jupiter Beach, FL: Jupiter Beach Diving. Instructors: Lisa Carroll, Sandra Carlson
More to come in November and December 2019.
SDI Open Water Diver Course
Start Learning to Dive Today SDI makes it possible for you to complete all of the academic requirements for your entry-level diver certification on line. You can get started right now and, when you are done, complete your in-water skill-development sessions and final open-water training dives at an SDI Dive Center close to home, or at a popular vacation destination.
Getting your entry-level diver certification is a three-step process:
The first step is to acquire all of the important academic information every certified diver must know. (This is the underwater equivalent of a student pilot going through “ground school.”) Traditionally, this required attending several hours of formal classroom training. Now, through on-line training, you can complete this phase through self-study, at your own pace, in the convenience of your home or office.
The next step is to complete your in-water skill-development training. This takes place in a swimming pool or similar body of confined water. Here you will learn the fundamental skills that every diver needs to know. (It’s also a lot of fun.)
dive-flag
The final step is complete four or more open-water training dives under the supervision of your SDI Instructor. Here you will apply what you have learned during your academic and skill-development sessions, while learning practical lessons that can only be gained through real-world experience in open water.
You have several options to complete the in-water phases of your training:
You can complete both the skill-development sessions and open-water training dives at your local SDI Dive Center.
You can complete the skill-development sessions at your local SDI Dive Center, and do your open-water training dives at the vacation destination of your choice.
Whatever option you choose, your local SDI Dive Center can help you with the arrangements. When you are done with all three phases of your training, your SDI Dive Center will order your permanent certification card.
SDI Scubilitity Open Water Diver
This entry-level certification course is designed to give physically or mentally disabled students the necessary skills to conduct open water dives in conditions similar to their training without the direct supervision of an instructor.
*Note: Diving under the supervision of a qualified SDI Dive Buddy may be required.
Who this course is for:
Physically disabled individuals wishing to become certified scuba divers
Course prerequisites:
Minimum age of 18, 10 with parental consent
Students between the ages of 10 through 14 may obtain a age related restricted SDI Scubility Scuba diver certification if the following conditions are met; students are to train and dive under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or active leadership level diver with an SDI Dive Buddy certification
When a age related restricted SDI Scuba Diver reaches the age of 15, they can upgrade to the SDI Scubility Open Water Scuba Diver certification
What you can expect to learn:
Instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.
The following topics must be covered during this course:
History of diving
Aquatic environment
Vision
Light
Sound
Heat loss; emphasis on specific disability
Tides
Currents
Waves
Surge
Marine life injuries
Physics and physiology
Buoyancy
Pressure
Boyle’s Law
Air spaces
Breathing air under pressure
Scuba Equipment; modified and special equipment must be covered on each part of this section
Mask, fins, and snorkel
Exposure protection
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Regulator
Cylinders
Weight systems
Underwater instruments
Accessories
Planning your dive
Special considerations for the disabled diver
Buddy system
First aid
Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements
Students are required to successfully complete the following skills:
Swimming evaluation
100 metre distance swim, using any stroke or 150 metre distance swim using mask, snorkel and fins or webbed gloves; wetsuit can be worn
Survival swim of 10 minutes; wetsuit can be worn
Scuba skills
Scuba system assembly and disassembly; minimal assistance
Weight system adjustment with proper weighting; minimal assistance
Removal and replacement of weight system:
Pre-dive check of self and buddy
Mask clear:
Partial, at depth
Full, at depth
Breathing and swimming underwater without a mask; distance 12 metres
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) use:
Inflation and deflation (oral/auto)
Removal and replacement:
Buoyancy Control
Hovering
Controlled ascents; minimal assistance- dependant on disability
Controlled descents; minimal assistance- dependant on disability
Regulator use
Breathing, clearing, and recovery:
Alternate air source use (air sharing with a buddy; stationary and while making a controlled ascent)
Underwater swimming (proper use of fins and/or webbed gloves)
Entries and exits
Controlled seated entry; if suitable for level of disability
Back-roll entry; if suitable for level of disability
Giant stride entry; if suitable for level of disability
Shallow water exit; assistance of up to 100% depending on level of disability
Deep water exit; assistance of up to 100% depending on level of disability
Snorkel use
Adjustment
Clearing (blast method)
Computer use
Reading and understanding data
Understanding functions of computer
Use of gauges
Underwater communications
Special signals for sight impaired diver
Rescue techniques
Tired diver tows; instructors discretion
Cramp relief
Out-of-air emergencies
Simulated swimming ascent
What’s in it for you?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:
Conduct open water dives in conditions similar to their training
Enroll in the Advanced Adventure Diver Program, individual SDI Specialties or the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program
Dive-Buddy System
The Dive-buddy system puts flexibility into the training program by allowing certification according to which performance requirements have been met.
DB1: All of the performance requirements have been met; the diver has demonstrated the ability to perform self rescue and can provide equal assistance to his/her buddy should it become necessary. This diver can dive with any other certified diver
DB2: All of the performance requirements have been met; the diver has demonstrated the ability to perform self rescue but is not able to provide assistance to his buddy should it become necessary. This diver must dive with 2 adult certified divers, one of which must be a qualified SDI Scubility Dive Buddy
DB3: The physical performance requirements have been met; the diver has demonstrated the ability to safely use scuba in an open water environment. But the diver does not have the ability to perform self rescue or provide assistance to his buddy should it become necessary. This diver must dive with 3 adult certified divers, one of which must be a qualified SDI Scubility Dive Buddy
SDI Scubility Open Water Diver minimum requirements:
In order to complete this course, students must:
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
Satisfactorily complete the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Knowledge Quest or equivalent SDI electronic / online learning exam. Instructors my use additional exams that can be found on the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor Resource CD
Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently
SDI Scubility Dive Buddy
The SDI Scubility Dive Buddy Program is designed to develop the knowledge and necessary skills for an individual to effectively perform as a dive buddy for a physically disabled diver. The practical skills developed are the same as for the SDI Scubility Instructor, making the dive buddy course an important step in the development process.
Who this course is for:
Certified divers looking to assist disabled divers enjoy the underwater world and SDI Instructors wishing to become an SDI Scubility Instructor
Course prerequisites:
Minimum age 18, 16 with parental consent
Provide proof of:
Current CPR and first aid certification
Rescue diver certification
OR
Advanced Diver certification with 40 logged open water dives
What you can expect to learn:
The SDI Scubility Dive Buddy Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:
Background information
Instructor awareness
Public acceptance
Lifestyle and personality
Social integration
Common medical conditions and disabilities
Amputations
Asthma
Cerebral palsy
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Hearing disorders
Muscular dystrophy
Motor neurone
Multiple sclerosis
Sight impairment
Spinal injuries
Diving environment
Confined water
Open water
Accessibility
Access to confined water
Access to open water
Liability and related legal considerations
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
Sight impaired diver; show proficiency at giving and receiving tactile signals
Complete 2 open water dives as a dive buddy, 1 sight impaired, 1 paraplegic
Complete 2 open water dives as a student, 1 sight impaired and 1 paraplegic
Complete 1 confined water training session with sight impaired diver (real or simulated)
Equipment assembly / disassembly and adjustment
Weight system assembly / adjustment with proper weighting
Suiting up and de-suiting
Pre-dive check of self and buddy
Use of mask, fins and snorkel
Entries; assistance with controlled seated, back roll, giant stride entries
Equipment; suiting up of diver in the water
Equipment; removal of divers equipment in the water
Exits; assistance with shallow water and deep water exits SDI Instructor Manual
Tired diver tows
Communication; show good communication / understanding skills on surface and at depth
Dive planning; use of tables and PDC, logging of dives
Demonstrate sound judgment in dive site suitability planning
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive emergency planning and execution
Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently
Complete a panicked diver rescue drill (surface)
Complete a distressed diver rescue drill (at depth)
Be seen to be having fun during the course
What’s in it for you?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are able to conduct dives with physically disabled divers
Upon successful completion on this course, SDI Assistant Instructors are able to functions as a Scubility Assistant
SDI Open Water Scuba Diving Instructors are eligible to enroll in the upgrade course to become a Scubility Instructor
SDI Scubility Dive Buddy minimum requirements:
Complete all open water requirements efficiently
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
SDI Scubility Instructor
The SDI Scubility Instructor Program is for those students who have successfully completed the SDI Scubility Dive Buddy Program and are currently an active Instructor or higher with a recognized dive training organization.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR:
Disabledinstructor1
Certified divers looking to assist disabled divers enjoy the underwater world and SDI Instructors wishing to become an SDI Scubility Instructor
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Minimum age 18
Provide proof of:
Scubility Dive Buddy certification
Current CPR and first aid certification
Current SDI Open Water Scuba Diving Instructor
Dash
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:
The SDI Scubility Instructor Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:
Background information
Instructor awareness
Public acceptance
Lifestyle and personality
Social integration
Common medical conditions and disabilities
Amputations
Asthma
Cerebral palsy
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Hearing disorders
Muscular dystrophy
Motor Neuron
Multiple sclerosis
Sight impairment
Spinal injuries
Diving environment
Confined water
Open water
Accessibility
Access to confined water
Access to open water
Liability and related legal considerations
Training
Confined water
Open water
Academic
Liability and related legal considerations
Marketing
Course structure
clients
Standards
Scubility course requirements and standards
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
Show preparation and planning for:
Academic lessons
Confined water training
Open water training
Complete one:
Academic session for a paraplegic diver
Confined water training session with sight impaired or paraplegic diver (real or simulated)
Open water training session for a sight impaired or paraplegic diver
Be seen having fun and enjoying teaching
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:
Teach the full range of SDI Scubility courses
SDI SCUBILITY INSTRUCTOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Complete all open water requirements efficiently
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
Disabledinstructor2