‘Scubility’ from The Dive Tribe - Liquid Freedom

 

So where do you start when you are physically challenged and want to go diving? … The Dive Tribe of course!

An extract from the introduction to the instructor training program from SDI for their SCUBILITY diving program.

‘The risks in scuba training can be no greater, depending on the condition or disability, than with the able-bodied population, The learning to dive process includes; a basic understanding of the equipment used, safety rules which minimize the risks to acceptable limits and proper training which prepares the individual to make use of the aquatic environment safely. It is no different for the scuba diver with a medical condition or physical disability, they may require specialized or adapted equipment, but they are the same as any other diver in that they want to go and dive those exotic and not so exotic locations along with everyone else.’

Often able-bodied people ask why do disabled people go diving when for some, the basics of daily life are challenging enough, without adding in the logistical and physical challenges of scuba diving? In response, the reaction from the other side is’ why not’? The skill requirements are the same - in general all that is required is more space and more time.
Major agencies and clubs, including PADI, SDI, SSI and the BSAC have set up programs to increase instructor awareness and training skills for disabled diver training. The specialist agencies, Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) and the International Association of Handicapped Divers (IAHD) have been providing excellent access and training for many years.
Here at the Tribe we have adopted the SDI ( Scuba Diving International ) program, primarily because Tribe Managing Director Rob Read is the author of the program and because of the programs unique integration with the mainstream SDI diving program.

The Scubility program uses the standard training materials from SDI which enables those with a physical impairment or medical condition to train alongside able bodied students.
The Tribe has good access to classrooms, pools and boats. In addition to a wheelchair- friendly dive boat ( Abydos 3). The Moevenpick resort & Spa in which the Tribe is based has converted a further ten rooms for disabled diver access located near the diving centre, over and above the original four rooms for disabled individuals. This represents a significant commitment, and is representative of the embracing of the disabled community which is spreading across the tourist and diving industry in  El Gouna.

There are courses for all, the diver with an impairment, the helper, the divers family and friends, in fact anyone who wants to join in the fun.

Instructor training is also readily available for certified instructors of all agencies; an open mind is all that’s needed and a great big sense of humour!

Instructor Training involves role play diving so that the instructor gets a feel of the difficulties involved when there is a lack of mobility in the diver being trained. Instructors get to experience adapted equipment in the form of webbed gloves, wetsuits with extra long zips in the arms and legs, BCD’s with inflator hoses that can be swapped from side to side, reversible regulators, clips and straps. On the whole, very specialized equipment is not needed for 95% of divers, just lateral thinking to adapt or use readily available proprietary equipment for a different purpose.

A certified diving instructor from any agency can take a disability awareness course in 2-4 days. However, it is recommended that instructors have at least two years practical teaching experience before taking such a course, because it is this existing experience that is used and expanded upon during the instructor courses, rather than developing a new set of skills.

If you need more info on any aspect of the ‘Scubility’ program then contact Rob on rob@divetribe.com