Become a Certified Dive Buddy
Adaptive diving is our commitment to get people with disabilities underwater, to help them discover what is there for them. Through diving, there is therapeutic value in both the emotional and physical realms for our clients. As the term “adaptive” suggests, we don’t assume there is one solution to fit all needs. We have a variety of equipment and full range of creativity and commitment to get people with disabilities underwater.
Consider becoming a buddy diver. Being a buddy is a life changing experience. Not only do you become a better diver you also help others enjoy scuba diving. It is an emotional experience for you and them. For many adaptive divers it is the first time since their injury that they have not been sitting or lying down. Imagine the felling of weightlessness … no chair or bed.
We chose Diveheart as our training organization because of their commitment to research and intensive programs. S.A.F.E. offers 3 levels of training: DIVEHEART certified Dive Buddy, Advanced Dive Buddy and Instructor.
Prerequisites for Buddy Diver: Open Water Diver with 20 dives. Advanced Buddy Diver: Advanced Scuba Diver and Rescue Diver, current CPR/First Aid/AED training with 40 dives. *Pre-requisite to certification: 30 experiences working with adaptive divers underwater, a minimum of 15 in open water environments.
Training Structure consists of five sections, a training manual, online course, pool sessions to learn skills and empathy, land clinics for skills and empathy and open water dives.
The Open Water dives can be done in the Puget Sound or on a tropical trip with Diveheart or S.A.F.E. The best part of the tropical trip is you get to dive and train with adaptive divers all week. You will join a team of buddy divers and gain the confidence you need by the end of the week. For Advanced Dive Buddies you will meet the 15 open water dives by the end of the week. Best part…you will make lifetime friends in the process.
We host all our training in a private pool facility in Hillsboro, OR, that is designed to accommodate adaptive divers.
Our next Dive Buddy Training is June 2,nd, 3rd and 4th. Complete all the practical skills in a this fun 3 day course. Email Dale@safescuba.net for more information.