A few years ago, during a confined water dive training session, we were approached by a young boy in a wheelchair. He was at the pool for physiotherapy to help with joint pain and mobility issues. His eyes lit up with excitement when he saw us scuba diving. With a big smile, he asked if he could join in. We were thrilled by his enthusiasm and let him breathe from our regulators at the surface, and explained what the equipment does, but had to explain that while we would love to give him an underwater dive experience, we weren’t yet trained to accommodate his specific needs. However, we promised that once we had the right training, we’d take him diving.
That moment planted a seed for both Renee and myself. We knew we wanted to make scuba diving accessible for absolutely everybody, but we weren’t sure how to make it happen. We reached out and did research on how to become certified to work with divers with physical disabilities. Unfortunately, we learned that there were only a handful of active SSI Classified Diving Instructor Trainers worldwide, and the nearest one was in the USA. After considering the high costs of bringing a trainer to New Zealand, we realized it wasn't financially feasible at the time.
Fast forward a year later, I discovered an SSI Classified Diving Instructor program scheduled to run in Phuket, Thailand, just before Christmas 2023.
As an active SSI Instructor Trainer with the passion and prerequisites, I was invited to attend this specialized program. I packed my dive bag, booked my flight, and was soon on my way to Thailand, the result being becoming the only SSI Classified Diving Instructor Trainer in the southern hemisphere.
The training was run by Sage Dalton (USA), who is an International Training Director at SSI. Sage has been fundamental is developing the program over the years and has a lot of experience working with Classified Divers in the USA. The training program was perhaps my most favourite I have done to date, challenging, engaging, emotional, and so so much to learn. Sage has such a great way of presenting, his teaching style and experience being passed over was absolute quality. The training consisted of both academic presentations, group workshop
Bev with Sage Dalton (SSI International training director) and the SSI Asia team.
Phuket, Thailand 2023
What is Classified Diving?
The SSI Classified Diving program refers to specialist diver training that assists individuals with physical disabilities and/or sensory disorders, to become functional in the underwater environment, as well as training the divers who will act as certified buddies.
The SSI Classified Diving program provides adaptive training for students with limited mobility and/or sensory disorders, allowing them to dive with one or more SSI Classified Dive Buddies, or an SSI Classified Diving Professional. Through this program, individuals with disabilities or limited mobility who are medically cleared by a physician can experience the thrill of scuba diving. First in a pool/confined water environment, then potentially in an open water environment.
About 16% of the world’s population has some form of physical disability, whether it is present from birth, or as a result of an accident. Despite these injuries, the SSI Classified Diving program can offer a world of possibility and freedom to less-abled students.
Through the SSI Classified Diving program, individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, who are medically cleared by a physician, can experience the thrill of scuba diving. First in a pool/confined water environment, then potentially in the open water.
During training as a Classified Diver we basically adapt the Open Water Diver program and training materials to meet the specific needs of our SSI Classified Diving students. Once certified we then provide ongoing support to keep you diving with our Classified Dive Buddy network.
Are there any health benefits for SSI Classified divers?
Scuba diving is a powerful tool for facilitating good health and wellbeing. The hydrostatic pressure of water can help in providing relief from aches, pain, soreness, muscle spasms and edema. SCUBA diving is also a form of rehabilitation that can greatly benefit individuals recovering from traumatic injuries.
For SSI Classified divers this unique form of Aquatic therapy can also help reduce stress while increasing relaxation. Scuba diving can prevent muscle wastage while also increasing flexibility. SCUBA diving provides freedom of movement in an almost weightless environment that cannot be found on dry land. For individuals whom may be wheel chair bound, the SSI Classified Diver program can offer a life changing experience that is not attainable by any other means.
Divers benefit from socializing with other divers while building a strong support network. They will become more excited about future adventures, build confidence, and gain self-esteem. The physical, psychological, and emotional benefits cannot be overstated.
Who is the SSI Classified Diving program for?
The SSI Classified diving program is available to anyone with medically clearance by a physician and is not limited to:
Paraplegics
Quadriplegics
Spinal cord injuries
Visual impaired or Blind
Hearing Loss
Amputees
Brain injuries
Cerebral Palsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Muscular dystrophy
Poliomyelitis
Transverse myelitis
Parkinson's disease
PTSD
Developmental disorders
Autism
Asperger’s Syndrome
Rett’s Syndrome
Downs syndrome
At Aotearoa Dive we like to say the "Classified Diving program is for people with infinite possibilities".
SSI Classified Diving program
Upon successful completion of the SSI Classified Diving program, students will earn a Classified Diving Level 1, 2, or 3 certification depending on their ability to independently perform skills, and to assist a buddy in need.
There are 3 SSI Classified Diver certification levels based on the diver’s abilities:
Level 1 – Must dive with a certified Classified Dive Buddy.
Level 2 – Must dive with two (2) certified Classified Dive Buddies.
Level 3 – Must dive with two (2) certified Classified Dive Buddies and one (1) Classified Dive Professional.
With Aotearoa Dive, we will focus and develop what you can do rather than on what you can’t.
Once certified, you will be able to dive with Classified Dive Buddies and/or Classified Dive Professional (depending on certification level).
All SSI Classified Diver's receive an electronic certification card which can be accessed through the SSI app.
Classified Dive Buddy program
As part of the Classified Diving network, Classified Dive Buddy's are essential for the safety of any Classified Diver.
This course provides training, knowledge, and experience that will prepare the classified dive buddy to be comfortable and skilled in providing the extra safety and care necessary for the Classified Diver.
The Classified Dive Buddy program begins by completing all of the digital learning and review questions prior to starting class. The study materials cover; Diver classification, Medical Considerations, Amputations, Spinal Cord Injuries, Brain Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Progressive Conditions, Sensory Disorders, Developmental Disorders, Specialist equipment required for classified diving, Best practices, Water entries/exits, Conducting skills, Propulsion methods and conducting classified dives.
Day 1 of the Classified Dive Buddy program is classroom based academics where all Classified Diving topics are discussed through peer instruction, group discussion and active learning sessions. The day ends by completing a Classified Dive Buddy final exam with a passing score of at least 80%.
Day 2 of the Classified Dive Buddy program is conducted in a pool/confined water enviroment and consists of 4 practical applications that include dry land sessions, entry and exit procedures as well as learning how to conduct skills from the Open Water program when working with a Classified Diver.
After completion of all requirements, you will be certified as an SSI Classified Dive Buddy and will be able to dive with a Classified Diver in environments and to depths equivalent with their training.
All SSI Classified Dive Buddies will receive and electronic certification card which can be accessed through the SSI app. The prerequisite to the Classified Dive Buddy program is Diver Stress & Rescue or equivalent.
SSI Classified Diving program
The SSI Classified Diving program is more than just teaching adaptive diving techniques. This program creates a network of SSI Classified Divers, SSI Classified Dive Buddies, and professionals so everyone can safely experience the thrill of scuba diving.
At Aotearoa Dive we strive to make scuba diving accessible for everyone regardless of what physical challenges individuals may have.
Aotearoa Dive proudly became the very first SSI Classified Diving Instructor Training Center within New Zealand in 2023. We utilise specialist equipment and training techniques to create this powerful healing experience - we like to call it "limitless diver training".
________________________________________________
Aotearoa Dive offers all Classified Diver programs including Classified Diver, Classified Dive Buddy and Classified Diver Instructor.
Please contact us for any further information and to discuss your personal requirements - we would love to help!