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 Divers
Training Center has on its staff instructor members of the
Handicapped Scuba Association. These instructors have been
carefully educated in the training of divers with
disabilities. Disabilities such as amputation, paraplegia,
quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, and even blindness do not
necessarily preclude individuals from scuba diving.
HSA Open Water Diver
HSA Advanced Open Water
Diver
HSA Open Water Dive
Buddy
HSA Open Water Diver
What is the
value of the HSA Open Water course?
Either
from accident or disease about 15% of the population is
statistically classified as "handicapped". In the United
States alone this percentage translates into MILLIONS of
people, many of whom are fully capable of becoming scuba
divers.
Our open
water training programs for people with disabilities are
taught with a high margin of safety because we use
teaching techniques developed with over 20 years of
continuous research and feedback. Handicapped students
are trained and certified according to HSA Physical
Performance Standards and a multilevel Certification
system so exacting and sensitive it enables us to train
people with a wide range of disabilities, including
paraplegia, quadriplegia, even the blind of those with
high-functioning brain injuries or mild retardation. We
base our students diving proficiency on their ability to
assist another diver in the water. For instance, if
you're a Level A diver, you're certified to dive with
one other person; a Level B diver must dive with two
other able-bodied divers and a Level C diver not only
requires two dive buddies, but one must be trained in
diver rescue. After meeting the requirements for Basic
"Open Water", some of our A, B, and C divers go on to
obtain an "Advanced" level of certification.
Why Divers
Training Center?
Divers
Training Center is the only training and educational
facility in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area with multiple HSA
Instructors on staff. Our instructors have experience in
working with the disabled community; including liaison
between disabled advocate groups and a major
transportation company. In fact, one of our instructors
participated in a joint effort with representatives of
the disabled community to ensure a major transportation
company was “user friendly” with individuals with
disabilities and also complied with the American’s With
Disabilities Act.
What do I
need to start?
This
course is designed to accommodate a wide variety of
disabilities while maintaining a high level of safe
diving practices. No prior certification is necessary,
however, it is recommended that familiarity with the
aquatic medium and basic swimming skills be acquired
prior to course enrollment. Students need to complete
the student identification form, and it may be necessary
for the instructor to contact the student’s primary
physician.
Minimum
age is 15 and older. Divers 10-14 may qualify for the
HSA Junior Open Water Scuba Diver Course.
What will I
do?
Throughout
the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving,
including dive equipment and techniques. You earn this
rating by completing a minimum of five pool dives and
knowledge development sessions and by making four open
water (ocean or lake) dives.
How long
will it take?
HSA
programs are performance based. You proceed as you
demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows
you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you. HSA
standards are designed for use within a normal scuba
course. The need for individual attention depends on two
factor; aquatic comfort level and the effect the
handicap has on their ability to perform the physical
requirements of the course. It is important to note that
because of this, two people with the same disability may
have totally different abilities in the water.
Additional confined and open water training sessions may
be necessary.
What will I
need?
Open Water
Crew-Pak Open Water DVD Log Book Mask, snorkel and fins
Full scuba and thermal protection for open water dives
(We provide this equipment during your course.
Customized wetsuits to accommodate disabilities such as
amputees are the responsibility of the student)
Completed student information form (confidential) How
much is the tuition? $850 per student diver Where can I
go from here? Continue the adventure with HSA’s Advanced
Open Water Diving program, your next step in exploring
the underwater world.
How do I
start?
Because
each disability is unique, we will work directly with
you to determine the best way for you to complete the
course. Contact us for
more information.
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HSA Advanced Open Water Diver
Why HSA
Advanced Open Water?
Not only
will the additional diving experience help you master
your diving techniques, but you’ll develop the skills
necessary for planning and executing scuba dives typical
of recreational diving. You will also develop an
awareness and appreciation for the Marine Environment,
its inhabitants and the delicate balance of the
Ecosystems that support them.
What do I
need to start?
HSA Open
Water Diver Certification Ten logged open water dives,
not including certification dives, within 24 months of
the Advanced Course. Proficient in HSA Air Sharing
Skills for their level of certification. Proficient in
HSA Basic Lifesaving Skills for their level of
certification.
What will I
do?
You will
participate in one academic session, consisting of
learning how to calculate air consumption and
calculating your breathing rate.
There are
five open waters dives, in this order:
What will I
need?
-
Log Book
-
Full Scuba and thermal protection
-
Dive Light and personal safety marker for
Night dive
-
Compass Slate and writing pencil
How do I
start?
Because
each disability is unique, we will work directly with
you to determine the best way for you to complete the
course. Contact us for
more information.
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HSA Open Water Dive Buddy
Why HSA
Open Water Dive Buddy?
This
course is designed to prepare certified open water
divers to be effective and safe dive buddies for
certified divers with a wide variety of disabilities.
What do I
need to start?
-
Minimum certification of Open Water Scuba
Diver or equivalent certification.
-
Minimum of 36 logged scuba dives within
24 months of the start of the course.
-
Minimum rescue skills
-
Minimum air sharing skills
What will I
do?
How long
will it take?
How do I
start?
Contact us for more
information.
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