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Step 1: May I dive?
Because people with a disability often have a medical history, it is necessary to comply with the so-called "3 x YES" rule:
1. Do you want to follow a dive course? During the course the student's initiative is expected. If you put effort and energy in this new hobby, then various objectives can be achieved.
2. Does your doctor give approval? Before we go in the water, we want to ensure that you have no restrictions on medical grounds.
3. Would your IAHD instructor train you? Not every IAHD scuba instructor master the knowledge and skills to cope with your restriction. Therefore, it may be that he/she refers you to another IAHD scuba instructor who has more knowledge and skills for your condition.
If all three questions can be answered with a YES, then nothing stands you in your way to do a dive course and to enjoy the freedom under water.
Step 2: Learning theory
To be able to dive safely, knowledge about the equipment you are going to use and the skills you will need under water are neccessary.
You can make the theoretical knowledge your own in different ways:
- By self-studying through the for IAHD developed online D-Learning program, in your own time and at your own pace
- By theoretical lessons with an IAHD instructor;
- By using a combination of the above. The modules that are not understood by self-study, can still be given by the IAHD instructor.
Of course, the level of knowledge is adapted to the possibilities of you as a student.
Step 3: Practice lessons
Of course, scuba diving is done in the water. After you have acquired the necessary knowledge, you are going to take this into practice.
Depending on the course you start first in a pool or in a confined part of the open water.
At the moment that you have built up more experience, you will make all dives in the open water. During every course you will first have to demonstrate some of the skills involved in the course.
After that, you will use these skills during the 'free' dives. Depending on the restriction, the diver will be accompanied by one or more other divers. This is called the "Partner level".
