Use the ‘Find a Dive Centre’ search function on the IAHD website to see which affiliated dive centres are available at or near your destination. Before booking, always contact the dive centre directly to discuss your personal needs and the assistance you may require.

No. Accessibility and available facilities can vary between dive centres and locations. A dive centre may have IAHD-certified instructors while the physical location itself is not fully wheelchair accessible. Always ask about the specific situation and facilities before booking.

Always check this before booking your trip. IAHD instructors may not be available every day, and availability can vary throughout the year. Provide your travel dates and ask whether a suitable instructor will be available during your stay.

Tell the dive centre what you can do independently and where you may need assistance. Let them know if you use a wheelchair or other mobility aids and whether you require specific support when putting on or removing your diving equipment, transferring or entering and exiting the water.

Ask how entry and exit are arranged at the pool, from the shore or from a boat. There may be a ramp, lift, steps, platform or assistance from staff. Photos or a video of the location can help you get a better idea of the facilities before you travel.

This depends on the location and type of boat. Ask whether the route to the dive site is wheelchair accessible and whether your wheelchair can be taken to the jetty or on board. If you use an electric wheelchair, also ask about any restrictions regarding its weight, dimensions or battery.

Not every dive centre has the same equipment or aids available. Ask in advance which equipment and adaptive aids are available and whether you need to bring any personal equipment or aids yourself.

Rather than simply asking whether the dive centre is ‘accessible’, ask about each facility separately. Check whether there is a wheelchair-accessible toilet, shower and changing area and whether there is enough space if you need to transfer.

If the dive site is not located at the dive centre, ask how transportation is arranged. Check whether the vehicle is suitable for you and your wheelchair and whether assistance is available when getting in and out of the vehicle.

Yes, and this is recommended. Before booking, discuss your abilities, wishes and any specific requirements. An IAHD instructor can work with you to determine what support and adaptations may be needed to make your diving experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

Do not rely solely on the description ‘wheelchair accessible’. Ask the accommodation about the actual facilities and, if possible, request photos or measurements of the entrance, room, bathroom and other important areas.

Ask about the width of the doorway, the space beside the toilet, whether there is a roll-in shower, grab rails and, if necessary, a shower chair. What is described as ‘adapted’ or ‘accessible’ can vary considerably between accommodations.

Check whether there are steps, thresholds or steep ramps. Also ask about lifts and the width of doors and corridors. Remember to check the entire route from the entrance to your room, restaurant, swimming pool and other facilities you plan to use.

If you need to transfer from your wheelchair to the bed, the available space can be very important. Ask about the height of the bed and how much free space there is beside and underneath it, particularly if you use a mobile hoist.

Some accommodations provide mobility aids, but this is certainly not always the case. Ask in advance what equipment is available and whether there is enough space to safely use your own equipment.

Check which voltage and type of electrical socket are used at your destination and whether you will need an adapter. Also ask whether there is a suitable and safe place to store and charge your wheelchair.

An accessible hotel is less useful if transportation to the dive centre is not accessible. Ask in advance how you will travel between your accommodation, the dive centre and the dive sites and whether suitable accessible transportation is available.

An accessible room does not automatically mean that the rest of the accommodation is accessible. Ask which communal areas and facilities can be reached without stairs or other barriers.

It is certainly worth asking. A local IAHD dive centre knows the area and may already have experience with accommodations used by divers with disabilities. However, always check for yourself whether the facilities meet your individual needs.

Direct flights without a layover are usually slightly more expensive, but are preferable to those with a layover. A flight ticket with a layover not only means extra hassle, but also increases the risk of something happening to the wheelchair. Additionally, it is much more tiring and takes more time. Make it as simple as possible for yourself, if you can.

In general, a person with a (visual) disability or mobility impairment is required to be accompanied by an able-bodied adult if:

• You cannot fasten and unfasten your seatbelt yourself and require assistance with this.

• If you cannot reach the emergency exit on your own without assistance in an emergency.

• If you cannot put on the life jacket and oxygen mask yourself without assistance.

• If you require assistance with using the toilet, eating, or taking medication.

• If you are unable to understand or follow instructions given on board.

• If your own well-being and safety, or that of other passengers, is at risk, an airline may refuse you boarding.

It is important to be aware of the airline's conditions regarding passengers in wheelchairs. Generally, there are no restrictions for manual wheelchairs. The maximum permitted dimensions of the wheelchair depend on the width of the aircraft doors and vary by aircraft type and airline. For example, Transavia requires you to contact them immediately after booking if your wheelchair weighs more than 23 kg and/or is taller than 86 cm. Regarding batteries, strict regulations apply: usually only dry (leak-proof) or wet batteries are permitted. Liquid batteries are prohibited unless you have special permission. Lithium-ion batteries are incorporated into most motorized systems of manual wheelchairs and are only permitted if the capacity is less than 300 Wh. Furthermore, these must be carried in the cabin. Special rules often apply to the transport of the battery packaging as well; check these carefully with your chosen airline.

Most airlines assist you free of charge with booking flight tickets via the service center. This way, you know immediately what assistance to expect at the airport. For people with a motor disability, there are three types of assistance available, for which international codes apply:

• Assistance to the gate (WCHR). For passengers who require a wheelchair to navigate the airport because they cannot walk long distances but are able to climb stairs. Schiphol has moving walkways and lifts.

• Assistance at the airport to use the stairs (WCHS). For passengers who cannot walk long distances and require assistance to get through the airport towards the gate, but are able to manage themselves on the plane.

• Assistance to the aircraft seat (WCHC). For passengers who cannot walk at all, who need assistance into the aircraft, and who need to be lifted in and out of their seat. If you are traveling with an escort, it is called ‘WCHC escorted by’; if you are flying alone, the code ‘WCHC self-supporting’ applies.

At many airports, you can use your own wheelchair up to the gate or even to the aircraft door. This depends on the airport, airline and type of wheelchair. Check this with the airline in advance. This way, you will also know when you may need to transfer to an airport wheelchair or transfer chair.

If your journey includes a connecting flight, check in advance how assistance is arranged at the connecting airport. Often, requested assistance is arranged for the entire journey, but this is not always automatic. Also ask whether you will get your own wheelchair back during the connection or whether you will need to use an airport wheelchair.

If you cannot transfer independently from your wheelchair to the aircraft seat, make this clear in advance. Depending on the airport and airline, a narrow transfer chair or other transfer equipment may be available. Explain what kind of assistance you need and ask what facilities are available.

Not every seat is equally suitable for passengers with reduced mobility. When booking, ask which seat would be most suitable for your needs. Keep in mind that, for safety reasons, some seats may not be available to passengers who require assistance, such as emergency exit row seats.

If you haven't already indicated this when booking, you can let the airline know that you are traveling with a wheelchair and what assistance you require at the airport. The airline will ask for all the details of the wheelchair: the brand, model, weight, dimensions, battery type, and what assistance is needed. Good to know: the transport of medical aids (which includes wheelchairs) is still free. Even low-cost airlines, which do not allow luggage in the cabin, do not have the right to charge a fee for wheelchair transport. Some airlines, such as Air France, allow two types of mobility aids per person (for example, a manual and an electric one).

Give the airline the length, width, height and weight of your wheelchair in advance. This is particularly important for electric wheelchairs. The airline can use this information to determine whether your wheelchair can be transported safely in the aircraft's cargo hold.

Electric wheelchairs can use different types of batteries, such as dry-cell, gel or lithium-ion batteries. Specific aviation safety regulations apply to batteries. Therefore, provide the airline with the exact battery type, capacity and any other information they request.

Be as specific as possible about what you can do independently and where you need assistance. For example, mention whether you can walk short distances, use stairs, board the aircraft independently or transfer to an aircraft seat. The more information you provide in advance, the better the airport can prepare for your arrival.

Ask whether your wheelchair will be collected at the check-in desk, at the gate or at the aircraft door. Also ask where you will receive it back after landing. Procedures can differ between airports. If possible, let the airline know that you would like your own wheelchair returned to you as soon as possible after leaving the aircraft.

Do not automatically assume that your assistance request has been processed correctly. Check whether the requested assistance appears in your booking and keep the confirmation with you. If there are any questions at the airport, you can show what has been arranged.

Save the airline's telephone number and other contact details on your phone. Also keep your booking reference and information about your requested assistance somewhere that is easy to access.

Prepare a simple instruction guide for airport staff. Explain, for example, how the brakes work, how to switch the wheelchair to freewheel mode, where the main power switch is located and which parts should never be used to lift the wheelchair. Adding photos can make the instructions even clearer. Attach a copy to your wheelchair and keep another copy with you.

Check your booking and assistance request again a few days before departure. This gives you enough time to contact the airline if any information is missing or incorrect.

Ensure you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance. Always insist that your own wheelchair remains with you until the gate. If the airline refuses this (which may be due to the airport layout), the wheelchair will be immediately registered as checked baggage, and you will be escorted by staff to boarding in a loaner wheelchair provided by the airport. If the aircraft does not have a jet bridge, you will be brought on board via the aircraft stairs if you are able to walk, or otherwise with a stair climber or scissor lift, depending on the available facilities. Assistance is always provided in this case.

Think about the battery and headrests, cushions, and footrests. There are no tools available at the airport to remove parts, so consider in advance how to do this.

This is one of the most vulnerable and expensive components of an electric wheelchair. Ensure that nothing can happen to it and that airport staff do not accidentally change the settings. Explain to the staff how to put the wheelchair in neutral so that you can push it. It is most convenient to stick a manual with the key points on the chair.

If necessary, you can use this method to prove that damage to the wheelchair occurred during the trip.

Clearly label your wheelchair and any removable parts with your name, telephone number and, if useful, your flight number. If an item becomes separated from your wheelchair during transport, it will be easier to identify who it belongs to.

Cushions, removable control units and other fragile parts may be damaged or lost during transport. If possible, take these items with you into the cabin. Check the airline's hand luggage rules beforehand to make sure they are permitted.

Prepare your wheelchair for transport according to the manufacturer's instructions. Only fold or remove parts when this is safe and necessary. Make sure loose parts are secured and that airport staff know how to transport the wheelchair safely.

Electric wheelchairs can be heavy and complicated to move manually. Clearly explain how your wheelchair should be driven, pushed and secured. Make sure staff know which parts of the wheelchair must not be used for lifting or moving it.

Show airport staff where the important controls are located. A simple instruction card with photographs and arrows can be very useful. Clearly indicate which parts may or may not be disconnected or removed.

Keep information about the battery type, capacity and any relevant manufacturer's instructions with your travel documents. If there are questions about transporting the battery safely, you will have the necessary information readily available.

Take the time to test the various mechanical mechanisms and check if the electrical parts, such as the backrest, footrests, and lift, are working properly. If you discover anything unusual, let us know before you leave the airport; a small beep might seem insignificant, but it could result in a completely ruined vacation. If you follow our tips, check everything thoroughly, and always ask for help when needed, everything is guaranteed to run smoothly!

Clearly explain to the assistance staff how they can best help you. Tell them what you can do independently and where you need support. If you require a specific transfer or lifting technique, discuss this before the transfer begins.

If possible, ask before departure whether your wheelchair has been handed over for loading onto the aircraft. Especially if you use an electric or customised wheelchair, it can provide peace of mind to know that it has been correctly accepted for transport and is travelling on your flight.

Ask what will happen to any parts that have been removed from your wheelchair. Take fragile components into the cabin with you where possible. Make sure any parts travelling in the cargo hold are clearly labelled and properly protected.

Cabin crew cannot provide every type of personal care or physical assistance. Discuss your needs before travelling and check what assistance the airline can provide during the flight. This is particularly important on longer flights.

Toilet accessibility varies depending on the type of aircraft. Some flights have an onboard wheelchair that can be used to help you reach the toilet. Ask in advance what facilities are available and what assistance the cabin crew can provide.

Passengers who require assistance can often board before the other passengers. This can provide more time and space for a safe and comfortable transfer to the aircraft seat. Ask at the gate how boarding will be arranged for you.