News
Adaptive Diving: Training Agencies Come Together to Discuss Growing Community of Adaptive Divers
Dive centers, operators, resorts, really the whole dive industry is now challenged to meet the needs and desires of a growing adaptive diving community, welcoming them to a very adaptable sport while also addressing standards and safety. In a ground-breaking seminar sponsored by the Diving Equipment and Manufacturing Association (DEMA), representatives Mark Slingo, Disabled Divers International (DDI), Mark Rausch, Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA), Barbara Thompson, Rebreather Association of International Divers (RAID), Thomas Powell, Scuba Diving International (SDI), Charley Oxley, Scuba Schools International (SSI) and Jim Gunderson, National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) sat down to discuss the similarities and differences in approach moderated by the Dive Pirates Foundation.
“We organized this panel and we can’t thank DEMA enough for accepting this as one of their sponsored seminars during this conference as we as a foundation are working with all of these agencies to provide quality training for adaptive divers and we rely on all of them for guidance and leadership in this niche of the diving community,” explained Sophie Wimberley, Dive Pirates President and co-moderator of the panel discussion. “Networking with dive centers across the US we are looking for adaptive diving instructors who will also accept what we have developed as safe diving procedures for our recipients and we welcome their feedback and involvement as there are many unknowns, such as depth, long term effects verses short term benefits, networking with the medical community that truly understand the health requirements needed for safe diving, and more.”
Cognitive Conditions
One topic explored during the panel included how each agency addresses divers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, autism and other cognitive conditions.
“The key is having a very frank discussion with the student diver and making sure you get honest answers to what are the person’s triggers, how does he or she responds to those triggers, and what might cause that trigger under water,” said Mark Rausch with HSA. “Then together we make an action plan of how to minimize creating that situation, but realistically how to handle it should it occur for the safety of the whole buddy team.”
Tribal Knowledge
All participants acknowledged no amount of experience can prepare you for every adaptive diver’s need, and training affiliations evaporate when you reach out to fellow divers who may be able to trouble-shoot an adaptive diver’s unique issues.
“It’s the tribal knowledge of divers, we are one of the most welcoming recreational sports out there, and we all love sharing the experience with newcomers, that’s why we are here, so when it comes to getting someone in the water, we rely on our personal networks, regardless of affiliation,” said Mark Slingo with DDI.
Rosemary Kidd, who started Kidd Scuba and hopes to expand her business with the adaptive community, listened in. “I’m a new instructor with NAUI, went on and became an HSA instructor, because I’m an occupational therapist, I can rehab, and I want to get the disabled diving population built up,” Kidd said. “So just to see this at DEMA was fabulous, and there’s lots of issues we need to keep discussing but it gave me new stuff to think about so we can keep it going!”
Dive Operators
Questions raised by the audience sparked a lively discussion about the concerns dive operators are faced with… the certification card and the validity of the diver’s ability and needs. Many divers certified before a debilitating illness or accident may not circle back to an instructor or dive center to re-evaluate their status as an open water diver, and the operator is faced with the dilemma of wanting to provide for the customer and advocating for his or her ability to dive while also managing the safety of the diver and buddies as well as limiting themselves of any liability.
“I still think the biggest weakness that exists was not the people that were in there, the various agencies and the people that attended, but the people did not attend. They’re the ones that somehow have to overcome their liability concerns,” said Mark Dugger of Midwest School of Diving in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. “These are divers, no different than anyone else, once they get under the water, you have to overcome that and more importantly get a lot of the resorts and dive operators around the world to understand that there are another group of divers that can dive in a safe manner as long as the standards are followed.”
All agreed this is a concern that needs to be addressed and many suggested a follow up panel including dive operators to better understand how training agencies and operators can work together to encourage adaptive divers be re-assessed and how to network with each other when questions arise.
Wimberley added, “we are already formulating the next panel discussion for next year, as this was just the beginning of coming to the table and sharing information to grow this community in the safest way possible.”
For more information about Dive Pirates Foundation visit their website by clicking here.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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