Forces-friendly PADI Dive School sign Armed Forces Covenant

Ocean Turtle Diving (OTD) one of only three PADI 5-star Career Development Centres in the UK has recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

OTD has pledged to support the Armed Forces by recognising the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to the workplace and our country by offering a range of support and services, including discounted courses. They also work with local Combined Cadet Force schools to arrange dive trips and training.

The Basingstoke-based PADI Dive Centre specialise in training divers who may feel there are physical or mental barriers to pursing scuba diving as a recreational activity.

Kerrie Eade, OTD owner, PADI Platinum Course Director and Elite Instructor is an instructor trainer in adaptive techniques. Her team offer bespoke training programmes that adapt to meet divers individual training needs including amputees and those who suffer from mental health issues.

Kerrie comments: “Being underwater is a well-known healer, the benefits of being in nature and slow, deep breathing are well documented, and those with physical disabilities are able to be free and independent.

We are delighted to have signed up to the Covenant which gives us the opportunity to work with veterans and service leavers and it is an absolute privilege for the entire team. Over the years I have been lucky enough to see many serving and ex-service men and women learn to dive, go on to great things and become instructors themselves. Learning to scuba dive has been life changing for so many people, who have benefited both physically and mentally and it’s given them the confidence to tackle the challenges of everyday life.”

To connect with a local PADI Dive Centre and explore how diving can help transform lives please visit: locator.padi.com

For further information about Ocean Turtle Diving please visit www.oceanturtlediving.com/mod or contact: enquiries@oceanturtlediving.com and 01256 819595.