Being less able bodied shouldn’t limit your fun in the water! This program was developed to provide a pathway for individuals who have an impairment that might hinder them from receiving the full SSI Open Water Diver Certification.
You can sign up as if taking a standard Open Water Diver program with a Classified Instructor. At the time of the pool/confined water portion you will be evaluated by your Classified Instructor as to what level you can complete the required Open Water Skills. There are four levels of Classified Diver classifications.
Level 1 Classified Diver requires the addition of a Certified Classified Dive Buddy*.
Level 2 Classified Diver requires the addition of 2 Certified Classified Dive Buddies.
Level 3 Classified Diver requires the addition of 2 Certified Classified Dive Buddies and 1 Classified Dive Instructor and all Buddies and Instructors must have the specific training to be able to assist the Classified Diver.
Level 4 Classified Diver requires the addition of 2 Certified Classified Dive Buddies as well as 1 Classified Dive Instructor and all Buddies and Instructors must have the specific training to be able to assist the Classified Diver and will require more assistance with specific skills than a Level 3 Classified Diver.
* A Classified Dive Buddy has been trained in Diver Stress and Rescue as well as had the specific training to be able to assist Classified Divers.
