Adaptive Diving: What I’ve Learned So Far
By Rick Chapman — August 31st, 2025
When I first started dreaming of getting back into the water, I’ll admit—I didn’t even know if it was possible. Diving had once been second nature to me, but after my injury, it felt like a chapter that had already closed.
Then I stumbled onto something that changed everything: adaptive diving.
This post isn’t a how-to guide (yet)—but I wanted to share what I’ve learned so far in case you, or someone you love, is wondering if diving can still be a part of life after disability. The short answer? Yes. With the right support, equipment, and training, it absolutely can be.
What Is Adaptive Diving?
Adaptive diving is exactly what it sounds like—scuba diving tailored to meet the needs of individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. But it’s more than that. It’s a movement within the dive community to make underwater exploration open to everyone.
Organisations like HSA (Handicapped Scuba Association), Diveheart, and IAHD train instructors to work with disabled divers, and certify them in ways that ensure both safety and empowerment.
How Is It Different?
In many ways, it isn’t. You’re still breathing underwater, still surrounded by life and colour and the peace only the ocean can give. But there are a few key differences:
- Modified gear — For those with limited limb use, buoyancy control devices, fins, or masks may be adapted for easier operation.
- Dive buddies & instructors — Specially trained team members assist with entry, exit, and movement if needed.
- Water entries — Instead of the typical backward roll off a boat, divers may use lifts or ramps.
- Underwater propulsion devices (DPVs) — These can assist divers who lack leg strength to swim traditionally, offering freedom of movement.
But maybe the biggest difference is the mindset: adaptive diving starts from a place of inclusion rather than limitation.
What’s Available Right Now?
Some of the programmes I’ve looked into so far include:
- HSA International: Offers instructor training, certification for divers with disabilities, and a growing network of affiliated dive centres worldwide.
- Diveheart: Focuses on adaptive diving for veterans, youth, and others with disabilities. They run intro events and full certification courses.
- SDI Scubility: A programme under Scuba Diving International designed to pair certified divers with physical challenges and trained buddies.
If you’re interested, start by contacting your local dive shop. Even if they aren’t adaptive certified themselves, they may know who is.
My Current Hurdles
I’ll be honest—this isn’t an overnight thing. For me, the biggest barriers are:
- Cost: Travel, gear, and training all add up.
- Confidence: My body is different now. I have to relearn how to trust it.
- Access: Not every dive shop or destination is equipped for adaptive diving… yet.
But despite the challenges, the desire to return is stronger than the fear. Every article I read and every video I watch reminds me that this isn’t impossible—it’s just going to take some planning, patience, and maybe a few stubborn detours.
Why It Matters
When I first got hurt, I thought diving was over for me. But discovering the world of adaptive diving has reignited something I thought I’d lost. The possibility of being back under the waves isn’t just about adventure—it’s about healing, freedom, and connection.
If you’re reading this and wondering if something you loved is still within reach, let me say this: it might be. It might look different now, and it might take more work—but don’t count yourself out too quickly.
Want to Dive Too?
If you’ve gone diving post-injury, or if you know someone who has, I’d love to hear from you. This is new territory for me, and I’d welcome any insight, encouragement, or even cautionary tales.
Because this isn’t just my journey—it’s something I hope to share with others like me who are still finding their way back to the water.