Primary Courses

The primary IAHD courses are entry-level courses that have been developed specifically for people with physical or (minor) mental disabilities who have little or no experience in the underwater world.  Every course is adapted for each individual trainee to meet their level of knowledge of dive theory and their specific physical abilities.

During the various theory modules, the trainee learns about diving equipment and how the body reacts and adapts to the underwater environment. 

 During the practical sessions, the trainee will, together with a IAHD Instructor, dive in a swimming pool, confined water or the open water, to learn how to use dive equipment, how to behave in an underwater environment and to experience the freedom and weightlessness of the breath-taking underwater world.

The so called “Escort-Level” system applies to all IAHD primary courses. During the course, it is determined exactly what the trainee can and cannot do and this determines the number of divers and their required certification levels that are required to escort the disabled diver. This method ensures that virtually all people with physical or (minor) mental disabilities can become an internationally certified diver and enjoy diving safely.

Pirate Fish Diver

This program is developed for both children and adults with mental disabilities, who want to learn to dive and experience freedom of movement underwater in a swimming pool. The various dive skills are learnt in a playful manner using challenging, but fun, exercises.

Upon completion of the course, the certified ‘Pirate Fish’ Diver is not a fully-fledged diver, but can proceed to the ‘Open Water Diver’ or ‘Confined Water Diver’ courses.

Confined Water Diver

The IAHD Confined Water Diver course is developed for people with physical or (minor) mental disabilities, who want to learn to dive but cannot, or do not want to, dive in open water.

The theory and swimming pool dive skills are identical to those of the Open Water Course, but dives are only made in a swimming pool or confined water. No open water dives are made. On completion of the course, the diver is certified to dive in a swimming pool or comparable confined water environment.

Open Water Diver

The IAHD Open Water Diver course is designed to teach people with physical or (minor) mental disabilities, the theory and dive skills needed to dive safely in an open water environment.

All exercises focus on correct and safe execution of the skills required to meet the learning objectives. Because all divers with physical or (minor) mental disabilities have varying levels of ability, each course is tailored to meet the needs of individual participants.

Photos by vinnyturner.co.uk