Adaptive Scuba Diver Course

Just imagine where you will go! Begin your underwater explorations by enrolling in a NAUI Adaptive Scuba Diver program. This is an entry-level recognition course where you will learn the fundamental knowledge and skills to safely dive in open water. Earning your NAUI Adaptive Scuba Diver recognition card is an accomplishment for which you will rightfully feel proud and you will be ready to begin a lifetime of underwater adventures and discovering.   

This is a NAUI recognition program that provides diving credentials to persons with disabilities whose disability prevents them from achieving all of the skills required for certification by NAUI standards. 

The Adaptive Scuba Diver recognition provides evidence of training completed, as well as informing those with whom the Adaptive Scuba Diver may dive of those skills that the diver has been unable to independently accomplish. The Adaptive Scuba Diver credential package provides specific and individualized information about the holder’s capabilities, limitations, and qualifications to dive partners and dive operators in advance of a dive so that special accommodations or assistance can be made available if needed.

In the Scuba Diver course, you will learn about...  

• scuba equipment,
• dive science (gas laws and physiology),
• buoyancy,
• air pressure,
• dive planning (computer/dive tables),
• the diving environment,
• responsible diving practices,
• pre- and post-dive skills,
• descent/ascent skills,
• entries,
• underwater skills, and
• rescue/problem solving skills. 

The NAUI Adaptive Scuba Diver course is for people that enjoy the water and want to experience an underwater adventure. Participants must be able to swim. Minimum age for participation is 10 years of age for a Junior Adaptive Scuba Diver certification or 15 years of age for an Adaptive Scuba Diver certification.  

The Adaptive Scuba Diver Course will consist of both academic and confined water sessions. The academic portion of the course is divided into two parts, home-study and classroom discussion. The home-study portion consists of completing the NAUI eLearning and final exam online. The classroom discussion will reinforce what you learned in your home-study, as well as, allow you the opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have.

The confined water sessions will be conducted at the UNO Aquatic Center located in the Lakefront Arena. In these sessions you will learn and practice the water skills necessary to become a NAUI Recognition diver. For the confined water sessions, students will need to bring their own mask, snorkel, fins, booties (if needed), weights (must be soft lead), and bathing suit. We strongly suggest you bring a towel. We also suggest you bring a wetsuit. New Orleans Scuba will provide a BC, regulator, and tank for use during the confined water sessions. We can assist you in finding quality gear at reasonable prices.

After successful completion of the classroom and confined water sessions you will be ready for your four required open water dives. For more information on the certification dives, see our Certification Dive pag

The fee for the Adaptive Scuba Diver Course is $350.00. You will need to purchase your personal dive equipment (the equipment listed above). There is a $375.00 fee for the certification dives. In addition to the certification dive fee,  you will need to provide your own transportation to and from the certification dives, lodging, and food for the weekend.  

Continue your training by enrolling in a NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver, NAUI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver, NAUI Rescue Scuba Diver or NAUI First Aid course.