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Try Scuba is a terrific way to experience the magic of scuba diving for the first time (no certification required) and get to experience those first unforgettable breaths underwater!

Try Scuba is an approximately 3-hour course overview of scuba diving, starting with a brief academic class. This is followed by a session in the controlled environment of our onsite, indoor pool to cover the basics of swimming and breathing underwater with scuba gear. This helps the individual determine if this activity is for them, and aids the staff with assessing the participant’s capabilities and level of assistance required.

Adaptive Scuba Knoxville uses the curriculum developed by Scuba Schools International (SSI) to teach disabled divers to function to their maximum ability, regardless of injury or limitation. Adaptive divers learn all the same skills as those learned by able-bodied divers, though some skills may need to be performed with help from their adaptive buddy. SSI uses a tiered rating system to indicate how much qualified outside help is required by the adaptive diver student.

Certification Levels

At the successful conclusion of your certification process with Adaptive Scuba Knoxville and Scuba Schools International, you will receive one of four designations, as detailed below:

• Independent Open Water Diver: Achieved by performing all the skills required in the standard Open Water Diver course.
• Classified Diver Level I: Approved to dive with one certified adaptive dive buddy
• Classified Diver Level II: Approved to dive with one dive professional* (instructor or assistant instructor) and one certified adaptive dive buddy
• Classified Diver Level III: Approved to dive with one dive professional* (instructor or assistant instructor) and two certified adaptive dive buddies

Adaptive divers require varying degrees of assistance in and out of the water. Whether you are a caretaker to an adaptive diver and would like to learn to dive and assist your diver or you are already a certified scuba diver and want to become an adaptive dive buddy, we're here for that too! You can become an independently certified buddy or you can get certified alongside your adaptive diver to be their trained buddy.

To become a certified Adaptive Dive Buddy, the following courses must be completed:

• Open Water Diver Certification
• Stress & Rescue Certification
• SSI React Right (CPR, First Aid, & Oxygen Administration Certification)
• Classified Dive Buddy Certification

During your certification process you will learn the technics of assisting an adaptive diver as well as the important safety aspects of this new diving environment. Once you are a Certified Dive Buddy, you will have the chance to work directly with an Instructor and a new or current adaptive diver. 

You do not have to go through the whole Dive Buddy certification to still be able to help with Adaptive Scuba Knoxville, in fact, you don't even have to be a diver! We happily accept help from volunteers with everything from travel/transportation, equipment, fundraising, etc. 

To find out how you may be able to help... Just ASK!

(See what we did there!?!)