Disabled Diver

Disabled Divers International (DDI) is a not for profit organization, with the aim to promote, develop and conduct disabled scuba diving training programs for professional and non professional students. All board members are volunteers, dedicated to promoting and developing disabled scuba diving internationally. We are a DDI Instructor Training Center and just one of three in the United States.

Since its introduction in 2010, DDI has gathered extensive support and recognition within the diving industry and conducted both professional and non professional programs all around the world. DDI professionals and DDI Dive Training Centers can now be found in 58 countries with more on the way, enabling disabled diving world wide.

DDI programs are designed to work in cooperation with existing scuba diving training organizations and their training programs. DDI programs adds a new layer on top of the existing diver training, allowing individuals who would have difficulties fulfilling all requirements and standards to experience diving safely with modifications and enhancements to their training and or equipment.

DDI professional training adds to the diving professional a new set of tools and knowledge to train disabled divers safely and certify their students as a scuba diver, with varied levels of limitations depending on the student’s ability to perform program requirements and standards (see below).

Scuba diving has shown numerous advantages as a social and physical rehabilitation of disabled individuals, (link to information for Physical Rehabilitation Practioners to learn more) allowing them to interact in a near weightless state, with many feeling that the normal obstacles and restrictions their disability gives them on land, disappears in water when given the right equipment and training. It is common knowledge that participating in regular recreational activities, which involves physical exercise, is rewarded with better health, both physically and mentally. Scuba diving is also a social sport, and as such can have a tremendous positive effect on disabled divers and their ability to interact with non-disabled divers alike. As a diving professional the work with disabled divers is also rewarding as the students share their excitement and joy of their experiences. For diving professionals and dive centers alike, offering DDI programs can both help them differentiate themselves from their competitors, but also offer added value to their community and staff.

At Texas Dive Center, we believe there are no limitations to enjoying the activity of scuba. Our Instructor Trainer is a 60% disabled Veteran of 29 years of military service himself and has been scuba diving since 1973 - "Let us introduce you to the no barrier freedom of scuba diving."

Level 1

This candidate may dive with any other certified adult diver.

This candidate has performed all DDI skill requirements, knowledge development and physical stamina requirements of the training programs standards. This candidate have demonstrated the ability to provide equal assistance to a fellow diver, should a distress situation occur and assistance be required.

Level 2

In order to fulfill the requirements of equal assistance to all divers in a distress situation, this requires the candidate to dive with two adult certified divers, one of whom must be trained as a DDI Assistant Diver or by a DDI recognized disabled diver program equal or higher certification level.

This candidate has performed DDI skill requirements demonstrating the ability of self-help in a distress situation. The candidate is unable to provide equal assistance to a fellow diver, should a distress situation occur and assistance be required.

Level 3

In order to fulfill the requirements of equal assistance to all divers in a distress situation, this requires the candidate to dive with three adult certified divers, one of whom must be trained as a DDI professional diver or by a DDI recognized disabled diver program equal or higher certification level.

This candidate has performed the required skills of the Pool Diver course and demonstrated the ability to safely use scuba diving equipment. However the candidate does not have the ability for self-help.

Please contact us or come visit to learn more.