Training Process

 The first step in getting started is contacting us. Once we hear from you, we’ll reach out to get to know you, give you an overview of the program, and answer all your questions.

Many people are referred to Denver Adaptive Divers through partner organizations, such as Craig Hospital, Adaptive Adventures or the MS Society. Self-referral by divers and their family members or friends is also always welcome.

Before getting in the water, you must receive medical clearance from your doctor, and submit a liability waiver. Here are the needed forms:

Medical Questionnaire & Physician Release

SSI Liability Release for Entry-Level Training

Complete the Medical Questionnaire, and provide it to your doctor for approval. Your doctor must complete the Physician Evaluation section. When making their assessment, they should refer to our Diving Medical Guidance for Physicians.

Once you’re cleared, it’s time to get in the water! DAD will schedule you and your dive buddy(ies) for a Try Scuba session in the Denver Divers pool. During your Try Scuba experience you will receive direct attention from one  of our adaptive dive instructors. The entire experience lasts 60-90 minutes.

First, you’ll meet your instructor. They’ll get to know you, and give you an overview of the Try Scuba session.

Next, your instructor will work with you to select the Scuba gear you’ll need in the pool, and make sure that everything fits correctly. Then you’ll change into a wetsuit and store your belongings in our ADA-compliant locker room.

Your instructor will then explain the gear in more detail, and help you get ready for the water. You’ll get into the water together, get used to the gear, and learn some basic skills. Your instructor will be with you at every step, and will answer questions or address any concerns.

Once you’re comfortable, you’ll submerge underwater with your instructor and explore the pool. After the dive, your instructor will help you exit the pool and remove your gear so you can dry off and get changed.

During your session, your instructor will also evaluate your physical capabilities. This will help them to better understand your needs and identify any personalization needed for the training course.

When you’re dry and back in your clothes, you’ll wrap up with your instructor. They’ll answer your questions, hear your feedback, and if you’re interested, help you apply for the training course and financial assistance to cover the cost of training.

The training course is the heart of the program, and gives you the knowledge and skills needed to become a certified adaptive diver.

Our adaptive dive training includes both classroom and pool components, and like all SSI training, focuses on safety.

Home Study

Before attending class, you’ll learn from SSI online course materials. These will cover dive theory, equipment, safety protocols, and skills. The course guides you through each topic and offers review quizzes to reinforce your grasp of the material. You’ll be able to refer back to the online course at any point in your training.

Please expect to spend six to eight hours completing the online course.

Classroom & Pool Sessions

Along with the online course, you’ll attend classroom and pool sessions. Your instructor will review the information in the online training and help solidfy your understanding.

During the pool sessions you’ll train in the Denver Divers indoor, heated, salt water pool – the “ocean simulator”. You’ll work with your instructor to develop the skills and gain the confidence needed for open water diving.

At the end of your course you’ll take a 50-question certification exam, and will be prepared to complete your certification dives.

Once you’ve trained in the classroom and pool, it’s time to get certified. This requires completing at least four open water certification dives under the direct supervision of an instructor. Most participants complete these dives in the ocean on one of our adaptive dive trips.

During these dives, your instructor will evaluate the skills you’ve learned, but in an open water environment. You’ll also learn practical lessons that can only be gained through real-world experience.

If you’re unable to join a dive trip, we have other options for helping you complete your certification dives.

After completing your certification dives, you’ll be granted an SSI certification that matches your abilities.

Learn more about certification.