PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty Course
Level: PADI Professionals (Divemaster & above)
Duration: 2 days
Cost: $250 (includes training, tanks & weights)
Sept 14 - Classroom and pool session (Pasadena, MD)
Sep 28 - Open Water Dives (Lake Allure, PA)
Prerequisites
✔️ Certified as a PADI Divemaster (or PADI Master Freediver) or higher
→ Note: PADI Divemaster candidates may participate in the course, but certification is required for course completion
✔️ At least 18 years old
✔️ EFR Primary and Secondary Care certification within the past 24 months
Description
The PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty is designed for Divemasters and Instructors who want to expand their teaching skills and become more inclusive dive leaders. This hands-on, classroom and in-water course explores how to effectively work with divers who have physical or cognitive challenges.
Through guided discussions, confined water practice, and open water application, you’ll learn how to adjust your approach and apply creative, student-centered solutions—while maintaining the integrity of PADI standards.
This specialty is ideal for dive pros who want to be better prepared, more compassionate, and confident when teaching or assisting adaptive divers.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to assess a diver’s individual abilities and needs
✅ Ways to adapt standard dive techniques to fit those needs
✅ Communication strategies for divers with physical or mental challenges
✅ The difference between Adaptive Support Diver and Adaptive Techniques
✅ How to stay within standards while offering flexible and inclusive instruction
✅ Practical experience in confined and open water working with scenarios that simulate a range of diver needs
Course Format:
Classroom discussions (no eLearning)
2 Confined Water Dives
2 Open Water Dives
Who Should Take This Course:
PADI Divemasters, Assistant Instructors, and Instructors
Dive Pros interested in adaptive diving and inclusion
Anyone who wants to improve their problem-solving and communication skills underwater
Ready to lead with more empathy, flexibility, and professionalism? This course is for you.