Scuba diving is one of the most accessible sports for people with physical or (minor) mental disabilities. From the moment that you submerge underwater, you feel as if you are in another world. You experience sensations of freedom, weightlessness and safety. One moment you are at the waters edge and the next you are at one with the wonders of the underwater world.

The fact that one is weightless underwater makes diving particularly suitable for people with physical or (minor) mental disabilities. Indeed, diving is a therapy during which everyday limitations and sometimes even pain are reduced and can even disappear, altogether. Diving is also an aid in to rehabilitation and has a positive effect on both physical and mental health.

The International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD) offers you the opportunity to learn to dive with professional, well trained Instructors, for an unforgettable underwater experience. The IAHD also has special courses to teach divers how to train people with physical or (minor) mental disabilities to dive.

To qualify for participation for an IAHD course you must be able to make the following three statements:

• Yes, I want to learn how to dive;
• Yes, my doctor has authorised me to take part in diving activities;
• Yes, my Instructor is willing to train me.

If you can make these three statements, then there is nothing to prevent you from becoming a certified IAHD diver.

To increase the safety of recreational diving, dives are always carried out with at least 2 divers. IAHD also has a so-called “Multi-Escort Level” certification. This enables almost everybody to become an internationally certified diver. Dependent on the degree of disability, the number of divers escorting a disabled diver can be increased to 2, 3 or even 4.

We wish you success and enjoyment in your (dive) course.