HSA/A-1 Scuba Instructor Qualification Course

Thank you for your interest in our Handicapped Scuba Association Instructor Qualification Course. This three-day program is filled with fun, challenges and loaded with information. Please review the following information.

Day 1

You’ll start our by meeting your fellow candidates and complete some of the necessary paperwork (tons of fun). This will follow with some in-depth review of the HSA course standards and move into the actual multilevel certification process. From there you’ll head to the pool to begin a series of role-playing exercises in teams as paraplegics and quadriplegics. You’ll have a chance to act as an instructor for part of it and as a disabled diver for some of it. You’ll love it!

Day 2

We’ll continue in the classroom and dig further into the Physical Performance Standards and certification procedures of the HSA course. After that we’ll head back to the pool to resume skill training by introducing you to the techniques and tactile communication used when teaching someone who is blind. You’re guaranteed to discover the meaning of trust, faith, belief, confidence, expectation, reliance and dependence.

Day 3

Here’s your chance to put many of the techniques you learning in the pool to use in the open water. Once again you’ll be working in buddy teams and performing several of the skills learned in the swimming pool. As in the pool you’ll be playing the role of a disabled diver and as an instructor.

Course Prerequisites:

• You must be a certified assistant or higher from a recognized training agency
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be fit for diving and complete a Medical Statement for diving stating that you are medically fit to dive.  If you answer “yes” to any medical questions you will need to see a physician and have them complete a standard scuba diving medical form stating that you are medically fit to dive.
• Complete a Liability and Express Assumption of Risk document.

Performance Requirements

• Attend all classroom, confined and open water segments of the course
• Participate in all role-playing segments in the confined and open water
• Complete and pass the final exam (Note:  this is an open-book exam and conducted as a group)

Instructor Candidate Materials

• The HSA Instructor Manual is included with the course
• You have the option of purchasing other related materials directly with HSA

Registration

To enroll in the course all you need to complete an IQC application and pay for the course.

Timeframe

Program schedules can vary however we generally begin Day 1 & 2 at 8am and continue until 5 or 6pm.  This of course depends on the size of the group and the amount of participation of the various group members.  Day 3 will be conducted at an open water location and generally takes up to approximately 5 hours.

Equipment

You will need to provide your own:  Mask, Snorkel, Fins, BCD, LPI, Regulator, Alternate Air Source (Octopus), Weight System, Compass, Emergency Signaling Device, Dive Tables/Computer, Exposure Suit, Timing Device and Depth Gauge.  Tanks and weights will be provided.

Make-up Sessions

Make-up sessions will be arranged on a per person basis.  The can be difficult to set up and at $85 per hour can be very costly.  Please make every attempt to attend all required sessions.

Dress

Day to day attire should be that of a professional instructor.  Clothing displaying lewd pictures and profanity are unacceptable.

Attitude

This is a fun class but like all classes it can be challenging at times.  I ask that you have a blast and conduct yourself in a professional manner  - even if you get frustrated.

Punctuality

Because there is a tremendous amount of material to cover in the course, you will need to come to class prepared and on time ----------- please.

HSA IQC Fee

$385.00 includes:  all classroom, confined water and open water training, the HSA Instructor Manual, Dive Buddy Manual, Cue Cards, HSA Registration Fee, tanks and weights.  It does not include open water training site entry fees, transportation, meals, lodging, diving equipment or tank fill fees at the site.

The key to your success is to be sure and come prepared, willing to learn new skills and information and have a desire to have a great time. 

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give me a call.  Here is your chance to challenge yourself, sharpen your personal skills and introduce a special group of people to the wonderful sport of scuba diving.  It is sure to open your eyes and maybe even your heart.

Most sincerely,

Scott Taylor
HSA Course Director #11
Scotttaylor@a1scuba.com

 

Revised 8/07