Supervision

• On-site supervision is needed following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• 1:12 ratio of instructors to students in water that is shallow enough to stand up in, OR less depending on the configuration of pool and maturity level of students, presence of life guards, teacher, etc. Larger groups can be accommodated by dividing into two alternating groups.
• The scuba instructor should have certification with an accredited scuba certifying agency such as ACUC (American Canadian Underwater Certifications), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), PDIC (Professional Diving Instructors Council), SDI (Scuba Diving International), SSI (Scuba Schools International), and/or equivalent.
• Note that the scuba instructor, aquatic centre lifeguard(s) and teacher work as a team responsible for overseeing in-water activities at all times.
• Scuba instructor/assistant should be in-water supervising students at all times.
• Scuba instructor/aquatic centre should have 0₂ kit available on site if possible.
• Check that service provider/instructor has an annual renewal sticker for the current year on their scuba instructor card.
• Check that service provider/instructor has current Scuba Instructor Insurance for current year.

Instructional Considerations

• Students must be of good general health and be free of flu/cold symptoms on the day of the activity to be able to participate in the water.
• Prior to in-water instruction, all students should be briefed on procedures for the safe and fun use of the scuba equipment suitable for the depth of the pool.
• Students should be introduced to basic skills related to safe participation in the activity and environment selected. This may include:
  • Check of equipment for proper functioning and fit
  • Hand signals
  • Buddy system
  • Clearing the mask and snorkel
  • Clearing the scuba regulator
  • Swimming with fins
  • Entry and exit methods and controlled descents
  • Equalizing ears and importance of always breathing while underwater on scuba
  • Buoyancy control and importance of ascending slowly
  • Staying with group and dangers of not doing so
  • Inflating buoyancy compensator vest to become buoyant at surface
  • Rescue techniques.
• Students are required to practice the required scuba skills (e.g., mask clearing, regulator retrieval and clearing) in the shallow end (shallow enough to stand up in) before progressing to the deep end (if available and time allows).
• The certified dive instructor/assistant instructor and/or dive master will determine when (if at all) the student is ready for water “over their heads” on scuba.
• Ensure that a certified diving instructor is in the water with students during any in-water instruction.
• Upon completion of the introduction to scuba diving, students can be instructed on the proper disassembly of the scuba unit under the direct supervision of the scuba instructor/dive centre staff. After an on-deck briefing and tear-down demonstration, the students may proceed together as a group activity.

Equipment/Facilities

• Service provider, usually the scuba instructor and/or dive centre checks and provides students with proper fitting snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and scuba equipment (air tank, regulator, buoyancy compensator and weight belt), etc. It is highly recommended that the service provider, not the students, assemble and check all scuba gear prior to use for the “Discover Scuba or Try Scuba” experience.