Planning a dive with friend that is paralyzed from waist down

[Jessica Anderson]

I have a friend that's interested in diving. I was looking to show him the relief off Delray in south FL:

If you have dived this you know how nice it is!
The challenge is that he is paralyzed from the waist down.
Some of the things I'm considering are:
- How to get him on and off the boat at the dock
- What kind of boat would be easiest
- How to get him back in the boat after the dive
- I'm assuming I'd need to get a scooter for underwater??

Thanks for any advice you can give!

 

[sheeper]

come pay a visit to Stuart Scuba (www.stuartscuba.com). the owners and several staff members are SDI Scubility Certified Instructors.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

 

[Jessica Anderson]

Thanks guys!

 

[diversteve]

Check with Diveheart also - they're active here on SB: Diveheart forum

or
HSA - Handicapped SCUBA Association

 

[OBXDIVEGUY]

The charter Sea Experience in Fort Lauderdale has lots of experience with disabled divers. They host SUDS every year and their staff is great.

 

[klausi]

A while ago the dive shop I was with did a special handicapped diving day. For a diver who was also paralyzed waist-down, we used a pair of these webbed gloves (with rubber webbing like on a frog's hand). They were quite effective, if there was no strong current. And definitely cheaper than a scooter!

 

[Altamira]

My hat is off to those of you who "make it happen" so our Wounded Warriors and other physically challenged people can learn and enjoy scuba diving. I think it is fantastic that so many divers are so willing to help others overcome some very large challenges to participate in this wonderful sport. Thank you.