Can you get a certification class off a boat? Can't find one in San Diego

[lunette008]

Hello,

So I am interested in getting Scuba Certified, but I have a bad spine and my doctor says I am not allowed to carry more than 20lbs. I live in San Diego and all of the classes I have found just do the class right off of the shore and our water here is not exactly gentle, so I think I would have a very hard time carrying all of the equipment through the waves and into open water. I am thinking that it might be possible for me to boat dive because maybe I could sit on the edge of the boat, get all of my gear on and then just hop right into the water and once I am in the water I should be fine. Do you think that could work for someone with a bad back?

Does anyone know of any boat-based Scuba Certification classes in San Diego?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I would think that, with a private one-on-one class, anything is possible.
If I were in your shoes, that's the direction I'd go.

For what it's worth, I've never dived with a San Diego boat dive op where people were getting geared up in the water. Not saying that it couldn't happen. Obviously, you should speak with the dive op/boat crew/DM/captain ahead of time about making such accommodations.

It's a separate issue whether your physical limitations would present an unacceptable level of risk while diving. Probably something you should discuss with your doctor. Scuba diving is a fairly physical sport. While topside, the diver routinely has to carry/move his/her tank, which can weigh 35-50 lbs. I've seen lots of local divers schlepping around weightbelts loaded up with more than 20 lbs.

 

[Sortsol]

You can certainly get your certification off a boat and never do shore dives. I don't know about there, but if you are willing to travel it shouldn't be hard to find one elsewhere. Here in Hawaii, a lot of people earn their certs that way. My 11 yr old son got his cert off a boat hear, he can't carry all his stuff for a shore entry either... Goodluck, and don't give up searching. It's VERY much worth the effort.

 

[Hank658]

Lunette008,
Thank you for asking this question before undertaking something that should be fun but might end up causing you injury. You do not mention what kind of condition is affecting your back, and instead of telling us, I would advise you to discuss it with your doctor. There will be times on boats when you are making your way to the location to stride or roll off the boat and climbing back onboard when you are carrying the weight of a tank as well as weights and all of your other gear. This might be 60 lbs or more.
Before being enrolled in a scuba class you will have to fill out a medical questionnaire and any any conditions indicated on the form require written clearance by a doctor. Better to have this sorted out ahead of time so that if you are cleared you can just enjoy your class and enjoy being in the water. As far as your local area, no clue. Hope some members closer can fill in some of those answers for you.
Best of luck with your search for a class that fits your needs!

 

[fisheater]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I just can't see you being able to dive, especially in California, with that restriction. At least not outside of a scuba program specific to handicapped/disabled divers.

With California water temperatures, we need lots of exposure protection. That exposure protection wants to float. Because we want to sink, we carry lots of weight, both in lead weights and heavy steel tanks. Unless you have someone dedicated to doing all of your lifting and assisting you on and off the boat, I don't see how it would be possible.

Please discuss this thoroughly with your doctor.


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[scubadiveilat]

As there aren't ,many dive activities there. Doubt you'll find such luxury.

Your better off going a course if you take a vacation somewhere warm. Where off boat diving is the type of diving offered.

Apart from that with such a condition ensure that a Medical Statement is signed by a Dr. to participate in scuba diving activities. So if you end up doing a course it's cleared.

There are excellent places to get certified. Otherwise to be certified in San Diego would be by private only which will be very expensive.

Research around. Have fun and enjoy!!!

 

[oly5050user]

you will need a medical clearance from your doctor..He/She must find you ok fro scuba diving, with NO restrictions.If he writes in on the form that you are ok to go ,but cannot lift 20lbs,only can dive on calm days,places depth restrictions, or anything that places any kind of restrictions,then you will have a difficult time finding an instructor to work with you.I know that I could not/would not if a doctor added restrictions on the med form.Sorry..

 

[TSandM]

Being restricted to carrying no more than 20 lbs is going to make you, of necessity, an extremely dependent diver, as you will not be able to move your own gear around at all, on land or on a boat. I would contact the Handicapped Scuba Association (hsascuba.com) and ask them about local instructors. I know Melvin Pasley, who used to be quite active on this board, is an HSA instructor and fairly active in the LA area.

 

[knotical]

The HSA "find an instructor" page:
HSA Non-Members

currently reveals two instructors in teaching status in San Diego (#2763, William M. and #3100, Lonnie S.), along with their contact info.

best wishes

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I share others concern for your weight lifting restriction. You will need to don your gear in the water and remove it in the water. You will need someone to lift it to shore or on the boat. So get a young strong dive buddy or be prepared to pay a private divemaster on your dives. You can enjoy diving with your physical limitations, but I suggest you do it with a group led by an insured professional, and again, recruit a strong young buddy who won't mind lumping your gear for your.
DivemasterDennis