Perth Adaptive Diving
Opening the underwater world to all abilities.
What is adaptive diving?
Adaptive diving is about changing the way we teach and support divers — not lowering safety standards. It recognises that people with different bodies and brains may need different pathways to enjoy the same ocean.
In practice, adaptive diving means looking at the individual and asking, “What would make this possible and safe for you?” rather than “Can you fit the standard mould?” We then adjust the way we brief, plan, enter the water, move underwater and communicate so the diver can participate with confidence.
- Mobility and physical aids: Working with divers who use wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetics or have limb differences, and planning entries, exits and equipment set-up that respect those needs.
- Sensory and mental health: Supporting divers who live with autism, ADHD, anxiety or sensory sensitivities by using clear routines, predictable steps and calm, unhurried teaching.
- Medical and pain considerations: Adjusting session length, depth and workload for people living with chronic pain, fatigue or long-term health conditions, always in line with medical advice.
Practical examples of adaptation
- Allowing extra time to don and doff equipment, with assistance where appropriate.
- Using additional hand signals, cue cards or pre-agreed “pause” signals.
- Breaking skills into smaller steps and repeating them over multiple short sessions.
- Selecting entry points, ramps or platforms that work with mobility aids.
- Keeping noise and visual distractions low for divers who find busy environments overwhelming.
Our PADI Certified Adaptive Techniques Instructors are trained to build these adjustments into your plan from the very beginning, so adaptive support becomes part of the normal way you dive — not an afterthought.
If you or someone you support uses mobility aids, has learning or mental health challenges, or simply needs a different approach to feel safe in the water, adaptive diving may be a good fit. You can outline these needs when you book a conversation.
PASD provides calm, professional and adaptive scuba experiences in Perth, Western Australia. We support children, adults, families and support teams to safely enjoy the ocean — tailoring each dive to the individual’s physical, sensory and neurodiverse needs, and helping divers build skills they can use at dive locations all over the world, Led by PADI Certified Adaptive Techniques Instructors.
We’re happy to work alongside families, carers, support coordinators and health professionals.
About PASD
Learn how we approach adaptive diving, who we work with, and what to expect from your first contact through to getting in the water.
- All-abilities, person-centred approach.
- Calm, supportive communication.
- Experiences shaped around your goals.
Programs & PADI pathways
From gentle pool introductions through to formal PADI courses and even professional levels, we’ll help you explore what’s realistic and safe.
- Pool-based introductions and skills.
- Open water dives when you’re ready.
- PADI certification options, including professional pathways.
Safety, FAQ & booking
Safety is at the centre of everything we do. Explore our approach, read answers to common questions, and send an enquiry to start the conversation.
- Conservative, safety-first diving practices.
- Accessibility planning with you and your support team.
- Simple form to tell us about your goals.