Adaptive scuba in Perth, for divers all over the world
Perth Adaptive Diving (PASD) exists to make the underwater world accessible to people of all abilities. We design each experience around the person — not the diagnosis — so every diver can participate with dignity, confidence and appropriate support, and build skills they can use at dive locations globally.
We work with a wide range of physical, sensory and neurodiverse needs. That may include mobility limitations, limb differences, chronic pain, autism, ADHD, anxiety, hearing or visual differences — and people who simply benefit from a calmer, slower and more tailored approach to learning.
- Initial conversation to understand goals, comfort levels and support needs.
- Pool-based introduction sessions in a controlled environment before open water.
- Adapted equipment and techniques wherever practical and safe.
- Clear communication and agreed hand signals to reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
- Encouragement of family, carers and support workers to be part of the process.
Person-centred, adaptive, PADI-aligned
Our instructors hold PADI Adaptive Techniques training, meaning they’ve completed additional education in how to adapt standard scuba teaching methods to better support divers with different physical and cognitive abilities.
- Focus on what each diver can do, not just on limitations.
- Structured, repeatable steps that can be adapted or slowed as needed.
- Integration with the PADI training framework where certification is appropriate.
- Open communication with families, support teams and medical professionals.
Some divers will be most comfortable staying with calm pool experiences. Others may choose to progress through formal PADI courses and dive in destinations across Australia and beyond. We’ll help you explore what’s realistic and safe for your situation.
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.