HSA system
This is an internationally recognised programme of training and certification for divers with disabilities
HSA stands for Handicapped Scuba Association - the Association of Divers with Disabilities – established in 1981. It is the first organisation to address the teaching and sport diving of people with disabilities. Today the HSA is the world's largest diving organisation training people with disabilities. Also in Poland, all training takes place according to the system developed by the HSA.
HSA founder Jim Gatacre, a graduate of the University of California-Irvine (USA), a lecturer in marine biology at Dana Point Marine Science Laboratory and also a NAUI instructor, was inspired by the results of a 1975 UCI pilot research programme on changes in self-esteem as a result of scuba diving. Its participants were people with and without disabilities.
The data obtained from this programme, as well as experience from HSA-led dive workshops for people with disabilities, formed the basis for the development of the specialist Physical Performance Standards and Diver Certification Program. In addition, HSA developed the HSA Instructor Training Course (ITC), the Dive Buddy Course and the Course Director Training Course (CDTC).
In Poland, a key role for the development of scuba diving for the disabled was played by Tadeusz Masztalerz, who introduced training according to the HSA system in our country. As the only one authorised to do so, he organised instructor courses for a number of years and tirelessly promoted the idea through numerous talks, lectures and training sessions. Thanks to his commitment, there are now almost 30 instructors in Poland trained to dive with people with disabilities.
Training in the HSA system includes a course for the basic degree (Open Water Scuba Diver), as well as for the advanced degree (Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver). The programmes for these courses are very similar to the equivalent courses in other diving organisations. The difference is that, when assigning the HSA basic degree, the instructor specifies a so-called level (A, B or C), which refers to the diver's degree of independence and ability to come to the aid of a partner. This is a very important guideline for those planning and supervising a dive. Depending on the level assigned, an HSA diver can go underwater in a group with one or two other people, who must also have strictly defined diving qualifications.
Thanks to this system, HSA training is considered extremely safe. It is worth noting that, to date, there has not been a single diving accident involving a person with a disability.
In addition, the HSA system provides training for divers wishing to dive with people with disabilities (Dive Buddy degree) and the aforementioned instructor courses. The HSA Instructor Handbook and Physical Fitness Standards have been updated annually since 1986, using input from top HSA Instructors teaching in over forty-five countries. The recreational diving training programmes and instructor training developed are internationally recognised. Consequently, the diving certificates obtained from these courses are respected at dive bases, although unfortunately they are limited by their appropriate adaptation.
