Frequently Asked Questions

• Applicants must be a veteran with a disability, either physical and/or psychological (e.g. PTSD)
• Applicants must provide a VA disability rating document 
• Applicants must be medically cleared for scuba diving
• Applicants must have a genuine interest in restoring or enhancing family relationships through scuba diving
• Bubbles for Vets is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all veterans with disabilities and their families. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. Our program is designed to foster unity and support among veterans and their families through the therapeutic activity of scuba diving. We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and are dedicated to ensuring that everyone has equal access to our services and opportunities.

• Disabled veterans sustained their injuries while defending our freedom and way of life. Bubbles for Vets and our Sponsors firmly believe that we owe it to our brave heroes and their families to help them heal. 
• By participating in a shared scuba diving adventure, families create cherished memories and rediscover the joy of spending quality time with one another. As a family, engaging in a challenging and rewarding activity like scuba diving can foster resilience, trust, and communication within the family unit. 

• Roundtrip flights for disabled veteran and their family from anywhere in the United States
• Hotel accommodations (4 nights)
• All meals
• Scuba diving expeditions
• Scuba diving gear (borrow donated gear)
• Specialized personal equipment to accommodate divers with disabilities
• Scuba diving certifications

• PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SDI (Scuba Diving International) Open Water Diving Certification (60 feet deep)
• Refresher Course for Family Members who are already certified 

1. Online Knowledge Development Course: The knowledge development covers essential concepts such as dive theory, dive planning, equipment use, safety procedures, and environmental awareness. The online course must be completed before progressing to hands-on training in the water. 
2. Confined Water Training: After completing the knowledge development portion, you'll participate in confined water training sessions, usually conducted in a swimming pool or shallow, controlled water environment. Under the guidance of a certified instructor, you'll learn and practice fundamental scuba diving skills, such as buoyancy control, regulator use, mask clearing, and emergency procedures. These sessions aim to build your confidence and proficiency in a safe environment before progressing to open water dives.
3. Open Water Dives: Once you've mastered the necessary skills in confined water, you'll complete a series of open water dives in a natural body of water, such as a lake, quarry, or ocean. During these dives, you'll apply the skills learned in confined water while exploring underwater environments under the supervision of your instructor. Typically, you'll complete a minimum of four to six open-water dives to demonstrate your competence in various dive conditions and scenarios.
4. Certification: Once you've met all the requirements and passed the final assessment, you'll receive your Open Water Diver certification card from the training agency (PADI or SDI). This certification allows you to dive independently with a buddy, within the limits of your training and experience, to a maximum depth specified by the agency (60 feet).

• 3 days of multiple dives

• Bubbles for Vets is located in Tampa, Florida
• Dive sites are located in Western Central Florida 

• The minimum age for children to scuba dive can vary depending on the certification agency and local regulations. However, most certification agencies, such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), allow children as young as 10 years old to participate in introductory scuba diving programs like the PADI Junior Open Water Diver course. This course is specifically designed for children between the ages of 10 and 14, with certain depth and supervision restrictions in place.
• Children younger than 10 years old will explore the underwater world by snorkeling 

Adaptive scuba diving offers numerous therapeutic benefits to disabled veterans and their families, including:

• Physical Rehabilitation: Engaging in scuba diving can provide a unique form of physical therapy for individuals with disabilities, promoting muscle strength, flexibility, coordination, pain reduction, and cardiovascular fitness. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints and facilitates movement, making it an ideal activity for rehabilitation and improving mobility.
• Mental Health and Well-Being: Scuba diving offers a therapeutic escape from daily stressors and challenges, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the peaceful underwater environment and experience a sense of freedom and weightlessness. The calming effects of diving, combined with the beauty of marine life, has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms among disabled veterans and their families.
• Improved Coping Skills: Scuba diving teaches individuals to manage stress, control their breathing, and stay calm in challenging situations, skills that are invaluable for veterans coping with PTSD. By mastering these techniques underwater, veterans can transfer them to their daily lives, helping them better cope with triggers, anxiety, and other symptoms. 
• Sense of Achievement and Empowerment: Overcoming physical barriers and mastering new skills in scuba diving can boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment for individuals with disabilities. The opportunity to explore underwater worlds and interact with marine life enhances feelings of empowerment and independence, fostering a positive outlook on life. This can also be especially empowering for individuals who may feel loss of control due to their PTSD symptoms or disability. 
• Social Support and Camaraderie: Participating in scuba diving activities provides veterans from diverse backgrounds and branches of the military with opportunities to connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges. The camaraderie and support of fellow divers can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging. 
• Family Bonding and Support: By participating in a shared scuba diving adventure, families create cherished memories and rediscover the joy of spending quality time with one another. As a family, engaging in a challenging and rewarding activity like scuba diving can foster resilience, trust, and communication within the family unit. 
• Connection with Nature: Being submerged in the underwater world can foster a profound connection with nature and promote feelings of awe and wonder. For many veterans, reconnecting with nature in this way can be healing and transformative.