Dive Training Blogs
Finding peace… and discovering the healing power of Scuba
My name is Gary Green. I am an author, a team leader, an advanced open water and deep sea diver. I am also blind in one eye from an IED attack in Afghanistan. I suffer with PTSD. I have also overcome suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol addiction. (There’s a bold statement…)
As I sit at work with heavy eyelids, juggling the boost of caffeine and the tiredness that comes with shift patterns, I look forward to exactly one months’ time when I will be aboard a boat on the Red Sea. One thing I have learned is that the peaks and troughs of life must be ridden like a steady surfboarder, although most of the time I feel like the newbie who spends more time falling into the sea.
I have been blown up in Afghanistan. I suppose that is kind of my ‘golden ticket’ in a Wonka bar that has given me access to the beautiful underwater universe that I never knew existed. Since the summer of 2015 (oh how time has flown) I have been part of a charity called Deptherapy, which rehabilitates injured veterans through the medium of scuba diving. I have grown as a person and as a diver with the charity. My current level is trainee PADI Rescue Diver, Ambassador, Board Member and Trustee of Deptherapy. I am also an AmbassaDIVER for PADI in the UK (now take a breath, it’s a mouth full!)
In one months’ time I will be on a liveaboard in the Red Sea, exploring the waters in the north of Egypt. The purpose of this trip is to learn how to wreck dive, to penetrate and navigate through the forgotten ships that live under the water. This is all part of a bigger picture; to rehabilitate, to provide structure where once was chaos and to provide hope where there was once doubt.
For me, the scuba diving is a side effect of my therapy, a by-product of my rehabilitation. Of course, as a person outside of Deptherapy I have now built a tower of dependence, structure and routine. Deptherapy has added building blocks to that tower and now I have the privilege of being part of a family where I can help veterans place bricks into their own towers.
My next steps are to pass the knowledge reviews of my Rescue Diver course and I will then take the practical assessments in my Otter dry suit in the murky, cold British waters. This will enable me to then throw myself in the deep end (quite literally) as a trainee Dive Master for the ten days I spend in Egypt in the company of my wounded brothers.
I am looking forward to my break away from reality, my serenity from the normal… but most importantly my ‘gap year’ from PTSD. Underwater I have discovered a world where PTSD does not exist, a world where I find peace within myself coupled with an unparalleled beauty. Without diving and the generosity of Deptherapy I would have never found the ocean. Most importantly, I might have never found peace.
The thought of furthering my diving and taking steps to becoming a PADI Pro illuminates me. I will be writing about my experiences on this blog and taking videos / photos of my scuba diving journey. Stay tuned to find out how one veteran’s battle against his own mind concludes another chapter soon…
Find out more about the work of Deptherapy at: www.deptherapy.co.uk
Blogs
Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire
Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.
Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.
Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:
- 12 April
- 5 July,
- 20 September
- 29 November
Partnership with Casita Palma
If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.
Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.
Blogs
Scubility: Achieving Success through Adaptability
The Scubility Program in Action
In the last four events, we have enrolled many Scubility divers in the program. We also have a team of trained instructors and assistants; without them, this wouldn’t be possible. The main objective was to make safe and comfortable diving experiences for Scubility students. In fact, in the last Scubility program, which concluded in March 2023, we included a blind diver along with six other Scubility divers. We also had 8 instructors and more than 10 assistant participants to make this possible.
The main challenge for blind divers is to set up a communication signal. So, I designed a unique ‘touch signal’ for blind students where they just need to touch an arm to convey a message. For example, when an instructor touches your arm twice, it means he is asking, “Are you okay?”. In case of any emergency during the dive, the blind diver just needs to squeeze the arm of the instructor to get his attention to solve the problem. For each Scubility diver, there were at least two personnel, an instructor, and an assistant, assigned.
Impact and Emotions of Scubility
The most satisfying experience of this program was to see Scubility divers happy, with emotional, teary eyes. I could imagine that probably for the first time, or perhaps the only time, some of them could walk, stand, and move again underwater without a wheelchair, feeling alive again. Seeing a courageous Scubility diver overcoming all challenges and obstacles to make it possible definitely inspires me to organize more events like this.
“Scuba Diving for All” Event
The biggest local Scubility program, named “Scuba Diving for All,” was organized in Khao Lak, Phang-nga Province, south of Thailand, from October 30 to November 5, 2018. We invited international Scubility participant divers for this event. Leading up to this program, we put in lots of effort, preparing hotels and resorts in a friendly design, making sure of choosing good dive sites, and above all, to bring a smile to our precious Scubility students.
I hope that this endeavor will serve as an inspiration for people worldwide to achieve what may seem impossible, while also raising awareness about the importance of charity and kindness in our society. I look forward to welcoming you soon to our joyful underwater realm.
As an SDI TDI & Scubility IT, Dan Phutthakhun Prungkananon, owner of All Star Diving Academy located in Thailand, has a deep-rooted passion for ensuring safety and fun in the water. Keep up with Dan and the All Star Diving Academy via Instagram or Facebook and by checking out their Dive Center Facebook.
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