The Scuba Program was first established in 2014 to allow students opportunities to explore marine environments in a much more extensive way than is possible with snorkelling. The program includes a strong emphasis on cultural exchange with students participating in tours to visit Australia’s near neighbours, as well as exploring our own key ecosystems. The program is coordinated by Mr James Baulch and Miss Katherine Puckridge.
Training
To qualify as open water (or even advanced) scuba divers, students begin with "Try Dives" in the school pool, which develops basic skills and helps to build confidence.
After-school tutorials focus on the physiology and physics of diving, as well as promoting safe diving practices.
Study modules are delivered by professional dive instructors who supervise the written and oral exams before taking students through an extensive "Confined Water" (pool) and "Open Water" program of training dives.
Highlights of the Scuba Program
A highlight of the Scuba Program includes the opportunity to travel to overseas destinations to explore life both above and below the water. Trips to visit island communities and schools provide students with a chance to expand their cultural perspectives and better understand our global community.
The Scuba Program has been fortunate to experience a tour to Lady Elliot Island, The Great Barrier Reef, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and four international tours since it began in 2014. These include Hideaway Island, Espiritu Santo and Tanna Island in the beautiful nation of Vanuatu.
Cultural Exchange
Cultural exchange is at the heart of the Scuba Program, which enables students to expand their appreciation for other cultures and broaden their perspectives. Through the program, students are able to learn how they can connect with others and members of the global community.
Charitable initiatives are an important part of this process as they provide students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the problems these communities sometimes face and how they can help be a part of the solution.
Each year, the Scuba team rallies together to raise money for school supplies and sports equipment which is given to schools within the island communities.
The Scuba Program also proudly supports Dive Munda's 'It is time to get the youth of the Solomon Islands diving' campaign, which aims to help the local Solomon Islands' youth become certified as open water scuba divers. The campaign also strives to increase awareness, cultivate sustainability and further help protect and preserve the ocean, reefs, sharks and fish that surround these island communities.
Upcoming Scuba Tours
In 2023, the Scuba Program is planning an end-of-year trip to Lady Elliot Island, which has some of the best diving spots in Australia. Details to be advised in due course.
How to get Involved