Aquamissions
Aquamissions
Aquamissions
uctor diving
,
ciation
nal Asso
Professio g Instructors
of Divin
2001 Edition
Instructor Guide
© International PADI, Inc. 2001
Printed in U.S.A.
Product No. 70105 Version 1.0 (5/01)
Contents
1 Introduction
3 Standards
5 Overview
Appendix
71 Forms
73 Games
iv Introduction
Introduction
PADI Seal Team Program
The PADI Seal Team program is an exciting underwater activity-filled introduc-
tion to the world of diving. The PADI Seal Team program gives children a chance
to swim around underwater and experience adventure, discovery and thrills. It
also provides parents or guardians with a structured program that lets their
children develop skills, learn about the aquatic realm and have a lot of good,
clean fun.
www.padisealteam.com
As part of their PADI Seal Team membership, PADI Seals have access to a special
website designed for young divers. There, young divers can learn more about
the PADI Seal Team through character bios and they can read about the PADI
Seal Team and Specialty AquaMissions. Kids can check out links to padi.com and
projectaware.org.
2 Introduction
PADI Seal Team Program Standards
Prerequisites Participants must be at least 8 years old.
Participants and parents or guardians must complete
and sign the PADI Seal Team Statement prior
to inwater activities. This statement is valid for
12 months.
Participants who answer yes to any question on the
medical history form must receive medical approval
from a licensed physician prior to inwater activities.
Instructor Qualification Teaching status PADI Instructors or PADI Assistant
and Supervision Instructors must control all activities and maintain
direct inwater supervision.
Note
Renewed and insured PADI Divemasters may conduct AquaMission: Skin
Diver Specialist, following PADI Skin Diver course standards
Note
You may conduct the entire program in shallow water.
Participant Equipment
Required Mask, fins, snorkel, buoyancy control device, scuba
tank, regulator with octopus and air gauge.
Recommended Exposure protection and weights as appropriate
for comfort.
Gear Set Up
Before becoming members of the PADI Master Seal Team, PADI Seals must
demonstrate the ability to assemble and disassemble their scuba gear.
Note
Each AquaMission lists activity-specific equipment requirements.
Note
If the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Activity Book, Video or AquaMission
Logbook do not exist in a language the child understands, you may
cover the necessary information and administer AquaMission Logbook
4 Standards
challenges orally.
Overview
In general, conduct each PADI Seal Team AquaMission as follows:
• Have youngsters watch, either on their own or with you, the PADI Seal
Team video. Note: Viewing the video is required only once during the program.
• Have kids work through the appropriate section in their PADI Seal Team
AquaMission Activity Book.
• Ask participants to turn to the appropriate section in their AquaMission
Activity Book and begin your interactive briefing. Be sure to:
• Use the PADI Seal Team Flip Chart to review safety rules, hand signals
and other important information for AquaMissions 1-5.
• Cover key points in a simple manner.
• Involve participants in the discussion by asking questions.
• Encourage participants to ask questions.
• Assess learning by having participants complete the appropriate chal-
lenge in their AquaMission Logbook. Note: Participants may complete chal-
lenges either before or after the pool dive.
• Help participants prepare for and enter the pool. Reinforce working in
buddy teams.
• When appropriate, encourage participants to assemble their gear inde-
pendently. Prior to becoming a Master Seal, PADI Seals must demonstrate
the ability to assemble and disassemble their gear. This may be done at
any time during the program.
• Introduce new skills and allow adequate time for practice.
• Conduct AquaMission activities and games.
• Help participants exit and disassemble equipment.
• Debrief the AquaMission, issue decals and complete AquaMission Log-
books.
• Promote upcoming AquaMissions.
6 Overview
AquaMission 1
i o n 1 Goal
A q u aMiss ills from the PADdIWater Dive
I S e a l Team nowledge and skng with Confiner Diver course.
PAD ion 1 introducesukba programs, avloer or Open Watel games that y
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deve d to a
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b
Hi, I’m
Kiros.
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission 1, youngsters will be able to answer the
following questions:
• What is the most important safety rule for scuba diving?
• How do you keep your ears comfortable while scuba diving?
• How do you know how much air is left in your scuba tank?
Skills
• Shallow water entry
• Don and adjust equipment
• Underwater breathing
• Underwater swimming
• Air gauge reading and understanding
• Air supply signaling
• Ear clearing (equalizing)
• Hand signals (OK, Up, Down, I Have a Problem, Stop)
• Ascent
Games
• Select one or two games to play from the selections listed for AquaMission
1 in the "Games Appendix" of this guide.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Pool toys that can be thrown and received (Toypedo™, underwater flying
disks, etc.)
8 AquaMission 1
Set Up
• This activity takes place at a maximum depth of two metres/six feet.
• Participants are initially fitted for scuba equipment and weighted appro-
priately.
• Kids learn and practice the Confined Water Dive One Skills assigned to
PADI Seal Team AquaMission 1.
• Youngsters play toss and catch pool games. Use pool toy games to encour-
age kids to move and become comfortable in their scuba gear. Promote
team interaction by having buddy pairs play together. Include yourself
and assistants in the games.
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from kids.
• Has anyone ever been scuba diving before?
[Solicit responses.]
• Who’s seen diving movies or shows on TV?
[Suggest local programs kids may have seen.]
• What do you think it’s like to go diving?
[Encourage kids to use their imagination.]
• We’re going to be breathing underwater today, how do you think we’re going
to do that?
[Explain breathing through a regulator and lead into the flip chart
presentation.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Explain and demonstrate skills [use Confined Water Aquatic Cue Cards.]
• Assign buddies.
• Remind youngsters of pool and underwater safety rules.
2. Skill briefing and conduct in shallow water
• Introduce and practice skills.
3. Activity
• Introduce and play games in shallow water,
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure
comfort.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from kids.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session.]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Issue other recognition items, as appropriate.
• Remind youngsters to read the appropriate section in their PADI Seal Team
AquaMission Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
10 AquaMission 1
AquaMission 2
Hi, I’m
Shina.
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission 2, youngsters will be able to answer the
following questions:
• What do you do when your regulator is out of your mouth?
• What is a purge button?
• How do you avoid a mask squeeze?
Skills
• Shallow water entry
• Don and adjust equipment
• Regulator removal and bubble blowing
• Regulator replacement and clearing (purge button)
• Regulator removal and recovery (in front of diver)
• Mask equalization
• Hand signals (Blow Bubbles)
• Ascent
Games
• Select one or two games to play from the selections listed for AquaMission
2 in the "Games Appendix" of this guide.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Small items that can be collected from the bottom (coins, jacks, etc.).
Set Up
• This activity initially takes place in the shallow end of the pool and may
be repeated in deeper water (four metres/12 feet maximum) after skill
proficiency is demonstrated.
• Participants are initially fitted for scuba equipment and weighted appro-
priately while in shallow water.
• Youngsters learn and practice the Confined Water Dive One Skills assigned
to PADI Seal Team AquaMission 2.
• Kids play pool games that include retrieving small items from the bottom
of the pool. Object retrieval games increase underwater dexterity and the
ability to maneuver in scuba. Friendly competition adds fun by challeng-
ing teams to win a game.
• Skills and games may be repeated in deeper water.
12 AquaMission 2
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from kids.
• Who remembers why it’s very, very important to blow bubbles when your
regulator is out of your mouth?
[Remind kids of this important safety rule.]
• Who can show me the purge button on your regulator?
[Show the kids the purge button on a primary regulator.]
• Who can tell me if an octopus regulator has a purge button?
[Show the kids the purge button on an octopus.]
• Do you remember how to clear your ears while diving?
[Explain that they may be going into deeper water and knowing how to
clear their ears will keep them comfortable.]
• Who wants to go to deeper water today?
[Solicit responses.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Explain and demonstrate skills. [Use Confined Water Aquatic Cue Cards.]
• Describe the games and show the kids the toys they will play with.
• Assign buddies.
• Remind youngsters of pool and underwater safety rules.
3. Activity
• Introduce and play games in shallow water.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure
comfort.
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Issue other recognition items, as appropriate.
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section in their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
14 AquaMission 2
AquaMission 3
i o n 3 Goal Skills
u s
aMis ed Water Dive Osen,ecom-
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eam ntroduce Confin ater Diver cour , confidence
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PADI ion 3 continues toa iDiver or Open eWvelop diver abiluitayMission
iss cub at d Aq
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Hi, I’m
Blade.
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission 3, youngsters will be able to answer the
following questions:
• What does the inflator hose on a BCD do?
• What is your extra regulator called?
• What does S.A.F.E. stand for?
Skills
• Shallow water entry
• Don and adjust equipment
• Inflate/deflate BCD at surface (power inflator)
• Clear a partially flooded mask
• Octopus breathing (alternate air source use – must be supplied
by the instructor)
• Hand signals (Low On Air, Out of Air, Share Air)
• Ascent
Games
• Select one or two games to play from the selections listed for AquaMission
3 in the "Games Appendix" of this guide.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Relay-race toys (upside-down spoon and Ping-Pong™ ball, etc.)
Set Up
• This AquaMission initially takes place in shallow water, and participants
may repeat skills in deeper water after demonstrating skill proficiency.
• Participants are initially fitted for scuba equipment and weighted appro-
priately in shallow water.
• Youngsters learn and practice the Confined Water Dive One Skills assigned
to PADI Seal Team AquaMission 3.
• Kids play underwater relay-race pool games.
• Skills and games may be repeated in deeper water.
16 AquaMission 3
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from kids.
• Who can tell me when and why you would want to inflate your BCD on the
surface?
[To float comfortably.]
• Who can show me the power inflator button on your BCD?
[Have kids show you.]
• Who knows how to get water out of your mask if some gets in while you’re
underwater?
[Discuss mask clearing.]
• Who has ever felt their mask squeezing their face?
[Explain how to prevent a mask squeeze and how to fix it if it happens.]
• Who knows what an octopus regulator is?
[Does it really suck brains? NO! Explain the use of an octopus.]
• Why is it good for a diver to know how to breathe off of an octopus regulator?
[Explain that if you watch your air gauge carefully, you won’t run out
of air. But just in case you ever do, this is a good emergency action to
take.]
• I’m sure you all know your diving safety rules by now, but tell me again…what’s
the most important rule in scuba diving?
[You’ve got it! Blow bubbles. Never hold your breath.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Explain and demonstrate skills. [Use Confined Water Aquatic Cue Cards.]
• Describe the games and show the kids the toys they will play with.
• Assign buddies.
• Remind youngsters of pool and underwater safety rules.
3. Activity
• Introduce and play games in shallow water.
4. Post Dive
Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Issue other recognition items, as appropriate.
• Remind kids to read the section in their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
18 AquaMission 3
AquaMission 4
n 4 G oal m
A q ua r Dive
Missio
One Skills f
ro
ssion
a l Te a m d W a t e
e , A quaMi a-
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r cou r s underw
PAD n to introducing mer or Open Watetrol, or feeling weligosely monitor l-
or e C r D i v e h t le s s
Skills
• Shallow water entry
• Don and adjust equipment
• Regulator removal and recovery (from behind the shoulder)
• Regulator replacement and clearing (blowing hard)
• Underwater weightlessness: Neutral buoyancy – fin pivot (power
inflator only)
• Underwater weightlessness: Neutral buoyancy – hovering
(power inflator only)
• Ascent
Games
• Select one or two games to play from the selections listed for AquaMission
4 in the "Games Appendix" of this guide.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Swim-through obstacles (Hula Hoop™, PVC configurations, etc.)
Set Up
• Participants are initially fitted for scuba equipment and weighted appro-
priately while in shallow water.
• Kids learn and practice buoyancy control skills in shallow water first.
Once skills are mastered in shallow water, they may be practiced in
deeper water under direct supervision of the instructor.
20 AquaMission 4
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from kids:
• Do you think feeling weightless underwater is like being an astronaut who is
weightless in space?
[Solicit responses.]
• Who can tell me what pieces of your scuba equipment are used to make you
weightless underwater?
[BCD and weights]
• What do you think happens if you put too much air into your BCD?
[You could zoom to the surface – out of control. That’s not safe.]
• What do you think happens if you let too much air out?
[You’d sink too much, or not be able to get to the surface easily. If
you were in the ocean, you might crush coral or otherwise damage the
environment.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Explain and demonstrate skills. [Use Confined Water Aquatic Cue Cards.]
• Describe the games and show the kids the toys they will play with.
• Assign buddies.
• Remind youngsters of pool and underwater safety rules.
3. Activity
• Introduce and play games in shallow water.
• Hovering practice in deeper water may include challenge games such as
sitting cross-legged without touching the bottom or going to the surface,
playing airplane with arms extended, maintaining position in relation to
markers attached to a descent line, etc.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Issue other recognition items, as appropriate
• Remind youngsters to read the section in their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
• Remind kids to complete the invitation in their PADI Seal Team AquaMis-
sion Activity Book to their parents or guardians, other family members and
friends to attend AquaMission 5.
22 AquaMission 4
AquaMission 5
n 5 G oal cent
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es
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Hi, I’m
Alano.
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission 5, youngsters will be able to answer the
following question:
• What is the best way to move through the water?
• What are four important things to remember about scuba
diving?
• Why are snorkels good to use on the surface?
Skills
• Snorkel clearing – blast method
• Snorkel to regulator exchange
• Surface swim with scuba
They will also demonstrate the skills they have already mastered in AquaMis-
sions 1- 4 by performing a skill circuit:
Skill Circuit
• Shallow water entry
• Don and adjust equipment
• Snorkel to regulator exchange – surface swim to descent line
• Deflate BCD at surface (power inflator)
• Controlled descent
• Ear clearing (equalizing)
• Underwater breathing
• Underwater swimming
• Air gauge reading and understanding/air supply signaling
• Clear a partially flooded mask
• Octopus breathing (alternate air source use – must be supplied
by the instructor)
• Hand signals (OK, Up, Down, Stop, I Have a Problem, Low On Air,
Out Of Air, Share Air, Blow Bubbles)
• Regulator removal and recovery (from behind the shoulder)
• Regulator replacement and clearing (blowing hard and purge
button)
• Underwater weightlessness: Neutral buoyancy – fin pivot (power
inflator only)
• Underwater weightlessness: Neutral buoyancy – hovering (power
inflator only)
• Ascent
• Inflate BCD at surface (power inflator)
24 AquaMission 5
Games
• Select one or two of the most popular games to play from the selections
listed for AquaMissions 1-4 in the "Games Appendix" of this guide.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Float (optional)
• Descent line with appropriate anchor (optional)
• Underwater camera (optional)
• PADI Seal Team recognition materials
Set Up
• Participants are initially fitted for scuba equipment and weighted appro-
priately in shallow water.
• Surface skills may be conducted initially in either shallow or deep water.
• After completing the surface skills, conduct a controlled descent into the
deep end of the pool using a float and descent line. (optional) Note: Remind
PADI Seals how to clear their ears when making the controlled descent.
• Allow ample time for youngsters to demonstrate what they have accom-
plished.
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from soon-
to-be PADI Seals.
• Who can tell me why scuba divers would want to use a snorkel?
[Solicit answers.]
• Who can tell me why divers would want to switch back and forth from breathing
through a regulator to breathing through a snorkel?
[To be able to save their scuba air while swimming on the surface while
looking underwater. Then, being able to switch to their regulator when
they’re ready to descend.]
• Who can tell me why descending into deep water is easier with a descent line?
[Control.]
• Who can tell me how to keep from going down too fast?
[Don’t let too much air out of your BCD. Hold the descent line on the
way down.]
• Who can tell me how to clear your ears while going down a descent line?
[Remind kids that they’ll need to clear their ears if they descend down
the float line.]
3. Activity
• Use games to develop surface skill proficiency, such as snorkel blasting
wars and surface swimming on scuba relay-races. Challenge kids to cross
the entire width of the pool while making snorkel to regulator exchanges
without lifting their heads out of the water.
• Descend into deep water using a controlled descent down a float line.
(optional)
• Conduct entire skill demonstration.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session.]
Note
Completing PADI Seal Team AquaMission 5 is a significant event for the
kids. Celebration the awards ceremony at a local restaurant or similar
venue, take group pictures, hand out photos from previous AquaMis-
sions, add the youngsters’ name to a big recognition display, etc.
26 AquaMission 5
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Professio g Instructors
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2001 Edition
Creature Id
a m i s s ion:
Te a m Aqu o a l cus on
e a l i s t G ith a fo
PADI S e ID Special mmon aquatic creatu r e s w
r
Creatu characteristics o.f co
oduce c life
To intr l o c a l aquati
ying
identif
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Creature ID Specialist, PADI Seals will be
able to answer the following questions:
• Where can you see aquatic creatures?
• Is coral a plant?
• How do you find out what an aquatic creature is called?
Skills
• Identify at least one aquatic creature.
• Use an appropriate hand signal for an aquatic creature.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Aquatic life identification slates (from the local area, if possible) or other
waterproof illustrations/representations of aquatic creatures
• Photos of various aquatic creatures
• Blank slates and pencils
• Webbed gloves (optional)
Set Up
• If possible, have photos or video of aquatic life found in the local area.
Focus on aquatic habitats (ponds, tide-pools, etc.) or local dive/snorkel
sites that participants are likely to visit.
• Pick several creatures to describe in detail.
• Choose several different propulsion methods for participants to practice
underwater (e.g., dolphin kick, etc. – See Pool Dive)
• Prepare aquatic life identification charts, laminated pictures, painted
wooden cutouts, or similar depictions of aquatic creatures for inwater use.
Interactive Briefing
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI
Seals.
• When you hear the words – aquatic life – what do you think of?
[Solicit examples. Prompt them to think of both large animals – whales,
dolphins, etc. – and small creatures – hermit crabs, starfish, etc. Show
photos or video of creatures, as appropriate.]
• Can you think of any plants that live underwater?
[Solicit examples – kelp, seaweed, grass, algae, etc. If anyone mentions
coral, explain that coral is actually colonies of tiny animals. Show photos
or video of aquatic plants, as appropriate.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• Pass out underwater slates.
• General pool rules and safety reminders
• Underwater safety rules and reminders
3. Activity
• Descend
• Indicate a creature you discussed by pointing to it on the aquatic life
slate/waterproof representation and have participants write its name on
their slates. Or, write a creature’s name and have participants point to it
on an aquatic life slate or draw it on their slates.
• Point to a creature and have participants show the appropriate hand
signal.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session.]
• Which creature would you look forward to seeing underwater for real? Why?
[Encourage PADI Seals to learn as much as they can about aquatic life
and to pursue diving and snorkeling opportunities.]
• Which creature was the easiest to move around like? The most fun?
[Discuss their success at mimicking different creatures.]
• What did you learn?
[Solicit responses.]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Remind PADI Seals to read the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Activity Book
for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
u a M i s sion:
Te a m Aq t G oa l o deter
mine
eal iali s n t s t
PADI S mental Specsts analyze litter and p
ollut a
w par d wher
e th
To sho r e a n
hey a
what t
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Environmental Specialist, PADI Seals will
be able to answer the following questions:
• Does pollution hurt animals and plants?
• Why do scientists study litter in the ocean, rivers and lakes?
• What special gear protects your hands when you collect litter?
Skills
• Swim in a feet-high, head-low search position
• Underwater cleanup using a search pattern
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Three or four plastic similar, but not identical puzzles with sinking pieces
(may require some weighting)
• Mesh collection bag for each diver
• Collection gloves for each diver
• Several pieces of unusual or not readily identifiable pieces of litter col-
lected from beach/underwater
Set Up
• Mix the puzzle pieces together and scatter them in the pool. Do this after
showing the puzzle pieces to PADI Seals.
• PADI Seals will use an appropriate underwater search pattern, such as an
expanding square or U-pattern to search for puzzle pieces.
• Use gloves and mesh collection bags for collecting puzzle pieces.
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI
Seals.
• Everyone here has heard of pollution and litter. What’s bad about pollution and
litter going into the ocean, rivers or lakes?
[Solicit responses about hurting the environment and that we have to live
in it. Add local examples, as relevant.]
• How do we stop pollution?
[Expect all kinds of answers. Lead to the conclusion with the next ques-
tion.]
• All your answers are right. But notice that for every one of them, to stop
pollution, first we have to know what the pollution is and where it comes from.
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• Tell participants that they’re going to be gathering puzzle pieces much like
the litter pieces scientists use to solve the pollution puzzle.
• Pass the sample pieces around for them to look at.
• Explain that divers have to be careful when they clean up trash, so they
have to stay with their buddies and wear gloves as they find each piece
and put it in their mesh bags.
• Have participants try on their gloves.
• Explain that pollution comes from lots of different places, so the pieces
come from different puzzles.
• Explain that after all teams find all the pieces, everyone has to work
together to figure out which pieces come from which puzzles.
• Describe a search pattern and have PADI Seals practice the pattern on
the pool deck.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• Assign each team to search and clean specific areas of pool.
• Descend
• PADI Seals search for, and collect puzzle pieces.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
• PADI Seals bring all their pieces together and work together to assemble
puzzles.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session]
• What were the puzzles?
[Ask kids if they were able to guess what the puzzles were before assem-
bly.]
• How hard was it to figure out what they were? What does this show you about
how hard it can be for scientists to figure out where pollution comes from?
[Solicit responses.]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook .
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section in the PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
• Schedule an aquatic realm cleanup and invite PADI Seals, their parents or
guardians and friends to participate. (optional)
u a M i s sion:
e a l T e am Aq ist Goal tronau
ts
I S i a l t by as
PAD Spec sness similar to th a t f e l
S p a c e
Inner perience weightles
eals ex
PADI S
e.
in spac
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Inner Space Specialist, PADI Seals will be
able to answer the following questions:
• What kind of buoyancy makes you float?
• What kind of buoyancy makes you sink?
• What kind of buoyancy lets you feel what it’s like to be weight-
less?
Skills
• Underwater weightlessness: Neutral buoyancy – fin pivot (power
inflator only)
• Underwater weightlessness: Neutral buoyancy – hovering
(power inflator only)
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• PVC pipe or other building material – Note: See Games Appendix for instruc-
tions on building Shallow Space Nine.
• Ascent line or other point of reference for hovering
• Underwater flying disks
• Weighted plastic eggs and spoons
• Other toys for games
• Peak Performance Buoyancy video (optional)
Set Up
• Kids begin by fin pivoting in shallow water. Skill may be repeated in
deeper water with a transition to hovering midwater. Use of a line or
marker for reference is useful.
• Once proficient at hovering, kids toss underwater flying disks while hover-
ing.
• Kids can help assemble a PVC-pipe tower underwater, or a preconstructed
tower may be used. Kids rest weighted plastic eggs in spoons and place
the eggs on the tower without touching the bottom or breaking the surface
of the water.
• At instructor’s discretion, play other games using buoyancy skills such as
swimming through weighted hoops or obstacle courses, etc.
• It’s useful if access to deeper water (four metres/12 feet maximum) is
available for games using hovering skills.
• Some pre-mission time may be required for such things as setting up
obstacle courses.
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• Descend
• Practice neutral buoyancy – fin pivot.
• Hover using point of reference.
• Assemble PVC tower (or similar object) – encourage youngsters to not
touch the bottom or push off the walls so they assemble the station or
complete the project much as an astronaut would on a space walk.
• Play games while neutrally buoyant – emphasis is on working in space
without the walls, bottom or gravity to help.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook .
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section in their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
u a M i s sion:
a l Te a m Aq Goals kills, a
nd to
e t
PADI S ion Specialissic underwater nvaigvaigtion and compass
a t i o n s es.
t
NavigaADI Seals to devpelloepcobncepts behind n
a a
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To allo t h e m to the
c e
introdu
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Navigation Specialist, PADI Seals will be
able to answer the following questions:
• What are some navigation helpers in a swimming pool?
• Which way does a compass needle point?
• How can you tell how far you have gone underwater?
Skills
• Underwater compass use
• Measure distance – counting kick strokes
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Underwater compass
• Weighted line (optional)
• Underwater slates and pencils
Setup
• Begin this AquaMission on the pool deck.
• Explain that compasses help divers go in the right direction and help
them swim in a straight line.
• Show the kids a compass like they’ll use. Point out the following features:
• needle
• the line through the compass center (lubber line)
• the marks that turn (index marks).
Note: Avoid the terms lubber line and index marks for this level.
• Show PADI Seals how to hold the compass correctly (level) so that the
needle does not trap.
• Demonstrate how the needle always points the same way (north). Have
them hold the compass and turn so they see the needle always pointing
the same way no matter which way they turn.
• Point PADI Seals along a straight line (such as a rope) and show them
how you turn the marks over the needle.
• Accompany PADI Seals as they walk along the straight line using the
compass. Emphasize that as long as they’re going straight along the rope,
the needle stays in the marks.
• Emphasize that to swim straight, they follow the center line and keep the
needle between the marks. Explain that they will also need to keep their
bodies in-line with the center line of the compass as they swim.
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI
Seals.
• Why do you think divers have more fun when they know where they are underwater?
[Solicit responses and discuss reduced anxiety. Explain that it’s similar to
hiking in the mountains – if you know where you are, you don’t worry
about how to find your way back.]
• It’s easy to remember where you are in the pool because it’s a small area. If
you’re out on a dive in the ocean, just like if you‘re out on a hike, how do you
tell which way you’re going?
[Solicit responses. Use follow up questions as necessary to establish that
you use a compass.]
• A compass tells you which way to go. How do we measure how far we go?
[Solicit responses. Use follow-up questions to lead to counting kicks. Note
that for youngsters you just count kicks – not kick cycles.]
• If you swim a certain distance and count your kicks, do you think you can
figure out how far you went?
[Discuss how knowing how many kicks it takes to go a certain distance
can be used to measure how far you went underwater.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• Position weighted line as appropriate.
• Hand out slates and pencils.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• Descend.
• Assist PADI Seals in setting their compasses.
• Demonstrate how to hold the compass in-line while swimming and have
PADI Seals practice this positioning.
• Teams perform navigation swim.
• Teams conduct kick-counting swim.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
• Kids compare kick-counts
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session]
• How many kicks did it take to swim along the line?
[Compare answers and differences. Discuss how it takes different divers a
different number of kicks to go the same distance]
• What did you learn about swimming with a compass?
[Solicit responses]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook .
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section in their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
u a M i s sion:
a l Te a m Aq ce them
S e o a l ntrodu
PADI pecialist G to go night diving a n d i
Skills
• Underwater dive light use
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Dive light for each participant (required)
• Chemical/marker light
• Backup light
• Surface reference lights
• Underwater orientation lights
• Float and attached descent line
• Aquatic animal toys
Set Up
• This activity takes place at night, which is generally considered anytime
between sunset and sunrise, however, indoor environments in which
night conditions may be simulated by reducing artificial lighting may
be used.
• Each participant must have an underwater light. A backup light or
chemical/marker light for every diver may be desirable.
• Involve PADI Seals with dive planning activities that may include shore/
surface reference lights and underwater orientation lights (chemical
lights, strobes, etc.).
• Simulate a night aquatic environment by placing toy marine animals
around the pool in locations and positions they would be likely to be
found in at night. (Fish sleeping in crevices, lobster crawling on the
bottom, morays out foraging). Use buckets and other plastic containers to
simulate rocks and crevices.
• Challenge PADI Seals to find and identify the various creatures positioned
around the pool.
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Prior to entry, set up reference lines and underwater reference lights as
appropriate.
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• Attach chemical backup lights. (optional)
• Caution kids not to shine dive lights in each other’s eyes.
• Set up surface markers.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• Descend
• Lights out – adjust to the darkness with dive lights covered (press against
body, or cover with hand)
• Search for night creatures.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session]
• What was different about diving at night?
[Discuss dive lights, signals, reference markers and other night diving
logistics encountered.]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section in their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
a M i s s ion:
Te a m Aqu
D I S e a l G o a l dies wh
en
cialist to help out their di
d
PA p e
v e b u
ty S
Safe emonstrate how
d
eals
PADI S
.
needed
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Safety Specialist, PADI Seals will be able to
answer the following questions:
• What are the steps in a predive buddy gear check?
• How do you call for help if you have a problem?
• What are the four steps in the Four Step Assist?
Skills
• Predive safety check
• Cramp removal – self and buddy
• Throw a rescue line or float
• Positive buoyancy on the surface – self and buddy
• Rescue tow
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Line for assisting from pool deck
• Float or other item to toss from pool deck to diver needing assistance
• Whistles, inflatable signal tubes
• Pool toys for games
Set Up
• This activity takes place on the pool deck to start and then at the surface
in full scuba. Cramp removal may be practiced at the surface and/or
underwater.
• PADI Seals learn how to assist someone needing help in the water by
throwing a line, float or other item and pulling the person slowly to
safety. There are several ways to accomplish this. You may have PADI
Seals take turns throwing a rescue line or float to you or an assistant (kids
on deck/you inwater) or you may position one team on the pool deck and
another inwater, taking turns as both rescuer and diver in trouble.
• Kids learn very basic diver assists, including the Four Step Assist:
1. Buoyancy – Put air in your BCD so you float at the surface. Then do
this for the person needing help. You can also remove his weight belt
if he has one.
2. Relax – Calmly tell the person that you can help. Tell him to relax
and stop swimming.
3. Breathe – Tell your buddy to take slow, deep breaths. This will help him
feel and think better.
50 AquaMission: Team Safety Specialist
4. Tow – Tow your buddy by holding on to his tank valve or arm. Or, you
can push him from his legs.
• Make a timed game or race of the diver tow or push.
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI
Seals.
• Why do you think we sometimes get a leg cramp when using fins?
[We are using different leg muscles to move fins through water, can cause
muscles to tire and cramp.]
• How do you know when to call for help?
[If there’s a problem, you always call for help, but especially if you are far
away from shore/boat, if you are unable to assist your partner, you need
help to assist your partner, or if you need help yourself.]
• What are some ways to call or signal for help?
[Waving arm, blowing whistle, yelling out, using inflatable signal tube]
• Why is it important to stay near and communicate with your buddy?
[So you are nearby to help each other out if needed, so you can compare
air supplies, so you can enjoy the dive together.]
• What are some ways to help an anxious or tired buddy calm down and relax?
[Speak calmly, reassure the buddy you’ll help, ask your buddy to take
slow, deep breaths]
• Once you and your buddy are floating at the surface, what are some ways you
can help a tired buddy reach the shore/boat?
[Tank-valve tow, underarm tow, upper-body push]
• When your partner needs help and you assist, how does that make you feel?
[It makes us feel good to assist someone who needs help, and gives us
confidence in our own ability.]
• What are some easy ways to keep problems from occurring when diving?
[Do a predive safety check (BWRAF), stay near your buddy, equalize often,
check your air often, communicate with your buddy.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• Describe logistics for rescue line or float throwing exercise and conduct
as appropriate.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• Skills may be repeated in deeper water after conducting them in shallow
water.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session]
• What did you learn about helping someone in a dive emergency?
[Solicit responses and praise performance]
• When would you call for help?
[Always.]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section of their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
u a M i s sion: Goal
a l T e a m Aq Specialist ems.
e
PADI S and Recovernyg and retrieving lost
it
odu
To intr
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Search and Recovery Specialist, PADI Seals
will be able to answer the following questions:
• Does using a search pattern make it easier to find lost objects?
• Which search patterns can you use to find lost objects
underwater?
• How do you fill a lift bag?
Skills
• Search for objects using a search pattern.
• Lift a small object using a lift bag.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Several small, clear plastic items (e.g., six-pack ring, food wrapper, plastic
beverage container, etc.)
• Mesh goodie bags
• Line for practicing knot tying (optional)
• Line for attaching object to lift bag
• Small commercial, or similar, lift bag
• Small object for lifting – choose something that would not be hazardous
if it were to sink.
Set Up
• Begin this AquaMission on the pool deck.
• Determine appropriate search patterns and search areas based on pool
configuration and number of participants.
• Demonstrate, then have participants walk through search patterns. Show
how to make turns using arm extensions. Emphasize buddy cooperation
and communication.
• In buddy teams, PADI Seals will search for and recover small items lost
in the pool.
• Before entering the water, have participants inspect search items for
familiarity.
• Have enough small, hard-to-see objects so that each buddy team is search-
ing for a different object.
• Take care when placing small, clear items in the pool – make sure you
know where they are (in case they aren’t found by participants) and keep
them away from the pool filter system.
• PADI Seals will lift a small object using a lift bag.
• Prepare lift bag and rig small object for lifting. If appropriate, have PADI
Seals practice knot tying and rigging the object to the lift bag. Otherwise,
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI
Seals.
• Have you ever accidentally dropped something in the water – off a boat or dock,
or even in a pool? Maybe someone you know did?
[Solicit examples of things people lose – sunglasses, fishing poles, watches,
jewelry, masks, snorkels, fins, etc.]
• Can you think of other items that end up in the water that shouldn’t be there?
[Solicit examples – cars, planes, etc. Suggest that garbage and other harm-
ful substances end up in the water – intentionally and unintentionally.
Remind participants that as Project AWARE ambassadors they should be
careful to keep trash out of the water. Explain that they will practice
searching for and recovering clear pieces of trash in the pool.]
• Of all the other items mentioned, which ones do you think scuba divers can
find and recover?
[Solicit ideas. Explain that finding a really small item, like a necklace,
takes careful searching, but it’s easy to recover – just put it in your pocket.
Bigger items are easier to find but they’re harder to recover. Recovering
really big, heavy things like cars and anchors take special lift bags and
special training. However, they’ll get to see how a lift bag works when they
recover a small object from the pool.]
• Is anyone here good at tying knots? (optional)
[Solicit responses. Explain that they’ll get to practice tying two knots that
they can use to attach the toy truck (or similar object) to the lift bag.]
• If you want to search an area of the pool, how can you do it in an organized
manner?
[Solicit ideas. Explain that to be thorough, you must choose an appropri-
ate search pattern and coordinate the search with your buddy. Transition
into the poolside activities by describing the patterns they’ll practice.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Distribute lost items throughout the pool.
• Assemble lifting equipment by the pool side.
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• Descend
• Perform search for small lost items
• Rig and lift a small object.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session]
• If someone told you they lost an earring or even a contact lens in the pool, could
you find it? How would you do it?
[Discuss their success in finding the clear plastic items.]
• How do you feel about your ability to locate a specific object and mark it?
[Discuss their success in finding their assigned objects.]
• What did you learn by lifting the toy truck (or other similar object)?
[Solicit responses and discuss appropriate safety reminders.]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section in their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
a M i s s ion:
a l Te a m Aqu Goal clear w
ater
S e s t
PADI ver Speciali norkel at the surfac e a n d
Equipment
• Mask
• Fins
• Snorkel
• Snorkeling vest or BCD
• Exposure suits and weights used at instructor’s discretion.
Note: If conducting as PADI Skin Diver Course, see PADI “Skin Diving/
Snorkeling Instructor Guide” for equipment requirements.
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Skin Diver Specialist, PADI Seals will be
able to answer the following questions:
• What is the best way to breathe while skin diving?
• What do you do to clear water from a snorkel?
• What are three important skin diving practices?
Skills
After completing AquaMission: Skin Diver Specialist, PADI Seals will be able
to perform the following skills:
• Adjust snorkeling equipment for fit
• Swim at the surface in snorkeling equipment without using
hands
• Remove water from snorkel using blast-clearing method
• Remove water from mask
• Maintain control of direction while swimming
Note: If conducting as PADI Skin Diver Course, see PADI “Skin Diving/Snorkeling
Instructor Guide” for performance requirements.
Set Up
• This activity initially takes place in shallow water and may be repeated in
deeper water once skill proficiency is demonstrated.
• Kids are initially fitted for snorkeling equipment in shallow water.
• Kids practice the snorkeling skills outlined.
• Kids play snorkeling games when comfortable with the skills.
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI
Seals.
• Why do people sometimes snorkel instead of scuba dive?
[Less equipment, unlimited air, can see lots of creatures, young kids can
do it, easy and fun.]
• Why do we need a snorkel?
[More comfortable to rest and swim without having to lift the head to
breathe.]
• What can you do if you get water in your snorkel?
[Clear it out by blasting air through the tube.]
• What is the best way to swim with fins at the surface?
[Long, slow kicks, keeping fins under the water].
• Why should we snorkel with a partner?
[It’s more fun, safe, partner can help if there’s a problem, share experi-
ence.]
• What should you do if you get cold while snorkeling?
[Tell your buddy or instructor and get out of the water, dry off, put on
warm clothes. Exposure suits help.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• PADI Seals practice snorkeling skills and play snorkeling games.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section of their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
a M i s s ion:
e a m Aqu
I S e a l T
lis t G o al r-snap
shot
PAD o t S pecia es using either under w a t e
sh
Snap nderwater imag
ture u eras.
To cap r v i d eo cam
as o
camer
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Snapshot Specialist, PADI Seals will be
able to answer the following questions:
• What kind of camera do you need to take underwater pictures?
• How do you keep your underwater camera clean and working
properly?
• What diving skills help you to take good underwater pictures?
Skills
• Take pictures underwater.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Snapshot or video cameras
• Props to photograph (aquatic life toys suggested)
Set Up
• Prepare cameras, preferably prior to youngsters’ arrival.
• PADI Seals will be assigned a photo-buddy to team up with. One buddy
will take pictures the first half of the dive and the second buddy will take
pictures on the second half of the dive.
• Place an assortment of various aquatic-life toys or other interesting photo
subjects in the pool as props.
• Have kids pose as photo subjects for each other underwater, using the
props.
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
Ask the following questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI
Seals.
• I’ve asked you to share a camera with your buddy, instead of giving everyone a
camera. Why do you think I’ve done this?
[Discuss buddy procedures and explain that it’s easy to get distracted and
lose your buddy if both are taking pictures at the same time]
• How can you help your buddy take good pictures?
[Posing, finding cool aquatic life for him to take pictures of]
• What are some of the things that you think might be important about taking
good underwater pictures?
[Distance from subject, buoyancy control]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddy teams, explaining that one buddy will take pictures the first
have of the dive and the second buddy will take pictures on the second
half of the dive.
• Place cameras on the pool deck in a location easily accessible after entry.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• Descend
• Buddy #1 takes pictures
• Buddy #2 takes pictures
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session]
• Do you think you got some good pictures underwater?
[Solicit responses and descriptions of favorite photo opportunities the kids
encountered.]
• What did you learn?
[Solicit responses.]
u a M i s sion:
L T E A M Aq s n wrec
ks,
E A l
PADI S pecialist Gonadamental skillsffsotrhdat require chauateioolnogy
i v in g o
S
Wreck Seals to developefcks as artificial rseic underwater ar
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w PAD oncept ids wit
To allo t h e c ar i z e k
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ot e es.
and pr n d p r ocedur
ts a
concep
Challenge
Upon completion of AquaMission: Wreck Specialist, PADI Seals will be able to
answer the following questions:
• How do you keep from hurting wrecks and artificial reefs?
• What is an underwater archaeologist?
• Is it ever okay to take things from wrecks?
Skills
• Buoyancy control
• Measure and map a simulated, submerged wreck.
Special Materials
In addition to equipment listed in program Standards:
• Large slate for each dive team
• Builder’s tape measure
• Shipwreck (any boat or boat-shaped item you can submerge in a pool,
such as an old rowboat, plastic boat-shaped kiddie pools, or a boat shape
fabricated from PVC tubing, or a boat-shape made from weighted line
on the pool bottom. Note: See Games appendix for instructions on building
the PVC Shipwreck.
• Shipwreck artifacts (items to put in the wreck, such as a comb, play money,
plastic dishes and/or pans, etc.)
• Camera (optional)
Setup
• Submerge the wreck in the pool.
• Put grouped similar artifacts in discreet areas so that PADI Seals will be
able to make deductions about the wreckage. (For example, put plastic
dishes and a pan in one area of the wreck, and coins and costume jewelry
in another. Later, PADI Seals will be able to deduce where the kitchen was
and where the ship’s safe was that held passengers’ money and jewelry.)
• On each slate, draw the outline of the wreck, recording its length and
width.
Interactive Briefing
Opening Dialog
• Who wants to dive on a shipwreck?
[Hopefully all hands go up.]
• Who can tell me what a shipwreck is?
[Solicit responses; mostly about ships that sink.]
Pool Dive
1. Predive
• Gather kids to the poolside and help them set up their equipment.
• Assign buddies.
• Tell kids that they’ll be making their maps using a slate and tape mea-
sure.
• Show them a slate like they’ll use and where they’ll fill in the wreck’s
length and width, and objects found on the wreck.
• Show them an example of a finished map with the length and width filled
in. Pass it around to look at.
• Explain that wrecks can have sharp edges, so they may want to wear
protective gloves when they dive.
• General pool rules and safety reminders.
• Underwater safety rules and reminders.
3. Activity
• PADI Seals conduct supervised wreck dive with buddies.
4. Post Dive
• Break as appropriate (bathroom, drying, dressing, etc.) to assure comfort.
• PADI Seals work together to complete any final map details.
Interactive Debriefing
Closing Dialog
Ask questions and solicit answers and interaction from PADI Seals.
[Questions should be based on actual occurrences during the session.]
• Where was the bedroom, kitchen – whatever – based on what artifacts
you grouped? How could you tell?
[Do this for each of the areas.]
• How long and wide was the wreck?
[Confirm correct answers.]
• What did you learn about being an underwater archeologist?
[Solicit responses.]
Closing Activities
• Issue decals for the PADI Seal Team AquaMission Logbook.
• Remind PADI Seals to read the section in their PADI Seal Team AquaMission
Activity Book for their next AquaMission.
• Report to parents or guardians on children’s performance.
• If your dive operation conducts trips/tours to local maritime museums, or
puts on wreck diving presentations, invite PADI Seals and their parents or
guardians, as appropriate.
Medical History
To the participant:
Answer yes or no to any of the following items that apply to your past medical history or present medical condition. If any of these
items do apply to you, we must request you consult a physician prior to participating in a scuba experience.
We understand there are certain risks associated with aquatic activities conducted in and around a swimming pool, and we expressly
assume the risk of said injuries.
We understand the PADI Seal Team program is a series of AquaMissions which will be conducted in a swimming pool. We understand that
my child may choose to participate in one or all of these AquaMissions. These AquaMissions include, but are not limited to, five (5) core
Product No. 10093 (5/01) Version 1.0 Continued on Reverse Side © International PADI, Inc. 2001
Further, we understand and agree that this Release encompasses and applies to all the PADI Seal Team AquaMissions, as described
above, in which my child chooses to participate.
We understand that diving with compressed air involves certain inherent risks and my child will be exposed to these risks. Decompression
sickness, embolism or other hyperbaric injuries can occur which require treatment in a recompression chamber. We further understand
that this activity may be conducted at a site that is remote, either by time or distance or both, from such a recompression chamber. We still
choose to proceed with this activity in spite of the absence of a recompression chamber in proximity to the activity site.
We understand and agree that neither the dive professionals conducting this activity, nor the facility through which this activity is
conducted, _________________________________________, nor International PADI, Inc., nor any of their respective employees,
officers, agents or assigns (hereinafter referred to as “Released Parties”) may be held liable or responsible in any way for any injury, death
or other damages to my child, me, my family, our heirs or assigns that may occur as a result of my child’s participation in this activity or as
a result of the negligence of any party, including the Released Parties, whether passive or active.
We further understand that skin diving and scuba diving are physically strenuous activities and that my child will be exerting him/herself
during this activity and that if my child is injured as a result of heart attack, panic, hyperventilation, etc., that we expressly assume the risk
of said injuries to my child. We affirm that we will not hold the above listed individual or companies responsible for the same.
In consideration of my child being allowed to participate in this activity we hereby personally assume all risks in connection with the activity
for any harm, injury or damage that may befall my child while participating in the activity, including all risks connected therewith, whether
foreseen or unforeseen.
We further release and hold harmless said activity and the Released Parties from any claim or lawsuit by my child, me, or my family, or our
estate, heirs or assigns, arising out of my child’s participation in this activity.
We hereby state that this Release will be effective and valid for all specialized diving activities as defined above in which my child chooses
to participate within one year from the initial date on which I and my child execute this Release.
We understand and agree this Release is divisible, and any portion herein held to be in violation of any applicable statutes or regulations or
any governmental agency having jurisdiction shall affect only that portion held to be invalid or inoperative, and the remaining portions of
this Release shall remain in full force and effect.
I further state that I am of lawful age and legally competent to sign this Assumption of Risk and Liability Release Agreement, and as the
parent am providing written consent for the participation of my child.
We understand that the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital and that we have signed this Release of our own free act.
WE HAVE FULLY INFORMED OURSELVES OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY RELEASE AGREE-
MENT BY READING IT BEFORE SIGNING IT ON BEHALF OF MYSELF, MY CHILD, AND OUR HEIRS.
_________________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Participant Date (day/month/year)
_________________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date (day/month/year)
72 Appendix
Games Appendix
This section outlines game choices described in AquaMissions 1-4 and offers ideas
and suggestions for additional challenges of varying complexity. Part of the fun
of pool games comes from visiting toy stores, shopping the watersports depart-
ments in sporting goods stores, seeing what gadgets are available in pool stores
or surfing the web for related internet sites. Apart from commercially available
toys and games, you can construct simple geometric assembly puzzles and swim-
through obstacles using PVC pipe and connecting joints. Weighted board games,
laminated card games and dominos provide underwater entertainment. Pool
games and toys allow kids to develop dive skills and build confidence while
having fun.
AquaMission 1 Games
Toss and throw games
Toss and catch Toypedos TM, underwater flying disks, etc. In early AquaMissions,
the kids will normally toss and catch the toys from a kneeling or a bottom
supported body position. Later, in AquaMission: Inner Space Specialist, have them
toss and catch the toys while hovering.
UW racket ball
Using small plastic rackets or paddles, divers bat balls (golf balls work well)
among each other, trying to keep them from touching the bottom of the pool.
AquaMission 2 Games
Coin collecting
Collect small items from the bottom of the pool. Real coins work well, as do toy
pieces-of-eight or similar play money found at many toy stores.
Initially, toss a handful of coins into the pool for kids to retrieve. Incentive is
added when the kids are challenged by a prize for the buddy team that collects
the most coins. Provide a goody bag or similar receptacle for coin collecting.
Another idea is to toss coins into the pool and have divers seek coins with
specific dates. Award prizes associated with each date. You can also use coin
denomination. The winner is the one who collects the greatest value in coins. This
example strengthens applying mental skills while engaging in a physical task.
Coin toss
In deeper water, try having the kids drop coins from the surface and try to land
them in a bucket on the bottom. Have them descend to retrieve their missed shots
and try again. The ones who get all their coins in the bucket first win the game.
Organize as either an individual competition with each youngster having his own
coins and bucket, or as a team effort with two teams competing.
Dive rings
Commercially made rubber dive rings of various colors thrown into the pool for
kids to retrieve.
Assembly Games
Build a cube or other geometric pattern using PVC pipe sections.
Small configurations may be assembled/disassembled by individuals or buddy
teams. Larger productions may take an entire team of kids to assemble. Larger
assemblies encourage team-building, cooperation, communication and planning.
Advanced challenges include assembling items without touching the bottom
or floating to the surface, as in AquaMission: Inner Space Specialist. You can
suspend the beginning portion of the item from floats and have participants
build the rest.
Puzzle Games
A variety of commercially manufactured puzzles are available that hold up to
pool use.
For example: Plastic balls or boxes with various shapes cut out – through
which matching shapes are inserted, simple variations of assorted brain teasers,
etc.
74 Appendix
AquaMission 4 Games
Games that develop buoyancy control skills are appropriate for AquaMission 4.
• Swimming through an obstacle course of weighted PVC pipe squares or
diamonds, or Hula Hoops™.
• Playing “airplane” by swimming with arms extended, avoiding contact
with the pool bottom.
• Hovering mid-water in a cross legged position.
4' 4' G
8' B A
2' 2'
2'
E
=x2 =x2 H
B
A
D
x1
8' E
F
2' D C
C
=x4
Station G
Components F
C C
SHIPWRECK
E-2 C E-4
A
D
E-1 B
E-3
E-3
G
F
B
A D E-2 E-4
E-1 A
B C E-3
E-3 D E-2 C E-4 A
B E-1
B
E-5
A
E-3
E-1
B
D E-2 E-4
C A
76 Appendix