Our Story

 The Academy has taught recreational scuba diving since 2017 and is recognized as an SDI Five-Star Instructor training facility. In 2022, the Academy became an organizational member of the Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). That same year, we launched our scientific research training program and have been training professional research divers ever since. Starting in 2024, the Academy is proud to be part of CMAS, which stands for the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (World Underwater Federation). Founded in 1959, this global organization oversees various underwater activities and is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious diving organizations.

Inspire the Next Generation

Ongoing Opportunity

Connecticut Scuba Academy divers planting seagrass underwater

 We are seeking volunteers for ongoing programs.

We would like to see volunteers at least bi-monthly. Of course, we are far more active in the warm weather than the cold, but the academy never slows down. We understand today's busy schedules, and we are sure we have a spot you could fill in one of our multiple programs.

The Perfect Fit

Group Academy people in wetsuits on a boat with scuba diving equipment.

Students, Retirees, or Professionals

No matter your status, we have a place for you. We try to fit our volunteers into the positions that best suit their interests, whether they are interested in Scouting, Marine Science, After-school programs, or competition diving. We have the program for you.

Here Are Some compelling reasons to volunteer with the academy

Connecticut Scuba Academy divers monitoring underwater coral nursery
Group of people gathered under outdoor pavilion, sitting at table and standing, casual attire, sunny day.
Academy Scuba divers underwater in a swimming pool, practicing skills, wearing scuba gear, with bubbles and lane markers visible.
Two scuba divers practicing air-sharing technique underwater. The divers have scuba gear, including wetsuits and breathing regulators, in a pool setting.

Networking opportunity:

 Volunteering allows individuals to meet and connect with other divers, instructors, and professionals in scuba diving. This networking can lead to new opportunities, friendships, and the chance to discover the beauty of local dive sites and participate in exciting expeditions. 

Giving back to the environment :

Contributing to a non-profit organization dedicated to marine conservation and education allows you to support the Academy's growth and success and its mission of promoting safe and responsible diving practices. 

Improving diving skills:

 Volunteering will offer opportunities to participate in dives, practice skills, and learn from experienced divers and instructors. This can enhance personal diving proficiency and safety.  Volunteering will give you the opportunity to receive training at little to no cost. 

Gaining experience in scuba diving:

 Volunteering can provide valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of scuba diving, from assisting with equipment maintenance to helping with instruction or event organization. This experience can also help you develop your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. 

Group of divers in a swimming pool during a diving class, wearing scuba gear and masks.
Group of people holding Boy Scouts of America flag and SCUBA diving flag by a lakeside at Camp Workcoeman.
Group of people learning scuba diving equipment at a table outdoors.
Two scuba divers in water with a research vessel in the background Long Island Sound New England

Inspire Future Generations:

 Share your passion for diving with young people and help nurture the next generation of ocean stewards. 

Technical Diving International logo with twin tanks and global map background.

For divers seeking to unlock new underwater frontiers, TDI offers advanced training in technical diving, where expertise and dedication are essential for venturing into deeper, more challenging environments

CMAS logo, Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques, World Underwater Federation

CMAS is a non-profit organization commonly affiliated with diving clubs and federations. It places a strong emphasis on scientific diving and marine conservation. CMAS follows a progressive training philosophy, which requires divers to acquire more advanced skills and knowledge at each level. As a result, CMAS courses typically take longer and are more challenging, but they produce well-trained and confident divers. Unlike some other agencies that may prioritize commercial interests, CMAS is often more focused on community involvement. Additionally, CMAS oversees competitive diving, including freediving and sport scuba diving

Protect our Oceans:

 Contribute to marine conservation by participating in clean-up dives, habitat restoration projects, and scientific research.

What we teach

Developing professional skills:

 Depending on the tasks involved, volunteering could lead you down the professional pathway to Dive Master and Instructor.

SDI logo with a blue and red design.

Scuba Diving International serves as the training agency for our academy's recreational courses, ranging from open water divers to TDI technical divers. We have an in-house course director and instructor trainer, and all of our professional staff are certified by SDI. The majority of the courses offered at the academy are under the SDI framework.The Academy also offers ERDI (Emergency Response Diving International) courses to local PSD teams.

AAUS logo with text "American Academy of Underwater Sciences."

 The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is dedicated to advancing safe and effective scientific diving practices. To this end, the Academy offers a rigorous research diving program requiring over 100 hours of specialized training and a minimum of 12 open-water dives. This program, conducted in collaboration with Sound School in New Haven, CT, equips divers with the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting underwater research. 

Personal satisfaction:

Helping others and contributing to a cause can be personally rewarding and fulfilling. Volunteering for the Academy can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.  

Rescue course in life jackets on a boat, some preparing for scuba diving, with equipment visible.
Inside view of a boat cabin with three people, life jackets, and navigation equipment, Sound School.
People wearing life jackets examining samples on a boat using microscopes.
Group of people holding banners including scuba diving, trees and lake in background, summer camp setting.
Scuba diver underwater showing OK hand gesture connecticut
Two scuba divers underwater, wearing masks and goggles, with one showing an okay hand signal. New England Diving
Group of students posing in a classroom with a teacher, Connecticut School emblem in background.

Sound School

Group of people in a swimming pool practicing rescue techniques with one person on a rescue board. Connecticut Scuba Academy
Person using a microscope wearing a red life jacket New England
Group of people working on a large orange spherical object, possibly a mold, in a workshop setting.
Group of scuba divers in a lake near a wooded shoreline with tents and a dive flag. Scuba Camp New England
Underwater perspective of a person wearing scuba gear near an inflatable water slide, with trees in the background.
Scuba diver near buoy in lake with partial underwater view
Two people practicing CPR on a training manikin in a classroom setting.
Two people in waders near wooden posts in shallow water, holding an orange bucket on a rocky shoreline.
People on a boat examining scientific equipment in a case with safety gear

Our longest and largest partnership is with Sound School. This collaboration is where most of our research and AAUS scientific programming occurs, including the innovative Sound School Reef Program. This project focuses on restoring oyster reefs in New Haven Harbor and involves students from Sound School, a vocational high school specializing in marine science and technology.

Key aspects of the program:

  • Artificial Reefs: Students construct artificial reefs using concrete and oyster shells. These reefs provide habitat for marine life and help filter water.

  • Oyster Cultivation: Students learn to cultivate oysters, which are crucial in improving water quality.

  • Scientific Research: Students conduct research on the health of the reefs, monitor water quality, and study the impact of the reefs on marine ecosystems.

  • Community Engagement: The program involves local communities in the restoration efforts, raising awareness about marine conservation.

  • This program provides valuable hands-on experience for students and contributes to the restoration of the local marine environment. It's a great example of how education and conservation can work together to create a positive impact.

Scouts of America scuba camp

Group of people attending a workshop at a beachside restaurant with straw umbrellas visible outside, laptops and snacks on the tables, and a presenter speaking.
Logo featuring a green diamond with a white mountain and yellow "V" shape.
Two scuba divers underwater holding a Boy Scouts of America flag that reads 'Troop 260, Suffield, CT' against a greenish water background.
People sitting outdoors in a forest setting on wooden benches, engaged in a conversation or activity.
Scuba divers near the surface of a lake at Camp Workcoeman, with diving flags and a submerged view of the water.

 Venture Crew 8 Camp Workcoeman

Through its partnership with Camp Workcoeman, Connecticut Scuba Academy (CTSA) offers a variety of scuba programs to Scouts and the public. These programs emphasize safe scuba diving practices, environmental awareness, and conservation. Camp Workcoeman's location on West Hill Pond—a clean, clear lake—provides an ideal training environment. For three weeks each July, CTSA conducts open water scuba training for Scouts Monday through Thursday. The Academy also now offers specialty courses for previous students. With private access, clear water, and consistent weather conditions, Camp Workcoeman is an ideal location for CTSA's training, most of which takes place there.

Educational expeditions

scuba diver exploring underwater shipwreck
Scuba diver exploring underwater coral reef with sea fans and marine life
Diver exploring underwater shipwreck covered in marine life
Scuba diver tending coral fragments on underwater nursery structure.
Group of people sitting around a table engaged in a discussion or workshop, with materials on the table.

 Connecticut Scuba Academy's research and high-adventure expeditions are among our most popular programs. From our annual Reef Renewal expedition to Bonaire to our Truuk Lagoon expeditions, exploration and discovery are central to our mission. To ensure affordability, all expeditions operate on a low-to-no-profit basis for the Academy, with additional discounts offered to volunteers. 

Citizens science network & Blue earth news

People walking in a grassy wetland area carrying equipment, with a forest in the background.
Two scuba divers conducting underwater research with a clipboard, writing observations in a marine environment.
Group of people in red immersion suits floating in water
Citizen Science Network logo featuring a blue whale, fish, and jellyfish inside a water droplet with waves. Text: 'Citizen Science Network Explore Your World.'
Two scuba divers in ice-cold water wearing diving suits and gear, emerging from a hole in the ice. CTSA
People preparing to board a dive boat at a dock, wearing wetsuits and life jackets. CTSA Rescue

 The Connecticut Scuba Academy is launching two exciting new initiatives: the Citizen Science Network and Blue Earth News. Addressing a critical shortage of research divers in the Northeast, the Academy is partnering with NOAA's Milford lab to deploy divers supporting their research. This program aims to expand, connecting high schools, universities, and clubs to assist data collection and contribute to a future global network. Complementing this, Blue Earth News, a collaborative YouTube channel, will disseminate local and international environmental news. Furthermore, the Academy will produce a mini-documentary series, Blue Earth Documentary, focusing on various marine and aquatic topics. Finally, the Citizen Science Network welcomes all participants, regardless of diving experience, to engage in water sampling and beach cleanups, fostering broad-based environmental stewardship. 

Underwater divers planting seagrass in crates Connecticut Scuba Academy

Join our team & make a difference

 The Connecticut Scuba Academy offers diverse opportunities for everyone, from collaborating with Sound School on their oyster restoration projects to becoming an AAUS-certified research diver. Whether volunteering at a scout camp, participating in after-school programs, leading international expeditions, or simply enjoying a recreational dive, there's a place for you. Volunteering provides immense personal satisfaction and offers numerous benefits, including access to Academy equipment, discounted or free training, travel discounts, and the chance to forge new friendships while enhancing your diving skills. Join our family and join our expanding community in the Northeast and beyond! 

Equality Policy

Connecticut Scuba Academy (CTSA) is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment.

Diversity strengthens our organization and enhances our impact on the world. We are committed to:

  • Embracing Inclusion: We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We recognize and value each member of our community's unique perspectives and contributions.

  • Promoting Equity: We strive to create a fair and just environment with equal opportunities to participate, learn, and grow. We actively work to address and dismantle systemic barriers that may hinder participation.

  • Respecting Differences: We foster a culture of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation for our organization's diverse cultures and perspectives and the communities we serve.

  • Continuous Improvement: We are committed to ongoing dialogue and learning to ensure that our policies and practices reflect our values of equity and inclusion. We seek feedback and suggestions from our community to continuously improve our efforts.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is fundamental to our mission of empowering individuals to explore, understand, and protect our Blue Planet. A diverse and inclusive community is essential for achieving a sustainable future for all.