Guide Star Platinum level
Guide Star Platinum level
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.
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 in 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.
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 Scouting, Marine Science, After-school programs, or competition diving. We have the program for you
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.
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.
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.
Volunteering allows individuals to meet and connect with other divers, instructors, and professionals in the scuba diving industry. This networking can lead to new opportunities, friendships and the chance to discover the beauty of local dive sites and participate in exciting expeditions.
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.
Depending on the tasks involved, volunteering could lead you down the professional pathway to Dive Master and Instructor.
Contribute to marine conservation by participating in clean-up dives, habitat restoration projects, and scientific research.
Share your passion for diving with young people and help nurture the next generation of ocean stewards.
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.
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.
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.
DAN provides a variety of training courses focused on emergency response and first aid for diving-related injuries. Key courses include:
Emergency Oxygen Provider (EOP):** Learn to administer emergency oxygen to divers with decompression illness (DCI), recognize symptoms, and respond to emergencies.
Basic Life Support (BLS):** Gain essential life-saving skills, including CPR and first aid for diving and general emergencies.
Advanced First Aid:** Build on basic skills with advanced techniques for managing injuries and illnesses.
DAN's courses equip divers with the knowledge and skills needed for effective emergency response, enhancing their safety and that of their fellow divers.
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:
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.
Connecticut Scuba Academy's after-school Dive Club program, launched in 2017, is one of the academy's original offerings. Currently, three Connecticut high schools participate, with two more in discussions to join. This program has the potential to become one of the academy's largest and is certainly one of its most rewarding.
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.
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.
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!
Connecticut Scuba Academy, Inc
Cheshire, CT
a not-for-profit, section 501(c)(3). 82-3731109
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