A highly-trained PADI instructor will teach visitors how to scuba dive
Red Sea Global, an ambitious sustainable tourism project in Saudi Arabia, says it has made its two dive centres the country’s first and only scuba certification level PADI Adaptive Service Facilities.
A highly-trained PADI instructor will teach visitors how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.
In a press statement, RSG says that achieving this involved ensuring that all aspects of the dive bases, including infrastructure and logistics, communication methods, training protocols and safety measures, are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all divers.
The statement adds that this rating requires each centre to have PADI Adaptive Techniques instructors on staff and wheelchair access throughout, including both for the diving pool and any boats it uses to provide dive experiences. Successfully attaining the rating means RSG is now able to offer inclusive diving experiences to all its guests.
Rosanna Chopra
“As the world’s largest ocean exploration and diver organisation, PADI’s mission resonates with our commitment to creating a billion torchbearers to explore and protect the ocean. We are proud to be part of this global network and to lead the way in adaptive diving initiatives in Saudi Arabia,” says Rosanna Chopra, Executive Director, Destination Development, at Red Sea Global.
The statement adds that Red Sea Global has two PADI 5 Star Dive Centres, the Nujuma Dive Centre at the Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve hotel, and the TBV Dive Club at Turtle Bay Village. Both are operated by Galaxea, the wholly-owned dive operations subsidiary of RSG, responsible for offering diving experiences at its destinations.
The statement adds that to attain the rating of Adaptive Techniques Instructor, each of the Galaxea instructors participated in three days of training across the classroom, the pool and open water. Using webbed gloves, they experienced diving with limited mobility, and through a black out mask, diving with a sight impairment.
Instructors were also taught how to guide divers with disabilities
RSG authorities says that the instructors were also taught how to guide divers with these types of disabilities. These instructors are now able to teach the following two PADI specialties: Adaptive Techniques Diver and Adaptive Support Diver.
“We celebrate Red Sea Global for their remarkable feat as the inaugural ‘PADI Adaptive Service Facilities’ in Saudi Arabia. This significant milestone shines a bright light on diving in the Red Sea, showcasing inclusivity, excellence, and unique marine life. The Federation will continue collaboration with Red Sea Global, creating a sea of opportunities and destinations for all divers to explore and enjoy,” says Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation.
Looking back, RSG says it announced last year a commitment to ensure its luxury destinations and experiences will be fully accessible and inclusive for guests and visitors with disabilities and special needs.
The statement adds that a second destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, will also open this year. Amaala remains on track to welcome first guests in 2025, when the first resorts complete as part of Triple Bay phase one, along with Corallium and the iconic Yacht Club.
