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Communication Diver PADI Distinctive Specialty The purpose of the Communication Diver Specialty Course is to teach several techniques of communication used underwater with an emphasis on hand signals. The general training goals are to improve and increase communication skills between buddy pairs and groups by developing observational and visual discrimination skills, projecting and interpreting messages effectively, and learning how to adapt communication for diverse situations. The Communication Diver specialty course can credit towards becoming a PADI Master Scuba Diver. The Communication Diver course may be conducted in one of three ways: Total Immersion is 2 dives with thorough pre and post dive briefings. This method is aimed at getting divers into the water as quickly as possible. Students learn signs and use communication techniques while actively engaged in the sport. In and Out is 1-Seminar and 1-Dive which includes a complete knowledge development session on dry land with a dive either in confined or open water to practice newly learned signs and communication techniques. All Out is 2-Seminars designed for divers without access to dive sites. These are in-depth lectures, discussions and activities designed to build divers’ skills in preparation for being in the water. To attain certification, students attend and demonstrate mastery in two of the following areas: Marine Organisms 101: This is designed to start students on a journey of seeing more of the world and naming it visually. A local field guide is recommended. Advanced Creature ID & Behavior: This builds on basic understanding of marine organism signs by challenging a student to develop visual discrimination skills and expressional clarity as well as to discuss organisms’ natural history and behavior. Buddy & Team Building: Improve underwater conversational skills through exercises focused on information exchange. Great for groups planning on diving together. Adaptations: Learn the basics for modifying communication based on challenges such as physical disability, no visibility, low visibility, distance, diving in the dark, and diving wearing dark suits and gloves. Technically Speaking: An in-depth look at equipment, trouble-shooting and running precise training exercises without needing to surface.
How can I take the Communication Diver Specialty Course?
How can I teach the Communication Diver Specialty Course?
Fae J. Silverman PADI MSDT #173714, TDI/SDI #10799
Developing the Communication Diver specialty course was a culmination of Fae’s three favorite interests: SCUBA diving, communicating in sign language, and teaching. Since childhood, she has been fascinated by the underwater world. While snorkeling, she learned to appreciate the beauty of coral reefs and fishes. When she became old enough to SCUBA dive, she discovered not only more diversity of species and seascapes, but also the incredible feeling of neutral buoyancy and the camaraderie with other divers who share similar underwater experiences. Her interest in diving flourished and she became a PADI instructor in 2000. As a SCUBA diver she had the special privilege of seeing a part of the world that most people don't have the chance to see. As an instructor she could also introduce people to experience this new facet of life.From her first breath underwater, she encountered the frustration of the abbreviated communication caused by breathing from a regulator as she wanted the ability to have full conversations while diving. She started learning American Sign Language in hopes of one day having a buddy who also knew the language so they could discuss a range of topics while diving together. She became proficient in sign language by immersing herself in Deaf culture for six months as an undergraduate student at Gallaudet University, the only university of the Deaf in the world. The idea for researching and writing this specialty course came from a project she worked on in a Visual-Gestural Communication course focusing on how non-verbal communication is used by society as part of everyday life. Upon returning for her senior year as an undergraduate student at College of the Atlantic, she realized that she had the unique perspective of knowing sign language, SCUBA diving, and the processes of teaching and learning. She decided to combine those interests in a year-long senior project, creating and teaching a pilot course in underwater communication, as well as documenting and developing a usable system of hand signals for SCUBA divers all over the world. The Communication Diver course curriculum is the culmination of research and analysis of the pilot course and collaboration with PADI. During the winter of 2004-2005, she spent 2 months in Belize at the Tobacco Caye Dive Center, earning the title of Master Scuba Diver Trainer and establishing a residency there to teach the Communication Diver course yearly on an international level. She currently divides her time between working as a sign language interpreter in Portland, Maine and teaching scuba diving in Bar Harbor and Belize.
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