Scubility as a program was first launched in 2003 by SDI and was the first disabled diver program to come from a mainstream scuba training agency.
The program was developed by Rob Read in conjunction with SDI and has been used to teach divers with disabilities for over 20 years.
Rob is an SDI Instructor Trainer (#IT 6576) and has been a scuba diving professional for nearly 30 years. His experience includes SDI Instructor Trainer with over 30 specialist teaching qualifications, TDI and PADI Master Instructor qualifications are also on the CV.
Rob has owned and managed dive centres both in the UK and Egypt, with the emphasis on making diving accessible to those with disabilities.
Having developed the Scubility program, Rob was the first ever certified Scubility Instructor Trainer in 2006, and has continued to work with disabled divers ever since.

. If you are interested in becoming a scubility instructor as a compliment to your current scuba instructor level, you are in the right place.
Sydney 2010:
Australia's first Scubility Instructor course.
Surface Buddy is assisting with kitting up a disabled diver.
Scubility Surface/Dive Buddy
The Scubility Surface Buddy program teaches family, friends, and dive professionals how to assist above water and on the surface with an impaired diver by understanding the difficulties encountered and learning the techniques to become an efficient surface assistant.
The Scubility Dive Buddy program adds to the skills acquired during the surface buddy program with the techniques used to assist during the underwater portion of the dive.
The dive buddy program is also perfect for those who wish to learn the techniques of dealing with impaired divers but do not want to progress to instructor level.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age 18 (16 with parental consent). SB/DB
- Demonstrate comfort and adequate swimming skills SB
- Current CPR and First Aid certification DB
- Rescue diver certification OR Advanced Adventure diver with 40 logged dives. DB
SB = Surface Buddy
DB = Dive Buddy
Scubility Instructor
The Scubility Instructor Upgrade Programme is for those students who have successfully completed the SDI Scubility Dive Buddy programme and have also completed a recognised scuba diving instructor certification course.
The new Scubility instructor needs only to be updated on the training aspects of teaching divers with medical conditions and physical disabilities.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age 18
- SDI Scubility Dive Buddy certification
- Current CPR and First Aid certification
- Current SDI Open Water Scuba Diving Instructor
upcoming programs / news
Courses can be conducted in any suitable location* worldwide, for dive schools, resorts, and individual instructors.
* Classroom (or similar), confined water, and open water (to suit SDI training standards) must be available.
Scubility in Action
First impressions are everything, get this right with body language, eye contact and equipment handling, and the rest will be easier.
Scubility in Action
The pool or confined water is first foray into the water for many, use this time to find the appropriate entry and exit techniques for the student; every student is different with individual requirements.
Scubility in Action
Open water, a new and challenging environment, use this time to educate your Surface and Dive Buddys, as well as the student.
Scubility in Action
Lunch is the most important part of the day!
Scubility in Action
It's not all work and no play; make the courses fun and give your students the chance to experience other aspects of your environment.
