PADI Open Water Dive Course in Halifax, NS

Soldier On will be hosting a PADI open water dive course in collaboration with Torpedo Rays in Halifax, NS on March 26-29. This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

Applicants selected to attend will complete an online PADI course and then complete the practical portion of the PADI certification in Halifax, instructed by dive-masters’ from Torpedo Rays. Participants selected to attend must provide necessary medical authorization and commit to completing all online portions and mandatory attendance for all practical portions of the course.

The intent of this event is to create a safe and inclusive environment for Soldier On members to achieve their open water dive certification.

This event is open only to registered Soldier on Members residing in Nova Scotia. There is no cost for PADI courses to participants. There will be eight selected members. Accommodations and travel to Halifax will be provided for up to four applicants from outside of the HRM. Participants residing in the HRM will not be provided accommodations.

Please note that proof of COVID-19 Vaccination will be required for participants invited to attend this event, in accordance with NS public health measures.

*Medical authorization is required for this event. Authorization must be received prior to participation in the event.

Scuba equipment will be provided to all participants.

Assistance throughout the event will be provided courtesy of Torpedo Rays.

Tentative Schedule of Events, subject to slight timing changes based on Pool availability and weather

Saturday, 26th of March

8:30 a.m. – Participants arrival at Torpedo Rays Halifax;
9 a.m. – Introductions, Welcome Briefing and Equipment fitting;
9:30 a.m. – Classroom review;
10:30 a.m. – Lunch (standard boxed lunches provided);
noon – Pool Session One and water skills introduction; and
4 p.m. – Debrief, Wrap-up and participants depart Day One.

Sunday, 27th of March

9:50 a.m. – Participants arrival at Pool Location;
10 a.m. – Introductions and Daily Overview;
10:10 a.m. – Pool Session;
11:30 a.m. – Lunch (standard boxed lunches provided);
12:30 p.m. – Pool Session continues; and
3:30 p.m. – Classroom / Knowledge test, Wrap-up, participants depart Day Two.

Monday, 28th of March

8:50 a.m. – Participants arrival at Torpedo Rays;
9 a.m. – Ocean Gear Check and travel to dive site ;
11 a.m. – Lunch (standard boxed lunches provided);
noon – Ocean Dive Site; and
3 p.m. – Wrap-up, participants depart Day Three.

Tuesday, 29th of March

8:50 a.m. – Participants arrival at Dive Site;
9 a.m. – Ocean Dive;
1 p.m. – Lunch (standard boxed lunches provided);
1:30 p.m. – Wrap up; participants complete post-event surveys and depart event.

Wednesday, 30th of March
Flex Day – Please note that with inclement weather or extra time needed in the pool for a participant may result in an extra day for course completion.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to eight.

Minimum eligibility criteria

Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who live in Nova Scotia who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.
Participants must bring their own snacks and water bottles, and boxed lunches will be provided for each day of the course.
All necessary scuba diving gear will be provided and participants must also bring appropriate daily kit (PT clothing, hygiene kit, towels).

Mental & Physical Requirements

Participants interested in this event should possess basic swimming skills and be deemed medically fit for diving.
- Medical authorization will be required for selected participation.
- Participants should possess a base level of total body strength and be comfortable in aquatic environments.
Participants must be able to tolerate six hours of moderate paced activities for four days in a row.
- Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day.
  - Participants must also have access to internet and a computer to complete the mandatory e-learning PADI course content.
Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.
- Participants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed at the event or in the accommodations.

Nomination Forms must be received by Soldier On no later than the 1st of March, 2022.
Express your interest here.

Be advised that the vaccine passport will be required at the event.

*Please note that changes to the event may be necessary should local PHM measures change.