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Scuba Diving, the first
new Boy Scouts of America merit badge in over three years, reflects the new
direction of BSA to develop merit badges based on youth/scout input to assure
relevance and excitement. This merit badge, developed in association with PADI
(Professional Association of Diving Instructors), leverages the BSA spirit of
outdoor adventure and expands BSA aquatics offerings. More than 84 percent of
scouts surveyed were interested in the merit badge and recommended that BSA
adopt it.
Mark Fischer, owner of HydroSports Dive and Travel, and several staff members
now hold the rating of Scuba Diving Merit Badge counselor. Any scout over age 10
may earn a Scuba Diving Merit Badge.
To earn the Scuba Diving Merit Badge a scout must:
1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while scuba diving, including hypothermia, hyperventilation, squeezes, decompression illness, nitrogen narcosis, motion sickness, fatigue, overexertion, heat reactions, dehydration, injuries by aquatic life, and cuts and scrapes.
2. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person, and explain how to recognize such conditions. Demonstrate the proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.
3. Before completing requirements 3 through 6, earn the Swimming merit badge.
4. Discuss the Scuba Diver’s Code with your merit badge counselor, and explain the importance of each guideline to a scuba diver’s safety.
5. Earn an Open Water Diver Certification from a scuba organization recognized by the Boy Scouts of America scuba policy.
6. Explain what an ecosystem is, and describe four aquatic ecosystems a diver might experience.
7. Find out about three career opportunities in the scuba industry. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.
Further information about your troop or crew participating in a scuba test dive or earning the Scuba Diving Merit Badge contact Mark Fischer, 503-304-5383 or hydrosports@gmail.com
To join our interest list please contact Mark Fischer at 503-304-5383 or hydrosports@gmail.com.
HydroSports Dive
and Travel
3846 River Road North
Keizer OR 97303
www.hydrosports.com
503-304-5383