Welcome to the SCUBA Merit Badge Program!

Like other merit badges, the Scuba Diving merit badge has been developed to teach and
train youth in a manner consistent with the overall goals and values of the Boy Scouts of America.

The requirement to earn Open Water Diver Certification means the Scout must meet training
requirements set by outside agencies and must supplement the material in the SCUBA Merit Badge
pamphlet with an entry level scuba diver manual. This Diver's Manual will NOT be provided during
this session.

Prospective SCUBA Merit Badge participants are encouraged to pick up a copy of the SCUBA
Diver's Manual at their preferred local Dive Shop prior to attending this session, although it is not
required. A list of local shops may be provided by the instructor of this session.

All phases of scuba instruction—classroom, pool, and open water training—must comply with the
minimum training standards for entrylevel scuba certification adopted by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) or the U.S. Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC). The RSTC
is recognized as the ANSI Accredited Standards Developer for recreational diving instructional
standards. The BSA acknowledges those standards by limiting scuba instruction only to instructors
trained and sanctioned by recognized scuba agencies.

Agencies recognized by the BSA for scuba training are PADI (Professional Association of Diving
Instructors); NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors); SSI (Scuba Schools
International); IDEA (International Diving Educators Association); PDIC (Professional Diving
Instructors Corporation); and SDI (Scuba Diving International).

In addition to the agencies listed by name, any current member of the World Recreational Scuba
Training Council (WRSTC) is also recognized.

Requirements:

1. Do the following:
      
       a. 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.
      
       b. 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.

(Please note: Although CPR is NOT a requirement for earning your Open Water Certification as a SCUBA diver, it still remains a requirement to earn the SCUBA Diving Merit Badge. Due to time constraints we will NOT be covering this requirement during this session. You will need to schedule time with your Merit Badge Counselor to fulfill this requirement)

2. Before completing requirements 3 through 6, earn the Swimming
merit badge.
(This means that the Swimming Merit Badge is a PREREQUISITE for this session. If you do not have your Swimming Merit Badge, you will need to obtain it prior to attending this session)

3. Discuss the Scuba Diver’s Code with your merit badge counselor,
and explain the importance of each guideline to a scuba diver’s safety.
(We will be covering this Merit Badge requirement during this session)

4. Earn an Open Water Diver Certification from a scuba organization
recognized by the Boy Scouts of America scuba policy.
(This can be done BEFORE or AFTER this session. If it is completed prior to this session, it is still required that scouts complete all of the other requirements prior to being eligible to receive the SCUBA Merit Badge)

5. Explain what an ecosystem is, and describe four aquatic ecosystems
a diver might experience.
(This will be covered during this session, participants should be prepared to discuss this requirement prior to attending this session.)

6. 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.
(This will be covered during this session, participants should be prepared to discuss this requirement prior to attending this session.)