More Than a Dive School.
A Community of Exploration.
Connecticut Scuba Academy is a non-profit educational institute dedicated to the underwater world.
Founded in 2017, the Connecticut Scuba Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit vocational school and a primary contractor for New Haven Public Schools. We specialize in bringing university-level marine science to high school students and providing professional-grade training to the New England community
Our Story (The History)
Past & Present Collaborations
Institutional Collaborations
Current Vocational Contracts The Academy serves as the primary underwater training contractor for specialized secondary education programs across Connecticut, managing the curriculum and safety protocols for:
The Sound School (New Haven): Lead training partner for the Sound School Reef Program, focusing on oyster habitat restoration in New Haven Harbor.
James Hillhouse High School (New Haven): Providing foundational scuba education and career pathway exposure to inner-city youth.
Marine Science Magnet School (Groton): Supporting maritime stewardship through elite diver training in the heart of Connecticut’s coastal research hub.
Operational History & Past Partnerships Our curriculum is built on a foundation of professional-grade standards. The Academy has a proven track record of collaborating with federal and state agencies on citizen science and research initiatives, including:
NOAA Milford Lab: The Academy previously deployed its Citizen Science Network to assist federal researchers at the NOAA Milford Lab, providing trained divers for data collection and environmental monitoring in the Long Island Sound.
Reef Renewal International: Longstanding participation in coral nursery maintenance and reef restoration projects in the Caribbean.
Information for School Administrators & District Leadership
Information for School Administrators & District Leadership
A Turnkey Solution for Marine Science & Vocational Training The Connecticut Scuba Academy provides school districts with a safe, compliant, and cost-effective way to integrate underwater operations into their STEM and Vocational curricula. As a federally recognized educational institution, we understand the unique requirements of public and private school partnerships.
Why Districts Choose the Academy:
Safety & Oversight: All student programs are overseen by a certified Diving Safety Officer (DSO). We adhere to the highest industry standards, including those of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).
Fully Insured & Compliant: The Academy maintains comprehensive professional liability insurance and follows strict risk management protocols designed for youth and student divers.
Curriculum Integration: We don't just teach "classes"; we provide a structured curriculum that can be aligned with state science standards and vocational graduation requirements.
Proven Track Record: With successful, multi-year contracts at The Sound School, James Hillhouse High School, and the Marine Science Magnet School, we have a demonstrated ability to manage large student cohorts and diverse learning needs.
Educational Tracks Available for Partnership:
Foundational Science: Comprehensive entry-level training for students entering marine biology or maritime trades.
Scientific Research (STEM): Advanced training in underwater data collection, mapping, and environmental restoration.
Marine Career Pathways: Mentorship and certification paths designed to bridge the gap between high school and professional employment.
ONE ACADEMY. THREE PATHWAYS
1. The Foundational Pathway (Recreational Diving)
Start Your Journey. We believe that recreational divers deserve the same level of expertise as professional researchers. Our SDI Open Water and Rescue courses are the foundation of everything we do.
Why train here? Unlike a retail shop, our recreational courses are taught by Diving Safety Officers (DSOs) who utilize academic grading criteria.
The Experience: We prioritize neutral buoyancy, trim, and comfort from Day One. We don't just teach you to pass a test; we welcome you into a community of lifelong explorers.
2. The Professional Pathway (Scientific & Technical)
Turn Passion into Purpose. For career-focused students, we offer the "Gold Standard" of underwater science.
Scientific Diving: We are the region's only provider of dual-track AAUS & CMAS Scientific Diver certification, providing the 100-hour occupational training required for university research.
Technical Diving: Through TDI, we train divers to go beyond sport limits, mastering decompression procedures and overhead environments.
3. The Service Pathway (Public Safety)
Serving Those Who Serve. As an authorized ERDI Training Facility, we provide Police, Fire, and Emergency Service teams with OSHA-compliant training. Our curriculum focuses on Hull Inspection, Evidence Preservation, and Search & Recovery operations.
OUR COMMUNITY
A Different Kind of Dive Buddy When you train with a traditional dive shop, you are often just a customer. At the Academy, you are a member of a team.
We are Educators: Our focus is on your skills, not your equipment sales.
We are Explorers: Our expeditions are true adventures, from local New England shipwrecks to coral restoration projects in the Caribbean.
We are Inclusive: We are committed to making diving accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability.
Volunteer & Give Back As a non-profit, we thrive on the passion of our community. Whether you are a Divemaster looking to mentor students, or a non-diver interested in helping with beach cleanups and events, there is a place for you here.
Institutional Accreditations & Standards
Federal Status
IRS 170(b)(1)(A)(ii): Federally Recognized Educational Institution (Vocational School)
501(c)(3): Non-Profit Public Charity (State of Connecticut)
Scientific & Academic Authorities
AAUS: Organizational Member (American Academy of Underwater Sciences)
CMAS: Accredited Scientific Diver Training Facility (World Underwater Federation)
ISO Compliant: All training meets or exceeds ISO 24801 (Diver) and 24802 (Instructor) standards.
Professional Training Agencies
SDI: Five-Star Professional Development Center (Recreational)
TDI: Technical Diving International (Advanced & Decompression)
ERDI: Emergency Response Diving International (Public Safety)
A non-profit educational institute dedicated to advancing underwater science, public safety, and foundational diving excellence through rigorous academic and vocational standards
A Federally Recognized Educational Institution Founded in 2017, the Connecticut Scuba Academy began with a simple mission: to raise the standard of diver education in New England.
We are distinct from standard dive centers and non-profits. We are classified under IRS Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) as a formal Educational Institution. This designation validates that we are not merely a recreational club, but a functioning vocational school with a regular faculty, a defined curriculum, and an enrolled student body.
Our Philosophy We do not sell gear; we teach students. Whether we are training a high school student for their first breath underwater or certifying a Public Safety Diver for blackwater operations, our philosophy remains the same: Competence creates Safety.
Here Are Some compelling reasons to volunteer with the academy
Networking opportunity:
Volunteering allows individuals to meet and connect with other divers, instructors, and professionals in scuba diving. This networking can lead to new opportunities, friendships, and the chance to discover the beauty of local dive sites and participate in exciting expeditions.
Giving back to the environment :
Contributing to a non-profit organization dedicated to marine conservation and education allows you to support the Academy's growth and success and its mission of promoting safe and responsible diving practices.
Improving diving skills:
Volunteering will offer opportunities to participate in dives, practice skills, and learn from experienced divers and instructors. This can enhance personal diving proficiency and safety. Volunteering will give you the opportunity to receive training at little to no cost.
Gaining experience in scuba diving:
Volunteering can provide valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of scuba diving, from assisting with equipment maintenance to helping with instruction or event organization. This experience can also help you develop your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Inspire Future Generations:
Share your passion for diving with young people and help nurture the next generation of ocean stewards.
For divers seeking to unlock new underwater frontiers, TDI offers advanced training in technical diving, where expertise and dedication are essential for venturing into deeper, more challenging environments
CMAS is a non-profit organization commonly affiliated with diving clubs and federations. It places a strong emphasis on scientific diving and marine conservation. CMAS follows a progressive training philosophy, which requires divers to acquire more advanced skills and knowledge at each level. As a result, CMAS courses typically take longer and are more challenging, but they produce well-trained and confident divers. Unlike some other agencies that may prioritize commercial interests, CMAS is often more focused on community involvement. Additionally, CMAS oversees competitive diving, including freediving and sport scuba diving
Protect our Oceans:
Contribute to marine conservation by participating in clean-up dives, habitat restoration projects, and scientific research.
What we teach
Developing professional skills:
Depending on the tasks involved, volunteering could lead you down the professional pathway to Dive Master and Instructor.
Scuba Diving International serves as the training agency for our academy's recreational courses, ranging from open water divers to TDI technical divers. We have an in-house course director and instructor trainer, and all of our professional staff are certified by SDI. The majority of the courses offered at the academy are under the SDI framework.The Academy also offers ERDI (Emergency Response Diving International) courses to local PSD teams.
The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is dedicated to advancing safe and effective scientific diving practices. To this end, the Academy offers a rigorous research diving program requiring over 100 hours of specialized training and a minimum of 12 open-water dives. This program, conducted in collaboration with Sound School in New Haven, CT, equips divers with the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting underwater research.
Personal satisfaction:
Helping others and contributing to a cause can be personally rewarding and fulfilling. Volunteering for the Academy can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Sound School
Our longest and largest partnership is with Sound School. This collaboration is where most of our research and AAUS scientific programming occurs, including the innovative Sound School Reef Program. This project focuses on restoring oyster reefs in New Haven Harbor and involves students from Sound School, a vocational high school specializing in marine science and technology.
Key aspects of the program:
Artificial Reefs: Students construct artificial reefs using concrete and oyster shells. These reefs provide habitat for marine life and help filter water.
Oyster Cultivation: Students learn to cultivate oysters, which are crucial in improving water quality.
Scientific Research: Students conduct research on the health of the reefs, monitor water quality, and study the impact of the reefs on marine ecosystems.
Community Engagement: The program involves local communities in the restoration efforts, raising awareness about marine conservation.
This program provides valuable hands-on experience for students and contributes to the restoration of the local marine environment. It's a great example of how education and conservation can work together to create a positive impact.
Scouts of America scuba camp
Venture Crew 8 Camp Workcoeman
Through its partnership with Camp Workcoeman, Connecticut Scuba Academy (CTSA) offers a variety of scuba programs to Scouts and the public. These programs emphasize safe scuba diving practices, environmental awareness, and conservation. Camp Workcoeman's location on West Hill Pond—a clean, clear lake—provides an ideal training environment. For three weeks each July, CTSA conducts open water scuba training for Scouts Monday through Thursday. The Academy also now offers specialty courses for previous students. With private access, clear water, and consistent weather conditions, Camp Workcoeman is an ideal location for CTSA's training, most of which takes place there.
Educational expeditions
Connecticut Scuba Academy's research and high-adventure expeditions are among our most popular programs. From our annual Reef Renewal expedition to Bonaire to our Truuk Lagoon expeditions, exploration and discovery are central to our mission. To ensure affordability, all expeditions operate on a low-to-no-profit basis for the Academy, with additional discounts offered to volunteers.
Citizens science network & Blue earth news
The Connecticut Scuba Academy is launching two exciting new initiatives: the Citizen Science Network and Blue Earth News. Addressing a critical shortage of research divers in the Northeast, the Academy is partnering with NOAA's Milford lab to deploy divers supporting their research. This program aims to expand, connecting high schools, universities, and clubs to assist data collection and contribute to a future global network. Complementing this, Blue Earth News, a collaborative YouTube channel, will disseminate local and international environmental news. Furthermore, the Academy will produce a mini-documentary series, Blue Earth Documentary, focusing on various marine and aquatic topics. Finally, the Citizen Science Network welcomes all participants, regardless of diving experience, to engage in water sampling and beach cleanups, fostering broad-based environmental stewardship.
Join our team & make a difference
The Connecticut Scuba Academy offers diverse opportunities for everyone, from collaborating with Sound School on their oyster restoration projects to becoming an AAUS-certified research diver. Whether volunteering at a scout camp, participating in after-school programs, leading international expeditions, or simply enjoying a recreational dive, there's a place for you. Volunteering provides immense personal satisfaction and offers numerous benefits, including access to Academy equipment, discounted or free training, travel discounts, and the chance to forge new friendships while enhancing your diving skills. Join our family and join our expanding community in the Northeast and beyond!
Equality Policy
Connecticut Scuba Academy (CTSA) is committed to creating a just, equitable, and inclusive environment, recognizing that environmental stewardship and social justice are inextricably linked.
Diversity strengthens our organization and enhances our positive impact on both people and the planet. We are committed to:
Embracing Inclusion and Accessibility: We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, identities, and experiences. We proactively ensure our programs, facilities, and communications are accessible to all, regardless of physical ability, learning style, or other factors. We recognize and value each member of our community's unique perspectives and contributions.
Promoting Equity and Environmental Justice: We strive to create a fair and just environment with equal opportunities to participate, learn, and grow, especially for communities historically marginalized and disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation. We actively work to address and dismantle systemic barriers – social, economic, and environmental – that may hinder participation in scuba diving, conservation efforts, and access to clean and healthy aquatic environments. This includes:
Actively seeking partnerships with community organizations serving underrepresented groups.
Offering scholarships and financial assistance to increase access to training and equipment.
Integrating environmental justice principles into our curriculum and dive practices.
Respecting Differences and Fostering Intercultural Understanding: We foster a culture of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse cultures and perspectives within our organization and the communities we serve, both above and below the water. We actively promote intercultural dialogue and understanding to bridge divides and build stronger connections.
Championing Environmental Stewardship: We integrate environmental justice principles into our core activities, promoting conservation efforts that prioritize the health and well-being of both the environment and the communities that depend on it. This includes:
Educating our members on the environmental and social impacts of their diving activities.
Participating in and supporting local and global conservation initiatives.
Advocating for policies that protect our oceans and waterways and promote environmental justice.
Continuous Improvement and Accountability: We are committed to ongoing dialogue and learning to ensure that our policies and practices reflect our values of equity, inclusion, and environmental justice. We actively seek feedback and suggestions from our community, including those from marginalized groups, to continuously improve our efforts. We will regularly assess our progress towards these goals and publicly report on our findings.
Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, environmental justice, and sustainability is fundamental to our mission of empowering individuals to explore, understand, and protect our Blue Planet and its inhabitants. A diverse, inclusive, and just community is essential for achieving a sustainable and equitable future for all.