SCUBA

The safety of your child during this activity is our top priority. Our aquatics team works closely with Diver’s Alert Network and the Space Camp Nursing Team to make the safest call for each trainee in the event fitness-to-dive concerns arise.

These guidelines apply to ALL participants participating in a Space Camp SCUBA activity regardless of certification status.

Where can I find the Camp SCUBA form?

  • You can download the Camp SCUBA Form from your child's online account
    • Log into your account and click on their Advanced Space Academy registration.
    • Click on FORMS, then EDIT
    • Under SCUBA Form, click DOWNLOAD
  • If you are having problems, downloading the form you can also request a copy by emailing Aquatics@spacecamp.com.


When should I get my physician to complete and sign the form?

  • To ensure the health and safety of all campers, the camper’s physical evaluation and physician signatures must be dated within 6 months of the camp start date. Forms submitted with older dates will NOT be accepted.


What is the Minimum Age to Participate?

  • The minimum age to participate is 15 years old.  Please contact Aquatics@spacecamp.com if you have questions about age restrictions for your specific camp session.


What is the minimum age to participate?

  • 14 years old


What if My Child Chooses Not to Dive or is Disqualified?

  • Campers who choose not to dive or are disqualified can participate in alternative activities during the SCUBA program, such as snorkeling or swimming at the top of the Underwater Astronaut Trainer (UAT).
  • Additionally, campers can participate in dry activities such as “The Neutral Buoyancy Challenge,” team time, interaction through port hole windows, and time in the gift shop at their crew trainer’s discretion.


What Do I Wear for the SCUBA Activity?

  • Please wear appropriate swimwear.
  • We require that everything from your shoulders down to your hips be covered by non-translucent clothing. A T-shirt and swimming shorts are preferred.
  • Denim, fleece, jersey, and sweatpant materials are not allowed.


What are the physical effects of the SCUBA activity?

  • The underwater portion of this activity is conducted between one and two atmospheres of ambient pressure. This causes the largest physical change that can be made on bodily airspaces on planet Earth without mechanical assistance.
  • The most common effects are felt on the ears, but can also include vertigo, lung/gas exchange process, blurred vision, arterial gas embolisms, and death by pressure-related traumas or drowning.


Is there any refund of partial Camp tuition for disqualified trainees?

  • Unfortunately, Space Camp does not offer partial tuition refunds for disqualified trainees due to safety concerns.


How long is the Space Camp SCUBA activity?

  • The activity is allotted for 1.5 hours. This time is split between the educational briefing and skills assessment, followed by the recreational (underwater) portion. The actual time spent underwater varies depending on how quickly the class completes the skills assessment, but the average time underwater is approximately 20 minutes.


How do I submit/upload the completed SCUBA form?

  • You can upload the completed form into your child’s online account
    • Log into your account and click on their Advanced Space Academy registration.
    • Click on FORMS, then EDIT
    • Under SCUBA Form, click UPLOAD
  • If you are having problems, uploading the form, you can also send a completed copy to  Aquatics@spacecamp.com.


How deep is the Underwater Astronaut Trainer used by Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center?

  • The UAT has a maximum depth of 24 feet (7.4 meters), which translates to a pressure of 1.72 atmospheres absolute (ATA).


Does the SCUBA activity result in a certification?

  • No, the SCUBA activity is an introductory experience and does not lead to certification. However, it introduces participants to many of the self-rescue skills required for SCUBA certification courses.


Does the camper have to know how to swim?

  • Yes, basic swimming skills are required for participation in the SCUBA program.


Does a physician need to complete and sign the SCUBA form?

  • Yes, physicians’ approval is mandatory for participation. To ensure the health and safety of all campers, the camper’s physical evaluation and physician signatures must be dated within 6 months of the camp start date. Forms submitted with older dates will not be accepted.
  • Please note, a family member CAN NOT be the signing physician.
  • E-signatures will NOT be accepted.


Do campers need to bring their own diving equipment?

  • No, all SCUBA diving equipment is provided by Space Camp.
  • However, any personal equipment brought by campers must be inspected by Aquatics staff for safety reasons.
  • Swimwear and towels are not provided, so please bring your own.


Are there any medical conditions that may prevent campers from fully participating in the SCUBA activity?

  • Yes. Some medical conditions, such as cardiac conditions, severe pulmonary dysfunctions, reactive airway diseases, type 1 diabetes, or chronic illnesses, may prevent participation. The final determination concerning fitness to dive will be made by our aquatics staff.