How Can I Help

Dive Buddy & Surface Support Opportunities

Volunteers are the foundation of our adaptive diving community. We offer both in-water and shore-based volunteer roles so everyone can contribute.

Become a Certified Adaptive Dive Buddy

If you are a certified rescue diver or higher, you can complete specialized training to become an Adaptive Support Diver. Adaptive buddies provide direct in-water assistance, safety monitoring, and adaptive technique support, enabling divers of all physical abilities to explore open water safely.

Provide Surface Support and Event Operations

You do not need to dive to help out. Our surface support team manages essential shore and dockside logistics, including, but not limited to:

• Assisting adaptive divers with gear donning and doffing
• Assisting with pool deck and boat transfers
• Managing logistics, registration, and equipment setup during adaptive dive events

Scuba gear can be a financial barrier for many adaptive divers. You can donate new or gently used scuba equipment to help outfit our participants and maintain our adaptive rental fleet.

High-Demand Scuba Gear Needed:

• Core Diving Gear: Regulators, BCDs (especially back-mount and side-mount harnesses), dive computers, masks, fins, and wetsuits.
• Adaptive Accessories: Webbing, quick-release clips, custom weight systems, and specialized webbed gloves or fin handles.

Note: Because all equipment donations are processed through Crusty Crab Diving (501c3), your contributions may be tax-deductible. All donated gear undergoes rigorous inspection by certified repair technicians before entering service.

Direct financial contributions fund pool sessions, dives, and full certifications for adaptive candidates and volunteer buddies.

Donate directly to Crusty Crab at https://www.crustycrabdiving.org/donate

What qualifications do I need to volunteer as an Adaptive Dive Buddy?

To enroll in our Adaptive Dive Buddy certification course, you generally need an Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent) with a minimum number of 50 logged dives. Non-divers can join immediately as Surface Support volunteers.

Are donations to Crusty Crab Diving tax-deductible?

Yes. Crusty Crab Diving is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Monetary contributions and eligible equipment donations receive tax receipts for federal tax deductions.

Where are the adaptive diving sessions held?

Training and adaptive dives are conducted through Red Alert Diving's training facilities, pool, parks, springs and open-water charter boats in the Panama City Beach area.