RIVERVIEW, FL – June 12, 2024 – NAUI Worldwide, a globally recognized leader in dive training and certification, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking cooperation with STEPDive, an innovative product designed with progressive depths. This collaboration aims to revolutionize dive training for young enthusiasts through the launch of three engaging books and accompanying eLearning courses.
Introducing the “Experience Before Depth” Series
At the heart of this cooperation is the launch of the “Experience Before Depth” book series, a trio of books designed to inspire, educate, and ensure a safe foundation of core SCUBA skills and habits for young divers. Everything can be performed at various shallow depths, encouraging gradual skill mastery at the learner’s own pace before progressing to deeper depths.
The series includes:
- STEPSurface – The starting point for a child’s journey into the underwater world, focusing on basic breathing techniques, regulator skills, calm behavior, and building comfort underwater.
- STEPUndersea – Taking young divers a step further, this book delves into core SCUBA skills and safety techniques, such as equalization, neutral buoyancy, and slow, controlled ascents. These can be practiced at depths as shallow as 3 or 4 feet.
- STEPDiver – Preparing young divers for open water adventures with advanced skills such as perfect buoyancy control, air management, and dive
Each book in the series is packed with colorful illustrations, easy-to-understand texts, practical hints, and interactive links that bring the learning material to life through engaging video content.
ELearning Courses for a Comprehensive Learning Experience
To complement the books, NAUI Worldwide and STEPDive are also introducing a NAUI Instructor-Specified Specialty (ISS) eLearning course. These courses are designed to provide a flexible and interactive learning environment where young divers can progress at their own pace. In addition to these consumer eLearning courses, there is also a NAUI STEPDive Instructor’s course for active status NAUI SCUBA instructors. The courses will be available through NAUI’s website, providing access to expert instruction and resources anytime, anywhere.
Reviewed by Experts
The “Experience Before Depth” series has been rigorously reviewed by NAUI Worldwide and other SCUBA professionals, ensuring that the content, skills, and techniques match industry SCUBA standards. The goal is to help students develop a strong core of foundational skills and experience that will enable them to grow and progress into exceptional Junior Open Water Diver (JOWD) students. This focus on the highest standards of safety and educational value underscores the commitment of both organizations to fostering a new generation of skilled and responsible divers.
Special Launch Promotion
To celebrate the launch, the first book, STEPSurface, is being offered as a FREE downloadable PDF for a limited time. Additionally, both print and digital editions of the entire series are available at promotional prices on Amazon. This special offer is designed to make high-quality dive training resources accessible to as many young divers as possible. You can find the links to buy the books here. You can get the FREE promotional book by signing up to the newsletter here.
Join the Movement #ExperienceBeforeDepth
NAUI Worldwide and STEPDive invite dive shops, instructors, parents, and young divers to join this exciting movement. By integrating the “Experience Before Depth” series into their training programs, dive professionals can inspire a love for the underwater world in a safe, fun, and educational manner. While this program is aimed for the younger generations, it’s a great way for any person interested to safely and confidently learn how to interact with the underwater world.
“We are delighted to cooperate with STEPDive to create a unique educational experience for young divers,” said Terrence Tysall, Vice President of Operations & Training Director for NAUI HQ. “These resources will not only inspire a love for diving but also instill essential safety skills from an early age.”
“Combining our innovative approach with NAUI’s expertise and network allows us to offer unparalleled learning opportunities worldwide,” said Tiemen van Dillen, Inventor, Founder and CEO of STEPDive. “We are excited to see the impact of these books and courses on the next generation of divers.”
About NAUI Worldwide
NAUI Worldwide is a leading global organization dedicated to diver education and certification. Since its inception in 1960, NAUI has been committed to providing the highest quality training, promoting ‘Safety Through Education’, and protecting the underwater environment.
About STEPDive
STEPDive is an innovative company focused on making scuba diving accessible and enjoyable for young enthusiasts and families. They have developed a patented surface-supplied diving system with adjustable depth limits for children – a completely new approach to introduce and practice first SCUBA diving techniques and experiences. They are based out of Klagenfurt, Austria, but support families, dive centers, and SCUBA professionals worldwide.
Point of Contacts
NAUI Training Department
Phone: (813) 628-6284
Email: training@NAUI.org
Tiemen van Dillen
Founder, Inventor, CEO
STEPDive // Seven Seas Gear GmbH
Phone / WhatsApp: (+43) 681 814 61750
Email: tiemen@stepdive.com