The Neptune Warrior

Philosophy:

Simplicity and Minimalism: Our approach focuses on streamlining gear to reduce potential entanglements and increase efficiency. By minimizing the amount of equipment a diver uses, we can enhance their comfort and agility underwater. This simplicity allows divers to concentrate more on their surroundings and the experience, rather than managing a complex array of gear.

Standardization and Safety: Ensuring that essential gear configurations and procedures are standardized is crucial for enhancing safety and team cohesion. This means that every diver knows exactly where each piece of equipment is located and how to use it, reducing confusion and increasing safety during dives. Standardization also fosters better teamwork, as divers can easily assist each other in emergencies.

Extended Training: We emphasize going beyond standard training requirements to ensure thorough skill development and confidence. While typical certification might require four dives, our program includes 5 to 6 open water dives for new divers and a minimum of 12 hours of pool work. Advanced divers complete 7 to 10 dives and additional pool work. This extended training ensures that divers are not just certified but truly competent and confident in their skills.

Healing Heroes: We are committed to our motto “Healing Heroes One Dive at a Time,” focusing on the therapeutic benefits of diving. Diving can provide immense psychological benefits, helping individuals, especially veterans, find peace and mindfulness through the underwater experience.

Three Pillars:

1. Diver First: It is about the diver, not just diving. We prioritize the individual diver’s experience, goals, and well-being. This means understanding what each diver hopes to achieve, whether it’s recreational enjoyment, skill mastery, or psychological relief. Our training is tailored to meet these personal goals, ensuring a more fulfilling diving experience.

2. Community: We foster a supportive community where divers can give and receive mutual support. Diving is not just a solitary activity; it’s a communal experience. We encourage divers to connect, share experiences, and support one another, creating a network of friends and mentors that extends beyond the water.

3. Coaching: We provide coaching for aquatic experiences and transfer those skills to real-world applications. Each diver receives personalized coaching to improve their diving skills and to apply the confidence and mindfulness gained from diving to their everyday lives. This holistic approach helps divers grow both in and out of the water.

Protocols/ Gear:

Backplate and Wing: We use a streamlined backplate and wing setup with a focus on essential gear. This configuration offers better buoyancy control, is modular, and can be easily customized to fit the diver’s needs.

Regulator Hose: The standard regulator hose is used for simplicity and reliability. Long hose in GUE and HOG not used.

Regulator Setup: Includes two regulators; the backup regulator is positioned around the neck. This setup ensures that a secondary air source is always easily accessible in case of primary regulator failure.

Surface Marker Buoy: Clipped to the right-hand side for easy access and deployment when needed.

Finger Reel: Clipped to the left-hand side, allowing for straightforward use in deploying the surface marker buoy from depth.

Cutting Instruments: Divers carry a minimum of two cutting instruments to ensure they can handle entanglements or emergencies effectively.

Modular Components: Our gear allows for individual customization and flexibility, ensuring that while each diver’s setup may be unique, critical components like the regulator, SPG, and cutting tools are standardized for safety.

Training and Procedures:

Individual Assessment: We conduct thorough needs analysis and interviews with each diver to understand their goals and tailor training accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that each diver gets the most out of their training.

Progressive Skill Development: Skills are introduced gradually, starting with basic safety and buoyancy control, and advancing to more complex procedures like SMB deployment and emergency drills. This step-by-step approach builds confidence and competence.

Play and Experimentation: Incorporating play and experimentation in the early stages of training helps divers build confidence and competence in the water. Activities are designed to be fun and engaging, allowing divers to explore and learn at their own pace.

Pride of Ownership: Primary Gear is Owned not Rented. As part of each course, divers are issued gear that they own and upkeep. Taking responsibility of gear and diving the same gear is essential to diving with Neptune Warrior.

Extended Training:

• New Divers: Receive 5 to 6 open water dives and a minimum of 12 hours of pool work to ensure thorough skill development.
• Advanced Divers: Complete 7 to 10 dives and additional pool work, going beyond the standard to ensure advanced competence.
• All Other Advancement: Our Rescue and Master Scuba Diver courses are some of the most rigorous in non-professional/military diving.

Team Drills: Team drills and communication exercises are incorporated to build cohesion and ensure divers are familiar with each other’s setups. These drills help divers learn to work together effectively, which is crucial for safety and success in more challenging dive environments.

Continuous Education: Ongoing training and skill refinement are encouraged to keep divers proficient and confident. Learning doesn’t stop at certification; we promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Individual Coaching: Personalized coaching sessions address each diver’s unique needs, goals, and challenges. This coaching extends beyond the water, helping divers apply their newfound skills and confidence to real-world situations.

Mindfulness and Well-being:

Diver Focus: We prioritize the individual diver’s experience and goals, whether they seek recreational enjoyment or psychological well-being. Each diver’s journey is unique, and we aim to make it as fulfilling as possible.

Mindfulness Practices: Integrating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into training enhances the diver’s overall experience and mental well-being. These practices help divers stay calm and focused, both underwater and in their daily lives.

Healing Heroes: Upholding the motto “Healing Heroes One Dive at a Time,” we focus on the therapeutic benefits of diving. Especially for veterans and those seeking psychological relief, diving can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. Though our primary focus is veterans, we work with other communities and individuals as long as they do not hinder our mission of working with veterans.

By blending these philosophies and protocols, we create a holistic approach to diving that not only enhances safety and skill but also promotes personal growth, community, and mental well-being. Whether you’re a new diver or looking to advance your skills, our program is designed to support your journey every step of the way.