In a 2011 preliminary study by Johns Hopkins researchers, a small group of veterans with spinal cord injuries completed a four-day scuba diving certification program. Among participants experiencing PTSD, researchers reported an average 80% reduction in measured PTSD symptoms following the program.
Although encouraging, the study was small, and researchers emphasized that larger studies were needed to determine whether the benefits could be consistently reproduced or sustained.
Subsequent research, including a randomized pilot trial of the Bathysmed meditative diving protocol and an evaluation of the Deptherapy veteran scuba program, has reported improvements in certain psychological outcomes.
Researchers have explored several possible contributing factors:
- Focused breathing: Diving encourages deliberate breathing and attention to the present moment.
- Mindfulness and concentration: Underwater activities demand awareness and focus.
- Confidence and accomplishment: Learning new skills can promote personal confidence and self-efficacy.
- Physical freedom: Buoyancy can provide a different experience of movement, particularly for people with physical disabilities.
- Community and connection: Dive buddies and shared adventures create opportunities for trust, friendship, and belonging.
More Than a Certification
Dive22 believes that the opportunity to continue diving and remain connected with a supportive community may be just as important as learning to dive.
Our goal is to help qualifying veterans and first responders access independent scuba training opportunities and develop lasting connections through a community of divers.
Scuba diving is not a cure for PTSD, a proven method of preventing suicide, or a replacement for professional mental health treatment. Research remains preliminary, and all participants must meet appropriate medical and diving safety requirements.
Supporting Research
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (2011) — Scuba Diving Improves Function of Body, Mind in Vets with Spinal Cord Injury.
- Gibert et al. (2022) — Comparing meditative scuba diving versus multisport activities to improve post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
- Morgan et al. (2019) — Can scuba diving offer therapeutic benefit to military veterans experiencing physical and psychological injuries as a result of combat?
