Here is what was put out as the new BSA scuba policy:
Final Approved Scuba Policy 10-8-2009
BSA Scuba Policy
The BSA scuba policy recognizes scuba industry standards and implements them by using outside agencies for training and certification.
Training and Supervision:
Any person possessing, displaying, or using scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) in connection with any Scouting-related activity must either be currently certified by a recognized agency or enrolled in an instructional scuba program, such as Scuba BSA or Scuba Diving merit badge, which must be conducted by an insured recreational diving instructor in good standing with a recognized agency and approved by the council.
Recreational diving activities by BSA groups must be supervised by a responsible adult currently certified (renewed) as a divemaster, assistant instructor, or higher rating from a recognized agency. Dive environments, equipment, depths, procedures, supervision and buddy assignments must be consistent with each individual’s certification.
Since dives by recreational divers may be infrequent, the divemaster or instructor supervising a BSA scuba activity should screen participants prior to open-water activities and provide remedial instruction and practice as appropriate. Such remedial instruction and practice should be in accordance with the policies and standards of the divemaster's or instructor's agency for Scuba Review, Scuba Refresher or similar program.
Diving using surface-supplied air systems is not authorized in connection with any BSA activity or facility except when done under contract by commercial divers.
Age-Appropriate Restrictions:
Youth members in Cub Scouting, including Webelos, are not authorized to use scuba in any activity.
Boy Scouts may participant in the introductory Scuba BSA program and may obtain open-water certification as part of Scuba Diving merit badge.
Varsity and Venturing groups may participate in introductory and certification scuba programs conducted by recognized agencies appropriate to their age and current level of certification.
Standards of the recognized scuba agencies require students for open water certification programs to be at least 15 years of age but allow special certification programs for younger students. Since all instruction for BSA scuba programs must be conducted by professionals certified by a recognized agency, additional agency-specific, age-related restrictions and protocols apply to students under 15 years of age.
Boy Scout, Varsity and Venturing members may participate in recreational group dives as unit, district or council activities, provided such dives are consistent with their certifications and under direct, onsite supervision of a responsible adult currently certified as a divemaster, assistant instructor, or higher rating from a recognized agency.
The divemaster or instructor supervising a recreational dive by a BSA group must implement the following policies for all divers under 15 years of age, as well as any additional junior diver restrictions and protocols adopted by that person’s certifying agency:
 Depths are limited to 40 feet for divers under 12 years of age and to 60 feet for divers 12 to 14 years of age.
 Each diver under 15 years of age must have an adult buddy certified as an Open Water Diver who is either the junior diver's parent or an adult approved by the parent
 Additional divemasters or instructors are present to maintain a ratio of one trained supervisor to four buddy pairs (eight divers) containing one to four divers under 15 years of age.
Medical contraindications:
Each scuba training agency recognized by the BSA requires a specific health history form prior to enrollment in a certification program. The BSA requires review and approval of the completed form by a physician even if the scuba agency itself does not require physician approval. Various risk factors identified on the forms may exclude a person from scuba training, either temporarily or permanently. Risk factors include but are not limited to: ear and sinus problems, recent surgery, spontaneous pneumothorax, asthma or Reactive Airway Disease (RAD), seizure disorders, diabetes, leukemia, sickle cell disorder, pregnancy, panic disorders and active psychosis.
The divemaster or instructor supervising a BSA recreational scuba activity must review the health information for each participant that is required annually of all BSA members and evaluate risk conditions using medical standards consistent with those used by his/her certifying agency. Additional tests or physician consultations may be required to confirm fitness for diving. Consultation with medical specialists knowledgeable about diving medicine also may be needed for participants taking psychotropic drugs for treatment of attention deficit disorder, depression or other conditions
Scuba diving is prohibited for the following conditions:
 Use of medication to control seizures or seizure occurrence within the past five years
 Use of insulin to control diabetes
 History of asthma or RAD unless resolution confirmed by methacholine testing
The scuba agencies recognized by the BSA may allow exceptions to general medical prohibitions based on individual diving fitness evaluations by a medical specialist who is knowledgeable about diving medicine. Scouts, parents, dive supervisors and physicians with questions or concerns about diving with specific medical conditions should consult the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) ‘Guidelines for Recreational Scuba Diver’s Physical Examination’ and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) at
DAN Divers Alert Network. DAN medical professionals are available for non-emergency consultation by phone at 919-684-2948 during business hours or via email.
Council Programs:
When scuba diving is taught in connection with any local council program, instructors should provide the training on a contract basis. Such instructors should have dive store or other commercial affiliation that provides liability coverage. Direct employment of scuba instructors is not recommended.
Local council programs may not compress or sell air for scuba use, or sell, rent, or loan scuba equipment (scuba cylinders, regulators, gauges, dive computers, weights or BCD’s). All air and equipment for local council program use must be obtained from professional sources (dive stores, resorts, dive boats, etc.) affiliated with a scuba agency recognized by the Boy Scouts of America.
Scuba equipment may be used by certified summer camp aquatics program personnel for installation and maintenance of waterfront equipment, or for search and recovery operations. Search and recovery could include lost equipment, as well as rescue efforts.
Recognized Agencies:
Recognized agencies are:
 PADI: Professional Association of Diving Instructors
 NAUI: National Association of Underwater Instructors
 SSI: Scuba Schools International
 IDEA: International Diving Educators Association
 PDIC: Professional Diving Instructors Corporation
 SDI: Scuba Diving International
 YMCA Scuba Program (discontinued in 2008, but C-cards still recognized)
 NASDS: National Association of Scuba Diving Schools (merged with SSI but C-cards still recognized)
In addition to the agencies listed by name, any current member of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC), which includes all RSTC members, is also recognized.
Other agencies wishing to be recognized by the BSA may contact the Outdoor Program Division of the National Office. Recognition by a certifying body such as the RSTC or EUF that the agency adheres to ANSI/CEN/ISO standards would be expected.
