Aqua Hands

Aqua Hands has been operating since 2010, establishing itself as a specialised hub for the diving community in Largo. The centre was founded by Thomas Koch with a specific mission to bridge the communication gap in dive education.

By integrating American Sign Language (ASL) into their core teaching methods, they provide a professional and inclusive environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing divers. This focus on accessibility ensures that technical skills and safety protocols are communicated clearly and effectively to all students.

While based in Largo, the centre's reach extends to diverse diving environments, including the waters of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. This allows divers to pursue everything from recreational exploration to professional career development in varied marine settings.

The team at Aqua Hands is built around a commitment to inclusive education. They specialise in providing instruction in American Sign Language (ASL), making them a primary destination for divers who require non-verbal communication for their training and excursions.

Their curriculum covers the entire PADI progression. This includes beginner levels such as PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Scuba Diver, through to advanced training like PADI Rescue Diver and the PADI Master Scuba Diver programme.

For those looking to enter the industry, the centre offers professional pathways. They provide PADI Divemaster training, Assistant Instructor programmes, and the full Instructor Development Course (IDC), including Specialty Instructor and Master Scuba Instructor pathways.

Aqua Hands offers a comprehensive catalogue of PADI courses designed for every stage of a diver's journey. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Scuba Diver course, eventually progressing to PADI Open Water Diver.

Intermediate and advanced divers can refine their skills through the PADI Advanced Open Water, Deep Diving, and Underwater Navigating specialties. The centre also provides specialised training such as Wreck Diving and Night Diving to expand your experience in different environments.

Professional development is a significant part of their offering. They facilitate the transition from recreational diver to professional through Divemaster training and the complete Instructor Development Course (IDC), covering everything from Assistant Instructor to Master Scuba Instructor levels.

The centre is equipped to support a wide range of diving needs, including the availability of Nitrox for divers looking to extend their no-decompression limits. This is a standard feature for those undertaking deeper dives or multiple-dive itineraries.

In addition to dive training, Aqua Hands provides certified first aid and CPR courses. These are conducted through PADI and DAN (Divers Alert Network) standards, ensuring that divers have the necessary safety skills to complement their underwater training.