Camel Dive Club & Hotel became the only dive business in Sharm El Sheikh to receive a prestigious PADI Accessibility Award in November. The award designates a dive business with special commitment to divers with disabilities. By presenting the award to Camel Dive Club Manager Miki Clark, PADI International Regional Manager Terry Johnson confirmed that Camel meets PADI’s comprehensive list of criteria.
The dive centre, 4* hotel with pool and all restaurants were built specifically with disabled guests in mind. Wide corridors, ramps and lifts allow unlimited and easy access for wheelchair users. Five hotel rooms are deliberately designed to accommodate guests with restricted mobility, bathrooms included.
“Our complete facilities’ design provides a relaxing holiday experience” says Miki, “and when it comes to diving we have comprehensive experience of guests with special needs.” Camel trains its dive staff in disability practices and some are members of IAHD, the International Association of Handicapped Divers. Camel Dive Club’s complete range of diving courses is accessible to all, at every level: in September 2004 Camel Dive Club certified its first PADI dive instructor in a wheelchair.
“Everybody can participate in our dive excursions” explains Miki, “and our dive boats are accessible for wheelchair users. Our trained boat crews know how to give a hand – at the right time, in the right place”. Camel Dive Club & Hotel is only 5 minutes away from the jetty, another advantage as wheelchair users can simply wheel themselves to the jetty.
PADI sets high standards for the Accessibility Award with good reason. It has to be sure that divers with restricted mobility receive the service they need. According to Terry “often small things make a big difference to an enjoyable diving experience. With its facilities and its supportive staff Camel Dive Club & Hotel fills a gap in the Sharm El Sheikh area.”
For more information about Camel Dive Club & Hotel see www.cameldive.com
