Freediving Instructors International (F.I.I.) and Barry University have teamed up to offer freediving certifications at the collegiate level. Barry University located in Miami Shores Florida, currently offers the world’s only four-year degree in the Recreational SCUBA Diving Industry. This program provides emerging aquatic professionals real world experiences that will help them to become leaders in the dive industry. “With the growth of the freediving portion of the recreational diving industry, it is imperative our next generation of professionals is familiar with the safety, standards and techniques that make freediving a safe and enjoyable activity. Freediving Instructors International has created a curriculum based around the tenants of safety and technique, which aligns perfectly with our risk management ideology at Barry.” said Brett Scaglione, Barry University SMDI Instructor and F.I.I. Level 1, 2 Instructor.
Meeting twice a week over the course of six weeks with Instructors Martin Stepanek, Niki Roderick, and Brett Scaglione gives students the opportunity to truly become immersed in the freediving lifestyle while acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to become a safe and competent freediver. When asked about the content of the course, students emphasized how impressed they were with the detail and in- depth information they received, not to mention the skills gained with regard to safety protocols. Martin Stepanek, F.I.I. Founder and multiple World Record holder, explains, “The wonderful thing about freediving is that every human-being already has innate aquatic abilities – we just show you the way to get in touch with them. As Barry University SM-DI students enter new careers all around the world, I know they will take these invaluable teachings and their passion for freediving with them.”
