Francois Neethling’s officially qualified as the first visually impaired scuba diver in Africa, after he received training from Braam Le Roux, owner of Scoobadoo Dive Centre, in September 2011.

The first step was for Francois to learn the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) method, which includes hand signs based on touch to communicate underwater.

“This is a dream come true,” said Francois, who lost his sight through macular degeneration. “It’s something I longed for, for a long time. You feel free underwater.”

Francois will soon be doing his HSA Advance Scuba Diver Course, which will allow him to go down to 30 meters. Braam is one of only seven scuba trainers for disabled persons and is a member of the HSA in South Africa.

For more information contact Scoobadoo on 0828942219, visit www.scoobadoo.com or find them on Facebook.