SCUBA Certified - A Desirable Skill for the USNA?

[ForGod&Country]

Any significant advantage for a candidate to the USNA to being SCUBA certified and having their own equipment? How would this benefit DS on their application above and beyond something on the activities resume' if at all? A quick review of past posts shows them more as club activities at the academies but not much about applying the skill to a future job. Wondering the same for the USCGA and USMMA and will post question there as well. Thanks.

 

[NavyHoops]

It wouldn't really come into play directly for a service assignment. The USN has its own dive school. Some years they do send Mids there for summer training. Doesn't matter his level, he will start out at ground zero if he attended dive school. Now indirectly his comfort and ability in the water would help with things such as screeners to be selected for those schools (which would impact service selection) and PT tests for screeners and selection. Hope that all makes sense.

 

[ForGod&Country]

It wouldn't really come into play directly for a service assignment. The USN has its own dive school. Some years they do send Mids there for summer training. Doesn't matter his level, he will start out at ground zero if he attended dive school. Now indirectly his comfort and ability in the water would help with things such as screeners to be selected for those schools (which would impact service selection) and PT tests for screeners and selection. Hope that all makes sense.

It makes sense and helps. It doesn't sound like it would be an advantage to an applicant to the USNA when being reviewed by the admissions board. There are much bigger criteria to consider and whether or not DS had this would not make or break an offer of appointment. Let me know if I'm inaccurate here...thanks.

 

[NavyHoops]

If it counted as anything it would just be an ECA. Not sure much more than that if anything. If it's something he enjoys then go for it, but don't do any of this stuff just because it might look good for USNA. USNA has a scuba club and lots of Mids do dive. I mean it is a water based school with plenty of aggressive young men and women who like to explore. Some will say having diving experience helped them at dive school and others will not. If the USN wants you to be able to do something they will train you, their way. Being comfortable in the water is a good thing, especially for folks who want to be divers, EOD or SEALS.

 

[tug_boat]

Having a SCUBA cert will not give you any advantage during your application process. It will however help build your confidence in the water

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