A LOCAL man has not allowed amputation to stand in the way of his success as a Padi divemaster and soon to be HUET (helicopter underwater escape training) safety diver, thanks to support from Aberdeen Diving Services.
Lee Chapman found himself with a major challenge in his life when he had his leg amputated four years ago, but he was determined to not let it change him as a person. He approached ADS Director Andy Watson at Aberdeen Diving Services back in 2022, wanting to learn to scuba dive but was unsure if this was possible after his amputation.
Andy was more than happy to make this dream of Lee become a reality, with the whole team at ADS pulling together with assistance and advice from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) to make this happen for Lee.
Since Lee began his training with ADS, Lee has gone from someone who had never scuba dived to completing Padi Open Water, Padi Advanced open water diver, and Padi Rescue diver, and is soon to be awarded his first professional qualification joining the elite group of Padi Divemasters.
With Lee being very much bitten by the bug, he has been looking for his next challenge after completing nearly 100 dives and being able to dive to 30m.
Andy Watson commented:
“Lee has now joined ADS as one of our HUET (helicopter underwater escape training) safety divers, working within the oil and gas training sector. Not an easy task for anyone, as Lee has had to pass an HSE divers medical, including a fitness test, but with the help and support from ADS he has been able to achieve this.
Learning to dive can be challenging for anyone, let alone becoming a Padi pro, and Lee has done all this despite being an amputee. He has become a vital part to the fantastic team at ADS where he is a huge roll model to all Padi students. He is able to put them at ease with his positive attitude.
All the oil and gas training centre clients of ADS have been extremely supportive of bringing Lee into this safety critical roll. We are all very much in the mindset that Lee will strive in the roll with his sheer determination and positive attitude.”
Lee and Andy have been working alongside the prosthetics department in Glasgow to make Lee a specific leg for diving that is now nearing completion. This has again been a huge test for Lee, Andy and the prosthetics department, due to the challenge of getting this to operate with the water pressures at 30m that Lee is certified to dive to.
Lee has already passed all his HUET diver theory training with Andy and ADS and will soon be starting his practical training for the roll.
