On Monday, March 31, undergraduate students from the Physical Education program at the Center for Health and Sports Sciences (Cefid) of the State University of Santa Catarina (Udesc) took part in a diving session held at the institution’s semi-Olympic pool in the Coqueiros neighborhood of Florianópolis.
The activity was part of the course “Special Topics in Nautical and Aquatic Sports,” led by Professor Marcela Zequinão. She is a faculty member of the Physical Education Department at Udesc Cefid and holds a doctorate in Child Studies, with a specialization in Physical Education, Leisure, and Recreation from the University of Minho in Portugal.
During the session, students had the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of scuba diving through a guided hands-on experience. Under the supervision of certified professionals, the participants were introduced to the basics of autonomous diving. The instructional team included two certified scuba instructors and an assistant, all affiliated with the Brazilian section of the National Association of Underwater Instructors (Naui), a globally recognized organization based in the United States.
The instructors not only guided the students throughout the session but also provided all the necessary equipment. According to Professor Marcela, the practical class was a major success among the students. “They loved it! Some said it was the best experience they’ve had during the course so far. Practicing in the pool sparked their curiosity about diving in open water, and they’re really excited,” she said.
The diving session featured the collaboration of a skilled team with solid credentials in the field:
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Guilherme Fróes de Miranda, owner of Bon Bini Floripa Diving School and a Naui instructor (#61935) certified in recreational and scientific diving, from basic to professional levels (dive master). He is also a certified first aid instructor and a guest lecturer for the Autonomous Diving course in the Aquaculture Engineering program at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).
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Henry Silva, a Naui instructor (#58871) specializing in recreational diving and certified in first aid training.
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Paulo Rodrigo Lopes Dias, assistant diving instructor affiliated with Naui.
This initiative provided an enriching and immersive educational experience for the students, blending theory and practice in an engaging setting. The hands-on training not only helped them grasp the technical and safety aspects of scuba diving but also introduced a new dimension of aquatic sports that many had never experienced before.
The diving session at Udesc Cefid represents a broader approach within the university’s Physical Education curriculum, aiming to expose students to a wide range of sports disciplines, including those that extend beyond the traditional gym or field settings. By offering such experiences, the program prepares future professionals with a more holistic understanding of physical activity, sport, and leisure.
About Naui
The National Association of Underwater Instructors (Naui), established in 1960, is one of the most respected organizations in the field of autonomous diving certification. It is internationally recognized for its commitment to safety, in-depth technical training, and promoting independence among diving practitioners. Naui’s mission emphasizes the development of highly competent divers and instructors, equipping them with the skills necessary to practice and teach diving safely and responsibly in a variety of aquatic environments.
This type of experiential learning is a powerful tool in physical education, allowing students to step outside the classroom and engage with the real-world application of their studies. The Udesc initiative not only broadened their academic horizons but also planted the seeds of enthusiasm for future adventures in aquatic sports and possibly professional diving careers.
