DWF Is Back as a BSA Scuba Diving Merit Badge Counselor – 2025 Edition!
It’s official—I’m thrilled to announce that DiveWithFrank is once again serving as a registered BSA Scuba Diving Merit Badge Counselor! Scouts in the Baltimore Area (and beyond!) now have a friendly, local pathway to dive deeper—literally—into learning and adventure.
What’s New (and Still Awesome!)
Still Certified, Still Excited: I’m proud to continue guiding Scouts through the Scuba Diving merit badge, backed by real passion and the professional credentials to match.
Open to All Scouts Nearby: I’m affiliated with the Baltimore Area Council, but I warmly welcome Scouts from anywhere around our neck of the woods—no need to stick to your own council!
More Info, Same Friendly Tone: Interested? Reach out! Let’s make this memorable.
Heads-Up: You Don’t Need to Be Certified with Me
Want to do your actual Open Water Diver certification elsewhere? Totally fine. Many Scouts choose to earn it through other trusted scuba agencies recognized by BSA (like PADI, SSI, NAUI, etc.), then come to me afterward to complete the merit‑badge‑specific requirements. I’ll walk you through the learning goals—even if your open‑water cert is from afar.
Important Prerequisite: Swimming Merit Badge Required
Before diving into steps 3 through 6 of the Scuba Diving merit badge, Scouts must have already earned the Swimming merit badge. It’s a firm requirement laid out by BSA policy, ensuring Scouts are confidently comfortable in the water before advancing to more advanced scuba training.
Recap of the Scuba Diving Merit Badge Requirements
Safety & First Aid Knowledge
Demonstrate understanding of first aid for diving-related conditions—like hypothermia, nitrogen narcosis, decompression sickness, motion sickness, overexertion, aquatic injuries, and more. Also, know when and how to administer CPR (using approved methods)Swimming Merit Badge
Must be earned before moving on to the remaining requirementsScuba Diver’s Code
Discuss the importance of safety, respect for the underwater world, buddy procedures, buoyancy, and other core principles with your counselor.Open Water Diver Certification
Earned from a BSA‑recognized scuba training agency (e.g., PADI, SSI, NAUI, etc.)—this satisfies requirement 4Aquatic Ecosystems
Explain what an ecosystem is and describe four specific aquatic environments a diver could experience.Scuba Careers Exploration
Research three career opportunities in diving, then choose one to explore in depth—covering education, training, and why it interests you—and share that with your counselor.
Want to Work with Me?
Pre-reqs covered? If you’ve got your Swimming merit badge and either plan to get (or already have) your Open Water Diver certification, then great—let’s connect!
Already certified elsewhere? Perfect. I’ll help you tick off the remaining badge requirements in an engaging, supportive way.
Just curious? Reach out anyway! I can guide you through what’s involved and how best to prepare.
Final Thoughts
2025 is shaping up to be an amazing year for Scouts looking to explore life below the surface. With solid fundamentals, excitement, and the right preparation, we can make earning your Scuba Diving merit badge a highlight of your scouting journey. Whether you’re ready to jump in or still considering your path, I’m here to help you dive in with confidence!
