59 year old Ed Przybylek has a bucket list with one less activity to do now that he has experienced an introductory dive on the Great Barrier Reef.

Blind since the age of 10, Mr Przbylek travelled to the Reef with his wife on Quicksilver Cruises and with James Hight, a long term Quicksilver Dive Instructor. Mr Przbylek took the plunge in what was a unique learning experience for both of them.

James said, “A dive brief prior to entering the water is normally very visual with pictures and signals so we had to work out a whole new set of signals once underwater. 

"Ed and I had to find a communication avenue to ensure the safety of the dive.   It had to be a team effort so I first talked through what was going to happen under water.  We then worked on the signals such, as one tap on the shoulder meant – are you ok, two taps to kneel down on the sand.   

"Ed was very confident and working on his skills before we entered the water was done with one finger on the forearm, then two fingers to practice the skills before we went diving."

Mr Przbylek said it was an experience to cherish. “It was like flying down there. “I have just ticked one item of my bucket list but I have to add another – get certified”.

James was very pleased that he was able to help his client experience the underwater sensation of diving.

“Diving is very visual but for Ed it was the sensation and his different senses were highlighted underwater.  It was a pleasure to take Ed on an introductory dive and he gave me a lot of trust to guide him underwater.”