From Passion to Purpose: My Journey in Adaptive Diving and Creating SCI-DI

© 2025 Romona Robbins. 

https://www.naui.org/naui-dive-spotlight-brian-schiefer/

Growing up in rural Michigan, far from the ocean’s edge, I never imagined I’d find my calling beneath the waves. My name is Brian Schiefer, and my path to scuba diving—and ultimately founding SCI-DI—has been anything but ordinary. It’s a story of resilience, discovery, and a mission to make the underwater world accessible to everyone, no matter their physical challenges.

A Life Changed in an Instant

My journey began with a thirst for adventure that led me to the United States Air Force, where I served as part of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) through multiple deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. But in 2008, during a pre-deployment training exercise in California, my life took an unexpected turn. A vehicle accident left me with collapsed lungs, multiple spinal fractures, and paralysis. Navigating life in a wheelchair became my new reality, and the road to recovery was long and grueling.

After years of rehabilitation, I found myself searching for a new sense of purpose. When a case manager from the Semper Fi Fund asked me what I wanted to do next, I didn’t hesitate: I wanted to try scuba diving. That decision set me on a path that would redefine my life and inspire a mission to help others.

Discovering Freedom Underwater

Through the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge (CWVC), I joined their adaptive dive training program as the first-ever spinal cord-injured diver. There were no blueprints, no established protocols—just a shared determination to make it work. When I entered the water for the first time, something incredible happened. My body, limited on land, moved with a newfound freedom underwater. The weightlessness of the ocean gave me a sense of liberation I hadn’t felt since my injury. It was a moment of clarity: scuba diving wasn’t just a sport; it was a gateway to possibility.

Back home in Destin, Florida, I connected with Task Force Poseidon, a veteran-led dive group dedicated to supporting wounded service members through scuba diving. Together, we began exploring how to make diving accessible for others with spinal cord injuries. It became clear that adaptive diving required a new approach—specialized equipment, modified techniques, and a commitment to safety and accessibility.

Founding SCI-DI: A Mission to Innovate and Inspire

In 2024, I took a bold step and founded SCI-DI, LLC, an organization dedicated to transforming adaptive diving. Currently operating as an LLC, SCI-DI filed for nonprofit status with the IRS in 2025, and we’re actively working to expand our mission. Our goal is to combine research, technology, and accessibility to redefine what’s possible for divers with spinal cord injuries.

At SCI-DI, we’re pursuing a triangular approach:

1. Groundbreaking Research: We partner with hyperbaric specialists and medical researchers to study the therapeutic effects of scuba diving. From reducing inflammation to improving circulation and mental well-being, we’re exploring how the underwater environment can benefit those with spinal cord injuries.

2. Innovative Equipment: We’re developing specialized adaptive dive gear, refining weighting, buoyancy, and movement techniques to ensure safety and efficiency. Our collaboration with CWVC has already led to a pilot program in Destin, Florida, showing remarkable benefits like reduced pain, better sleep, and enhanced mental clarity for participants.

3. Building Community: SCI-DI is committed to fostering a strong community of adaptive divers. We advocate for increased accessibility and collaboration between the medical, military, and diving communities, envisioning a future where scuba diving is recognized as an evidence-based therapeutic tool.

A Vision for the Future

Scuba diving has given me a renewed sense of purpose, and through SCI-DI, I’m determined to share that gift with others. Our work is just beginning, but the impact is already clear: adaptive diving can transform lives. Whether it’s through developing new equipment, conducting research, or building a supportive community, SCI-DI is paving the way for a more inclusive underwater world.

To learn more about our mission or get involved, visit us in Destin, Florida, or connect with the growing community of adaptive divers. Together, we can dive deeper—into innovation, accessibility, and the healing power of the ocean.

Follow my journey and SCI-DI’s mission at NAUI’s Dive Spotlight for more details.

© 2025 Romona Robbins.