Breaking Barriers - Lisa’s Journey to Become a Certified Diver

17th of September 2026

Pictured left to right -  Quicksilver Dive instructor India Boulton and Lisa Osadchuk diving at Agincourt Reef

A US woman has become the first person in the world with her medical condition to become a certified scuba diver, following specialised adaptive diver training with Quicksilver Dive on the Great Barrier Reef.

For Lisa Osadchuk, hailing from Washington State US, becoming a certified scuba diver on the Great Barrier Reef was more than just ticking off a dream, and in doing so, hopes to pave the way for others with similar conditions.

Lisa developed adrenal insufficiency after surgery for Cushing’s disease, which required her adrenal glands to be removed. A lifelong “water baby” and natural adventurer, she had searched for adaptive diving but struggled to find something suited to her needs.

While in Australia recently to compete in the UCI BMX World Championships in Brisbane, Lisa decided where better to live out her scuba dream than the Great Barrier Reef. That’s when she found Quicksilver Dive, Queensland’s only accredited PADI Adaptive Services Facility.

With careful preparation and guidance from Dr. Nick Bird, former Chief Medical Officer of Divers Alert Network and Medical Director for the Centre of Hyperbaric Medicine at Virginia Mason in Seattle, Lisa and the Quicksilver team worked through the unique considerations of diving with her condition, including temperature regulation and how her body would respond to pressure.

“Supported by her Quicksilver Dive instructor India Boulton, our lifeguards and the entire crew, Lisa completed her certification with plenty of excitement, celebration and underwater happy dances along the way,“ said Jade Parton, Quicksilver Dive Operations Supervisor.

For Lisa, the experience of finally exploring the Great Barrier Reef underwater was everything she had hoped for, and more. The reef itself exceeded her expectations, but what meant just as much was the support she received from the Quicksilver team.

“It’s like an underwater treasure hunt. It was more stunning than I could have ever imagined. Seeing the whole team come together to support me in this big dream and getting just as excited as I was, was really special,” said Lisa.

Quicksilver Group Managing Director Tony Baker said Lisa’s achievement highlighted the possibilities that adaptive diving can create for people who may otherwise face barriers to experiencing the underwater world.

“We’re very proud that Quicksilver Dive could help turn Lisa’s lifelong dream into reality. It’s a wonderful example of how adaptive diving can open up the world of scuba to many more people with special needs, whether those challenges relate to mobility or other physical or medical considerations,” said Mr Baker.

For Lisa, the experience has given her more than a certification. It has given her confidence in herself and in how she moves through the world.

“If I can tackle diving, I can tackle so many other things in my life.” And now, she hopes her journey can help others believe that they can too. “I can open up this magical world for so many people, everyone should have the chance to see this.”

“Speaking with Lisa was a breath of fresh air. Her courage, enthusiasm and zest for life were infectious and we’re incredibly proud that the Quicksilver team could be part of her journey.  Here’s to breaking barriers, creating possibilities and making the underwater world accessible to more people!,” said Ms Parton.