FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a Valkyrie Voyage?
A: A Valkyrie Voyage is a PTSD trauma counseling retreat for Veterans/First Responders that takes place on a small live aboard throughout the Bahamas. We utilize a US based charter company with decades of experience navigating the beautiful waters of the Exumas. The program is tailored specifically to those with combat PTSD and as such, combat/humanitarian aid deployments are a requirement of eligibility. In 2023 we added a retreat that is being tailored for law enforcement and first responders. Morning and evening sessions focused on trauma and moral injury are the primary focus of our program and participation in every session is required. Sessions are led by a licensed counselor who focuses on trauma (he is also a combat Marine) and a military chaplain with nearly 3 decades of service and multiple deployments with special forces units.
Q: Do you provide separate retreats for male and female Veterans?
A: No, at this time our retreats are co-ed as we do not have enough qualified female applicants each year to fill their own retreat. Female participants are bunked in the galley section of the boat with our DSV staff which includes a female. The boat crew typically also has female crew members.
Q: Do your Voyages address MST?
A: No. While we absolutely understand the validity of trauma by those who have experienced MST, based on the group dynamic of the majority of our sessions and the time constraints of our week, we are not able to include that into our program. Our counseling sessions were developed to address combat PTSD. For Veterans looking for programs specific to MST, we are happy to offer a referral.
Q: What's included in the Voyage?
A: Veterans/Law Enforcement/First Responders selected to participate will be provided the following:
Airport transfers
Quarters on the vessel
All meals, snacks, drinks, etc.
Required dive equipment, exposure protection, air fills, and weights
Taxes, fees, and crew gratuities
Select dive training for those selected
Approximately 30 hours of trauma and resiliency counseling
Q: What's NOT included in the Voyage?
A: Voyage participants will be required to purchase their own round-trip airfare to Nassau, Bahamas. General items not covered may or may not pertain to an individual. This is a common list of items not covered however sound judgment should be used by an applicant in determining financial obligations and ability to participate. Participation is not covered under the Soldier Sailor Relief Act and we encourage participants to notify their employers and family to ensure there is no conflict in participating. General items NOT covered include (but are not limited to):
Airfare to and from Nassau, Bahamas
Passport fees
DAN Dive/Travel Insurance (required by the charter company)
Clothing / luggage for the trip
Souvenirs purchased from a dive operation or while ashore
Meals en-route in airports
Purchase of transportation home due to removal from program for falsification of application or violation of code of conduct
Fees imposed due to deliberate destruction or damage to property
Individual travel insurance (dive insurance)
Travel expenses associated with conducting dive training
Reimbursement for money spent without prior written approval
Anything else not expressly written in participant agreement upon notification of selection.
Q: How long are Voyages?
A: Voyages are approximately one week. We hope to offer both longer and shorter retreats in other areas as funding becomes available
Q: Who is eligible to participate?
A: Voyages are designed as a time for healing with fellow Veterans/Law Enforcement/First Responders only. Applications are open to dual military couples and Veterans of all conflict eras, however, combat deployments are required for both applicants for consideration and eligibility in the Veteran program.
Q: Can I apply for my Veteran?
A: We prefer that the Veteran complete the application. We understand that many Veterans rely on their caregiver but our retreat requires that they are able to complete dive training and travel independently, they are required to initial several areas of the application to acknowledge their understanding of the retreat and its requirements. Failure to complete the application as directed may result in the application not moving forward to the selection committee.
Q: What is expected out of each participant?
A: A Code of Conduct will accompany each application that outlines expectations and consequences for gross violations. As these trips are designed to foster continued healing, we conduct our group sessions as either one group or several small groups. Topics are chosen ahead of time and participants are encouraged to discuss their thoughts. Above all, mutual respect for one another and the utmost respect for the crew is paramount to ensure continued adventures. Further details will be provided to participants.
Q: Do I have to know how to swim?
A: While you don’t need to be Michael Phelps, a general knowledge of how to swim is required to complete your SCUBA certification and ultimately participate. As part of your dive training, you are required to swim 200 meters without stopping to hold the side of a pool, this has no time limit and can be completed using any stroke. You will also have to pass a 10 minute float. Valkyries experience a number of dive scenarios over the course of the week to include drift dives and must be able to swim across and against currents.
Q: Are you required to be Scuba Dive certified to apply for the Voyage?
A: No you are not required to be certified prior to applying however, the trips are designed around Scuba Diving. Those selected to participate, we will (to the best of our ability) work with a shop local to the Valkyrie that will conduct training prior to the retreat. Understand that many shops donate portions of the training and the Valkyrie is required to conduct their training on the dates provided to them by the shop or forfeit their place on the retreat. Completion of dive training/certification within the timeframe provided by staff is required to attend the retreat. Veterans who are not certified but who are looking to get certified before applying may request to be sponsored to conduct dive training prior to the trip. Our partners at Patriots for Disabled Divers (PFDD) have affiliate shops across the US and may be able to coordinate training prior to the retreat. That application must be made directly through PFDD and is dependent on the funds available for training. Those already certified or those wishing to conduct additional training during the trip may request so prior to departure. Our certified instructors and leaders will be happy to accommodate whenever possible.
Q: Can Deep Sea Valkyries certify divers?
A: Yes; for those in the greater Phoenix area, we will provide open water dive training to those selected as part of your selection process (if required). We certify through the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) and your certification is recognized worldwide as a recreational scuba diver. If a participant is outside the Phoenix area and not certified prior to applying, we will arrange for you to conduct training with a local dive shop prior to your travel.
Q: What personal items you need to bring?
A: This varies based on the trip, operation, location, and duration. Each trip we will provide a FAQ sheet specific to that trip which will provide more details. Generally speaking, there is little in terms of clothing, some hygiene items and personal medication, and your sense of adventure!
Q: Why did we chose Scuba Diving and other water based activities?
A: As US Military combat Veterans, we understand the struggles many face returning home. Scuba diving has always been how we have found peace and the healing power of being weightless under the water is un-paralleled in our minds. Diving also transcends most levels of injury/disability giving our Veterans a freedom of movement many have not experienced since their injury. We hope to foster the love of diving among other Veterans/Law Enforcement/First Responders, to provide a release for their frustrations, and build camaraderie.
Q: What is the application process (how do I apply)?
A: The process begins with completing and submitting a Voyage application which will be available on our website during the submission window. We highly encourage the applicant be as thorough as possible and submit as soon as the submission window opens. This will allow us to review and request additional information or documentation as needed before the packet goes before a selection board. Primaries will be selected along with alternates. Each will be notified and the administrative process will continue until departure. It is critical that each selected participant be prompt in replying to requests for information. A general timeline is as follows:
Retreat Application:
December 1st: Application submission window opens
December 31st: Application submission window closes
Early January: Applications reviewed and board selection
Mid January: Participants selected and notified
Spring: Dive training for those not already certified. Documents and travel packets built; participants must provide proof of airline itinerary and DAN insurance.
Q: How are participants selected?
A: Applications are received and then sterilized prior to moving on to the selection committee. Every Veteran applicant is required to email a Member-4 copy of their DD214 when applying. Discriminating information is redacted from applications and packets are sent to a 5 person board for selection. While we do our best to accommodate all applicants, the reality is that we are selecting individuals to participate in an activity which requires some self-reliance and a certain level of physical ability. Those with physical disabilities will be considered in the board process but we may request details on the nature of injuries or disabilities to ensure your safety during the trip. Disclosure of medical information is completely voluntary but withholding of information may result in disqualification and application removal.
Q: Does my application automatically roll over to the following year if I was selected as an alternate?
A: No. If you wish to be considered in the following year, you will be required to fill out a new application and submit the mandatory documentation again while the application window is open.
Q: Can we take a service dog on the trip?
A: Unfortunately, per regulations of the vessel being used we are unable to accommodate service animals. We are on smaller vessels with limited space and once we leave port on our voyage we do not return until the voyage conclusion. Any Veteran wishing to attend a DSV retreat will need to be able to travel without the assistance of a service animal.
Q: Can a spouse/caregiver/or family also attend?
A: There are many wonderful organizations that offer marriage/family retreats. Deep Sea Valkyries participation is limited to the Veteran/Law Enforcement Officer/First Responder only, however, we do encourage dual military couples to apply as well as our civil servants whose partners also serve in a LEO/first responder role. Please understand that there is no guarantee that both will be selected to participate.
Q: Are there any automatic medical dis-qualifiers?
A: Unfortunately yes. Some are based on the type of vessel being used. While some ships can accommodate those in wheelchairs others require you to be able to move up and down ladders under uncertain weather circumstances. At this time, the boats we are able to utilize cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Those who suffer from seizures will also be unlikely to get a medical waiver. Those who are not yet certified will be required to fill out a medical statement prior to beginning their training. If the participant answers “Yes” to any of the questions on the statement, they will have to meet with appropriate medical professionals so that a dive physical can be conducted to determine if the Veteran is able to participate. It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete the medical statement in a timely fashion after notification of selection because training will not be conducted without it. We wish all Veterans had the opportunity to participate but safety is our utmost priority and may dictate certain restrictions. Should a certified diver be asked to complete a dive medical and it be determined that they are unable to participate due to safety, their offer to attend may be rescinded.
*A dive medical is required for dive training and the form is included below. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your PCP to have the form signed if you are applying for a retreat. Medical is valid for 1 year from date of signature and will facilitate the dive training process if selected to participate.
Q: I have a prescription for CBD to manage pain, can I bring it?
A: No. While certain states issue medicinal marijuana cards and some doctors are beginning to prescribe CBD to Veterans as an alternative to opioids, when traveling internationally it is still an illegal substance. Nassau has incredibly strict laws and if the products are found in your luggage at customs and immigration when entering the country, you run the risk of being taken into custody and there is nothing we can do to help. All participants are given this information during their initial screening so they have the opportunity to make other arrangements with their PCP.
Q: Is PTSD a disqualifier?
A: No, PTSD is not an automatic disqualifier, in fact our counseling sessions focus primarily on that topic. The majority of the sessions are centered around combat related trauma so participants who have not experienced combat may not feel as though many of the sessions pertain to them. As stated above, disclosure of medical information is voluntary however failure to be honest in the application may result in removal from the program at any time even if selected.
Q: What are the current COVID restrictions?
A: *Update 09/20/22 by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism*
As of 20 September 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas has been eliminated.
All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.
*Please note that these requirements are constantly evolving and we will update information as it becomes available. At this time the Bahamas does not require visitors to be fully vaccinated. For the most up to date information visit https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates
Photo by Marc Hale
Healing awaits
