On that dive, there were nurse sharks, Goliath groupers, a large lemon shark, tropical fish, coral, and warm, clear water. We drifted along at 80 feet, then topped the reef at 70 feet as this veteran returned to a place of comfort and peace. The Kyalami crew and divemasters made him feel welcome, using the same careful briefings and procedures that are part of their normal operation. That consistency created trust. In the Florida Keys, a group of veterans came together for a cleanup dive sponsored by a local supermarket. Mike Goldberg at Key Dives welcomed them, provided rental equipment at no cost when needed, and made sure the group had what they needed for successful, productive dives. Removing debris from coral reefs gave these veterans purpose, satisfaction, and an enjoyable day in the water. For dive operators and retailers, veterans and military groups represent an often overlooked audience. Some are already trained divers who simply need a respectful pathway back into the water. Others may be interested in learning to dive with family members. Some may pursue professional level training through available military education benefits, schol- arships, or outside sponsorship programs. Local businesses, civic groups, supermarkets, service organizations, and veterans groups may also be willing to support events, cleanup dives, adaptive programs, or community outreach. BUSINESS EDU continued
This is not only goodwill. It is good business when done sincerely and professionally. Dive boats like Kyalami welcome veterans. Many operators already provide the support needed to help divers with disabilities participate safely. Adaptive scuba organizations, volunteer teams, and instructors trained in adaptive techniques can also help dive businesses serve this community properly. For instructors, there is a special sense of accomplishment in helping active-duty service members, veterans, and their families enjoy diving for recreation, confidence, connection, and purpose. It is more than recognizing the sacrifice of service. It is an opportunity to use the ocean as a place of wel- come. For dive businesses, the takeaway is simple: do not overlook the people who have served. Invite them. Support them. Partner with local veteran organizations. Offer refresher op- portunities. Create family-focused dive days. Build cleanup events with purpose. Work with adaptive scuba groups when appropriate.
There are forgotten heroes in nearly every com- munity. Many of them may be ready to return to the water, or discover it for the first time, if a dive professional simply opens the door.
email John
NOVEMBER 4, 2026 • 6 PM NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT • NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA PRESENTED BY THE ACADEMY OF UNDERWATER ARTS AND SCIENCES WITH THE UNDERWATER SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2026 NOGI AWARDS GALA 65TH ANNUAL
HONORING NOGI RECIPIENTS:
www.auas-nogi.org
PAGE FIFTY | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker