 In celebration of our 15th Anniversary, Scuba Diving has selected 15 lucky people from over 1,300 Scuba Search nominees to become certified to dive—on us! Starting August 1st you will be able to vote on your favorite nominee. The winner will receive a trip for two to Anthony's Key Resort in Roatan, PLUS that person and their nominator will both win full sets of gear from either Mares or Sherwood. In addition, the runner up and their nominator will win full sets of gear. The nominees are:
| Lauren Dellos |
Nominated by Steven Dellos
Lexington, Ohio
 First, congratulations on your 15th Anniversary. I'm nominating the perfect poster girl, my daughter Lauren, to get certified in Scuba Diving Magazine's Scuba Search 2007, and also would like you to consider certifying my son and wife. Thats right, a family affair. Here is a quick family background. My oldest son and I have been certified for 6 years. My younger son started training with us but was not comfortable with an underwater environment and elected to wait. My wife started training prior to our marriage back in 78 but received an empty tank in the pool, ran out of air and dropped out of the classes. My daughter Lauren loved snorkeling in the Bahamas during a family vacation and is now ready to join the elite group of underwater explorers.
She is 19, presently attends OSU in Mansfield, Ohio and works for Best Buy part-time in the media department and represents her store as the Employee Experience Team Leader. Lauren has always been an intelligent (I think she is a super-genius), out going, bright, athletic, vibrant and beautiful young lady. Aside from being on her high school Homecoming Court, she has been involved in mission trips to Mexico, cheerleading, tennis, skiing, and snowboarding. She is, of course, my special little girl, and nothing would make me happier than to have her join us on diving trips. She would also be would be quite the scuba diving advocate before, during, and after the Scuba Search 2007 diving certification (while on the fabulous dive trip you award). The recreational diving industry could use someone like Lauren to promote diving to today's youth. She could appeal to both men and women to get certified and would be a great testimonial to the benefits of diving.
Should the idea of a family who dives together, stays and plays together entice you, then please think about adding my youngest son, Ryan 23, and my wife, Lexanne 46, to your certification list. Ryan has a 3 year old son who loves to read Scuba Diving magazine and learn about our underwater world. He was even a scuba diver for Halloween. We'll put him on hold until his early teens. My wife and I are back on our own after all of the kids are now out pursuing their own lives. It is the perfect opportunity for us to enjoy world destinations of both land and sea. Every man dreams of sharing special moments with their wives. There would be none better than to have her as my dive buddy. So there you have it. You have a couple of options. My primary nominee is my daughter, Lauren, but an excellent second alternative would be to certify my daughter, son and wife in the Scuba Search 2007. Plus, it makes life easier for you by filling 3 of the 15 slots in one move. I hope I was able help in your selection process and look forward to hearing from you. |
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| Hans Frinchaboy |
Nominated by Gabriel Mitchell
San Diego, California
 I have been certified for a couple of years now. I love the experience of being in the water and being immersed in a completely different environment. I decided to get certified after going on vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands on my honeymoon. The snorkeling was unbelievable, but I could not shake the feeling that it would be exponentially better if I could go deeper for longer. I was right. Scuba diving has been incredible and I hope to one day return to Turks and Caicos and do it right.
Unfortunately, I don't get to dive here in San Diego as much as I would like, usually because the few friends I have who are also certified usually don't have the time. I spend much more time snorkeling with my brother Hans and spear-fishing in the local kelp beds. I feel that I am missing out on some really great dives here in San Diego. I just read the description of diving the Yukon in your April 2007 issue and I would love to take an advanced class and explore the ships of Wreck Alley myself.
Hans and I are half brothers but we grew up together and are tighter than most siblings. Hans was the best man at my wedding and I know that if I ever have any problems I can always turn to him. He is the kind of guy who would make the perfect dive buddy. He is intelligent, enthusiastic and loyal. Also he is very good at keeping his head in a crisis situation as I found out when he crashed our Moms car in to the back of the house while I was teaching him to drive.
To our mutual dismay Hans has not been able to afford to get his diving certification so far. He was excited about following in my footsteps after I got certified and we spent many hours talking about all the dives we would do but it never materialized. About a year ago, Hans went through a really tough time. One of his oldest friends passed away due to a long drawn out bout with cancer. Ever since then Hans has been in a somber mood. I would love to be able to give him a bright spot in his life to help get his mind off his grief. If Hans was able to get his certification, I'm sure that both he and I would make the time to get in the water more often. I would love to show him the La Jolla Canyon and the Point Loma Kelp forests, and it would be great to explore the Yukon and the many dives around Catalina Island. We also plan on getting night certified so we can hopefully catch some bugs during lobster season. I may not be the typical old salt diver but with my brother in a BCD next to me, we could both easily be experienced expert divers in no time. |
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| Tylon Guine |
Nominated by himself
Plainville, Connecticut
 ...I would absolutely love to nominate myself, a non-diver, to be awared a certification by Scuba Diving. I recently picked up your magazine while searching for something to read in the Connecticut airport. I have always been highly interested in the unknown of the world. If it's laying on my back and watching the starry night skies and wondering what life and possiblities there could be in another universe. Or sitting on a pier at the beach, lake, river or some type of bodied water, dreaming of the endless amount of unknown creatures scurring across the ocean floor.
My family & friends think that I am insane because of some of the things I enjoy doing--such as repelling off 175-ft cliffs, sky-diving, zip lining, interest in bungee jumping and the one highly interesting hobby I would love to start...scuba diving. They tell me that "black" people don't do some of the crazy things Im interested in--that I need to see a therapist. I just say that the adrenaline rush of the unknown is what I seek.
Scuba diving could give me those answers to what's out there. Yes, it's easy to see these things in magazines or on television, but to experience the ride and thrill yourself is like winning the lottery everytime you discover something new. I can only imagine the unlimited possibilites that could be uncovered through scuba diving. Flash to a newly certified scuba diver (Tylon Guine) grins with all white teeth after finishing his last open water test on Fiji's Great Astrolable Reef! |
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| Jay Jurrens |
Nominated by Tim Cox
St. Charles, IL
 Thank you in advance for considering the selection of Jay Jurrens to become certified before the end of 2007! Jay, my brother-in-law, completed his open water book training while in college, but never completed his open water dives to gain certification. He has come close to signing up at a local dive shop several times, but something has always stopped his progress. Jay holds an undergrad in nursing and a Masters Degree in Cardiac Rehabilitation. I'll tell you why this is important to me in a moment. Jay will get his open water certification some day, but I am asking you to help make this happen a lot quicker.
Here is my story, and yes, I am asking for purely selfish reasons. I need a dive buddy to help me out with my daughter. Jay's medical background, which I hope to never use, would provide a level of comfort with the following dive scenario. I have a high functioning autistic daughter who was recently certified through (H.S.A.) Handicapped Scuba Association with a c-level certification. My daughter Ashley requires a pair of skilled divers to go into open water. A minimum of one Rescue level diver and a second dive buddy are the minimum requirements for a c-level H.S.A. diver like Ashley. I hold a Rescue Diver certification, and my son holds an Advanced Open Water certification. In addition to the above requirements, we also completed the H.S.A.s dive buddy certification. This was completed for a greater comfort and skill level with disabled divers. Austin and I have all we need to take Ashley diving, but that will be ending soon.
My son will be starting college soon; leaving me without a dive buddy, who I can comfortably rely on for assistance with Ashley. I would like Jay to obtain his open water certification as soon as possible to help fulfill the needed buddy requirement. His clinical skills and attention to detail would make him a highly-skilled buddy. Upon completion of his open water certification, I would like him to follow-up with an advanced certification, an H.S.A. certification, or both. Therefore, I need to get Jay wet and started as soon as possible. Please help me, help Jay, help Ashley!
Side Bar: A huge thank you to DiveHeart located in Downers Grove, Illinois for making this possible. The DiveHeart Organization would be a great story for your readers or they can go online to Diveheart.org. DiveHeart helps physically challenged individuals, as well as, some cognitively impaired divers realize their true potential. They make abilities out of disabilities. Ashley was first introduced to diving a little over two years ago by Diveheart. Diveheart had an organized discover scuba class for disabled adolescents and young adults at a local hospital rehab pool. One thing led to another, and as they say the rest is history! |
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| Rick Klein |
Nichole Klein
Atlanta, Michigan
 Since I have met my husband, he has always had a dream to learn to dive. He has 2 friends that go all the time. Their wives are best friends and bought them the lesson for a gift. He always feels so left out when they talk of their grand vacations and adventures.
My husband is a builder in a small town that isn't growing much. He doesn't make the money that they do, and because of the limited funds, refuses to spend it on himself and not his family. I have 2 sons (10 & 13) who have been saving their pennies to get a dive lesson for him as a gift. His dream is to one day be a certified diver. Their dream is to dive with their father one day. My dream is to see them do it. If you can help us, you would be making not 1, but 4 peoples' dreams come true. Thank you. |
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| Robert Leeds |
Nominated by Jeffrey Leischner
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
 Sometimes you meet a person that becomes more than just a friend; they become interwoven as a fabric of your life. My best friend, Rob Leeds, is that kind of friend. He is THE GUY that needs to win Scuba Search 2007!
Rob and I have known each other since we were stationed together in 1998. We quickly became friends through our love of guitars and eventually formed a band. We've managed to keep the band alive through two relocations. Through the years, Rob and I have formed a relationship that is as close as brothers. We have gone through a lot together and have been there for each other and our families in good times and bad.
Rob and I deployed regularly to the Middle East both before Sep 11th and after, every time leaving our wives and children behind. Because of a close bond that extends to our families, they also support each other while we are gone. There is never hesitation to help out when a toilet overflows, grass needs mowed, kids need watching, and on and on. I was there for Rob when, as soon as we landed in Turkey for a 2 month deployment, he had to immediately go to the ticketing office and secure a flight home because his mother had a stroke while we were enroute. He was there for me when my father was rushed to the hospital for heart surgery.
I have recently begun diving again following a few years out of the sport. I was certified in college and haven't kept up with it like I should have. I am ecstatic to be back under water. Rob started his certification in college also, got all the way to his open water checkout, and like many college students, couldn't find the cash to pay for the trip.
So now I find myself diving again and absolutely loving it and Rob is stuck on dry land. It has been about 11 years since college and Rob is desperate to get certified. With three kids and the high cost of living in FL, it will be a stretch for him to find the money to shake loose for certification. We are currently stationed in NW Florida. The diving here is excellent. Rob should experience diving in a great place like this, especially since we are lucky enough to live here. The largest artificial reef in the world, USS Oriskany, is just an hour drive and a short boat ride off the coast. We have talked of diving the Oriskany to pay tribute to those who fought before us to keep our country free. Rob is currently deployed supporting operations in Iraq and knows nothing of this contest. I can't think of a better gift to give my best friend than to say, I wrote a letter to Scuba Diving Magazine and guess what, they are going to pick up the tab on your certification. Lets dive the Oriskany! |
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| Theresa Lim |
Nominated by herself
Jacksonville, FL
 November 3rd of this year, I will be getting married to my best friend, my true love, Joe. We have a lot in common like surfing and basically any activity that involves saltwater, sunshine, and fresh air. However, he is an experienced SCUBA diver, and I am not. He dives, while I snorkel and free dive. We have taken a few trips, even to Australia, where he was able to swim freely and take beautiful pictures of mysterious ocean creatures, while I hovered up top, getting water down my snorkel.
He would love it, if we both could dive together, and possibly take a dive trip honeymoon. I have been saving every penny for our wedding; I just don't have the funds at this time to get certified. This would be a great wedding present for us! We are a great team, and we love spending time with each other. I can't imagine doing anything else as exciting! Thanks for giving me this opportunity! |
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| Fletcher McNair |
Nominated by Pilar Dean
Huntington Beach, California
 I'd like to nominate my brother. We have actually only known each other for 6 years now. Fletch, who is 26, grew up in Kenai, Alaska and I, Pilar, grew up in Southern California. Since I was adopted at birth back in the 60's, Fletch and I have a few years between us, but we have a lot in common. He and I were both competitive swimmers back in high school (yes, even in Alaska). We both love to travel, take pictures (he carries a digital camera in his pocket), run on the beach and be anywhere that is close to the ocean. I must say that we look alike, too. It's been a lot of fun getting to know Fletch.
It turns out Fletch is living with me in California for the summer. I would love to have my brother out diving with me at Catalina or in Laguna Beach and sharing in the underwater adventure. He is also a big history buff and just finished the book "Shadow Diver". He also thoroughly enjoyed the special edition of Scuba Diving Magazine on Diving Wrecks. After he gets certified, I bet he'll be diving wrecks with a vengence. I think this would be an exciting opportunity and would make for a memorable summer for all! Thank you for your consideration.
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| Brent Norwood |
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Nominated by Brian Norwood
Wesson, Mississippi
 By the time you have known a person for most of your life, you feel pretty confident that they can't surprise you anymore. Well that is how I felt about my younger brother Brent until a few months ago. It happened one night when he was over at my house watching Law and Order SVU with my wife and I. During the episode, one of the characters was horribly burned and there was a scene where the detectives were interviewing the victim, and as they walked out of the room, you could hear the victim screaming in the background. I'll never forget the tone of Brent's voice when he said, Oh God, they're scrubbing her. I looked at him kind of surprised and then he went on to explain that during his tour in Iraq as a medic during the previous year, he had to do the same to some Iraqi kids that had been caught in an IED explosion.
From that point on, I knew that he had seen and done things that I hope I never have to. I know that this may seem like a strange way to start off an essay about why a person should receive free scuba certification, but it is relevant. Since I got certified in 2003, I knew that Brent would love diving, so I had been working to convince him to get certified and he finally agreed. In the fall of 2004, he had called the local dive shop to get information about classes, but shortly thereafter he got notification that his National Guard unit was being activated to go to Iraq for a year. Needless to say, this put his certification plans on hold.
He returned home in late December 2005, but since then life just keeps getting in the way of him getting his certification. So why do I think my brother deserves to get certified? Part of it is selfishness on my part because I want a reliable dive buddy. Other than that, well I know he would love diving. Growing up we were always playing in the pond behind the house, swimming, playing with frogs and other small critters, all the usual stuff you would expect two little boys to do. Brent and I are so much alike, and I know that as much as I love diving, he would too. I feel this is a way he could have an opportunity he otherwise might not ever get. I realize Brent has seen many horrors and I feel this is a way he can see the beauty this world has to offer.
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| Zebula Robinson |
Nominated by Dan Robinson
Woodbridge, VA
 As divers, we all love the enjoyment of picturesque reefs, exhilarating drift dives and exciting wreck explorations. But the real driving force behind our sport is the fantastic people that you meet and learn of during dive excursions. That is why I am nominating my wife, Zebula, since she is one of the most fantastic people you will ever meet.
She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a bilateral breast mastectomy procedure. During the same time, I had already put down my deposit to go with my Dive Group to Buddy Dive in Bonaire. I was going to cancel the trip, but she insisted that I go along with my plans as she knew I had my heart set on the trip.
So my wife stayed at home with two kids under the age of 4 while I frolicked in the Caribbean for a week. When I returned, she shared in my excitement as we reviewed the numerous underwater pictures from the trip. She has since been through numerous reconstructive procedures, been given a clean bill of health and is looking forward to moving on with new adventures in life.
When we saw your Scuba Search article, she commented that if she were selected she would love to get certified and share the sport I have grown to love so much. Zebula is the warmest, most giving, sacrificing, unselfish and personable person out there and she's pretty darn easy on the eyes to boot! She will make a great addition to the dive community and enrich all divers that get a chance to meet her on the dive boat and share experiences. Please select this deserving individual for certification so that I can share the love I have of the sport with the love that I have in my life. |
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| Aaron Crawford |
Nominated by his brother
Mesa, Arizona
 My older brother Aaron would make a fishtacular scuba buddy, and not just because he has webbed feet and a protruding spine that resembles a spermacetis dorsal. When we were kids growing up in the seemingly scuba-less Arizona desert, this guy fashioned an 8-foot snorkel from 2-inch PVC pipe and submerged himself in the deep end of our swimming pool. Never mind the baseball-sized hickey that resulted from such a noobish approach to underwater exploration. A purple welt that circles the entire mouth would not be flattering on most faces, but on him it just drew more attention to his playful smile. Get my brother some real gear, please!
I must admit that a major motive for nominating Aaron is that I am sure he would put himself between me and a dangerous sea creature, be it a bull shark, box jelly, or overly amorous octopus. With Aaron around I could probably even keep my pockets stuffed with chum, because I know he would be there to help me out of any jam. As a ninth-grade biology teacher, he became adept at keeping his cool when things did not go according to plan—such as when a new student raised her hand and announced that she was disappointed by the stupidity of the rest of the class. A school of agitated fish seems right up his alley.
In closing, there are three more reasons why I need Aaron to join me in the water. First, I have a tendency to get lost when I dive, and Aaron could really save me some trips to the surface. He is a human GPS system. Second, my current S.B.O.C (Scuba Buddy of Choice, my wife) is beginning to listen more to the tic of her biological clock than to the songs of the sea. I need a replacement player who will not be pregnant anytime soon. Third, Aaron is the only one who did not laugh or point at me when I said I wanted to find sunken pirate treasure. I just hope we wont have to search for it with supplies from the plumbing isle at Home Depot. |
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| Margaret Ross |
Nominated by Peter Ross
Ontario, Canada
 SCUBA SEARCH 2007! Search no more. I have found the lucky lady for you to certify!
My Wife, Margaret (35) has been putting off getting certified, just like I did. My brother has been diving for about 15 years. He has always encouraged me to get certified, so we could dive together. Two years ago I got certified, and now he is too busy to go diving, and I am left with no dive buddy. Margaret and I have been happily married 13 years, and have two beautiful girls age 9 and 10. We never went on a honeymoon when we were married.
On our twelfth anniversary Margaret wanted to take me on a DREAM DIVE TRIP, seeing as I was newly certified and she wanted me to experience the warm tropic waters. Although she was not a diver, she booked us on a dive trip to Coco View Resort. What an amazing trip! But how much better would it have been to spend the time diving with my wife!
Margaret always looks to other peoples' needs before her own. Margaret has invested the past 10 years of her life to our children, which left our relationship on the back burner. This was OK because we have the BEST children anyone could ask for, and her time was well spent! Now that our girls are getting older and independent, we are finding time to reconnect once again. What better way to spend it than diving together!
So you may be asking yourself, why does she not just go and get certified? It is on her list of things to do! She has a list of Needs and Wants; she is very good a prioritizing the things and expenses in our life. BUT she always puts her needs and wants on the bottom of the list. It's not that she doesn't want it, but in her mind there are thing that need to be done first.
When we were on our trip in 2006, we did a bit of sightseeing; my wife was moved by the culture. Margaret was so moved by what she saw that she now has become involved with mission work in Honduras. Margaret went to Honduras in November 2006 to help build a home for abandoned children. Margaret has plans on returning in November 2007 to help build another home and to connect with the children that she met when there in 2006.
I would never want to deny Margaret anything. She has a great love for children, not just her own, but children in general. Who am I to say she shouldn't be spending the time or money on mission work, because I want to spend time have fun with her enjoying time diving together? But wouldn't it be great for you to spend your 15th Anniversary, certifying my wife Margaret, so we could spend our 15th Wedding Anniversary diving together!? |
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| Paula Shearer |
Nominated by Tim Shearer
Angels Camp, California
 Loving, devoted, giving, intelligent, beautiful, with as little as six months to live--that describes my wife, Paula, over three years ago. Diagnosed with rapidly spreading breast cancer, doctors feared the worst. Paula attacked the cancer with a vengeance reading every book she could find, consulting with physicians and nutritional experts, developing a multi-pronged strategy to combat the cancer--she took charge of her treatment. She has taken the Live Strong Lance Armstrong philosophy to a new level.
Today you will find her healthy, stronger than ever, cancer free and more appreciative of life, living each day to the fullest. Inspired by her new-found zeal for life, I decided to finally fulfill one of my lifelong dreams that had some how gotten buried under the cares and responsibilities of life. During Spring break this year, we took the kids to San Diego where I completed my dive certification. At the end of May, we went to Cozumel, Mexico, for a long overdue husband and wife getaway.
At the resort we were enjoying snorkeling together, but in many ways the snorkeling seamed more like being a spectator in the stands at a sports event rather than a player out on the field. I went on a couple of morning two-tank boat dives while Paula enjoyed activities at the resort and spa. As a new diver, I was overwhelmed with the beauty and exciting adventure of the dives which I eagerly shared with Paula over lunch. She said she had not seen such excitement and enthusiasm from me in years as I told her of the nurse shark, moray eels, sea turtle, barracuda, colorful reefs, school of tuna, etc.
The second day, a young lady videoed the dive, offering it for sale to the people on the boat with a previewing of the video that evening. Paula had the opportunity to meet some of the wonderful people that I had dived with that morning. She observed a unique bond that had formed between all the divers even though they had only known each other a short time. It was clear diving was more than just an activity; there was a unique camaraderie and something enchanting about the whole experience.
On our last day in Cozumel, we went to Chankanaab Park where Paula had the opportunity to do a SCUBA discovery dive. It was magical as we experienced together the awesome beauty of nature under the water. Somehow the challenges of life, the hardships, the trials and struggles all disappeared as I held her hand swimming silently through the warm water in awe of the incredible beauty laid out before us. I nominate my wife as an inspiration to those who are fighting the fight against cancer, as a woman of character and strength, a mother of three boys and future divers, and as my soul-mate and future dive buddy. |
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| Michele Underwood |
Nominated by John Underwood
Laporte, Indiana
 My wife Michele and I lived in the mountains above Colorado. We ran a business together that took up a great deal of my time and even more of hers. I had the nearly perfect life. I was a thrill seeker and in my very limited off time, I played like the big boys. If I was not buzzing the mountain tops past Denver in a little two seater airplane, I was mountain climbing or mountain bike riding. My life as a wildman stopped very suddenly when an eighty-three year old man made a left turn in front of my work truck while I was on the way home. I broke my back and compressed a few disks. I was very lucky in that I walked away, but not so lucky in that my life changed forever that day.
After one botched back surgery it was difficult to continue working in the manner I was used to. Without my "A" game, the company started to have problems. I had built a sucessful maintenance business with a strong work ethic and a strong back,and I depended on Michele for anything administrative. With the medicine I was on, I could no longer fly, and my physical condition took away the climbing and biking. I was crushed and before long depression started to get the best of me. I closed the doors to the company rather than lose it.
I had lived in Florida prior to meeting Michele and we agreed that the climate and lower cost of living would make it easier for us to survive. Michele, one day after our move down south, suggested scuba diving. I was less than enthused with the idea until one day when we stopped in a pawn shop and found a diving set-up, BCD and all. I paid eighty bucks for a old Sherwood set-up; the octupus was an antique but still to this day works. I was again excited about something. Thanks to my beautiful wife I felt the drive to do some exciting!
The reality of how difficult diving might be hit me the next day when I found a steel 100lb tank for sale and I lifted it. My back would not allow me to just lift the tank and sling it over my shoulder. Michele was in the truck and saw that I had a problem and came to my rescue. I was down again and sarcastically said, "Are you going to carry my tank every time I dive?" Her answer to my sarcasm was a very serious YES, and then a big smile. I had two back surgerys and even then I was far from being able to carry my gear. Michele with the help of our sons carried my gear from dive one to dive one hundred and she never complained even though she never dove herself. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinsons and again the prospect of trying to dive as shakey as I was becoming seemed to be too much for me. Michele would not let me quit. In fact she pushed harder, and with new gear when we could afford it and armed with Ned Deloach's "Diving Guide to Underwater Florida, she drove me to rivers, lakes and springs just to carry my gear and watch my bubbles.
In November of last year I lost my Father and we moved to Indiana to help my Mother. Before the bags where unpacked, she was talking about my diving in Lake Michigan. Diving has become my escape from the pain and tremors that come with the Parkinson's. Without my wonderful wife, my diving would not be possible and my life would far less liveable. We have talked about Michele getting her c-card but the money never seemed to be there. Micheles sacrifices and help makes my life better. I wrote this in hopes that her help be rewarded by more than my love and praise. Not once has she ever complained or even said she could not go. It is past one in the morning, I waited until she was asleep to type this essay. She would say that there are people more deserving than she. I don't think anyone deserves a chance to experience diving as much as Michele. |
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| Jeremy Vernier |
Nominated by Terry Lindner
Bloomfield, Michigan
 Please accept this nomination for Jeremy Vernier for Scuba Search 2007. Jeremy is my little brother and I met him nine years ago when he was 13 years old. You see, we are not related by blood. He is my Big Brothers/Big Sisters little brother and even though he is now 22 years old, we are still as close as if we were real brothers. I am pretty much the only family that he has.
I have been diving since 1986 when I started in college. Jeremy has seen my passion for diving grow during our relationship and he is always asking me about my dive trips. He has expressed interest in diving to me on a few occasions and I have even gotten him to come to my local dive shop ( Sea the World Scuba) a few times. I would love to have my little brother as my dive buddy, but he is not certified.
Jeremy went to the Caribbean twice during high school. On both occasions he went with the family of one of his best friends. Jeremy recently told me that he went on multiple dives while there using the gear of the family with whom he went, and he loved it. The problem is that he is not certified and diving without being certified is very dangerous. I have explained to Jeremy that he is not to go diving until he is properly certified. I even offered to pay for his certification. He has agreed not to dive until certified but he will not allow me to pay for it.
Jeremy is 22 years old, enrolled in college, and works full time in a tool and die shop in Detroit, Michigan. He is honest, intelligent, hard working, and very proud. Jeremy had a rough time growing up as he lived in a household with an alcoholic parent. I have seen him grow from a shy young kid to a mature and confident adult young man. He feels strongly that he wants to pay for his own open water certification and check out dives. We had plans to go to Florida in February 2007, April 2007 and finally in May 2007 for Jeremy to complete the open-water portion of his training, but he had to cancel plans for his classroom training and confined water training here in Michigan due to financial reasons. Therefore, those plans to Florida did not happen.
I have offered to pay for his training but he just won't let that happen. When I read your article in the April 2007 issue of Scuba Diving, I immediately thought of Jeremy. My motivation for nominating Jeremy is not solely benevolent in nature. I do have a selfish motive as well. I am an advanced open water diver with a Nitrox certification. Most of my diving has been in warm water environments. I have begun to dive in the cold water of the Great Lakes surrounding Michigan and even in some of the inland bodies of water. I would like nothing more than to have Jeremy as my dive buddy. It can be very difficult to find a dive buddy and I would be honored to dive with him. I asked Jeremy for many weeks to give me a recent picture of him so that I could submit it to Scuba Search 2007. After much begging and pleading, he finally gave in. Please consider him for a Scuba Search candidate. |
Come back on August 1st to vote for your favorite nominee!  |
