Have you ever noticed the bond you feel with another diver moments after meeting? Scuba diving is a unique activity, bringing individuals of all ages and walks of life together. What began as a free scuba diving class for Robert “Bob” Huber on a St. Thomas college exchange program in his early 20s would become a shared hobby with his daughter Victoria 35 years later. Bob attributes his interest in scuba diving to the TV show Flipper, Jacques Cousteau documentaries, James Bond films and a Canadian Club ad campaign to find hidden cases of whiskey on the Great Barrier Reef and in remote locations around the world.

He says, “It’s an adventure; always has been. The underwater topography and sea life, the wrecks telling stories and prompting questions. There are unique challenges and rewards for each dive. I got back into scuba diving when my daughter was 12 years old because of her interest in marine science.”

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Learning to scuba dive was a foregone conclusion for Victoria, with two diver parents and her love for the ocean and marine science. The 16-year-old ocean advocate and self-professed “climate optimist” is an ambassador for NOAA, EarthEcho International and Marine Conservation Network. She explains, “Being able to dive enhances my life because it means I can be in the ocean. I don’t live close to the ocean, so I would not be around the water as much if I didn’t scuba dive.”

After becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Diver in her hometown of Oviedo, Florida, Victoria received a grant from the Women Divers Hall of Fame to pursue her PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification with her dive buddy dad in Bimini, Bahamas.

While Bob refreshed his dive skills, Victoria refined her buoyancy skills for underwater photography. The two recently completed their PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver certification together.

The father-daughter duo has been sharing scuba adventures for four years now, diving with fellow PADI Club members in Belize and Kona, Hawaii. Victoria says, “Joining PADI Club is perfect for people who are looking to connect with others who scuba dive.

Through PADI, I’ve met so many amazing people that I couldn’t imagine my scuba diving journey going any other way.” To date, the Kona manta night dive is their favorite shared experience: “Nothing compares to it. The giant mantas swooped in over our heads repeatedly in a performance that seemed like it was choreographed for us,” says Bob.

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Topside, the pair shares adventures with the United States Naval Sea Cadets Corps, a leadership and team-building program where Bob, a retired U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, is now a volunteer instructor.

Through their shared passion, Victoria found her place in the underwater world and now encourages others to seek the same belonging. “There’s a space in scuba diving for everyone,” she says. “No matter who you are or how young you are, there will always be a community for you, especially with PADI.”