About the Scholarship
The Bert & Ann Shearer Foundation honors the legacy of Bert and Ann Shearer, parents of longtime Dive Pirates supporter Ed Shearer. Each year, the Foundation provides funding to the Dive Pirates Foundation to support U.S. Veterans who have previously completed a Dive Pirates trip but now face financial barriers to continuing their diving journey.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Air travel, resort stay, and diving costs for a Dive Pirates Foundation trip (Cayman Brac or another DPF destination).
- Intended to help 2–3 Veterans per year return to diving, depending on buddy and volunteer availability.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be a past Dive Pirates recipient who has already completed one sponsored trip.
- Show financial hardship (family, job situation, or other reasons preventing self-funding).
- Be available to join the 2026 Dive Pirates trip.
- Record a short acceptance message by Feb 1, 2026, for the Dive Pirates Ball.
Required documents:
- Recommendation letter (from instructor, Dive Pirates member, or diving community).
- Current photo.
- Completed Diver Medical Form signed by an M.D. or D.O.
- Proof of personal health insurance (for both recipient and buddy).
Application Timeline
- Deadline: Dec 31, 2025
- Notification: Jan 15, 2026
- Announcement: Winner recognized at the 2026 Dive Pirates Ball
Applications without all required items will not be considered.
Recipient Responsibilities
If awarded, the recipient (and buddy) must:
- Have a valid passport by Mar 1, 2026 (or apply immediately if expired).
- Complete a refresher course at least 30 days before the trip, if you haven’t dived in the past 12 months.
- Provide proof of active dive accident insurance (e.g., DAN Master Plan or equivalent).
- Have scuba gear inspected and notify DPF by Mar 1, 2026, if replacement/donated gear is needed.
- Understand that you may not reapply for this scholarship for two years.
Should you have any inquiries please do not hesitate to contact us at scholarship@divepirates.org