History 

Suzy Fago and her husband, Carl, have been active pirates for years, traveling from South Carolina to be at many a Dive Pirates Ball, sailing away with the crew to Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Cozumel, and more; always ready to help with any recipient during a trip. Suzy, at the forefront in the pink she wore so well, learned to scuba dive late in life, but diving quickly turned into her favorite hobby.

A woman whose very being was taking care of others, a registered nurse on the cardiac floor, she was a go-to person on Dive Pirate trips, taking care of the crew. Unfortunately, she dealt with a debilitating disease herself, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

Purpose

The scholarship provides financial support for:

  • A current female recipient of Dive Pirates Foundation (DPF) to cover airfare, resort, and diving on a scheduled Dive Pirates trip.
  • A past female recipient certified by DPF to return on another Dive Pirates trip. For past recipients, the scholarship covers resort and diving; airfare must be purchased by March 15, 2026, with proof of itinerary submitted to DPF.

If no current or past recipient is eligible in a given year, consideration may be given to a female adaptive buddy of a current recipient.

Who Can App

Current Female Recipients:

  • Must have completed and been accepted as a DPF Adaptive Diver.
  • Must be available for the following year’s scheduled trip.
  • Must submit a completed Diver Medical Form signed by a physician.
  • Must record a short acceptance message (due Feb 1, 2026) for the Dive Pirates Ball and social media.
  • May not reapply for two years if awarded.

Past Female Recipients:

  • Must have completed at least one sponsored trip with DPF.
  • Must be available for the following year’s trip.
  • Must record a short acceptance message (due Feb 1, 2026).
  • Must demonstrate financial need (hardship statement required).
  • Must provide a recommendation letter from an instructor, Dive Pirates member, or another diver.
  • Must upload a current photo.
  • Must submit a completed Diver Medical Form signed by a physician.
  • May not reapply for two years if awarded.

Recipient Responsibilities

Past recipients awarded the scholarship must also:

  • Hold a valid passport. (If expired, renew by March 1, 2026, or the award will be reassigned.)
  • Complete any needed scuba refresher course at least 30 days before the trip, if you haven’t dived in the last 12 months.
  • Provide proof of active dive accident insurance (e.g., DAN Master Plan or equivalent).
  • Have scuba gear inspected; notify DPF by March 1, 2026, if replacement or donated equipment is needed.

Application and Deadlines

    • 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.

Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at scholarship@divepirates.org

APPLY NOW