MEDIA CENTER


Dive Pirates to Hold TWO Seminars on Classified Diver Program during DEMA Show

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The Dive Pirates Foundation is wrapping up the 11th year of offering the mobility of scuba diving to those with mobile disabilities. President Barbara Thompson will be leading two seminars at DEMA to share the philosophy and standards of the Classified Diver Program.

First, seminar one is planned for Wednesday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Additionally, seminar two will be Saturday from noon to 1:00 p.m.

“The collaboration between SSI/Mares and the Dive Pirates Foundation to improve the standards for teaching people with spinal cord injuries. Also, illnesses/injuries that affect mobility has been game-changing. We are humbled by the number of dive centers who have taken hold of this new program and now offer it in their communities,’” Thompson said. “We want people in the industry to have a chance to learn about the program one-on-one during the seminars and during the show at any of our partners’ booths.”

Pirates can be seen at the following booths below. They will not only discuss the Classified Diver Program, but also hand out pirate booty to those participating in the treasure hunt.

This year’s partners include:

  • ScubaDoRag (Booth #534)
  • Utila Dive Ventures/Laguna Beach Resort (Booth #922)
  • SSI (Booth #1243)
  • Mares (Booth #1249)
  • McNett (Booth #1415)
  • Cayman Brac Beach Resort (Booth #1610)
  • Pelican (Booth #1821)
  • M/V Spree (Booth #2071)
  • Armor (Booth #2109)

Those who visit all nine partners can enter a drawing to win the grand prize sponsored by Mares, a Puck Pro Computer, as well as other great prizes sponsored by DAN, Armor, Pelican, ScubaDoRag, SSI, Spree and Laguna Beach Resort.

“These partners are a huge part of the success of the Foundation,” commented Vice President, Sophie Wimberley.  “They support our mission and their products and services. They have been an asset to our recipients and dive buddies. These relationships are a treasure beyond value.”

Other pirates on hand for DEMA include: Executive Director Susan DeVore, Director of Operations Charley Oxley, Vice President Sophie Wimberley, Board Members Sean Barr, John Oldmixon and Tyler Brandes, and Advisory Council Members Hellen Armstrong, Pete Gamble, and Bob Roy.

Dive Pirates

Dive Pirates Foundation is a group of volunteers that believes in supporting our community with our passion for scuba diving. The foundation is a 501 c 3 not-for-profit public charity. Dive Pirates support, train, equip, and provide dive travel to individuals with disabilities through Adaptive Scuba Diving. The Foundation create a community of Disabled Divers that will dive and travel in the mainstream world of Scuba Diving through education and overcoming obstacles.