Eight Scouts Received Scuba Certification

With Sea Base 2021 on the horizon, the St. Croix crew (6 scouts and 2 alternates) got their basic scuba qualification. ASMs Hindley and Baker supervised Gabe H, Andrew B, Joey P, Colin M, Athan Z, Zack D, Owen S, and Tyler B through the scuba course. Before getting in the water, the scouts had to complete an online training course, learning about the gear, skills, and science involved in scuba. After that, the crew got their personal gear, including fins, snorkels, and masks, as well as being fitted for wetsuits. The next day, the crew was split into two different groups and had their pool session, where they practiced flooding and clearing their masks, swapping regulators, and controlled ascents, among other skills. For the following two days, the crew travelled to a private quarry and completed 2 dives each day. Scouts dove down to a maximum of 35 feet, where it was undeniably freezing. They also learned how to use dive computers and how to dive safely with a buddy. The crew will do a refresher dive in January and potentially another dive after that, in time to travel to Sea Base in the summer.