Dive industry experts from around the world will journey to the Cayman Islands later this year to participate in celebrations marking the 12th annual International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.
The gala event, which will be hosted by Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush on 7 November at the Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa in Grand Cayman, will also mark the induction of eight industry pioneers into the Hall of Fame.
“The lineup of notable individuals who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame are men and women who are recognised as pioneers, innovators, inventors and household names in the international scuba diving industry,” Mr. Bush said. “The ISDHF board is pleased to recognise them as the best in their field and to place their names alongside other outstanding individuals who have been recognised over the years for their outstanding contributions to the dive industry. On behalf of the people of the Cayman Islands, I congratulate each of them on their exceptional achievements.”
Founded in 2000 by the Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism, the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame recognises international and local pioneers who have made outstanding contributions to the recreational scuba diving industry, in a yearly ceremony held in the Grand Cayman.
Those chosen to join this prestigious establishment in 2012 include:
Ric and Do Cammick
Ric and Do built the first diving resort in Fiji in 1974 and pioneered the promotion of Fiji on the international market. They were the prime movers of reef conservation efforts which involved getting support from 90 tribal chiefs. With Jean-Michel Cousteau, Ric and Do established the first recompression facility in Fiji.
Clive Cussler
A prolific author of adventure fiction and nonfiction novels, and an undersea adventurer and explorer Mr. Cussler began writing in 1965. His first nonfiction work, The Sea Hunters, was published in 1996 and earned him the first Doctor of Letters degree ever awarded by the State University of New York Maritime College in its 123 year history.
As founder of the nonprofit National Underwater & Marine Agency his life has mirrored his literary works; he has supervised the discovery and documentation of over 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites with all artefacts and proceeds donated to museums and institutions of learning.
Ron Kipp
In 1980 Mr Kipp became the owner of Bob Soto’s Diving. His company was recognised as one of the leading dive companies in the Cayman Islands. In early 1995, Rodale’s Scuba Diving magazine awarded Bob Soto’s the “Number 1 Favorite Day Boat Operator” award. Skin Diver magazine stated, “Bob Soto’s Diving is the Cinderella story of resort diving.” His successful marketing programs include the first Guaranteed Dive Vacation, Cayman Madness and SCUBABOWL.
Leslie Leaney
Co-founder of the Historical Diving Society-USA, the Society has grown from a few dozen members in 1992 to more than 2,700 in 44 countries.
In 1993, he founded Historical Diver Magazine, (now The Journal of Diving History) – the first, and only, publication devoted to all aspects of diving history.
Kelly Tarlton
Mr. Tarlton devoted himself to designing an innovative marine aquarium four times larger than any other in the world. Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World opened in 1985 in New Zealand. His concept has been emulated internationally and his innovative techniques, such as curving the acrylic tunnels are still used. These aquariums have promoted awareness and conservation of the marine realm around the world and have provided an educational platform for schools and students.
Armand and JoAnn Zigahn
Thirty six years ago, Armand Zigahn (Zig) founded Beneath the Sea, the largest consumer oceans exposition, dive and travel show in America. JoAnn joined him 10 years later as president and implemented a children’s program called Ocean Pals, an international contest open to children from kindergarten through grade 12.
Since the beginning of Beneath the Sea, the Zigahns have been a major force within the dive and travel industry by providing a stage for travel and tourism to speak directly to divers the New York metro market. This nonprofit dive show continues its charitable efforts and provides public education for the support our oceans.
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