OUR FOCUS
The focus of the SCUBA Council at Diversity In Aquatics is to increase accessibility to SCUBA diving in marginalized communities, educate the public on SCUBA and entry points for involvement, expand and promote continuing education and opportunities within SCUBA, and support the highest safety standards in the industry.
Since its creation in the 1940’s, SCUBA diving has historically been a cost-prohibitive activity that has been reserved for the wealthy that could afford it. From the relatively expensive equipment and training needed, to the travel and access to some of the most ideal locations to explore, the general cost of participation in SCUBA diving has excluded entire populations of certain socio-economic status from taking part in such a wonderful and beneficial activity. The benefits of accessibility to SCUBA range from serving as a gateway into a career in marine sciences, to being utilized as a therapeutic modality that aids in the treatment of cognitive disabilities like PTSD. We aim to expand access to SCUBA to build a culture of both healing through the therapeutic effects of neutral buoyancy, as well as broaden new generations of a science-minded society.
MEET YOUR COUNCIL CO-CHAIRS
CAT HARRIS
Cat is a researcher and dive instructor with over 1000 dives and 10 years experience. Originally from Michigan, Cat began her scuba journey in Hawaii, completing the majority of her training through the University of Hawaii at Manoa and applied her skills as a Research Assistant with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As an avid diver and educator, Cat has given talks with The Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, Black in Marine Science (BIMS), Black Women in Ecology and Evolutionary Marine Science (BWEEMS) and the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS). She is a member of the executive board of NABS as well as Women’s Aquatic Network (WAN) and has volunteered on several maritime archeology expeditions in the Great Lakes.
ANESTI VEGA
Anesti Vega is an Army combat veteran with the 101st Airborne Division and 7th Special Forces Group. Since service, he is an ocean scientist, educator, expedition leader, and scuba instructor based in Florida. Anesti serves as an award-winning educator and communicator in the areas of marine science, scuba diving, and water safety, with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusion for marginalized communities.