NOAA Working Diver class held in Key West, FL

Congratulations to the most recent graduates of the NOAA Working Diver class held in Key West, FL. The NOAA Working Diver course is an extensive, three-week program designed to train individuals in the various facets of diving and underwater work techniques. During the course, students receive substantial theoretical and practical instruction aimed at exposing them to a variety of equipment, tasks, situations, and environments typically encountered as NOAA working divers. Students perform a variety of underwater projects to develop self confidence and manual dexterity and to instill the team approach to underwater problem solving. Dives are conducted in several different locations (pool, training tank, confined- and open-water) with visibility ranging from many feet to inches. The course also includes an orientation dive in a hyperbaric chamber, several deep dives (>100 feet), and training in variable volume dry suits. Students must successfully complete all water work and pass several written examinations in order to receive certification.

 Top Row, Left to Right - Graduates: Aaron Basnett, NOS/FOD; Brett Gregory, NOS/FOD; Nick Jeremiah, NDC;  Justin Ellis, NOAA Ship Oscar Sette; Jared Halonen, NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai; Wendy Cover, NOS - Fagatele Bay NMS; Paul Fitzpatrick, NOAA Ship Fairweather; Carmen Greto, NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai.

 Bottom Row, Left to Right - Instructors: Training Specialist Zach Hileman, NDC; Diving Medical Officer Joel Dulaigh, USPHS; Executive Officer LT Ryan Wattam,NDC; NDC Manager Doug Schleiger, NDC; Training Specialist Bill Gordon, NDC;  NDP Manager Dave Dinsmore, NDP.

Top Row, Left to Right - Divemasters: LTJG Aaron Maggied, NMFS/SEFSC; LTJG Chris Braind, NOS Gray's Reef NMS; Dave Francksen, NOAA Ship Fairweather; ENS. Scott, Broo, NOAA Ship Fairweather; Anna-Liza Villard-Howe, NMFS R/V Gloria Michelle; Jim Burkitt, NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow.

Bottom Row, Left to Right - Instructors: Training Specialist Zach Hileman, NDC; Diving Medical Officer Joel Dulaigh, USPHS; Executive Officer LT Ryan Wattam,NDC; NDC Manager Doug Schleiger, NDC; Training Specialist Bill Gordon, NDC;  NDP Manager Dave Dinsmore, NDP.