Scuba Scouts Recognize USGS Employees

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Scuba Scouts Recognize USGS Employees

By Lisa Robbins
March 2007

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Above: Captain David Olson (left) presents a plaque to Marc Blouin (USGS Dive Safety Program Manager) for his exceptional efforts in supporting the Scuba Scouts, USA, of Tampa Bay. [larger version]

On November 18, 2006, the Scuba Scouts, USA, of Tampa Bay (SSUSATB) held a banquet in Tampa, Fla., recognizing the mentors and sponsors within the community who work with the Scouts. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a long-time supporter of this program, was one of the organizations that were honored. USGS Dive Safety Program Manager Marc Blouin, from the USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., was presented a plaque for his exceptional support of the program in Scuba Scout, USA, training. Also recognized were other USGS scuba enthusiasts who have helped through the years: Chris Reich and Don Hickey, both from the USGS Florida Integrated Science Center office in St. Petersburg, Fla. Students presented the awards with skits and poems to the mentors and sponsors.

Dan Basta, Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s National Marine Sanctuaries, gave an inspiring keynote address on "Education Through Exploration" and how the SSUSATB embodies this vision. Organized in 2001 by Captain David Olson (U.S. Navy), the SSUSATB program—the first of its kind in this country—was created to give young men and women the opportunity to learn about many aspects of marine science. A multidisciplinary approach allows the scouts to develop skills in scuba diving and apply them to different underwater research activities, including special environmental and undersea conservation projects. Each Scuba Scout is trained and certified to the advanced open-water-diver skill level before being trained in science, technology, and emergency response. Scouts in SSUSATB are mentored by scientists and professionals from the USGS, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science, the Florida Aquarium, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Captain Olson indicated that he would like to expand this opportunity to other parts of the country to help develop "America’s next generation of explorers."

To read about a training class in which Marc Blouin served as an instructor, visit URL http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2006/06/meetings3.html.

USGS Biologist Contributes Technical Expertise to a Multiagency Diving-Rescue Class
June 2006

Scuba Scouts

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March 2007

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