Select a Trip Log

British Virgin Islands - 2014, Session 3

Staff Update Day 1: Ready, Set, Go!

Location: West End, Tortola

Tanks have been loaded, dive gear sorted, and food stowed away. Beds are made, program gear looked over, and rig checked. Mary Morgan and her crew are ready and waiting for our shipmates to arrive, for which were (at least) as excited as they are. In the quiet hours before arrivals begin were finishing up the last odd jobs to make Mary Morgan into a floating home for 16 staff and students over the next 21 days. We're so excited to dive, sail, hike, swim, snorkel and learn alongside the 13 young adults headed our way this afternoon and evening; the boat seems empty without them. Before long, we'll be learning each other's names, sharing stories, and heading out onto the water for three weeks of adventures. As staff, we're looking forward to getting to know the shipmates heading our way and growing together over the coming weeks to become one big Therapy family.

Staff Bios:

Sam - skipper/dive instructor

After graduating from Wake Forest University in 2004, Sam followed his passion for the water and travel, working as a Sailing and Scuba Diving Instructor in Costa Rica, Thailand and Belize. Sam joined AQ in 2007 and is now the director of the BVI Diving program. He holds certifications as an MCA Master of Yachts 200 Ton, PADI IDC Staff Instructor, and Advanced Medic at Sea. An avid traveler, he can be found seeking out new adventures abroad, from paragliding in the Alps to jungle trekking in Sumatra.

Tina " dive instructor/mate

After spending several months abroad with Sea|Mester in 2008, Tina became absorbed with the marine world. She graduated from Bard College with a BA in Environmental Studies in 2010, after which she turned her attention to scuba diving. Tina has worked as a Divemaster and Instructor in Central America, Europe, and the US. She holds qualifications such as PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Emergency First Response Instructor (including Care for Children), and eleven specialty instructor ratings. She is thrilled to be returning for her third summer with ActionQuest. When not underwater, Tina can be found playing her viola, studying towards a Masters in Environmental Conservation Education, and planning her next dive.

 

Davis " dive instructor/mate

Davis Nunneley is a PADI instructor and student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he studies creative writing and philosophy. His love for the water started when he got his open water certification at the age of eleven and grew as he completed his advanced open water and rescue diver certifications at Action Quest. Growing up in Atlanta, however, there were not many chances to go diving, so he passed the time by fishing and rock climbing, which carry the responsibility and awareness that he incorporates into his teaching.