ABSTRACT
The NABS was established in January of 1991 by Dr. José Jones and Ric Powell. Members of Jones’ Underwater Adventure Seekers-a club with over thirty years of diving experiences and a distinguished history, founded by Jones in Washington D.C.—provided the initial support and core charter membership for the NABS. Jones is an avid diver and spearfisher as well as a distinguished marine biologist. He constantly competes and places in scuba events. As a marine scholar, he has published in his field and has produced various slide and video series. He is also a widely respected diving instructor with certifications from the Atlantic Skin Diving Council (ASDC), Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). He has trained over two thousand divers worldwide and is often referred to as the “black Jacques Costeau.” NABS co-founder Ric Powell is also an active and dedicated scuba diving instructor with certifications from the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) and PADI. He has been an instructor at various academic institutions including the California State University and the University of South Florida in Tampa. His efforts have provided many students who might not have had the opportunity other wise with scuba diving instruction and experiences. Powell has been especially recognized for his work with inner-city youth.
