Chicago-area non-profit group creates new SCUBA Instructors in the Bahamas

The dive industry in the Bahamas just got stronger! Thanks to the efforts of volunteer PADI instructors from the non-profit Ralph Erickson Foundation, a group of 10 dive professionals received their training and certifications this weekend.

It's the second year for this impressive program, presented by the Erickson family and Patrick and Sherry Hammer. The event is hosted at Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas in Nassau. The Foundation grants PADI Instructor Development Programs (IDCs) to under-privileged candidates.

"We are pleased with this second class of deserving local divemasters looking to advance to becoming Instructors," said Patrick Hammer. "Not only is this huge for the Bahamas, but a newly certified Instructor has the opportunity to substantially increase their income."