The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) launched its official website at an event in conjunction with Beneath the Sea, America’s largest scuba and dive travel show, last weekend. The launch was accompanied by a special awards presentation ceremony for Hall of Famers Hans and Lotte Hass.

Tom Ingram, President ISDHF, served as Master of Ceremonies to the room full of partners, media and elite members of the scuba diving field. With the help of ISDHF board member Carl Roessler, the event kicked off with http://www.scubahalloffame.com/ going live for the first time.

Roessler navigated the website, and showcased some of the site’s key features, including bios, photos and videos on all of the 40 members; news and feedback sections; the organization’s history; and an invitation to the 2007 induction ceremony.

Pilar Bush, Director of Tourism, presented the award to Hans and Lotte. The couple, who celebrate 56 years of marriage, happily accepted the award and then charmed the crowd with dive stories from their younger years.

Hans and Lotte Hass achieved fame as pioneer underwater filmmakers and remained towering figures in the history of underwater exploration. The Hass’ early films of undersea adventure, from Manta to Under the Red Sea inspired young people around the world to imagine having their own diving adventures.

Original inductees to the Hall of Fame (2000), Hans and Lotte did not receive their award as the official award was not created by local artist Horacio Estaban until the second year of the induction ceremonies.

During her speech Ms Bush commented that while the search for a permanent land based home is ongoing, the website would provide the Hall of Fame with a “virtual home” where scuba diving fans, enthusiasts and participants can learn about the sport’s pioneers.

The launch of the website was made possible by the joint efforts of ISDHF, Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Tourism. Beneath the Sea is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to increasing awareness of the earth’s oceans and the sport of scuba diving.

The Department of Tourism, along with members of private sector including Cayman Airways, Red Sail Sports, DiveTech and Little Cayman Beach Resort, held booths at the trade show.