On Thursday 25 January, the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort hosted the 2007 International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) Induction Ceremony, paying tribute to five internationally renowned divers as well as two local honourees.

The event was organised in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Investment and Commerce and the Minister, Hon Charles E. Clifford, took the opportunity to say a few words before the presentation of awards.

“Our guests are pioneers, innovators, educators, artists and travel professionals who have dedicated their lives to making sport diving and the exploration of underwater wonders possible, safer, popular and more enjoyable,” he said.

With many of this year’s inductees having gained recognition through their conservation work, it seemed fitting that Mr Clifford touched on that subject.

“It’s appropriate that we should adopt this awesome responsibility, for we have truly been blessed in these Islands with a distinct and distinguished sea-centric history,” he said in reference to the organisation’s duty to care for the oceans.

Speaking of the future of the ISDHF and the establishment of a venue to house exhibits here in Cayman, Mr Clifford remarked, “The Ministry and Department of Tourism will work with the board to make the Hall of Fame vision a reality.”

Following Dinner, the induction ceremony took place starting with the Local Honour List which this year acknowledged the contribution of Cornell Burke and Neville Darvin Ebanks.

“I’m delighted to recognize two Caymanians who have helped establish sport diving here on Cayman,” said Mr Clifford.

Speaking to Cayman Net News prior to the ceremony, Mr Burke spoke of his long-time involvement in Scuba diving and what the award means to him.

“It’s really nice. For a long time I thought they’d forgotten me,“ Mr Burke said.

“It’s important as it acts as inspiration and motivation for others seeking recognition.”

In reference to the diving community on the Island, Mr Burke said, “I’d like to see more Caymanians involved in the dive industry. They have the local knowledge and that is a benefit for the guests.”

Mr Ebanks was equaled thrilled about his award. “It is a great honour. I just love to dive and love underwater photography even more. It’s not just a business to me it’s a way of life,” he said.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Stan Waterman, who is himself a member of the ISDHF, being one of the inaugural inductees.

Mr Waterman introduced this year’s nominees with the help of some impressive video biographies, giving a background to the newest additions to the ISDHF. First up was Neville Coleman, an Australian author and  photographer who has been personally responsible for the discovery of over 450 new species of marine life.

In a touching and entertaining speech, Mr Coleman expressed his love of diving and how it brought so many people together.

“When we pull on a wetsuit we’re all the same,” he said, triggering an eruption of applause from the audience.

The second inductee was the late Ralph Erickson, one of the founders of the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI), who died in May 2006. Accepting the award on behalf of Mr Erickson was Al Hornsby, President of (DEMA) and a family friend.

In another emotional speech, Mr Hornsby spoke of how much the award would have meant to his friend and how proud Mr Erickson would have been of his family.

Arguably the most well known of the 2007 inductees, Rodney Fox was the survivor of a horrific shark attack back in 1963 which left him needing 462 stitches.

Since that fateful day Mr Fox has dedicated his life to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the Great White Shark and has worked on many films, most notably Jaws.

Speaking to Cayman Net News before the event Mr Fox said of his induction, “It endorses the work I have done over the years. It’s been very difficult to make people understand and get the message of conservation across regarding sharks.”

Inspired by great conservationists like Hans Hass and Jacques and Jean-Micheal Cousteau, all three Hall of Fame members, Mr Fox is adamant that educating people is the best way to help the shark.

“After my wife and children, scuba diving is the most special thing in my life,” said Mr Fox.

The forth Inductee was Paul Humann, a dive holiday pioneer, author and photographer whose range of books are considered by many to be the bible of marine identification.

Last but by no means least, Carl Roessler was inducted into the ISDHF for his pioneering work in diving remote sites and popularizing live aboard dive trips.

There was also a surprise award for the evening’s Master of Ceremonies who had not been present for his own induction back in 2000. Speaking earlier that day, Mr Waterman explained what has kept him involved in the sport for so long.

“The sea is so mysterious and enchanting that every dive will have something new to offer,” he said.

andy@caymannetnew.com