A New Adventure Beneath the Surface

Empowering Youth Through Scuba and Self-Discovery on Saba

Last November, a group of teen boys showed up for something they weren’t quite sure about. The only instruction? Be there every Thursday afternoon. Where it would lead, they didn’t yet know. Fast forward to June—and every single one of them passed their PADI Open Water diving certification!

What started with a bit of hesitation quickly turned into a bold new adventure beneath the surface.

Diving into Something Bigger

This wasn’t just about learning to dive. It was about building something deeper—confidence, trust, discipline, and teamwork. We partnered with the Saba Reach Foundation’s Replay program, which supports young people who may not thrive in traditional classroom environments. Replay uses the Forsa Method, focusing on group-based activities to strengthen social skills and help build a positive self-image.

When we heard about Replay, we knew this was the perfect match for our Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP). Backed by the Dutch-funded Strengthening Families Together initiative, we expanded YELP to create a unique diving program—one that brings together leadership development, environmental awareness, and real-world skills.

More Than Just Breathing Underwater

Diving is so much more than learning how to breathe with a regulator. It’s a serious, hands-on learning experience. Over the course of four months, our students:

• Learned to trust themselves and each other

• Practiced staying calm under pressure

• Built consistency and accountability

• Pushed past their comfort zones

• Developed real-life, job-ready skills

We chose to stretch the training over weekly sessions from January to May—not rushing to the finish line, but embracing every step of the journey.

From Snorkels to Scuba Tanks

Led by dive instructor Jarno Knijff and Sea & Learn Foundation's Jet Kramer, the students started with swimming and snorkeling at Cove Bay—a calm, safe space to build confidence. As their skills grew, we moved to deeper water in the harbor and eventually to open water dives from a boat.

They mastered everything from mask clearing and buoyancy control to buddy checks and underwater communication. Back on land, classroom sessions introduced dive theory—how the body responds to pressure and the essential protocols that keep divers safe.

Thanks to the support of the Saba Conservation Foundation and Sea Saba Dive Center, the students completed their open water dives at sea, gaining real experience in Saba’s stunning underwater world.

Celebration & What’s Next

On June 5, 2025, we hosted a special celebration to mark the boys’ achievements. All five students—and one mentor—officially became certified PADI Open Water Divers. One already certified student went the extra mile and earned his PADI Adventure Diver certification. We saw more than just diving progress. We saw a transformation. Over the months, the students took more ownership, showed up consistently, asked for help when needed, and became young leaders in their own right.

As part of the program, we continue to support them—helping them explore career paths in the diving and maritime industries, and building networks that open doors for the future.

A Taste of Maritime Life in St. Maarten

At the end of the school year, we also had the unforgettable opportunity to accompany the Replay teens on a hands-on sailing and kayaking adventure in St. Maarten—and what a crew we had! Aboard Aquamania Adventures’ Mambo, the teens learned to hoist sails, trim the mainsail, read the telltales, and even take the helm as we tacked down the coast. They heard firsthand how people with no prior boating experience became confident maritime professionals—some through local programs like Kidz At Sea.

At the Maritime School of the West Indies (MSWI), the teens gained insight into how accessible the maritime industry can be, with entry-level training possible in just four weeks of focused dedication.

Then it was time to switch gears and grab paddles! Juan Pablo from Tri-Sport led us through St. Maarten’s lagoon, kayaking past mega yachts, under airplane flight paths, and alongside curious iguanas and jellyfish. Along the way, students learned paddling techniques and explored the vital role of mangroves in protecting coastal environments.

We’re incredibly proud of this first group and excited for what’s to come. The ocean is vast, and so are the possibilities ahead for these young divers. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!

This program is made possible with the generous support of many: Samenwerkende Fondsen Cariben - Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Saba Oranje Fonds Kinderpostzegels