The 2026 Cayman Islands International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Induction Week
by Amber Wagenknecht, Executive Editor and Chief Reporter, TX
Photos by Britain Cline
Click Here to Watch The Video from the Ceremony
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YAS OUR PLANE TOUCHED down on Cayman Brac, one of the Cayman Islands’ beautiful sister islands, we were beginning to understand that this would be no ordinary Hall of Fame celebration. Our group included some of the most accomplished individuals in recreational scuba diving. These were pioneers, educators, conservationists, photographers and innovators whose careers have changed how people experience the underwater world. Yet their first assignment wasn’t to attend a reception or accept an award. It was to visit a local high school and inspire students who might someday follow in their footsteps.
That experience captured the heart of the 2026 Cayman Islands International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) induction week in September. Through the shared vision of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, the ISDHF Board of Directors, including Chairman Stephen Broadbelt, Suzy Soto and Anthony Scott, and Executive Director William Cline, the program has grown beyond celebrating diving’s greatest achievements. It now places greater emphasis on inspiring the next generation by connecting these remarkable individuals with young Caymanians and introducing them to opportunities in diving, marine science, conservation, photography and tourism.
“We are honored to host the dive industry’s latest inductees, but our program through the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is more than just toasting and honoring diving’s superstars,” William explained. “We want them to inspire the next generation of divers, and that is exactly why we were on the Brac during the 2026 induction week.”
Where Inspiration Begins: At Layman E. Scott Senior High School on Cayman Brac, inductees shared stories of how their careers began, the obstacles they overcame and the opportunities that opened when they followed their love of the ocean. Similar presentations on Grand Cayman brought together students from several high schools. Hundreds of young people met individuals whose accomplishments they might otherwise have known only through photographs, documentaries or stories.
One of the most moving encounters involved Thomas Koch, the 2026 Trailblazer Honouree and the first deaf PADI Course Director. Through Aqua Hands, Thomas has dedicated his career to making scuba accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Throughout the week, Jeffery and April Dunlop accompanied him, interpreting his American Sign Language presentations and conversations. Watching Thomas communicate with students was extraordinary. His message was simple but powerful: barriers do not have to determine what a person can accomplish.
Equally inspiring was Syed Abd Rahman of Malaysia, founder of Kids Scuba Malaysia and an advocate for adaptive diving through Diveheart. His work introduces young people to scuba while giving children with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities opportunities to experience freedom underwater. For both men, diving represents far more than recreation. It offers belonging, confidence and possibilities some individuals may never have imagined.
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The Next Generation Is Already Here: Among the honourees was Olivia Barnett, a young Caymanian underwater photographer and dive instructor whose story demonstrated what happens when a community invests in its youth. A Bob Soto Memorial Scuba Scholarship recipient, Olivia studied photography at Falmouth University and established herself as an accomplished underwater photographer. Her Emerging Honouree recognition resonated with students because her journey began right where they lived.
Kameron D’Hue, a previous Emerging Honouree, shared a particularly touching story about how his diving career began. As a youngster hanging around the dock, he was given a mask, fins and snorkel by Margo Peyton, founder of Kids Sea Camp. That simple gesture sparked a passion for the underwater world, eventually leading to a Bob Soto Memorial Scuba Scholarship and a career as a dive instructor. His journey reminds us that sometimes changing a young person’s future begins with someone willing to open a door.
The impact of these stories was almost immediate. “Three students asked about the Bob Soto Memorial Scuba Scholarship program while we were still on the island that week,” William recalled. Young people who might never have considered an underwater career were already asking how to begin.
Another unforgettable moment came when Jeff and Teri Leicher, one of this year’s international inductees, asked a group of students who hoped to someday stand on a stage and receive a similar honor. Among the raised hands was that of their own ten-year-old grandson. Grandparents recognized for a lifetime of dedication to diving watched their grandson imagine his own future in that extraordinary world. If there was ever a perfect illustration of passing the torch, that was it.
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Extraordinary Lives, One Shared Passion: Throughout the week, Scuba Diving Industry Magazine had the privilege of spending time with the inductees and hearing the personal stories behind their accomplishments. At Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, Britain Cline conducted individual video interviews, allowing each honouree to reflect on the experiences that shaped their lives.
Ed Uditis recalled his involvement in Cayman diving beginning in the 1970s and his role in introducing Nitrox to the Caribbean. His memories offered a fascinating window into the development of one of the world’s premier diving destinations. Jeff and Teri Leicher shared stories from more than four decades at Jack’s Diving Locker in Hawaii, including their commitment to conservation through the Malama Kai Foundation and creating permanent moorings that protect fragile coral reefs.
Renowned underwater photographer Amos Nachoum spoke about photographing some of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals, challenging fear with understanding and mentoring future generations. The late Ludovico Mares, whose innovations transformed diving equipment, was honored as an Early Pioneer. Rachael and Michael Steidley represented his legacy, reminding everyone how imagination and innovation helped make underwater exploration possible. What connected these extraordinary individuals was a shared love for the ocean and a desire to introduce others to its wonders.
Experiencing the Cayman Islands: No celebration of scuba diving in the Cayman Islands would be complete without getting underwater. From shore diving at Sunset House to exploring Grand Cayman’s North Wall with Divetech and the eastern dive sites with Ocean Frontiers, the week offered a reminder of why these islands have become synonymous with world-class diving. Conversations with Divetech’s Jo Mikutowicz, Ocean Frontiers’ Stephen Broadbelt, Cayman Brac’s Martin van der Touw and Cayman Brac Beach Resort’s Caz Brazington reinforced something we witnessed throughout the week: Cayman’s diving heritage remains a thriving part of its identity.
Thursday evening brought everyone to historic Pedro St. James for a special Night at the Museum reception. Home to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Museum, the landmark provided a fitting setting to celebrate diving’s history. Artifacts, including Jacques Cousteau’s camera housing, brought earlier chapters of underwater exploration to life. After hearing the inductees’ personal stories, seeing these exhibits gave their accomplishments even greater meaning.
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A Night to Remember: By Friday evening, September 4, when the 23rd annual International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony began at Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, the celebration felt personal. These were no longer simply names on a list of distinguished diving professionals. We had listened to their stories, shared experiences and watched them inspire young people throughout the islands.
The ceremony recognized international inductees Ed Uditis, Jeff and Teri Leicher, Amos Nachoum and Syed Abd Rahman, along with Trailblazer Thomas Koch and Early Pioneer Ludovico Mares. Cayman’s diving heritage was celebrated through local honourees Eric Bergstrom, William Christoffers and Martin van der Touw, together with Emerging Honouree Olivia Barnett.
One unforgettable moment came when emcees Jo Mikutowicz and William Cline, along with Thomas Koch, encouraged the entire audience to learn a few words in sign language. Among those joining them were Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development, Hon. Gary Rutty, Chief Officer Stran Bodden and Tourism Director, Rosa Harris. Watching the ballroom participate was a powerful expression of the inclusion that Thomas Koch has spent his career promoting.
The evening also celebrated Cayman’s future with the announcement of Bob Soto Memorial Scuba Scholarship recipients Kenneth Glidden and Angelina Goodwin. Divers Alert Network President and CEO Cliff Richardson announced the establishment of the DAN Bob Soto Scholarship Fund, helping secure the program’s future.
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A Legacy Worth Passing On: Established by the Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism in 2000, the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame honors those whose contributions have transformed scuba diving. Through the continuing vision of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, its Board of Directors and Executive Director William Cline, that mission also embraces inspiring the people who will shape diving’s future.
Throughout the week, the Department of Tourism team, including Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, Tristaca Ebanks and Alyssa Miller, helped connect the international diving community with the people and places of the Cayman Islands. Britain Cline documented the activities and produced interviews, allowing audiences beyond the islands to experience the inductees’ extraordinary stories.
Looking back, three images remain especially vivid: the Leicher’s grandson raising his hand, Thomas Koch leading an entire ballroom in sign language, and young Caymanian students asking how they could apply for a diving scholarship. Each represents something far more important than an award. They represent a future.
The inductees traveled to Grand Cayman to be recognized for what they had accomplished. Yet perhaps their greatest contribution that week came from what they gave away: their time, encouragement, experiences and belief in the next generation. And that may be the greatest legacy of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. Honoring those who have shaped our underwater world matters, but inspiring those who will protect, explore and share it tomorrow may matter even more.
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