From Travel Pulse

If you are interested in scuba diving, you should take advantage of the opportunity to see notable figures in the sport honored at an event that draws diving enthusiasts and legends from all over the country.

The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame annual induction ceremony will be held Sept. 30, 2016, in the Cayman Islands. This is the biggest scuba diving industry event of the year, and is an opportunity to recognize and learn more about those who have made significant contributions to the sport.

As if you needed another reason to visit the Cayman Islands — because, let’s face it, the gorgeous scenery, amazing beaches and incredible tropical weather are all hard to resist on their own — the chance to attend the induction for the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame makes for an excellent bonus.

Among this year’s inductees is Ramon Bravo, who established himself as a notable underwater film producer and cinematographer. As a groundbreaking oceanographer and environmentalist, Bravo served as a pioneer in this field and paved the way for many of the underwater filmmakers in the industry today. He also earned a reputation as a strong supporter of environmental causes, a courageous thing to do in his native Mexico in years past when that sort of discussion was discouraged and heavily censored.

Another of the 2016 inductees is Dr. Joe MacInnis of Toronto, Canada. He achieved oceanic fame as the first person to explore the ocean beneath the North Pole. He is a driving force pushing research projects in this area, and has lead numerous expeditions under the Arctic Ocean to help set up the infrastructure that will allow for scientific studies to be conducted underneath the polar ice cap.

The ceremony will also include a segment dedicated to honoring the early pioneers of scuba diving, including Riichi Watanichi, Kanezo Ogushi, and Kyuhachi Kataoka of Japan. While perhaps not as widely known as some of the innovations that originated in Western Europe, the contributions of these Japanese diving trailblazers served a pivotal role in diving advancements. A notable example is the invention of Ohgushi’s Peerless Respirator, seen as an innovation of significant importance in the field.

Specific details about the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner are still being finalized, but you can start making your travel plans now. Vacation travel packages are available and include three nights of deluxe accommodations at Grand Cayman Marriott. While the induction ceremony may be the main highlight of your trip, you will, of course, also have the opportunity to enjoy all of the other many wonderful perks that a trip to the region has to offer. This includes an assortment of breathtaking beaches, such as Seven Mile Beach and Rum Point. You can also participate in a number of outdoor activities and water sports — including, fittingly enough, some of the most legendary scuba diving locales in the world.

PHOTO: Get ready for one of the most interesting Hall of Fame inductions. (photo courtesy of Courtesy Cayman Islands Tourism)

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