SCUBA LATINA & Tarpoon Dive Center Partner to Expand NAUI Training in South Florida
South Florida’s dive community is gaining new momentum as SCUBA LATINA and Tarpoon Skin Diving Center announce a partnership designed to elevate NAUI training and expand opportunities for divers across the region.
With deep roots in diving history and a shared commitment to safety & education, this collaboration brings together legacy and leadership in a way that directly supports NAUI’s mission: Dive Safety Through Education.
A Legacy That Helped Shape Diving in the U.S.
Tarpoon Skin Diving Center holds a unique place in scuba diving history. As NAUI Facility #001, Tarpoon is not only one of the first dive centers in Miami, but one of the first in the United States.
Founded in 1952 by the late Mike Kevorkian in Hialeah, Tarpoon has spent more than 70 years building a reputation rooted in innovation, leadership, and a deep passion for the underwater world. Today, the center continues that legacy under the leadership of his daughters, Valerie and Stephanie Kevorkian.
For generations, Tarpoon has served as a cornerstone of the local dive community, offering training, equipment sales, and service while inspiring divers to explore safely and responsibly.
Expanding Training Through Partnership
Through its partnership with SCUBA LATINA, Tarpoon now enhances its already strong training programs with expanded NAUI leadership development and modern instructional approaches.
SCUBA LATINA is led by NAUI Course Director Wally Barnes (NAUI #1716) and supported by a dedicated team of NAUI professionals, including Instructors David Haddock and Alexandra Filini, along with Divemasters Ibel Perez and Aldo Castilla.
Together, this team is focused on delivering high-quality education that goes beyond minimum standards—ensuring divers graduate with the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to safely enjoy the underwater world while protecting it.
Full Leadership Pathways and Veteran Opportunities
This collaboration significantly expands access to NAUI professional-level training in South Florida. Divers can now pursue the full leadership pathway, including:
- Divemaster
- Assistant Instructor
- Instructor
- Instructor Trainer
Courses are available through traditional registration, as well as through the Veteran Administration Testing Program, which offers tuition reimbursement for qualifying veterans and their families.
Adaptive Scuba Training
A key addition to the program is the integration of Adaptive Scuba Diving into the regular course schedule. With certified instructors trained to work with individuals with physical or emotional challenges, this initiative opens the door for more people to safely experience the benefits of diving.
Veterans and individuals seeking adaptive training are encouraged to participate and explore new opportunities underwater.
Continuing a Shared Mission
At its core, this partnership reflects a shared philosophy—one established decades ago by Mike Kevorkian and carried forward today: a commitment to safety, education, and environmental stewardship.
By combining Tarpoon’s historic foundation with SCUBA LATINA’s leadership and instructional excellence, this collaboration strengthens the future of NAUI training in South Florida while honoring the traditions that built it.
Learn More
Tarpoon Skin Diving Center
🌐 www.tarpoondivecenter.com
📧 moc.l1777309055iamg@1777309055retne1777309055cevid1777309055noopr1777309055at1777309055
📞 305-887-8726
SCUBA LATINA
🌐 www.scubalatina.com
📧 moc.l1777309055oa@an1777309055itala1777309055bucs1777309055
📞 305-975-1716
