Bridging Standards and Innovation: An Innovative Leadership Conference Model for Transformative Dive Education

November 11, 2025
W205A
Exhibitor Sponsored Seminars
An exclusive seminar featuring David Caldwell, NAUI Northeastern Representative and technical diving expert. This presentation showcases a hybrid learning approach that is a community-led training model for leadership education that redefines value in a fragmented dive training industry. Through an innovative project conducted as NAUI regional conferences, candidates engage in personalized, competency-driven development, integrating online & in-personal skills, non-technical skills, peer collaboration, and global expertise—to elevate leadership training beyond standards and cultivate a new generation of dive professionals. David has had a lifelong career in the scuba industry, beginning by working at a dive store while in high school. In 1987 he became an open water scuba instructor where his passion led him to Grenada West Indies leading dives to the noted shipwreck, Bianca C. Returning from the Grenada he became the co-owner and president of the dive store where he first learned how to dive. Following his tenure being a dive store owner David co-founded Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc. NADE focuses on shipwreck diving, exploration, technical diving training and leadership development. Along with being the co-owner he is a co-captain of the dive charter boat Gauntlet and is the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada’s regional manager for NAUI Worldwide. David continues to follow his passions of cave and mine diving throughout the U.S. and Europe, he has had the privilege to dive some of the worlds notable shipwrecks off the eastern seaboard of the U.S., Canada, South Pacific, Red Sea, South China Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, he has co-led shipwreck discoveries in his local waters, including the USS Nezinscot, Allentown, among many others, and has collaborated on research projects with NOAA in support of exploration in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Through his position with NAUI Worldwide, David is a Course Director Trainer and Technical Examiner, he is a fellow member of the Explorers Club, associate member of the Boston Sea Rovers. David is also employed as an Assistant Harbormaster for the City of Beverly Massachusetts and is a member of the board of directors for Salem Sound Coast Watch. Parallel to having a career in the dive industry, he’s had an industry career in global product management and application engineering.

Sponsored by:

NAUI Worldwide

Who Can Attend

Open to All