WHY AVSC?
Scuba Diving, hmmm… always been interested…saw it on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic…looks like fun, maybe one day I’ll get a chance to try it.
AVSC has provided the opportunity for many wanting to satisfy their curiosity about scuba diving through Discover Scuba programs. A number of AVSC members after their first Discover Scuba experience were trained and certified by AVSC instructors.
Okay, so you finished your certification class and you’ve got your C-card, how do you get the experience and confidence you need to become a better diver? Who will help you learn the ropes, things you didn't learn in your basic certification class? Who will be there to see that you’re okay after your first surf entry, hold your hand in low viz, and show you how to maneuver in currents? There is no substitute for a dive club, when you’re a member of AVSC you are part of a family, you are one of our own. We take pride in knowing you’re a safe and competent diver and we will do all we possibly can to get you there. To accomplish this we schedule pool sessions where we work on skills and we schedule dives for members at all levels. When you’re on a dive trip with AVSC everyone knows who you are, they know your abilities, and your level of experience, and we’re going to make sure you get back safe.
AVSC extends this concern to our youth. We offer various programs and scuba experiences to young people. We know that to carry on our mission we must continue to promote scuba diving and an appreciation for the marine environment to our youth who are the future.
As a member of AVSC, you are a part of a network of dive clubs (NABS) that altogether make us the largest dive club in the country. As a NABS member there are opportunities to dive and fellowship with divers from all over the US and other countries. Each year, we meet with other NABS members in places like Bonaire, Barbados, Curacao, and Cozumel, for our annual summit. We travel to places like the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, North Carolina, and Ontario to dive and socialize with other NABS clubs in our region.
AVSC is concerned about conservation, we participate in cleanups and ecological programs that support the marine environment.
Why AVSC? These are only a few reasons, if you’re about diving, then we have a lot in common.
We the Aquatic Voyagers Scuba Club (AVSC) see ourselves as a local extension of the work that's been established by the National Association of Black Scuba Divers. Our mission is to translate the goals and initiatives of NABS to our local communities in the Greater New York area.
The Aquatic Voyagers Scuba Club started in 1992 supports the mission statement and organization of NABS which is as follows:
Mission Statement:
To create a network of people and resources that provide educational experiences which enhance and promote an appreciation of diving and an awareness of the aquatic environment. This network will build unity and camaraderie to transfer the legacy to future generations.
The Organization:
A national organization made up of individual members and affiliated clubs was needed to address the interests and concerns of black scuba divers.
The National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS) began in January of 1991. It has been a catalyst for promoting awareness of scuba diving in the African American community.
NABS members, charter clubs, and affiliate clubs are comprised of people with similar interests joining together to network and share common experiences. Members of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS) stand to benefit from the many services the organization provides. Some of the benefits and services are as follows:
· Diver education, safety, and training
· Youth programs and scholarships
· National website with links to member clubs, affiliates, and sponsors
· Summits, symposia, and conferences
· International dive trips.
· Quarterly newsletter
· Sharing information, trip cost, and camraderie with a national network of divers
· Participation in regional and national dive events.
· ID cards, and club gear
NABS was formed as a non-profit organization for the following purposes:
To promote scuba diving, water skills, awareness, and conservation.
To help develop educational program which will stimulate interest and knowledge in the sport of scuba diving.
To provide scholarships for college students studying marine and environmental sciences.
To sponsor an annual NABS convention.
To sponsor scuba trips and open water educational experiences.
To serve as a clearinghouse for scuba safety and technical information.
To help develop educational program which will stimulate interest and knowledge in the sport of scuba diving.
To provide scholarships for college students studying marine and environmental sciences.
To sponsor an annual NABS convention.
To sponsor scuba trips and open water educational experiences.
To serve as a clearinghouse for scuba safety and technical information.
AVSC meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month
Mailing Address: AVSC, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 42 New York, NY 10163-0042