The National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS) was established in 1991 by Ric Powell and Dr A. Jose Jones, two of the earliest African-Americans to become certified divers. Their collaboration resulted in the creation of NABS whose purpose is to foster camaraderie among black divers, and to address the unique problems and concerns of the African-American community.
Membership is open to anyone regardless of race, color, gender, handicap, or diving agency affiliation; to all who love the oceans and the marine world. All who are pledged to protect, enjoy, and help to conserve this marine environment with which we are entrusted are also welcomed to join. NABS’ mission is to create a network of people and resources that provide educational experiences that 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.
In 2017, NABS became a registered 501 c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing training and support to youth that may be economically unable to train and certify as a new generation of divers, and since then, the organization has blossomed to over 2,000 members across the country and internationally. They have established an educational scuba scholarship to assist with youth that desire education and a career in Marine Science, Plant Biology, or Plant Zoology as it pertains to life beneath the seas.
NABS clubs are divided into four regions within the United States, the western region, the mid-west region, the southern region, and the northeastern region. Each region is represented by a regional representative; the regional rep is the liaison between the club presidents and the NABS Executive Board.
To find out more, or to join, visit the NABS website HERE.
