Written by: By The Students of The Berkeley Institute’s Marine Science II
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the Marine Science II class embarked on an unforgettable journey into the deep blue waters off the western side of the island. For many students, it was a day of firsts—whether it was scuba diving, spotting marine life up close, or simply stepping outside the classroom to learn in a real-world environment.
The adventure began with excitement and a hint of nerves. As one student described, "I woke up overly excited and ready for what was ahead. The idea of being underwater for 45 minutes, relying on an air tank to breathe, was both thrilling and daunting. I’ve free-dived before, but the idea of being submerged for that long with so much gear made my mind race with all the 'what-ifs.'"
Two students upon the first dive. Muryah Swan(right) and Sokiera Mosley-Lee(left)
Upon arriving at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the reality of the adventure began to set in. The boat was packed with scuba gear—slim air tanks, wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels. "Seeing all the equipment really made it hit me that this was happening," another student reflected. Despite some initial seasickness, the excitement continued to build as the group set out for their first dive site.
The first dive was exhilarating, with students free diving while others tested their scuba gear. As one participant recalled, “The water was vibrant and clear, and I couldn’t wait to get in. After a brief safety check, we were off, exploring coral reefs and dancing in the water with the fish."
For the second dive, the focus shifted to a historic site: the wreck of the Montana. As students descended into the water, they were greeted by a sunken ship, surrounded by colorful coral and curious marine life. "I remember thinking it was just a rock reef, but as we got closer, I realized we were swimming over a shipwreck. It was incredible seeing the history and marine life intertwined down there," one diver remarked.
Despite the fun and beauty of the dive, it wasn’t without its challenges. Several students faced difficulties with equipment, navigation, or simply the sensation of being in a foreign underwater world. "I was worried I wouldn’t be able to equalize the pressure in my ears, and at times it felt like one ear was popping while the other wasn’t. But when I looked around, it was all worth it—the fish, coral, and shipwreck made it feel like I was in another universe."
For those unable to scuba dive due to medical reasons, the snorkeling experience was equally enriching. One senior shared, "Even though I couldn’t dive because of my asthma, the trip reminded me how much we can learn outside the classroom. Seeing the coral reefs up close made me appreciate why it’s so important to protect them. It’s one thing to read about it, but another to see it firsthand."
The day wasn’t just about the thrill of the dive. Many students reflected on the deeper connections they formed with the ocean. "I felt like I was visiting another world, breathing underwater like the marine life around me. It’s a superpower humans have created, and I couldn’t help but think about how much I forgot I loved scuba diving. I’m definitely going to start diving with my dad more."
The experience was a reminder of how interconnected everything is—both on land and in the sea. "This trip didn’t just teach me about the ocean; it also made me more aware of my role in protecting it," one student noted. "I’m so grateful I had the chance to go before graduating."
By the end of the day, the students returned to the surface, reluctantly leaving the underwater world behind. But the memories and lessons learned from the dive remained. "If I ever get the chance to go back down, I’ll totally do it again," one participant declared, echoing the sentiments of the entire class.
The marine science field trip was a success, offering students not only a break from the classroom but also a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, scuba diving techniques, and the importance of ocean conservation.
Thank you to the team at Blue Water Divers (Lia, Phoebe, Justin and Chris) for the training and experience.