In Their Words
My experience as a Dive Ops intern at Moody Gardens
I had the privilege to be a Moody Gardens Volunteer Diver for some time before this internship, which helped me learn the exhibits, diving procedures, and general flow of a volunteer shift. As an intern, I gained a deeper level of understanding the intricacies of the dive program, including onboarding, training, exhibit maintenance projects, dive supervision, and managing divers. I gained practical leadership skills through spending time with both new and experienced divers, leading orientation dives and rescue briefs. It was a great experience to be trusted by the Dive Ops team to be able to not only assist with daily operations, but to lead staff and volunteers as well. I refined my skills in communication and dive leadership through leading orientation dives and delivering rescue briefings. These things are not just essential to keep a dive program running, but to ensure the highest safety standards for dive procedures are met and maintained.
My internship started out with introductions to different exhibits, such as the Gulf of Mexico Rig exhibit, the North Pacific Seals exhibit, and the Kelp main exhibit. Each exhibit has unique entry and exit procedures and extrication requirements that I had the opportunity to learn. Additionally, I was trained in different dive modes, such as surface supply diving. My surface supply course was both fun and thorough, and prepared me to have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage an air panel for a diver. I also learned how to use an EGS, or emergency gas supply, by training in simulations of out-of-air emergencies. This dive mode also included comms where I could communicate with topside by speaking into my full face mask.
I participated in and performed several rescue drills in each exhibit to demonstrate exemplary performance and understanding of rescue, extrication, and emergency procedures. This prepared me to fulfill the role of DPIC, or Designated Person In Charge. Through my time serving as DPIC for different dives, I developed leadership skills through practical application and professional development. I also learned that preparedness may look like bringing certain items, such as O-rings, snorkel keepers, a notepad, or a cutting device with me during dive operations to be ready to respond to a need when it arises.
Additionally, I was included in many team discussions, meetings, and decisions, which showed me that my input was truly valuable to the team. Some of these opportunities included helping with grant proposal writing to acquire assets and funds for departments such as hyperbaric chambers or the department of ocean health and dive medicine. I also helped with scientific writing and procedure planning for projects to do conservation and habitat creation work with corals on artificial reefs in the gulf.
This internship has equipped me very well for future careers and opportunities in both aquaria and dive safety. Valuable skills were demonstrated, taught, and practiced throughout the summer, such as dive safety management, dive skills instruction, and dive program administration. I feel competent to lead and instruct divers, as well as continue learning and refining my own skills. I completed an equipment workshop where I demonstrated I was able to competently and successfully disassemble, clean, and rebuild a regulator. This sparked my interest in equipment management and encouraged me to pursue that aspect of dive program administration.
Beyond diving, administrative, and leadership experiences, this team helped me to grow in many other areas of great importance, including problem-solving, creativity, dedication, and leadership. They taught me how to learn from my mistakes and prepared me for different situations that will arise in my diving career. They've provided opportunities for learning and growth from diving leadership to hyperbaric medicine experience to team management. My team inspires me not only to be a better diver and future dive officer, but to be a better person. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and work with such outstanding individuals.
