Monday’s post was #777.
Monday was an administrative type day at the Florida Sea Base with no conference or program participants.I placed an order with Aqua Lung, began a preliminary review of summer scuba applications, called Maureen at PADI headquarters, and returned phone calls and answered emails. I will hire four US Coast Guard Masters, four Dive Boat Mates, two Scuba Mates (fill tanks, maintain the scuba compressors and perform minor equipment repairs), seven Scuba Instructors, one Scuba Commissioner, one Office Manager, and at least 17 Divemasters. Finding personnel with the proper professional credentials who can arrive on 19 May and stay until late August is an annual challenge.
We hit 83º yesterday afternoon. Hopefully that will help warm the pool up a little. Rich Goldman sent an email saying he hopes to come back down this weekend to continue working on seasonal staff scuba certifications. I may be able to help him. I haven’t asked Christy Clemenson if she’s available, but if so, the three of us should be able to make some serious progress with the students.
The dredgers did not show up yesterday. 
But volunteers Steve Martin and Warren Bacon made some MUCH needed repairs in the scuba area. 
I’m heading for the fat doctor. Hopefully I’ve lost a pound or two this week.
Capt. Steve Willis
Professional Scuba Bum™
Aboard S/V Escape (with the A/C on!)