GUIDELINES FOR WDHOF NOMINATIONS

A nominee to consider for WDHOF Membership should be:

1. One whose contributions have had a national or international impact on the diving community's knowledge, safety, enjoyment and/or protection of the underwater environment. (Example: one our our members worked for 8 years in the Eastern Caribbean to obtain the only re compression chamber for use by 10 Caribbean islands, thus enhancing the safety of diving throughout the Eastern Caribbean.)

2. One who has set/broken a world record in the field of diving. (Examples: one of our members is the current free diving world champion; another set the world record for deep ocean solo diving.)

3. One who was the "first" in a diving-related field that is recognized on the national or international level. (Examples: one of our members was the first woman to dive the renowned Andrea Doria; another was the first woman to graduate from the US Navy's Deep Sea Diving School.)

4. Someone who is the Founder or CEO a major diving organization or program. (Examples: one of our members created an innovative program for handicapped divers; another was the first woman Executive Director of the YMCA Scuba Program.)

5. Someone who is well known and strongly endorsed by major leaders and/or experts in her diving-related field. (Example: one of our members is a recognized underwater archeologist who was strongly supported by the resident archaeologist of the Guernsey Maritime Trust.)

Less successful qualifications include:

1. A following which is primarily in the Nominee's own local area. Exceptions are possible if the Nominee has made other extraordinary or far-reaching contributions.

2. Primary contributions to diving which center around the Nominee's own or a relative's for-profit business. Exceptions are possible if the Nominee has made other extraordinary or far-reaching contributions or has work which has been widely published.

3. Relative youth and inexperience, i.e., one who is relatively young and just starting out in her diving career. Unless the Nominee has credentials which fit one of the first five guidelines above (or something similar), WDHOF membership is generally reserved for a seasoned individual who has garnered her expertise over a period of many years of contributions to the diving community. NOTE: This is not a hard and fast rule, and there is no minimum age or "minimum years in diving" requirement. A Nominee not selected in one year may always be re-nominated when she attains more credentials.

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