By Bob Wilson
The iconic Andrea Doria wreck featured in the press in June 2016 when OceanGate explored the wreck with their manned submersible and assessed her current condition. The footage that was captured showed considerable deterioration of the wreck in the last two years alone. As divers continue to explore this luxury liner, we look back at Bob Wilson’s account of his Andrea Doria 50th anniversary dive in 2006.
I started diving in 1986. My first dive certification was with the now defunct training agency, NASDS. Realizing I was on to something great, I began my climb up the training ladder. I obtained my first professional level certification in 1988, when I became a PADI Divemaster. I worked extensively with students in this capacity and eventually enrolled in a PADI IDC. I successfully passed my I.E. in 1992 and was granted the rating of Open Water Scuba Instructor. Since then, I have continued with my training and have progressed to where I have achieved the certification of PADI Course Director.