South Florida’s diving community enters an exciting new chapter as SCUBA LATINA and TARPOON SKIN DIVING CENTER officially join forces in Miami — combining decades of heritage, leadership, and innovation to deliver a new standard of scuba education.
Founded in 1952 by the late Mike Kevorkian, Tarpoon Skin Diving Center is not only one of Miami’s original dive shops but also one of the first dive centers in the United States, proudly recognized as NAUI Facility # 001. Established in Hialeah — the historic heart of Miami diving — Tarpoon has spent more than 70 years shaping generations of divers through passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to safety and education.
Today, the legacy continues under the leadership of Stephanie and Valerie Kevorkian, carrying forward a tradition that has made Tarpoon a cornerstone of the South Florida diving community.
From its earliest days, Tarpoon has been more than a dive shop — it has been a hub for training, equipment expertise, and community connection. Through its new partnership with Scuba Latina, that legacy expands even further by delivering cutting-edge diving techniques, modern training methodologies, and the highest standards of NAUI education.
A Powerful Training Alliance
Scuba Latina brings a dynamic and highly experienced leadership team dedicated to developing confident, capable, and safety-focused divers. The program is led by NAUI Course Director Wally Barnes (NAUI #1716) alongside NAUI Instructors David Haddock and Alexandra Filini, supported by Divemasters Ibel Perez and Aldo Castilla.
Together, this team shares a unified mission: to inspire divers through knowledge, professionalism, and passion — ensuring students graduate with skills and understanding that go well beyond minimum certification standards.
Every course emphasizes:
- Safety-first diving practices
- Advanced knowledge and real-world preparedness
- Environmental awareness and ocean stewardship
- Confidence through quality education
All while honoring the vision Mike Kevorkian established seven decades ago.
Expanded Opportunities for Divers
This collaboration introduces a complete pathway for NAUI leadership development, including:
- Divemaster
- Assistant Instructor
- Instructor
- Instructor Trainer
Programs are available through traditional enrollment or the Veterans Administration Testing Program, offering eligible veterans and their families tuition reimbursement for their certification examinations.
Inclusive Diving for Everyone
A major addition to the program is the launch of an Adaptive Scuba Diving curriculum, providing specialized instruction for individuals with physical or emotional disabilities. This initiative reinforces the belief that the underwater world should be accessible to everyone. Veterans are especially encouraged to join this new adventure.
Dive Into the Future
By merging Tarpoon’s historic legacy with Scuba Latina’s modern training philosophy, this partnership represents more than a collaboration — it marks the evolution of diver education in South Florida.
The ocean is waiting. Train smarter. Dive safer. Explore further.
Learn more at: https://scubalatina.com and https://www.tarpoonlagoon.com