Kala Sharpless is the youngest Junior Master Scuba Diver!

On 13 August 2017, Kala Sharpless (8H2) was officially, at 12 years old, recognised by PADI as the youngest Junior Master Scuba Diver in the world. Only a select few committed and passionate divers have been able to gain this rating, and even fewer at such a young age. Despite her youth, Kala accomplished her final course task of single-handedly locating and surfacing an unconscious diver from underwater and then towing back to the dive boat whilst administering artificial resuscitation.

“We are absolutely thrilled to present Kala with the Youngest PADI Master Scuba Diver Award. She put an incredible amount of work into this and we know that this is the continuation of a fantastic journey for her. Well done, Kala! Congratulations from the worldwide PADI family of divers.”
George Wegmann (Instructor Development Consultant, PADI Asia Pacific)

Even though she is now the youngest in the world she feels it necessary to recognise anyone else that has put the effort in to get there. It is not about the certificate or awards, but rather the passion of young people to influence adults to be good custodians of the planet, making sure they look after it. Having seen dramatic differences from place to place that she has visited. She wants to share this with others, helping them to see the damage we are creating in the oceans and lands of our planet. Before they disappear and no one is able to see them.

“It was fantastic to see the energy that Kala put into her diving. Throughout her training she consistently showed a great attitude to learning and developing. It was a pleasure for us here at Mandarin Divers to get her in the water and further develop her skill set”.
Connie Chan (PADI Course Director & Owner Mandarin Divers PADI 5 star Instructor Development Centre (IDC))

Congratulations Kala – an amazing achievement!