Beverly Speed

My name is Beverly Speed and I live in Columbia, Maryland with my husband and five chatty parrots. Since 1992, one of the greatest thrills and passions in my life has been exploring the ocean with my camera in tow. I feel naked diving without it. I have traveled throughout the Caribbean and to Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau, Chuuk, Fiji, and Honduras capturing images of native marine life and absorbing the rich experience of foreign cultures around the world. I enjoy researching the critters I dive with and learning about their behaviors in the wild.

A dive operator must consider safety above all else.

- is the boat and equipment well-maintained
- are dive masters fully-trained and well-qualified
- is safety equipment onboard (first aid kit, oxygen, etc.)
- do they do a roll call after each dive

I also look for:

- an operation that caters to small groups (no over-crowding please)
- a well-organized crew
- generous bottom time allowance and freedom to “do my own thing”
- dive masters who are familiar with the local marine life
- a place for both sun and shade on the vessel
- a designated work space for photographers and rinse tanks specifically for photo gear (primarily for all day trips)
- a conservation-oriented operation
- a buffed and handsome crew (just kidding on this one)