I have always thought that when the time came for me to leave Bikini it would be hard to find someone to take care of the dive operation for the people of Bikini in my place. There were many applicants over the years. Indeed, almost every customer has asked me in one way or another if they could work on Bikini if there ever happened to be a job opening. Sure it is a great place and the diving is second to none (Hey, I earned the right to be biased!), but being isolated for long periods of time and having to deal with the "business" side of things are much more demanding than one might expect.

In 1999, I had the good fortune of meeting an individual who I thought had the abilities required to take my place: Tim Williams. He came to Bikini Atoll leading a group of divers from Sacramento, CA. After diving with him for the week, I remember thinking that I wished someone like him would ask for a position with us. At the end of the week, he did! Last year was the last season that I worked on Bikini as the Head Divemaster/Resort Manager. Tim was hired as an assistant divemaster so he could "learn the ropes" and be ready to run the operation for the 2002 season. We worked closely together during the entire season. Tim had the chance to dive and learn about all the aspects of the wrecks and learn every procedure that had been developed over the years in order to keep the dives safe and fun. TIm easily exceeds all the diving qualifications for being a divemaster on Bikini.

When you dive with Tim this year you can expect a leader who is soft spoken and deliberate. He is very responsible and will do everything in his power to provide you with the best experience possible--without compromising safety. Before working on Bikini, Tim worked as general manager for Dolphin Scuba Center of Sacramento, CA; he was also responsible for their Technical Diving Department.

For those of you who dove with me and are concerned with the level of safety and service this year...don't be! Tim will have the chance to improve on those items now that the operation is managed and operated by the Bikinians. By the end of last season, he had ordered two more oxygen generators and lots of spare parts in order to increase reliability. Even the food service has improved, so don't expect to go on a diet! I am confident that Tim will go on and make Bikini an even better dive operation and I am sure that those of you who visit Bikini this year will agree with me.

I would like to mention here that Bikini is not about Fabio or Tim or any person or individual. It is about its people, their history and the sunken ships in their lagoon. Every time I returned to Bikini after my vacation I always had goose bumps and an awesome feeling because I was standing on such a special place. And there are few things in this world that match the feeling of seeing the Saratoga with your own eyes for the first time. The check-out dive alone is worth the trip!

I hope you enjoy your time there and please tell the staff that Fabio sends his regards.

Sincerely,

Fabio Amaral
Consultant
Bikini Atoll Divers

Fabio Amaral helped found Bikini Atoll Divers in 2001.

Go to the Dive Tourism Page of the Bikini Atoll web site.

View pictures of our dive, dining and recreational facilities.

What you will need to bring to Bikini regarding equipment & computers, etc: A message from our Head Divemaster

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