Although not a boater in the traditional sense, Dave has spent a lot of time on boats—going on scuba diving excursions. Dave and his wife, Sharon Hallam, left Britain two years ago to enjoy their retirement in a charming, low-key village in South Spain.

Below he shares his experience of being on—and under—the water.

What is your diving background?

I am a member of the British Sub-Aqua Club, or B.S.A.C. I have been diving for 25 years and am a scuba diving instructor within Street Sub Aqua Club.

What is your favorite dive memory?

About 25 years ago, my dive group took me out on the Neptune for my first open water dive off the coast of Lyme Regis, England. I was nervous, but my fellow divers assured me we were going to only a depth of 18 meters and that there would be a lot to see as we were in an area with 50 or so shipwrecks. 

The group went down, and they encouraged me to explore by myself 40 meters or so away while attached to the shot line, which was attached to the boat. It was thrilling…until I heard repeated tapping. Thinking it prudent, I returned to the group and learned that the sounds I heard were coming from my dive partners. They were exploring a wreck with chisels and hammers that they used as weights for their dive suits and helping themselves to a few “bits and bobs” from the wreck. (This is not allowable today, but it was acceptable 25 years ago.) 

How do you use paper charts?

When taking dive lessons, part of the training included learning how to read charts. I fell in love with them, and today, while on friends’ boats, I help navigate using paper charts along with electronic devices. 

What is your best safety advice?

Proper planning is vital—the goal of every dive is to minimize risk. Get organized, check equipment, and check each other’s equipment. Have on board: flares, a good marine radio, a backup battery radio, life jackets, and ideally, two of everything!

What is your favorite diving destination?

The Red Sea. It is an ideal location because it is a short flight away, it has warm, crystal-clear water and abundant wreck and sea life. I did this dive with my wife, Sharon, and we hope to return in the not-too-distant future.