Ric Powell is truly one of the pioneers of diving in the United States and is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced black divers in the world. His formal training began over three decades ago when he completed the U.S. Navy Underwater Swimmers School in 1962. Since then, he has become a NAUI instructor and a PADI instructor. Ric has been instrumental in spreading scuba diving to thousands of students who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to learn the sport. He has been an instructor at California State University, Los Angeles; Compton Community College; Kennedy-King College and Olne-Harvey College in Chicago; and the University of South Florida in Tampa. He also served as a scuba instructor at Club Med Fort Royal in Guadeloupe, F.W.I.  Additionally, Ric instructed in the Turn on to Aquatics (TOTA) classes in cooperation with the Department of Recreation and Parks of the City of Los Angeles, which was designed to give the knowledge and experience necessary to safely enjoy the sport of snorkeling and scuba diving to men and women age 15 and older.  Ric's work has not gone unnoticed, for he has received many awards and letters of recognition for his unselfish work with inner-city youth and for his efforts to bring scuba diving to blacks. In 1975 he was named "Diver of the Year" by the University of South Florida Scuba Diving Club.  One of Ric Powell's many endeavors is co-founding the National Association of Black Scuba Divers. Ric was selected as NABS' first president at the Association's first symposium held in Washington, D.C. in February 1991.