Administration
Capt. Ray Black - Founder/CEO/Director
Capt. Ray Black began his diving career 40 years ago serving in the USMC/USN. After an Honorable discharge, he continued his career working in all aspects of commercial diving. Capt. Black founded Commercial Diving Academy in 1995 and his goal then was to produce certified world class divers. This commitment remains the same today, as CDA prepares students with the necessary skills needed and sought after by the diving industry. Capt. Black holds qualifications as NASE Bell/Saturation Diving Supervisor, Peruvian Bell/Saturation Diving Supervisor, NASE Aquanaut, DCBC Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diving Supervisor, DCBC Assessor, USCG 100 Ton Unrestricted Operator License, SDI/TDI Technical Diving Supervisor, Speciality Welds UK Underwater Welding Specialist, ERDI Public Safety Diving Instructor, NAUI Course Director, NASE College Director and PDIC Instructor.
Capt. Ray Black continues to share his knowledge throughout the World to ensure "Deep Sea Diving" and "Hyperbaric Opportunities" are afforded to ALL that seek a Career in our Global Seas.
SAFETY-EDUCATION-INTEGRITY
Emily Black-Whiddon - Vice President
Emily has been directly involved in the operations of CDA for the past 10 years overseeing the multiple locations, facilities operations and administration. Emily grew up in the Diving Industry following the footsteps of her Father. Emily is a Certified NASE Diver and NASE Hyperbaric Technologist Specialist, she is very passionate in the depths of Hyperbaric medicine use and works closely with the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Foundation (HBOT)
Emily spends her time balanced between Family and raising her 2 boys (Baseball Stars) and keeping the Family Businesses in order. International travel for Business Representation, Baseball fields and Deep Sea Diving Facilities is a normal week for her. In addition, Emily keeps the Black Family together and organized to ensure balance in life. Foundation of the Black Family.
SAFETY-EDUCATION-INTEGRITY
Ray Black II - COO - Chief Operations Officer
Ray Jr. has been directly involved in the operations of CDA for the last 10 years. He maintains a busy schedule as a retired NASCAR Driver by splitting his time between a full time Dad, CDA and Family Buisnesses. He is an active certified commercial diver and has participated in numerous projects. He is certified as a NASE Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver, NASE Unrestricted Diving Supervisor, DCBC Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver, DCBC Unrestricted Surface Supplied Supervisor, NASE Scuba Instructor, NASE CSCUBA Supervisor.
Diving and Driving have been his passions since he was very young. He brings that passion to CDA Technical Institute of the West Indies by sharing his knowledge with students and staff alike. His experience leading a racing team and a Diving Team has taught him the importance of teamwork and how each person plays an integral role in the success in any operation. His positive attitude and easy demeanor allow him to direct the staff in the best way with the best possible outcome.
SAFETY-EDUCATION-INTEGRITY
Mcclean Hobson - Executive Director
Mcclean retired from Maritime Affairs for St. Kitts Government and brings to CDAWI a wealth of knowledge of the Marine Industry and Geographical settings of the Islands. Mccleans holds certifications in Maritime Affairs, Navigations and the Shipping Industries in the West Indies, Carribean Islands.
Mcclean runs the "Day to Day" Management and Logistics of CDAWI Administration and International / Local Relations.
SAFETY-EDUCATION-INTEGRITY