Edgardo Ochoa

Name: Edgardo Ochoa

Location: Alexandria, Virginia

Occupation: Global Marine and Diving Safety Officer at Convervational International

Scuba Diving Since: 1984

Favorite Dive Destination: The next one, always the next one

 

An Interview with Edgardo Ochoa

Why did you decide to take the giant stride into the oceans?

I decided to take the giant stride into the ocean because I read many years ago that someone asked Sir Edmond Hillary why he climbed Mt. Everest. He replied, “because it’s there.” I suppose the same applies to me. The ocean is there and I have the curiosity to learn more. Soon after becoming a diver, I realized I could make a career around the ocean and that’s when I decided to not only increase knowledge about the ocean, but also share it with more people. My goal is to create as many ocean advocates as possible. 

 

How has diving changed your life?

Diving, for me, is not only a profession. It has also become a lifestyle, and it has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most incredible human beings, make some lifelong friendships, and visit some of the most astonishing places on Earth, which has granted me gift of unforgettable memories. 

 

What kind of diving do you like to do?

Anything with a purpose. I believe that contemplative diving is not an option anymore. Due to the current state of our world, it is crucial that we all generate information about our environment. In other words, any sort of immersion in which data and/or images can be collected and used to educate and create awareness about this wonderful realm, is my kind of diving. 

 

Tell us about one of the most amazing experiences you have had underwater?

The most amazing experiences underwater are the endless amounts of firsts. The first time I saw an orca underwater, the first time I faced a hammerhead shark, the first time I discovered a pigmy seahorse, and the list goes on and on. 

 

Where are some of your favorite places underwater?

Tough question. Cabo Pulmo in Mexico will always have a special place in my heart. However, I have had the privilege of visiting many unbelievable places around the globe. Among them, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Cocos Island in Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands, Kelp Forests in California, and the polar regions of Svalbard. 

 

What is your advice to someone considering diving?

Do it. Find one of the many great professionals who share the passion and knowledge of not only diving, but of the oceans as well. 

 

What would you tell people about the oceans?

The ocean is Earth’s life support system. Every action we take or don’t take, has an impact, regardless of how far away one is from the ocean. All natural processes are connected, and they help or harm one another. Human intervention must be environmentally responsible. 

 

What does diving mean to you?

Diving to me, means hope for the future. I believe that diving is, above anything, a tool. A tool that can, and should, be used to continue creating a community of well-informed individuals who will take positive action. I would like to continue working towards creating bridges between the diving community and governments, industries, and academic groups.  

 

What's your favorite thing in your dive bag?

My diving computers. I always use two, a G2 as main and as a backup, my M2. Both are from Scubapro. Another piece of gear that has been in my bag for many years is my indestructible and always reliable set of Jet fins. 

 

Follow Edgardo on Instagram: @conservationdive

Follow Edgardo on Facebook: Diving for Conservation