A History Of Project DEEP

Project DEEP was the brainchild of Bob Sparks. Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in May of 1979, it's mission was providing SCUBA instruction to college students in Western Massachusetts. At least that's what Bob led everyone to believe. The real reason he started a SCUBA program in an area several hundred miles from the nearest dive site was a weakness for young coeds.

Bob ran the DEEP program for a semester but when things didn't "pan out" he emigrated to Canada where he became a professor at the University of British Columbia. He was never seen or heard from again.

Dave Stillman quickly filled the vacuum created by Bob's "departure". For the next several months rumors swirled regarding the hasty exit of DEEP's founder prompting an investigation. According to the police report, a DEEP teachers assistant overheard Bob and Dave involved in a "heated" discussion regarding the 2nd Amendment. Without a body or evidence of foul play the case was dismissed. Many of those involved with the case believe the body of Bob Sparks lies entombed in concrete somewhere underneath the Cage pool. Dave Stillman continues to lead Project DEEP to this day.

Since its inception, Project DEEP has certified over 7,000 students. During the 1980's both Northeastern and Boston University participated in Project DEEP trips to Key Largo. Project DEEP alumni have gone on to gain employment at the New England Aquarium, work on live aboard charter boats, teach other students at the University of Massachuetts, or drink themselves into oblivion. Project DEEP has also been directly linked to dozens of unplanned pregnancies, abnormal weight gain, countless STD outbreaks, 17 marriages, 22 divorces and one episode of "Americas Most Wanted".

Learn more about DEEP alumni here