:lol: My Goodness - I have to say you remember more details than I do. But here is what I do remember ... Back in the very early 60's Mel Fisher owned a little diving shop close to our house (the shop was in Redondo, CA). My Dad used to dive all the time and got all his equipment from Mel. They they came out with certification requirements in the County of Los Angeles. Mel automatically certified Dad because he knew my Dad knew as much about diving as he did. Then, in October 1964, I decided I wanted to be certified, so I took the course and got my card. (Still have the card, it is dated 10/8/64!!!) I have no memory at all what my wet suit cost - but I do remember that it was handmade by Mel, just as my Dad's was. The cost didn't matter to me - I was just a kid and "Dad paid for it"!! I know that wet suit was tiny though!

As I'm sure jsisabella recognizes the name Mel Fisher, it is interesting that I also remember him deciding to sell his shop and go on a treasure hunt (which seemed like a wild dream to me). Little did we think he would find the Atocha :shock:

Sadly, I got a perforated ear drum and stopped enjoying the dives. When we travel now, my husband enjoys snorkeling and I do too sometimes. But usually, I just sit on the boat and take pictures!

Whew - that was a long story!!

But ... I did get certified before you did :wink: