With over 35 years of scuba diving experience, Mark London, the owner of Deep Abyss Scuba in Humble, said he is happy to teach his passion to others.
A closer look
Deep Abyss Scuba, which opened in June 2024, offers underwater diving classes and certification programs for many skill levels, London said. The shop also sells, rents and repairs diving equipment, and provides escorted scuba trip packages in Belize.
The entry-level scuba certification course is open to participants age 10 and older, London said. During the lessons—which include four dives in both a pool and open water—London teaches students basic diving skills and how to react in emergencies.
“[Families] love to go to the ocean and swim and take travel vacations, and it's a good way to bond and learn about the environment,” London said.
London said many of his customers are veterans, since scuba diving can be helpful to them in many ways. He also employs multiple veterans through a partnership between the National Association of Underwater Instructors and the U.S. Department of War.
“That really helps with giving them a path once they get out [of the military],” London said. “It helps with PTSD issues ... depression, anxiety. So it gives them a new focus and drive. I've had several [veterans say] that it's been a huge impact in their life.”
Diving in deeper
Before opening Deep Abyss, London said he held a variety of jobs, including leading the diving department for Texas A&M University and working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
London said he is certified through NAUI to train scuba divers and other scuba instructors.
Looking ahead
Next, London said he is hoping to launch a program that would train divers so that they could help NOAA with coral research and restoration efforts in the Florida Keys.
“I've gotten the green light from a couple of different big entities,” London said.
