This month’s NAUI Dive Spotlight shines on Dr. Jeffrey Bozanic, Ph.D., who recently received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) and was announced as the 2024 recipient of the New Orleans Grand Isle (NOGI) Award in Sports/Education. The prestigious DESA honor is awarded to Eagle Scouts who have made significant contributions in their fields. Becoming an Eagle Scout profoundly impacted Dr. Bozanic’s future, instilling a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and a commitment to service. These values guided him throughout his diving career, where he made groundbreaking advancements in safety standards and education. The skills and principles he developed as an Eagle Scout shaped his approach to exploration and dedication to giving back to the diving community.
Early Beginnings and Influences
Dr. Bozanic’s journey into diving began in 1972 when he became an Eagle Scout. His initial experiences with diving were shaped by a high school course that offered diving instead of physical education. Although the course’s lack of thorough training left him hesitant, the guidance of his physics professor, John Wozny, reignited his passion for diving. Wozny, a respected figure in NAUI circles and an experienced diver, encouraged Bozanic to pursue diving more seriously. This mentorship set Bozanic on a path that would define his career, eventually leading to Dr. Bozanic serving on the NAUI Board of Directors.
Commitment to Excellence and Education
Dr. Bozanic’s journey through the diving world is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to education. After earning an associate degree in underwater occupations, he quickly became involved in instructor training courses on the West Coast. His early experiences as an unpaid assistant in diving classes laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of both the technical and educational aspects of diving. This foundation proved invaluable as he designed a comprehensive diving curriculum for a local junior college, although the program was ultimately shelved due to funding cuts.
Pioneering Cave Diving and Safety Standards
A turning point in Dr. Bozanic’s career came with his involvement in cave diving, an area that fascinated him for its potential to reveal unknown geological formations. His early cave diving experiences, such as the exploration of the Lucayan Cavern system in the Bahamas, were both challenging and awe-inspiring. One dive, involving navigating through unique formations like stalactites and stalagmites and witnessing the play of light in the underwater environment, remains one of his most memorable. The contrast between the magic he witnessed, and the mundane experiences of fellow cruise ship passengers highlighted the unique nature of his underwater explorations.
Recognizing the lack of established safety standards for scientific work in caves, Dr. Bozanic took it upon himself to bridge the gap. He began writing comprehensive guidelines, which culminated in developing standards that allowed scientific diving in caves. This work also led to his involvement with the Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society and the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), where he continues to play a role in shaping policy and advancing safe diving practices.
Mastering Rebreathers and Beyond
Dr. Bozanic’s inquisitive nature and commitment to solving practical problems led him to explore rebreathers—advanced diving equipment that recycles exhaled gasses. Faced with the limitations of traditional open-circuit scuba gear, especially in the context of extensive cave diving, Dr. Bozanic sought a more efficient solution. His exploration of rebreathers not only enhanced his diving capabilities but also filled another critical gap in resources available to divers worldwide. This led to the publication of “Mastering Rebreathers,” a comprehensive textbook that became an essential resource for divers globally.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dr. Bozanic’s life and career are deeply intertwined with his family. His wife, whom he met at a recompression chamber in Catalina, and his three children have all been involved in diving. His son Evan set a world record as the youngest person to scuba dive on all seven continents at the age of 14. This familial connection to diving underscores the Bozanic family’s shared passion for exploration and adventure.
Today, Dr. Bozanic continues to inspire and educate the diving community. He frequently leads expeditions, including a joint eco-tourism and research trip to the unexplored Shag Rocks as well as Antarctica planned for 2026, where participants will dive into the unique underwater ecosystems of this remote region.
A Lasting Impact
Dr. Jeffrey Bozanic’s contributions to the diving world are immeasurable, and he has also been honored with the NAUI Outstanding Service Award, two Continuing Service Awards, NAUI Hall of Honor, and the NAUI Lifetime Achievement Award. From pioneering safety standards in cave diving to educating the next generation of divers through his writings and teachings, Dr. Bozanic embodies the spirit of exploration and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of diving, offering a window into unseen worlds and unparalleled experiences.
