An Early Passion for the Ocean 
Meet Kim Malkoski, a lifelong ocean enthusiast whose connection to the ocean began as a child. Raised with family beach outings, boat trips, and aquarium visits, it’s probably not a surprise that by the age of 13, Kim was already scuba-certified. Her early passion quickly grew into a commitment to marine science and diving, shaping her impressive career. In 2008, Kim earned the Boston Sea Rovers Frank Scalli Internship, a significant achievement at a young age that led her deeper into the dive community and marine conservation. By 2017, she stepped up as Vice President of Boston Sea Rovers, inspiring a community of ocean lovers and fostering marine education.
Educator, Mentor, and Dive Leader
Kim’s journey to becoming a leader in the dive community involved plenty of hands-on experience and a passion to inspire others. With a degree in Marine Biology from the University of New England, she combined her academic knowledge with practical skills, working as a Divemaster and mentor at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There, she introduced kids aged 8-13 to surface scuba diving, sparking a connection to these aquatic environments and shaping the next generation of ocean conservationists. Beyond teaching, Kim interned with the Dive Office at the Aquarium, learning how to manage scientific divers and maintain diving gear – skills that set the foundation for her success in future leadership roles.
Trailblazing Roles and Achievements
Her passion led Kim to work at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), where she’s been an integral part of the team since 2014. Helping manage WHOI’s scientific diving programs, she supports scientists in their dive training, equipment needs, and emergency protocols. In January 2024, Kim made history by becoming the first female Diving Safety Officer at WHOI, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in the diving community. Alongside her WHOI responsibilities, she previously served as the Training Director and Director of Special Projects for East Coast Divers, developing dive programs and training/mentoring over 50 dive professionals in the process. And if that wasn’t enough, while working at WHOI, she obtained her Masters Degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability from Harvard University.
Making Waves as President of Boston Sea Rovers
Today, Kim is continuing to trailblaze as she steps into the role of President of Boston Sea Rovers, becoming the first woman to lead the organization in its 70-year history. Boston Sea Rovers, with a legacy of prestigious members like Sylvia Earle and Jacques Cousteau, is a historic institution known for its dive show and commitment to ocean exploration. Kim’s connection to the Sea Rovers runs deep, dating back to her Scalli Internship in 2008, and she’s honored to carry the torch. “I am honored to have been chosen as Sea Rovers’ next president,” she says. “It’s incredible to think of how far this journey has taken me.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Divers
Beyond her professional achievements, Kim’s work is deeply rooted in education and mentorship. “My roots in NAUI have been since the beginning,” she explains. She is committed to the NAUI principles and applies them to all training and courses. She continues to play a significant role within NAUI, participating in programs like the NAUI Northeast Leadership Conference and making a direct impact on molding new dive professionals. Her involvement in Sea Rovers’ internship programs, which offer opportunities for college-aged students and aspiring young divers, ensures that the legacy of marine exploration and conservation continues. Whether it’s training new divers, consulting on special dive projects, or promoting environmental sustainability, Kim is a leader who continuously leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets.
A Vision for the Future of Diving
As Kim continues to lead and inspire, her contributions to scientific diving truly make a difference. Specializing in cold water diving and exploring mesophotic coral reefs (those found at depths of 100-500 feet/30.48-152.40 meters), she uses her skills in technical diving and rebreather technology to support critical scientific research. By gathering data from extreme environments, Kim helps scientists better understand these often-unexplored ecosystems, which are crucial for biodiversity and environmental conservation. Kim’s expertise allows for deeper, more prolonged dives that are essential for research in areas where traditional scuba diving falls short. Kim supports scientific discovery and sets a standard for integrating advanced diving techniques in marine research. Her commitment to exploration, science, and environmental stewardship ensures that the next frontier of diving will be about adventure and contributing to the global understanding of our oceans.
