Sea TREK is one of the world’s largest underwater helmet-diving programs, allowing participants, including non-swimmers and non-divers, to walk underwater while breathing normally through a specially designed helmet system. The program operates in destinations around the globe and maintains strict international safety and training standards for its guides, coordinators, and operators. The certification exercise was conducted by internationally recognized Sea TREK Coordinator Carl Hansen during his annual operational review of the Saint Lucia franchise.
“This week, we worked on training with the team and we actually brought in something new. We now have the world’s youngest training coordinator right here at Sea Life Paradise. I’d like to introduce Jameel Leonce, the youngest son of the operation.”
As a Sea TREK Training Coordinator, Jameel will now be qualified to assist with the training, evaluation, and development of future Sea TREK guides while helping to maintain the operational and safety standards required by the international franchise. Jameel says the achievement is the result of years of dedication and training in the marine tourism industry.
“Over the past couple of days, we’ve been doing some training, and he noticed that I had the skill set to be a coordinator. And through passing all my training requirements, I’m now the youngest training coordinator in the world.”
According to his father, Sea Life Paradise owner Anthony Leonce, Jameel began diving at just four years old and has steadily advanced through the ranks.
Now a Dive master and certified Sea TREK Training Coordinator, he is also working toward additional scuba-related certifications. Anthony says the achievement demonstrates the career opportunities available to Saint Lucian youth through marine tourism and recreational diving.
“We’ve always said that we could make a career and a business for young people out of what we do. Yes, we’re interested in making money, but we also want to make it a career opportunity for young people.”
Internationally, the program has facilitated millions of underwater experiences and relies on certified guides and coordinators trained under global safety standards. Leonce is encouraging visitors and residents alike to explore Saint Lucia’s underwater attractions while supporting a growing industry that offers employment, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.
Jameel’s achievement also places Saint Lucia on the international map within the Sea TREK network, further strengthening the island’s reputation as a destination for marine tourism and adventure experiences.