Moving forward, it is important to understand that while UW skill is essential, team work and a commitment to the team methods and leadership are even more valuable. In the event you do become a WKPP member, you should be fully prepared to invest a considerable amount of time and energy helping other divers in and out of the water. You will be called on at all hours of the day and night to do simple but important tasks. Historically, diver tasks have been assigned with diver skill and team seniority in mind. Now that virtually all of our team members are solid, your time working as a committed team member will have a lot to do with what jobs you have the opportunity to perform. For example, I was on the team 3 years before I ever saw the inside of the Wakulla cave. If you do join the WKPP, you should not expect to dive deeper than 50’ at Wakulla in your first year. You should also plan your schedule to include one team weekend per month.

Team members that are always happy and available to provide assistance, morning, noon or night (especially at night) are treasured. You will need to become friends with other team members and begin diving with other team members. Gas divers and selected divers are fairly preoccupied at the dive site and thus can not be your primary source for direction or companionship. Your success on the team will be directly related to your ability to harmoniously engage with other team members. Regardless of any past events or cultural differences, a dependable, happy, hard working, team member will always be welcome. In contrast, if we hear someone is not happy with their assignments, has a problem with the assignments that another team member receives, is not helpful and available the entire time on site, is a lousy buddy or is simply not a positive asset to the team, we will ask them to leave. We have too much work to accomplish and risk to manage to simultaneously deal with an unhappy or high maintenance diver.

So there you have it, the ball is in your court. I know joining the WKPP is important to you and expect this will become a reality if you participate as I described above. I sincerely hope your potential tenure with the WKPP is both fun and mutually rewarding.