Dominion is 46 feet long with a 16 foot-wide berth area, and twin Cummings 430hp engines (fast!). The vessel is USCG certified with numerous safety features including an EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Beacon), life rafts, life jackets, fire extinguishers, and Nextel Phone and CB radio for immediate ship to shore contact. On board amenities include two fresh water showers, a fly bridge with viewing / seating for 12 guests,  handicap accessible boarding and bathroom,  pvc tank holds for 68 tanks, wide swim step for easy giant stride entry and sturdy dual ladders for easy  exiting from the water to the vessel, and a “killer” stereo system. Dominion will comfortably carry 38 divers.

Dominion’s arrival begins a new era in Maui diving for handicapped scuba divers. Greg Howeth and Akiyo Murata, Lahaina Divers owners, are committed to providing the highest level of service and diving experiences to all divers, those with disabilities as well as the able-bodied divers. Dominion is just the latest example of that commitment. Prior to Dominions’ arrival, the entire Lahaina Divers staff became certified as Handicapped Open Water Dive Buddies. The rigorous training sessions were conducted by Lahaina Divers Handicapped Scuba Association Instructor, Laura Scott.  Staff Instructor, Jason Wolford is also an HSA Instructor. The training was held in a pool environment as well as in the open ocean. Each “Dive Buddy” had to simulate multiple handicap situations as the diver, and as the buddy. All came to have great appreciation for the effort involved and the satisfaction gained by those with disabilities choosing to become certified scuba divers. To learn more about the Handicapped Scuba Association visit www.hsascuba.com .