BAY AREA DIVERS INC. (BAD) was formed in November of 1983 with an initial membership of 25 divers. Eventually BAD peaked at nearly 100 members but in recent years, membership has averaged around 40. In 1986 BAD sponsored the first Shipwrecks & Scuba Conference which continues to this day as a regionally recognized conference promoting diving and historical shipwreck interests. Many nationally recognized speakers have appeared at our conference.
BAD hosts a number of club activities and a variety of club dives each year at local quarries, the Great Lakes, Caribbean Sea, and well beyond. In the recent past, BAD members have traveled to the Straights of Mackinac, Whitefish Point, Tobermory, Thousand Islands, Cape Hatteras, and other very interesting areas. Additionally BAD members network with members of other clubs including Lake Erie Wreck Divers (LEWD) and Toledo Sub-Mariners to promote combined multi-club dives. Also in recent years BAD has held annual boating/diving rendezvous at both Put-in-Bay and Kelly Islands.
To promote safe diving education through our annual conference and monthly programs. Also to provide divers of all skill & interest levels increased opportunities for diving. BAD gives members opportunities for diving by socially networking with other club members via our monthly meetings and Bottom Times newsletter.
Normally held on the last Thursday of the month excpt December. Most meetings are held at Chet & Matt’s Pizza Restaurant, 1013 East Strub Road, Sandusky Ohio 44870 and their phone number is 419-626-6000. BAD uses a private room in the rear of the restaurant with audio/visual equipment that is used for many club programs. Normal meeting time for dinner is 6:30 and there are many generous selections from the sandwich menu and also a quick & easy pizza buffet. Although it’s considered a family restaurant, they also offer a selection of draft beer and a full bar. Our BAD business meeting is held at 7:30 and we try to have our programs begin around 8pm.
