At DAN World, we’re always looking for new ways to support our business members and help dive businesses thrive. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our Weekend Warrior pilot program—a new initiative designed to strengthen our presence at the local level and offer you more hands-on support, resources, and opportunities.
This pilot program has been launched in the Latin America & Caribbean region of DAN World
We’re thrilled to introduce our first three Weekend Warriors: Sebastian Mena (Costa Rica), Joel Melendez (Puerto Rico), and Kate Harrison (Bahamas – first phase). These dedicated professionals will act as DAN World’s field representatives, providing in-person visits, delivering materials, gathering feedback, and ensuring you have access to the latest tools and information to grow your business and serve your divers.
Meet the Weekend Warriors
Sebastian Mena — Costa Rica
Based in San Jose, Sebastian is the coordinator of the University of Costa Rica diving programs, specializing in scientific diving. He travels frequently to dive sites on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, supporting university diving teams. With his understanding of both scientific and recreational diving, Sebastian is well positioned to connect DAN World with dive businesses across Costa Rica.
Joel Melendez — Puerto Rico
Joel lives in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. He is a DAN Trainer and leads PRXTREME CORP, a company offering environmental consulting, dive training (both scientific and recreational), and first aid instruction. As a business member himself, Joel understands the needs and challenges of local dive operations and is committed to helping peers benefit from everything DAN World offers.
Kate Harrison — Bahamas (First Phase)
Based in Nassau, Kate is a PADI Course Director who divides her time between Nassau and other Bahamian islands throughout the year. She has experience as head of training for one of the Bahamas’ leading dive operations and has also been involved in coral reef restoration projects across the islands.
Kate collaborated with DAN during the first phase of the Weekend Warrior project and has since moved on to other projects. This now opens the opportunity to add another Weekend Warrior residing in one of the following countries: Bahamas, Cayman Islands, or Belize. Preference will be given to candidates who regularly visit distinct areas or islands within their resident country.
What Does This Mean for Business Members?
Having a Weekend Warrior in your area means:
- Local In-Person Support: Your Weekend Warrior will dedicate around 8 hours every month—outside of their regular jobs—to visiting local dive businesses in person. These hours can be split into shorter visits or, when needed, combined into longer sessions, whatever works best for your shop and their availability.
- Direct Contact: You can easily reach out to your Weekend Warrior by email to request a visit so you can ask questions or discuss opportunities for collaboration.
- Faster Access to Resources: Need materials? Your Weekend Warrior can deliver or provide brochures, decals, posters, and DAN flags directly to your business
- A Voice to DAN World: Share your feedback, challenges, and suggestions directly with someone who understands your local context and will communicate your input to the DAN World team—so your experiences help shape improvements and future support.
- Up-to-Date Info: Get the latest on available programs, resources, coverage options, referral opportunities, and tips to help you make the most of your DAN benefits.
- Opportunities for Partnership: If you’d like DAN to participate in special initiatives or events, want to suggest venues or topics for upcoming DAN seminars, or are interested in exploring other opportunities to collaborate, your Weekend Warrior is your connection. Share your ideas and interests: they’ll make sure your input is considered.
Why Did We Launch This Pilot Program?
Our goal is simple: to help dive businesses get more out of their DAN World membership. By working with trusted local representatives, we aim to:
- Ensure you have a direct line to support and up-to-date resources—all from someone you likely already know in your region.
- Strengthen our relationships with you, making collaboration and support more personal and accessible.
- Boost your access to referral programs, student membership opportunities, and coverage options that benefit your business and divers.
What’s Next?
Sebastian and Joel have already started their roles and are reaching out to dive businesses in their regions. Expect to see them soon—whether for a quick visit, to drop off materials, or to listen to your feedback. If you are in an area covered by a Weekend Warrior, we encourage you to connect with them, share your needs, and discover new ways DAN World can help you grow.
If you’d like their contact information, just email us at .
At the same time, with Kate having completed her contribution during the first phase of the project, we now have the opportunity to welcome a new Weekend Warrior from the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, or Belize. If you are based in one of these areas and think you might be a good fit—or know someone who is—please reach out to us at .