Bret Gilliam, a prominent figure in the scuba diving community known for his contributions to technical diving and entrepreneurship, has passed away at the age of 72 in Maine. Born on February 3, 1951, Gilliam’s impact on the diving world was profound and multifaceted.
TDI, Technical Diving International, shared Bret Gilliam’s death news through facebook page and wrote:
“As we reel from the loss of a friend, mentor, and the founder of International Training, we want to thank all of you who have reached out to us personally and paid respect to Bret by passing on your condolences. We have made sure that those who were closest to Bret, have seen them.Out of respect for those who were with Bret in his final hours and the fact this is so raw to us, we will not be making any public statements until we can ensure we pay proper tribute to Bret. If you had the pleasure and honor of spending time with him, you know that is no easy feat.”
Gilliam held the world record for deep diving on air, reaching depths of 138m and later extending this record to 145m. However, he is best remembered for popularizing mixed-gas diving by establishing Technical Diving International (TDI), a training agency that revolutionized diving practices.
From a young age, Gilliam had a deep affinity for the water, growing up on a motor yacht due to his father’s role as a naval commander. He began his scuba training at eight years old and was certified by 1960. Throughout his career, Gilliam logged an impressive 19,000 dives.
In addition to his diving prowess, Gilliam was a prolific writer, authoring or co-authoring 72 books and penning over 1,500 feature magazine articles. He was also a sought-after consultant and expert witness in maritime and diving-related legal cases.
Gilliam co-founded TDI, a certification agency that significantly impacted diving practices, particularly in the realm of mixed-gas diving. He also played pivotal roles in various successful businesses within the diving industry, contributing to the growth and innovation of the field.
Beyond his business ventures, Gilliam’s passion for diving extended to underwater photography and filmmaking. He contributed to numerous films, documentaries, and television series, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Bret Gilliam’s remarkable journey, spanning over five decades in the diving world, has left an enduring legacy. He will be remembered as a true pioneer, visionary, and influential figure in the diving community. Gilliam’s impact on diving, exploration, and the understanding of the underwater realm will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
