Matteo Miller, a 12-year-old resident of Key Biscayne, Florida, has set a record becoming the world’s youngest PADI Master Scuba Diver.
A student trains and studies to be a PADI Master Scuba Diver by earning a series of open & confined water certifications, land-based instruction and by completing five specialty courses.
Course requirements are completed during 50 or more logged dives. Miller, who turned 12 on August 8th, achieved the milestone at Diver’s Paradise Dive Center in Florida.
According to Diver’s Paradise Managing Director Michael Casey:
“Becoming a certified PADI Master Scuba Diver is an enormous responsibility for recreational divers. To do it at age 12? Wow! There is a special kind of commitment needed. This young man’s got it, without doubt.”
During June 2021, an 8-year-old Matteo enrolled in the PADI Seal Team program, a four-day aquatic experience that introduces young adventurers — 8 years old and older — to scuba diving.
Casey said:
“Working closely with Paul and Valentina, Matteo’s parents, we crafted a plan to nurture and champion this young aquanaut.”
Miller embarked on his next challenge in 2022, during his 10th birthday — the PADI Junior Open Water course. He aced the exams and quickly completed confined water and open water dives to earn his initial certification. From hiss perspective, it’s all part of the process and the plan.
Miller said:
“I am focused. I am determined to accomplish what no one else has been able to do. There is so much to see, so much to learn, to absorb. It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Throughout his school breaks, Miller has continued his training, achieving PADI specialty certifications in Junior Adventure Diver, Underwater Photographer, Boat Diver, Fish Identification, Underwater Navigation and Peak Performance Buoyancy.
As for his future plans, Miller said:
“I have seen lots of sea creatures and sharks while swimming, windsurfing, sailing and paddle boarding but nothing beats seeing and chasing them underwater as they swim through the corals and wrecks. I also like to do my part in keeping the oceans clean both under and above water.
“My plans after getting my PADI Master SCUBA Diver and NITROX certifications and can dive deeper to go see some wrecks I have not been able to get to because of my age and do lots of shark dives and clean-ups. I also would like to take a number of advanced courses in underwater propulsion vehicle operation, deep diving, night diving, etc.”
