Traveling On with Carl Hanson

Sub Sea Systems Director of Water Operations and Safety, Carl Hanson, once again hits the road infrequently traveled. But this time, Carl’s trip included more than visiting existing Sea TREK locations. For this adventure, Carl was on a mission to seek out potential new Sea TREK locations in popular Caribbean destinations.

Carl’s first visit was to the Dominican Republic. Time was spent looking over the beautiful island, meeting with sales teams, and educating them about the Sea TREK helmet diving program and the benefits of becoming a Licensee. Some of the contacts Carl met took him to see potential sites for Sea TREK, to ensure suitability for the program. Carl discussed logistics and what would work, where. This was Carl’s very first trip that did not involve training or updating equipment and instead focused on growing the business.

Managing to squeeze in some free time, Carl joined a local tour operator and hiked Mount Isabel De Torres, the highest peak in northern DR. A guide took them on a journey that started in the Barrio and brought them through the rainforest before hitting the 3.7 mi (6 km) trail that climbed 2625 ft (800 m) in elevation. Two hours and forty minutes later, they reached the top, to take in the phenomenal views.

Saying good-bye to DR, Carl headed back to Miami for a full day “layover”, where he visited Sea TREK operator, Miami Seaquarium, to catch up with friends and former co-workers. While visiting, Carl caught a familiar image on a banner at the park!

Next up was St. Kitts, a two-hour flight from Miami. This time, Carl wore a different hat. This trip was all about Sub Sea Systems’ solar-electric FunCat catamaran! Carl visited a popular beach-bar in Frigate Bay, where the bar owner is hoping to add FunCats to draw cruise ship passengers, vacationers, and locals to his business. Surrounded by a beautiful beach, this location is the ideal spot for FunCat rentals! After an ATV tour which traversed up the side of a volcano, Carl reviewed some potential Sea TREK locations by hitting the water and making friends with resident sea turtles, tangs, puffers and stingrays.

Carl headed back to Miami for an overnight, then on to his next stop, Curacao, to visit a current Sea TREK operator. The location is under new management and has an updated location. Carl met with the new management and learned about the area, which is located at a renovated colonial naval base. The historic area includes a 30-foot drop, where people can jump off the ledge right into the water! The cliff’s wall provides a perfect environment for sea life to live and thrive. After inspecting equipment, doing some updates, and discussing marketing opportunities, off the cliff Carl went!

Carl’s last day of travel was Superbowl Sunday. Prior to departing, he had time to check out some local shops and buy his Mom an “overpriced” magnet, before taking in the beginning of the big game.