Unified Team Diving (UTD) Announces New Leadership and Strategic Vision for the Future

UTD SAN DIEGO — April 30, 2025 — Unified Team Diving (UTD), a global leader in “thinking diver” education and team-based scuba training, has announced a new phase of leadership and strategic growth. Co-Managing Directors Ben Bos and Jeremiah Gardner have formally assumed leadership responsibilities following the retirement of UTD founder Jeff Seckendorf from day-to-day management.

Founded on the principle of developing “thinking divers” — divers who prioritize critical thinking, mastery, environmental stewardship, and team cohesion — UTD has spent more than 15 years shaping a distinct global community. Since 2022, UTD has trained, coached, or mentored more than 2,500 divers across more than 20 countries.

“Our focus remains clear: to develop the next generation of divers who think, adapt, and lead — both underwater and beyond,” said Ben Bos, co-managing director. “As we move into this next chapter, we are committed to building vibrant regional communities, strengthening diver education pathways, and expanding our global presence while staying true to the core values that define UTD.”

In line with the transition, UTD has launched an internal and community-wide listening period to invite input, dialogue, and co-creation from divers and instructors around the world.

“This is not just about leadership change,” said Jeremiah Gardner, co-managing director. “This is about reinforcing a movement — one where every diver is empowered to think critically, act as a teammate, and contribute meaningfully to the future of diving.”
 
Although Seckendorf is stepping away from management responsibilities, he will continue to be an active instructor within UTD. He remains deeply committed to training and mentoring divers under the same philosophies that shaped the organization.

UTD: Episode #108: Jeff Passes The Torch to Ben & Jay

“UTD has truly become an education company first and a scuba diving company second,” Seckendorf said. “Our commitment to developing critical thinkers and leaders under the water has redefined how divers train and grow. I am incredibly proud to pass the torch to Ben and Jeremiah, who will carry this vision forward and expand on what we built together.”

Unified Team Diving continues to offer a wide range of recreational, technical, cave, and rebreather training programs, all rooted in a philosophy that prioritizes demonstrated competence over checklist certification.

About Unified Team Diving
Unified Team Diving (UTD) is a global scuba education agency dedicated to training Thinking Divers — divers who embody mastery, adaptability, environmental stewardship, and true team unity. Offering programs across recreational, technical, cave, wreck, and CCR disciplines, UTD is committed to building a global network of interconnected Thinking Diver communities. For more information, visit www.utdscubadiving.com.