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Man in the Sea Museum

Location within Florida
Former name	The Institute of Diviing
Established	1982
Location	17314 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, Florida
Type	Military Diving Museum[1]
Visitors	9,870 (2024)
Executive director	Steve Mulholland
President	Stephen Greier
Historian	Brian Thompson
Website	Man in the Sea Museum

The Man in the Sea Museum is a Military Diving Museum and is recognized as the oldest diving museum in the world. Located at 17314 Panama City Beach PKWY, FL. It has exhibits and documents related to the history of diving.^[2] Some of these exhibits include U.S. Navy SEALAB I, Military Diving Equipment, Underwater Submersibles, and Assorted Underwater Masks and Helmets.^[2] Many of the exhibits are hands-on. Family Friendly atmosphere and wheelchair accessible.

The museum's exhibits are vast and varied, offering an in-depth look at the evolution of diving technology and underwater exploration:

A central exhibit to the museum, the SEALAB Exhibit honors the groundbreaking SEALAB programs from the 1960s and 1970s. This exhibit showcases models, equipment, and photographs from the SEALAB I, II, and III missions, the world’s first underwater habitats, designed to support human life underwater for extended periods. The exhibit features real artifacts from the missions, including diving suits, tools, and a replica of the SEALAB I habitat.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of historic diving equipment, ranging from early diving bells and helmets to the first fully self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). Notable pieces include the Mark V diving helmet, which was used by the U.S. Navy for underwater operations, and the Aqualung, the first commercially successful scuba diving regulator.

This exhibit showcases the evolution of deep-sea exploration, from the early days of diving suits to the sophisticated submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used today. Visitors can view working models of modern diving suits, such as the Exosuit, and see displays of the technology used to explore the ocean’s depths.

Focusing on the role of military divers, particularly from the U.S. Navy, the museum highlights the training, equipment, and operations involved in military diving, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and salvage missions. Artifacts on display include diving equipment used in various military operations and photographs documenting key underwater missions.

The museum features interactive exhibits designed to give visitors a hands-on experience of underwater exploration. These include simulations of deep-sea diving environments and opportunities to try on vintage diving gear, allowing visitors to understand the challenges faced by early divers.

The museum is also committed to raising awareness about ocean conservation and environmental issues related to the underwater world. This section includes information on current efforts to protect marine ecosystems and the role divers play in underwater research and conservation.

The museum hosts a variety of special events, including lectures, film screenings, and workshops, often focusing on specific areas of diving history or marine science. One of the museum’s most notable events was the 60th Anniversary of the SEALAB Program, celebrated in June 2024, which brought together former SEALAB aquanauts, family members, and industry leaders to reflect on the program’s impact. Additionally, the museum offers educational programs for students, divers, and enthusiasts, including dive training, presentations from diving professionals, and guided tours of the exhibits.

Since 1982, the Man in the Sea Museum has played a crucial role in preserving the history of diving and underwater exploration, offering a unique educational experience for visitors of all ages. Through its collections and exhibits, the museum highlights the bravery, ingenuity, and perseverance of divers who have ventured into the deep sea to explore, discover, and protect the world beneath the waves.

• Man in the Sea Museum - official site

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