Jason McCarthyDivemaster
Jason McCarthy's Gallery:
Background:
Jason got his start in diving through The Tactical Reintegration Project (TRP) and East Coast Divers back in 2019, and he’s been building on that foundation ever since. Whether he’s racking up certifications, guiding shore dives, or crewing on the Cape Ann Diver II, Jason brings energy, curiosity, and a solid sense of humor to every dive.
Ask him about his favorite dive memory and you’ll get a classic: the time a non-keeper lobster was launched at him by his buddy, only to take personal revenge on said buddy’s… lower half. It’s the kind of moment that sticks with you—especially when you almost laugh your reg out mid-dive.
For Jason, diving is all about connection—sharing experiences, helping others explore, and turning every dive into a story worth telling.
Favorite Dive Site:
For Jason, nothing beats Little Hunter’s Beach—a hidden gem tucked into the rugged coastline of Acadia National Park. There’s no sign, no parking lot, just a small roadside pull-off and a staircase that drops you down to a secluded pebble beach with epic views of ocean and cliffs.
Below the surface, the dive starts with a gentle rocky slope that quickly gets interesting. Small canyons and walls give way to submerged cliffs and massive pink granite cutouts as you follow the contour west. It’s remote, peaceful, and full of surprises—just the kind of place Jason lives to explore.
Favorite Creature:
Jason’s favorite ocean resident is the octopus—hands down. Despite their short lifespans and the fact that no knowledge gets passed from one generation to the next, they’re wildly intelligent. They use tools, solve problems, and have even been observed communicating with other species. As Jason likes to say, if they lived long enough to develop tradition, we’d probably be negotiating with them instead of studying them.
Favorite Certification Course:
Jason’s favorite course is always his most recent—because he’s got an appetite for learning and a love for pushing his limits. Right now, that’s XR Trimix. With the highest standards and most demanding dives he’s taken on so far, it challenged him in all the right ways. For Jason, every new certification is a chance to grow, explore deeper, and bring more back to share with the dive community.
Goals In The Dive Industry:
From the start, Jason’s goal has been simple: become a better diver. That mindset led him to earn his Divemaster rating—not for the title, but to give back. He knows how impactful good mentorship can be, and he’s committed to paying it forward by offering safe, thoughtful guidance to new divers and anyone unfamiliar with local conditions.
For Jason, it’s not about ego or accolades—it’s about helping others find the same connection, confidence, and sense of adventure that diving gave him.