International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Local Honourees and Margo Peyton as Keynote Speaker for 2025 Ceremony

The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) Board of Directors and the Cayman Islands Ministry and Department of Tourism are pleased to announce the 2025 Cayman Islands Local Honourees and 2025 Emerging Honouree.  The 2025 ISDHF Induction Ceremony will also feature renowned dive industry leader Margo Peyton as the keynote speaker.

This year’s honourees includes four individuals – namely Jason Belport, Peter Hillenbrand, Courtney Platt, and Michael Schouten - who have helped to establish the Cayman Islands’ reputation as a premier diving destination, and are dedicated to conserving the islands’ marine ecosystems.

The Emerging Honouree category recognises young and upcoming Caymanians making significant contributions to the industry and was introduced in 2017. Ragime Powery, a Caymanian who is a next-generation leader in the local dive community, has been selected as this year’s Emerging Honouree.

All five of these individuals will be recognised for their contributions to the diving and water sports industry in the Cayman Islands during the annual ISDHF Induction Ceremony on Saturday, 20 September 2025.

Commenting on the honourees notable accomplishments, Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development said, “The diving and water sports industry paved the way for the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands and continues to play a significant role. What makes the Cayman Islands unique is our people, and we have some of the best in the industry; as exemplified by the contributions of Jason Belport, Peter Hillenbrand, Courtney Platt, Michael Schouten and Ragime Powery. I congratulate them all for their outstanding achievements and I encourage the community to show their support for our 2025 Local Honourees at the ISDHF Induction Ceremony.”

Margo Peyton, a trailblazer in dive travel and youth education, is a 2024 ISDHF Inductee and a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame. She is widely recognized for pioneering family and youth diving programs worldwide, creating safe, conservation-minded pathways for new generations to explore and protecting the oceans. Through her leadership, thousands of divers have been introduced to underwater adventure, marine stewardship, and community service initiatives that strengthen the global dive industry.

“We are deeply honoured to welcome Margo Peyton as our keynote speaker as we celebrate an all-women induction class this year,” said William Cline, Executive Director of the ISDHF. “Margo’s lifelong commitment to inclusivity, mentorship, and ocean advocacy embodies the very spirit of the Hall of Fame. Her vision has opened doors for families and young divers around the world, and her message will inspire our industry to keep pushing forward—together.”

The ISDHF Induction Ceremony and Gala Dinner will take place at Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman on 20 September 2025. The public is invited and encouraged to attend to support the local and international diving community. Visit isdhf.com to learn more and purchase tickets.