Scott and John met through the Yavapai County Sheriff's Response Team SCUBA Unit where they were both search and recovery divers. John and Candice met at the Reserve Police Academy. They ended up trading hobbies - Candice enjoyed sky diving and John was into SCUBA diving. (Candice was smart - she made John jump before she dove!) Scott and Candice met when she was a diving student of his at Yavapai College. Candice, John, and Scott's first trip together was to San Carlos Mexico when Candice got certified to SCUBA dive.

Scott and Susan met when Susan bought Oasis Divers in Phoenix and Scott came down from Prescott to see the shop. Susan met John and Candice when they attended Scott and Susan's underwater wedding in Key Largo, Florida. We all started traveling together soon after and want to share our love of travel and adventure with our friends both old and new.

Ocean Travelers, LLC was founded because of our passion for diving and travel and our desire to share that passion with others. We search the world over for exotic destinations with unique experiences. We also research the dive and tour operators and only work with the finest in the industry. Our years of training, teaching, and traveling together has made us into a cohesive team to ensure your comfort and safety so you get the best possible service and experience when you travel with us.

(from left to right:  Scott,  Susan,  John and Candice)

Candice Acton

I'm the member of the team who has eyes in the back of my head. Call me the sheepdog of the group. As a result of my training with the US Coast Guard and my supervisory position with the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, my basic personality has become more involved with wanting to protect and take care of people. I am a patrol sergeant with the sheriff's office. Since starting with the sheriff's office, I've become a:

1. Self-Defense Instructor
2. Physical Fitness Instructor
3. Firearms Instructor

I learned to dive in 1998 because it was part of the trade-off deal with John. No seriously, I love the ocean, adventure, and traveling the world. Since getting certified, I worked my way up to the level of NAUI Divemaster because just diving wasn't enough. I wanted to be able to lead people on trips.

I'm very excited about Ocean Travelers because of my ability to experience the world of travel. I first started international travel at the age of 6 months! So I'm comfortable no matter what continent of the world I'm on.

Susan Carroll-Hamblen

I'm the quiet, analytical member of the team. My background is in technical writing and training. I work for the Arizona Association of REALTORS® training brokers throughout the state to use an online Real Estate Transaction Management system.

I originally learned to dive in 1991 to meet new people and have some adventure in my life. I had no idea how that one simple decision would change my life. Since that initial certification, I have achieved the following:

• Became a NAUI Divemaster for the personal challenge
• Became a NAUI Instructor because I thought it would be fun to introduce others to the underwater world
• Bought Oasis Divers because I always wanted to own a business
• Became a NAUI Course Director to be able to certify NAUI Instructors
• Met and married Scott
• Wrote the NAUI SCUBA Diver textbook
• Wrote the NAUI First Aid textbook

But for me, diving is more than getting wet! To me, diving is a way to meet new friends and explore the world, on land and underwater. There is nothing better than traveling the world with the wonderful friends I have met over the years, and continue to meet.

Scott Hamblen

I'm the people person of the team. You can usually find me telling a story and keeping the group entertained. My background is in sales and marketing. I'm a REALTOR in the greater Phoenix area and I specialize in residential real estate (www.azREpros.com).

I was first certified to SCUBA dive in 1993 through Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ. I did my certification dives in Rocky Point, MX.

After becoming a SCUBA Instructor while living in Prescott, I taught SCUBA courses for Yavapai College and the local YMCA.  I volunteered for the YCSRT (Yavapai County Sheriff's Response Team) SCUBA Unit and eventually became their Training Coordinator.

In 2000, I had the opportunity to buy out Susan's partner in Oasis Divers. It was a full-service SCUBA diving retail and training facility.  We not only trained individuals to SCUBA dive, but also trained and certified experienced divers to be NAUI Instructors.  During the years we owned the dive shop, we personally guided groups to 24 different countries. Susan and I sold Oasis Divers in 2006 but continue to teach SCUBA courses and travel.

I married Susan in 2001 during an underwater wedding in Key Largo, FL, where we set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Underwater Wedding, which we held for three years.

I currently hold the following certifications:

• NAUI Instructor Trainer 35633
• NAUI Nitrox Instructor
• NAUI First Aid and CPR Instructor
• PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer 94950

John Hutchison

I'm the problem solver of the group, whether it is emotional, psychological, or physical. I have been in law enforcement for 25 years. I am a patrol sergeant with the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. I've been a team leader for SWAT teams, as well as:

• A self-defense instructor for the State of Arizona
• A Gunsight and NRA firearms instructor
• A martial arts instructor
• An edge weapons instructor
• A certified hypnotist

I've studied martial arts since 1972 and was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2004. I won the Medal of Valor for Acts of Heroism in 1998 from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.

I was certified by the US Navy as a NAUI diver in 1972. I became a NAUI Divemaster because I have a sincere interest in helping people experience life without fear. Over the years, I have learned that both diving and martial arts are similar in the need for mental and physical control.