Southeastern Divers Inc., Huntsville

Since the instructors at Southeastern Divers's five-star PADI--certified training facility first set up shop in 1980, more than 5,000 of their aquatic pupils have obtained diving certifications. The certified scuba pros, each of whom has obtained a master diver trainer rating, or at least interned as a mermaid, continue to add to this number using their structured course flow. They help novice divers to take their first plunge during Discover Scuba programs and guide them toward the master-diver level. Along the way, instructors and pupils branch off from the course flow to try their rubber flippers in specialty programs such as wreck diving. Throughout all coursework, Southeastern Divers's staff can rent equipment or sell gear from brands such as Aqua Lung.