The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI Worldwide) has confirmed a regional leadership transition affecting members in the Northwest United States, Western Canada and Okinawa, Japan, according to an official announcement published by NAUI Worldwide.
Long-serving Regional Manager Dan Henderson will step down from his role at the end of January, concluding a period in which he acted as NAUI’s primary point of contact for instructors, affiliates and dive centres across the region. During his tenure, Henderson played a central role in strengthening professional relationships and supporting member development in geographically diverse markets.
From February 1, 2026, responsibility for the region will pass to Nick Nechay, who will assume the expanded role while continuing to serve as NAUI’s Regional Manager for Mexico, as outlined in the NAUI Worldwide announcement.
Nechay brings nearly a decade of dive industry experience to the position, alongside more than seven years of active involvement within NAUI. His background includes instructor development, bilingual training initiatives and contributions to both scuba and freediving education, including work within NAUI Freediving programmes that support instructor growth across multiple regions.
In comments included in the announcement, Nechay described the opportunity to support members in the Northwest U.S., Western Canada and Okinawa as a privilege, highlighting the strength and experience of professionals operating within these areas. He also emphasised his intention to build strong relationships with affiliates while ensuring continuity of support as he balances responsibilities across multiple regions.
For NAUI members and training partners, the organisation has positioned the transition as a seamless handover, designed to maintain consistent regional support while leveraging Nechay’s existing leadership experience. The move reflects NAUI’s broader approach to regional management, combining local engagement with a coordinated global structure to support its international network of dive professionals.
Comments
