Business Details
44 Years
experience
Explore Military Diving History in Panama City Beach
The Man in the Sea Museum, established in 1982, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, educating, and inspiring the public through the history and advancement of underwater exploration. Our mission focuses on showcasing the evolution of diving technology, honoring military and civilian diving pioneers, and promoting ocean conservation. Located in Panama City Beach, Florida, we offer interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events to engage visitors of all ages. Our team includes retired Navy divers with decades of combined experience in military and commercial diving, ensuring authentic storytelling and expertise.We maintain the world's oldest diving museum, featuring artifacts dating back to the 1800s, including SEALAB exhibits and modern naval equipment. Through hands-on experiences, documentaries, and temporary exhibitions, we aim to increase awareness of Bay County's history and the critical role divers play in scientific discovery. Our community partnerships and scholarship programs further our commitment to education and preserving diving heritage for future generations.
Services
Museum Tours
Educational Programs
Special Events
NAUI Dive Certification
Scholarship Programs
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer interactive exhibits and educational programs about military diving history.
- Our museum features the world's oldest diving museum established in 1982.
- We provide hands-on experiences including SEALAB exploration.
- Our team includes retired Navy divers with extensive expertise.
- We host special events and lectures to engage the community.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Services
Museum Tours
Explore 5,000 square feet of diving history exhibits featuring SEALAB, vintage diving gear, and interactive displays. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays, visitors experience documentaries, scavenger hunts, and both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Ideal for families and history enthusiasts seeking immersive learning about military diving advancements.
Educational Programs
Offering lectures, temporary exhibitions, and hands-on activities for students of all ages. Programs focus on diving technology evolution, ocean conservation, and Bay County's historical significance. Designed to inspire future generations through STEM-based underwater exploration education and community engagement initiatives.
NAUI Dive Certification
Provides discounted NAUI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver certifications for active-duty military divers and veterans. Streamlined process accepts military training documentation, offering fast certification without retaking full courses. Proceeds support museum scholarship programs for military diving families.
Scholarship Programs
Awarding financial assistance to children and grandchildren of U.S. military divers pursuing higher education. Funded through donations and museum proceeds, the program addresses financial barriers preventing access to college degrees for military diving families' dependents.
Special Events
Hosts annual events like the Men of Honor celebration, Copper Collar 5K, and fundraising galas. Events combine entertainment with educational components, featuring guest speakers, historical commemorations, and opportunities to engage with diving pioneers and veterans.
People
Steve Mulholland
Executive Director
Retired U.S. Navy Master Diver with 30 years of military/commercial diving experience. Led Man in the Sea Museum for 4 years, preserving diving history while serving on multiple diving community boards.
Stephen Greier
President
Retired Navy Chief Saturation Diver with 34 years of experience. Manages U.S. Military's D.C.A.T. Program and has served on the Institute of Diving board for over a decade.
Joe Howard
Vice President
Retired U.S. Navy Master Chief with 31 years of service. Former Command Master Chief at Panama City's Naval Diving Center, actively involved in diving history preservation for 4 years.
Brian Thompson
Program Director
Retired Navy Seabee Master Diver with 28 years of experience. Served 10 years as Navy Underwater Construction expert, now leading museum operations and historical preservation efforts.
Brian Pratschner
Senior Board Member
Retired Master Chief Master Diver with 28 years of military diving expertise. Current Navy Experimental Diving Unit staff member advancing diving technologies and practices.
Questions
What are the museum's operating hours?
We're open Wednesdays-Thursdays 10 AM-4 PM, Fridays-Saturdays 10 AM-3 PM. Closed Sundays-Tuesdays.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes! We offer scavenger hunts, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly educational activities about diving history.
How can I support the museum?
Support through donations, memberships, volunteering, or purchasing merchandise. Every contribution helps preserve diving history.
Do you offer group discounts?
Contact us directly for group pricing information and educational field trip options.
Can military divers get certifications?
Yes! We offer NAUI Advanced Open Water certifications for military divers at discounted rates.
Are there educational programs available?
We provide school programs, lectures, and temporary exhibitions focused on diving technology and ocean conservation.
