There is a first time for everything - even for the Governor of Bermuda to go SCUBA diving.

Governor Sir John Vereker joined 23 children from the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess yesterday for his inaugural attempt at SCUBA diving. Youth Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth & Sport Keith Smith and BUEI Board chairman Michael Collier also joined in the dive.

Sir John, who said he "could understand why the children are so excited", added he had "great fun" during the dive, while Mr. Smith said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Both thanked those involved for giving the children (and themselves) such a novel experience.

The children, aged eight to 13, were taking part in a five week programme called SEALs, designed by the world's largest SCUBA training agency, PADI.

Organised by Deputy Governor Tim Gurney and Dr. Anne Glasspool of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) with the help of education coordinator at BUEI Crystal Schultz, the programme teaches children the basics of SCUBA diving as well as helping them appreciate the beauty and fragility of Bermuda's marine environment.

It is part of the Ministry of Youth and BUEI's attempt to advance knowledge and understanding of the ocean and how it relates to Bermuda. Help with running the programme was also given by Dive Bermuda and Blue Water Divers as well as the Hamilton Princess.

All the children were graduates of the "Bubblemakers" SCUBA programme run by BUEI over the last two years. BUEI and the Ministry of Youth & Sport have a partnership to run an after school programme with around 170 kids at BUEI.

This year's programme is particularly special as it includes activities involving Bermuda's around-the-world solo sailor, Alan Paris.