On April 14, 2012 the Maritime Archeological Survey Team unanimously voted area photographer and scuba diving instructor Tom Szabo to its board of directors. The Maritime Archeological Survey Team, also known as MAST is a nonprofit avocational group. Members work to document Ohio’s historic underwater resources. MAST was formed March, 2000, and is composed of volunteers who support and participate in research, documentation, underwater archaeological surveys, and educational workshops. MAST also manages buoy markers for 10 shipwrecks in Lake Erie. Divers can tie off their boat to the buoys. This prevents anchor damage to the wrecks.
Tom Szabo is a photographer and owns A Thomas Image, a commercial, portrait, underwater and wedding photography studio in Concord Twp., Ohio. In addition, he is a PADI certified Master Scuba Diver Trainer diving instructor. Tom has taken MAST classes, worked on many underwater archeological surveys. “I have been very impressed with the level of volunteers and their commitment of time and work to support MAST” said Szabo.
Scuba diving in Lake Erie is different than diving in the Caribbean. MAST divers don’t seem to mind. Diving a wreck in Lake Erie provides a sense of excitement not found elsewhere. It’s that sense of exploration by members that caught Tom’s attention and made him very interested in MAST. Szabo said “I look forward to working with everyone associated with MAST and hope I can make a positive contribution to their work!”
Anyone interested in MAST can learn more at the organizations web site: http://www.ohiomast.org. Tom Szabo can be reached using contact information found at the studio web site: http://www.blog.athomasimage.com.
Tom Szabo, Photographer and Scuba Diving Instructor
