Diving with Oleg Shevchuk

As an avid cave diver with over two decades of experience, I'm always seeking new underwater adventures. In 2009, I stumbled upon an incredible find in the Dominican Republic – a cave teeming with bats, which I aptly named Oleg's Bat Cave. Little did I know that this discovery would hold much more than just bats. My expertise as an IANTD #707 Technical Cave Instructor Trainer has allowed me to safely explore the depths of this underwater cave and share my findings with the world.

Partnering with a team of paleontologists, we embarked on an exciting journey to explore the cave's depths. To our astonishment, we found a treasure trove of fossils, including the remains of the Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer). This was a groundbreaking discovery, as it expanded the known range of this species during the Late Quaternary period.

The fossils we found were remarkable – nearly complete skulls, various skull fragments, and over 100 postcranial bones, painting a vivid picture of these ancient crocodiles. Interestingly, the cave lacked fossils of freshwater creatures, suggesting that these crocodiles were primarily land-dwellers, preying on rodents, sloths, and even giant land tortoises.

One of the most exciting aspects of our research was the opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge and conservation efforts. By radiocarbon dating a crocodile tibia, we determined it to be the oldest known fossil of its kind in the West Indies, dating back approximately 7,320 to 7,430 years. This information helps us understand the timeline of the Cuban crocodile's existence in the region and the factors that may have led to its local extinction.

Our discoveries in Oleg's Bat Cave have not only expanded our understanding of the Cuban crocodile's past but also highlighted the importance of continued research and conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures and their fragile habitats. It's a humbling experience to be part of such a significant discovery, and I'm eager to continue exploring the underwater world, uncovering more secrets of the past, and sharing my passion for these amazing ecosystems with the world.

Diving Courses

I offer a range of SCUBA diving courses designed to cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to get your feet wet or take your skills to the next level, I have a program for you.

Open Water Diver

This is the perfect starting point for those new to diving. You'll learn the fundamentals of scuba diving, including equipment setup, underwater communication, and safety procedures. By the end of the course, you'll be a certified open water diver, ready to explore the underwater world to a depth of 60 feet (18 meters).

Advanced Open Water Diver

Ready to expand your diving horizons? This course will introduce you to different diving specialties, such as deep diving, night diving, and wreck diving. You'll gain valuable experience and confidence, allowing you to dive to depths of up to 100 feet (30 meters).

Rescue Diver

Safety is paramount in diving, and this course will equip you with the skills to prevent and manage diving emergencies. You'll learn how to assist and rescue fellow divers, making you a more responsible and valuable dive buddy.

Divemaster

Take your passion for diving to the professional level! As a Divemaster, you'll be able to lead and guide certified divers, assist instructors with training, and supervise diving activities. This is the first step towards becoming a scuba diving instructor.