Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc. was founded in 2000 with the intent of promoting shipwreck exploration in New England. From 2000-2004, Heather and Dave organized and led charters aboard other vessels, focusing on local Massachusetts Bay diving, as well as larger trips to shipwrecks such as the Empress of Ireland, Andrea Doria, and U-869. During this time, Heather and Dave planned to acquire a boat, and ultimately decided to build one.
Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc. is dedicated to shipwreck research, discovery and exploration in New England, as well as conservation of the ocean environment and our shipwrecks. NADE is committed to:
In 2004, NADE launched GAUNTLET, a custom-built Northern Bay 36 downeast style boat, constructed specifically for diving. GAUNTLET enabled NADE to expand the business, offering more charters, the potential to conduct research and exploration, and offer technical diving training. Gauntlet operates as a semi-private dive boat offering both dive charters and running as a private dive boat focused on projects.
GAUNTLET became a platform for research and exploration in addition to sport diving charters. NADE has supported research projects during the LNG terminal construction, conducted surveys of sunken vessels for insurance companies, and worked with academic researchers studying the marine environment.
NADE expanded it’s own work in shipwreck discovery and exploration with GAUNTLET, and discovered several notable, historic shipwrecks along the way. With over 800 dive charters run aboard GAUNTLET, Heather and Dave have brought many divers on thrilling adventures, promoting diving, and leading excursions into our maritime history.
Dave holds a 100 Ton Near-Coastal Master’s license. Dave is the NAUI Northeast Sales Manager, a NAUI Course Director Trainer and Technical Examiner (IT) with open circuit and CCR trimix qualifications. Dave is also a TDI Advanced Trimix instructor and a Fellow of the Explorers Club.
Dave is a fully qualified cave and mine diver and holds certifications from GUE, among other training agencies. In addition to making shipwreck discoveries and identifications in his local waters, including the historically significant USS Nezinscot and Allentown, among others, Dave has led and/or participated in collaborations with NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, as well as in expeditions to notable shipwrecks such as the Andrea Doria, Empress of Ireland, SS Republic, and shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the South China Sea.
Heather holds a 100 Ton Near-Coastal Master’s license. Heather is a NAUI Instructor Trainer, a NAUI Technical Instructor and a TDI Advanced Trimix Instructor. Heather is a Fellow of the Explorers Club. Heather served as the Diving representative on the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary’s Advisory Council (SAC) from 2008-2023, during which time she served as the Chairperson of the SAC from 2016-2020 along with chairing the SAC Maritime Heritage Working Group.
Heather is a fully qualified cave and mine diver and holds certifications from GUE, among other training agencies. In addition to making shipwreck discoveries and identifications in her local waters, including the historically significant USS Nezinscot and Allentown among others, Heather has led and/or participated in collaborations with NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, as well as expeditions to notable shipwrecks such as the Andrea Doria, Empress of Ireland, SS Republic, and shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the South China Sea.