After more than a decade of helping tourists dive for wrecks off Bell Island and Labrador, a company based in Conception Bay plans to expand its services with Provincial Government support. Ocean Quest Inc. will receive $25,000 to begin developing new tourism products and target the European cultural and adventure tourism markets.

"Ocean Quest has taken our clear waters, abundant marine life and historic ship wrecks, and turned them into a business by providing visitors with an unmatched experience above and below the water," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "As a government, we are pleased to support enterprises like Ocean Quest target new markets and enable them to diversify their product line."

Founded as a diving charter operation in 1997, Ocean Quest Inc. has since added to its product offerings. In addition to its dive charters, it offers professional training in diving, first aid and CPR, operates a four-star lodge and conference facility, and offers whale, iceberg, and seabird tours. It also recently opened a one-stop adventure chalet in Terra Nova National Park that offers hiking, cycling, and diving opportunities for visitors.

"Ocean Quest has become a key player in the development of new tourism products in the North East Avalon", said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, MHA for Conception Bay East and Bell Island. "Its success has led to the creation of employment opportunities and raised the profile of tourism in the area. I wish the company�s owners Rick and Debbie Stanley every success in growing their business."

The company was established after the company�s owners took up scuba diving as a hobby. Now, Mr. Stanley is a certified diving instructor and inspector with 18 years experience. Ocean Quest Inc. is also Atlantic Canada�s only five-star Technical and SCUBA Diving International Training Facility.

"We originally formed the company to serve the local market," said Mr. Stanley. "However, as the business grew we targeted diving groups from outside the province and offered charters to view our shipwrecks, marine life, and whales. Now we want to expand into nature-based tourism and photo safari packages that appeal to European tourists."

Funding was provided through the Business and Market Development Program (BMDP). BMDP provides new entrepreneurs and expanding small businesses with matching funding to help them acquire the necessary expertise to pursue new business ideas and markets. The $1 million program is intended to support new growth opportunities in the economy, such as value-added manufacturing activities and export-oriented opportunities.

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