April 20, 2002 - "I was hooked on deep sea diving the first time I explored a shipwreck off the coast of Long Island in 1978. I caught a lobster and a bootlegged bottle of Hiram Walker whiskey and felt as if I conquered the world," explained Sally Wahrmann of Port Washington. Since then she has logged over 2,300 deep sea dives, even venturing into the icy Atlantic to explore the Andrea Doria 60 miles off the coast of Nantucket. When she plunged over two hundred feet at this location -- within the parameters of the infamous shipping lanes -- she exceeded the 132 feet depth limit for sports divers. Wahrmann, a professor of accountancy at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, first experienced scuba diving during a Caribbean vacation in 1977.

Wahrmann's accomplishments were recognized in March 2002 when she was inducted into the 2002 Women Diver's Hall of Fame, by "Beneath the Sea," an organization which promotes ecological conservation, protection of marine life and the education of children on these issues. She was the only non-industry professional among the 16 inducted.

So how did Wahrmann progress from viewing tropical sea life to exploring sunken sea wrecks, such as the USS San Diego, a heavy battle cruiser located 6 _ miles off the Fire Island Inlet and the SS Oregon, a Cunard luxury liner that sank on March 14, 1886, also located off the coast of Long Island?

Every professional needs an avocation, an interest to take them away from the every day responsibilities, she explained. "Underwater is the only place you can go other than space to be in another environment as we know it." It offers "escape and freedom. The wrecks are where the fish hang out. They are teeming with life." She pursued her interest by joining a deep sea diving club on Long Island.

Professor Wahrmann has also enjoyed researching the history of these ships, as well as retrieving artifacts, including china place settings and a window from the promenade deck of the Andrea Doria, which has been made into her living room cocktail table. She has even contributed some of her collection to promote the sport of deep sea diving to women. These artifacts are the "Olympic gold" medals of diving, according to author Kevin F. McMurray in his book "Deep Descent," where he highlighted how Wahrmann has exceeded the boundaries of recreational diving.

Wahrmann has also brought discipline, courage and camaraderie to the sport. Diving Hall of Fame member Evelyn Dudas stated that Beneath the Sea's recognition of Wahrmann is long overdue. Likewise, Cecelia Connelly, another Diving Hall of Fame member, called Wahrmann a "pioneer with courage and spunk." She has helped herself and others out of precarious situations because "she thinks as clearly below water, as she does above."

Aside from the physical exhilaration and the historical educational benefits, there are other practical considerations. Wahrmann even compares accounting and deep sea diving to her students. "They both require discipline and you have to follow the rules and learn the terminology," she said.