This is only some of his credentials. It was a fascinating day speaking with Grant. So many stories and adventures. I had no idea his extensive certifications and qualifications. We definitely needed more than an hour. It was a huge learning experience exploring a world I have always wanted to know more in depth. Pun intended!
Grant W. Graves is an award winning director and director of photography. His emphasis in his work has been on all things water; fresh, frozen, and salt. He works in topside environments in fiction and non-fiction as well, generally in hard to access or difficult shooting situations having contributed to programming with most of the major outlets. He is an accomplished photographer and writer. He has a B.S. in marine biology and is a Cambrian Foundation Research Diver and West Coast Coordinator with NOAA diving status. He is the former president of USA Freediving and the USA Freediving Team for fifteen years. He has been a broad member of the international governing body for freediving (AIDA) in the past for many years. He is the current Chair of the Disciplinary Committee for AIDA and a member f its Technical Committee. He is a freediving instructor trainer and is a founding developer of PADI’s Freediver program.Graves also holds a US Coast Guard 100 ton Master Captain’s License. He is the District Staff Officer for Emergency Management, a Vice Division Commander, and Flotilla Staff Officer with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary chairing his flotilla’s Emergency Planning Committee. He has an MS in emergency management and a BS in marine biology from California State University Long Beach. He earned an additional masters at the University of the People in their Master of Business Administration program. He is a member of the Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi for his academic achievements. He is a FEMA Master Public Information Officer, Master Exercise Practioner, National Emergency Management Executive Academy (NEMEA) graduate, National Emergency Management Advance Academy (NEMAA) graduate, National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA) graduate, a National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA) Instructor, CalOES outreach instructor, a candidate in the Master of Continuity of Operations (COOP) program, and he has completed his California Office of Emergency Services certificate as an Emergency Management Specialist, as a Public Information Officer Specialist, Terrorism and Homeland Security Specialist, TEEX Critical Infrastructure Protection, and National Sports and Security Professional Development Series. He is the Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Lead with the American Red Cross, as well as a Public Information Officer, Shelter Manager, Advanced Instructor, and COOP Instructor.