I never set out to break a world record. In fact, the idea hadn’t even crossed my mind — until one night, while watching Nyad on Netflix. Seeing Diana Nyad’s relentless pursuit of her dream, despite every obstacle, lit something inside me.

I called a friend, tossing around the idea of doing something big, something that would truly test me. That’s when they casually said, “Why not set a Guinness World Record?”

That planted the seed.


AmbassaDiver Barrington Scott smiles while on a dive boat wearing dive gear

The Journey That Led Me Here

Diving has been a part of my life for over a decade. After leaving the Marine Corps, I found myself drawn to the peace and freedom of the underwater world. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a passion, leading me to become a Master Scuba Diver Trainer and travel the world.

But as much as I loved diving, I couldn’t ignore a glaring reality — I rarely saw other Black divers, let alone Black instructors. That made me want to do more than just teach. I wanted to inspire, to show that adventure, exploration, and the ocean are for everyone.

So when the idea of a world record took hold, I knew this was about more than just setting a time — it was about breaking barriers.


7 Continents, 19 Days: The Ultimate Test

The goal? Scuba dive on all seven continents in record time.

The biggest challenge? Everything.

Logistics were a beast — coordinating flights, hauling dive gear across the globe, scheduling dives, and dealing with unpredictable weather. The biggest unknown was Antarctica. You don’t just show up and dive there. It takes some planning, working with expedition teams, and hoping mother nature cooperates.

Then there was the physical toll of hopping across time zones. Sleep became a luxury, and exhaustion hit hard. I remember landing in Malta, planning to take a quick nap at 4 PM, only to wake up completely disoriented at 6 AM the next day. That was the reality of this challenge: running on adrenaline, surviving on quick meals, and stealing sleep whenever I could.

AmbassaDiver Barrington Scott takes a giant leap off a dive boat in Alexandria, Egypt
PADI AmbassaDiver Barrington Scott takes a giant stride off a dive boat in Alexandria, Egypt during his journey to setting a World Record for the fastest time diving on all seven continents.

The Dives: Unforgettable Moments


More Than a Record

On December 3, 2024, after 19 days, 19 hours, and 40 minutes, I surfaced from my final dive, officially setting the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive on all seven continents.

But this journey was never just about a title. It was about representation — about showing that Black adventurers exist, that we belong in these spaces, and that the ocean is for everyone.

I hope my journey inspires others to chase their own limits, step outside their comfort zones, and experience the magic of the underwater world.

Because at the end of the day, records fade but the impact we make lasts forever.

See you underwater.

AmbasaDiver Barrington Scott diving next to ice in Antarctica
PADI AmbassaDiver Barrington Scott scuba diving in Antarctica.

Ready To Explore the World Beneath the Surface?

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The article was written by PADI AmbassaDiver Barrington Scott, a United States Marine Corps Veteran, Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Guinness World Record Holder.


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