The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) has appointed Theodore K. Roche IV to its Board of Directors, effective July 1.

A leader in the marine construction and commercial diving industry, Roche brings more than 40 years of experience, along with a lifelong connection to the Santa Barbara Channel and the region’s working waterfront, SBMM said.

Roche is the founder and former CEO of Aqueos Corporation, formerly known as Divecon Services, a subsea contractor established in Santa Barbara.

Aqueos specializes in commercial diving, remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and vessel contracting services, supporting the oil and gas sector across the West Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and select international markets.

In 2022, Aqueos was acquired by Michels Corporation, and Roche continued to lead the company as CEO until July 2024. He currently serves as a senior advisor and board member of Aqueos Corporation, where he provides guidance to the executive team and remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards for all personnel, SBMM said.

Before founding Divecon in 2000, Roche held several leadership positions in the industry, including West Coast Area manager for Stolt Comex Seaway and West Coast general manager for Martech USA.

Earlier in his career, he worked as an abalone diver, commercial diver, and superintendent, gaining hands-on experience in demanding offshore environments including the North Sea, South China Sea, Alaska, the U.S. West Coast, and the Bay of Campeche, Mexico.

Roche holds a degree in marine diving technology and remains involved in the commercial diving community. He serves as chair of the Advisory Board for the Marine Diving Technology Program at Santa Barbara City College.

He was also the lead benefactor and a member of the Deepwater Diving Monument committee, supporting a project that honors Santa Barbara’s central role in the history of deepwater commercial diving.

“Being a part of SBMM is both an honor and a privilege,” said Roche.

“We are delighted to welcome Ted Roche to the Board of Directors,” said Dr. Alex Weinstein, SBMM Board president. “His extraordinary experience in commercial diving, marine industry leadership, and Santa Barbara’s maritime community makes him a tremendous asset to the museum.

“Ted’s deep roots in the Channel and longstanding support of SBMM’s mission will help strengthen our work for years to come.”