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Alexander Velázquez

Engineer • Diver• Photographer • Musician • Author • Explorer

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I developed a deep connection with the ocean, nature, and the outdoors from an early age—a relationship that continues to shape both my personal and professional journey. As a child, I participated in competitive swimming, which helped me build a strong foundation in aquatic skills, discipline, and physical fitness. I later worked as a lifeguard for five years and taught children how to swim at summer camps. These experiences strengthened my commitment to safety, leadership, and helping others develop confidence in the water.

For more than two decades, I have worked as an engineer specializing in risk analysis, reliability, and the safety of complex systems. My career has focused on understanding how systems behave under stress, how failures develop, and how informed decision-making can prevent undesirable outcomes. This perspective influences the way I approach the world, whether underwater, on remote trails, or beneath dark night skies.

As a PADI scuba instructor and underwater photographer, I am deeply drawn to the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. Through diving, I document marine life, explore coral reefs, and promote a responsible relationship with the ocean. I am also passionate about helping others develop confidence, awareness, and sound judgment in the water by integrating principles of safety, human factors, and systems thinking.

Beyond the ocean, I enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, astronomy, astrophotography, and outdoor adventures. I believe exploration is not confined to a single environment; it extends from the depths of the sea to mountain trails and the vastness of the universe. These experiences continually remind me of the interconnectedness of natural systems and our responsibility to protect them.

Music has also been a lifelong passion. As a saxophonist, I have found in it another way to tell stories and express myself. Interestingly, learning to play an instrument is much like learning to scuba dive: we must first become familiar with our equipment, understand how we interact with it, gradually master the fundamentals, and practice until certain skills become muscle memory. In both cases, confidence does not emerge immediately; it is built through patience, attentiveness, and consistent practice. Whether through music, photography, writing, or adventure, I seek to inspire curiosity, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of the world around us.

I am the author of Spirits in a Changing World, a book that explores the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, spirituality, and the future of humanity. I am also developing Diving Like an Engineer, a project that applies principles of engineering, risk management, human factors, and systems thinking to scuba diving and underwater exploration.

Through De Orilla, I share stories, photographs, educational resources, and reflections inspired by the ocean, trails, and stars. My mission is simple: to encourage people to explore responsibly, think critically, and cultivate a lifelong sense of wonder.

The Purpose of De Orilla

De Orilla does not operate as a dive shop or dive center, travel agency, certification provider, or commercial guiding service. The content published here reflects personal experiences, observations, and lessons learned and is not a substitute for formal training or professional guidance.

Any educational or diving activity announced through this project will be coordinated with duly authorized dive instructors and operators in accordance with applicable professional standards.

Nor is De Orilla limited to diving. It encompasses the ocean, mountains, trails, night skies, photography, science, engineering, conservation, and lifelong learning.

Most importantly, De Orilla is not about reaching a destination, but about the journey, the discoveries we make along the way, and the curiosity that inspires us to keep exploring.

Certifications & Publications

Engineering

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (Puerto Rico and Maryland)

  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Diving

  • PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor

  • DAN Professional Member

Books:

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