Alexander Velázquez

Engineer • Diver• Photographer • Musician • Author • Explorer

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I developed an early connection with the ocean, nature, and the outdoors that continues to shape both my personal and professional journey. From an early age, I was involved in competitive swimming, developing a strong foundation in watermanship, discipline, and physical fitness. I later spent five years working as a lifeguard, including teaching kids to swim in summer camps, experiences that strengthened my commitment to safety, leadership, and helping others build confidence in the water.

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

As a Divemaster and underwater photographer, I am drawn to the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. Through diving, I document marine life, explore coral reefs, and promote ocean stewardship while sharing lessons learned from experiences both above and below the surface.

Beyond the ocean, I enjoy hiking, camping, travel, astronomy, astrophotography, and outdoor adventure. I believe exploration is not limited to a single environment but 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 nature and our responsibility to protect it.

Music has also been a lifelong passion. As a saxophone player and musician, I have found another creative outlet for storytelling and self-expression. Whether through music, photography, writing, or adventure, I seek to inspire curiosity, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

I am the author of Spirits in a Changing World, a book exploring 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 engineering principles, risk management, human factors, and systems thinking to scuba diving and exploration.

Through De Orilla, I share stories, photographs, educational resources, and reflections inspired by oceans, 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 is a creative project centered on exploration, photography, engineering, conservation, and reflection. It does not currently operate as a dive shop, travel agency, certification provider, or commercial guiding service.

It is not a substitute for professional training, safety instruction, or expert guidance. Readers are encouraged to seek qualified professionals, instructors, and local experts whenever engaging in diving, outdoor recreation, or other adventure activities.

The content shared reflects personal experiences, observations, and lessons learned. De Orilla is also not limited to diving. It embraces the ocean, mountains, trails, night skies, photography, science, engineering, conservation, and lifelong learning.

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

Certifications & Publications

Engineering

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (Puerto Rico and Maryland)

  • M.S. Mechanical Engineering

Diving

  • PADI Divemaster

  • DAN Professional Member

Books:

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