My Path to PADI Course Director and Dive Cabo.

I started my path to the diving world in 1996 when I obtained my PADI Open Water Diver in Hobart, Tasmania. This was to be used in conjunction with my university studies in applied science (aquaculture) from the University of Tasmania. But I instantly fell for the under water allure, over the next couple of years I got the PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue Diver. While shore diving at every possible moment from easily accessible sites in and around Hobart, I soon realised that I wanted to pursue my passion for the under water world and go pro.

Going Pro

Together with my best mate we completed the PADI Divemaster in 2002 and early 2003 set our eyes on the mighty and magical Great Barrier Reef. After some words with the local instructors we made the simple choice of choosing Oceania Dive / Pro Dive Whitsundays a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center to do our PADI Instructor Development Course. The reason was simple. PADI Course Director Tony Fontes was at the helm. A diving educator legend, 30 plus years as a PADI Course Director, one of the original guards that embraced the ever changing world. A tireless advocate for the environment. Originally from California, settled in the Whitsundays and made the Tony Fontes brand of teaching legendary. A top bloke to top it off.

Mexico Bound

After completing my Instructor course in February 2003, we started work full time with the center. Within the first 12 months achieving 250 certifications as well as PADI Specialty instructor (deep, night, navigation, naturalist and ppb) then PADI MSDT and onto the PADI IDC Staff instructor under the guidance of Tony. By mid 2004 we were ready to get out into the world. First stop, Cancun Mexico. We worked for Aquaworld for the next few months. Unfortunately Hurricane Wilma in 2005 put a stop to this adventure.

Cabo Bound

Therefore, I made the move to Cabo San Lucas. I loved it there so much, I stayed for 14 years! Over that period, I returned to Playa Del Carmen to do staffing for a variety of PADI IDC stores (Phocea, Diversity and Scuba Playa). PADI Master Instructor was achieved in 2010. At that point I knew the PADI Course Director was in my sights. Over the next few years, I attended PADI Business Academy, PADI live updates in Las Vegas (DEMA) and PADI HQ. At the same time, working with a local dive shop, Dive Cabo, with the firm intention of creating the first PADI 5 Star IDC for the Los Cabos region.

PADI Course Director

Hard work payed off and in early 2017 I received news that i would be accepted onto the Course Director training course in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Bali bound

For the next few years we worked on establishing a new market for the region. We completed 5 IDC course’s with 25 professional certifications! The opportunity to teach at a more intensive level arrived from Joe’s Gone Diving and I jumped at the chance! PADI released the new all digital IDC in 2019. I attended the live update at DEMA, in Orlando, to get an insight into the new teaching platform to make the IDC more hands on. At the start of 2020 I made the move to Bali to focus on developing my own technique and broaden my teaching experience. But as we all know… 2020 kinda made the world re focus, but not a big deal, I had bigger targets in sight…..

Boomerang back to Cabo

After a few months back in my home town of Hobart, Tasmania, I realised that Cabo was now my home, it is the place where I always return, and why not! it’s a beautiful part of the world, with top notch diving all a variety of sea life and changing conditions. So October 2020 I touched down again in Los Cabos with the firm intention of picking up where I left off, and rebranding the PADI IDC with Dive Cabo into the best professional development around. Creating the dive leaders that stand out, turning passions into life long satisfaction. I am very proud to present the complete PADI Instructor Development Course with Dive Cabo. Its going to be a great 2021! Dive on in!

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