News
Pro Dive International’s Course Directors Awarded Double Platinum Award
Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, has announced that both of their Course Directors Angel Navarro Moya and Jo Armitage have been awarded the prestigious Platinum Status from PADI for their outstanding instructor development achievements during 2017.
This is Angel’s tenth and Jo’s fourth consecutive year receiving these awards since becoming Course Directors.
The Platinum Award is the highest accolade awarded to only a few Course Directors worldwide each year for their instructional achievements and commitment to professional-level educational excellence.
“Angel and I constantly strive to give the best possible training to our instructor candidates. With 14 years combined experience as Platinum Course Directors, and many more years’ teaching experience around the world, we can pass on advice, tips and knowledge which will help our students in their future careers.” says Jo.
Husband and wife team, Angel Navarro Moya from Spain and Jo Armitage from the UK, run PADI Instructor Development Programs in Spanish and English for Pro Dive International in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Their reputation is well-deserved for providing high quality training with an emphasis on thorough preparation of their candidates for careers in the scuba industry, resulting in passing rates of their candidates that are second to none. They also offer post-IDC vocational training to help new instructors gain on-the-job training.
With 8 annual IDC´s involving more than 70 candidates, Jo and Angel lead the way in Divemaster and Instructor training in the Riviera Maya, and are also looking for ways to improve and enhance their programs. Freediving programs, Disabled Diving International Pro-Training and their exclusive Bull Shark Diving Specialty are a few examples. With over 5,000 certifications between them, their experience and quality is second-to-none.
Angel states “I am honored to have achieved the milestone of ten consecutive years as a Platinum Course Director. Having trained instructors in various places around the world I am happy to call Pro Dive International and Mexico my home as this region has the best opportunities for future dive professionals in terms of career prospects, way of life, and sea-life as well as the unique cenotes and cave systems.”
“The great thing is,” adds Jo, “we absolutely love our jobs, and I hope that our passion and enthusiasm rubs off on our candidates!”
The next IDC with Jo & Angel is scheduled for April 19th, with five more planned in 2016. They are primarily held at Latin America´s leading instructor training facility featured by the coveted Allegro Playacar Resort, located at one of the finest white sandy beaches on the Riviera Maya.
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Renowned for excellent quality in providing first class adventures including diving in the CENOTES, with BULL SHARKS, at WRECKS & FAMOUS WALLS at COZUMEL, SAONA, CATALINA islands and CAYO LEVANTADO, as well as Safaris with WHALE SHARKS, SAILFISH & HUMPBACK WHALES, Pro Dive International, founded in 2003, is the official onsite water sports service provider for several 4-5* RESORTS along the RIVIERA MAYA & COZUMEL/ MEXICO, and in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
Everything under one roof, PRO DIVE INTERNATIONAL´s head office in Playa del Carmen/ Mexico features a multilingual reservations team taking direct bookings for diving, hotel accommodation, the VIP stay & dive concept ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE at Allegro Cozumel (unique in the Caribbean!), liveaboard options in collaboration with AGGRESSOR FLEET/ SILVER BANK and NAUTILUS EXPLORER/ SOCORRO & GUADALUPE ISLANDS, transfers and cultural tours, and more. They also provide services to international dive travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, an excursions team and their own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles.
For more information, visit Pro Dive International’s website www.prodiveinternational.com, or enquire by email at info@prodiveinternational.com.
Pro Dive’s Facebook Pages are located at:
Pro Dive’s Twitter Account is twitter.com/Prodivemexico
For their GoPro programs, contact info@idcmexico.com, visit www.idcmexico.com, or check out their Facebook page @prodivemexicoacademy
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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