I had no idea what to expect when I started my Instructor Development Course. In the last two weeks, I’ve learned so much and have been blessed with such great people guiding me through the course and preparing me for the Instructor Examination. My course director, Rod Bateman, is a truly unique person. He possesses such great patience and is very considerate. It took me quite a while to comprehend some of the theory and required a lot of learning and coaching to get through it. Rod not only helped me through that, but dedicated all his time to making sure I was equipped with the right attitude and skill sets that has molded me into the best Instructor I can be.

This past weekend in Phuket (doing the Instructor Examination) has been filled with nothing but excitement and nervousness all at the same time. I’ve met amazing people from all over who are as inspired and passionate as I am about the Ocean.

I would also like to thank everyone who has helped me be where I am today. Richard W. Parker for Open Water. Till F. Jungmann for my Advanced Open Water and Nicolas Boisard for my Divemaster course. Jeroen Hensen, thank you for being an amazing mentor and friend. Without you, I would be lost! Robert Scammell, Instructor Examiner, has been delightful throughout the whole examination. He understood my nervousness and made the experience extra enjoyable, merci Rob. Most of all, I would not be here if it weren’t for my mother and father who has given me all these opportunities to succeed.

I am excited for the future…

ALL PHOTOS IN THIS POST ARE MADE BY ROD BATEMAN