I first became a certified diver in 2002 and fell in love with the sport.  Over the next couple of years I worked my way up through the PADI certification levels of Advanced, Rescue and Master Diver, earning 19 specialty certifications along the way.  The specialty my wife and I had the most fun earning is a Polynesian Shark Diver specialty.  We completed that one in Bora Bora in 2010.  I think it really helped my wife overcome her apprehension about diving with sharks.  And I got some great pictures!  In addition to the above ratings, I became a PADI divemaster in 2003 and have worked my way up to Master Instructor.  I also hold 18 instructor specialty ratings.  I am an Emergency First Response and DAN instructor trainer for their programs and love opening up the underwater world to new divers.  I encourage all of you to continue to dive, continue to learn, and to support Project AWARE in the great work they do.