Miss Jaime Kilby: From Tennessee to Roatan – Achieving Her PADI Instructor Dream
We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the achievements of Miss Jaime Kilby, a dedicated diving enthusiast from Tennessee, who has recently completed her PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) at TopSub Dive School / Dive Academy Roatan. With the expert guidance of PADI Course Director Vasco Ferreira dos Santos and the support of the entire TopSub team, Jaime successfully passed her PADI Instructor Examination (IE) under the evaluation of PADI Examiner Claudio Brandileone.
New exploration project “The Josie J” shipwreck
We are documenting the “Josie J” shipwreck.
This shipwreck lies at technical diving depths.
If you have video/photography capacities join us.
Congratulations to Martin Mendez - the new TDI Decompression Procedures & Extended Range Diver!
Congratulations to PADI Master Instructor Martin Mendez for completing with TopSub Academy Roatan - Technical Diving Roatan - Island Diving Center - Brisas del Mar Beach + Dive Resort, his TDI Decompression Procedures Course combined with the TDI Extended Range Course.
Congratulations to Steven Erbey for completing TDI Sidemount Diver course combined with PADI Wreck Diver Specialty
Congratulations to Steven Erbey for completing TDI Sidemount Diver course combined with PADI Wreck Diver Specialty.
Steven started by learning how to proper use side mount systems. Later he evolved using side mount systems during his PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course that took place on the “Odyssey” and the “El Aguila” Shipwrecks in the North shore of Roatan.
TopSub Academy Roatan has been teaching Sidemount since 2005. Sidemount is one of many tools a diver has to explore the underwater world.
New PADI Divemaster Lou Nardo.
It was a pleasure to train Lou Nardo, from USA, to become a PADI Divemaster and a PADI DSD Leader.
Lou spent 4 weeks completing our Divemaster internship and DSD Leader program at TopSub Academy Roartan - Island Diving Center Roatan at Brisas del Mar Beach + Dive Resort on April-22nd 2022.
Hole-in-the-wall dive, Roatan Island, July 2020
Shore dive with a group of friends that are PADI dive instructors.
70 minutes of dive time using Enriched Air Nitrox 32.
Coral formations with long and diverse swim thru, abundant marine life and, thousands of silversides!
Dolphin’s Den cavern dive, Roatan Island, July 2020
Cavern dive using sidemount gear and a 100-meter primary reel.
Dolphin's Den is a dive site located in front of Punta Gorda, a Garifuna village, and the name origin is because some dolphin's sometimes get trapped inside the coral labyrinth without the possibility to get to the surface and breath.
For a pleasant dive is recommended small groups of experiment divers and with overhead environments experience and training.
Investing in a Time of Crisis
In times of crisis, it can be easy to focus on the negatives—uncertainty, market downturns, and the general sense of unease that pervades the business world. However, history has shown that crises also present unique opportunities for those who are willing to take decisive action. This was evident during the 2008–09 global financial crisis when investments made during the downturn often resulted in strong returns. As we navigate the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, there are valuable lessons to be learned and opportunities to be seized.
How to succeed as a SCUBA Diving Instructor in the XXI century
Recreational scuba diving is more than just a hobby; for many, it’s a passion that leads to the dream of turning professional. The idea of becoming a professional diver is thrilling, but it’s also challenging. After completing the Divemaster program, many divers advance straight to the Instructor Development Course (IDC). They pass their Instructor Examination (IE), and with that, their dream seems to have come true. However, this is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in defining a strategy for a long and successful career in the diving industry.
Success Stories: How Determination Carried Our PADI IDC Candidates Through the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, it left no industry untouched, and scuba diving was no exception. Dive shops, training centers, and dive resorts worldwide had to close their doors indefinitely. Among those affected were four TopSub Academy Roatan's PADI IDC candidates who had traveled from different corners of the globe to Roatan, ready to take the next big step in their diving careers. Little did they know that they were about to embark on a journey filled with unexpected challenges.
From Passion to Profession: Celise and Alicia’s Journey to Becoming PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors at TopSub Academy
Meet Celise and Alicia, two adventurous women from opposite sides of the world who found a common dream in the mesmerizing waters of Roatan. Celise, hailing from Brazil, and Alicia, from Spain, both embarked on a life-changing journey to become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors. With the expert guidance of TopSub Academy at diveRoatan.net, they are transforming their love for diving into a professional career. Here’s a look at their path and how you can follow in their fin kicks.
Elevating My Dive Training Career: The PADI Course Director Training Course in Punta Cana 2018
In July 2018, I embarked on an unforgettable journey as I participated in the PADI Course Director Training Course (CDTC) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This experience marked my second Instructor Trainer course, following the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar in 2011. The CDTC in Punta Cana was not just another professional milestone; it was a transformative experience that solidified my role in the global diving community.
My Journey to Becoming an SSI Instructor Trainer: An International Experience in Egypt 2013
In 2013, I reached a significant milestone in my professional diving career by completing the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS) in Hurghada, Egypt. This experience not only shaped my journey as a dive educator but also provided a platform for growth among a diverse group of professionals from around the world.
TopSub Dive School Lisbon: A Decade of Excellence Recognized by PADI
In 2010, TopSub Dive School was honored to receive the prestigious "Final Rush 2010, PADI Role Model Dive Center for Iberia 2010" award. Amongst 300 dive centers across Spain and Portugal, TopSub stood out for its commitment to excellence, earning recognition from PADI Europe. The award was presented at the "Fira Cornellà" in Barcelona, in the presence of Spanish PADI Dive Centers and Resorts, as well as PADI Europe Representatives, Mr. Christian Marret (PADI RM-Portugal), Mr. David Perea (PADI RM-Spain), and Mr. Jordi Atienza (PADI Political Advisor). It was an honor for Vasco Ferreira dos Santos to accept this award on behalf of the dedicated TopSub team.
The Pinnacle of Dive Training: My Journey with GUE Global Underwater Explorers
In May 2009, I embarked on a journey that would forever change the trajectory of my professional diving career. Seven years into my role as an experienced dive instructor, I undertook the Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) Instructor Training Course (ITC) in Germany (Hemmoor). This transformative experience not only refined my skills but also reshaped my approach to diving education. GUE’s elite training program stands as a beacon of excellence in the diving community, and here's why.