Kell ( Course Directors Team )

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• Career Development Director

  PADI Master Instructor - Scuba Diving since 1979

  • Full FaceMask Instructor

  Somewhere in the family archives is an old B&W photo, circa 1965, of me watching Sea Hunt (on a B&W TV), wearing my bathing suit, "flippers," and with mask firmly on my forehead, a la Mike Nelson. Fast forward to 1980 and I've completed my certification as an elective at American University in Washington, DC and have begun working for a local DC dive shop.  

  I originally began teaching through NASDS, handling all the introductory scuba experiences and cutting my teeth on the wrecks of New York & New Jersey, Virginia Beach, and North Carolina.  I made the switch to NAUI in the mid-80s and taught part-time in the scuba program at the University of Pittsburgh while I worked in the professional liability insurance and risk management industry. In the last days of the 20th Century, I pulled the plug on corporate life and opted to "retire" and become a full-time dive instructor.

  I moved to FL on January 1, 2000 to crossover to PADI, and have since taken on one of the most varied scuba careers imaginable, with management positions in Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Jupiter, Key Largo and Key West.  I have been the Chief Development Officer of PADI's original Career Development Center; owned and operated multiple charter operations in the Palm Beaches; served as Gear Editor of Sport Diver Magazine and ScubaLab Director for Scuba Diving Magazine; was Director of Training for the world's largest scuba retailer; and spent two years as a Forensic Dive Accident Investigator and Risk Management Consultant for the Lloyd's of London insurance markets.

  I've come to RRDC to promote professional development and work with our instructor-candidates and interns to make it possible for them to experience this unique and exciting lifestyle I've enjoyed for the past four decades.

   

   

   

  • Favorite Dive Site:

    USCG Duane

  • Favorite Specialty Class:

    Wreck

  • Favorite Fish:

    Atlantic Spadefish

  • Favorite Restaurant:

    Fish House

  • Favorite Movie:

    The Big Lebowski

  PADI Specialty Instructor Certifications:

  • Wreck Diver

  • Deep Diver

  • Enriched Air/Nitrox Diver

  • Boat Diver

  • Peak Performance Buoyancy Diver

  • Night Diver

  • Search & Recovery Diver

  • Underwater Naturalist

  • Underwater Navigator

  • Drift Diver

  • Equipment Specialist

  • Project Aware

  • Coral Reef Conservation

  • Fish Identification

  • PADI Emergency 02 Provider

  • DAN Emergency 02 Provider

  • Ocean Reef Full FaceMask (IDM)

  • Ocean Reef FFM w/Coms

  • PADI Full FaceMask

  • Dive Heart Instructor

My Dive Gear:

• Regulators:

  Aqua Lung Legend LX
  
  

  If the only two things you are concerned about is safety and comfort, look no further. This third generation Legend regulator has the same great breathability as its predecessors but with a new feature. The MBS is the new easy way to adjust the breathing ...

• BCD:

  Aqua Lung Balance
  
  

  The Balance is the perfect way to keep you streamlined and comfortable. This model introduces the Tri-Loader Harness system. Clipping on accessories like cameras or lights is a snap with 3 stainless steel angled D- rings One of the most popula...

• Dive Computers:

  Suunto Vyper Air Wrist Top Dive Computer
  
  

  The Vyper Air can become a wireless (hoseless) dive computer with an optional transmitter. Air, Nitrox, and Gauge mode accommodates any type of diving situation. With a graphical logbook display, seeing your dive profile 'on-screen' is a great way to reco...

• Mask:

  Atomic Frameless
  
  

  The success of this product derives from meticulous computer design and numerous optical tests. The central position of the eyes and the optimally angled window provides the widest possible viewing angle in every direction. Quick-adjusting ergonomic buckl...

• Fins:

  Aqua Lung Express ADJ
  
  

  The Express ADJ fin rep- represents the latest in technology and material innovation. Comfort, power and efficiency are the hallmarks of this propulsion machine. Strap a pair on and see for yourself. ...

• Snorkel:

  Atomic SV-1 Snorkel
  
  

  The Atomic Aquatics Scupper Valve snorkel design is based on the same principle as the one-way Scupper Valve used in boats. If waves or splashes enter the boat, a one-way rubber flapper located on the deck near the rear of the boat opens to drain the wate...

• Octopus:

  Aqua Lung Legend Octo
  
  

  This balanced second stage is the perfect pairing for the Legend LX regulator. Its breathability is unmatched. In fact, it breathes easier than most primary regulators! Made with the same high quality parts and materials as the Legend LX, quality and dura...