Scuba Diving/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I am a Master Scuba Instructor with over 6000 dives. I can answer questions on general diving techniques, diving education and diver training. I can offer suggestions on the use and selection of proper dive equipment, general maintenance of dive equipment as well as diving equipment repair. I can also offer suggestions on air conservation techniques and buoyancy control. As a dive shop owner for 17 years, I can offer suggestions on starting/running a dive business.

Experience in the area

I have been diving for 52 years, teaching diving for 47 years and owned a diving business for 17 years. I am a certified regulator repair technician for several different brands and a certified scuba cylinder inspector.

Organizations

I am currently a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Divers Alert Network (DAN), International Resort and Retailer Association and the Better Business Bureau

Publications

Undercurrent magazine and Divers Chapbook

Education/Credentials

I am a Master Scuba Diver Trainer with 15 distinct specialty instructor ratings, Rescue Diver Instructor, Medic-First Aid Instructor and I have degrees in Chemical Engineering, Biology and Radiologic Technology.

What do you like about this subject?

Diving is my way of relaxing. I especially like the huge improvements in diving equipment over the past 50 years. Early dive gear was definitely not "user friendly" but we didn't know it at the time!!

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

I learned to dive during the very early days of scuba diving (early 1950's). Certifying agencies didn't exist and I learned to dive through a local dive club in south Florida. I met the late Jacques Cousteau while diving in the Florida Keys.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Over my 50 years of diving, I have watched the coral reefs and fish populations decline. I believe the reasons are primarily pollution runoff from land and destructive commercial fishing practices. I do not believe that global climate change is making a significant impact.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

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    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Charles Garcia10/23/0910101010Very complete and clear. Thank you very .....
Kathrine Yalo10/23/0910101010Thank you for your prompt reply.
Xavier10/14/0910101010 
Angela09/23/0910101010I appreciate your help, I have about .....
John08/14/0910101010 I felt the response was expertly .....

Recent Answers from Mike Giles

2009-10-13 SSI vs PADI:

Hi Xavier, I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems with the certification course for your wife and kids. It's definitely not normal for this amount of time to pass between the conclusion of your

2009-09-27 Split fins:

Hi Clive, Thanks for a very informative letter. You've done your homework well and I think you're definitely on the right track. I'll add my two-cents worth!! I think the best way to solve flexibility

2009-09-23 Dry suits:

Hi Adam, I mentioned in a previous answer that my expertise in dry suits is limited so I want to consult with some of my divers who routinely dive in wetsuits before answering you. I can do it much

2009-09-22 Dacor Rig PRo:

Hi Angela, As you know, old Dacor parts are getting increasingly hard to find. I think your best bet is going to be the internet. You might try some of the various internet search engines and look

2009-09-21 Ascending:

Hi Bill, Thanks for the question. First, let me say that I don't have a lot of experience with dry suit diving. My answer will be based on what I have done and there are undoubtedly experts out there

 

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