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Scuba Diving/Expert Profile

Mike Giles

U.S.

Available

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 19 years, I can offer suggestions on starting/running a dive business.

Experience in the area

I have been diving for 55 years, teaching diving for 50 years and owned a diving business for 19 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

User	Date	K	C	P	Comments
Hal	12/13/11	10	10	10	Thank you, that's exactly what I was .....
Marcus	10/14/11	9	10	10
Bill	08/23/11	10	10	10	Thanks. I can set the diver computer .....
Mike	07/30/11	10	10	10
Remy	07/16/11	10	10	10	Hi Mike, I am truly amazed that .....

Recent Answers from Mike Giles

2011-12-13 Diving in the 19th Century:

Hi Hal, You pose an interesting question and I'll be happy to provide some information on the history of diving for you. The short answer to your question is, Yes, diving was sufficiently developed

2011-10-14 Buying a Dive Shop:

Hi Marcus, Your proposed venture sounds exciting but there are definitely some things to consider and questions to ask. First, why are the shops for sale? Is it because business is falling off?

2011-10-03 Getting ready to get started:

Hi Max, That's an interesting question and it's the first time I've been asked that one. You are correct in that most, if not all, of your dive ratings will be obtained outside of the university.

2011-08-23 Deep Tech:

Hi Bill, Where age is concerned, we're a "Band of Brothers" but I've still got 13 years on you!! What you're asking me for is an opinion and that's about all it's worth. With your ratings and bottom

2011-07-30 Mini Air Tank for Pool Use:

Hi Mike, Since you've read my earlier response, then I won't repeat the warnings. Working in 6 feet of water won't pose the degree of danger as it would if you were working in deeper water but it is

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