The Dive Bus Mark becomes Curacao's first PADI Ambassadiver!

In 2016, PADI, the world's largest dive training organization, launched the PADI AmbassaDiver Program. Its purpose: to introduce more people to, and engage more divers with, the magic of the aquatic realm, through a team of PADI AmbassaDivers.

AmbassaDivers are passionate divers and dive educators, committed to elevating diving in their communities and across the planet, and making people's worlds - and ours - a little bit better. Each AmbassaDiver carries the emblematic torch, lighting the way for more people to pursue their passion, discover their purpose or follow their dreams to explore, experience and protect the underwater world.

Meet Mark Pinnell: Curacao's first PADI Ambassadiver! Managing Director of The Dive Bus, Curacao, he optimizes this statement in every way, by “Livin’ the dream and keepin’ it clean”.

"When PADI told me that I'd been selected to be an Ambassadiver, I thought they were kidding", laughed Mark. "I was seriously surprised and totally shocked and confused! Why me?? I just do what I do and have a laugh. Apparently, that's why they chose me.

Now I've got a bit more used to the idea, I think it's brilliant and will hopefully draw more attention to Curacao as the awesome shore diving destination that it is - and the importance of sustainable tourism".  

Anyone who knows or has dived with Mark knows how passionate he is about diving and the ocean. Exploring, discovering, sharing and protecting the underwater realm. Making it fun and engaging at the same time. 

His passion is as engaging as his sense of fun, so here's Mark's story, and why PADI chose him as Curacao's first PADI AmbassaDiver.

Livin’ the dream and keepin’ it clean

A Korean adoptee brought up in Japan, Sudan and “tropical” Braintree, England, Mark had no clue what he wanted to do when he grew up. Except, possibly, be a Pirate. 

The 9-5 work thing as an Insurance Broker in London didn’t really do it for him, so he set off on an adventure to lands far, far away, in search of a dream. Whatever it would turn out to be.

Teaching English to business professionals for two very cool, fun years in Chile was when he discovered that he was good at - and enjoyed - teaching. A short time later, freezing his butt off in a glacial lake in New Zealand during his PADI Open Water Dive course, he discovered he had found something he loved to be doing. And once certified, he explored some of the most amazing dive locations in the world including the Great Barrier reef, Bali and the Gili Islands.

By then Mark finally knew what he wanted to do when he “grew up”: Dive fun people in beautiful places. Become a dive instructor. Be livin’ the dream.

“A week after becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, I was wearing a bright pink t-shirt and boardies, trying to get my head around the never-ending duties of a Dive Instructor at Stuart Coves, in Nassau, Bahamas. A busy, popular and well-respected dive center, where everyone but me seemed to know exactly what they were doing. But I loved it. I was livin’ the dream."

"After meeting and marrying a fellow Dive Instructor, Suzy, on a Bahamian beach, we set off on more diving adventures, together. These eventually took us to Curacao, where we soon discovered an amazing, un-dived and un-loved reef, off the shore of a small, tatty fishermen’s beach, Pierbaai. Who knew Curacao had such awesome shore diving - and so close to shore? With no boat engines to fix and clean!"

Within a few months, Mark's first “Dive Bus” hit the road, the little Dive Bus "Hut" opened on Pierbaai and they set about cleaning the reef and the beach.

Project AWARE supported Mark's clean-up efforts right from the get-go, using one of his photos for their annual Clean Up ad campaign.

“The Dive Bus Clean Up dives became regular events, with more and more divers and dive shops joining each time. It was awesome!" recalls Mark.

Now, more than 15 years after freezing his butt off in that glacial lake, Mark is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, owns and runs one of Curacao's most popular dive shops and is dedicated to having fun protecting our oceans and its reefs, in partnership with Project AWARE.

"Don't ask me where the time has gone to, but it's been an amazing adventure. What started out as a tiny little dive shop became a PADI dive center, then a PADI 5 Star center - and all of a sudden it was 2015 and The Dive Bus's 10th Birthday!

Although we've always focused on ocean protection, last year we decided to take a more "visible" stance on stance on the issue and sustainable tourism. The idea was to encourage more awareness of and participation with, among our divers and other Curacao dive centers.

So we became a 100% Project AWARE dive center, adopted our house reef  and earned PADI Green Star status by reducing and recycling waste and encouraging divers to do the same.

It's very cool that these initiatives are really popular and I think our divers appreciate what we're trying to achieve and encourage. The clean up dives in particular, but I reckon the poor guy who empties our recycling bins gets tired of having to come by so often!"

Why does Mark love what he's doing so much?

"I’ve met and dived surgeons, rocket scientists, secret service agents, professional lock pickers, Hollywood set builders, rock stars, windmill engineers, graffiti artists, long distance truck drivers, mums, dads, kids, grandparents, wealthy and not-so-wealthy, people with Doctorates and folks without a high school diploma.

Regardless of who or what they are above the surface, underwater, diving, they’re all folks in rubber suits with looks of wonder and amazement in their eyes - and, often, snot on their faces! And I love seeing their reactions when they discover 'my world'.

My personal mission?

Keep on doing what I'm doing: helping people fall in love with diving, on beautiful reefs that we all help keep beautiful. Livin' the dream and keepin' it clean."

"Scuba diving may not be most people’s first thought as a career, but it certainly turned out to be mine.
And I wouldn’t change any of it, even if I could."

Meet the other PADI Ambassadivers

Follow PADI Ambassadiver Mark and his daily life at The Dive Bus, Curacao:

#PADI #ambassadiver #projectaware #sustainabletourism #underwatercleanup #thedivebus   #divebuscuracao #divecuracao #projectaware #100%AWARE  #rightnowincuracao

+Dive Curacao +The Dive Bus Curacao  +PADI #diveagainstdebris  #AdoptADiveSite

Because sometimes, diving shouldn't be slow...

FLY THE REEF @ THE DIVE BUS, CURACAO

As dive instructors, The Dive Bus Crew spend our days telling divers to go slow. Chill out. Relax. 

The slower you go, the more you see, the longer your tank lasts, the longer your dive, the better your dive.

Right..?

Well, forget that.

 
Originally developed and widely-used for military and search and rescue use in the USA, the Pegasus Thrusters are tank-mounted DPVs, controlled by the push of a button. 

And really, really fast.

And really, really cool.

And a whole lot of fun.

Check this out:

These small but hugely powerful diver propulsion vehicles leave regular, recreational hand-held DPVs standing - quite literally.

Because the Thrusters are tank-mounted, your arms won't feel like they're dropping off, 10 minutes into your dive. So they're great for photographers - or divers who prefer to equalise without coming to a stand-still.


But don't just take our word for it, check out what the experts think about their Fly the Reef experience: 

"A fantastic experience to fly like an eagle ray and swim like a dolphin, with a touch of 007. A must try!"
Arlette

"...the best fun I've had in a wetsuit in ages !!! Mark took us down to the Car Pile after expert instruction on how to use the "Thrusters". It's incredible to be able to just push a button and keep up with the big Tarpon and Barracuda that often hang around this great wreck site.

We'll be back !!"
Tim

"The newest 'toys' on offer at The Dive Bus are Pegasus Thrusters, which strap on to the back of your tank (no heavy or awkward DPV to hold on to) and you whizz along at the press of a button!

Not only does this alleviate long swims, it's also a great safety feature in the case of unexpected currents, and allows you to catch up quickly with that turtle or ray off in the distance.

And you're also, immediately, the coolest-looking diver on the reef!"
Sid

I'm an experienced diver and have never been a fan of DPVs. Pierbaai/Car pile has always been one of my favorite dive sites but we have never been able to spend much time at Car Pile after swimming to it.

Using the Thrusters, we were able to get to there rather quickly, and therefore had a lot more time to explore the dive site. An awesome addition to The Dive Bus menu!! It is a definite must-try when you are in Curacao.
Is

We took the opportunity to dive the house reef using the Thrusters. What a unique and enjoyable way to "fly the reef". I highly recommend it. Well worth the additional cash to create a fun holiday.

Paul

"A great experience of diving with speed. And you don't miss anything: enormous barracuda, lovely turtle and some tarpons, among other things. Way better than the usual DPV's. It's a simple propeller attached to your tank and you can fly along the reef.

An absolute must do!!"
Andre

"If these babies look fast, it's because they are! You fly through the water at up to almost 1 meter / 3 feet per second, whilst grinning like an idiot. That's Pierbaai Reef to Car Pile in about 5 minutes."
Mark

"I dove with the Pegasus DPV! With it, we could explore the wreckage at Car Pile even better, deeper, and longer. This DPV-dive is a real must do!!"

Evert

  
So if you'd like to Fly the Reef on your next Curacao dive vacation,  check out these super-cool Fly the Reef adventures:

An amazing dive adventure - more info

Become a
PADI DPV Specialty Diver

Check it out on your
PADI Advanced Open Water course

The Dive Bus is the ONLY dive shop in Curacao with a fleet of Pegasus Thrusters.  

So when you feel the need for speed or to fly underwater, you know where to come.

 

@thedivebus @PADI @pegasusthruster #flythereef #PADIDPVSpecialtycourse #DiverPropulsionVehicle #DPV #PegasusThruster #divecuracao #divingcuracao #thedivebus

The Dive Bus becomes Curacao’s first 100% Project AWARE dive center...

...and why it's a big deal to the ocean, Curacao and our divers.

We're really pleased to announce that The Dive Bus, Curacao has partnered with Project AWARE by becoming a 100% AWARE Partner, putting ocean protection at the heart of our business.

Here's what it means for the ocean, Curacao and divers:

1. Connecting more divers to the ocean

As a 100% AWARE dive center, we make a donation to Project AWARE for every PADI dive course certification issued at The Dive Bus. These donations enable Project AWARE to focus on conservation and awareness work on behalf of the underwater world that our dive business - and Curacao as a popular dive destination - relies on.

And newly certified Dive Bus divers receive a special Project AWARE version of their certification card, as well as info and updates on Project AWARE actions and ways they can join in and help make a difference to our underwater world. 

"We're really happy that our donation to Project AWARE, on behalf of every student diver completing a diving course at The Dive Bus, not only helps educate divers about ocean conservation, but supports Project AWARE’s mission to mobilize divers into a global force to protect our oceans, one dive at a time.

That's pretty cool!”

Mark Pinnell, Owner

The Dive Bus, Curacao

2. Supporting ocean protection

“The Dive Bus, Curacao shows dedication to ocean conservation through their participation in Project AWARE activities.

Their commitment to the 100% AWARE program makes them shine, as they not only lead by example but demonstrate to their students the importance of supporting ocean protection.

Thank you for leading the way. ”

Alex Earl, Executive Director
Project AWARE Foundation.

3. Connecting the 100% AWARE and Adopt a Dive Site Programs

“We actually joined the 100% AWARE Partner Program back in 2016, around the time that we adopted our dive site through Project AWARE. The Adopt a Dive Site program went through the roof and has kept us all very busy! 

Our divers seem to be just as thrilled to be part of the 100% AWARE program through their PADI dive course at The Dive Bus.

For me, the best part of the 100% AWARE program is that increasingly more of our divers see what Project AWARE is working to achieve - and understand how it is it is for them to make a difference and protect Curacao's precious coral reefs so easily.”

Suzy Pinnell, Owner
The Dive Bus, Curacao

4. Turning more divers into "Ocean Advocates" 

“We are so excited to have you guys on-board and pleased that you are certifying new scuba divers to explore the underwater world. In turn, more people will act to protect the ocean, thanks to your commitment.”

Lauren Wiskerson
Project AWARE

 

So next time you're choosing your a PADI dive center - at home or on vacation - here are 3 easy ways to support a 100% AWARE Partner and take care of the ocean:

Take part in a beach or dive site clean up

Dive with operators that care about the ocean

Take your next PADI dive course
with a 100% AWARE dive center

#diveagainstdebris  #AdoptADiveSite #divebuscuracao #divecuracao #projectaware #100%AWARE  +Dive Curacao +The Dive Bus Curacao  +Project AWARE Foundation +PADI

Is your SCUBA showing? 20 signs that you're a diver (and proud of it)

 Divers have a way of spotting other divers, 

no matter how far they are from water.

Because their SCUBA's showing.

Is yours? 

And if so, how much? 

Find out by checking out these 20 signs:

1. You take every opportunity to dress / act /drink like a Pirate. It's ok, you're not alone - find out why.
   
   
2. You have a dive T-shirt for every week of the year. (And wear every one of them.)
   
   
3. You have have dive flags on your shorts, flip-flops and car / truck.
   
   
4. You play scuba videos on your tablet on every overseas flight you take. And most weekends. And evenings.
   
   
5. You can have a complete conversation using only hand signals.
   
   
6. Your truck always smells faintly of neoprene and pee - and you don't notice.
   
   
7. The fact that you're a little hard of hearing has nothing at all to do with the water in your ears.
   
   
8. It never occurs to you to check if you have a mask imprint on your face before you go out.
   
   
9. When you meet a new person, you'd rather know about the places they’ve been than where they work.
   
   
10. You don’t like unfilled blanks, especially in a logbook.
    
    
11. You have a tank rack in the back of your truck - or would if you could / were allowed to / have a truck.
    
    
12. Your pet's name is Deco, Nitrox, Scuba, Diver - or Buddy.
    
    
13. You take longer than everyone else to examine a seafood menu.
    
    
14. You know exactly where P. Sherman lives.
    
    
15. You have several uses for vinegar, besides cooking.
    
    
16. Not unlike Superman, you have an impressive talent for changing clothes quickly, in small spaces, and like wearing tight-fitting suits.
    
    
17. You have a special dive flag wallet for your dive trips, dedicated to your PADI cert cards and your DAN card.
    
    
18. Your watch is almost as large as your hand.
    
    
19. When you see a vehicle with a dive flag bumper sticker, you use the hand with the giant watch to give the driver an OK sign.
    
    
20. Your non-diving friends / partner / colleagues think you're a bit bonkers.

*** End of test ***

So, how many of the above did you answer a big, loud, "hell yeah!" to:

• 0 - 5:
  It's ok, you still have a life outside of SCUBA. If that's disappointing news, click here to fix it.
  
  
• 10- 15:
  It's unlikely you'll be happy with the parts of your life outside scuba. So stop with the denial, embrace it and set your sights on ...
  
  
• ...15 +: 
  You're a dive nerd - or dive nerd in training - and you know it. There is no hope for escape, no turning back, no cure.
  
  So embrace it and use the above tips to seek new dive nerd friends. Or sell everything, become a PADI Dive Pro and buy a dive center in the islands. And use this video to explain to your loved ones:

> Not a diver but want to become one? Here’s how.

> Fallen off the wagon? It’s easier than ever to refresh your dive skills and climb back onboard - here's how.

> Dive nerd and you know it? You can't help it (refer to video above) so embrace it, and take your diving to the next level - here's how.

So, go ahead: let your SCUBA show.

#padi #gopro #divemaster #gopropadi #thedivebus #divebuscuracao #divemastercourse #scubanerd
 #yourscubaisshowing #divepirates #divebackin #refresherdive #reactivate

This Blog post inspired by PADI. 

Enjoy it? Share it and spread the love :)

Lionfish, Spice Girls and the Curacao Dive Task Force

A highly successful collaboration for Flavours of Curacao 2016.
(Not so great for the lionfish.)

The 2nd edition of Curacao's annual gastronomy event, “Flavors of Curaçao”, was a great success.

Superbly well organised and very well attended, 30 restaurants participated in this upscale culinary event, preparing delicious 'taster' portions of their signature dishes, so visitors could get a taste of everything on offer...

The CHATA Dive Task Force, comprised of Curaçao Tourist Board approved dive operators committed to quality, safety and sustainable tourism, used Flavors of Curacao as a platform to create awareness of lionfish - and showcase just how tasty they can be...

Crew from DTF members, Atlantis,Ocean Encounters,
Curious2Dive and The Dive Bus showing their support

The delicious lionfish burgers, offered by Spice Girls, went down extremely well - particularly with the members of some of the Curacao Dive Task Force dive centers...

... however, collecting the 'stock' of lionfish was no mean feat. 


The use of spears and spear guns is illegal in Curacao, in order to minimise impact of hunting on the reefs, and responsible dive centers restrict hunting to professional divers only. 

So for 'stock' for the lionfish burgers, a team of pro diver volunteers from CHATA Dive Task Force dive centers (including The Dive Bus's own Zoe, Nanne and Mark) removed 15kg of lionfish from Curacao's beautiful reefs, cleaned them and filleted them, one evening - after a regular day at work. Not a pleasant or easy job - many thanks to all who gave up their time to do it.

But my, how tasty those lionfish were - and what a great collaborative effort.



So - what's the big deal about lionfish?

According to reef.org, ecologists and the media define lionfish as "invasive" and are:


1) Voracious predators, eating native fish and crustaceans in large quantities, including ecologically and economically important species like grunts, snapper, nassau grouper, and cleaner shrimp

2) Not known to have any native predators

3) Equipped with venomous dorsal, ventral and anal spines, which deter predators and can cause painful wounds to humans

4) Capable of reproducing year-round with unique reproduction mechanisms not commonly found in native fishes (females can reproduce every 2-4 days!)

5) Relatively resistant to parasites, giving them another advantage over native species

6) Fast in their growth, able to outgrow native species with whom they compete for food and space

So make like the sticker:

Better yet, do it in Curacao
at next year's Restaurant Week and Flavours of Curacao. 

(Before then also works.)

More about The Dive Bus:

 #curacaorestaurantweek #flavoursofcuracao #lionfish #CuracaoDiveTaskForce #divebus