Certification and continued training are key to running a safe onboard dive charter program.

Dive charters are becoming more popular as large yachts continue to add attractions for potential clients. Crew members are seeing the benefits of obtaining different dive certifications, including divemaster. 

Mitch Jaeger is a PADI and SSI-certified divemaster and dive instructor. He became interested in diving as a college student and has since then been involved in diving in various parts of the world, including working on dive charters and liveaboards. 

“I’m originally from a small town in Nebraska, with endless views of corn fields and cows,” Jaeger said. “I was attending the University of Nebraska in 1993 when I came across a TV show that was featuring scuba diving. From the moment I walked into the shop I was hooked.”

It can be difficult for yacht crew to stay current on developing trends in the dive industry because of their workload and travel schedule. Jaeger says that continuing education and training are important in advancing your skills. 

“I advise all my students to take the Advanced Open Water course. This course introduces the student to different specialties in diving, such as deep, night, navigation, and wreck, to name a few,” he said. “The class goes more in-depth with the specialties and teaches the student how to prevent and handle numerous situations that may occur…