Training & Qualifications

We hold our crew to the highest industry standards. Every staff member is certified to administer CPR, AED, emergency oxygen, and first aid. They are all required to attend live emergency scenario training on our vessels on a regular basis, which has been praised by local Emergency Medical Service providers. We ensure drug-free vessels by requiring all boat crew to participate in our random drug testing program. Additionally, we conduct regular performance evaluations for each employee. These efforts are part of our commitment to you to make your experience with Big Island Divers as safe and enjoyable as it can possibly be. In addition, we require the following of our crew:

USCG Captains

Each of our captains holds a valid Merchant Mariner Credential issued by the United States Coast Guard as a Master Of Self-Propelled Vessels (official US captain's license), has earned a Marine Radio Operator Permit, and has satisfied a TSA background check.

PADI Instructors & Divemasters

Each of our dive professionals holds current PADI membership and is in active teaching status through that industry-leading organization. Additionally, Big Island Divers regularly facilitates workshops and lectures covering a variety of ecologically relevant subjects to help develop our crew into experts on the local environment.

Snorkel Guides

Our in-water guides are required to show an expertise with water activities and rescue abilities. There are a number of qualifications they can earn to satisfy this, including PADI Rescue Diver, Lifeguard, and Freediver certifications. All of our snorkel guides hold one or more of these certifications.