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Our Crew
Dive with Kona's finest. Our family loves the ocean, bar none.
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.
Mikey B
USCG Captain, MSDT
“I always go with BID, and have yet to be disappointed. This dive was by far the best yet… Mikey is always a fantastic and entertaining captain. We saw over 13 mantas this time dancing right in front of us and several times had to duck to avoid them running into us. Just magical.”
- justintraveltheworld
Nick W
USCG Captain, Maintenance
“Big Island Divers is a Wonderful Dive Operation… A Big Thanks to Captain Nick W who found the Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Beaked Whales and Pilot Whales on our surface intervals… From the shop to the boat, the experience is great. Thanks for the Fun Dives!!!”
- Kingcotts from Red Deer, Canada
Ryan L
USCG Captain
"Captain Ryan and our dive master Brian, made this a fun and safe trip for everyone.
This is a "must do" experience for anyone coming to the Big Island.
Big Island divers isn't the only outfit, just the BEST!"
-Christine L from Island of Hawaii, Hi
Mark J
USCG Captain, Maintenance
"Top notch team at Big Island Divers makes for great scuba diving. Starts with safety and great dive sites, but good equipment and solid professionals throughout the whole organization makes the difference for unique experiences. Case in point is a long range dive with Mark at the helm."
- ronwolfe from Waikoloa, HI
Budd P
USCG Captain
"Budd was excellent from start to finish. Gave my son some quick instructions and let him run with it while we sat and relaxed. It was a cloudy day so we were the only ones on the "island" and Budd sat with us and answered any questions we had about the island and places to go. Everything he talked to us about was just as fantastic as he said it would be. Would definitely recommend these guys again and especially Budd. Mahalo!"
- mngelinas0214 from Bedford, New Hampshire
Nick E
USCG Captain, Instructor
“Would highly recommend using Big Island Divers for any scuba adventures… Nick did a great job during day scuba, finding all of the small things I wouldn’t have seen. These dive experiences were worth the trip.”
- Climber04125617278 from Hoboken, New Jersey
Tanner B
USCG Captain
"Another excellent dive trip with BID... Captain Tanner was a big help getting us off and back on the boat as well as driving the boat to and from our dive spots with all staff emphasizing safety."
- brucepaynter from San Jose, CA
Brian W
USCG Captain, Divemaster, SNUBA Program Coordinator
“Our guide, Brian, was amazing and we got 20 minutes with the Mantas with no other divers around the "campfire". The Mantas glided over and around us. So close that one actually hit my head!... Definitely recommend this dive for anyone who is fortunate to be on the Big Island”
- Dreamer801256
Perry L
USCG Captain
Welcome to the Ohana Perry!
From Davis, California
Alex L
Instructor
“These Guys and Gals are so awesome. The people in the store were Friendly and so knowledgeable… Our dive master was Alex (L), guy, was awesome so helpful and patient. Looking forward to going again sometime”
-Randy H from Ardmore, United States
Mike P
Instructor, Gear Technician, Tank Room Guru
“Our scuba instructor Mike showed us the amazing world of scuba diving and showed us dolphins for our first time. If you want a once in a lifetime experience choose the amazing people of Big Island Divers”
- GoPlaces51209694734 from Kailua-Kona, HI
Tara B
Divemaster
“My husband and I did this trip about two weeks ago… Tara was our very capable dive master… Remember to bring some tip money - these professionals work hard to ensure that you have a wonderful - INCREDIBLE - experience!”
- marthajean from Lyle, Washington
Katy R
Instructor, Sales & Reservations
"Professional operation. Helpful, social and safety-minded team on the boat. Katy got us up close to octopuses, eels, and for the evening manta ray dive, almost an hour underwater with those graceful giants!"
-MVPenoir from San Carlos, California
Kaitlin M
Instructor, Sales & Reservations
"Big Island Divers went above and beyond to make our multi-day diving trip amazing. Our dive guide Kaitlin is TOP NOTCH. We had a beautiful time, learned a lot, and felt like we were in the best of hands. Thank you, BID!"
-nomadicMBR from Otavalo, Ecuador
Ryan T
Divemaster
"Ryan was NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING! Thank you for the wonderful experience Ryan! We had a wonderful dive."
-Rachel S. from San Fransico, California
Taylor H
Front of the House Supervisor
"Every bit of the experience was smooth, from online communication with Taylor to the actual dives. The guides were professional and helpful, the boat and equipment were in great shape, and overall I had a great time."
-Greg V
Hugh M
Sales & Reservations, Snorkel Guide
"Hugh and his crew are top notch at EVERY LEVEL! The evening I went we saw at least 15 of the most majestic, graceful and massive aquatic wildlife God has ever made.
My pics simply don't do justice to the real life experience!"
-James B
Kailey K
Sales & Reservations, Snorkel Guide
Welcome to the 'Ohana Kailey!
From Corvallis, Oregon
Leanne M
Sales & Reservations, Snorkel Guide
Welcome to the 'Ohana Leanne!
From Harrisburg, North Carolina
Emma F
Sales & Reservations, Snorkel Guide
Welcome to the 'Ohana Emma!
From Sitka, Alaska
Brenna L
Sales & Reservations, Snorkel Guide
Welcome to the Ohana Brenna!
From Sacramento, California
Amanda C
Sales & Reservations, Snorkel Guide
Welcome to the 'Ohana Amanda!
Bethany R
Tank Room Operator
Welcome to the 'Ohana Bethany!
Jon E
Training Coordinator
"Amazing two-tank dive! I love Big Island Divers and would highly recommend it! They also certified me for scuba and the course was very well taught. Jon is the best Instructor so I would suggest requesting him as your guide."
-Megan from Newport Beach, California
Nikki T
Sales Manager
“Big Island Divers took excellent care of me from the phone call to Nikki to arrange the best options for my needs through all seven dives including the Manta Ray and Pelagic Dives… big Mahalo… recommend them to all levels of diving experience.”
- Theo H from Belmont, California
Will W
Marketing & Media Manager
Thanks for making us look good, Will!
Paul D
Operations Manager
"The tour was great but it was the BID team that made the experience. Super professional, knowledgeable and friendly... These guys are the best! Thanks again Paul! Your team is truly great!"
- Ben S from San Francisco, California
Craig N
Fleet Manager
"I have been scuba diving with this company for decades and they really do a great job... Craig leads marine maintenance so boats run well and safely."
- ronwolfe from Waikoloa, Hawaii
Tait H
General Manager
Thanks for keeping us in the water, Tait!