Sail Caribbean Divers :: Our Dive Staff

THE DIVE CREW 2009

OUR QUALIFICATIONS

12 Insured PADI professionals complete our current team. Please click here to see us in action.
Our PADI professionals have collectively logged many hours underwater and issued thousands of certifications worldwide
Every member of our team is certified in CPR, First Aid and Oxygen delivery in the event of an emergency
All members participate in regular rescue skill procedure updates and reviews
All members hold current STCW/95 certification
All members hold BVI VHF Operator Licenses
Our staff have lots of experience working with families, teens and younger kids!

MELISANDE ROWE
Dive Director

PADI MASTER INSTRUCTOR

This is one Texan who has chosen scuba fins over cowboy boots as our director and PADI Master Instructor. In the United States, Australia and the Caribbean, Melisande has helped thousands experience the exciting sport of scuba of diving. With an undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University and an MBA from Stephen F. Austin State University, Melisande began working with Sail Caribbean in 1997 developing it's summer scuba programs and launching Sail Caribbean Divers in 2000. Today Melisande and Mike operate Sail Caribbean Divers providing diving, rentals and a full array of water sports to guests in the BVI. Melisande was the President of the BVI Scuba Operators Organization from Nov 2006-Nov 2008. In 2004 she held the position of Secretary and in 2005 she held the position of Vice President. Currently she is in training to swim across the Sir Francis Drake Channel in celebration of turning 40 this year!

MIKE ROWE

PADI COURSE DIRECTOR

Mike makes tough jobs look easy, and you can tell he loves his work without a doubt. As an active PADI Course Director since 1987, you might say that Mike is "an instructor of instructors" having certified over 800 dive professionals. Mike first brought his keen focus on customer service combined with his unique sense of humor and charisma to the company in 2000. Keeping our adult and teenage divers engaged and driven while they have fun, Mike's primary focus is on the development of the educational internship and professional level internships. After almost 30 years in the dive industry, his expertise makes him a valuable resource for Sail Caribbean Divers, as well as many other BVI organizations. He has demonstrated undying commitment to grow the industry for everyone and was recently recognized for these efforts when the Premier appointed him to stand on the BVI Tourism Board as a spokesperson for the Marine Industry.

	TOM WISE-FONE (JAMAICA) PADI MASTER SCUBA DIVER TRAINER - EFR Instructor - DAN O2 Instructor Teaching Since: 2004 - Australia, Thailand, UK, BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Employed June 2006 Captain: Endeavour, Discovery, Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info: Tom has worked with hundreds of teens at Trail Blazers and always has a fun game to play at the ready.
	STEVE ELLEFSON (Florida, USA) PADI IDC STAFF INSTRUCTOR -EFR Instructor -DAN O2 Provider Teaching Since: 2006-Seattle Washington, Caribbean. Diving Since 1976 Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Dive Master Internship Program March 2006. PADI Instructor Exam May 2006. Employed June 2006 Captain: Endeavour, Discovery, Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info:Steve is our boat magician. When the boats go pop, Steve waves his magic wrench and saves the day.
	MEGAN DuPLESSIS (SOUTH AFRICA) PADI IDC STAFF INSTRUCTOR - EFR Instructor - DAN O2 Instructor Teaching Since: 2007 - BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Dive Master Internship Program October 2006. PADI Instructor Development Course May 2007. PADI Instructor Exam May 2007. Employed June 2007 Captain: Discovery, Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info: Megan loves Shrimps.She originally comes from the bush. Unfortunately no one can understand what she says.
	EMILY PARSONS (BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS) PADI OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR - EFR Instructor Teaching Since: 2007 - BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: PADI Instructor Development Course Sep 2007. PADI Instructor Exam Sep 2007. Employed Nov 2007 Captain: Endeavour, Discovery, Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info: Emily has been diving in the BVI for most of her life. Emily is our only "belonger" staff member. She was part of her University rowing team. Emily is not to be messed with as she recently earned her orange belt in judo.
	JASON CHAN (HONG KONG) PADI OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR -EFR Instructor Teaching Since: 2008 - BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Employed March 2008. PADI Instructor Development Course Sep 2008. PADI Instructor Exam Sep 2008. Captain: J Lady Interesting Info: Jason is possibly the “best ever” student that Sail Caribbean Divers has had. Jason's first dive was in 2005,when he completed a Discover Scuba Dive. He has since gone on to complete just about every possible course he can, and is now a valuable member of the team, just as long as he is not late for the night dive
	NEIL DAY (ENGLAND) MASTER SCUBA DIVER TRAINER - EFR Instructor Teaching Since: 2005 - Thailand, Egypt, England, BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Summer Program 2007. Employed January 2008 Captain: Discovery, Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info: Neil likes rebuilding and playing with Mini Coopers and used to feed the sharks in the London Aquarium
	RIA O'HAGEN (ENGLAND) PADI DIVE MASTER - EFR Provider - O2 Provider Dive Leader Since: 2005 - Thailand, England, BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Employed January 2008 Captain: Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info: Ria likes pottery, painting things black and rebuilding cars.
	DALE DAKU (CANADA) PADI IDC STAFF INSTRUCTOR - EFR Instructor Teaching Since: 2005 - Malta, Canada, BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Employed February 2008 Captain: Discovery, Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info: Dale was known as "Tabasco" in Malta. We have yet to find out why.
	ROBERT PARSONS (ENGLAND) PADI OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR -EFR Instructor Teaching Since: 2008 - BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Dive Master Internship Program October 2007. PADI Instructor Development Course Feb 2008. PADI Instructor Exam May 2008. Employed May 2008. Captain: Discovery, Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info: Rob is famous for his fire shows. He used to have a full head of hair a long time ago...but practice makes perfect! He can be seen at the Full Moon Parties in Trellis Bay.
	JEFF WILLIAMS (Boats, USA) PADI MASTER SCUBA DIVER TRAINER -EFR Instructor Teaching Since: 1989 - BVI Started with Sail Caribbean Divers: Internship Program 2008. Employed 2009. Captain: Discovery, Atlantis, Explorer, J Lady Interesting Info: Jeff and his wife took six years to sail from Norman Island to Virgin Gorda. Somehow, they went the wrong way and ended up seeing Panama, the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and Africa along the way.