INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY: Jonathan first became a certified diver in 1975, although it wasn't until he got re-certified in 2000, that he really became a serious diver.  Also, in 2000, he became an Advanced Open Water diver.  In 2001 Jonathan became certified as a Rescue Diver, completed 5 specialties, and by the end of the year he completed his Divemaster certification, as well as his Master SCUBA Diver certification. While gaining experience working with various instructors, Jonathan completed his Assistant Instructor Certification in 2002, then became a certified Open Water Scuba Instructor in 2003.  After obtaining the level of OWSI, during 2003, he also became certified as a Specialty Instructor in 5 different specialties. In the spring of 2004, Jonathan completed the requirements to earn the distinction of Master Scuba Diver Trainer.  Just one month later, he also became certified as an Instructor Development Course Staff Instructor, which enables him to help teach Instructor Candidates how to be PADI Instructors.  Later in 2004 Jonathan became certified to teach the Emergency First Response course, for adults and children, including the use of the AED (defibrillator). In 2005 and on, Jonathan continued to expand his training, and the services he could offer, by obtaining the Specialty Instructor certification for a variety of additional specialties and obtaining additional specialty diver certifications; all while continuing to share his love of diving with students in courses he taught at all levels Jonathan has lead numerous dive trips to a variety of the top dive destinations in the Caribbean.  He has also dove the Colorado River Rapids, high-altitude lakes in the Sierra Nevada's, and deep into the underground rivers in the Cenotes near Cancun.  Along with sharing his passion for the underwater world with others, Jonathan has a passion for underwater photography.  A few of his pictures can be found on the Photo Gallery page.  His first underwater marine life picture was published in the California Diving News Jan. 2008 publication.  His second marine life picture was published in the Nov. 2008 edition of the Brazilian psychology magazine, Mente e Cerebro (Mind and Brain).