As an SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor, and a DAN First Aid/CPR instructor, one of the most important things I teach isn’t a skill underwater. It’s how to read the conditions before you get in: current, visibility, surge, and weather trends.

The same goes for running a boat. Some of the best decisions I’ve made were “not today” calls. Making a clear go/no-go decision, and explaining it calmly to guests or students, is part of keeping everyone safe. The water will be there tomorrow.

Hamilton Clemens at the surface in clear water, wearing a hood and mask, with a yellow buoy nearby
At the surface in clear water.
Hamilton Clemens underwater with a dive buddy
Underwater with a dive buddy.
Hamilton Clemens and a dive buddy on a boat after a dive
On a dive boat with a buddy.
Two divers seated at the edge of a cenote, preparing to enter the water
Cave diving in a cenote.

I also run dive operations from the vessel when that’s part of the program: briefings, in-water supervision, and the ordinary discipline of looking after paying guests and owner-family days. If you’re looking for a captain or instructor who takes that part of the job seriously, I’d be glad to hear from you.