As a dive shop that has been training divers for over 50 years, there is nothing more special to us than when we can watch our divers grow and develop into more skilled professionals.

Recently, we celebrated Roman, a new graduate of our PADI Divemaster (DM) program. He took the time to share some of his insights into his journey with us and the impactful experiences he gained from the DM program.

Who is Roman?

Originally from the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, Roman has made Vancouver his home for the past 20 years. He’s currently working as a CG artist in the animation industry. Apart from animation and diving, Roman lives the Vancouver dream spending his free time either in the snow, or at the movie theatre.

Roman’s journey from discovery, to diving into the PADI Divemater

Roman’s diving career began in childhood with his first immersive experiences at age ten. At that point, his previous interest in the water completely expanded.

“I always say that scuba diving is the closest feeling we can get to being in space. You feel weightless, you have the alien looking underwater world around you.”

Many years later, Roman had an opportunity to rediscover his love for diving. Completing the PADI Drysuit Specialty, he realized that there was so much more to diving than that in the tropics. Resonating with the staff, and instructors at the shop, he took to joining the local safaris, and eventually made his way on to the PADI Rescue course.

“Rescue is the kind of course that makes you realize that there’s MUCH more to learn about diving and you’re basically just starting out. So wanting to learn more, I went for the Dive Master program.”

The Challenges of the PADI Divemaster Program

The journey through the Divemaster program is not without its challenges, if it was easy everyone would do it! When asked what the most difficult aspects of the DM program were, Roman found that it was challenging to pick just one mentor for the program. Out of the staff he loved training with the most, Roman replied “Luke, Jess, Pat, Nikita and David. But really every instructor is great in their own unique way and why I like Diving Locker. Great set of personalities”. Apart from making some tough mentorship decisions, Roman noted that he found the 400m swim difficult – it’s a task that definitely pushes our DMT’s (Divemaster’s in training) to the limit!

Onwards and Upwards – What’s Next After Divemaster?

The diving industry can be transient. It opens divers up to the world of travel, and we often have to say goodbye to students as they continue to grow and learn in other destinations. However, we were grateful to hear that Roman doesn’t have any plans to leave the West Coast, and you will likely see him around the shop or on local safaris. For Roman, it seems that the choice between tropical and cold water diving is clear. The unique challenges and incredible marine life found in the cold waters make Canada his preferred choice, despite the additional gear and preparation involved.

Roman’s journey through the Divemaster program at the Diving Locker showcases not only growth that diving can facilitate, but how it supports the continued expansion of community. As we continue to welcome new students into our Divemaster program, we hope that Roman can pass along his knowledge and passion to those who are ready to learn and grow into better divers. After all, you are who you surround yourself with, as they say!

Roman’s story is just one of many that inspire and affirm the values of our dive shop—dedication, passion, and community. Join us to explore new depths and expand your possibilities both in and out of the water!