History
Since our inception in 2002, Beyond the Reef has strived to be a leader within the diving industry with the help of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Within our international training facility, our programs represent and utilize the most modern training techniques and information available in the dive industry today. Our mission is to educate with integrity and passion, giving our graduates the confidence, professionalism and knowledge to become the best instructors that they can be. Our goal is to become and remain the most respected instructor-training center in the world, by the competency of our graduates teaching the world to dive safely.
Your Diving Career
Congratulations on making the decision to turn your love of scuba diving into a new and exciting adventure. PADI Instructors enjoy one of the most rewarding and fun lifestyles there are. You will get to meet people from all over the world who share the same passion and love as you do for scuba diving. At Beyond the Reef, we understand people have many reasons why they want to become PADI Instructors, whether it’s full time, part time, or just for personal achievement. Our Course Directors and Staff will pass on a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you to teach people to dive safely. You will see how all aspects of the dive industry work. The Course Directors and Staff will structure your IDC to meet your goals. We want you to achieve your goals and be the best instructor that you can possibly be.
Philosophy of Career Training
Beyond the Reef’s philosophy is to provide you with the best possible training available, and to equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence that are required of today’s professional instructors. We believe that any people willing to apply themselves to the study of diver education can benefit from the training we offer. With the rapid growth in the sport diving industry there is a constant need for professional instructors throughout the world. At Beyond the Reef, we strive to provide our students with quality educational services to better their opportunities within this industry. We do all of this right in the middle of the largest concentration of dive stores in the world, South Florida.
Facility and Location
Beyond the Reef’s IDC courses are positioned in Key Largo, Florida. We have an ultra modem facility using the latest educational materials. You will get to see and use the latest digital audio/visual presentation equipment that is available. Our classrooms have been designed with your comfort in mind. We are constantly striving to make our facility the most comfortable and relaxed training environment available. Let us take care of all your needs so you can focus on your education.
Career Placement
We have put a great deal of importance in our career placement program. There is a director who will assist you in finding the employment that meets your goals. We have an extensive database of operators who use us for their employment needs. Some dive operators will only use instructors trained by our Course Directors to meet their requirements. This is due to the unique training we provide in preparing our instructors to function in a real world setting. Once you commit to taking your training with us, you will have access to our placement services and we will start to arrange employment for you upon completion of your training. This service is available to all graduates.
Move into the Future
Begin your adventure by giving us a call. Our Course Directors and Staff will be happy to answer any questions and help you with your arrangements to become a PADI Instructor. If you would like to visit us in person, one of our Staff will be happy to give you a guided tour of our facility.
Tom Witmer, Captain & Scuba Instructor Trainer
Tom is one of the most experienced PADI Course Directors in the Florida Keys, training over 2000 dive instructors and issuing over 4000 dive certifications.
A former owner of a dive store in the Midwest, Tom Witmer has been in the dive industry for over 33 years. During that time, he achieved PADI Platinum Course Director Status for 10 years. In addition, he has been a Divers Alert Network Instructor Trainer for over 24 Years and holds a USCG Masters Captain’s License.
With his over 30 years of boating experience, the last 18 in the Upper Keys, Tom will also be a great addition to the charter fleets in the Keys.
Tom Witmer is the one of a few Course Directors with a Dive Center Operations instructor certification.
His experience with his own shop and various shops around the Keys benefits his instructor candidates even further, ensuring their success in the Instructor Exam and as professional dive instructors.
Several of Tom’s students have taken positions at universities or prestigious dive shops, or started their own successful dive businesses.
Tom also is a PADI Instructor Trainer for technical courses Tec 40 through Trimix.
Homebase:
720 Sharon Place
Key Largo, FL 33037 USA
