Diver's World

Linda is our full time manager and owner of Diver’s World. Linda teaches our Teen Scuba program as well as Scuba Diver, Advanced, Master, and Sealife Photography and Reef Fish ID among many NAUI specialties. You will be inspired by Linda’s love of the sport and amazing underwater pictures! She was certified in 1974 by Howard Ring, the founder of Diver’s World, and has been instructing since 1987.

In 1980 Larry's brother-in-law talked him into trying scuba diving. The brother-in-law then promptly moved away but Larry was hooked continuing on to become a NAUI instructor in 1989. Larry teaches our Eastside YMCA program on Sundays as well as Advanced, Wreck and Ice diving. Larry particularly enjoys hearing about the students’ experiences after they get certified and says “try it and see how easy and fun Scuba is!”. Larry is also the Erie area's Boy Scouts of America Scuba Merit Badge counselor. 

Bill started diving in 1980 and became an instructor in 1991.  Bill teaches all of the NAUI core curriculum from Scuba Diver through to Dive Instructor. Bill thrives on instilling scuba knowledge in those that enjoy the sport. If you get to know him, you will find his enthusiasm for Scuba Diving infectious. While Bill claims to have “never had a bad dive”, his most enjoyable spot is the North Carolina diving for shark and spear fishing.

Jim obtained a NAUI Scuba Diver certification in 1994 and became a NAUI instructor in 1996. Jim teaches our Scuba Diver course and NAUI specialty courses. One of his hobbies is photography; both above and below the water. Take the NAUI Underwater Photography Specialty course with Jim and he will teach you about underwater video, 35mm film camera and underwater digital photography! During the winter months Jim is a PSIA Ski Instructor at Peek ‘n Peak ski resort. His favorite dive location is Morehead City, North Carolina where he enjoys diving Naval Vessels sunk by German U-boats during WWII. Diving the German U-352 U-boat is one of his most memorable dives.

Gene was always intrigued by the underwater world.  He finally took the plunge in 1991 and became a certified diver along with his wife and still favorite dive buddy Karen.  After several specialty courses and becoming a certified training assistant, he wanted to help teach others to scuba dive. He became a NAUI scuba instructor in 1996 and still loves to see the smiles on the faces of new students as they breathe on scuba for the first time or experience their first open water dive.  His favorite diving is on the wrecks at the bottom of Lake Erie or off the coast of North Carolina. Gene teaches Scuba Diver, Advanced, Nitrox Diver and his favorite, Rescue Diver.

Josh was certified as a scuba diver in June of 2003. Made educating himself in the field of scuba a passionate hobby  until being certified to teach others the sport in November of 2007.  Enjoys the challanges and pleasures of introducing new scuba divers to the underwater world.  Teaches Scuba Diver, Advanced, Master Diver, Deep Specialty, and Suunto Computer Specialty. Enjoys traveling to the tranquil waters of Bonaire to refine his photography skills but has a greater passion for wreck diving in any location.  Josh frequently leads our North Carolina Wreck Diving trips so come in and talk with him about the next adventure!

Ron stared diving in 1993 and progressed up the NAUI leadership ladder to Diver Master. Ron is the Dive Master for our Eastside YMCA classes as well as a frequent DM for open water training dives and Diver’s World trips. Ron loves teaching and the interactions with students. He gets a lot of satisfaction from seeing new divers’ reactions when they complete their open water dives. A frequent travel diver, you may want to talk with him about his favorite places. He says “the wall diving at Bonaire and Curacao are my favorites. Day or night!”. Come join Ron in the discovery of a new look at our planet.

Scooby started diving in 1995 and took all classes until dive master in 2004. Scoob helps out in the Meadville Scuba Diver class along with the Ice Specialty and Dive Rescue along with anywhere he's needed. His favorite diving spot is Bar Harbor, Maine but he is always looking for new spots to get wet in. He loves it when he can help a student with  a problem and resove it before certification.  Come and let Scooby show you the wonderful world of Scuba!

Brian's search for mermaids and gold doubloons keeps him interested in the sport of Scuba. However, if you've ever had a chance to take a lesson with Brian, you will find out how easily he makes people comfortable and conveys the excitement of the sport! Brian got his first NAUI c-card in 2003 and went on to become a NAUI certified Dive Master in 2005. Brian is DM for our Scuba and Rescue classes but often assists with our Teen Scuba Course and open water dives. Brian loves Lake Erie wreck diving. Come join him in his quest to find some doubloons!

Along with being a great diver and training assistant, Matt Costello is the area’s only Aqualung Certified Master Technician.

Chad is a full time student at Coastal Carolina University in their Marine Science program. We are pleased to have Chad join us during the summers at the shop. He began diving in 2009 and has continued his dive education with an Advanced and Nitrox cert and is working on his Rescue Certification. Like many of our divers, Chad has a strange obsession with sharks that started on a dive in the Hebe in South Carolina where he first spotted a shark in its natural environment. Chad encourages everyone to get involved in diving as soons as possible so you, too, can experience something that not all people will see.

Jamie is an international man of adventure and we are very pleased to have him as a part of the Diver's World team. While a full time student at Mercyhurst College in the Archaeology Department Jamie also works here at Diver's World, in the Archaeology lab, and in the winter months as a ski instructor. In prior years, he has been an apprentice aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara and you can see some of his knot tying handiwork here at the shop. Jamie has his NAUI Scuba Certification along with Nitrox, First Aid/CPR and Advanced.