Diving at Cirkewwa

I am originally from the UK and spent most of my life in Reading and North London. I learned to dive with BSAC in 1993 underneath Swanage pier. In 2002 I switched to PADI and went to Dive In Ltd, Gildenburgh water. I quickly progressed through to Dive Master and after spending a year working as a DM, I became an Open Water Scuba Instructor.
 

I loved being an instructor and it wasn't too long before I became a Staff Instructor and got my first taste of teaching Instructors. Under the superb guidance of Helen Eule CD-87262, I learnt to become an accomplished Instructor Trainer. The Instructor training at Dive In is second to none and I am very much a 'Gildy Baby', using many of their training techniques but now with my own style and mark on the presentations. In 2007 I left Dive In and moved to Malta, where I now live and work. I joined Subway Dive Centre in August 2007 and with their help became a PADI Course Director in July 2008, after attending the CD-TC in Newport Beach, California. I am currently Subway's full time CD but can still be found guiding dives and teaching Discover Scuba's. My favourite dives are any that involve loads of fish. The bigger the better! I would class Grand Cayman as the best dive destination that I have visited, with its crystal clear water and fantastic sea life, it really is a divers' haven.
 
My Family

When not diving I love spending time with my girlfriend Karen and our beautiful daughter Emily. Karen is also a PADI Instructor, although since Emily was born she doesn't do as much diving as she would like. Emily is a little bit young for scuba diving but can blow bubbles with the best of 'em!

   

My interests outside of diving usually revolve around my Rottweilers - Jake, Samara and Zak. I've owned Rottweilers for 20 years and just couldn't be without them. Despite the bad press that they get, they are a fantastic dog and brilliant with Emily. Zak used to be a regular at Gildenburgh water and was famous for chasing people's lights during the preparations for night diving.
My beautiful dogs
   

I passionately support Luton Town FootballClub and have done since 1974. When I lived in the UK, I was a regular at both home and away games and ran the the supporters team WhoshFC for many years. I still keep an eye on the 'Hatters' from Malta and always try to coincide a visit to the UK with a Luton match. Next Match for me is April 5th at Wembley Stadium! Luton Town are in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Scunthorpe Utd.
 

If I'm not diving, spending time with the family or walking the dogs then I can be found playing computer games till the early hours of the morning. My current favourite is Left4Dead and I can be found playing on the best L4D server http://www.nvs.inx-gaming.co.uk

 
The best computer game ever!
 
 
 
Martin Stanhope CD 629889 ~ www.course-director.net ~ info@course-director.net