Huge thanks to the Voyage Baltimore for writing this story. Please check out the original article here

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Parker.

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After having completed my SCUBA diving certification training, my instructor encouraged me to help him teach future SCUBA courses as a volunteer at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA.

I did so and and approximately two years later, on June 18th 1972 I established / founded SPE Dive School.
It has been over 53 years since then and SPE Dive School remains the most successful and prestigious SCUBA diving (licensed Private Educational Institution) school in this part of the country.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road and there have certainly been a few obstacles along the way, including:

1- Political & economical events,
2- Powerful cartels, capable of shutting down any small business in The United States,
forcing small businesses into partnership and making monthly payments (protection-money).
3- The pandemic in 2020.
4- The current government shutdown has also impacted my business.

In spite of the above obstacles, SPE Dive School has remained active and successful.

We’ve been impressed with SPE Dive School, aka: SCUBAedu.com, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SPE Dive School has educated safe divers since 1972 in The Washington, DC Area.

Safety has always been our number one concern and for that reason we have always offered the hightest quality of education. That explains why we can claim and be proud of the fact that none of our former 27,000+ students has ever experienced a serious dive-related injury.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
We advise every individual who is interestted in SCUBA diving certification training to:
1- Conduct extensive research before selecting a dive center.
2- Avoid “fly by night” dive operators who’s business my not survive long enough to complete the job.
3- Avoid unprofessionally operated businesses who slander reputable dive operators.
4- Avoid dive operators who offer you free alcohol and snacks in order to attract your interest/business.

Check out some of what we have to offer:
Free Orientation
Discover Scuba
Open Water Certification
Grand Cayman Trips