The Instructor you choose matters more than most people realize.

Hi, I’m Mark Ignacio Carreon (MICA), a Scuba Diving Instructor Trainer and Course Director

I believe exceptional dive instruction goes beyond teaching a set of skills. It requires the ability to understand the diver, identify the root of a problem, adapt the teaching approach, and create an environment where real learning takes place.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to train divers at different levels—from people taking their very first breath underwater to divers continuing their journey into advanced and technical diving.

What I want every student to experience is simple:

• Proper training — not shortcuts.

• Knowledge and understanding — not just memorizing skills.

• Confidence — built through practice, not pressure.

• Enjoyment — because diving should be something you look forward to.

What I Bring Into My Training

After years progressing through the diving industry, I have learned that good training isn't about simply ticking boxes on a course checklist. It's about building confidence through proper preparation and practice. When I train a student, I want them to understand why they are doing something—not simply memorize a procedure long enough to pass an assessment.

I have built my career around training the most challenging divers—students who struggle with confidence, buoyancy, skills, or the demands of advanced training.

These experiences have shaped my approach as an Instructor Trainer and Course Director. I don't simply teach skills; I teach instructors how to understand the diver behind the skill, identify the real cause of performance problems, and develop solutions that produce lasting results.

My focus is on developing instructors who can teach with precision, adapt to different learning styles, demonstrate exceptional in-water control, and maintain a high standard of safety and professionalism.

I believe the true measure of an instructor is not how well they teach the easy student, but how effectively they can transform a struggling diver into a confident, competent, and independent one.

That is the standard I bring to instructor development: strong fundamentals, neutral buoyancy, disciplined teaching, precise demonstration, and the ability to solve problems underwater—not simply work around them.

"There is no such thing as a difficult diver—only a diver who needs the right approach."

We work on:

• Understanding the fundamentals

• Proper equipment preparation

• Buoyancy and in-water control

• Communication

• Situational awareness

• Problem-solving

• Emergency skills

• Dive planning

• Building confidence gradually

• Developing good diving habits from the beginning

Most importantly, I don't believe in rushing students just to finish a course. The goal isn't simply to get a certification card. The goal is to develop a diver who understands what they are doing and is prepared to continue learning.

Maybe Your Diving Journey Starts Here

If you've been thinking about learning to scuba dive, don't let age, experience or uncertainty stop you from asking questions.

• You don't need to know everything before you start.

• You don't need to already be a confident diver.

• You simply need to take the first step.

  
  

Whether you're a retiree looking for a new adventure, an expat discovering the Philippines, or a local who has always wanted to learn to dive, you don't need to be an expert before you start, I'd be happy to help you discover it. You just need to be willing to learn. My job as an Instructor Trainer is to help you build the foundation to become a safe, confident and capable diver—one step at a time.

Thinking about learning to dive?

Send me “DIVE” and I'll tell you what course is right for you and the next available training dates.

Your first dive starts with a decision.

The rest is training.

Comment “DIVE” if you'd like to learn about the next available scuba courses and training options.