PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: February 6, 2008
Contact: Frank Gernert, CEO, Pro Dive International, 954-776-3483
Pro Dive to close after 32 years in the Scuba Diving Industry.
Founded by Greg MacKay in 1975, Professional Diving Schools of Florida quickly became an industry leader in the training of scuba divers and instructors alike. Pro Dive established its Scuba Career Development Program and the operation became one of PADI’s first Career Development Centers. Pro Dive expanded the scope of Scuba Career Training by developing and copyrighting the industry’s first Resort Operations Specialist (ROS®) program.
Pro Dive has always been located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach on the Intracoastal just a block off the beach. With operations that included 3500 square feet of training space, 3200 square feet of retail and a custom built 60’ dive boat the Pro Diver II, Pro Dive was a true one stop shop for the career minded dive enthusiast.
Pro Dive moved into its current location in January 2004, which allowed the consolidation of training, charter and retail operations. While the vision for the facility was for it to take a dominant position in the training industry and capitalize on the proven reputation of Pro Dive staff and programs, the economics of the business have not supported operations and a difficult decision had to be made according to Frank Gernert, owner and CEO of Pro Dive. In a statement released by Gernert he said:
“There has been a longstanding relationship between Pro Dive and the scuba diving industry as a whole. Pro Dive survived through some very difficult times after the sudden death of Greg and Loren MacKay based on the quality of instructors and programs that Greg had established. During the last several years, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on fostering and supporting these programs and practices while remaining current with industry trends. While the integrity of training programs have excelled and our campus environment substantially improved, the revenue necessary to support the scope of these operations has not been realized. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to invest more into the future of Pro Dive and have to make a most difficult business decision. This is compounded by the fact that we are a family here and have a huge alumni network (sometimes referred to as the Pro Dive mafia) worldwide. Having been a personal friend of Greg, it is very difficult for me to shut down a business that he began from the ground up and that has had such a positive influence on all those involved and on the industry as a whole. It is my hope that every one who had an association with Pro Dive will take what they learned and valued from their experience with Pro Dive and pay it forward to those around them by encouraging safe diving to all with whom they come in contact.”
Pro Dive will conclude daily business operations on Friday February 15, 2008, and will focus on an orderly shutdown of business immediately thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I wanted to pursue a career in scuba diving through Pro Dive. Where can I go now for that training?
We recommend considering Scuba Emporium for your professional diving development. We recommend them for the following reasons:
They are a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center
They have former Pro Dive graduates on staff, as well as an outstanding PADI Course Director who was Pro Dive’s former Director of Training.
They are locally nearby – in Lauderhill, Florida
http://www.scubaemporiumfl.com/Default.aspx
What other diving operators can I go diving with in Fort Lauderdale?
We recommend that you view the list of charter boat operators listed with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.
http://www.sunny.org/listings/index.cfm?catID=28
What about job placement recommendations?
Please visit the PADI Employment Board located in the Members Toolbox portion of padimembers.com.
https://www.padimembers.com/login/
For further assistance please call (954) 776-3483