”I remember my instructor’s contact statement on the five paragraphs of an operational order during a pre-assessment course to the U.S. Army’s premier leadership course. He told the story of a young Army Ranger that had gotten separated from his unit while parachuting into enemy held territory. Alone, and under the cover of night, he was able to navigate his way to one of the rally points, linking back up with his unit. Because the young Ranger was properly trained, motivated and briefed on the mission, he was able to carry on with the mission.
I have taken the lesson of this story, and implemented it into every aspect of my life.” – Art Gardiner
David “Art” Gardiner is a recreational diving educator and passionate underwater explorer. Whether teaching in backmount or sidemount, beginner to advanced disciplines, or dive refresher to skill refinement workshops, he brings the same passion and dedication to ensuring his students are properly trained to the highest standards, possess the proper motivation to undertake the type of diving they aspire to, and are properly briefed on what to expect prior to, during and after their course.
Art was born in Frankfurt, Germany to US Citizens serving abroad, Art has spent the better portion of his life living and working outside of the continental United States. After serving nine years in the US Army, Art returned to school to study photojournalism. He has worked as a freelance journalist; still/video photographer and editor with the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office; and as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Journalism for the American University in Cairo before becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) in 2013.
In the pursuit of becoming a well-rounded diver and dive educator, Art has sought out diving and diver training in as many diverse environments as possible. From the wrecks and fracture caves in the Red Sea, solution caves of Quintana Roo, Mexico and the Philippines, sea caves of Gozo, Malta, to flooded mines in Germany, his passion for advanced diving continues to influence both his teaching style and content. His pursuit in exploring the underwater world has taken him to Australia, Canary Islands, Egypt, Germany, Israel, Jordan, Malta, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand and the U.K.
”I am truly fortunate in that my hobby is also my profession.” – Art Gardiner
In an effort to protect and give back to the environment, which has given him so much, Art continues to work with government agencies and maritime law enforcement. Projects have included training Qatari Civil Services up to Master Scuba Diver in Aqaba, Jordan to working with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement in Southeast Asia.
While Art’s initial diver training started with PADI, he has sought out additional training with both IANTD and TDI, and teaches under PADI (Tec/Rec), SDI and TDI.
Art is located in Manila, on the Island of Luzon, Philippines and teaches around the world.