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JOHN HARKNESS

PADI MSDT INSTRUCTOR

TRAINER #530272

Diving first captured my heart in 2021 when I earned my PADI Open Water certification with Under Water Works, guided by the instruction of David, Gretchen, and Justin. The thrill of the underwater world had me hooked from the very beginning, pushing me to seize every opportunity to dive. My dedication quickly propelled me to advance in diving, becoming a PADI Divemaster by late 2022. Since joining the teaching team at Under Water Works, I've furthered my qualifications to become a PADI Assistant Instructor and, most recently, a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor in early 2024.

 

My passion for diving has taken me beyond the surface to the realms of technical trimix and cave diving, leading to adventures in remarkable destinations worldwide. My favorite spots include the vibrant ecosystems of Bonaire, the historical underwater landscapes of Malta, and the unique cave diving experiences in Florida’s swamps, where dives start in dark, tannin-rich waters and lead to crystal-clear limestone cave systems.

 

Beyond diving, my interests in biology and medicine fuel my passion for capturing the diverse marine life of the Pacific Northwest through underwater photography. I completed my Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University in 2015, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship. My research, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spans neurogenetics and, more recently, artificial intelligence in biomedical imaging.

 

I am certified to instruct a broad array of courses, including Emergency First Response, Advanced Open Water, Divemaster, and specialized courses like Deep Diver, Enriched Air/Nitrox, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Wreck Diving, Sidemount Diving, Self-Reliant Diver, and Dive Propulsion Vehicle (DPV). My goal is to inspire and guide both new and seasoned divers through their underwater journey.

 

Whether you're taking your first breath underwater or seeking to broaden your diving horizons, I'm here to support your diving adventure. Let's explore the underwater world together at Under Water Works.

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