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Michelle Axtell

Course Director: 601814

Michelle began diving the DIY way in 1985 in Indonesia. The experience sparked a fascination with the marine world that focused her studies at school to the extent she was able to complete a Marine Biology degree at Heriott Watt University, Edinburgh. This was then followed by a Masters Degree in ‘Coastal and Estuarine Science and Management’ at Hull University.

Prior to finishing school Michelle had completed her open Water and Advanced courses – with Diving Leisure in 1987 and 1989 respectively.

After her degrees she landed a short contract with the then, Forth River Purification Board in Edinburgh, now called (SEPA), and the post had Michelle assessing pollution impacts of outfalls and discharges into the coastal waters around the Firth of Forth.

On completion of the short contract Michelle was unemployed and decided to pursue her diving qualifications. So, back to Diving Leisure she went, for Rescue and Divemaster courses and a season working as an apprentice. The following spring, 1996, she took her IDC and successfully passed her Instructor exams at the first attempt.

She has stayed at Diving Leisure since then, passing her exams and progressed through the ranks of Speciality Instructor, Staff Instructor, Master Instructor etc and in 2000 attained Course Director level.

Due to her interest in Marine life and as a spin off from the HSE Part 4 Scientific Diver course completed during her Marine Biology degree, Michelle has written her own sanctioned PADI Distinctive speciality – Research Diver. This has been included in Bournemouth University’s Curriculum as an option for training in conjunction with their Conservation Sciences department.

Since becoming a Course Director, Michelle has kept her hand in at all levels of training from the Discover SCUBA, Open Water programs, through to the Rescue and Divemaster as well as the speciality programs. In her IDC classes the atmosphere is relaxed and the curriculum is animated with many practical examples taken from past and recent experience. The solid background in teaching all levels of courses for several years on the way to becoming a Course Director provides insight at the IDC level that is only gained through hands on trial and error.

Tuition at the IDC is paced for all to comprehend, with additional one on one time available if needed. With this support not only has Michelle still got a 100% pass rate at the Instructor Exams for all her Candidates but they have gone on to make ‘good instructors’ – not just instructors.

She has also run IDCs for other UK centres with the same Professional manner and attention to detail that ensures a quality course, student confidence and success at the exams.

Michelle can offer IDC through Diving Leisure on request (work schedule permitting) she is also available to travel to registered IDC centres to run programs for them.

All female IDC are available on request for a minimum of 2 people.

For information on IDC courses or Course Director fees for Dive Centres please contact her on info@divingleisure.co.uk or 01202 718522.

For a list of Instructor programs she can teach please read on……….

Speciality courses: IT= Trainer