Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
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Manuel Lassaletta

New York,NY

Summary

I was born in the Caribbean, raised in a multilingual home, and am fluent in English and Spanish. After completing a degree in English, and prior to dedicating the vast majority of my time and energy to SCUBA over the last decade, I worked in New York City in various capacities, all dedicated to helping others and improving their quality of life.

I am a Captain and Master SCUBA Diver Trainer with extensive experience in leading, mentoring divers, and improving customer service. I have demonstrated success in wildlife conservation initiatives and team collaboration in high-pressure situations, as well as strong problem-solving skills that enhance operational efficiency and participant satisfaction.

My interests, aside from Sharks, Cetaceans, Frogfish, Cephalopods, Nudibranches, and various other micro/megafauna include travel, literature, music, comedy, and the preservation of endangered species.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Captain

Allen Marine Tours
Sitka, Alaska
04.2025 - Current
  • Conduct Wildlife Quests in Sitka, Alaska as a Seasonal Captain from the end of April through September.
  • Ensure vessel safety and compliance with Whale Sense and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
  • Manage vessel operations to maintain schedule and enhance guest experience.
  • Lead radio communications for efficient coordination during tours.

Master SCUBA Diver Trainer

Sea Sport Divers
Kauai, HI
04.2022 - 07.2024
  • Inspired divers off Kauai's South shore and Ni'ihau with keen eyes, entertaining and informative briefs, and flawless buoyancy.
  • Oversaw equipment maintenance and ensured compliance with safety regulations.
  • Conducted scuba training sessions for diverse skill levels and age groups.
  • Assited in repairing mooring lines to maintain operational integrity.
  • Participated in dry dockings.
  • Managed group sizes according to PADI guidelines ensuring maximum safety throughout the course of each dive.
  • Educated students about marine conservation issues related to their chosen dive sites.
  • Served as a mentor providing guidance and support to new divers entering the sport.

Master SCUBA Diver Trainer

Bubbles Below Kauai Scuba Dive Tours
Eleele, Hawaii
04.2019 - 04.2022
  • Volunteered for NOAA's Marine Mammal Response Network collecting data & digital imagery for Seals and Cetaceans.
  • Led Divers around Ni'ihau year-round as well as each of Kauai's shores, including Mana Crack ensuring safety and compliance with industry regulations.

Master SCUBA Diver Trainer

Sea Sport Divers
Koloa, Hawaii
03.2017 - 04.2019
  • Designed lesson plans to boost student engagement and safety awareness.
  • Mentored aspiring divers through certification and skill development programs.
  • Evaluated student performance, delivering constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment that emphasized teamwork and communication skills.

Instructor & Research Assistant

Ecodivers & Tela Marine Research Center
Roatan, Honduras
07.2015 - 10.2016
  • Assited Operation WALLACEA collecting data for Lionfish, fish identification, Sea Urchins, and sediment research.
  • Collaborated the creation of a program certifying local adolescents from Open Water to Rescue Divers.

Emergency Medical Technician

Midwood Ambulance
Brooklyn, New York
10.2008 - 08.2010
  • Responded to emergency calls and assessed patient conditions.
  • Reassured patients and bystanders, working in a confident, expeditious, and efficient manner.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English

Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden Sydney, VA
05-1999

Skills

  • Team building
  • Risk assessment
  • Safety compliance
  • Wildlife conservation
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Customer service
  • Problem solving
  • Leadership capabilities
  • Mentoring others
  • Data collection
  • Performance evaluation
  • Multi-tasking capacity
  • Analytical decision making
  • Excellent communication

Affiliations

I'm seeking a position with a Liveaboard that places a high emphasis on customer service, professionalism, world class dives & aquatic experiences, supports employee development, and offers opportunities for professional advancement.

I think the Turks and Caicos Aggressor could be the ideal operation to capitalize on my ability to relate and communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and share my passion for the Ocean and its inhabitants.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Captain

Allen Marine Tours
04.2025 - Current

Master SCUBA Diver Trainer

Sea Sport Divers
04.2022 - 07.2024

Master SCUBA Diver Trainer

Bubbles Below Kauai Scuba Dive Tours
04.2019 - 04.2022

Master SCUBA Diver Trainer

Sea Sport Divers
03.2017 - 04.2019

Instructor & Research Assistant

Ecodivers & Tela Marine Research Center
07.2015 - 10.2016

Emergency Medical Technician

Midwood Ambulance
10.2008 - 08.2010

Bachelor of Arts - English

Hampden-Sydney College