Thomas J. Koch
Palm Harbor,FL
Summary
Accomplished PADI Course Director with over 30 years of diving experience, 15 years of leadership in the diving industry, and more than 5,000 logged dives. As the first deaf PADI Course Director and founder of Aqua Hands, I have dedicated my career to fostering accessibility, inclusion, and conservation in the diving community. Known for my advocacy, leadership, and technical skills, I am committed to breaking barriers and inspiring others to explore the underwater world.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder and PADI Course Director
Aqua Hands
01.2010 - Current
- Company Overview: Founded a pioneering scuba diving education organization dedicated to making diving accessible to the Deaf community through training in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Delivered Instructor Development Courses (IDC), mentorship, and training for divers and instructors, fostering the development of a new generation of scuba professionals
- Created customized Distinctive Specialty Courses to expand educational offerings and support instructor development
- Led over 5,000 dives and facilitated the training of students at every certification level, from Open Water Diver to Instructor Trainer
- Partnered with global organizations to promote accessibility in diving and champion the inclusion of Deaf divers in broader conservation efforts
- Founded a pioneering scuba diving education organization dedicated to making diving accessible to the Deaf community through training in American Sign Language (ASL)
Course Director and Scuba Instructor
Various International Locations
06.2010 - 12.2019
- Conducted PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDC) to train new PADI Instructors, ensuring compliance with PADI standards and safety protocols
- Taught a variety of PADI certifications, including Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and numerous Distinctive Specialties
- Delivered courses in challenging diving environments, adapting teaching methods to cater to diverse student needs and learning styles
- Acted as a mentor and leader to other instructors, providing guidance on course delivery, instructional design, and effective communication with students
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC01-2011
Associate of Arts - Architectural Design And Building Construction
Mitchell Technical Institute
Mitchell, SD01-2009
Skills
- Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Instructor Development Expertise
- Ocean Conservation and Stewardship
- Leadership qualities
- Patience and empathy
- Adaptive teaching methods
Publications and Media Features
- Featured on PADI’s official blog, it highlights his journey as the world’s first deaf Course Director and his mission to make diving accessible to the deaf community by encouraging dive centers to embrace inclusivity. PADI Asia Pacific, Published 26 August, 2015
- Interviewed by PADI Pros blog, where he discussed the challenges he overcame and his vision for more deaf divers and instructors worldwide. PADI Blog, Published 28 September, 2015
- Profiled in articles detailing his commitment to providing safe and comprehensive scuba instruction to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and his success in training deaf instructors to ensure direct communication during dives. - Scuba Diving, Published On April 12, 2023
References
- Ross Neill, Training Director, Rainbow Reef Dive Center - (646) 808-6928
Certification
Core Credentials
- Master Instructor, 2014
- Freedive Core, 2018
- Master Scuba Diver Trainer, 2010
- Open Water Scuba Instructor, 2010
- DSD Leader, 2009
- Divemaster, 2009
Special Credentials
- PADI Course Director, 2015
- EFR Instructor Trainer, 2014
- IDC Staff Instructor, 2013
- EFR Instructor, 2010
- Diver Alert Network (DAN) Instructor Trainer
- Diver Against Debris Instructor Trainer
- AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Instructor Trainer
- Basic Life Support: CPR and First Aid Instructor Trainer
- CPR: Health Care Provider Instructor Trainer
- Diving First Aid for Professional Divers Instructor Trainer
- Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries Instructor Trainer
- First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries Instructor Trainer
- Neurological Assessment for Divers Instructor Trainer
Specialties
- AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Sp Instructor and Trainer
- AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Instructor and Trainer
- Boat Instructor and Trainer
- Care for Children w/AED Instructor and Trainer
- Deep Instructor and Trainer
- Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Instructor and Trainer
- Digital Underwater Photography Instructor and Trainer
- Dive Against Debris Instructor and Trainer
- Drift Instructor and Trainer
- Dry Suit Instructor and Trainer
- Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor and Trainer
- Enriched Air Instructor and Trainer
- Equipment Specialist Instructor and Trainer
- Fish Identification Instructor and Trainer
- Freediver Instructor
- Full Face Mask Instructor and Trainer
- Night Diver Instructor and Trainer
- PADI AWARE Instructor and Trainer
- Peak Performance Buoyancy Instructor
- Search & Recovery Instructor and Trainer
- Self-Reliant Instructor and Trainer
- Tec Rec Gas Blender Instructor and Trainer
- Underwater Naturalist Instructor and Trainer
- Underwater Navigator Instructor and Trainer
- Underwater Videographer Instructor
- Wreck Instructor and Trainer
Distinctive Specialties
- Invasive Lionfish Tracker Instructor and Trainer
- Sea Turtle Awareness Instructor and Trainer
- Whale Shark Awareness Instructor
Aqua Lung Service Technician Certifications:
- ABS Service Certificate
- Airsource 3 Service
- Buoyancy Compensator Service
- Calypso Classic Service Certificate
- Calypso QC Service Certificate
- Core Service Certificate
- I3 and Flat Valve Service
- Legend LUX Service
- Legend LX Service
- Mikron Service Certificate
- Powerline Inflator Service
- Titan LX Service Certificate
- Titan QC Service Certificate
- Titan Service Certificate
Accomplishments
- PADI Elite Instructor Award, 2014-2024
- PADI Diver Education Leader of the Month, 11/2015, 03/2018, 12/2018
- PADI Certificate of Recognition for Excellence, 2012-2023
- Training Recognition Award (DAN), 2013-2019
- Silver Course Director Award, 2016
Affiliations
- Founder of Aqua Hands: Committed to promoting accessibility in scuba diving for the Deaf community.
- PADI AmbassaDiver: Champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the diving industry.
- Conservation Advocate: Dedicated to instilling environmental stewardship and sustainable diving practices in all students.
Languages
English
Full Professional
American Sign Language
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Course Director and Scuba Instructor
Various International Locations
06.2010 - 12.2019
Founder and PADI Course Director
Aqua Hands
01.2010 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Gallaudet University
Associate of Arts - Architectural Design And Building Construction
Mitchell Technical Institute
Similar Profiles
Abigail ColungaAbigail Colunga
Caregiver at Hands n Hands ChildcareCaregiver at Hands n Hands Childcare
Deepak RadhikaDeepak Radhika
CAR DETAILER at AQUA HAND CAR WASH & DETAILINGCAR DETAILER at AQUA HAND CAR WASH & DETAILING
Rajah MoserayRajah Moseray
Swim Instructor at Splash Aqua Park and Leisure CentreSwim Instructor at Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre
Scott OkaScott Oka
Tumble Director at Cheer Express All StarsTumble Director at Cheer Express All Stars
Drew AdamsDrew Adams
Vice President of Sales at HivelocityVice President of Sales at Hivelocity