As the Founder, Owner, Guide, and Instructor at Palau Escape, Joe's mission as a scuba diving instructor is a tribute to the profound impact that diving has had on his life. With a heart deeply connected to the underwater realm, Joe's goal is to share the transformative magic of diving with others, just as it led him to the shores of Palau in 2016. 

He counts himself privileged to have trained under two of the most legendary personalities in the scuba world: 

Masayoshi Kondo - Masa is the one of the most active rebreather instructors and a pioneer of CCR Cave diving in Japan. He has been diving for over 30 years, having logged over 10,000 dives in various locations in the world. Masa is a highly experienced technical diver and rebreather instructor, teaching every course from entry level rebreather diving to 100m mixed gas CCR diving and CCR Cave diving. His students include research teams at Japan's universities as well.

Francis Toribiong - Father of Palau Diving, and whose life has been told in the book, The Diver Who Fell from the Sky, by Simon Pridmore. He was also inducted into the International Scuba Hall of Fame 2010.

Having been mentored by two legendary figures in the scuba world, Joe is inspired to carry forward their legacy of excellence. He believes that diving education extends beyond technique; it's about fostering a deep respect for the ocean, its creatures, and the art of exploration. With a commitment to safety, meticulous planning, and imparting the values of his mentors, Joe seeks to create a new generation of skilled divers who are not just equipped to explore the depths, but also to protect and honor the underwater world that has given him so much.

Embark on a Thrilling Journey with IANTD Open Water SCUBA Experience. Immerse yourself in the basics of open water diving. Explore confined and open waters under expert guidance. Unveil the underwater world and grasp the foundations. Minimum age 10. Dive to 33ft (10m). Experience the thrill!

For more information, see IANTD Open Water SCUBA Experience website.

Enhance your underwater expertise through this mid-level Continuing Education Program, designed to provide more hands-on experience and extend your diving capabilities. Achieve certification to dive up to 100ft (30m) in open water. Enrollment is open to those at least 10 years old. Enjoy the comprehensive IANTD Advanced Open Water Student Kit, covering Academic, Confined Water, and Open Water Sessions.

For more information, see IANTD Advanced Open Water Diver website.

Experience safer dives with IANTD Enriched Air Nitrox Diver course. Dive 40 to 132ft (12-40m) with EANx mixes, or combine with Advanced/Specialty courses. Covers 21% to 40% oxygen. Prerequisites: 10+ years old, Open Water Diver. Divers will receive an IANTD EANx Student Kit, and Academic, Confined Water, Open Water Sessions.

For more information, see IANTD Enriched Air Nitrox Diver website.

Master techniques, assemble equipment, and dive safely with Sidemount. Prerequisites: IANTD Open Water Diver or equivalent. Must be 12+ years old. Embrace the challenge with IANTD Open Water Sidemount Diver Student Kit, including Academic, Confined Water, & Open Water Sessions.

For more information, see IANTD Open Water Sidemount Diver website.

Master self-rescue & buddy-rescue skills in IANTD Rescue Diver program. Dive up to 60ft (18m) in open water. Prerequisites: 15 years old, IANTD Advanced Open Water Diver, Diving First Aid, Oxygen Administrator, CPR certifications. Embrace the higher level of diving with the IANTD Rescue Diver Student Kit, including Academic, Confined Water, & Open Water Sessions.

For more information, see IANTD Rescue Diver website.