Mark had just started his dream career as a dive instructor when he met with an accident that left his paralyzed from the waist down. His love for diving and the prospect of returning helped him through his rehabilitation. He successfully returned as a dive instructor and specialized in working with divers with disabilities. Mark continued to advance as an instructor and became the first wheelchair user to become a PADI Course Director, the highest PADI Instructor possible. He went on to work in other parts of the world such as Egypt, Bangkok and Phuket and eventually landed in Kenya where he opened his own dive center in 2015 called Ocean Tribe. Mark also serves as the Director of Training and Marketing for Disabled Divers International where he trains others on how to work with disabled divers. Mark has been recognized for his work with the ultimate Platinum Pro 5000 award and joins the company of the renowned divers like Jacques Cousteau.

What challenges did you face on the path to a successful return as a dive instructor after your accident? How did you face those challenges?M: To be honest this is where the support of friends and family came in. Once I had mastered swimming with only my arms and dropped in the pool at the local dive school, I was invited back to continue my instructor job in Thailand. The guys wanted to see if it could be done and believed in me every step of the way. I had to master the skills again to demonstration quality which took practice and build my swimming muscles to be able to dive in currents and keep up with students. I was just so excited to be in the water again I just kept trying to do more.

Can you tell us about your experience and initiatives as the Director of Training and Marketing for Disabled Divers International?M: I have had good experiences with DDI in both the guys I have been lucky enough to work with and the dive professionals I have been training to work with people with disabilities. As well as trying to find good equipment for people with disabilities to aid their diving, another initiative has been to try and get as many dive schools and professionals around the world able and willing to offer diving programs for people with disabilities and break down the barriers. The more people that know this opportunity exists the better for disabled people who want to experience the wonders of the underwater world.

Which is your most memorable diving expedition so far and why?M: Working as training supervisor on the TV show Invicibles Beneath the Surface, showing quadruple amputee Daniel becoming certified to scuba dive and subsequently diving with sharks in Florida USA. As well as being an awesome experience it was a pinnacle of showing just who could go cdiving and experience the underwater world safely.

How do you face obstacles in life? What keeps you moving forward?M: I consider that I don’t have a disability and have the same goals and lifestyle as everyday people. I want to mainstream as much as possible the lifestyle of people like me and also encourage people in my position to get out there and see the world and enjoy it. The more fun things I can do and show, breaks down barriers of people not realising the potential of disabled people and hope I can make a difference. Check out my blog the http://www.wildwheelie.com . When people don’t think you can do something you have to find a way. Acceptance of some limitations does happen but try and limit it as much as possible.

What are your other hobbies?M: Swimming, photography, travel, cooking, socialising and watching sports. I am also a big free diver.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?M: Australia. I love the attitude of the people and the diving. It is also a young country so very accessible with regards to building design. And they are really into sport which I love.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?M: Try and get their kids involved as much as possible in as many activities that they can do. They key is to doing more things and building a social life. Don’t tell them they can’t do this for that but focus on ways that they might be able to do it. Travel as much as possible and see the world. Nothing broadens the mind to opportunity as much as travel. Don’t shelter your kids away ands risk introvert behaviour. I am who I am because I had a great set of friends, family and colleagues around the world.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to try scuba diving?M: Get in touch with a local dive centre and ask about the possibilities of doing the try dive or Open Water Diver Course. Find out if they have Adaptive diver or disabled diver organisation training (although not a biggie if they don’t and still want to taker you diving) I will be delighted to assist anyone anywhere to get in the water or put them in contact with someone who can. Don’t fear the unknown. Imagine an environment where you don’t need a wheelchair but can move around like an astronaut. It is also a great family activity to do together so embrace it.

Any special message for our community?M: Believe. So many things are possible if you find a way.