Meet our staff
Irfan, Managing Director.
"I love diving because it gives me the chance to chill out and relax while being surrounded by natures beauty."
Irfan has done around 1000 dives, mostly in cambodian waters.
Languages: German, Turkish, English, Japanese, Khmer and French.
Diving experience in Cambodian waters: 6 years.
Dennis, Managing Director & PADI Instructor.
"I have already been diving half of my life, I became certified as a 13 year old. It became my passion and ever since I have gained experience in various spots and conditions."
Dennis has done more than 1000 dives all around the world.
Languages: German and English.
Diving experience: More than 13 years.
Eric, Head Instructor.
"For me, diving has opened so many doors. Not only do i love teaching Open Water level, i am also a Tech 50 Instructor. This has broadened my mind in the diving world, there is still so much to explore and discover.
Eric has done around 2000 dives, mostly in and around Asia. Eric was the first person to bring a closed circuit rebreather to Cambodia.
Languages: English and French.
Diving experience: 4 years.
Damion, Head Instructor.
"Diving is often misconceived as just an underwater safari. Obviously I love the marine environment, but even in a pool, the tranquility and peace of being underwater makes me a happy panda."
Damion has done around 1000 dives, mostly in South Africa. He is an avid shark diver and has experience diving wrecks all over South Africa.
Languages: English and Afrikaans.
Diving experience: 8 years.
Manu, PADI Instructor.
"If I had to describe what diving is to me, I would say it in these words: Flying, Silence, Beauty of Nature, and Wildness. I love to share this experience when I go with other divers and show them the amazing environment we have in Cambodia."
Manu has dived plenty of different places and environments around the world.
Languages: French, English and Spanish.
Diving experience: 2 years.
Babs, PADI Instructor.
"Diving to me is not just a full time career, it is a strong passion which i will continue throughout my life. The underwater serenity never ceases to amaze me and to be able to dive everyday as my job really is a dream come true."
Babs has a very diverse diving career. She has worked all around the world including her home country Germany, in cold water lakes along with her drysuit!.
Languages: English and German.
Diving experience: 10 years.
Rachel, PADI Instructor.
"What can i say about diving? I am truly lucky to dive everyday as my profession, diving has changed so much for me in the past few years and i have found my passion. Its not just the appeal of underwater exploration, but meeting new people and taking them through their diving experiences for the first time. I have kept in touch with many of my students and it is great to see them carry on with their diving wherever it takes them on their travels."
Rachel has dived in many parts of the world, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Caribbean and Tenerife.
Languages: English.
Diving experience: 3 years.
Shai, PADI Divemaster.
"I like the underwater world and enjoy discovering new places that no one has ever been before."
Shai learnt to dive as a twenty year old in Eilat, Israel. He was instantly enthralled when taking his first breaths underwater and has now finally taken the step to become a professional diver together with The Dive Shop Cambodia.
Languages: Hebrew and English.
Diving experience: 11 years.
Jeremy, PADI Divemaster.
"My diving career and passion started on the beautiful island of Koh Rong with Dennis, after he persuaded me to take the plunge. I was so impressed that i instantly signed up for my Open Water which was quickly followed by all my training courses I needed to become a working divemaster for the Dive Shop Cambodia. I couldnt ask for more than to dive everyday and live on Koh Rong, which truly is paradise."
Jeremy started his training with us, and is looking forward to many more diving experiences all over the globe.
Languages: French, English and Italian.
Diving experience: 6 months.
Katie, English Teacher & PADI Divemaster Trainee.
"The Dive Shop has opened so many doors for me, I get to teach the amazing children of Koh Rong and truly experience the Cambodian way of life. The diving for me was a much added bonus. I have not only experienced the underwater life around the island, but have also recently taken part in the liveabord trip which took us to Koh Tang. "
Katy has now been teaching for six months and continues to be a great asset to out ever expanding team.
Languages: English.
Teaching experience: 1 year.
Sothea, Shop Girl.
Sothea has been with the team since the Dive Shop opened in 2008. She works with her heart and soul and always has time for our guests and the team alike. Sothea recently married in the new year, which all the Dive Shop staff helped celebrate.
Languages: English and Khmer.
Chenda, Shop Girl.
Chenda is our newest office staff member. She is eager to learn diving with us and become a PADI certified diver. Chenda recently visited Koh Rong and fell in love with the pristine nature of the island. The Dive Shop makes sure all our staff experience Koh Rong and take the plunge into our waters!
Languages: English and Khmer.
Mao, Head Captain.
Mao is our fleets head captain, knowing all our divesites for years. He is the one to speak with about any kind of diving boat. He has been trained in diving by our instructors and from time to time you can find him beneath the surface enjoying a day of diving. Mao and his wife Ramy make a great team on the liveaboard trips, exploring the almost undived sites of the outer islands.
Languages: English and Khmer.
Rami, Boat Girl & Liveaboard Cook.
Rami is our head captains wife and the best boat boy, sorry girl, a diveboat can imagine. She is a brilliant cook and boss in the kitchen on all our liveaboard trips, ensuring no one is left hungry.
Languages: English and Khmer.
Aka, PADI Divemaster Trainee.
Aka started diving long before joining our Dive center. His father was a Khmer style commercial diver and Aka has been fascinated by the underwater world all his life. The outcome has been to study hard to finally become a PADI certified diver.
Languages: English and Khmer.
Sothea, Island Manager.
Sothea, nicknamed "Thea" is our island manager. He is responsible for the daily running on the island and the general well feeling of our guests. Sothea is always ready to give a helping hand on and around the pier.
Languages: English and Khmer.
Davy "Vy", Compressor Operator.
Vy, our compressor and machine specialist on the island, is a long standing member of The Dive Shop team. He became a diver not so long ago and is always pleased to empty one of his tanks himself. Vy is soon expecting his first baby with his wife on Koh Rong.
Languages: English and Khmer.
Ling He, Captain.
Ling He seems to be a quiet young captain but he is already super experienced in driving our boats. He always has a smile on his face when helping our divers in and out of the water.
Languages: English and Khmer.
Seth, Tuk Tuk Driver.
Seth is our driver, bringing our guests down to the harbour and picking them up after the dive trip. He also runs dive shop errands including quick trips to the post office and to our new dive shop in Otres Beach.
Languages: English and Khmer.
Srey Nak, Koh Rong Cleanliness Officer.
Srey Naks territory is mostly our dormroom on Koh Rong island. Originally from the island, she also helps out with the local childrens English classes.
Languages: Khmer.