I moved to North Carolina, shortly after graduating from the University of Memphis, to join IBM's Development Laboratory in Research Triangle Park. My diving experiences in Memphis had been mostly limited to freshwater lakes, and the opportunity to be this close to the ocean was a real plus. While discovering the wreck diving that our coast offers, I met a couple of YMCA SCUBA Instructors. Like a lot of people, I didn't realize at that time that the YMCA had played a key role in the development of SCUBA instruction in the United States. But after observing these instructors teach and talking with them about their and the YMCA's teaching philosophy, I decided to work toward becoming a YMCA SCUBA instructor also. This was a decision I have never regretted, for over the years I have found the YMCA SCUBA program to be filled with outstanding people of similar character and dedication to those I first met. My special diving interests include in underwater photography and coral reef ecology. In the 1980's I served as president of the North Carolina Wreck Divers Association and in the 1990's was the regional coordinator for YMCA SCUBA for North and South Carolina. My wife and I have completed a book: Venomous & Toxic Marine Life of the World, which was published in January of 1996. Some of the places I've dived are: the many wrecks of the coast of North Carolina; Florida's freshwater springs, Palm Beaches, and Keys; several islands in the Bahamas; Saba and Bonaire in the Netherlands Antiles; Brazil; Japan; Hawaii; Mexico; and the Great Barrier Reef. My wife (Pat) and I have a son (Michael) who is also a diver. Oh yes, about my business name - Undersea Ventures. Just being and swimming underwater makes for a very satisfying experience. But I have always felt that it is the things we do while SCUBA diving that provide the most enjoyment and satisfaction. For me it is underwater photography. For others it may be learning to identify marine animals; exploring a shipwreck; or even participating in an archeological study of an underwater site. For this reason, I try to offer a balanced schedule of entry level, advanced and specialty courses each year. Please visit my personal Home Page at www.seascripts.com/paul