Matt DucarInstructor

  • Highest Dive Rating Held: Advanced Instructor
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Background:

Matt started diving back in 2000, but in those early years it was more of an occasional adventure than a full-blown obsession. That all changed when his daughter got certified. Suddenly, diving became more than just a hobby—it became a way to share time, experiences, and a little bit of underwater challenge with his family.

Preparing to dive safely with his kids, Matt enrolled in a Stress & Rescue course—and that’s where things started to snowball. What began as a practical step turned into a passion project, and before long, Matt found himself climbing the ranks through Master Diver, Dive Guide, and ultimately earning his Instructor rating.

These days, you’ll find Matt diving locally as often as possible—especially when there are scallops or lobsters involved. He loves the hands-on, practical side of New England diving, and he’s happiest underwater with a catch bag in one hand and a sense of purpose in the other.

As an instructor, Matt brings the same care and intention he brought to diving with his own family. He’s calm, patient, and focused on helping people gain real confidence—not just to pass a course, but to enjoy every dive that comes after it.

Favorite Dive Site:

For a solid local day dive, Matt’s go-to is Old Garden Beach. Easy access, good structure, and the kind of spot where you can take your time and still find something new every dive. For night dives, he loves Folly Cove—especially when the bioluminescence kicks in and everything feels just a little more alive.

If he’s hopping on a boat, Burnham Rock is the top of the list. Great structure, great depth, and always a chance for a surprise encounter. Whether it’s teaching or just diving for himself, these are the spots that keep Matt coming back.

Favorite Creature:

Scallops. No question. Sure, they don’t exactly dazzle like a manta ray or pose for photos like a seahorse—but they’re fast, fun to chase, and best of all… they’re delicious. For Matt, scallop season isn’t just a dive plan—it’s a lifestyle.

Favorite Certification Course:

Science of Diving is hands-down Matt’s favorite. As a self-proclaimed science nerd, he loves diving into the physics, physiology, and theory behind what we do underwater. It’s the kind of course that pulls back the curtain and helps divers really understand what’s going on every time they drop beneath the surface—and that deeper understanding makes for smarter, safer, and more curious divers.

Goals In The Dive Industry:

For Matt, diving started as something fun to do—but it quickly became something he needed to do. It’s a way to connect with family, clear his head, and get outside his everyday routine. Whether he’s chasing scallops, geeking out over deco theory, or helping someone through their first pool session, diving keeps him curious, focused, and grounded. He dives because the ocean never gets old—and because sharing it makes it even better.

Dive Kit:

Matt’s dive kit is set up for New England practicality: rugged, simple, and made to haul gear and dinner. He dives a backplate and wing setup for flexibility and control, paired with steel 100s that give him the extra gas he likes for longer scallop runs. His drysuit is a tried-and-true neoprene that’s seen a few seasons but still keeps him warm through the winter months. He swears by his trusty Mares Quattros—because when you’re kicking across a rocky bottom looking for lobsters, you want something that just works.

Whether it’s teaching a class or chasing crustaceans, Matt’s gear is dialed in for comfort, durability, and the kind of diving he actually does.