AJ KuzmissionAssistant Training Director
AJ Kuzmission's Gallery:
Background:
AJ has saltwater in his veins and a compass in his heart—his journey in the dive industry has taken him from the shores of Massachusetts to the reefs of Roatán. With a degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Miami and years of hands-on experience at dive operations like Squalo Divers in Florida and CoCoView Resort in Honduras, AJ has built his reputation on world-class diver training, environmental stewardship, and an uncanny ability to keep calm even when things get deep (literally and figuratively).
Before joining East Coast Divers as our Assistant Training Director, AJ was the Dive Shop Assistant Manager at CoCoView, where he ran day-to-day operations, taught a wide range of courses, and earned a fanbase of divers who came for the reefs but returned for AJ’s humor and steady guidance underwater. He’s a PADI IDC Staff Instructor and certified to teach a full roster of specialties—from Wreck and Deep to Adaptive Techniques and Dive Against Debris.
At ECD, AJ now plays a key role in developing our next generation of pros. Whether he’s mentoring divemaster candidates, tweaking training curriculum, or fine-tuning logistics for open water weekends, AJ brings organization, heart, and a whole lot of underwater nerd knowledge to the table.
If you ask him what he loves most about diving, he’ll probably tell you: “The people, the critters, and the peace you find when the only thing you can hear is your own breath.” And if you dive with him? You’ll see exactly what he means.
Favorite Dive Site:
AJ’s pick? The Great White Wall in Taveuni, Fiji. It’s one of those surreal sites that makes you stop mid-kick and just float for a second. The soft coral wall is absolutely electric—like diving through a lavender dreamscape. Add in the swim-throughs and the insane visibility, and yeah… you get why it left a mark.
Favorite Creature:
Octopus, hands down. Smart, curious, elusive—basically the Houdinis of the ocean. AJ’s got a serious soft spot for these eight-armed geniuses. If there's one watching him while he’s teaching or cruising a reef, that’s a guaranteed highlight.
Favorite Certification Course:
Teaching Divemaster. There’s something special about watching divers make that leap—from passionate enthusiasts to confident professionals. AJ loves helping future leaders grow into their own, refine their skills, and start thinking like mentors. It’s not just about the diving—it’s about shaping the dive community’s next generation.
Goals In The Dive Industry:
AJ is passionate about building a dive culture that emphasizes buoyancy control, environmental awareness, and quiet confidence over ego. He believes diving should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or bravado, and that the best divers are calm, capable, and curious. Whether it’s helping students dial in their trim, leading pro-level development, or just nerding out over conservation, AJ is all in on shaping a better, more inclusive future for the dive world.