Jeremiah Minner earned his PADI Open Water Diver certification in 1996 while attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. After graduating, he served as a submarine officer, where his connection to the ocean deepened. Throughout his Navy career, Jeremiah’s enthusiasm for scuba diving never wavered and he now shares this passion with his family.
As a dedicated educator, Jeremiah’s teaching experience spans decades and ranges from martial arts to cybersecurity. However, his passion remains scuba instruction. A PADI Master Instructor and Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer, Jeremiah is certified to teach 15 dive specialties and the Emergency First Response Instructor course.
In recognition of his dedication to diver education, Jeremiah received a 2024-2025 Elite Instructor Award, a distinction awarded to PADI instructors who have significantly contributed to training and certifying new divers.
He has had the opportunity to dive in Connecticut, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Honduras, Oahu, Guam, Okinawa, South Korea, and Australia. Jeremiah has also worked as a dive professional in Kauai.
Alyssa Yates is a PADI IDC Staff Instructor. She is an instructor in 9 specialties, plus Emergency First Response (Primary and Secondary Care, as well as Care for Children). Her teaching style combines patience, encouragement, safety, and genuine connection, creating an environment where students feel supported from their very first breath underwater to professional-level training.
Beyond scuba instruction, Alyssa has an extensive background in teaching and coaching. Her experience working with children and adults through yoga and gymnastics coaching, shaped her ability to adapt to different learning styles and help students overcome fear, build confidence, and truly enjoy the learning process.
In any diving interaction, Alyssa’s goal is always the same: create safe, memorable, and transformative experiences that inspire people to fall in love with the underwater world.
She has had the opportunity to dive in Texas, Colorado, Utah, Honduras, Belize, and Turks and Caicos. Alyssa has also worked full-time as a dive professional in St. Croix, Cozumel, and Kauai.
At Def14nt Divers, our mission is to provide exceptional scuba instruction and experiences that inspire confidence, safety, and adventure. As a PADI Instructor-owned business, we are committed to fostering a supportive and engaging environment for divers of all levels. From those who just want to try a scuba class in the pool, all the way to seasoned PADI professionals, we deliver personalized training, ensuring every student gains the skills, knowledge, and confidence to explore the underwater world safely and responsibly, building a lifelong passion for diving.
Take the first step toward your scuba diving certification with Def14nt Divers. Our expert instructors will guide you through every stage of training, ensuring you’re prepared for safe and exciting underwater adventures.
Book your scuba diving certification course today and dive into a whole new world of adventure!