Denis | PADI Instructor
Denis, an ICU nurse with Argentinian, Italian, and British roots, helped Porto Mari through the corona winter with his enthusiasm and a whole procession of healthcare colleagues.
My story at Porto Mari actually began quite simply: with an introductory dive on June 1, 2021. I had come to Curaçao as an interim ICU nurse to support the hospital during the coronavirus pandemic. At first, diving was just something to clear my mind between intensive shifts.
But as it goes: an intro became an Open Water. Then came Advanced. Then Rescue. And before I knew it, I was in the middle of a whole series of specialties. Eventually, I completed my Divemaster training. And even that wasn’t enough for me. I even took an IDC and became an instructor. It all went quickly — but it felt logical, and I felt at home with Kasper, Joost, Sander, and later also Alba.
I’m from Argentina, have Italian roots, and have also lived in England. Because of that, I speak fluent Spanish, Italian, and English — which, of course, came in handy at a place like Porto Mari.
In my search for even more ways to dive, I also discovered sidemount. At the time, I had to go to another dive school for that. I earned my sidemount certification and enthusiastically shared how it felt to have to learn to trim, plan, and think underwater all over again. I think I got Kasper a bit hooked as well, because shortly after, he took the same course.
What really made my time at Porto Mari special was that I didn’t just keep coming myself. I brought my colleagues along. We had come to Curaçao to help on the Covid ward of the hospital, but among us, another virus was spreading — the diving virus. And I didn’t mind that being contagious at all. I introduced colleague after colleague to the dive school. Not two or three, but dozens of nurses and healthcare workers completed their Open Water and advanced courses at Porto Mari. It became a kind of second home base for the ICU crew.
That period was intense, but also incredibly warm and connected. It’s no exaggeration to say that together — above and below water — we got through that corona winter. When I think back to Porto Mari, I don’t just think of diving, but of friendship, resilience, and a whole group of healthcare workers who could finally catch their breath underwater.