Rudo | SSI Open Water Instructor

Hi, I’m Rudo.

From September 2024 to May 2025, I joined the Porto Mari team — first as backup on busy days, later taking on a regular weekly shift. At the same time, I was working full-time at the hospital on Curaçao as an anesthesia nurse. Switching between the operating room and the reef may sound like two different worlds, but for me they both revolve around responsibility, calm decision-making, and teamwork.

I became an instructor in 2022 under the PADI system and crossed over to SSI during the same period Porto Mari made the transition. Teaching has always been something I enjoy, but combining it with my medical background adds an extra layer. Unsurprisingly, React Right is one of my favorite courses to teach. First aid, emergency response, and staying composed under pressure are skills I live with daily — both in the hospital and underwater.

Some people know me as “Ari’s husband,” which I genuinely take as a compliment. We met during our IDC in 2022, travelled the world together afterward, and returned to Curaçao in 2024. Over time, I’ve built my own place in the dive world as well. As an instructor, I value structure, safety, and clear communication — without making the atmosphere feel rigid. Professionalism and a relaxed, approachable environment can absolutely go hand in hand.

Even though my time at Porto Mari was part-time, I was fully committed whenever I stepped onto the beach. Teaching, guiding, supporting the team — it felt good to contribute during a busy and evolving period for the dive center.

I still live on Curaçao, continue to dive regularly, and remain active as an instructor. Whether in scrubs or in a wetsuit, I’m most at home in environments where focus, trust, and teamwork matter.