David E. Schmidt
Tower, MN 55790
(218) 750-2212
Dave grew up in the candy wholesale business. While at a candy convention in the US Virgin Islands he went snorkeling. As he was snorkeling he kept seeing scuba divers down below him. Wanting to be down with the scuba divers he enrolled in a scuba class when he got home. After his first breath underwater, he knew the exciting underwater world would be a big part of his life.
Dave went on to become a scuba instructor. For several years he taught scuba diving at St. Cloud State University through the physical education department. While teaching Dave often thought it would be beneficial to be able to take his students out in a boat. Due to the laws regarding compensation for boats for hire on the water, Dave needed to get a boat captains license. So he packed up and headed for the Gulf of Mexico.
He worked for a large marine transportation company for four and a half years, in their supply boat division. He shuttled supplies to and from the oil rigs out in the gulf. He started as a deck hand and worked his way up to captain. After becoming a captain he decided to return to Minnesota and pursue his passion of working above and below the water.
As a United States Coast Guard licensed captain, he can operate any steam or motor vessel up to 500 gross tons upon any water, he has his oceans endorsement. He also is a PADI scuba instructor. He teaches beginner through Divemaster. His scuba specialties include Night Diver, Deep Diver, Multilevel Diver, Equipment Specialist, Underwater Photographer, and Boat Diver. He has been diving since 1989 in freshwater lakes as well as in Bonair, N.A., Belize, C.A., and the Bimini Islands, Bahamas.
Dave's Professional Experience
