Meet the Houston Scuba Academy Staff

Marjorie Young started her diving adventure at Houston Scuba Academy in 1985 fresh out of college. Marjorie fell in love with the sport and became a Dive Control Specialist in 1987 and received her instructor's certification in 1990. She has worked part time at Houston Scuba Academy since 1987 and became President in 2002.

She received her certified Handicap Scuba Association instructor license in 1996 and enjoys working with physically challenged students. She is also a certified instructor for the Scuba Ranger program and is continuing to develop an enriched Scuba Ranger program with Bill Bailey.

Marjorie has a wide range of diving experiences and even made the leap into technical diving and cold water diving. Next time you see her ask her about the Wreck of the Princess Sophia in Alaska, the 205 foot dive in Forty Fathom Grotto or the snorkel with 30 adult dolphins, 4 baby dolphins and 5 human kids.

John Buano is currently our Sales and Marketing manager. John has been an Advanced Open Water Instructor since 2000, has certified more than 100 students and will be making his 1000 th dive in 2012. He became certified over 30 years ago in a snowy, lake in Pennsylvania. This required changing into a wet wetsuit, while standing in the snow, before getting into the 50 degree lake.

John has worked as an instructor and safety diver, teaching offshore workers sea survival and helicopter simulator evacuations. He has volunteered at Moody Garden's aquarium (Caribbean Exhibit) and on Flower Gardens trips as a naturalist. His favorite dives include the Channel Islands (bat rays, sea lions, harbor seals & giant black sea bass), Hawaii (Monk seals, turtles & mantas) and Flower Gardens (mantas, sharks, jacks & groupers). He is always looking for the opportunity to go diving.

Chuck Koziol became an instructor in 2000. He has been diving for over 12 years and has experience diving the South Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, and Caribbean. Chuck is also our certified repair technician. Combine all this experience with Chuck's enthusiasm for diving and you have a great trip leader.

Steve Busby wanted to scuba dive ever since he was in grade school. Even after watching Sea Hunt and reading Skin Diver Magazine he only obtained his C-Card in 1989. His first trips were to the Flower Gardens. Having been there many times, he especially likes the Hammerhead trips. Steve's first away trip was Cozumel. He fell in love with the island, diving, and has returned on several trips. His most memorable trips were Fiji, the Galapagos Islands, and Belize. He enjoys volunteering at Aquarena Springs and diving at Bonne Terre Mine. Steve will dive anytime the opportunity presents itself! After becoming a DiveCon, he found teaching rewarding and challenging.

Now, as instructor, he gets to do more of what he loves. Recently, Steve became a Certified Repair Technician for ScubaPro and has been assisting Chuck.

Bob Mease began his underwater adventure learning to dive with Houston Scuba Academy and has been part of the HSA family ever since, becoming an Instructor and sharing his love of diving. He has enjoyed most of his diving in the Caribbean including all of the 'Saints' - St Lucia, St Bart's, St Marteen, St Thomas..., as well as old favorites Cozumel and Belize and a few spots in the Pacific and Africa.

He enjoys teaching challenges and helping his students become confident and comfortable divers so that they will enjoy the incredible underwater world as much as he does.

Gary Swearingen has been diving since 1982. He has been an instructor with Houston Scuba Academy since 1986. He owned and lived on the Turks and Caicos Aggressor for a year working as a video instructor. He has taught over 2,000 students and over 6,000 dives. According to his students he is incrediably fun and very patient.

Stephen and Patty Harrell had and continue to have individual hobbies, but finally found something they both enjoyed when they started diving together in 1992. Their first trip was to the Philippines and they shall return to the South Pacific every few years.

After their initial experiences, they continued to dive and, finding no other hobbies in common, continued dive training, becoming instructors in 1995. Since then, they have trained and certified many students and continue active in spite of Patty’s advanced age (over 30) and Stephen’s warped sense of humor (he’s certifiable).

Stephen and Patty’s dive experiences include the Red Sea, the South Pacific, various Caribbean locations including Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico. They appreciate warm waters and tropical locations. Their favorite dive location is Cozumel, where gentle drift diving, the year-round pleasant weather, close proximity to Houston, the spectacular underwater scenery, and the congenial local folks all contribute to an ‘all-around’ great experience

Jim King's first dive was a "bucket list" thing on a cruise to Cozumel. All it took was a 20 minute discover scuba at Chankanaab and he was hooked. In 2008, he became an open water diver, quickly followed by his Nitrox and Advanced Open Water certifications. Jim has spent a couple of years diving up and down the Riveria Maya, Cozumel, Gulf Coast , and Texas's inner lakes.

In 2010, he decided it was time to further his dive education and enrolled in and completed the Dive Control Specialist course. With 140+ dives he plans to continue his education and become an instructor.

To Jim, diving is one of the most peaceful events you will ever experience. So, come take a refresher course with Jim, and hone your skills and knowledge. Then you can explore this awesome world of diving with confidence

Paul Hoffman started diving in 1993 with a trip to Grand Cayman. He was hooked for life. He eventually wanted more out of diving and became a dive control specialist in 2005. He has been diving in numerous other caribbean locations including Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, and Utilla. Ask him about Bonaire where he has visited 7 times. Paul's wife and two sons also dive making it a family sport.

Paul has taught refresher, snorkel, and discover scuba classes as well as helping out with spring and halloween bash outings and open water weekends.