Hit the
Find your depth —
Dive. Lead. Instruct.
It's not magic.
Raise the Divebar builds its professional & recreational scuba courses around custom-designed training and instruction—keeping classes small and providing flexible course schedules.
We are committed to being on the leading edge of diver education. Raise the Divebar adheres to a performance-based curriculum, enabling students to progress at their own speed.
State-of-the-art teaching techniques and tools are included in our courses, in order to ensure that your learning experience and your core curriculum are up to date and exciting.
We demonstrate our commitment to learn by participating in continuing education classes and industry symposiums.
Michael’s extensive PADI education has taught him the finer points of instruction, the psychology of evaluation, and the essentials of applied knowledge. He believes that it is one thing to simply learn something, but another to retain & apply that learning to everyday life. That is a Course Director.
With each student, he builds comprehensive dive education plans that reflect the needs of the student—all centered on developing a student’s personal and professional goals.
Everyday, Michael finds strength & purpose by observing life’s little contrasts. What should you expect from him? Michael is a thorough, engaging teacher who is filled with ebullient energy & depth.
He will help students to make their mark, to define long-term & short-term goals. Whether a student is an entry-level diver, or is focused on professional development, Michael is delighted to work with those who are always willing to learn.
“Just do it. That would be my advice for anyone looking to get scuba certified, especially if you’re considering taking your first giant stride with Michael as your instructor.
Becoming a PADI Professional is a big step, but I am very grateful that it didn’t have to be intimidating. Through my Instructor Development Course, Michael always made sure that we were thoroughly covering all the course materials, but also made sure to leave plenty of time to answer any questions I had. By the time we finished my IDC, I felt confident and prepared, not only for the Instructor Examination, but I also felt ready to teach my first class as an PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
One of the most important parts of teaching scuba at any level is learning to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of your students. No two open water students or PADI Pros will be the same and Michael goes out of his way to make sure everyone feels comfortable, confident, and equipped for whatever goals his students are striving toward.”
Abby L.
Master Scuba Diver Trainer
“After recently going through an Instructor Development Course with Michael Casey he makes it very simple as to what has to be accomplished and what is to be expected from the course.
With everything to be accomplished from the course Michael took the time to make sure any question a student had was answered even if it meant late nights and early mornings he would be there for us excited and ready to teach. His excitement and positive attitude is certainly contagious and one of the most positive influences on my drive to become an Instructor and will certainly be a fantastic time and memory I look back on as I push on to get my Course Director certification.”
Devon B.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
“My son is autistic and Michael was ‘PERFECT’ for the task in scuba certification for my son. It was fun, enjoyable and made possible with appropriate accommodations. Michael’s personality was contagious in the most fun positive way.
We felt so fortunate and thankful.”
Kandy S.
“Michael is the most adaptable and patient instructor you could ever hope for. Whether you’re getting your open water or preparing for your instructor exam, he takes the time to work with you and ensure you’re not just competent, but confident, in your skills. I’ve seen him adjust his teaching style to a multitude of different learning styles, making sure his students learn the way they’re most comfortable. I recommend Michael, wholeheartedly, for any training level. You will be a better diver for having worked with him!”
Gina N.
PADI Assistant Instructor
“One of Michael’s most noteworthy characteristics is the ability to encourage and instill confidence in others. I’ve been lucky enough to have Michael as my boss and my teacher. In both capacities he made me feel like I could accomplish anything I put my mind to, so I did! Now I consider Michael a dear friend and a respected mentor. If you need a positive and energetic coach or manager, Michael Casey is your man.”
Michelle A.
PADI Rescue Diver
“For some time I searched for a Course Director that would meet my high standards and provide me with the necessary tools to become a PADI PRO. That is when I met Michael from Raise the Divebar! Michael is a dedicated enthusiastic CD who is always available to answer the “how”, “why” and “why not?” questions.
Raise the Divebar Is the location to go if you are interested in becoming a PADI Scuba Instructor, Michael will accommodate to your schedule and meet your needs in a timely manner.
All the best to this amazing PADI Gold Course Director.”
Carlos P.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
“I highly recommend Raise the Divebar to anyone who wants to advance their PADI career!
My Course Director, Michael Casey, was key in preparing me for the PADI Instructor exams. He really catered to MY needs every step of the way by:
scheduling classes around my full-time job
making sure that I had all materials at my fingertips
offering all lessons and classes in an organized, understandable manner
assisting me with extra help in my weak areas (lets face it, I am NOT good at physics or public speaking!)
giving me great anecdotes to flesh out my understanding of real life teaching scenarios
and he was always upbeat and positive throughout the course
During the exam, I felt that I was more prepared and confident than most of the other attendees and was thrilled with my scores!! Michaels guidance and support throughout the course made all the difference in the world!
Thank you Raise the Divebar and Michael, for all of your support, instruction and preparation for the PADI Dive Instructor exams! I look forward to working with you for my MSDT certification.”
Kara B.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
“ As a new Instructor, I was able to shadow Michael as he led scuba courses in the Caribbean. His patience, leadership, and ability to make every aspect of the dive course safe and fun were huge inspirations in helping me develop into the Instructor I am today. He has given me so much confidence and strength as a dive professional, and I had such an amazing experience with having Michael as a coworker and mentor.
I strongly recommend signing up for courses with him! Whether you are starting out as a beginner, or are becoming a dive professional, Michael has such amazing insight and compassion to guide you on your scuba journey.”
Carly H.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor / Scientific Research Diver
“Michael Casey is one of the most knowledgeable dive instructors I know in South Florida. If you are looking to learn how to dive or advance your diving skills, I highly recommend Raise the Divebar! I’m a PADI Divemaster and have been diving for 27 years.”
Barbara T.
PADI Divemaster
“Michael Casey is one of the most knowledgeable dive instructors I know in South Florida. If you are looking to learn how to dive or advance your diving skills, I highly recommend Raise the Divebar! I’m a PADI Divemaster and have been diving for 27 years.”
Dr. Lyell H.
PADI Staff Instructor
“ I met Michael Casey in 2019 as an eager Divemaster ready to begin my Instructor Development Course. Sitting through the course with Michael was an absolute pleasure. He was very adaptable with the material, allowing me to learn in the best way that worked for me. His professionalism is unbeatable; he truly is an expert in all things SCUBA. Michael’s positivity and encouragement is contagious. He makes learning the harder parts of the courses as fun as the diving!
Michael Casey is the best instructor I have had the pleasure of working with in my professional diving career, and a large part of that is because he will never admit it. Every accomplishment a student makes is entirely their own; however, he takes great pride in his students’ progress. After my course with Michael, he has continued to mentor me in my professional journey, and his technical SCUBA knowledge as well as his professional knowledge of the industry has been a huge asset to me. I highly recommend taking a course from Michael. You will leave with an understanding of SCUBA that goes beyond the material and enthusiasm that will last a lifetime.”
Sonja B.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor / Scientific Research Diver
