Our Approach
As a proud Scuba Schools International (SSI) training center, we follow the highest standards for safety, education, and hands-on experience. Our courses—from Open Water through Advanced and Specialty certifications—combine solid training with real-world diving to help every student become a confident, capable, and courteous diver.
Our Story
Since 1999, Dolphin Dive Center has been sharing the adventure of scuba diving with the Athens community — training divers, leading trips, and inspiring a lifelong love for the ocean.
With more than 290 years of combined diving experience, our team brings exceptional skill, knowledge, and passion to every class and trip, building memories that last a lifetime.
Meet the Team
Tim Bridgham, Owner & Platinum Pro 5000 Instructor
Diving since 1973 | Total Dives: 3850
Since 1999, Tim has been guiding Dolphin Dive Center with a simple mission: to help others discover the same underwater wonder that first hooked him back in the early 1970s, when he and his father first learned to dive. Over the years, he’s built a welcoming community of divers in Athens — from brand-new students taking their first breaths underwater to seasoned professionals sharpening their skills. Tim especially enjoys working with public safety dive teams from local police and fire departments, and he’s proud to support the University of Georgia’s MARS4740 and MARS4750 Science of Diving courses that DDC teaches each semester.
Favorite Dive Site
The Maldives
Nic Bridgham, Co-Owner & Instructor
Diving since 2012 | Total Dives: 450+
As co-owner of Dolphin Dive Center and an SSI Instructor, Nic brings enthusiasm, warmth, and heart to every class she teaches. She loves introducing new divers to the magic of the underwater world and creating a learning experience that’s both supportive and unforgettable.
Favorite Dive Site
The Galapagos
Van Vier, Store Manager & Instructor
Diving since 1995 | Total Dives: 460+
As DDC’s store manager and an SSI Instructor, Van is always ready with expert advice and an easy smile. He teaches students through DDC and UGA’s Marine Science Department, helping divers learn, laugh, and gain confidence with every dive.
Favorite Dive Site
Curaçao
Dr. Scott Knoakes, Instructor
Diving since 1989 | Total Dives: 960+
Dr. Scott Knoakes is a research professor at the University of Georgia and leads the classroom portion of the MARS4740 Science of Diving course. His depth of knowledge, calm presence, and quiet humor make him a favorite among students.
Favorite Dive Site
Gray’s Reef, Cozumel
Jeremy Reaves, Instructor
Diving since 1999 | Total Dives: 1500+
Jeremy has been part of the Dolphin Dive Center team for more than fifteen years and is certified to teach through SSI, PADI, SDI, and DAN. Known for his thorough approach and upbeat personality, he keeps classes fun while making sure every diver learns to dive safely and by the book.
Favorite Dive Site
Papa Doc, Grand Bahama Island
Hunter Hinkle, Instructor
Diving since 2002 | Total Dives: 258+
Hunter is a skilled SSI Instructor known for his calm, down-to-earth teaching style that helps students feel relaxed and confident in the water. Always generous with his knowledge (and his stories!), he brings a friendly, encouraging presence to every dive — day or night.
Favorite Dive Site
Ghost Mountain, Grand Cayman
Allen Reynolds, Instructor
Diving since 2018 | Total Dives: 172+
Allen brings high energy and a genuine love for teaching to every class he leads. His expressive, engaging style and natural leadership make him a favorite among college students and divers of all ages.
Favorite Dive Site
Bonaire
Mike Mech, Service Technician & Dive Master
Diving since 2017 | Total Dives: 449+
Mike learned to dive with Dolphin Dive Center and is now an essential part of the team. As a certified service technician and experienced dive master, he shares a wealth of knowledge from years of diving across the Caribbean and Mexico.
Favorite Dive Site
Cozumel & Curaçao
Bill Van Vie, Dive Master
Diving since 1991 | Total Dives: 559+
Bill is a certified dive master whose calm, cheerful presence helps students feel comfortable and confident in the water. He brings an easy confidence and steady focus to every dive he supports.
Favorite Dive Site
Molasses Reef, Key Largo
Rick Dearing, Dive Master
Diving since 1992 | Total Dives: 150+
Rick is a certified dive master whose calm confidence and easygoing style help students feel safe and supported in the water.
Favorite Dive Site
Crete & Bonaire
Sarah Hinkle, Dive Master-in-Training
Diving since 2017 | Total Dives: 91+
Sarah is a Dive Master-in-training who lives for the magic of the underwater world, especially GLOW (UV) night dives that light up the soul. Whether guiding divers or creating buzz behind the scenes, she brings vibrant energy, ocean reverence, and a joyful spark to the Dolphin Dive team.
Favorite Dive Site
Cayman Islands, glow dive
Craig Gum, Dive Master-in-Training
Diving since 2005 | Total Dives: 210+
Craig is a professional photographer and visual artist who brings his creative perspective to every dive. His eye for detail and appreciation for the underwater world make him a great addition to the DDC team.
Favorite Dive Site
Cozumel & Bonaire
Your recreational adventure awaits…
Scuba diving is the exploration of the 70% of the world covered in ocean. Less than 5% of the entire world’s population will ever see what lies underwater, will you?