Dive Team

Meet the captains, crew and instructors aboard the Scuba Express!


 Capt Ryan – Master Captain & PADI Divemaster


Capt Brandon – Master Captain & PADI Divemaster


Chelsey – PADI MSDT/Instructor/Dive Master

DM Chelsey scuba express

Originally from Minnesota, Chelsey grew up going to Florida where her passion for marine life began at a young age. She has worked at multiple aquariums and marine labs. Chelsey has gained  many years of experience with marine science education, field research, sea turtle nest monitoring, and data collection. She began at Express as an intern through Coastal Carolina University in 2014 and has worked her way up to divemaster. Chelsey can also be found in the shop behind the desk or servicing gear. Chelsey is always eager to expand her knowledge of marine science and conservation and is excited to share her passion with others. In 2015 Chelsey traveled to Florida and received her instructor certification making her an even more valuable member on our team!


Alyssa – PADI MSDT / Instructor/ OUPV Captain

Alyssa has been with us since 2021 where she started as an intern while attending Coastal Carolina University. Alyssa worked her way up to Divemaster and went on to go get her PADI OWSI Instructor. Alyssa can teach a range of specialty courses and CPR/ 1st aid! Alyssa is also one of the store’s managers, she can be found in the shop behind the counter helping with sales or servicing gear. She recently obtained her OUPV captain’s license and is training to be one of our captains.


Cole Riggins- PADI DiveMaster/ Gear Tech/ DOT Hydro Tester

Cole is one of our Divemasters that started as an intern back in 2019. He is also our lead gear technician in the back of the shop. Servicing all of our rental and customer gear. He also performs all of the visual and hydrostatic testing on the tanks that go through the back! In Cole’s free time he loves to spearfish and surf! Cole is also working towards his captains license.


Kati Prandi-  PADI DiveMaster/Gear Tech/DOT Hydro Tester/OUPV Captain

Kati is one of our Divemasters that started as an intern in 2021. Kati has dove all over the world researching coral reefs. During the offseason, she volunteers with the Coral Restoration Foundation in the Florida Keys. Graduating from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in marine science, you can be sure to learn a lot about the underwater world from her! Kati is also one of our technicians, servicing gear and performing visual and hydrostatic testing on tanks. Kati has also just obtained her OUPV Captain’s license and is training to be one of our captains.


Nick – PADI DiveMaster

Divemaster Nick

Originally from Pennsylvania, Nick got certified as a diver on the island of Sardinia while living in Rome, Italy.  His career with the U.S. Department of State took him around the world where he was able to dive at some of the best dive locations in the world.  Upon retiring, he moved to Myrtle Beach and continued his PADI education at Express Watersports becoming a Master Scuba Diver and an Assistant Instructor.  You’ll find him on our dive boat during the summer months helping people get ready for their dives and conducting tours of our many wreck sites.  Nick is also an accomplished professional photographer and has written a number of books.