SDI Instructor Marcel Taubert -

Marcel Taubert

Stories from Diving with an SDI Instructor

Name: Marcel Taubert

Country of origin: Germany

Place of residence: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Dive club / dive center: Deep Dive Mexico

Highest diving certifications: Instructor Trainer

Highest instructor certifications: Instructor Trainer

How do you remember your first course as an instructor?

From the moment I took my first breath underwater, I knew the ocean would be more than just a place I visited, it would be my passion. The feeling of weightlessness, the vibrant marine life, and the quiet calm beneath the surface awakened a curiosity I couldn’t ignore. Every dive was an adventure, every reef a new story waiting to be discovered.

As my experience grew, I realized that sharing these moments brought me just as much joy as experiencing them myself. Watching someone’s eyes widen behind a mask when they see their first sea turtle or witnessing a diver’s confidence grow from that first hesitant step off the boat, became incredibly rewarding.

Becoming a dive instructor was my way of turning passion into purpose. It allowed me to combine my love for exploration with teaching and guiding others not just to dive, but to connect deeply with the underwater world. For me, it’s not only about skills and safety, it’s about inspiring the same respect and wonder for the ocean that first inspired me.

What motivates you to keep teaching diving every day?

What keeps me motivated every day is seeing the transformation in people. A student might arrive feeling nervous, unsure, or even a little intimidated by the idea of breathing underwater. But after a few skills, a little encouragement, and that first magical glimpse of the underwater world, everything changes.

I get to witness those “wow” moments, when someone spots their first shark, glides over a coral garden, or realizes they’re completely weightless for the first time. Those reactions never get old.

Have you ever had a student who surprised you or taught you something?

Absolutely. Over the years, I’ve learned that teaching diving is never a one-way street, my students teach me just as much as I teach them. One that stands out was a student who arrived absolutely terrified of the ocean. She almost quit before even getting in the water. But with patience, slow progress, and a few laughs along the way, she not only completed her course, but went on to become one of the most confident divers I’ve ever trained.

What do you think sets apart a good instructor from an exceptional one?

A good instructor can teach you the skills to pass a course. An exceptional instructor makes you feel confident, safe, and inspired while doing it.

The difference is often in the details, patience when a student struggles, the ability to adapt teaching methods to different personalities, and the willingness to go beyond the minimum standards to make sure every diver leaves not just competent, but truly comfortable in the water.

An exceptional instructor doesn’t just focus on the “how,” but also on the “why”, instilling a respect for the ocean, encouraging environmental awareness, and sharing a genuine passion for the underwater world. They create an experience that students remember for life, not just a certification card.

Why did you choose SDI as the diving agency you work with?

I chose SDI because their philosophy aligns perfectly with how I believe diving should be taught, focused on real-world application, modern training methods, and student comfort. SDI embraces the use of the latest technology and teaching tools, which allows me to make learning more engaging and accessible for my students. I also appreciate their emphasis on flexibility and quality over rigid, outdated traditions. It means I can adapt my courses to the individual needs of each diver while still meeting high safety and skill standards.

Which courses do you enjoy teaching the most and why?

While I enjoy every type of course, I find the greatest joy in teaching beginner-level divers and Instructor Development Courses (IDCs)—two stages that couldn’t be more different yet are equally rewarding.

With beginners, everything is new. I get to guide people through their very first breaths underwater, help them overcome nerves, and watch them light up as they experience marine life up close for the first time. Those moments remind me of my own first dives and why I fell in love with the sport in the first place. It’s a privilege to be the one who opens that door for them.

On the other end of the spectrum, teaching IDCs is about shaping the next generation of dive professionals. Here, I’m not just passing on skills, but mentoring future instructors on how to inspire, lead, and teach with passion. Watching candidates grow into confident, capable instructors—and knowing they’ll go on to influence countless new divers themselves—is incredibly fulfilling.

For me, these two levels capture the heart of diving: the excitement of first discovery and the responsibility of passing that passion forward.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your career as an instructor so far?

It’s hard to choose just one, but the most rewarding moment was watching one of my former beginner students walk across the stage to receive their Instructor Certification. Years earlier, they had arrived nervous, unsure if they could even finish their Open Water course. We worked through every challenge together, dive by dive, until they gained the skills and confidence to not only enjoy diving but make it their career.

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