John Godfrey
A Journey from the Depths to Empowering Futures
John Godfrey’s remarkable journey into the diving world began with curiosity and ambition.
“A friend of mine showed me an ad for the school in a Dive magazine. Then 3 months later I was enrolled in classes at the Ocean Corp,”
Embarking on a Diving Adventure
John Godfrey’s remarkable journey into the diving world began with curiosity and ambition. “A friend of mine showed me an ad for the school in a Dive magazine. Then 3 months later I was enrolled in classes at the Ocean Corp,” John recalls, marking the start of a storied career that spanned the globe and even reached the stars at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab. His work, from offshore salvage to preparing astronauts for space missions, underscores a career filled with achievement and adventure.
A Lifetime of Proud Achievements
Reflecting on his diverse experiences, John views his career as a continuum of proud moments. “I look at my entire career in the diving industry as an achievement that I am proud of,” he states, emphasizing the value of each project and role he has undertaken, from dive supervisor to operations manager, and the profound impact of his contributions to the field.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Transitioning to teaching was a natural step for John, driven by a desire for change and the joy of imparting knowledge. “After 33 years in the industry, I wanted a change to a field that would let me stay home with family at the end of the workday,” John explains, highlighting the personal motivations behind his decision to join The Ocean Corporation as an instructor. His passion for teaching shines through his daily commitment: “Just doing my best to teach my students to the best of my ability every day of class,” is his teaching mantra, whether it is addressing the class or offering one-on-one guidance.
Engagement Through Personal Connection
John’s teaching style is deeply personal, aiming to connect with each student on an individual level. “I try to read my students individually and do my best to teach to their individual personalities in a way that they will keep their interest in learning what I am teaching them,” he describes, ensuring that his classes are not only informative but also engaging and responsive to each student’s needs.
A Model of Patience and Perseverance
Outside the classroom, John’s hobbies like model building and woodworking mirror the patience and precision he instructs his students. These interests, he believes, influence his professional approach by teaching “the need to learn patience to overcome their difficulties in learning.” This philosophy extends to his educational goals, aiming for every student to fully understand and retain the lessons taught, marking true success by their long-term comprehension and application of the material.
John Godfrey’s journey from the depths of commercial diving to the forefront of educational excellence is a testament to the power of experience, the value of lifelong learning, and the importance of personal connection in teaching. His story is a beacon for students at The Ocean Corporation, guiding them toward a future where they too can achieve their ambitions in the diving industry.