I got certified in 1977 by a Navy instructor. I continued my diving education through out the years and went from OW, AOW, RD, Nitrox, DM and finally Assistant Instructor. I also did Ice, DPV, drysuit, wreck, cavern and cave diving. My diving career ended on January 18, 2007 when I had a heart attack (not while I was diving). I have not dove since. I am thankful that I got to do a lot throughout those years. It's nice to come back to this forum and read up on all the advancements. My wife likes to snorkel so it looks like I will at least continue to do that.