North County Scuba Center Instructional Staff

Greg Knyper

Designations:

SSI Instructor Certifier
Underwater Crime Scene Investigator
DAN Course Director
TDI Mixed Gas Instructor
SDI Instructor
NASDS Instructor
Aqualung Research & Development Diver

Biography:

Greg’s illustrious diving career began quite by accident. In 1978 Greg entered a contest at the Rancho Santa Fe Youth Center and won a free Intro to Scuba class. The rest, as they say, is history. And what an incredible history it is. Upon getting certified, Greg knew that this was going to be more than just a sport but rather a way of life for him. At the age of 14, he started working at the world famous Dive Locker cleaning out dive gear on his summer breaks. In 1982, after completing the required steps to attain his Master Diver certification, Greg was asked by the Dive Locker to become a dive professional by working on his Dive Control Specialist designation. In 1984, at the age of 18, Greg became the youngest Open Water Instructor in North America.

In order to pursue his diving career even further, Greg enrolled in a commercial diving school in Long Beach. From 1986 - 1990 Greg travelled around the world as a commercial diver working on oil platforms, rigs and many other sites. Today he still consults as a commercial diver on projects around the world.

In 1995, after returning to the recreational scuba forum, Greg received his Master Instructor rating. In 1998, Greg founded North County Scuba Center in Encinitas. In 1999 he became a Public Safety diver and began working with Del Mar Lifeguards, a position he still holds today.

In 2000, Greg received an invitation from SSI to join the elite Instructor Certifier ranks, a designation held by very few.

After many years of servicing the needs of the public safety community through North County Scuba Center, Greg decided in 2008 to form San Diego Dive Rescue, a company focused on the training and consulting of public safety organizations nationwide.

In his career, Greg has completed over 11,500 dives. He has dove on such famous sites as the SS Andrea Doria, USS San Diego and the German U-Boat wrecks off the Block Islands. He has travelled the world over diving in some of the most beautiful as well as some of the most difficult dive sites the world has to offer.
This unique and storied biography makes Greg an icon in the diving industry. His experiences as well as his passion for this life sport assists both new and experienced divers reach new levels in their diving career.

Brett Lawson

Designations:

SSI Dive Control Specialist Instructor
Lead Instructor, North County Scuba Center

Biography:

Brett became an Open Water Diver through North County Scuba Center in 2004. As an avid surfer Brett quickly took to scuba diving and by 2005 had received his Master Diver rating. In 2006, Greg offered him the opportunity to become a dive professional and he finished his Dive Control Specialist training the same year. In 2008 Brett became an Open Water Instructor and has since taught over 100 students to enjoy the sport with the same amount of passion that he exemplifies.

Brett has dove extensively around the world including such amazing destinations as the South China Sea, Mexico and Hawaii. To date he has over 425 dives.

Mary Vore

Designations:

SSI Open Water Instructor

Biography:

Mary was certified in the cold waters of Battle Creek, Michigan in 2003. She spent a tremendous amount of time diving in the local waters exploring some of the famous shipwrecks in that area. In 2008 Mary moved to the slightly warmer waters of the San Diego coast with her husband, Justin. After diving with Greg she was invited to become a diving professional with NCSC. In 2009 she completed her Dive Control Specialist training. With her natural talent and passion for the sport she quickly completed her training as an Open Water Instructor in 2010.

Mary’s unique experience with cold water, fresh water, and shipwreck diving brings a well-rounded addition to the North County Scuba Center team.

Dominic Cummins

Designations:

Master Diver
Dive Control Specialist

Biography:

Dominic began diving as a student of North County Scuba Center in 2008. Having spent years swimming competitively and working as a lifeguard during summer breaks, he had always had an interest in scuba diving. Upon completing his Open Water Diver course Dominic knew that his life had been forever altered with a passion and love for viewing the underwater world.

In February 2009, Dominic completed the necessary training and experience to receive his Master Diver designation. At this time he was invited by Greg Knyper to become part of the NCSC instructional team. Later that same year Dominic completed his Dive Control Specialist certification and joined the ranks of professional divers.

He is currently working on his Open Water Instructor certification.