Learn About Peachtree Dive Center

About Us

Helping Divers and Swimmers become their best!

Our educational services are designed to be both comfortable and enjoyable for our students. Peachtree Dive Center provides outstanding instruction across a range of courses, from the basic Open Water course to Advanced and Specialty certifications, as well as Instructor Development training for those aspiring to professional scuba diving careers. Additionally, we offer a year-round swim program for all ages, from infants to adults, catering to beginners and those seeking skill refinement and endurance training.

Our Staff

Peachtree Dive Center began in 1991 with a unique business philosophy. The vision was to create an environment where individuals interested in learning to swim, snorkel and SCUBA Dive could do so in a professional, comfortable and FUN atmosphere.

Peachtree’s philosophy centers around these required elements deemed necessary for students to learn effectively:

1.) Knowledgeable Instructors – who truly enjoy what they teach

2.) Environment that promotes learning - (whether in the state-of-the-art classroom or indoor heated pool)

3.) Effective training materials, delivery methods and teaching aids – that stimulate interest for the underwater world.

These three elements continue to be present at Peachtree Dive Center in all disciplines of water activities.

Robert Carawan

I became a PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor in 1986 after many years of diving. In 1992 I became a PADI Course Director and Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer. I am qualified with over 70 certifications and certified to teach 27 different PADI Specialty Instructor Courses. I retired in 1999, after a 27-year career as a Police Officer with the City of Atlanta, and opened a second dive center in Key Largo, Florida. In 2001, I became a United States Coast Guard Master Captain and could often be found behind the helm station of any number of boats in Keys. It was this experience and opportunity that added to my knowledge of the marine environment, SCUBA training and safety. I often would relay this information back to the instructors at Peachtree to further develop and enhance the training experiences based on what I witnessed firsthand. After returning to Georgia full time in 2008, I began a second career in law enforcement. Until my next retirement, you can find me in the dive center in the evenings or on weekends servicing equipment, and teaching. In my free time, I can be found spending time with my family on the water and enjoying my grandsons or on my John Deere tractor.
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Kim Carawan

I first became a certified diver in 1980 and am fortunate to call this my passion and profession. As a PADI Course Director, Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer, American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Instructor Trainer I have the pleasure of teaching individuals how to teach others to enjoy and explore the water environment safely. When I am not in the water, I can often be found more “behind the scenes” in the office. Because of my love for teaching kids, I am often referred to as “Mama Kim” by staff. I enjoy all types of SCUBA diving, but really enjoy Bonaire, Fiji and Key Largo. In my spare time, I love my role as wife to Robert, and grandma to my grandkids, listening to audible books, photography and hiking.
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LIA KERKES

I have been diving for 10 years. I have a passion for the ocean and conservation, specifically for corals! I have my MPS (Masters of Professional Science) degree in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami where I specialized in coral reef conservation. I am passionate about combining the love of scuba diving and educating people about the importance of coral reefs and everything they protect and provide for us and all marine life. My favorite place I have been diving is in Australia on the Great Barrier Reef. Bonaire is also a dive destination that I will never get tired of exploring. In the off chance that I am not under the water, I love hiking and hanging with my puppy.
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Keith Thaxton

I have been diving since 1998. I am currently a Divemaster and working toward becoming an instructor. After retiring I decided to venture into the professional side of diving to further my knowledge and skill level. While doing so, I discovered that teaching and introducing others to diving is as much fun as diving itself. When not diving with my dive buddy/wife Teresa, I enjoy fishing, boating, woodworking and spoiling our grandchildren. My favorite dive site is Salt Pier in Bonaire.
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Jonathan Hendrix

I have been diving for 5 years now. My hobbies include Jujitsu, weightlifting and anything that has me being active or outdoors. My favorite dive to date is diving the USS Spiegel Grove. My transition into the professional field comes from my want to help others find the joy of diving.
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Jeff Hickman

After retiring from the Air Force and having been out of diving for over 30 years, I ventured into Peachtree Dive Center. From the start I found a sport and even more importantly, a family that fulfilled my need for a “squadron” sense of community. I’m a failed musician, over the hill washed up fighter pilot, who thoroughly enjoys exploring the ocean and all it offers. I love diving in the Florida Keys and the Spiegel Grove wreck is my favorite dive site off Key Largo. I never intended, nor thought I would be an instructor, but with each class and certification I was drawn more and more. Teaching is very rewarding to me and SCUBA sells itself. Let’s get you started or further your diving experience!
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Jim Easley

I’ve been a pilot for a major airline for over 35 years. My wife, Rita, and I spend time traveling and taking care of our dog, Charlie. Water sports have always been a part of my life; I still find time to swim, sail, snorkel, body surf, and scuba dive. I found Robert, Kim and the Peachtree Dive Center about 5 years ago and have enjoyed becoming part of the team. I love working with people to help them reach new goals. I hope to see you soon at the pool, Dive Land, Key Largo, or Bonaire.
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Bob Fergusen

Always up for an adventure, count me “in”!! Bringing positive energy and connecting with student divers at every level is my passion. I believe in continuing to learn new things throughout your life. No matter how much experience someone has, there is always room to learn and challenge ourselves in new ways. Diving since 2007, I discovered unlimited opportunities to combine adventure with learning and teaching. The high standards and comradery of Peachtree Dive Center attracted me to the family! My non-diving hobbies include; trail running, hiking, paddleboarding, cycling, flying as a private pilot, and various endurance races.
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Ed Clark

I have a passion for scuba diving and exploring the underwater world. I have been diving since 1990. I was initially certified in Chicago, Illinois. I started Scuba Diving to conquer my fear of water and unknown depths of the Ocean. Apart from diving, I am a certified Helicopter Flight Instructor. I love riding my bicycle, meeting people, cruising and exploring new cultures through travel. One of my most memorable dives was Bali, Indonesia where I encountered breathtaking underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life. Becoming a scuba diving instructor has been a dream come true for me because it allows me to help others overcome their fear of the water and learn what lies below in the Ocean. Teaching and guiding new divers brings me immense joy, and I strive to create a safe, fun, and memorable experience for everyone. Join me at Peachtree Dive Center and let’s have some fun moments together!
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Alan Taylor

I found my one true passion in life, diving. Because of this, physical fitness is a large part of my life to help ensure I will be the best diver I can be. Diving is therapeutic for the mind. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the crazy world, find yourself, and lose yourself all at the same time. Some of the best diving I have ever enjoyed is in Bonaire. It is an incredible place for both boat and shores dives. I found diving later in life and fell in love. As a combat vet, I found that diving helps with my PTS by calming the mind. This is what has driven me to become a PADI Professional Instructor. I want to help teach other combat vets to find the peace and tranquility that diving provides me. Unfortunately, I only found diving 2 years ago. But I fell in love immediately! Since then I have made it my mission to dive every month, and have been laser focused on becoming a PADI Dive Instructor. I have thoroughly enjoy the path to fulfilling my goal.
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