In October of 2023, I participated in a Fundamentals Course with Global Underwater Explorers. I had many ideas of what I thought this course would be. I had many misconceptions going in, and the goal of this series is to highlight the misconceptions one might have about GUE and their standard of training. I sit down and speak with five instructors across the globe to hear their stories and gain some insight into this agency whose approach “Begins with the end in mind”.

In the final episode of this series, I sit down and speak with Jon Kieren. I was able to catch Jon before he moved back to Cave Country in the state of Florida. In his early twenties, a snowstorm pushed him in the direction of the Virgin Islands, which kicked off his diving career. Throughout his career, he has held many positions and has emerged as a true leader in his field. Someone who is not afraid to speak his mind about his frustrations with the industry or personal challenges he has faced. Decisions that led him to change his path, seeking and creating a higher standard, more misconceptions, and some unexpected reactions for speaking up. Please enjoy.


Website:
GUE Instructor Resumé: Jon Kieren

https://www.gue.com/

https://www.kierentechnical.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kieren38

Articles by Jon Kieren:
https://indepthmag.com/why-i-became-a-gue-instructor/
https://indepthmag.com/i-trained-doc-deep/
https://indepthmag.com/fathom-ccr/
https://indepthmag.com/sump-potion-9/