West Texas and Eastern New Mexico's Premier SSI Dive Shop and Training Center

Ember Divers is owned and operated by professionals who live and breathe public safety. Our owners and instructors have dedicated their careers to helping others and enriching lives. With a team comprised of Firefighters, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers, we bring a unique depth of experience to the water. We understand exactly what it means to be safety-oriented, rigorously trained, and adaptable to evolving industry standards.

Much like a single ember that grows into a roaring fire, an introduction to scuba can ignite a lifelong passion. We are here to help that spark grow into an amazing lifetime of exploration, fostering a deep connection to the underwater world and the creatures that call it home.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver exceptional diving experiences where safety is never compromised, training is always above standards, and every diver feels confident, prepared and supported - above and below the surface. "Over 50 years of combined First Responder experience—where your safety is our professional standard."

Diving Equipment

We offer a wide selection of scuba gear and accessories, catering to all skill levels, ensuring you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Join Us

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, our team of certified instructors are here to guide you through your diving journey, providing personalized training and support.

Our Team

Elite Training. Expert guidance. Serious Fun.

Meet our dedicated team of dive professionals! We are here to support you in achieving your diving goals and guiding you through every step of your underwater journey. With our expertise and passion for diving, you can trust that you're in good hands as you explore the underwater world with us. Let's make your diving dreams a reality!

Brian "Sully" Sullivan

Divemaster Instructor

A retired firefighter with a veteran’s focus on safety, Brian ("Sully") brings a unique blend of discipline and energy to the water. As an SDI and SSI Specialty Instructor, he specializes in the technical side of diving—from deep wreck exploration and night dives to the art of underwater photography.

Sully’s teaching philosophy is simple: safety is the priority, but fun is the goal. He uses his first-responder roots to keep students calm and secure, creating a relaxed environment where you can master advanced skills while truly enjoying the adventure.

Rick Maxey

Instructor

With over 20 years in emergency medicine as a Critical Care Paramedic and EMS Director, Rick is a natural leader who excels at teaching others how to stay calm and capable. He brings that same "pro" mindset to the water, where he focuses on turning students into safe, self-reliant explorers.

Rick’s classroom is a place where professional standards meet pure excitement. He specializes in advanced diver training, using his background as an educator to help students build real confidence. For Rick, diving isn’t just about the skills—it’s about sharing the thrill of discovery and ensuring every diver is prepared for a lifetime of safe, unforgettable exploration.

Jeff Coker

Instructor

Jeff brings over three decades of diving experience and a mechanical pedigree to the Ember Divers team. Having started his underwater journey in 1993, Jeff eventually moved into the demanding world of commercial diving before transitioning his technical skills into a career as a professional aircraft mechanic. At Ember Divers, we pride ourselves on a culture of public safety and rigorous standards. Jeff embodies this through his "aviation-grade" approach to scuba. Whether he is instructing new students or servicing high-performance regulators, Jeff applies the same uncompromising attention to detail required to keep aircraft in the sky. He understands that in the water, your equipment is your lifeline. Jeff is dedicated to fostering the next generation of divers by ensuring they are not only skilled but are equipped with gear maintained to the highest possible standards of safety and precision.

Donna Sullivan

Divemaster

A retired Paramedic and 911 dispatcher, Donna spent her career mastering calm in the face of pressure. Over a decade ago, she discovered a different kind of calm in the clear waters of Balmorhea, Texas. Now a Divemaster, she combines her "safety-first" DNA with a genuine love for the water to ensure her divers feel completely secure while having the time of their lives.

Donna’s mission is to make diving accessible and joyful. She uses her professional background to create a stress-free environment, leading every dive with a focus on safety, laughter, and the serene beauty of the underwater world.

Jared Martin

Instructor

A Sergeant Major with 24 years of active-duty service, Jared brings a level of leadership, discipline, and commitment to the water that is second to none. He specializes in delivering high-quality, personalized dive education, applying the same "mission-first" focus to his students that defined his military career.

Jared holds professional instructor ratings through SDI, TDI, and SSI, allowing him to guide divers through everything from their first breaths to advanced technical exploration. His background in elite military leadership makes him a natural at developing divers who are not only highly skilled but also environmentally conscious and self-reliant. Whether in the classroom or at depth, Jared is dedicated to ensuring every student is prepared, professional, and ready for adventure.

Cole McElwee

Divemaster

As a firefighter, Cole has built his career on a foundation of teamwork, rapid problem-solving, and a "cool under fire" mentality. He brings that same professional dedication to Ember Divers, where he serves as a Divemaster committed to the safety and success of every diver

Cole’s background in public safety means he is always three steps ahead when it comes to preparation and gear, allowing his students and guests to focus on what matters most: the magic of the underwater world. With a natural ability to lead and a passion for exploration, Cole ensures that every dive is as safe as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to sharpen your skills, Cole provides the steady hand and expert eye needed for a world-class experience.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to swim to learn how to dive?

While you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, basic swimming skills are essential for scuba diving. You’ll need to be comfortable in the water and able to Swim 200 meters without any swim or buoyancy aids, or swim 300 meters/yards using a mask, snorkel, and fins and float and tread in water for ten (10) minutes without any buoyancy aids, These skills ensure your safety and confidence during dives. If you are unsure of your skills, our instructors will be willing to work with you so that you become confident in those skills.

How long does it take to get certified?

Our SSI Open Water Diver course typically takes three days to complete. Before attending the first day of classes, you must complete the eLearning, including the final exam.

Do I need a doctor’s approval to scuba dive?

There is a medical questionnaire that will determine if you need to visit a doctor for approval to scuba dive. You can access the questionnaire here. If you need to visit a doctor, the physician must be an MD or DO. PA or NP signatures are not accepted by the agencies.

What gear do I need to take the Open Water Course?

You will need a mask, fins, snorkel, SMB, boots, wetsuit. We do have rental gear available for you to use while in classes if you would like to try before you buy.

Insurance

Ember Divers is proud to be an industry partner with Divers Alert Network (“DAN”), the diving industry’s largest association dedicated to scuba diving safety. Serving scuba divers for more than 30 years, DAN provides emergency assistance and medical information resources.

In partnership with Ember Divers, DAN offers a Student Membership Program (SMP) that offers entry-level dive students basic dive accident coverage at no cost!

To sign up for the Divers Alert Network Student Membership Program, click https://apps.dan.org/join-dan/?rc=3371364

When you go to the DAN Student Membership Program sign-up website, there will be four steps to complete the registration. During Step 3, you only need to fill in the top and bottom boxes; the middlebox can be left blank.

Box 1 (“Dive Training Location”): select DIVE CENTER
Box 2 (“Course Instructor Information”): Just leave this blank!
Box 3 (“Dive Training Center or Business”): Business Name: Ember Divers; Business email: shop@rmberdivers.com; Business phone: (806) 393-0798 : USA / Texas / Sudan. Just follow the instructions to fill in the rest of the form, and you’re done! If you have any questions, please call us at (806) 393-0798, and we can help you sign up for this valuable free coverage!

In addition to the coverage provided by the no-cost DAN Student Membership Program, we advise ALL of our divers to obtain Dive Accident Insurance. In the unlikely event that you experience a medical emergency while diving, DAN Dive Accident Insurance is a must-have