Tiedemann's Diving Center
Instructor Profile

Jim Vafeas
NAUI - TDI - SSI - DAN

Jim Vafeas is one of the Staff Instructors here at Tiedemann's Diving Center, but since he doesn't work in the shop, you may not know him as well as you do the rest of us.  Here's some background information on Jim V:

Jim Vafeas started diving in the Fall of 1986 by taking a Physical Education course elective taught by Jeanne and Ed Tiedemann while attending Hofstra University.  He completed his NAUI Open Water Certification dives in November and December in Noyak, Long Island in preparation for the annual Central Florida trip in January 1987.

In 1987, Jim completed his Advanced Certification and did mostly local Wreck Diving through the early 1990's.  Some of those great beginner wrecks included the Black Warrior, Pipe Barge, Mistletoe, Valerie E., Fran S. and Iberia.

In 1994, after interviewing several local diveshops about their Instructor programs, Jim entered the DiveCon and Assistant Instructor program here at Tiedemann's.

In 1995 Jim began his Scuba Equipment Repair Technician apprenticeship program through Tiedemann's which would be completed in late 1996 through a 5-day certification course taught at Hall's Diving Center in Marathon, Florida.  Jim became our main Repair Tech through 1997.

In January 1996, Jim earned his NSS/CDS Cavern and Introduction to Cave Diver certifications as well as becoming Nitrox certified.  In the Fall he also completed a PSI Cylinder Inspection course

In August 1996, Jim completed an Instructor Preparatory weekend with Lifeguard Systems who later certified him as a NAUI Instructor during their NAUI ITC in Bonaire that December. At that time, Tiedemann's was not yet an SSI Instructor Trainer facility.  Besides Jeanne and Ed, he is the longest active staff instructor at Tiedemann's.

In 1997, Jim became our resident TDI Nitrox Instructor and established the most thorough Recreational Nitrox course on Long Island.

In 1999, Jim started the East Coast Dive Tour, weekend trips to not-too-distant locations to explore other shore and wreck diving opportunities.

In 2001, Jim completed his TDI Advanced Nitrox certification (a course soon to be offer here at Tiedemann's).

In the Summer of 2004, Jim earned his TDI Advanced Nitrox and TDI Decompression Procedures Instructor certifications.  We will be offering these new Technical courses starting next Spring.

In May 2006, Jim participated in the Divers Alert Network / Michael J. Norwood Memorial Fund dive where he dove with Deep Sea Detective hosts John Chatterton and Richie Kohler.

In July of 2006, Jim completed his 500th successful logged dive on the wreck of the U-352 off Morehead City, North Carolina.

In December of 2006, Jim was one of the first students at Tiedemann's to earn his Divers Alert Network Diving Emergency Specialist certification.

In March of 2007, Jim became a Medic First Aid CRP/First Aid/AED Instructor and a DAN Instructor for several courses.  In August he earned his Apprentice Cave Diver certification.

In January of 2008, Jim earned his Full Cave Diver certification.

Jim also covers several topics during our Master Diver Lecture Series. He also  maintains our website and coordinates the mailing of the Monthly eNews.

Jim lists his Wreck Diving schedule which is open to all Club Members.  Feel free to join him on any of them.

Jim dives primarily with Poseidon and Apex regulators, Worthington and Faber tanks, OMS Backplates, Dive Rite bladders, OS Systems and Harvey's drysuits, Suunto dive computers, OMS bottom timer, OMS and Turtle fins and a ProWatt/Sartek dive lights.

Jim can be contacted via email at jimv(at)tdconline.com.


Training at Dutch Springs 2006
Photo by Jen McCarthy


At Ginnie Springs 2004
Photo by Scott Fried


At Ginnie Springs 2008
Photo by Elisha Gibson