Why We’re Returning to Our Roots: Central Coast Divers is Born Again

After 35 years as a Pro-Dive franchise, why change?
It’s a fair question- To most people, remaining part of a recognised national dive brand would seem the logical course. But those who know us well, know we’ve never been ones to simply do what’s expected. From the day we first opened our dive centre doors at Long Jetty in 1986, we’ve built our business not by following trends, but by adapting with integrity and intent. And now, after decades of growth, learning, and service under the Pro-Dive banner, we’re proud to announce a new chapter in our story—one that brings us full circle.

We are no longer Pro-Dive Central Coast.
We are Central Coast Divers—again.

And here's why.

The Beginning: Central Coast Divers Was Always About Community

In 1986, we (Tina and Bob) took a leap of faith and started Central Coast Divers with a simple philosophy: connect people to the ocean and each other, and the rest will follow.

We ran a small but fiercely passionate operation, building our reputation through word of mouth, strong service, and memorable underwater adventures. Every course was personal. Every tank was filled with care. Every dive was an opportunity to ignite someone’s love for the sea.

We weren’t just teaching people to dive—we were creating a local dive community, and for a while, that was enough.

Becoming Pro-Dive: The Next Big Step

In the early 1990s, the industry began to shift. Recreational diving was growing in popularity, and regional operators began looking for structure, consistency, and a stronger national presence. That’s when we joined the Pro-Dive franchise. It was the right decision for the time.

For over three and a half decades, we worked side-by-side with Pro-Dive, helping shape what would become one of Australia’s most recognisable dive brands. As Pro-Dive Central Coast, we expanded our offerings, upgraded our facilities, brought in more instructors, and developed professional training programs that set industry standards.

This partnership gave us stability and recognition, and helped us stay at the forefront of scuba education for a generation of divers.

But the world has changed—so must we.

The Industry Has Changed

Over the last forty years, the dive industry has undergone wave after wave of transformation. We’ve lived through the rise of online training, the growth of eco-tourism, the evolution of scuba technology, the challenges of global pandemics, and shifting customer expectations.

Once, it was enough to offer Open Water courses and a few gear packages. Now, divers want curated travel, digital experiences, marine conservation partnerships, cutting-edge tech, niche adventures, and a strong connection to the people and places they dive with. They’re looking for more than training—they’re looking for meaningful experiences.

The national franchise model has its advantages, but it also has limitations. And for us, those limitations were becoming harder to ignore.

We Need to Evolve, Again

What we’ve learned in over 35 years is this: you must adapt, or be left behind.

When COVID hit, the dive industry paused. But we didn’t stop—we pivoted. We used that time to reassess everything, from how we operate and train, to how we serve our community and protect our coastline. That pause gave us space to reflect not just on our business, but our purpose.

We realised we were ready for a bold new direction.

One that would allow us to:

• Serve the Central Coast with a truly local identity
• Prioritise environmental advocacy, not just as a value but as an operating principle
• Build new experiences for younger divers and lifelong learners alike
• Offer flexibility in product lines, services, and partnerships
• Reconnect with the creative, customer-focused style of the early days
• Invest in innovation without red tape
• Regain full control over our voice, message, and community

To do that, we needed to shed the structure of the franchise model and return to our independent roots.

A New Business Model, A Renewed Vision

The decision to rebrand wasn’t made lightly. After decades under the Pro-Dive name, we had to consider the implications—brand recognition, supplier contracts, staff transitions, and community perception.

But as we designed our new business model, it became crystal clear: we needed a new name to reflect our new direction. And what better name than the one we started with—Central Coast Divers?

This new model is all about agility, connection, and creativity.

We’re reintroducing direct-to-customer travel programs, with bespoke itineraries led by our own instructors. We’re expanding our partnerships with local eco-initiatives to protect the reefs and coastlines we love. We’re building youth and community outreach initiatives. And we’re creating more space for club dives, beach clean-ups, dive-and-dine events, and conservation projects that help us give back to the sea that gives us so much.

But it’s not just about looking forward. It’s also about honouring the best of what came before.

Old School Service, New World Ideas

If you know us, you know we’re big believers in personal service—the kind that never goes out of style. It’s one of the things that set us apart in the beginning and has kept our loyal divers coming back, year after year.

That won’t change.

What will change is how we deliver it. We’re upgrading our systems, streamlining our digital bookings, adding mobile-friendly tools, enhancing training materials with eLearning, and refining our retail and rental process. We’ll be accessible, responsive, and focused—just like in 1986, only better.

And our instructors and dive crew? Same experienced, passionate team—with new energy, fresh input, and renewed ownership of the experience we’re delivering.

New Leadership, Same Deep Roots

Tina and Bob have always been the heart of this business—but we’ve also always believed in building a strong team. This rebranding marks not only a new business model, but a leadership renewal, too.

We’ve invested in mentoring and empowering a new generation of instructors and dive professionals—people who bring passion, creativity, and their own fresh perspectives to our operation. People who understand that great diving starts with people, not just gear or training materials.

This transition is not a handing over of the reins, but a collaborative expansion—old meets new, experience meets innovation, tradition meets boldness.

We are proud of our legacy, but not trapped by it.

Local Matters More Than Ever

As "Central Coast Divers", we’re reaffirming our identity as a local, independent, and proud Central Coast business. We’ve always believed the coastline between Box Head and Norah Head is one of the most underrated dive regions in Australia, and we’re putting that belief, front and centre.

We want the world to see the Central Coast through our eyes—not through a cookie-cutter national brand, but through the lens of lived experience, long-standing relationships, and fierce local pride.

That means supporting other small businesses, building collaborative tourism campaigns, protecting our marine parks, and showcasing the natural beauty of our backyard to international visitors and locals alike.

Passion for the Environment, Built Into the Business

Environmental advocacy has never been more urgent. The reefs are under stress. Marine species are threatened. Plastics and pollutants are choking ecosystems. Dive centres like ours are on the frontlines.

That’s why, as Central Coast Divers, we’re making environmental sustainability a core business function, not an afterthought.

We’re reviewing every supplier we work with, reducing single-use plastics, tracking emissions on dive trips, investing in eco-friendly gear, and expanding our citizen science programs. We’re also working with local councils and marine conservation groups to clean, protect, and restore our dive sites.

Every course we teach now has an element of conservation awareness. Every club event we host will include environmental action. This is not about marketing. It’s about responsibility.

What’s Not Changing

While a lot is evolving, some things remain steadfast:

• Our safety standards remain second to none
• Our training programs still follow internationally recognised standards
• Our staff are the same trusted faces you've dived with for years
• Our dive lodge will reopen and be even more welcoming
• Our shop and workshop still provides top-notch servicing and advice

We may have a new name on the door, but the heart and soul of what we do—and how we do it—remains rooted in decades of experience, trust, and genuine love for the sea.

An Invitation to Dive Forward With Us

Whether you first dived with us in 1986, joined us through Pro-Dive, or are considering your very first dive now—we invite you to join us in this new chapter.

Come see what Central Coast Divers means going forward in 2025. Explore our new programs. Drop by the shop. Book a shore dive. Join the club. Bring a friend. Share your stories. We’re here to listen, learn, and leap forward—together.

Because diving isn’t just about depth—it’s about connection.
Connection to the ocean. Connection to others.
Connection to purpose.

Closing Thoughts

After 35 years with Pro-Dive, walking away was not easy. But we’re not walking away from our past—we’re embracing our future. As Central Coast Divers, we have the freedom to create, the flexibility to evolve, and the clarity of vision to build something even better.

Our story started in 1986. Now, with new leadership, a new business model, and the same deep roots, it continues.

Welcome to the next wave.
Welcome to Central Coast Divers.

Lets' Go Diving!