Frank J. Toal Jr., MAED
Master Scuba Instructor
CMAS
- YMCA
- PADI
Frank
started diving in 1966 at the age of twelve when a family friend, a former
Navy UDT diver, taught him how to dive using the old SEAHUNT
style gear. Unfortunately, at that time you had to be 16 to be certified but
he dove with the friend in various lakes and quarries in Illinois. In 1970
at the age of 16 and living in Indianapolis,Indiana Frank took his first certification
course at the Eastside YMCA with Instructor Mike Bowman. Mike was also the
Diving Officer for the Indianapolis Chapter of the British Sub Aqua Club (B.S.A.C.),
the first US Chapter of B.S.A.C. , and also issued Frank a B.S.A.C. certification.
Frank spent the
next four years diving in the lakes, quarries and rivers of Indiana, Illinois,
and Wisconsin. From 1974-1975 he attended the University of South Florida in
Tampa and made his first ocean dives in the Gulf of Mexico and at John Pennekamp
State Park in Key Largo. In 1975 back in IL he continued diving in the local
environments and graduated with a B. Sc. in Biological Sciences from Northern
Illinois University. In 1977 and 78 he worked as a teaching assistant for the
NIU Scuba classes offered through the physical education department and decided
to pursue a career as a Scuba Instructor.
In January of 1979
Frank returned to Florida to attend the Florida PADI College in Jacksonville.
After a ten week Instructor training program he received certification as a
PADI Open Water Instructor and accepted a position first at Marine and Outdoor
World in Tampa, FL. In 1981 he moved to Orlando to work at Jim Hollis' Scuba
World. While working for Scuba World he attained the rating of Master Instructor
and also became a certified cave diver through the cave diving section of the
National Speliological Society (CDS-NSS).
WALT DISNEY WORLD
AND THE LIVING SEAS
In January of 1982
Frank took a job at Walt Disney World as a prelude to work at a future attraction
to be built in Disney's Epcot Center called the Living Seas. After working in
the Security and Environmental Protection Departments for four years he was
finally rewarded with a position at the Living Seas as Diving Systems Officer.
He was placed in charge of the dive team and diving technology presented at
the "Seas" which included traditional open circuit scuba, surface supplied,
closed circuit oxygen rebreathers, ROVs and an Atmospheric Diving System (ADS)
known as the "JIMSUIT". Trained and qualified as an ADS operator/technician
by Mr. Anthony Moore of Oceaneering International. If you look real close you
can see him through the port hole.
Photo
courtesy of Walt Disney World Company
Frank remained in
this position for four years and had the opportunity to participate in many
projects including made for TV movies, radio broadcasts, visits from celebrities
and was even interviewed on camera for the Spanish International Network. The
latter being made very interesting by the fact that he does not speak Spanish.
In 1986 Frank became a member of The American Academy of Underwater Sciences
(AAUS) and in 1988 became both a CMAS and NAUI Instructor. During this period
he also had the opportunity to meet some of the top people in Marine Science
and Diving including: Bob Ballard (Titanic), Jean Michel Cousteau, Dimitri Ribikoff
(Designer
of Pegasis DPV ),
Dr. Joeseph MacInnis (Diving Physician and Sub Igloo Expedition leader), Jordan
Klein (World Reknowned U/W Cinematographer Thunderball, Etc), Aquanaut/Astronaut
Scott Carpenter, Dr. Lee Somers (Oceanographer), Graham Hawkes (Deep Sea Engineer),
Dr. Sylvia Earle (Marine Botonist and activist), and dozens of other scientists,
TV personalities and NAVY divers. Frank even had the great fortune of having
dinner with Jacques Picard ( son of Auguste Picard) and one of only two men
who have been to the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean "the Challenger
Deep" in the Marianas Trench.
BERMUDA
However, even working
at Disney can get old so in January 1990 Frank accepted the position of Diving
Safety Officer at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Inc in Bermuda.
For a diver Bermuda is like being sent to heaven especially if you are a wreck
diver. Frank felt at home in Bermuda and dove 6 out of 7 days a week all around
the Island. Again he was provided the opportunity to meet scientists and explorers
from all over the world and to participate in exciting and important projects.
During this time he had one of his greatest experiences underwater while Bluewater
Diving for marine invertibrates. A pod of wild Atlantic Bottlenosed Dolphin
came up to the group and swam in and among the divers for about twenty minutes
even giving the topside support crew a wonderful aerobatic show. In early 1991
Frank became a certified chamber operator and Diver Medical Technician through
Hyperbarics International owned and operated by another good friend Mr. Dick
Rutkowski.
Hyperbarics
International
BACK TO FLORIDA
In December of 1991 Frank returned to Florida to take care of his mother and
again work as an independent diving and marine specialist. Frank continues to
teach and certifiy divers to all levels. From 1999 to 2003 he also worked as
Training Representative for NAUI.
In 2004, Frank was approached by the President of CMAS's Technical Committee
Mr. Walter Tichey about openning up a new CMAS Federation to cover the US and
Caribbean. CMAS AMERICAS was officially openned in Spring of 2005 and has been
growing steadily ever since. You can visit the CMAS AMERICAS website at www.cmasamericas.com
.
CMAS AMERICAS
Resume: Frank J. Toal Jr. Master Instructor
FRANK J. TOAL JR
5 N. Neptune Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33765 (727) 447-8704
Email: ftoal1@tampabay.rr.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Independent Diving Contractor/Consultant Private Business 11/91 - Current
Teach scuba courses of all levels to students of all ages including specialty courses.
Develop training programs for scuba and advanced diving programs
Design facilities for resort, aquarium and scientific dive programs
Train divers in use of specialized equipment/techniques
Perform various underwater tasks as needed
Training Representative National Association of Underwater Instructors 2/99 11/03
Administer Quality Assurance program to ensure compliance with Standards & Policies of NAUI
Review and evaluate applications for authorization for Specialty Courses
Process alternate insurance policies submitted for compliance with financial responsibility requirements
Assist development of training programs and materials for basic, advanced and leadership levels
Assist members with customer service issues and problem solving
Diving Safety Officer Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Inc. 1/90 11/91
Developed and implemented comprehensive dive program encompassing scientific, recreational and commercial.
Supervised and assisted in planning all dive operations (for individuals and groups of up to 40 snorkelers /divers).
Established training programs for small boat use, CPR and first aid.
Assisted in research projects including data collection, sample collection, logistics and trouble shooting.
Expedited researchers work by providing prompt service and support materials.
Performed preventative and repair maintenance on all life support equipment and boats.
Wrote comprehensive Diving Operations Manual.
Diving Systems Officer/Scientific Diver Living Seas - Epcot Center 9/85 - 1/90
Educated guests on diving technology and marine science via lectures and presentations.
Designed and implemented training program for technical staff of 35 people ( included Scuba, surface supplied,
closed circuit and atmospheric diving systems).
Supervised diving activities of technical staff, visiting scientists and visiting educational groups up to 50 divers.
Assisted visiting scientists with data collection, logistical support, and trouble shooting.
Performed preventative and repair maintenance on all life support equipment and aquarium displays.
Wrote diving operations manual for Living Seas aquarium and field operations.
Environmental Technician Reedy Creek Improvement District (Walt Disney World) 1/82 - 9/85
Collected and tested water samples used to meet federal, state and local environmental quality standards.
Collected daily weather data from three stations.
Operated and maintained all field instruments, test kits and equipment including boats, mowers and vehicles.
Organized routine equipment and sample site maintenance program.
Security Host Walt Disney World 1/82 - 9/85
Assisted guests in finding facilities lost articles etc.
Member of Disney Security "Friendship Crew" conducted diving operations in support of Security Department.
Served to recover objects lost by guests and employees in water rides, waterways and lakes. Also operated 48 foot
vessel in support of water sports safety and watercraft operations
EDUCATION:
University of Phoenix
Masterof Arts in Education
Northern Illinois University - DeKalb, Illinois
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science
Eighteen hours of study towards Masters degree
Valencia Community College - Orlando, Florida
Emergency Medical Technician
Completed various business management and computer courses
CERTIFICATIONS:
Course Director (Instructor Trainer) NAUI # 10185
Scuba Instructor NAUI # 10185
YMCA Silver Instructor YMCA # 36700001
Three Star Instructor CMAS # M33AE003
Nitrox Instructor NAUI # 10185
Specialty Instructor NAUI # 10185
First Aid/CPR/0xygen Administration Instructor NAUI/ ASHI
Instructor Trainer/Technician Biomarine (CCR25 & MK-155 Rebreathers)
Surface Supplied Diving Instructor NACDS
Scuba Repair Technician International Association of Scuba
Technicians # 214
Equipment Repair Technician for: Dacor, US Divers, Scubapro, Tekna,
Sherwood, Cressi Sub, Poseidon
Scuba Cylinder Inspector Professional Scuba Inspectors # 618
Operator /Tech Atmospheric Diving System
(Jim Suit) Oceaneering International
Maintenance/Repair Technician
Air Compressor/Purification Systems Compair Mako Compressors
Basic Cave Diver National Speological Society - CDS
ROV Operator Deep-Sea Systems: Mini-Rover
Deep Ocean Engineering : Phantom 500
Diver Medic Technician NADMT
Technical Diver Dräger Dolphin Rebreather NAUI
AFFILIATIONS:
American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
Confederation Mondiale des Activities Subaquatiques (CMAS)
International Association of Scuba Technicians (IAST)
National Association of Commercial Diving Specialists (NACDS)
National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)
Professional Association of Underwater Instructors (PADI)
YMCA Scuba Program
PUBLICATIONS:
Photographs in: Artifacts, Fossils and Other Things by Poppa Taylor. Florida Skin Divers Association Bulletin Dec. 1980
Scientific Diving Safety and Operations Manual Epcot Center Living Seas WDW 1985
SHOULD DIVING CERTIFICATIONS EXPIRE ? SOURCES: Journal of Underwater Education May/June 1989.
Closed Circuit Oxygen Rebreathers - A New Approach Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences
September 1989.
Scientific Diving and Operations Manual - Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Inc. - 1990.
Scientific Divers Log Book - Desk Top Published by Author - April 1994
Paradise Island Resort Diving Operations and Procedures Manual - August 1994
NAUI Instructor Trainer and Staff Training Workshop Guidelines 2003 - Reviewer
Mastering Surface Supplied Diving - In production for Best Publishing due out in 2004
