Rae ( Captains Team )

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• Captain

  PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer - Scuba Diving since 2018

  Rae Halfhill grew up in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Being near the ocean from such an early age instilled a passion for the water, as well as everything was beneath the surface. Ever since childhood, Rae wanted to pursue a life that was closely tied to the marine ecosystem.

       Moving into adulthood, Rae attended the United States Coast Guard Academy, where they graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Marine Science, with a focus in biology and oceanography. It was here Rae gained experience on the water, while being a part of the offshore sailing team and holding the position of helmsman in a race from Rhode Island to Bermuda. They also took SCUBA as an elective, although the frigid and murky waters of the Long Island Sound would prevent certification until a future date. Along with a degree, they were commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

       After graduating college, Rae would be stationed on a 270' Medium Endurance Cutter in Virginia, serving as the navigation division officer as well as a department head. During this tour, they would also attend the Federal Law Enforcement Academy's Boarding Officer School and gain the authority to conduct law enforcement at sea. After a successful tour in Virginia, Rae was given the choice of their next duty station and would "settle" for sunny Key West. Acting as the Executive Officer onboard a 154' Fast Response Cutter, Rae would gain extensive knowledge and expertise in conducting Counter-Drug, Migration, Fisheries, and Recreational Boater Safety missions, as well as take part in many Search-and-Rescue missions.  Over the course of these two years, Rae would have experience driving ships and boats from a few thousand pounds to a few thousand tons.

       After these exciting tours, office positions followed. Rae held positions at Joint Interagency Task Force South, coordinating with other military branches, federal agencies, and partner nations to target drug smuggling attempts, as well as some time at the Coast Guard Sector Key West office of Emergency Management. Rae used the slower pace of office life to get back to diving, initially just as a hobby, but quickly wanting to pursue professional certification. They were a divemaster for a year and a half before calling up the good folks at Rainbow Reef to attend the Instructor Development Course. Having taught SCUBA since March 2021, Rae has assisted in certifications from Open Water, many specialty courses, and Divemaster. Rae also transferred the sea time attained during active duty to receive credentialing as a 100-Ton Captain, and would work as an instructor and captain down in Key West. After an honorable discharge, they relocated to Key Largo, and can't wait to bring you to the pristine reefs!

  • Favorite Dive Site:

    USCGC DUANE

  • Favorite Specialty Class:

    Wreck Diver

  • Favorite Fish:

    Blue Chromis

  • Favorite Restaurant:

    Sharkey’s

  • Favorite Movie:

    Finest Hours

  PADI Specialty Instructor Certifications:

  • Wreck Diver

  • Deep Diver

  • Enriched Air/Nitrox Diver

  • Boat Diver

  • Peak Performance Buoyancy Diver

  • Night Diver

  • Drift Diver

  • Project Aware

  • Coral Reef Conservation

  • PADI Emergency 02 Provider

  • EFR Primary/Secondary Care

  • EFR Care for Children

My Dive Gear:

• Regulators:

  Aqua Lung Titan
  
  

  Incorporating all the best features of its predecessors, this third generation Titan has innovative features resulting in a more comfortable, lighter-weight and easier-breathing regulator. For the consumer that wants performance at an affordable price to ...

• BCD:

  Aqua Lung Pro HD
  
  

  The Pro HD is a wrap-around jacket with weight integration that is sure to appeal to a wide range of divers. It provides excellent value because it is so feature-rich for the price. Wherever you want to take it, it's ready to go....

• Dive Computers:

  Aqua Lung i300C Dive computer with Bluetooth
  
  

  Connect wirelessly to your new Aqua Lung I300C Dive computer with Bluetooth...

• Mask:

  Aqua Lung MicroMask
  
  

  The Micromask is a revolution in mask design. Its innovative, patented structure makes it possible for the lenses to fit in the ocular orbit. Never before have lenses been so close to the eyes. This not only results in an amazingly wide peripheral vie...

• Fins:

  Aqua Lung Express ADJ
  
  

  The Express ADJ fin rep- represents the latest in technology and material innovation. Comfort, power and efficiency are the hallmarks of this propulsion machine. Strap a pair on and see for yourself. ...

• Snorkel:

  Atomic SV-1 Snorkel
  
  

  The Atomic Aquatics Scupper Valve snorkel design is based on the same principle as the one-way Scupper Valve used in boats. If waves or splashes enter the boat, a one-way rubber flapper located on the deck near the rear of the boat opens to drain the wate...

• Octopus:

  Aqua Lung Legend Octo
  
  

  This balanced second stage is the perfect pairing for the Legend LX regulator. Its breathability is unmatched. In fact, it breathes easier than most primary regulators! Made with the same high quality parts and materials as the Legend LX, quality and dura...