Stuey’s Top Dives 

Stuart ‘Stuey’ Palmer works for Cayman Turtle Divers, a boutique operation that caters to small groups of guests, enabling staff to offer more personalised service.

Born in the United Kingdom, Stuey started his working life as a recruiter, so it seems to make sense that in the end he recruited himself right into a completely different job perfectly suited to his personality.

He grew up in Somerset and had always wanted to pursue a career in sports.

He played cricket and football in school, but unfortunately neither of them led to a place on the England team, and so once he left the hallowed halls of learning he went to work at a recruitment office.

In 1995 at the tender age of 22 he took 18 months off to travel the world. The trip began with California, and then went on to Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. It was in Queensland that he considered trying scuba diving and did a resort course, which led to an open water class and certification. From that moment on Stuey resolved to dive as much as possible until he attained dive instructor status.

He finished his travels by stopping in Thailand and Indonesia and then headed back home to the UK where he began to research diving training facilities. Over the next two years he got his Advanced, Rescue and Dive Master certifications in Wiltshire. At the age of 25 he was ready to leave the world of recruitment behind. He had been offered a position at Red Sail Sports in the Cayman Islands, and so he packed his bags and relocated.

Once here he booked his Instructor Development Course with the Cayman Diving School, and within a short period of time he was an instructor.

He stayed with Red Sail for nearly two years before moving to Divers Down. By now he was also a qualified boat captain, which gave him an added advantage in the market.

He spent a few months in the Cook Islands, only to return and work with Chris at Cayman Turtle Divers. He then left again to visit the UK briefly, followed by a short period of time in the British Virgin Islands only to once more return to the place he now calls home. Chris was happy to take him back like he was the fatted calf… or is it the prodigal son?

Suffice it to say that Stuey does not miss recruitment. He loves his job and loves meeting new people. The repeat business that Cayman Turtle Divers enjoys means that clients become more like family after a few visits.

He doesn’t see any need to change careers in the future, and he should know after all those years in his previous line of work.