Neptune's Dive College DO NOT GO HERE!! Manzanillo Colima

Its been close to a year since this complaint and I have decided to post the response to the complaint that led all the problems.. I am posting the response we gave to the professional association of diving instructors (PADI).  Everyone make your own judgement. Not that it matters Neptunes is long gone.

Dear Leroy Wickham.

 On behalf of Neptune's Dive College (S20460). Please accept this letter
as a formal written response to the Quality Assurance complaints received by
your office.

I truly appreciate the seriousness of these allegations and will make
every effort to assure PADI of the inaccuracies in many of the allegations.

The allegations submitted are large in number and in order to facilitate
our response.  I would like to address
the allegations by combining similar issues and answering each
accordingly.  I believe it is imperative
that those who are to review this QA and come to a decision formulated on the
material presented should have a good understanding of our School and its Program.
Therefore, I would like to commence by presenting a brief description of our
Mission Statement.

Neptune's Dive College in addition to the Dive Master and Instructor
Internship Program, also provides dive education and training support to
students in Lower, Middle, High School and University Level. We are the service
providers for local schools such as Campo Verde, Saint Johns and the
University of Colima.  We also maintain
and operate two hotel concessions (Club Maeva and Barcel Karmina Palace). Neptune's
also provides training to the Local Public Service Sector (fire department,
volunteer ambulance service).

Neptune's Dive College (locally known as Deportes Acuaticos Manzanillo
S.A de C.V) has an ethical, moral and legal responsibility to maintain a high
standard of quality in its training and educational programs. In addition we
are ethically, morally and legally required to maintain a training environment
which is conducive to learning and to the social, emotional and physical well
being of its students. We are again morally, ethically and legally responsible
to maintain an environment where our students are safe and free from any
internal or external negative influence which could disrupt their training or
endanger their well being.
In view of the fact that Neptune's Dive College is routinely entrusted
with these charges, it would be a gross violation of our duty of care to our
students if we were to knowingly allow any continuances of activities which are
either illegal, immoral or both. We are expected and required to act in
accordance with standards, local law and common sense in the education of our
students and in the maintenance of a proper learning environment. This is to
include the removal of what can be deemed a detrimental influence on minors and
those entrusted into our care.

 

I can infer the complaints received come from a group of students who
attended Neptune's Dive Colleges Internship Programs. One of the students was
expelled in November mid-way through his Instructor Development Course; two of
the students were later expelled both for violations of Neptune's zero
tolerance drug policy. Three of the students voluntarily departed the school
again on the same day and are very close friends or associates of the two
expelled students. A third is a former student who had departed the school
previously but was the girlfriend of one of the two expelled students. I would
ask the review committee to take into consideration this commonality which I
believe clearly identifies a motive for their complaints.


Re: Marcus Bogk

As early as August of 2008 it became evident a number of students were
involved in drug use. If the students had been discrete or if the level had
been personal I doubt the matter would have gotten out of hand. However, two of
our students were arrested by the local equivalent of the DEA (AFI) for
possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (marijuana).

These students were taken to the local holding facility where in
accordance with Mexican Law detainees are not afforded the right to phone calls
or counsel. Two days later after I and Mariano Castro #232778 went to every
local hospital and police station were we informed the students were being
detained by Federal Level Authorities. Though we had no obligation too and at a
cost to the school we posted both bails and later our attorney corrected the
situation to the point of it practically not being existent. As their arrest
was subsequently published in the local paper we felt it practical to minimize
the damage to the schools reputation. The cost to the school was substantial
in time and money.

 We did not expel these students based on their promises to never allow
this situation to happen again and their willingness to conform to school rules
and regulations.  Within a few days of
his arrival on August 27th, 2008 Marcus Bogk became one of the
members of this very same group the rumors and evidence of drug use again
became evident.

 Marcus was a resident of Villa #1, and on September 15th I
received written complaint from the Hotel Administrator informing us of various
complaints from hotel guests and of numerous occasions where the hotel staff
could smell the odor of marijuana coming from Villa #1.

 I spoke with the residents of Villa #1 and informed them of the
consequences of their actions. Our initial instinct was to expel the three
residents but as I was unable to prove who was involved I left the situation as
it was. I did however inform the residents I would place a copy of the complaint
in their files.

 The problems with Marcus continued including negative attitudes in
class, disparaging remarks against other students and staff, late arrivals and
failing various exams. All of these problems were dealt with at the local level
between the instructor and student.

 On October 31st, 2008 the housekeeping staff found a large
number of items which were obviously marijuana and drug paraphernalia,
housekeeping notified the administrator who then notified me. The hotel in fear
of the repercussions they could face if the authorities were to become involved
exercised their right to have the occupants of Villa #1 leave the premises.

 I was forced to take action and again against my better judgment I did
not expel the students. As the three students were now without housing I placed
them in a residence we have for students who are in the Fast Track Program. I
did again complete and filed a letter of reprimand to all students.

 Marcus Bogk in spite of being in violation of the terms and conditions
on numerous occasions was given the opportunity to participate in the November
2008 IDC. During the IDC Marcus Bogk had a number of disciplinary problems.
Which were reported by the Course Directors directly to PADI.

 
On November 21st, 2008 Marcus Bogk, came into the
administrative offices during the IDC wanting to see his file. Marcus asked to
see parts of his file which were then in the IDC packet. Marcus was advised to
see the IDC file to which he responded with Here I go getting f**ked around
Marcus attitude and profanities were immediately brought to his attention.
However, unlike his version of the events he was not baited into a heated
conversation nor did it become a contentious discussion between him and me.

Marcus simply lost his composure and acted hostile, immaturely, uncivil
and finished his statement with a resounding f**k YOU JORGE. Given  this latest incident, the problems of the
past and those experienced by the Course Directors I made what I think was a
well overdue decision to remove Marcus from the IDC and the program.

Contrary to the agreement signed by Marcus Bogk, he was given a partial
refund. He was also told he was to leave the program immediately and premises
of Neptune's Dive College within 24 hours. 
The incident was documented and a copy handed to Marcus. He was asked to
sign the original but not unexpectedly refused to do so.

Marcus later returned and asked for a few more days to arrange travel. I
inquired how much time he needed and he responded with four days to which I agreed.  After the four additional days we had agreed
to, Marcus remained in Manzanillo and during the next week on four separate
occasions I personally observed Marcus in and around student housing.  On the 10th day after his
expulsion Marcus was observed by staff members sleeping in one of the students
Villa.  I went to residence where Marcus
was last living (Fast Track Housing) and found a large black and locked
suitcase propped up against the living room wall. I asked the room-mate who it
belonged to and all denied ownership or knowledge of who owned it.

I took possession of the suitcase and took it to the storage room of the
School for safe keeping. Marcus arrived later and demanded I return the
suitcase and I asked him for a housing fee for the days beyond what had been
authorized to him. Marcus of course refused and stormed out of the office,
later that evening I received the first of many calls from Marcus mother. She
was unaware of the events preceding her sons expulsion and in the end agreed
to pay for an additional 4 days of housing. Marcus was given his suitcase that
very day and it was the last we heard from him

 
In summary Marcus was a primary player in the initial problems we had with student drug use at Neptune's. We have submitted written statements from other students attesting to the fact
that they purchased Marijuana from Marcus Bogk. 
In addition the statements contradict his denial of habitual drug use.  The decision to expel Marcus was not taken lightly nor did it occur on the first incident. His expulsion was a
result of his continued behavior and numerous violations of the terms and
conditions, employee rules and regulations and criminal law.


Re: Michael Muellerleile.

 Michael arrived at Neptune's Dive College on October 14th,
2008. Initially Michael a former professional musician assimilated very well
into the program. However later on Michael also began to exhibit the same
behavior that was reminiscent of Marcus Bogk. Michael did fairly well through
the beginning of November yet his behavior and quality of work was well below
average by the end of the month.

Michael stopped attending classes on the 4th of December.
After a period of time Michael told the staff he suspected dengue but would not
go to see a physician.  though he claimed to be ill was observed on various occasions attending local bars and restaurants. I personally observed Michael on more than one occasion outside of
the student housing with a beer in hand. 

During the second week in December Michael returned to training though
he would miss various days or dives always with the explanation of intestinal
problems. Michael completed the required portions of the Dive master which made
him eligible to take the Dive-Master Exam.

 Michael was administered his first DM exam on the 16th of
December 2008, which he failed. He was rescheduled to take his exam on the 19th
of December 2008, but did not show up on that date.  Michael was in fact during that weekend in
Morelia with his new girlfriend.

Michael returned on Sunday 21st of December 2008 and came to
see me in the evening wanting to take the exam the following day. I reminded
Michael he had been scheduled to take the exam on the 19th yet of
his own accord chose not to take the exam. I told him to speak with his
instructor to arrange another exam but it would have to be at their
convenience.

 Michael missed his activities on the 22nd of December; again
with intestinal problems which he associated to Dengue, The following day on
December 23rd I spoke with Michael and advised him that if in fact
he had dengue or some illness that interfered with his training he should use
the Christmas break to see a specialist. 

 That very evening Michael came to my office and submitted a written
physicians letter stipulating he was fit for diving and was not exhibiting any
signs or symptoms of dengue.

 
Michael dove on the 24th of December, then departed the
school and was not seen until the 28th of December when he spoke
with his instructor to reschedule this exam. Michael was again rescheduled to
take the DM exam on the 31st of December 2008. He did attend the
Exam and in spite of being directed to take version B, he took the wrong exam.

On December 24th, I sponsored a Family Christmas dinner and
invited all of the students. Michael arrived along with various students and
his girlfriend. During the evening on a number of occasions I observed the same
four persons. (Michael, Billy Rhodes, Peter Edwards and Michaels Girlfriend)
leave the house only to return a few minutes later. Normally this would not be
unusual however their behavior was increasing and drastically different upon
each return.

By the fourth event I again personally and clearly watched all the same
persons once again get together, appear to come to an agreement and leave the
house, I followed them and from my kitchen window I along with my wife could
clearly watch as these four people would pass a small item amongst themselves
put it to their nose for a few seconds and then pass it on.

The average reasonable person could assume they were consuming a
controlled substance, however, with my very substantial back ground in law and
law enforcement it was more than evidently clear that they were inhaling a
controlled substance more than likely cocaine.

 In my opinion the situation was now out of control, however; to give the
students the benefit of a doubt I had the staff mention to their students to be
careful as rumors of drug use were evident and that a possible urinalysis was
possible if the rumors continued. My hopes were to inform those students and
possibly have them refrain from their use.

However, the rumors continued to the point that a local attorney and
neighbor mentioned that he had heard rumors implicating Neptune's Dive College
as famous for its drug use and parties. Based on my observations, past behavior
of students involved and of this new information where the local reputation of
Neptune's Dive College was in jeopardy. 
I made the decision to request a Urinalysis for the people I personally
suspected or had observed in behaviors which clearly identified them as
consuming illicit substances.

On the 5th of January 2009 I had requested Michael (along
with Peter Edwards) to submit to a urinalysis, the cost of which was to be
borne by the school. I was specific on my reasons why I requested him to submit
the urinalysis. In addition I told him, should the results come back negative I
would personally and in front of the complete student body apologize to him.

Michael refused to the exam I did then give him a Letter of Termination
which he signed. Michael did mention he was going to write PADI and I told him to
do so as I felt the school had been more than lenient and was well within its
rights to enforce its drug policy.

 
Michael left my office and vacated student housing that very same day.

Michael was repeatedly in violation of the terms and conditions of his
contract, and placed the school in a position where its local reputation had
been damaged. Michael became a negative influence on other students, lacking
professionalism and qualities consistent with a PADI professional.  Michael was asked to take a urinalysis to
justify his not being terminated from the program to which he refused. Michael
claims he did not to submit a urinalysis, as he was not required by law.

He I believe is indicating that to refuse the test was not sufficient
cause for his termination. He would be right. However the urinalysis was not
requested to prove his guilt. Rather to exonerate him. We believe we already
had sufficient cause for his dismissal. 
He was not under any obligation to sign anything, and just as he refused
to take the urinalysis he could have just as well have refused to sign the
letter.

Michael makes allegation of 3 hour physics classes done in 30 minutes.
This is an absolute fabrication, if anything I have to remind our instructors
to stay within the time constraints of the students schedule.

Michael also makes allegations of certain comments I was to have made. I
do not recall any such conversation involving myself and three other women in
the Hotel.  I can say this. Last year I
allowed myself the luxury of participating in a conversation with a number of
students. The conversation was the usual dive shop banter. This conversation
became fodder for a QA. Since that date I have ensured ad nauseum to avoid any conversations with students which could be
misinterpreted. I did not have any such conversation with Michael as he states.

Michael is due a number of certifications which he completed. We will be
more than happy to submit those certifications. However, we are completely in
disagreement regarding any refund due. Michael voluntarily and knowingly signed
a contract with Neptune's Dive College which is clear on the refund policy.

Michael was in violation of a number of items on a number of occasions
which led to his expulsion.

 
Re: Peter Edwards,

Peter Edwards was a former student who came to Neptune's Dive College
around November 22nd, 2007, Peter came to the program with a friend
and both were placed in student housing. His friend was given partial
employment. Peter began the course but never did pay the complete tuition.
Peter then left the course due to an apparent family emergency.  Around April of 2008, peter again contacted
Neptune's Dive College inquiring about finishing his course. He was allowed to
return and though he had voluntarily departed the course.

Peter again arrived around November 3rd, 2008.  Peter instantly was a student who was hardly
seen or heard. Peter had a general demeanor of superiority towards the other
students, who were not in his social group. Peter would miss regularly scheduled
courses and classes to the point of the staff complaining that his lack of
attendance was interfering in the schedules such as Peter being counted on as a
team member to participate in rescue scenarios, or as a dive buddy during the
mapping project.

 

On the 21st of November after various complaints from the
staff, I had his instructor complete a Letter of Reprimand documenting various
occasions where Peter had failed to attend classes.  In addition to his missing classes when Peter
did attend his practical training exercises Peter would routinely score 2s and
3s.

 

 During the initial phase of his
DM training Peter showed some improvement but that quickly returned to normal.
Peter was dating a fellow student and the negative influence was very apparent.
With every rumor of drug use it was during the family Christmas dinner that I
observed Peter along with those previously mentioned consume what I believe to
be Cocaine.

 

Throughout the period of time the rumors persisted of drug use, Peters
name would always be involved. If not by name then by description. Peter is
easily identified physically. He is very tall, thin with unmistakable crimson
red hair and blue eyes. Characteristics which are extremely rare and much more
so in Mexico.

 

The situation continued until I made the decision to have Peter and
Michael submit the urinalysis. I told Peter my reasons for suspecting him and
if the results returned negative I would just like in the case of Michael,
publicly apologize.  He was also told the
cost was the schools responsibility. I even counseled him on the need to repair
his reputation and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

 

Peter refused to submit to the urinalysis. I then gave him a letter of
termination which Peter refused to sign. 
Peter asked for a few days to leave the residence and I agreed. As of
the date of this letter Peter is out of student housing but still in the area.
I have observed him on a number of occasions in and around the student
residence. As in the case of Michael Muellerleile Peter seems to claim that to
simply refuse the Urinalysis, is not sufficient cause to remove him from the
program. Peter however fails to understand the cause for the request was not to
implicate him, but rather to exonerate him. We believe there was more than
sufficient cause to expel Peter from the program.

 

Peter has since asked for his file. I have advised him during the period
of time the QA is under review that the file must remain with us. However, we
are more than happy to submit a Referral for the training he has completed. I
have asked for a mailing address to send it. He has yet to respond.





 

RE: Billy Rhodes, Shelly Goode,
John Leonard.

 

Billy, Shelly and John all arrived together around November 27th,
2008. Prior to their arrival, these three students were primarily in contact
with Genevieve Paradis a former employee who was helping with the marketing of
the program.  One of the main complaints
of these three students is that they did not receive Air Conditioning on
arrival after it was promised. I have attached the emails I have from Billy
Rhodes and Genevieve Paradis. I was unaware that AC was promised and do not
have an email where it is. However it is the intention of Neptune's Dive
College to complete its obligations if any agent promises something to our
students we do everything possible to ensure that obligation is met.

 

On arrival all three of these students were placed in Villa 24. They
were clearly told it was to be temporary as the School was assigned Villas on
the first floor, street side of the hotel. The students were well aware that no
other student had AC in their Villa.  The
hotel as mentioned previously is in the process of changing AC units beginning
on the first floor and continuing to upper floors later. This was repeatedly
mentioned to Billy, Shelly and Jon. The hotel has experienced a large reduction
in tourism this year and has not completed their renovations as scheduled. This
reflects in the delay of new Air Conditioners. And is well beyond our control.

 

The students did complete their advanced course, and began the EFR.
Unfortunately we did not have the EFR books in yet from PADI and in order to
not delay the commencement of their training they were given books from the
staff or the school library, with the express understanding these books were
not theirs to keep and they should return them on arrival of their personal
ones.

 

These students did however receive their Rescue books. Unlike the
allegations made by Billy Rhodes they did not start rescue scenarios before
completing their EFR. They completed Rescue Training Session One as permitted
by PADI standards.

 

Many of the allegations of these three students have to do with not
receiving unlimited diving during the Christmas break (December 23rd
to January 5th). During the Christmas break if the student does not
wish to do so they can continue training and we make changes to accommodate
them, as was the case with Fast-Track students or in the case of one student
who did not wish to stop his DM training. With this student we assigned an
instructor to him for One-on-One training. Those who did not wish to train
could continue to dive. The only requirement being they schedule themselves for
dives the day prior. Contrary to the allegations no student was denied dives
due to broken compressors or taken off a boat in lieu of DSDs. If there were
space constraints and a student was asked to give up his space it had to be
with the students consent.

 

Billy, Jon and Shelly did not at any time request to train during the
Christmas break, On the sole occasion they were denied service it was not for
diving, but we refused to allow them to take store property (equipment) to
Barra de Navidad (town 60 miles away from the school) where they planned on
doing some beach dives.. This request was denied as per company policy not to
lend out equipment to students for dives outside of our control. They could
however, have gone diving on that very day with the scheduled trip.

 

With regards to these students complaints of schedule conflicts and
cancellations, we make every effort to accommodate all of our students based on
their objectives, training level and needs. This must be coupled with meeting
standards and resources.  The instructors
are responsible in ensuring the adherence to the schedule. However on occasion
there must be changes made to the training schedule and the instructors are
extremely efficient in making this transition the most feasible and least
difficult as possible.

 

To say no changes are ever made to the schedule or that no classes have
ever been cancelled would be a deception on our part.  However these events are rare and not
anywhere near the level these complaints would have you believe.

 

Any change to the schedule has a domino effect which affects other
courses or classes. Therefore, it is taken seriously and is done only as a last
resort. During the Christmas break it would not have be unforeseeable to change
schedules due to training ratios being askew. But as stated earlier the situation
definitely is more the exception than the rule.

 

These students were not affected by equipment delays. They do mention
the problem so I will address it. 
Equipment importation is a problem in Mexico. That statement is clear
and simple. What are not clear and simple are the protracted importation
requirements which can run at times as short as one week to as long as 3
months. Mexican customs is arbitrary, time consuming, complex, unjust, and
bureaucratic.

 

The problem is such that we inform the students and even have it listed
in the terms and conditions. If a student is too receive equipment we make
every effort to have it prior to their arrival. However, again though we make
every effort on our part, we cannot control the delays experienced once
equipment is in Customs.  This is not a
problem unique to Neptune's Dive College but is endemic to Mexico.

 

We have made various attempts to correct this problem and are currently
working with our Course Director in facilitating the export of equipment from
the US to Mexico via an export and import agent. This should shorten and
guarantee the arrival of equipment in a timelier manner.

 

I have reviewed the website numerous times to find any verbiage which
indicates housing is 5 stars. There is no such wordage or insinuation. What is
clearly stated is the location of the accommodation and there is even a whole
page dedicated to housing, which includes actual and updated pictures of the
residences and information on an upgrade option.  www.neptunesdiving.com/housing.html.

 

The actual website statement regarding housing is the following:

Housing is conveniently located at Hotel Villas La Audencia, and
consists of self contained apartments. Rooms are singles with king size or
double beds, Interns who are traveling with a spouse or partner may have them
stay for a small additional fee, housing contains, WIFI in lobby, cable
television, full kitchen, full bath, on site pool, .and literally across the street
from your training center and 100 yards from local restaurants, bar, disco and
entertainment complex.

Housing also includes maid and linen service (bedding and towels) once
per week,  Personal Laundry is also
picked up once per week, washed, dried, folded and returned the same day*, In
addition all utilities are covered as part of your tuition.  Hotel has security and maintenance service 24
hours per day.









Hotel does have a restaurant on-premise and meals can be had there for about 4
dollars. The hotel is clean, safe and very convenient for your training.

I believe nothing in the
previous statement would lead the average reasonable person to believe they
were receiving 5 Star Housing for their program.



Of the many complaints I found this one to be quite unfair and very much
unexpected. These three students never once complained to me in person. Each
conversation I had with them was always carefree and they all appeared to be
understanding and in agreement with the delays experienced by the hotel regarding
the AC. I never imagined the complaints were forthcoming.

The departure of Jon, Billy and
Shelly was also very unexpected. The three departed the morning of January 6th,
2009. Billys explanation was he had a family emergency he had to tend too. He
would be taking Shelly and Jon with him as he was financially responsible for
them. Billy said they would be returning within 2-3 weeks.

Prior to departing Billy asked
if it would be ok to leave behind some items. I let him place a large number of
personal things in locked storage. The items remain there. At no time did I
ever suspect these three students were leaving. I did know they were part of
the social group of Michael Muellerleile, Peter Edwards and Megan Harvey.  In hindsight I now suspect their departure
was to avoid the consequences of a possible urinalysis. I have also come to
know through the staff of meetings these students had in their villas where
they would disparage the program.

These three students are
tentatively supposed to return to the program in the near future. The date and
circumstances of their return has yet to be determined.





Re: Leandro Curry.

Leandro raises some issues
regarding certifications; the policy for Neptune's Dive College is for the
instructor to complete all certifications including submitting PICs.  All certifications are logged on a sheet in
the office and the instructor signs off as they are submitted.

Due to the inconsistencies with
instructors I hired an office worker to input all DSD information and complete
PICs. This was done over a very small period of time and unfortunately we had
to dismiss the person due to deficiencies in the quality of their work. Prior
to leaving this person also misplaced many of the Applications pending either
submission or payment.

Leandro failed to complete the
paperwork on many of his students. He was not denied any certification he
simply did not follow up with it. During this period of time Leandro had lost
his grandfather and his mother was going through a very hard time in the aftermath.
This affected Leandro immensely to the point of affecting his work ethic,
quality and judgment.

I became aware of bad Leandros
situation was when on one occasion I went to the Karmina Palace and found his
students standing around. When I inquired to his whereabouts, someone responded
late again. I found Leandro sitting in his car on his cell phone speaking in
Portuguese and quite upset.

I had a meeting with Leandro
that date (late October) and told him his emotional state was jeopardizing the
training and well being of his students. I asked if he needed time off, and if
he did how much. Leandro looked me in the face and said yes he would take some
time. I inquired how much expecting to hear a reasonable amount. To which he
responds February 1st

Leandro under no circumstance
was sent on vacation he picked the time frame he felt he needed to deal with
his personal problems.  He was asked to
ensure everything was in order before he left. 
He did not.  Leandro would have
you believe I made a financial decision based on a number of MSDT candidates
available. The fact is I ended up hiring these two instructors at a higher cost
than if Leandro had stayed on.

A huge problem we have had in
the past with certifications was a culmination of the inadequacy of the office
worker we hired (who hid many of the applications and emails) and Leandro
failing to complete his certification paperwork.

As the staff was left with
correcting his problems in many cases finishing the training, they felt the
certification was rightfully theirs. There was no malice intended, and this I
can say is where I erred on my decision to allow the practice.

Leandro further claims there was
never any oxygen on board. This issue has been repeatedly addressed.  We have a 30 cuft, O2 bottle on board, in a
container located in one of the holding tanks. The captain is responsible for
ensuring the O2 is brought onboard.  It
is the additional responsibility of the Instructor to ensure all safety items are
present and in working order. If Leandro as a staff instructor participated in
a training dive while knowing no O2 was present then he was in violation of the
Training Standards for both PADI and Neptune's Dive College. To say no O2 is
ever on-board in entirely incorrect.  
Additionally, during the O2 provider course the bottle was brought into
the classroom as a training aid. Yet again; it was the responsibility of the
Instructor to ensure the boat had it back onboard for diving.

Leandro mentions housing not
having electricity or gas.  This has
happened in the past when students fail to bring in the bills, which are placed
by the utility company clearly in sight. 
The bill is paid immediately when received. If the bill is not turned in
and the utilities are turned off. We immediately send our representative to pay
the balance and the utilities are usually turned on the very same day.  The only delay would be if it occurred on a
weekend or holiday.

Leandro further alludes about
improprieties regarding a fellow instructor. The instructor in question was
also a former student. On graduation from her IDC she was asked to remain on
staff. This instructors credentials are impeccable. With a Bachelors degree in
Anthropology and a Masters degree in Forensics she was a perfect candidate for
the level of instructors Neptune's Dive College wishes to employ.

This instructor was hired and
agreed to the terms and conditions contained within the employee manual. The
instructor was aware that a no fraternization policy was in effect.  When I became aware of her relationship with
a current student, I wrote her an email reminding her of the policy and if true
that termination could result.

The instructor came to see me
the following day, and made a very persuasive and convincing argument as to why
she should not be let go. Assuring that her relationship with the student would
not in any way hinder her professionalism and teaching relationship with other
students. The incident had none of the impropriety Leandro would have you
believe.

It is unfortunate that Leandro
felt strong enough to write PADI regarding these issues. If there is one thing
Leandro is correct on, it would be that students he initially began teaching
were not certified in his name. This again was based on his lack of following
up with paperwork, or in worse case scenarios simply did not complete the
training.

Subsequently, we have been
informed by PADI representatives that even if the instructor is no longer
present the PIC ONLINE should be filled out in their name. We are more than
extremely willing to abide by that standard. 
However, this solution is over simplified in our case, as the instructor
(Leandro) who supposedly completed all the training dives did not document it.
In which case a secondary instructor had to complete the documentation and may
times redo the training for lack of documentation and then fill out the PIC.





 

 

Re: Stacy Lindbergh

 

 

Stacey was a student of Neptune's Dive College who completed all of her
training and was due all of her certifications. Unfortunately, Stacy was not
given her Certifications on time. 
Stacys case was actually what brought to our attention the problems we
had with an office worker who was hired to complete all of the data entry and
submissions of DSD information to the PADI Website.

 

This person was to coordinate with the Instructor to ensure all
certifications were done on-time and correct. This system seemed to work for a
period of time however it was noted later that many inconsistencies were
apparently causing problems which resulted in the delay of submissions of many
certifications and applications either.

 

The person was let go and in apparent retaliation misplaced many of
the DSD paperwork or PIC log sheets.  The
end result was Stacys and other students certifications were not delivered in
a timely manner.

 

Of all the complaints submitted in the current QA this is one that can
be singled out to have veracity.

 

There are mitigating circumstances, but it is Mea Culpa in that I did
not oversee more effectively the submissions of students certifications, and
relied on the oversight of the training director, who during the weekly staff
meetings assured all issues pertaining to certifications were either in order
or resolved.

 

Since then we have transferred/demoted and replaced the training director.
We instituted a new system to help ensure no PIC is more than 7 days from
completion of training to submission. The instructors must on a daily basis
complete any submission to PADI either for DSD or PIC Online.

 

We have been in contact with members of PADI who have been remarkable in
their assistance to these students.  We
believe there are students who may still be due certifications. As soon as we
know we submit the paper work and payment.





 

Summation:

 

We take the allegations submitted by these past students extremely
serious. In light of the situation we had previously with a former Course
Director (Eric Zwanenburg) we have done everything possible to maintain with
the utmost quality all of the standards required to maintain a 5 star IDC center.

 

As part of maintaining these standards we have rules that seem to go
contrary to some peoples idea of what Scuba Dive Education is, to quote one of
the complaints The learning environment
is totally unacceptable for what is supposed to be a relaxing activity.
The learning environment we provide is formal, professional, comprehensive and
safe. If a student wishes to train to a professional level while sitting on the
beach, sipping margaritas. Then Neptune's Dive College is not for them.

 

I have attempted to answer the allegations as concise as I can. Even so
the response is fairly extensive. I do understand that many of the complaints
have to do with perception. We make every effort to ensure our students know
what they are to receive, what is included and what is not.

 

We have experienced some difficulties with PIC Online and applications.
We made very drastic and sad decisions to fire, demote or transfer staff
members in order to rectify this problem. We believe the team in place now is much
more capable of ensuring the issue with Certifications is a thing of the past.

 

We are constantly improving the program and the number of students who
attend continues to grow. The increase in student body requires us to maintain
control of the learning environment. This includes having and enforcing our
No-Drug Policy. As I told Leroy Wilkinson, I have countless conversations with
concerned parents who are sending their 18 year old son or daughter for their
first out of the country experience, pleading for me to do everything in my
power to ensure they return them the same as they arrived.

 

Michael Muellerleile, Peter Edwards have an individual right to consume
whatever they wish too. Their right ends when they affect those who do not wish
to partake in their activities. Or in a place where they have no right
too.  I would be remiss to allow the
activities of these two persons to have continued, and saying that I am
regretful I allowed it to continue as long as it did.

 

We did the right thing and kept our part of the contract. They however
did not and would have PADI intervene on their behalf. I think it inherently
unjust we have already had to suffer through 3 weeks of unofficial suspension
without access to either PIC online, or to have been removed from the store
locator.

 

I have attempted to be clear on the allegations I would pray the review
committee consider all of the material and decide in our favor.

 

Respectfully yours,

 

Jorge E. Sosa PADI #239165

Neptunes Dive College

PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center

I was told by some of the guys you had written this complaint about when you went to Mexico. I couldnt beleive you actually thought about leaving music and like all the things you do, your new career imploded. Man we got juiced, coked and smoked so many times together and in so many different cities and you want to lie about it.

Mike you have a following of people who know you to be a P.O.S and not only that a liar and a loser. I still havent forgotten what you did to me. But when your high you act the stupid fool. Like everyone else I laugh at your stripper engagement. But that is exactly the type of fool you are.

God know what you did in Mexico, karma is a b***h and I bet she is riding your back right now hard. And what do you mean only the best play overseas. Yeah thats what the best do, travel to Vietnam to play rock music. Idiot.

You did a ton of bad sh*t and now it seems like life is paying you back.

HAHA, this stuff is too funny. The best of the best, Micheal this guy is right your washed up.  Google Micheal and you will see he is a realtor. So much for best of the best.So I guess its now Micheal Mullerliel, muscian/realtor.. zzapapa.. the sound you just heard is me busting my side laughing my a*s off..

Dude there are so many people that know you and really are not your friends or simply dont like you... for you to be posting arrogant stuff on the internet.  And I just died when I read about your stripper love match.. you deserve that s**t...hahahahaha.

Anyhow cant beleive I just spent 10 minutes on this stuff, when I could be doing something..ahh let me rephrase.. ANYTHING more important than thinking about Micheal.

Micheal Mullerliel LMAO dude you know  your  a serious coke head. Why lie about it! and you dont have to be the best of the best to get a gig in Vietnam playing rock music.. Dude its Vietnam.. hello! wakey wakey.. alarm clock. Its not like its the cradle of rock and roll..

I beleive that dude wrote some straight sh* about you. Yeah, your the only active rock musician who is drug free LMAO...

But why be upset about it.. Drugs, Sex and Rock and Roll... baby.. its like the holy trinity and your acting like its something bad.. wtf.. dude..

And if you had a stripper girlfriend who promised to marry you. Join the club baby.. the world is full of small wanky wieners who fell for that "I love you long time" only to find out the loving is only for as long as you had the dough baby. And if you had to give up five large and then got a stripper girlfriend and was hitting the lines then I know you got broke quick.

I fell out of my hammock when I read a monkey could pass the DiveMaster (wtf is a divemaster) and you couldnt..

Micheal Mullerliel, Your giving Rock a bad name.. my friend and I think you should stop and pray forgiveness from the rock gods...Party on dude and pass the mirror.

i made a mistake about the link of the website...the new one is...www.prodivepv.com and the founder of this one used to belong to neptune dive college...take care my friends, same company...same person...different name.

I was very concerned about this report and the way this company operated. I realized they are changing the old web page to a new one which is: www.prodivecollege.com and I am not sure if they will continue with their old faulted policies. I think it is important for everyone to know about this and be aware of the reasons PADI expelled the company and its owner.

I would like to start by saying that not only are your comments slanderous, childish, and untrue but, you have ZERO proof of anything that was mentioned in your rebuttal. So to play fair, I would like to post some facts of my own for anyone curious as to the validity of anything said by the owner of Neptune's Dive College (which no longer exists) and/or any of its employees.

I would like to make a few points and then will follow with FACTS!

1)     Saying that I am a drug addict with absolutely ZERO proof!

FACT:  Not only am I not and never have been, but I find it hard to believe that someone with addiction to drugs could ever afford to pay ($5000.00) for your school in full, along with having money to live on while attending.

2)     Saying that I am an unsafe diver.

FACT: A few of my complaints to PADI about your facility, was the fact that there was never emergency equipment of any kind (i.e. radio, O2, etc.) on your overloaded dive boat at any time!

3)     Failure to mention that I did receive a refund.

FACT: My bank recovered my money after a lengthy, 6 month investigation into your company and after contacting PADI to verify my claims... (Please note that the standard refund time limit for my bank is 60 days after the time of purchase except in cases where negligence is extremely evident. Please also note that this was not a $20 convenient store purchase and would never have been refunded if all of the facts and evidence that I provided were 100% true and accurate...This was a refund for nearly $5000.00 and was not returned in good faith by Neptune's Dive College

Now lets use the facts first:

FACT: Neptune's Dive College in Manzanillo Mexico was expelled from PADI

This is true and can be verified by calling PADI and asking them yourself. Logic would dictate that an organization such as PADI would not expel a money making entity for a single complaint. It would also dictate that for them to expel Neptune's Dive College from their organization there would have had to have been numerous complaints to the point of the reputation of PADI being jeopardized. Here is he contact number for PADI: 800-729-7234 (U.S. and Canada)

FACT: Jorge Sosa (owner/operator) had his instructor certification revoked from NAUI Member #35861 SUSPENDED 12/11/2002 and revoked 02/07/2004 here is the link to check for yourself: Naui http://www.naui.org/quality_assurance.aspx

FACT: Jorge Sosa (owner/operator) had his instructor certification suspended, revoked, and expelled from PADI on 03/11/2010 member#239165 here is the link to check for yourself: PADI http://www.padi.com/padi/en/footerlinks/expelInstructors.aspx

Now lets make a comment on your childish attempt to include personal information of which you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Your need to mention anything of my personal life, only proves that when you have ZERO factual information, you will try to post anything, as worthless as it may be, in a ridiculous attempt to make yourself credible. I on the other hand, have posted 100% accurate facts that can be verified by anyone.

And to your comment about my music employment... To get a job like this, you have to be the best of the best!  It's not like getting expelled from an organization and waving money in front of the eyes of your former competitors to make them overlook your previous failures.

Now, the comment about hiding behind an "internet veil" I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Im pretty sure your name isn't Diver Dan...So for the sake of this post, I will just assume the person hiding behind your "internet veil" is you Jorge Sosa. Have a nice day!

I laughed my a*s off, when I read this email. First off start by tell us who you are and not hiding behind some internet veil. Right Micheal Mullerleile. And why not tell why you were kicked out of the school.

First of all you need to tell everyone you got caught doing Cocaine during the christmas dinner at the school owners house. You weren't even smart about it. And when confronted you were given the opportunity to prove yourself. But instead you decided to leave.

Tell everyone how you got ALL of your money back and didn't even pay for the training you did do. The tell everyone how for the few weeks before getting the boot you stopped caring about your training because you fell in love with the stripper from Guadalajara and she had led you by the nose. By the way how did that "engagement" work out for you Micheal. I guess I told you so would just be salt in the wound.

No my friend, you got the boot for making the wrong decisions, and like the Man-Child you are. You cried about it and used the system to your advantage. I guess being a washed up, irrelevant and mediocre musician was too much for you. But then you even failed to get your Dive Master rating. Which by the way a monkey can do it blind folded.

And PADI lets see.. where to start... this is the organization that recommended the school keep you. Inspite of the fact that you were deep into drugs, missing classes because of the Stripper girlfriend (sorry fiance), failing exams and were just a completely bad diver and in many of your instructors opinion, dangerous to those around you.   And the same organization that made the school give oral exams to students who couldn't read or had dyslexia to the point they couldn't take exams.

Or better yet the organization that made the school keep a student on board after the administration went to the federal police to bail him out for ....you guessed right ..DRUGS.

The school stood up to PADI and for doing so was punished. For wanting (and in your case succeeding) to keep unqualified people from becoming Diving Instructors. No Micheal Mullerleile you had the opportunity to deal with this face to face. But took the cowards way and hid behind a computer to disparage reputations.

The truth is far from what you wrote here. One question, have you become so irrelevant in music that your relegated to playing overseas, because no band, bar, or any venue will have you play. Or is it because your so burned in the industry no one will work with you?

UPDATE: It appears according to PADI's website, that the owner/instructor Neptune's Dive College in Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta,  has now had his liscense EXPELLED! Way to go PADI with sticking to your core values and responsibilities.  Check for yourself: Padi.com and look up Jorge Sosa  Also, please call PADI for a update on this facility.

I would just like to say that I was a student of the dive college when the person who wrote this report was expelled. He is obviously not stating the reasons why he was expelled, but I should imagine I do not need to spell this out, just as his silence speaks volumes. He is clearly bitter, but did indeed receive a full refund. Maybe this slipped his mind. As for the owner being kicked out of Naui, this is untrue. He did a crossover to Padi on an instructor course. Not very sinister at all is it. If you are considering attending the college, join Neptunes on facebook and chat to past and present students, and I think you will find a completely different story is being told. It's a great college.