Mike Taylor began diving in 1999 and continued diving professionally while serving in the United States Coast Guard, working with interagency search and recovery teams. These environments required meticulous planning, discipline, and accountability—principles that define his instructional approach.

Mike believes Technical Dive training is serious business and should be treated accordingly, not just checking the boxes. That being said he believes divers are built.   Every person will have their own strengths and weaknesses that they bring to the table and must be trained accordingly.  Mike is not the easiest instructor by design but will truly train you with patience as well. His focus is producing divers who can perform consistently, manage stress, and make sound decisions underwater.

Black Deep Tech teaches the full technical pathway—from Intro to Tech for divers without technical experience through advanced trimix, CCR, and Instructor Trainer-level courses. We have full rentals including JJ-CCRs and Suex DPVs.  Students leave with measurable improvements in buoyancy, trim, situational awareness, and dive planning.

When not teaching, Mike is an active cave diver.