“Seeing someone take their first breath underwater never gets old.”
For many PADI Professionals, earning the title of Course Director is the ultimate achievement. As PADI’s highest professional certification, this prestigious title demands not only exceptional diving experience and commitment, but also an unwavering passion for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of divers and instructors. Few reach this level — and those who do typically arrive after decades in the industry.
So at just 21 years old, Joshua Gloy, who is already a PADI IDC Staff Instructor with his sights set on one day becoming a PADI Course Director, is well worth paying attention to. That alone is no mean feat in an industry where meaningful experience takes time. However, it’s not just Josh’s age that makes him a remarkable individual, it’s his purpose, drive and the impact he’s already making.
We sat down with Josh to learn more about his journey, from the moment he first fell in love with the ocean, to what makes Mozambique, where he’s currently based, one of the world’s most appealing places to dive.
Born To Dive
It doesn’t take long to understand why a young Josh had diving in his blood. “Diving has always been a part of my life — my whole family were divers, and I grew up watching their underwater videos, completely captivated by the world they were exploring,” he explained. Add in a snorkeling trip with dolphins, and destiny took a firm grip of six-year-old Josh. He was hooked! He told us, “I knew I wanted to understand the ocean and be part of it somehow.”
Fast forward six years, and Josh completed his PADI Junior Open Water Diver course in a quarry outside Johannesburg, South Africa. Not long after, a first encounter with sharks in Sodwana Bay became another destiny-defining moment for Josh, ”I remember descending and seeing a ragged-tooth shark, and it completely changed everything. I fell in love with the underwater world in that moment and knew this wasn’t just something I wanted to do – it was something I wanted to dedicate my life to.”
While recreational diving had its appeal, Josh explains that it wasn’t long before he felt a desire for greater purpose. “The more time I spent underwater, the more I realized I didn’t just want to experience it for myself,” he said. “I saw how diving can change people, how it builds confidence, awareness, and a deeper connection with nature. That made me want to take it further. I didn’t just want to dive on weekends; I wanted this to be my life’s work.”
Turning Passion Into Profession
At 15, Josh completed his Advanced Open Water Diver certification during a three-month internship at a dive center in Mozambique, before returning to South Africa to complete his school education. Then, at the age of 18, he booked a one-way ticket back to Mozambique with one thing on his mind… his Divemaster certification. For Josh, this was the ultimate course. He declared, “It was a hands-on, immersive experience that helped shape me both professionally and personally.”
After achieving his certification, Josh went about putting it to good use, but (as you may have already guessed) it wasn’t long before Josh was looking upward again. As he explained, “I went on to work as a Divemaster along the Southern African coastline before deciding it was time to become an Instructor.” With the support of Peter Herbst, Ulrich Horn and Erika Hoffman, and the backing of a PADI scholarship, Josh completed his PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Instructor Examination (IE).
His next step was the PADI Staff Instructor certification. He commented on the course, “Most recently, I completed my PADI Staff Instructor certification, and it confirmed for me that this is the right path. My dream is to become a PADI Course Director and help shape the next generation of dive professionals.”
When asked about the final step up to a PADI Course Director, Josh added, “I’ve loved mentoring other divers and supporting their growth through my work as a Staff Instructor. Becoming a Course Director would allow me to give back to the community that helped me grow, and I can’t wait to take that next step.”
It’s About the Journey. And the Destination
With the peak of PADI’s professional progression on the horizon, we wanted to dig deeper into the individual steps along the way. When asked about his motivation to continue earning PADI certifications, Josh explained, “It was never about collecting qualifications – it was about being in a position to lead, to teach, and to advocate for the ocean. Continuing with my education felt natural because I wanted to give back and become someone others could learn from, just as I had.”
Josh’s reason for choosing life as a PADI Pro was simple, ”Seeing someone take their first breath underwater never gets old. That wide-eyed wonder, that mix of nerves and amazement – it’s a reminder of why I started.” But there’s more to it than the wonder, he remarked, “It’s about impact. Helping someone overcome fear, watching them grow in confidence, and guiding them to fall in love with the ocean – those are the moments that matter most. You’re not just teaching diving; you’re helping people transform.”
As for what makes Josh tick as a diver on a personal level, the connection to sharks from his very first encounter still burns strong. Alongside his core PADI certs, Josh adds that ”The AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty has been the most meaningful for me. I’m incredibly passionate about sharks – especially unbaited shark diving, which is something southern Mozambique is known for.”
Advice for the Next Wave
When asked what advice he would give to anyone dreaming of a life in scuba diving, Josh offered, “Start where you are. You don’t need perfect conditions or the best gear to begin. You just need passion and a willingness to learn. I started diving in a quarry in Johannesburg, and that one step led me to a life I never imagined.” He added, “Diving can open doors to adventure, community, and purpose. If it feels like home underwater, trust that. Say yes to the next opportunity, keep pushing forward, and let the ocean show you what’s possible.”
As for life as a PADI Pro, Josh says, “If the idea lights you up – do it. It’s a life-changing journey, but you have to be ready to commit. It’s not just about diving, it’s about showing up every day to grow, to lead, and to keep learning.” Beyond that, Josh warned with a smile, “There will be challenges – long days, unexpected currents, tough students – but those are the moments that shape you. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you.”
Josh’s parting advice for future divers was, “Stay humble. And most importantly, never lose the joy that brought you to diving in the first place.”
Where the Ocean Still Feels Wild
We couldn’t let Josh leave without asking about scuba diving in Mozambique. He intoned, “Mozambique is one of those rare places where the ocean still feels wild and untouched. The reefs are thriving, the marine life is incredibly diverse, and you never quite know what you’ll see on a dive – from schools of reef fish to turtles, rays, and even sharks. What makes it truly special, though, is that the diving here is still raw and real. It’s not overly commercialized or crowded – it feels authentic.”
But Josh says it’s not just about life under the water, “There’s also something beautiful about the rhythm of life here. The culture, the coast, the people – everything blends into a pace that invites you to slow down and connect with the natural world.”
In addition, Josh wanted to highlight the bait-free shark diving that makes the area so special. He went on to say, “Southern Mozambique is one of the few places where unbaited shark diving is possible and ethical. That kind of experience is rare, and it’s what keeps me here.”
And for anyone considering Mozambique as a place to learn to dive or further their diving certifications, Josh was quick to clarify, “Without a doubt, Mozambique is an exceptional place to pursue any level of diving certification. The marine diversity is incredible – students will encounter everything from vibrant macro life to impressive megafauna, offering a rich learning experience at every dive.”
After mentioning the technique-tuning, confidence-building conditions divers will encounter, Josh highlighted what the area has to offer: ”In addition to its natural beauty, Mozambique boasts several highly qualified dive centers, including Five-Star IDC Dive Centers and Eco Centers, ensuring professional, high-quality training. Combined with the warm, local culture and a strong focus on conservation, it’s a truly inspiring place to grow as a diver and a professional.”
Inspired To Continue Your Scuba Diving Journey?
Josh’s journey is proof that with the right passion, grit and determination, dreams like becoming a PADI Pro, or even a Course Director, are within reach. If his story has inspired you to take the next step, there’s no better time to get started. Whether you’re ready to go Pro, looking to move forward in your diving journey or want to discover the best diving in Mozambique, the ocean is waiting for you.
