Association of Scuba Service Engineers & Technicians – Owner

About Me

I’m Joey Ridge, the proud new owner of the Association of Scuba Service Engineers & Technicians (ASSET), having taken the reins in 2024 after Stewart and Frances Meinert—our founding visionaries—retired from teaching. It’s an honor to build on their legacy of excellence and innovation in dive service engineering. We have moved our main headquarters to Cyprus. Our new workshop/premisis is still growing and we hope to provide more hands on training for dive compressors, dive cylinders and dive equipment.

My Professional Journey

With over 20 years of dedicated service in the offshore diving industry, I’ve honed my expertise as a mechanical dive technician specializing in:

• Operation and maintenance of commercial diving systems
• Certification and troubleshooting of dive equipment
• Collaboration with major diving-equipment and compressor manufacturers

This extensive hands-on experience has given me a rock-solid foundation in technical competence and problem-solving under pressure.

Passion for Training and Mentorship

Beyond my mechanical skills, I’m a certified PADI Course Director. In this role, I:

• Design and deliver comprehensive PADI diver and PADI instructor courses
• Emphasize safety protocols, environmental stewardship, and ethical responsibilities
• Mentor the next generation of Padi dive professionals, sharing both technical know-how and the values that keep our industry safe and sustainable

I find immense fulfillment in watching my students grow into confident, conscientious divers and instructors.

Honoring a Cherished Member

In 2022, Association of Scuba Service Engineers & Technicians (ASSET) suffered a heartbreaking loss with the passing of our dear friend and member, Stephen Burton from Pattya, due to complications from COVID-19. Under Stephen’s leadership at Samui Easytech in Thailand, ASSET courses flourished. His dedication to quality training and community spirit left an indelible mark—one we honor and cherish as we move forward.

Association of Scuba Service Engineers & Technicians (ASSET), courses and training have since stopped continuing under the licensed training provider Stephen Burton of Samui Easytech in Thailand.

Looking Ahead

As I steer Association of Scuba Service Engineers & Technicians (ASSET) into the future, I’m excited to introduce:

• ASSET Approval Scheme: A streamlined certification pathway for dive-service professionals
• Members Help Desk: A dedicated support line to ensure every member thrives in their career
• ASSET Training Courses: We are revising all matrials and continuing to update training and for British – European standards.

My commitment is unwavering: to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency in all diving operations, to foster continuous professional development, and to drive innovation in dive-team technology.

Thank you for being part of our journey. I warmly welcome all old and new ASSET members and look forward to navigating the depths of innovation and excellence with you. Join me on this journey as we navigate the depths of diving together, embracing new challenges and opportunities. Welcome back old friends and new members alike—let’s make waves in the diving community!