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History
Hornby Island Diving is a family run business that
has been in operation for over thirty years. It was started by Robert
(Bob) Zielinski, a dedicated and experienced diver who extensively
explored the British Columbia coast with his wife Ann, before settling
on Hornby in 1972.
Although equipment and amenities weren't as comfortable
as they are today, diving was growing in popularity in BC, and people
were looking for a place to dive and to "get away from it all"
for a few days. Hornby Island Diving is one of the original SCUBA
charter operations on this coast. Bob has since retired (again),
and the business is now operated by his son, Rob.
Over the years Hornby Island Diving has provided
guiding and expertise to various projects such as television documentaries,
books, magazines and research.
The Zielinski family has long been concerned with
marine conservation, and their efforts contributed to the designation
of the marine component of Helliwell Provincial Park. This area
is closed to the taking of marine life by divers, and is currently
under consideration for further protection, due to its significant
populations of bottom fish and invertebrates.
Owners
Rob and Amanda Zielinski are the owners and operators
of Hornby Island Diving. We are full-time residents of Hornby Island,
and we are avid divers. We look forward to introducing you to 'our
back yard'.
Rob Zielinski
Rob has lived on Hornby all his life. He began diving
with his father as a small child, and he grew up assisting with
dive charters. He has operated Hornby Island Diving since 1994.
As a lifelong resident of Hornby, he has strong ties
with the community and environment, and an extensive knowledge of
both.
Rob is a PADI Divemaster.
Amanda Zielinski
Amanda been a resident of Hornby since 1997, before
which she was a resident of 'The Big Island' (Vancouver Island).
She grew up surrounded by the unique Gulf Islands
ecosystem and has always been interested in terrestrial and intertidal
biology. This expanded to include a fascination with the underwater
world when she started diving in 1996.
Amanda is a PADI Open Water SCUBA instructor.
Our Philosophy
Hornby Island sustains our lives and our livelihood.
We strive to keep the island and its surrounding waters a healthy
place.
We do not allow collecting of marine life.
We actively support increased protection for the
marine environment of Hornby and beyond.
We make education about the natural world a part
of every experience with us.
We are proud to employ island residents to help us
with diving operations, housekeeping, and food services.
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