With nearly 30 years in the diving industry and more than two decades as a PADI Course Director, Chris Heitkemper has trained hundreds of passionate divers to become confident, skilled, and globally recognized PADI Instructors. His unique teaching approach blends the precision and discipline of his German roots with the laid-back adaptability of Mediterranean diving, ensuring his IDC graduates not only pass the PADI Instructor Exam but go on to thrive as successful professionals worldwide.

Chris is not just a PADI Course Director; he is also Malta’s most experienced PADI Technical and Trimix Instructor Trainer. Since 2004, he has regularly conducted PADI Tec and Trimix courses at both student and instructor levels, certifying hundreds of Tec and Trimix Instructors. His expertise in deep diving, wreck exploration, and technical training makes him one of the most sought-after diving educators in Europe.

Chris’s love for teaching started early in life. With a background in English and German studies, he quickly discovered a passion for educating others and soon found his calling in the world of diving.

After earning his PADI Instructor certification in 1995, he spent three years teaching in Thailand, gaining valuable experience in high-volume dive training. In 1998, he relocated to Malta, where he fully embraced the Mediterranean lifestyle while continuing to develop his skills as a dive educator.

Since becoming a PADI Course Director in 2001, Chris has built a world-class IDC program in Malta. His structured, empathetic teaching style has been a key factor in the success of his candidates, many of whom have gone on to teach and work at top diving destinations across the globe.

At Starfish Diving Malta, Chris leads a comprehensive PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) designed to fully prepare candidates for the PADI Instructor Exam (PADI IE) and beyond. With his multi-lingual capabilities (teaching in English, German, and French), he ensures that aspiring instructors from diverse backgrounds receive clear, structured training that builds their confidence in both teaching and diving skills.

Beyond the IDC, Chris offers a wide range of PADI Specialty Instructor courses, including: Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Nitrox (Enriched Air), Drysuit Diver, Emergency Oxygen Provider and more.

While Chris is widely known for his exceptional IDC programs, his greatest passion lies in technical and deep wreck diving. He is a PADI Tec and Trimix Instructor Trainer, regularly running advanced-level technical diving courses in Malta and abroad. His work has taken him to Switzerland, Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, and beyond, training divers to explore depths that few ever reach.

Malta’s WWI and WWII wrecks are among the best in the world, and Chris specializes in leading technical training dives to these incredible sites. His experience in deep diving, gas management, decompression procedures, and wreck penetration makes him an unmatched mentor for those looking to take their diving to the next level.

Currently a PADI Gold Course Director (with the possibility of achieving Platinum Course Director status in 2024), Chris remains at the forefront of PADI Instructor Development and Technical Diving Training. His dedication to his students, his extensive experience, and his love for teaching continue to make Starfish Diving Malta the premier choice for aspiring PADI Professionals.

For anyone looking to turn their passion for diving into a successful career, training under Chris Heitkemper offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best, develop real-world skills, and unlock a future filled with adventure.

1. Train in one of Europe’s best diving locations – Experience top-tier wreck, reef, and cave diving in Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
2. Learn from an experienced PADI Course Director – Chris Heitkemper has been a PADI Course Director since 2001, with nearly 30 years in the industry.
3. 100% Instructor Exam Success Rate – Our structured training approach, including mock exams and real-world teaching experience, ensures that candidates are fully prepared.
4. Small class sizes & personalized coaching – Benefit from individualized attention and hands-on instruction to maximize your learning experience.
5. Career support & job placement assistance – Get expert advice on securing your first job as a PADI Instructor after completing the course.