Meet Captain Tom: Two Decades Diving the Cooper River
I have spent more than twenty years exploring the Cooper River, collecting sharks' teeth and artifacts from the moment I first began. Even now, the day's discoveries can surprise me. I once assumed the river would eventually give up all its treasures, but that has not happened — each tide change exposes something new, and most of it turns up for the divers who join me on the water.
These days I spend little time diving the river myself. What I enjoy is taking people like you out on the water, helping you find teeth, and making sure you feel at ease and have a good time.
Credentials and Safety on Board
I hold a Coast Guard Captain's license as Master, Coastwise, and have carried it for over twenty years — longer still than I have been taking divers out. You will not find a captain with more Cooper River diving experience. I run two trips each day on weekends throughout the year, and weekday charters are available with sufficient advance notice.
- Fully insured PADI divemaster
- Boat fully insured for charter operations by the Hartford Insurance Company
- Certificate of insurance available for your group or shop on request
- DAN first aid kit and oxygen carried on board
- Certified DAN Oxygen Provider and PADI Medic First Aid certified
- All required Coast Guard safety equipment, plus VHF marine radio and cellular phone
If any of your legal or safety questions remain unanswered, send me a message and I will do my best to reply promptly and to your satisfaction.
Choose Your Dive Operator Carefully
Lately many people have been presenting themselves as Cooper River diving "experts." Before you book, ask how long they have been diving the river, how long they have been in business, and whether they can show proof such as photographs of their finds. One individual claims to recover fifty pounds of teeth on a single dive — I consider that impossible. Know who you are diving with before you go, and ask for references. Request them from me and I will share the names and email addresses of people pictured on this site.
You will not be disappointed with my service, or with your Cooper River experience alongside me. I hope to see you in the river soon.
Copyright 2000-2003 Capt Tom McMillan