Meet Sharky

Captain Mark “Sharky” Alexander is not only a master of modern diving technology but also a passionate historian of diving’s past. One of his prized possessions is a fully functional Mark V vintage dive helmet along with the rest of the full set up, vintage diving equipment used by Navy and commercial divers for nearly a century. With his extensive experience in both recreational and technical diving, Sharky has mastered the techniques required to operate the Mark V, blending historical diving methods with contemporary training and safety standards. His expertise allows him to give divers a hands-on experience with this iconic helmet, offering a rare opportunity to step back in time and understand the evolution of underwater exploration.

Captain Mark “Sharky” Alexander is a highly experienced diver, instructor, and expedition leader with a career spanning nearly 25 years. His journey into the world of diving began as a Public Safety Diver for the Springfield/Sangamon County ESDA rescue squad in Illinois. Over the years, Sharky has expanded his expertise into recreational, technical, and closed circuit rebreather diving. His passion for underwater exploration has led him to organize and coordinate diving expeditions around the world, allowing him to share his extensive knowledge with fellow divers and enthusiasts.

Sharky holds an impressive array of professional credentials across multiple diving agencies. As a PADI Master Instructor, he teaches courses ranging from Open Water to Advanced Specialties, including Nitrox, Deep Diving, and Wreck Diving. He is also a certified Technical Diving International (TDI) instructor, specializing in Inspiration Classic and Vision closed circuit rebreather training, as well as advanced nitrox and decompression procedures. Additionally, he is an International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD) Normoxic Trimix Instructor, making him a sought-after expert in technical and deep diving disciplines. Sharky is a seasoned boat captain and SSI (Scuba Schools International) Assistant Instructor Trainer at Ocean First Key Largo.  He joined the Ocean First team in January 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in diving and marine exploration.  Sharky also possesses a USCG 100 Ton Master Captain License with Towing Endorsement.

Beyond his diving expertise, Sharky has extensive experience in emergency medical training and response. For 30 years he worked as a full-time as a paramedic in St. Charles, MO and Springfield, IL.  He was an instructor for EMT and paramedic training courses.  His certifications include Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, and Advanced Hazmat Support. His role as a Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis further highlights his dedication to medical education and emergency preparedness.

Before fully dedicating himself to diving, Sharky served 20 years in the Illinois Air National Guard as an F-16 Aircraft Weapons Specialist. His military service included four tours in the Middle East, where he was stationed in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Balad, Iraq. His time in the Air National Guard instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills, all of which have greatly contributed to his success in the diving world.

In 2007, Sharky founded Sharky’s Underwater Expeditions, a company dedicated to advanced dive travel, deep wreck exploration, technical training, and closed circuit rebreather education. His expertise in mixed gas training, remote medical treatment, and dive medicine has made him a respected figure in the diving community. Whether leading an expedition to a historic wreck or teaching specialized diving techniques, Captain Mark “Sharky” Alexander continues to inspire and educate divers worldwide.

Whether he’s leading deep technical dives with state-of-the-art equipment or demonstrating the rugged durability of the Mark V, Sharky continues to bridge the gap between past and present, making diving history come alive for the next generation of underwater adventurers.