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The Owner/Skipper, Phil van Dusschoten, aged somewhere around 50 ish is a retired Police veteran of 20 years
Phil always had a strong passion for the sea and a keen interest in designing and building his own boats. He transfered to Whakatane in the mid 80's where for 7 years he was Officer in Charge of the Youth Offender Branch. Shift work allowed plenty of time to pursue his Maritime passions and after 4 years working as part time crewman on a number of local Charter and Commercial fishing boats and spending countless hours at sea in a number of his own boats, he qualified as a Commercial Launchmaster in 1992.
During that time also Phil has been a member of the Whakatane Volunteer Coastguard where for 7 years he was the Chairman of the Cutter Rescue Boat Group.
Since its launch in 1995 "Diveworks", has been the primary callout Rescue vessel for the Coastguard and many lives and vessels have been saved thanks to Phils efforts.
It was not until a trip undertaken by Phils mother back to Holland several years ago, and a search by her of the family tree that Phils ancestory was known and it really came as no surprise that with the exception of Phils parents he is a 4 th generation sea captain on his mothers side.
Phil has since been diagnosed with plankton in his blood and also has a number of top fish catches to boast.
A passion for sustainability has lead to diversification into eco tourism with an interest in Dolphins and Whales, in 2007 Phil attended a course at the NZ Marine Studies centre in Porobello, Dunedin.
Phils is now the holder of a 'Marine Mammals watching and swimming permit' and is also undertaking a study of the New Zealand fur seals at Moutohora (Whale) Island | 
