Attitude keeps you alive!

George Petrou – Instructor Trainer / Explorer

Advanced Trimix Instructor Trainer TDI #3787
3*** Instructor CMAS/EOUDA
CMAS/EOUDA Cave Instructor, Wreck Instructor
PSAI Instructor Trainer #912, PSAI Trimix Explorer L.T #912
SDI Instructor Trainer #3787, PADI MSDT #64826
Cave/Wreck Explorer – Rebreather Diver / Ice Diver
All Specialties Instructor Trainer

Born into a footballing family and having served proudly as a sergeant in the elite 2nd Paratroopers Squadron of the Greek Special Forces, George Petrou had a natural instinct for adventure and exploration. Despite no family ties to the sea, the magical underwater documentaries of Jacques-Yves Cousteau ignited a passion that led him—almost fatefully—to the world beneath the waves. In the summer of 1986 in Mykonos, his first contact with scuba diving became the start of a life-defining journey.

His initial training with Loukas Bistarakis (NAUI) opened the door, but it was Stavros Bakandreas who laid the solid foundation of his diving skills. Petrou speaks with deep respect for Bakandreas’ dedication to realistic and thorough scuba education. Later mentors, like Ali Pourakbarsabet, helped shape his early professional path, guiding him toward the divemaster level while working in Mykonos.

George advanced through multiple global training organizations: from CMAS and EOUDA, to PADI (Master Scuba Trainer), PSAI, SDI and TDI. His pursuit of top-tier training took him across the U.S., U.K., Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Egypt. A highlight was his Advanced Trimix Instructor Trainer course in Hurgada, Egypt under legendary instructors like Karim Helal, Dave Crockford, and Ahmed Kamal.

In 1995, he founded the Hellas Underwater Explorers (H.U.E), a school and exploration team focused on pushing the limits of scuba diving in Greece and beyond. The HUE became synonymous with technical diving excellence, training divers and instructors while proudly representing the American organizations TDI/SDI in Greece.

With George Petrou at the helm, the team participated in dozens of missions exploring caves, wrecks, lakes, and deep seas. Their work spanned educational publications, high-quality multimedia, and pioneering environmental and community initiatives.

From ice diving missions in Sweden to exploring the flooded caves of Kefalonia, from training seminars and exhibitions to cleanup dives and collaborations with maritime authorities—George and the HUE shaped a generation of Greek technical divers.

During the so-called "stone years" when diving was heavily restricted in Greece, HUE kept the technical diving flame alive through legal and organized efforts, often in cooperation with official institutions and municipalities.

They introduced a new era in dive training: realism in exercises, thorough equipment standards, eco-conscious education, and unmatched aesthetics in manuals, presentations, and dive software. Their revolutionary spirit helped lift Greek diving out of outdated traditions and into the modern era.

Many notable figures emerged from HUE’s ranks—trainers and explorers who carried its legacy forward. Even after a brief pause in operations, the team is now revitalized with both seasoned and new members.

Today, with the dynamic presence of Advanced Trimix Diver Vassilis Petroulias, HUE enters a new phase—honoring its past while embracing future exploration, environmental awareness, and global outreach.

Every new member—diver or not—is welcome. HUE members gain not just training and experience, but access to a vibrant community built on excellence and respect.

George extends heartfelt thanks to his beloved parents, Dimitrios and Viktoria Petrou, for their love, patience, and support throughout his journey. He also dedicates this website to his dear friend Thanasis Nikolaropoulos, who left too soon.

George Petrou
Founder and Team Leader
Hellas Underwater Explorers (H.U.E)

Hellas Underwater Explorers (H.U.E) and all content on this website are the intellectual property of George Petrou. Image rights belong to their respective creators.