What is it about diving that you enjoy? 

There’s nothing else in the world that gives me the same feeling that diving does. It opens a door to large portion of the planet I've yet to explore. When you take a walk in a forest, most animals flee before you are even aware of their presence, underwater marine life often allows you to get close, and sometimes even comes to see you! The amount of life in a small area underwater can exceed what we see on land. There's a brilliant and beautiful world waiting in the ocean.

 

What certifications do you have? 

• DCBC Unrestricted Surface Supply Instructor

• DCBC Unrestricted Occupational Scuba Instructor

• TDI Decompression Procedures Instructor

• PADI IDC Staff Instructor

• EFR/First Aid Instructor

• IMCA Hyperbaric Chamber Operator

• TDI Full Cave Diver

• TDI Rebreather Full Cave Diver

• Liberty Rebreather Helitrox Diver

• Prism 2 Rebreather Diver

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What challenges do you face underwater? 

The biggest challenge is water temperature. I mostly dive in Canada and the water temperature ranges from 1c to 14c. Nothing is worse than being cold underwater, so having a good drysuit and excellent thermals is key to being comfortable. Visibility is also a challenge. Being a commercial diver I’ve been exposed to zero visibility diving conditions regularly. I’ve dived in mud, effluent, and many other materials most people wouldn’t dream of going near (even liquid cheese!). Learning to feel with your "ten eyes" (fingers) is critical, and always keeping an orientation to your direction in the water is a must. 

 

How important is safety when underwater? 

Safety is the most important part of any dive, underwater can be a hostile and unforgiving place and there's no sense in being a hero and diving in dangerous conditions. My extensive commercial diving background and experience has made me a safer diver in a wide range of environments and conditions.

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How does being a rebreather diver benefit your cinematography?
Rebreathers are an essential tool for underwater videographers. It allows me to stay underwater longer, dive deeper and most importantly it allows me to get closer to marine life whilst minimising the impact of my presence. Rebreathers recycle my breathing gas, so unlike open-circuit scuba you don't have an explosion of bubbles with every exhale. It is nearly silent, which is so important when filming wildlife. 

How does your commercial experience help your film work?
As a commercial diver, I'm qualified to the international standards for occupational diving. My experience working in the commercial diving industry has made me a better diver that can handle extreme conditions like diving in zero-visibility and managing strong currents. I'm used to working in demanding, hostile environments, and have spent many weeks living with a crew on all kinds of vessels.

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Why should others to get into diving? 

Scuba diving is an amazing sport and unlike any other! In the right environment it can be as peaceful as meditating, or as exciting as a rollercoaster. 

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I'm interested, what should I do?

Speak to your local dive centre and look for an instructor who is passionate about sharing their experiences with you, this will give you the best first experience possible. You may also want to check out PADI and SDI/TDI - they are the people behind the training standards and have lots of information on how to get started. I'd also recommend following some divers and brands on social media, they can often share a lot of inspiring content to get you excited!