Dive Around The World

Adam Wood speaks with Lee Rigby, who runs Bubbles in Gozo, about moving from a business background into diving and building a profitable, safety-first training center. They discuss running a dive business, developing instructors, and why Gozo is a destination for recreational diving and professional training.Key topicsLee shares how he moved from the UK to Gozo after years of holiday diving, becoming a divemaster before moving into instructor training at Bubbles.Bubbles grew from a dive center into a family-run business involving Lee, his wife Gemma, and their children.Lee describes Bubbles’ three areas: recreational diving, the on-site 200 Bar, and professional training for divemasters, instructors, and technical instructors.Bubbles’ instructors are trained by the center, helping maintain consistent standards and a close-knit team culture.The pro-training season runs roughly from March through November. Winter is used for maintenance and rest, while repeat business is often busiest in September and October.Lee says professional training can be profitable when it’s run like a serious business, with safety-first systems and a willingness to work long weeks during the season.He explains how business skills help in diving, from sales and scheduling to cost control, maintenance, and customer communication.Bubbles keeps marketing lean, relying largely on its website, word of mouth, and visibility in professional training communities.Lee outlines an instructor-training pathway that includes pre-ITC preparation, a 15-day core program, specialties, React Right instructor training, and post-course support.His goal is to help candidates become capable and employable—not just pass the IE—using relationships with local dive centers in Malta.Lee discusses the challenge of giving detailed feedback and staying mentally focused through ongoing evaluations, as well as his enthusiasm for teaching ITCs.The conversation explores Gozo’s wrecks, caverns, caves, swim-throughs, visibility, and shore access, which can mean fewer weather-related cancellations.Lee presents Bubbles as a place for small-group recreational diving and career-focused professional training.Timestamps00:00 - Lee Rigby’s origin story: from UK holidays to Gozo dive life02:22 - What Bubbles offers: recreation, the 200 Bar, and pro training03:34 - Why the center stays personal with repeat guests and small groups04:27 - Can a training center be profitable?05:27 - Why dive business owners need stamina, systems, and business sense06:24 - How Lee’s outside business background helps in diving07:22 - Marketing on a modest budget: web and word of mouth08:11 - Sales, social media visibility, and lead generation for pro training09:11 - What Lee brings as an instructor trainer10:11 - Making specialties mandatory and designing for employability11:24 - Why many ITC candidates do not need jobs immediately12:10 - The one-month pathway from pre-ITC to job-ready instructor13:38 - Sales skills as a career advantage in diving14:34 - The hardest part of ITC teaching: constant evaluation and feedback15:31 - The easiest part: teaching ITCs is the passion15:47 - What else Lee likes to teach besides ITCs16:00 - An average day on an ITC at Bubbles16:29 - Keeping candidates focused and prepared during the course17:15 - What Lee does on days off: management, mentoring, and supporting instructors18:22 - The wider team at Bubbles, including family and marine biology expertise19:16 - Winter in the Maldives and teaching ITCs there too20:11 - Gozo as a dive destination: wrecks, topography, and visibility21:14 - Shore diving, boat dives, and why cancellations are rare22:02 - What Bubbles offers in one sentence: small groups, safety, and career focus

Corinna Davids and Adam Wood walk through SSI’s new Cavern and Limited Mine programs, explaining how the overhead environment pathway fits into the broader XR progression. They break down who can enter these programs, what gear and skills are required, how cavern, mine, and cave training differ, and why overhead diving is safer and more accessible than many people assume.Adam also explains the logic behind the new naming, the certification progression, and how divers can move between configurations like side mount, twin set, and rebreather without rebuilding their whole training path.Key topicsThe XR pathway is built around choosing the diving you want to do first, whether that is open circuit, rebreather, or overhead environmentsSSI has redesigned the overhead pathway and this release is the first of several new manual releasesEntry requirements include at least 24 dives, nitrox certification, and either XR configurations, twin set, side mount, or rebreather trainingCavern diving stays in the daylight zone, while limited mine requires access to the surface but may use artificial light undergroundOverhead diving requires built-in redundancy, including backup breathing systems and backup lightsEssential gear includes primary and backup lights, reels and spools, and line markers such as arrows and cookiesCavern and mine environments are often much larger, clearer, and less claustrophobic than popular media suggestsGood buoyancy, configuration comfort, and awareness of fragile sediments are emphasized as foundational skillsExamples of limited mine and cavern sites around the world include the UK, Sweden, Missouri, Finland, Germany, South Africa, Majorca, Sicily, Florida, France, Hungary, Thailand, and the PhilippinesThe conversation closes by explaining how cave, cavern, mine, and full mine progressions work, including gas rules, navigation complexity, and configuration upgradesTimestamps00:00 - Reintroducing the podcast and the new overhead manual00:33 - The XR overhead pathway is now complete01:11 - How the XR pathway branches by diving style02:57 - Why SSI simplified technical prerequisites04:01 - Entry requirements for overhead training05:08 - Why the courses were renamed from extended range to limited06:35 - What cavern really means in diving07:19 - Daylight rules in cavern and limited mine08:37 - Why overhead environments vary so much09:47 - Choosing side mount, twin set, or rebreather for overhead diving10:19 - Redundancy as the core XR safety principle11:51 - The essential overhead kit: lights, reels, spools, and markers14:39 - The appeal of the overhead environment experience15:18 - Why cavern diving is not the same as squeezing through tight restrictions17:06 - The light-to-dark transition and why it feels intense at first18:27 - Core skills for new divers: buoyancy, trim, and configuration awareness19:23 - Beginner pathways into XR-style diving20:50 - How instructors qualify to teach cavern and limited mine22:44 - Notable mine diving sites around the world25:45 - Why mine diving requires local knowledge and caution26:56 - Cavern and cave destinations beyond Mexico28:42 - Why cave diving gets a bad reputation30:02 - What the new manual covers beyond training31:21 - The appeal of underground diving: beauty, geology, and exploration32:52 - How XR innovations filter into recreational diving35:20 - Examples of modern gear development influencing the sport37:57 - What comes after limited mine and limited cave41:13 - How configuration upgrades work across certifications43:33 - Upgrading between cavern and mine environments44:40 - Why SSI uses one combined manual for both environments45:28 - Using ScubaGo to research sites and book training46:13 - Closing thoughts and what listeners can expect next

Why human factors, gas planning, and panic matter more than gearCorinna Davids and Adam Wood dig into the real causes of scuba incidents and why the biggest risks usually come from human factors, not equipment. They cover the Swiss cheese model, gas management, CO2 buildup, panic, medical honesty, rescue readiness, and why extended range training can make even recreational divers safer.Adam brings experience from SSI professional development and extended range diving, while Corinna adds the quality and compliance perspective from incident reporting and instructor oversight. If you want a practical conversation about how divers get into trouble and how to prevent it, this one is packed with useful takeaways.Key topics

• In this episode, Corinna and Adam explain the Swiss cheese model and how a chain of small issues can turn into a serious incident.
• Adam shares that diving research is limited by funding, so much of the learning comes from incident reports, technical divers, and real-world experience.
• They discuss normalization of deviance and confirmation bias, including the danger of repeating a slightly risky dive until something finally goes wrong.
• They push back on the idea that gear is usually the main problem, noting that most equipment is safe when assembled, checked, and used correctly.
• They identify out of gas situations as a major cause of fatalities and stress that gas planning should happen before the dive, not only during it.
• Corinna and Adam talk through how current, stress, colder water, poor trim, and depth can increase breathing rate and gas consumption much faster than divers expect.
• Adam explains how CO2 buildup can trigger panic, narcosis, and worse outcomes, especially when combined with effort, poor trim, or tiredness.
• They make the case that extended range training is not only for going deeper, but also for improving understanding, redundancy, and safer recreational diving.
• The conversation covers rescue realities, including how physically exhausting rescues and prolonged CPR actually are in real incidents.
• They stress the importance of honest medical disclosure, instructor awareness, and speaking up early when a diver feels uncomfortable, anxious, or unwell.

• Swiss cheese model - incidents usually happen when several small failures line up.
• Normalization of deviance - repeated rule breaking starts to feel normal until it catches up.
• Confirmation bias - assuming something is safe because it worked before.
• Rule of thirds - in overhead environments, one third out, one third back, one third reserve.

• “Nobody wakes up in the morning and says you know what I want to do today? I want to do the worst job possible and injure myself.”
• “It’s not the hard equipment, it’s the squishy bit in the middle.”
• “We need to realize that we can’t assume that we could be rescued.”

• Check gas earlier and more deliberately, not only once the dive is already underway.
• Do honest buoyancy and weighting checks in the actual conditions you dive in.
• Treat CPR, rescue drills, and emergency response as skills that need regular repetition.
• Disclose medical conditions clearly and get re-cleared after any significant health change.
• Speak up early if something feels wrong, uncomfortable, or panic-inducing.
• Consider extended range or foundations training to strengthen core diving judgment and control.

Full Face MaskThis episode introduces SSI’s Full Face Mask specialty and explains why it matters for both recreational and professional divers. Corinna Davids and Adam Wood break down how the gear works, what makes it different from a standard mask and regulator setup, and why it can improve comfort, communication, and cold-water diving.Adam also covers where full face masks are already used in public safety, scientific, and commercial diving, plus what the new training program requires for divers and instructors.Key topicsIn this episode: a full face mask covers the entire face, including mouth, nose, and eyes, unlike a standard mask.Adam explains how the regulator and mask function as one integrated system, with either a built-in mouthpiece or an oral nasal pocket.The design helps reduce dead air space, so divers are not constantly rebreathing the same air volume.Air consumption can rise at first while divers adjust, but many divers settle into a more natural breathing pattern over time.Full face masks are far less prone to fogging because airflow keeps condensation moving away from the lens area.Fit is simpler than many people expect because the main variable is face size rather than the detailed shape of the nose, cheeks, and eye sockets.A slight positive pressure helps keep water out even if the seal is not absolutely perfect.The episode highlights why recreational divers use them for comfort, easier breathing, and reduced anxiety for people who dislike water on the face.Communication is a major advantage, especially for photographers, scientific divers, public safety teams, and other underwater workers who need to share information quickly.Adam explains why underwater communication systems use RF or ultrasonic transmission rather than Bluetooth, and why wires or surface-fed systems are often involved.The discussion also covers why full face masks help in cold water by keeping the face warmer and reducing lip and facial discomfort.Corinna and Adam outline public safety diving, including search and recovery, fire rescue, military, and specialist task-force work.The new underwater communications program builds on full face mask training and focuses on system use, discipline, and when communication is appropriate.Scientific diving benefits from the ability to talk during detailed research, long bottom times, and work in less clean water where extra face protection matters.The specialty manual covers the basics of the equipment, where it is used, how to dive it, emergency procedures, and continuation of full face mask diving.Timestamps00:00 - Introducing the Full Face Mask specialty00:56 - What a full face mask is and how it differs from a standard mask02:05 - How the regulator and mask become one system02:58 - Air consumption and breathing adaptation04:09 - Why full face masks do not fog like regular masks05:08 - Fit, sizing, and the slight positive pressure advantage06:53 - Why recreational divers are using full face masks more often07:23 - Communication benefits for divers, photographers, and teams09:11 - Comfort and warmth in cold water10:06 - How underwater communication systems work without Bluetooth11:36 - Wires, surface stations, and new phone-based underwater tech12:29 - Why some divers still want silence underwater13:33 - What public safety diving includes15:13 - The new underwater communications program16:24 - How scientific diving benefits from full face masks18:31 - Using communication for detailed ecology and behavior research19:35 - What the full face mask manual covers20:14 - Course prerequisites and training requirements21:20 - Why dedicated equipment specialties require confined water practice22:47 - Why instructors teach these specialties in a seminar format23:11 - Finding the course and why it benefits both divers and instructors

Corinna Davids is joined by Adam Wood and Memo Arikok for a catch up episode that ranges from remote technical diving in Bikini Atoll to open water racing in Istanbul and a look ahead to upcoming content in Malta. It is part travel story, part dive talk, and part planning session, with plenty of practical detail for divers who like big goals and unusual water.In this episode, the three compare very different ways of training, traveling, and diving, from military islands and nuclear wrecks to crowded current-heavy swims and local lakes in Europe. They also set up the next chapter for the podcast, including Malta visits, instructor interviews, freediving, and side mount diving.Key topicsAdam shares the long route to Bikini Atoll, traveling from London through Los Angeles, Hawaii, Kwajalein, and Ebeye before reaching Bikini by boat.The logistical chaos of remote expeditions comes up fast, including the hotel burning down, 14 divers sharing a small house, and multiple bags and rebreathers failing to arrive on time.Adam describes Kwajalein as a major US military base with strict arrival procedures, no photography, and the Space Fence radar system used for space and missile tracking.Memo shares his Bosphorus swim journey, which began with inspiration from a survival story told by a freediving training director and grew into a serious training commitment.Memo explains why the Bosphorus race is so technical, with strong current, navigation challenges, cold-water current clues, crowded starts, and drafting tactics that make the swim feel more like a tactical race than a simple distance event.Corinna talks about escaping the South African winter, diving and snorkeling in Austrian lakes and rivers, and seeing unusually low water levels, fish-rich water, and exposed wrecks and artifacts.The conversation ends with plans for Malta, where the team will meet dive center owners, instructor trainers, lifeguards, mermaid and XR people, try each other’s disciplines, and gather ideas from listeners.Timestamps00:00 — Cold open: three quick funny moments01:33 — Adam’s Bikini Atoll travel and wreck-diving story24:57 — Memo’s Bosphorus swim and next-race ambitions40:39 — Corinna’s Austria trip, freshwater diving, and the heatwave chat49:16 — Malta plans, upcoming adventures, and listener callout

Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Dive Centers: Best Practices & Warning SignsIn this episode, we dive into the world of dive centers—sharing firsthand experiences, identifying key success factors, and warning signs that could signal trouble ahead. Whether you're a dive professional or enthusiast, learn how to recognize the elements that make a dive center thrive or fail.Main Topics Covered:The importance of community and community figures in dive center successLogistical essentials for operational efficiency, from architecture to equipmentThe significance of staff education and ongoing trainingRed flags indicating poor equipment, safety, or management practicesBuilding a welcoming, inclusive environment that promotes safety and positivityDiversifying services: trips, specialties, and new diving experiencesThe benefits of collaborations and avoiding competition amongst centersRecognizing and addressing toxic behaviors and unsafe spacesKey features of standout dive centers—cleanliness, organization, and atmosphereFuture episode tease: owning and managing dive boatsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Why dive centers matter02:09 - The role of a figurehead in dive center success12:55 - The community aspect: networking and community building20:00 - Equipment quality and maintenance as red flags27:17 - Optimal center architecture and layout tips36:40 - The importance of cooperation and avoiding rivalry44:07 - Addressing unsafe spaces and behavioral red flags51:43 - The significance of quality equipment and consistent training58:23 - Future topic preview: Owning dive boatsResources & Links:https://www.scubago.com/en/homeConnect with the Guests:Adam Wood - https://www.instagram.com/adam_wood_official/Memo Arikok - https://www.instagram.com/memo_arikok/Corinna Davids -https://www.instagram.com/corinna_flowrebels/Notable Quotes:"Community and the face of the dive center determine its vitality.""Every good dive center has a clean, organized space that invites customers.""Diving is about experience, safety, and community—never let these be compromised."Feel free to share your favorite dive centers and share your own green and red flags in the comments!

Join us as we explore the wild and fascinating world of marine life, sharing crazy encounters, surprising facts, and the importance of ocean conservation. Our experts discuss their most memorable experiences and the creatures that inspire awe and curiosity

Key Topics

• Crazy marine life encounters and stories
• Surprising facts about marine animals like octopus, sharks, and seals
• The importance of ocean conservation and reducing plastic pollutionIncredible behaviors of marine species like clownfish, whale sharks, and dolphins
• The impact of predators like orcas on marine ecosystems

Sound Bites

"Cephalopods are definitely aliens."

"Monk seals are like Yeti legends."

"Octopus are 100% aliens."

Chapters

00:00Surprising Marine Life: Cephalopods and Their Intelligence

25:01Dolphins: The Intelligent Bullies of the Ocean

27:24Orcas: The Mafia of the Sea

30:19Favorite Marine Animals: Personal Encounters and Stories

37:14Underwater Encounters: The Fascination with Marine Life

41:03The Impact of Human Activity on Oceans

46:01Community Efforts in Ocean Conservation

54:04Fun and Games: Would You Rather Dive Edition

Unlock the true potential of your dives with the latest SSI Nitrox update—designed to extend your bottom time, enhance safety, and maximize your underwater experience. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, knowing how Nitrox works — and how to use it properly — can revolutionize your confidence and dive planning.In this episode, Corinna and Adam peel back the layers of enriched air diving. Discover why Nitrox is the most popular specialty after open water, and how a simple increase in oxygen percentage can translate into longer, safer dives without deeper depths. You’ll learn why Nitrox isn’t about diving deeper, but about reducing nitrogen absorption—allowing you to stay in your favorite spots longer and with less fatigue. We bust myths about feeling more energized and what the science actually says about fatigue and health claims.You'll discover:

• The fundamental science behind Nitrox — what it is, how it’s made, and why it’s safer than you think
• How recent manual updates improve your understanding of gas management, computer diving, and real-world application
• Why owning your own dive computer and analyzer can drastically improve your dive safety and efficiency
• The simple steps to start diving with Nitrox today—no need for expensive gear upgrades or complex equipment
• How the latest gas blending techniques and online courses make Nitrox more accessible than ever, even if your dive shop doesn’t have on-site blending capabilities
• The broader benefits of Nitrox in decompression, extended bottom times, and dive safety—beyond just feeling refreshed

This episode is perfect for divers eager to increase their bottom time, dive more safely, or simply understand the gases they breathe underwater. Whether you’re about to do your first Nitrox course or are already seasoned and want to stay up to date, this update-equipped episode empowers you to make smarter choices and dive with confidence.The new manual is more engaging, clearer, and packed with practical tips—ready to guide your next dive. Dive into the facts, bust myths, and discover how Nitrox can make your underwater adventures more enjoyable and safer. Don’t miss out on what’s new—your enhanced diving journey starts here!Why this works:
This episode hooks tech-savvy and safety-conscious divers with immediate insights into how Nitrox can extend their dives and improve safety. The clear emphasis on practical benefits, updates, and accessibility sparks curiosity and encourages action. It’s built to appeal to anyone looking to upgrade their diving knowledge and gear, making it irresistible to hit play.

Most divers share a common obsession: pushing their limits into the deep, the cave, and the unknown. But what if the real secret to unlocking that next level isn’t about diving deeper or holding your breath longer — it’s about continuous learning, smart preparation, and building solid fundamentals? This episode takes you behind the scenes with top instructors and explorers who reveal how mastering small details and embracing ongoing education can dramatically transform your experience in the water.Memo Arikok, a freediving champion turned instructor, shares how swimming efficiency and mindful training have reshaped his approach to freediving — proving that the foundation of all aquatic success is body awareness and patience. Corinna Davids, mastering everything from rescue to ecology, emphasizes that enjoyment and intentional progress matter more than chasing records. Adam Wood, a cave explorer and technical diver extraordinaire, discusses how foundational courses and personal projects open doors to some of the most incredible underwater adventures, from mapping ancient caves to exploring untouched ecosystems. Together, they highlight that in diving, as in life, slowing down to practice, debrief, and continually refine your skills creates safer, more fulfilling journeys.You'll discover: why the journey is often more rewarding than the destination; how speechless underwater encounters deepen your connection with marine life; and how the right continuing education pathways can elevate your hobby into a lifelong passion. Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your craft, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a reminder that consistency and curiosity are the true keys to mastery.Perfect for aspiring pros, seasoned divers, and explorers craving their next adventure, this conversation uncovers the secret sauce behind ongoing growth in the water. If you believe that true expertise comes from dedication, humility, and continuous learning, then this episode will motivate you to never stop exploring — both underwater and within yourself. When the water calls, the smartest move is to keep learning and keep expanding your limits. Hit play and start your next chapter today.

Unlock the secrets to water safety and discover how adult beginners can master survival skills—without the stigma.
Did you know up to 80% of adults in some countries can't swim? Now, a new program is changing that, empowering adults to conquer their fears and navigate water with confidence. If you've ever felt intimidated by water, or think it's “too late” to learn, this episode is your game-changer.Corinna and Memo share groundbreaking insights from their latest survival swim program, designed specifically for adults who want to enjoy water sports, travel, or simply stay safe. They reveal the crucial skills everyone must know—like turning around in a pool, floating on your back, and avoiding panic—and how mastering these can be lifesavers in real emergencies. You'll discover why relaxing, not panicking, is the key to survival, and how even babies instinctively know how to swim from a few months old.We break down the common myths—such as the dangers of floaties and the misconception that drowning only happens in deep water—and why understanding rip currents and safe swimming practices can literally save your life. Whether you're an open water swimmer, a beach lover, or someone who’s hesitant to step into the water, this episode provides practical, scientifically-backed advice to build your confidence safely.Why does losing respect for the ocean put you at greater risk? What are the most effective survival techniques in lakes, pools, and the open sea? And how can you start learning at any age, even after 50 or 70? These questions—and more—are answered with honesty, humor, and expert tips from a seasoned instructor who’s seen it all.Perfect for water enthusiasts, travelers, or anyone who wants to eliminate water-related anxiety, this episode will inspire you to take that first step toward water safety. Don't let fear or misconceptions keep you onshore—discover the life-changing skills that could make all the difference one day.If you’ve ever thought, “It’s too late for me,” think again. This is your invitation to embrace the water confidently, safely, and with zero shame. Dive in and learn why everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin—at the beach, in the pool, or in the open water.