The BiG Scuba Podcast

In this episode Gemma and Ian chat to David Strike. Originally from the UK, David Strike learned to dive with the B.S.A.C. in 1961, since when he has worked for a major London newspaper's editorial intelligence department, served with the Royal Navy, participated in ground-breaking oceanographic research and been a grave digger, a bodyguard and an offshore commercial diver in the North Sea gas and oil fields. Since immigrating to Australia with his wife and young family, he has had an active involvement in diving as a recreational and technical diving Instructor and Instructor Certifier. Qualified on open circuit, as well as rebreathers, surface demand, and standard diving apparatus, his diving credentials include certifications from ANDI, BSAC, IANTD, PADI and SSI, as well as the legendary diving company, Siebe-Gorman.

Establishing a successful, internationally-affiliated media representation organisation while simultaneously continuing to teach diving and study for an external university degree, he was one of the first divers in Australia to embrace Technical Diving – and the first to dive recreationally with Nitrox. Selling up his media company interests in 1991, he joined the embryonic Asian Diver magazine as its first Field Editor, since when he has: assisted in the 1995 launch of the first Asian Dive Exhibition & Conference (ADEC), and the first 'Tek-Asia' Conference; served as a Board member of Dive Australia – the country's former peak diving industry body; was the co-publisher and editor of, 'Professional Diver Journal' - a quarterly magazine for occupational, military and technical diving enthusiasts; authored the world's first book on Live-aboard dive vessels, as well as a crisis management manual; contributed to a number of other diving-related training manuals, and penned several hundred articles covering all aspects of diving that have appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world.

Having travelled and dived extensively throughout the European, Asian and Pacific regions for over six decades - and in a variety of roles - Strike continues to maintain his passionate interest in an activity that has dominated his life. Previously the organiser of the internationally acclaimed OZTeK Diving Conference and Exhibition, and Singapore's, TeKAsia Conference', he is the recipient of several, 'Lifetime Achievement Awards' and a Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York.

Web: www.nektonix.com

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:

Stream2Sea – use our code BIGSCUBA

Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

In this episode Gemma and Ian chat to Nick Derutter. Nick Derutter is an award-winning underwater filmmaker, explorer, and technical diver from Belgium. Through his filmmaking and his DiveSAGA platform, he has spent the past decade documenting some of the world's most challenging caves, shipwrecks, and remote dive sites.

His work combines technical diving, exploration, and cinematic storytelling to bring underwater environments to audiences who may never have the chance to experience them themselves. His films have reached millions of viewers through YouTube and social media, and he has worked with leading brands across the diving and underwater filmmaking industries.

Nick also trains diving instructors and technical divers and is the creator of the DiveSAGA Underwater Filmmaking Masterclass, where he teaches divers and filmmakers how to turn their underwater footage into compelling cinematic stories.

Based in Honduras but spending much of his time travelling for diving and filmmaking projects, Nick is passionate about exploration, storytelling, and showing the world what lies beneath the surface.

www.divesaga.com

We also talk about Gemmas Freediving course with Aquacity Freediving

Put GuzTech in your diaries and buy your tickets GuzTech

Fancy diving around Lundy Island … Look up our friends at Lundy Diving

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:

Stream2Sea – use our code BIGSCUBA

Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

In this episiode Gemma and Ian chat to Mark Walker, a former UK dive instructor now based in Thailand and the founder of Dive Admin.

Mark shares his journey from learning to dive in Malta and becoming an instructor, to combining his diving experience with his background in technology to create software designed specifically for dive centres.

We talk about the challenges of running a dive centre, going paperless, managing bookings, students, staff and boat lists, and how technology – including AI – could help make dive operations more efficient.

Plus, Mark tells us about diving in Thailand, what gets him out of his comfort zone, and why he would fill a billboard with underwater footage to inspire the next generation of divers.

A fascinating conversation combining diving, technology and the business behind the dive industry.

Find out more about Dive Admin: diveadmin.com

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

In this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian catch up with a former guest, Autum Blum. She is the founder of Stream2Sea and a passionate diver, cosmetic chemist and ocean advocate.

Autumn shares the story behind Stream2Sea and the moment a dive in Palau made her question what we were putting into our oceans through sunscreens, shampoos and personal care products.

We chat about reef-safe claims, aquatic toxicity, marine-friendly ingredients, sustainable packaging and why reading the ingredients on your sunscreen really matters. Autumn also talks about her passion for diving, shark diving, technical diving, the Women Divers Hall of Fame and her hopes to experience UK cold-water diving.

A fascinating conversation about diving, science and protecting the water we love.

Whether you are already a diver, a keen snorkeler or simply curious about exploring beneath the surface, this episode is packed with inspiration and a reminder of why we love the ocean and the amazing community that surrounds it. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave us a review and share The BiG Scuba Podcast with your dive buddies. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories from the underwater world.

Stream2Sea are offering a 20% discount on all purchases up until 13 September 2026 by using the code BIGSCUBA and after that 10% discount.

You can access the following sites : Europe https://stream2sea.net/

USA/Worldwide https://stream2sea.com/

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

This week Gemma and Ian take you on location for a proper UK diving adventure!

We kick things off with a shore dive at East Runton on the North Norfolk coast, exploring the famous chalk reef in around 20°C water, before heading north to the Farne Islands for three days and six dives.

Join us in the Farne Islands as we explore Northern Hares, Longstone Gullys, Blue Caps, The Hopper and Gun Rock, with plenty of marine life along the way – including lobsters, crabs, dogfish, anemones, wrasse, seals, puffins and even a porpoise!

We chat about changing tides and currents, the importance of having an experienced skipper, our favourite moments from the trip and why this could be our best Farne Islands trip yet.

Plus, we talk about diving with family, the appeal of UK diving and why Seahouses and the Farne Islands are well worth a visit for divers and non-divers alike.

🎧 Dive in and join us on the adventure!

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

Other links from the podcast:

Christal Seas Scuba Dive Shop – Farne Islands and UK diving trips

Serenity Boat Tours – Farne Islands boat trips

Sovereign Dving – The dive company we used for our Farne Islands trip

Have you dived the Farne Islands? What is your favourite dive site? Get in touch and let us know!

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

In this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian head to Scoobs Snorkel Fest 2026 at Divers Time, West Lake, Long Eaton, for a fantastic day celebrating snorkeling, scuba diving and the incredible UK diving community. From meeting fellow divers and exploring the lakeside festival atmosphere to taking to the water themselves, this is a fun, behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK's growing dive events. The episode features an entertaining conversation with adventurer Andy Torbet, fresh from his spectacular skydive into the lake, as he shares his passion for adventure, cave diving, fitness and why snorkeling is the perfect introduction to the underwater world. We also catch up with the Divers Time team to hear how the event came together and why creating opportunities for people to experience diving is so important for the future of the sport. Along the way, we discuss the latest diving news, celebrate achievements within the diving community, and reflect on another memorable day spent connecting with divers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you are already a diver, a keen snorkeler or simply curious about exploring beneath the surface, this episode is packed with inspiration and a reminder of why we love the ocean and the amazing community that surrounds it. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave us a review and share The BiG Scuba Podcast with your dive buddies. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories from the underwater world.

Take a look at this UK Dive Site :DiversTime Website

Contact them to book a dive : 07584302649 Scoobs 07943673162 Lou Email: [email protected]

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

What happens when a fear of the ocean turns into a passion for scuba diving, a life in Grand Cayman and an eighteen-book adventure series?

In Episode 231, we chat with Nicholas Harvey, indie author, scuba diver and former NASCAR engineering manager. Nicholas shares his journey from being nervous of what lay beneath the surface to becoming a Divemaster and tech diver, and how his experiences underwater inspired his AJ Bailey mystery adventure series.

We talk diving, wrecks, writing, life in Grand Cayman, underwater statues, the people and experiences that inspire his stories, and how diving can completely change the direction of your life.

A fascinating conversation about adventure, creativity, changing careers and following your passions. If you love diving and a great story, this is one you won't want to miss.

Link to my website: https://www.harveybooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaymanNick/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caymannick/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicholasharveyauthor

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

Ian and Gemma are joined by David Mason, a passionate recreational diver, experienced caver and long-time listener of the podcast. David takes us on a fascinating journey from exploring some of the UK's most impressive cave systems to discovering the incredible world of scuba diving. He shares how a life-changing health diagnosis inspired him to finally pursue a dream he'had held since childhood, proving that determination and the right support can help overcome even the biggest obstacles. During the episode we discuss how decades of caving across Mendip, South Wales and Derbyshire helped shape his approach to diving. The remarkable story of overcoming a rare cancer diagnosis and why scuba diving became such an important part of his recovery and outlook on life. UK wreck diving, including the history behind wrecks and why understanding their stories adds so much to every dive. Diving some of Europe's iconic sites, including the Zenobia in Cyprus and unforgettable encounters with critically endangered Angel Sharks in Lanzarote. David's growing passion for underwater photography, filming marine life and capturing the incredible wildlife found around the UK coastline. His favourite dive locations, advice for new divers, thoughts on progressing to Dive Master, and why staying curious and continually learning makes diving so rewarding. This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, adventure, exploration and the incredible experiences that await beneath the surface. Whether you're a new diver, an experienced wreck enthusiast or simply love hearing great diving stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. YouTube - https://youtube.com/@thecavecrawler?si=-08TeUYRMh6hFZgn

Instagram @cavecrawler101

Blog- My story- My battle with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei-https://cavecrawlerstory.blogspot.com/2009/10/introduction.html?m=0

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) https://www.pseudomyxomasurvivor.org/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

Ian and Gemma are joined by Emma, better known as @TheGeordieShoresDiver on TikTok.

Emma is a freelance podcast producer and BBC radio presenter from the North East, but above all she's a passionate scuba diver. Having initially dived exclusively around the UK coastline, she quickly became fascinated by the incredible marine life, history and hidden treasures found beneath the waters on her doorstep.

In this episode, Emma shares how she fell in love with UK diving and why she believes our coastline has so much to offer. We talk about the role social media plays in showcasing underwater adventures and how her TikTok channel has helped connect with others who share the same passion.

Emma also explains why she is keen to encourage more young people, particularly women, to take up scuba diving and discover the beauty of Britain's seas for themselves. Along the way, we discuss why unforgettable experiences don't always require a passport or tropical destination.

Join us for a fun, inspiring and thoroughly Geordie conversation with a diver who is proudly championing the UK's underwater world and helping to introduce a new generation to the sport we all love.

Gemma and Ian also catch up on news and talk about a recent dive trip to , Springlakes https://diverstime.com/ and the upcoming Scoob and Snork Fest on the 25th July https://diverstime.com/try-dive-experience/ola/services/scoob-and-snork-fest-2026 The Auto-Trail Camper van is discussed https://www.auto-trail.co.uk/campervans/68xl/ and how its a great adventure vehicle. Ian has started his sidemount journey with https://www.facebook.com/scottsscubaservices under the instruction off Matt and Scott.

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

In this episode, we sit down with David Swain, owner of Beyond One Bar — a family-run scuba diving business based in Leiston, Suffolk. And yes, we recorded on location at Sizewell beach from inside the Auto-Trail Expedition 68XL campervan overlooking the North Sea! David has been teaching people to dive since 1994 and has clocked up over 30 years as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. In this conversation, he shares his diving journey from the early days through to a life-changing relocation to Honduras and his eventual return to the UK, where he set up Beyond One Bar with his family in 2014. We talk scuba, open water swimming, life by the sea, and what it really means to build a dive business from the ground up and the philosophy behind the name Beyond One Bar. Find Beyond One Bar: 🌐 www.beyondonebar.com 📸 @beyondonebar on Instagram 📘 Beyond One Bar on Facebook

Gemma and Ian also catch up on news and talk about some other UK dive Sites, https://www.dudleydolphinbsac.com/ and the Netherton Reservoir and Springlakes https://diverstime.com/ and the upcoming Scoob and Snork Fest on the 25th July https://diverstime.com/try-dive-experience/ola/services/scoob-and-snork-fest-2026

The Auto-Trail Camper van is discussed https://www.auto-trail.co.uk/campervans/68xl/ and how its a great adventure vehicle. Gemma has had a diving medical at Midlands Dive Chamber https://www.midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/. Remember you can book in there for any level of Diving Medical and they are a specialist team. The public are being asked to give their views on a selection of wildlife, native to the UK, that will appear on the next series of banknotes in a consultation launched recently. Cast your vote here: https://app.keysurvey.co.uk/f/41844465/6049/

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:[email protected]

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer.

📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127