The BiG Scuba Podcast

What lies beneath the surface of the UK's waters? In this episode, Ian and Gemma chat with Tim Clements, scientific and technical diver, rebreather specialist and founder of BathyX Projects, about his fascinating journey from university diving in North Wales to exploring some of the UK's least-visited underwater environments. Tim shares the story behind the Deep Reefs of the Hebrides expedition, where a team of divers explored dramatic underwater walls, reaching depths of almost 80 metres and discovering incredible marine habitats. We discuss his Ocean Census expedition, the discovery of new species, and how advanced diving techniques and citizen science can help scientists better understand our oceans. From building RedBare CCR and managing Vobster Quay to pursuing deep scientific diving full-time, Tim's career has taken some fascinating turns. He also explains why UK diving deserves far more recognition and how even a photograph or observation from a dive can make a valuable contribution to marine research. Join us for an inspiring conversation about exploration, marine science, rebreathers and the hidden wonders beneath our own waters.

🔗 Links mentioned in the episode

• Website www.bathyxproject.com

• Guz.Tech: https://www.guz.tech/

• Matt Rivett: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579882059322

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

Gemma and Ian chat to returning guest Jill Heinerth, one of the world's leading underwater explorers, filmmakers, authors and cave divers. Six years after her first appearance on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Jill joins us again to share what she has been up to, including extraordinary expeditions, historic shipwreck discoveries and her experiences filming Diving Into The Darkness. We explore the fascinating use of AI in underwater exploration, including the creation of AI Jill, and hear about her adventures in the Galapagos, her passion for cave and wreck diving, and her incredible journey back into diving following cancer treatment. Jill also shares some brilliant advice on managing fear underwater, preparing for challenging dives and stepping outside your comfort zone. There is plenty of inspiration, fascinating history, diving technology and a few practical tips along the way – including a little sidemount advice for Ian! Join us for another fascinating conversation with one of diving's most inspirational explorers.

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🔗 Links mentioned in the episode

• Guz.Tech: https://www.guz.tech/

• Jill Heinerth www.IntoThePlanet.com

• Diving into the Darkness https://divingintothedarkness.com/

• Ocean Film Festival https://oceanfilmfestivalworldtour.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

What does it take to turn a passion for diving into a career exploring the underwater world? In Episode 238 of The BiG Scuba Podcast, Ian and Gemma chat with Fran Hockley, Lecturer in Scientific Diving at the University of Plymouth, technical diver and experienced diving instructor. Fran shares her journey from joining a university dive club to teaching diving in Egypt and working with military personnel, before moving into her role helping to train the next generation of scientific divers.

We explore the fascinating world of technical diving, rebreathers and deep wreck exploration, including Fran's experiences diving the Lusitania and a remarkable story involving a WWII B-17 bomber off the coast of Croatia. After photos from a deep dive on the aircraft were shared, Fran and her fellow diver Dom were contacted by the son of the original pilot. It is an extraordinary connection between underwater exploration, family history and the stories that lie beneath the sea.

We also discuss the mindset required for rebreather diving, why checklists and procedures matter, and how teaching others can help experienced divers continue to develop their own skills.

Fran explains how the University of Plymouth prepares students for careers in scientific diving, from marine research and underwater surveys to opportunities with organisations such as the British Antarctic Survey and Natural England.

Plus, we talk about exploring previously undived wrecks with Darkstar, the importance of protecting historic wreck sites, and what to expect from Guz.Tech 2026.

• Guz.Tech: https://www.guz.tech/

• Ship Wreck Conference: https://shipwreckconference.org/

• Plymouth University: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/school-of-biological-and-marine-sciences/marine-station/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 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