Gareth Lock and Mike Mason return to the Scuba GOAT podcast for a catch up on the latest in human Factors in diving.  Recently Gareth invited me to complete the remote training package "Essentials of human factors in diving" followed by a 2-day face-to-face course held at Dive Centre Bondi. 

The course delves deeper into the meaning of Human Factors and how it relates to the dive industry and how it can be used to enhance not only our safety but our day-to-day processes before, during and after diving. 

By creating The Human Diver training programs I believe Gareth has created a clear path of evolution for not only the scuba diving industry but for individual divers, regardless of their experience and qualification levels.  As a stand alone structure, the human diver is not designed to enhance any one training agency but focuses on how the diver, and his or her peers can operate to the best of their abilities.  No one decides that today I am going to go diving and lose a customer, run out of gas, damage coral or bolt to the surface.  Accidents happen, whether they are minor or major however, we can minimise these risks by being open to discussing sensitive subjects, errors in judgement and being honest with ourselves. 

This is my review following The Human Diver training I received:

"I have just completed the "Essentials of Human Factors in Diving" pre-learning for an HF course that I am excitedly attending later this week. The ‘Essentials’ is delivered remotely via online bite-sized tutorials. It is a little over 3 hours long in total, and as a 17-year military veteran turned 10-year multi-agency dive professional, I firmly believe that it should be included in ANY recreational diver training course, from try dives through all training programs and all agencies, to the top of the qualification tree and here’s why… 

We are taught from a very young age that there is a ladder of authority in all that we do. When we entered schooling that authority figure was a teacher and as such, there is an expected level of respect from the bottom up which ultimately prevents us from questioning the teacher. 

The same expected hierarchy occurs as we enter the workforce and beyond. It is therefore of no surprise that when we return to the learning environment, we are naturally holding back on questions and dampening down doubts or nerves for fear of perceived reprisal or embarrassment. 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. 

Next time we’ll do it differently. 

What if… 

Just a few old phrases that are common and really have no place in our sports vocabulary. The Human Diver shines a light on such antiquated quotes, promptly kicks them in the bin and opens the door to a modern, safer, and more transparent diving environment. If you are considering becoming a diver, if you have been actively diving for 50 years, or anything in between you need The Human Diver in your scuba life!"

Dr Leonardo Guida, shark scientist and shark conservation lead at the Australian Marine Conservation Society joins us in this episode to talk through a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences swimming and diving with our apex predators to the conservation efforts currently in place throughout Australia and across the globe.

Leo is actively involved in many projects including the "Nets out now" call for shark nets to be removed throughout Australia, he .appeared in the documentary produced by Andre Borell Envoy Shark Cull which focuses on the subject.  Leo emphasises the indiscriminate targeting that hails from these antiquated defence systems with a prime example being that of a Humpback Whale being caught in a net only a few days prior to this recording, with a further 2 more whales entangled since.

We also discuss the apparent movement of sharks from locations such as South Africa pushing further south, presumably due to climate change and rising water temperatures.  With larger predators such as Great Whites moving into locations inhabited by more docile species such as Grey Nurse Sharks, are they to become a new target for the larger shark and what impact does this have on the overall balance in the regions?

Leo talks with such passion it's hard to break away from listening to his experiences, skills and knowledge across a wide spectrum of conservation.  Actively sharing his knowledge via social media, Leo regularly posts updates on what is happening within Australia and you can follow him via the links on the Scuba GOAT website.

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Dr Leonardo Guida, shark scientist and shark conservation lead at the Australian Marine Conservation Society joins us in this episode to talk through a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences swimming and diving with our apex predators to the conservation efforts currently in place throughout Australia and across the globe.

Leo is actively involved in many projects including the "Nets out now" call for shark nets to be removed throughout Australia, he .appeared in the documentary produced by Andre Borell Envoy Shark Cull which focuses on the subject.  Leo emphasises the indiscriminate targeting that hails from these antiquated defence systems with a prime example being that of a Humpback Whale being caught in a net only a few days prior to this recording, with a further 2 more whales entangled since.

We also discuss the apparent movement of sharks from locations such as South Africa pushing further south, presumably due to climate change and rising water temperatures.  With larger predators such as Great Whites moving into locations inhabited by more docile species such as Grey Nurse Sharks, are they to become a new target for the larger shark and what impact does this have on the overall balance in the regions?

Leo talks with such passion it's hard to break away from listening to his experiences, skills and knowledge across a wide spectrum of conservation.  Actively sharing his knowledge via social media, Leo regularly posts updates on what is happening within Australia and you can follow him via the links on the Scuba GOAT website.

Comedy alert!
We managed to coax Don Silcock back into the studio by waving a beer under his nose and as a bonus for the show his dive buddy of 20 years came along too...

The sensible text and a REAL intro to Jayne Jenkins

Jayne learnt to dive in the chilly waters along the rugged Welsh coastline before moving to Australia in 1973. She is actively involved in many facets of the diving industry and has been for over four decades. She was previously a volunteer diver with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Sydney.  This led to Jayne working as a safety diver and researcher for various underwater film, television and photographic expeditions focusing on diving in the Pacific. 

Having been an active underwater photography instructor for many years, Jayne went on to establish the first digital shoot-out competition at Lord Howe Island, has won many awards for her photography and remains a regular editorial contributor to Dive Log and Ocean Geographic. 

For the past 18 years, Jayne has devoted time as Vice President of Australasia for the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS) - a scholarship sponsored by Rolex for young underwater enthusiasts. Jayne has been an invaluable mentor to a lucky 13 scholars and has played a significant part in their lives but has now passed it on to one of the younger generation and one of the past scholars. 

Jayne is currently the resident photographer /consultant with The Ocean Agency formally the Catlin Seaview Survey a fast game-changing creative scientific project. Using specially designed technology, the Catlin Seaview Survey recorded and revealed the world's oceans and reefs like never before, in high-resolution, 360-degree panoramic vision. This led to being part of the brilliant documentary Chasing Coral. 

Jayne was also a safety diver/camera assistant for a documentary filmed in what she calls “her back yard” Chowder Bay, for the BBC National History unit about seahorses called Fierce Queens.

Over her years working in travel and being a keen traveller, Jayne has visited places such as - South Africa, Socorro, Cuba, Indonesia, Philippines, New Zealand, Maldives, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea,

Do you have feedback or an opinion to share with us? SMS us now.

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Love the show?
Reviews help us grow and let us know you're listening - If you can spare two minutes, please leave a review here.

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Comedy alert! Each season we have a little get together episode with Don Silcock, senior travel editor for Scuba Diver magazine and Lissa Rebec of Sea Shepherd.  However, now that borders are open, trying to get Lissa and Don in Sydney and available at the same time is virtually impossible!

With that said, we managed to coax Don into the studio by waving a beer under his nose and as a bonus for the show his dive buddy of 20 years came along too…

During this episode, we explore a number of topics, including Jayne's diving, international travel lounges that I didn't even know existed, Don's movements and writings, beer, wide-angle camera equipment preferences and diver training.  A little teaser of what may be occurring with the expansion of Scuba GOAT and the upcoming relaunch of Nomadic Scuba, all served up with a large dollop of hilarity, giggles and maybe the odd cuss word (you've been warned).

The sensible text and a REAL intro to Jayne Jenkins

Jayne learnt to dive in the chilly waters along the rugged Welsh coastline before moving to Australia in 1973. She is actively involved in many facets of the diving industry and has been for over four decades and was previously a volunteer diver with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in Sydney.  This led to Jayne working as a safety diver and researcher for various underwater film, television and photographic expeditions focusing on diving in the Pacific, including the cave diving spectacular Sanctum. 

Having been an active underwater photography instructor for many years, Jayne went on to establish the first digital shoot-out competition at Lord Howe Island and has won many awards for her photography and remains a regular editorial contributor to Dive Log and Ocean Geographic. 

For the past 18 years, Jayne has devoted time as Vice President of Australasia for the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS) – a scholarship sponsored by Rolex for young underwater enthusiasts. Jayne has been an invaluable mentor to a lucky 13 scholars and has played a significant part in their lives but has now passed it on to one of the younger generation and one of the past scholars. 

Jayne is currently the resident photographer /consultant with The Ocean Agency formally the Catlin Seaview Survey a fast game-changing creative scientific project. Using specially designed technology, the Catlin Seaview Survey recorded and revealed the world's oceans and reefs like never before, in high-resolution, 360-degree panoramic vision. This led to being part of the brilliant documentary Chasing Coral. 

Jayne was also a safety diver/camera assistant for a documentary filmed in what she calls “her back yard” Chowder Bay, for the BBC National History unit about seahorses called Fierce Queens.

Over her years working in travel and being a keen traveller, Jayne has visited places such as – South Africa, Socorro, Cuba, Indonesia, Philippines, New Zealand, Maldives, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tonga, Antarctica, Arctic and many more including Australia.

Jayne is also a member of the prestigious Woman Divers Hall of Fame and a Fellow International of The Explorers Club. 

 Jayne on Facebook

Don on Facebook

Matt on Insta

Scuba IQ operates from Port Douglas, (north of Cairns) Queensland, Australia.  Clearly, Port Douglas is a perfect destination to get out and explore the Great Barrier Reef and that's exactly what Scuba IQ do.

Originally from New Zealand, Martin Connolly spent a few years in the navy and then saw the light, jumped into a wetsuit and spent the next 20 years as a multi-agency dive instructor working in various locations such as Tonga, Spain, Turkey and Thailand.  Scuba IQ and Scuba IQ Expeditions are operated by Martin and his wife,  Louise.  Working closely with local operators they organise training packages as well as full boat charters, delivering an attentive service to the guests who choose to join them.

Martin joins us on the show to provide an overview of how Scuba IQ became what it is today, were it is heading and what to expect from an adventure on the MV Argo and the future expeditions organised by Scuba IQ.

Expeditions with available spaces:

23-28 June 2022 - 5 nights - Minke Whales
9-13 November 2022 - 4 nights - Coral Spawning

Social Media links:

Scuba IQ website

Scuba IQ Instagram

Scuba IQ Facebook

Scuba IQ expeditions Instagram

Scuba IQ expeditions Facebook

Martin on LinkedIn

Do you have feedback or an opinion to share with us? SMS us now.

Support the show

Love the show?
Reviews help us grow and let us know you're listening - If you can spare two minutes, please leave a review here.

Want to be a guest on the show?
GREAT! - use this link, drop your details & let's get chatting.

Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Interested in advertising on the show? Sponsoring an episode or partnering with us? Get in touch today for more details on how we can work together.

🎵 Music: Forever Young by the legend - AudioCoffee | AudioCoffee.net

Scuba IQ operates from Port Douglas, (north of Cairns) Queensland, Australia.  Clearly, Port Douglas is a perfect destination to get out and explore the Great Barrier Reef and that's exactly what Scuba IQ do.

Originally from New Zealand, Martin Connolly spent a few years in the navy and then saw the light, jumped into a wetsuit and spent the next 20 years as a multi-agency dive instructor working in various locations such as Tonga, Spain, Turkey and Thailand.  Scuba IQ and Scuba IQ Expeditions are operated by Martin and his wife,  Louise.  Working closely with local operators they organise training packages as well as full boat charters, delivering an attentive service to the guests who choose to join them.

Martin joins us on the show to provide an overview of how Scuba IQ became what it is today, were it is heading and what to expect from an adventure on the MV Argo and the future expeditions organised by Scuba IQ.

Expeditions with available spaces:

23-28 June 2022 – 5 nights – Minke Whales9-13 November 2022 – 4 nights – Coral Spawning

Social Media links:

Scuba IQ website

Scuba IQ Instagram

Scuba IQ Facebook

Scuba IQ expeditions Instagram

Scuba IQ expeditions Facebook

Martin on LinkedIn

Steve Crosby walks us through his journey to become a dive pro and what it has taken to stay connected to the dive industry particularly during the pandemic years.

Many people have asked me how to get into and become successful in the dive industry.  Hard work and determination... Be like Steve.
 
He is a shining example of how to progress and focus on the goals one at a time without taking your eye off the prize and all whilst maintaining the right attitude, with a smile. 

Steve is one of the nicest guys you would ever wish to meet and I have no doubt that anyone wishing to dive and/or learn from him will have an amazing time whilst doing so. 

I'm a big fan of humility and Steve exudes this, just take a listen and you'll see what I mean.

Steve's website Crosby Dive

Steve's diving journey:

• 2004 - He became a NAUI Open Water Diver - Instantly hooked on diving
• Fun dives throughout Central America and the Caribbean.
• 2008 - Completed NAUI Nitrox Course.
• 2013 - Arrives in Koh Tao and realises diving is the industry for him
• 2014 - Completed SSI Dive master and then OW Instructor training
• 2014 - 2015 Teaching various SSI courses
• 2015 - RAID Deco 50 course completed and became a RAID Instructor
• 2016 - TDI Trimix course in Malaysia
• 2016 - RAID Advanced Wreck Instructor 
• 2016 - RAID Instructor Trainer
• Back to Malaysia to gain qualifications to become a Tech Instructor
  • Tioman, Malaysia - completed RAID Deco 40 and 50 Instructor programs
  • TDI instructor course, enabling me to teach technical diving though TDI as well.
• 2017 - Worked for Bali Dive Trek and became a Side-mount and DPV Diver and later received my DPV Instructor Certification
• Late 2017 - Koh Tao for Sidemount Instructor and ADV Wreck Instructor Trainer
• 2018 - Co-founded Unique Descent Dive Adventures (UDDA), intending to lead expeditions around the world

Do you have feedback or an opinion to share with us? SMS us now.

Support the show

Love the show?
Reviews help us grow and let us know you're listening - If you can spare two minutes, please leave a review here.

Want to be a guest on the show?
GREAT! - use this link, drop your details & let's get chatting.

Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

Shopping
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Advertising
Interested in advertising on the show? Sponsoring an episode or partnering with us? Get in touch today for more details on how we can work together.

🎵 Music: Forever Young by the legend - AudioCoffee | AudioCoffee.net

Steve Crosby walks us through his journey to become a dive pro and what it has taken to stay connected to the dive industry particularly during the pandemic years.

Many people have asked me how to get into and become successful in the dive industry.  Hard work and determination… Be like Steve.  He is a shining example of how to progress and focus on the goals one at a time without taking your eye off the prize and all whilst maintaining the right attitude, with a smile. 

Steve is one of the nicest guys you would ever wish to meet and I have no doubt that anyone wishing to dive and/or learn from him will have an amazing time whilst doing so. 

I'm a big fan of humility and Steve exudes this, just take a listen and you'll see what I mean.

Should you wish to get in touch with Steve and arrange some dives you can connect with him through his website at Crosby Dive

Steve's diving journey:

2004 – He became a NAUI Open Water Diver – Instantly hooked on diving

Fun dives throughout Central America and the Caribbean.

2008 – Completed NAUI Nitrox Course.

2013 – Arrives in Koh Tao and realises diving is the industry for him

2014 – Completed SSI Dive master and then OW Instructor training

2014 – 2015 Teaching various SSI courses

2015 – RAID Deco 50 course completed and became a RAID Instructor

2016 – TDI Trimix course in Malaysia

2016 – RAID Advanced Wreck Instructor 

2016 – RAID Instructor Trainer

Back to Malaysia to gain qualifications to become a Tech Instructor

Tioman, Malaysia – completed RAID Deco 40 and 50 Instructor programs

TDI instructor course, enabling me to teach technical diving though TDI as well.

2017 – Worked for Bali Dive Trek and became a Side-mount and DPV Diver and later received my DPV Instructor Certification

Late 2017 – Koh Tao for Sidemount Instructor and ADV Wreck Instructor Trainer

2018 – Co-founded Unique Descent Dive Adventures (UDDA), with the goal of leading expeditions around the world

Sept 2018 – Mexico to attain Full Cave Diver Certification

Mar 2019 – Egypt to start working at Red Sea Explorers

Oct 2019 – Mexico to complete Stage and Multi Stage Courses

2020 Covid hit – re-organisation of life and objectives

Dec 2021 – Mexico full time to engage in further training and qualifications.  Currently working as a cave and cavern guide having completed CCR Mod 1 and focussing on Cave Instructor qualifications.

Dr Jen Matthews has pioneered the application of metabolomics to unravel the metabolic interactions underpinning coral health and resilience to environmental change.

Increasing environmental pressures, such as increased sea temperatures, are causing the catastrophic loss of coral cover around the globe, including the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world: the Great Barrier Reef. So, it’s unsurprising we are starting to see corals migrate poleward to cooler waters. In fact, Sydney has recently become home to a new subtropical coral. This raises a significant question: Could Sydney be a refuge for corals from the warming GBR?

 A Human Frontier Science Programme Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney, Jen holds a PhD in Marine Biology (Dean’s list, Victoria University Wellington), a MRes (Imperial College London) and a BSc (Honours, Bath University). Jen is dedicated to finding solutions to current environmental challenges, targeting local (e.g. tropicalization of coastal NSW), national (e.g. Great Barrier Reef restoration), and global topics (e.g. microplastic pollution).

Her contributions are internationally recognised, being invited to join the prestigious Coral Bleaching Research Coordination Network, and the International Metabolomics Society Early-Career Members Network. In 2009, she founded ‘Big Blue Conservation’, a not-for-profit organisation protecting and restoring beautiful reef ecosystems in Thailand. Her industry engagement while developing the innovative microplastics removal tool, funded by Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Seed Innovation Grant, has shown her to be an emerging STEMprenuer. Despite her early-career stage, Jen has secured $300,000 in competitive funding, produced 14 publications and actively advocates for effective science communication and women-in-STEM, through programs such as SoapboxScience Sydney 2019-2020.

Do you have feedback or an opinion to share with us? SMS us now.

Support the show

Love the show?
Reviews help us grow and let us know you're listening - If you can spare two minutes, please leave a review here.

Want to be a guest on the show?
GREAT! - use this link, drop your details & let's get chatting.

Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

Shopping
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Advertising
Interested in advertising on the show? Sponsoring an episode or partnering with us? Get in touch today for more details on how we can work together.

🎵 Music: Forever Young by the legend - AudioCoffee | AudioCoffee.net