Dan Johnson - MV Oceania Liveaboard - Part 2

Roni Ben-Aharon
If you've ever visited a dive show in the last few years you may have seen this lady representing Atlantis on stands or even on stage providing presentations about the amazing diving on offer in the Philippines. Roni is super vibrant and just as passionate about our sport and what she doesn't know about diving in the Philippines could probably be written on the back of a postage stamp with an oversized marker. Talking with me during this episode we take an audible trip through the various locations on offer and what makes them so unique. So, take a seat, strap yourself in, and let Roni put your imagination into overdrive!

Nomadic Scuba (me in my other role)
I'm pleased to say that I represent Atlantis through my scuba booking agency Nomadic Scuba, so if this episode whets your appetite and you would like more info or simply want a seamless and easy booking process... get in touch, and let's get planning your adventure.  (info@nomadicscuba.com or Whatsapp +61499021920)

Puerto Galera
Situated amidst the scenic hills of Sabang Beach, Atlantis Puerto Galera is a magnificent resort that provides easy access to over forty captivating dive spots. Nestled within lush vegetation, our dedicated beachfront resort boasts 40 well-appointed rooms and a comprehensive range of amenities, promising an unforgettable diving vacation.

Puerto Galera is widely recognized for its abundance of scuba diving sites and has gained UNESCO recognition as a Man and Biosphere Reserve since 1973. Positioned at the heart of the "Coral Triangle," it boasts some of Asia's most diverse coral reef diving experiences.

Dumaguete
Dauin (pronounced Da-win), adorned with its distinctive black volcanic sand, is renowned as the Frogfish capital of the Philippines, offering a unique haven for critter diving enthusiasts. Atlantis Dumaguete, strategically positioned just minutes away from over 20 local dive spots, the majority of which are protected marine areas, also provides day trips to nearby attractions such as Apo Island, and Siquijor.

Azores Liveaboard
From January to early March, the itinerary includes exploring the captivating wrecks of Coron, coupled with the vibrant and colorful walls of Apo Reef along the way. Guests embark and disembark from the resort in Puerto Galera.

The Tubbataha season runs from mid-March to early June.

For information about Atlantis including dive sites information www.atlantishotel.com

For videos on the incredible diving with At

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

THE END OF TALKING. THE AGE OF DOING.

Attention, nature enthusiasts and aspiring conservationists! An incredible opportunity has emerged that allows you to become an integral part of saving one of the world's most precious natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Prepare to be amazed as Citizens of The Great Barrier Reef unveil their groundbreaking AI system, inviting individuals from all corners of the globe to contribute towards its preservation and the best part? It's absolutely free!

Have you ever yearned to contribute to conservation efforts, but felt discouraged by financial constraints? Look no further, because this innovative platform offers you the chance to make a difference without spending a penny. Gone are the days of dedicating countless hours or leaving the comfort of your home to aid a cause you hold dear. Now, with just a few moments of your spare time, you can actively contribute to safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef. Are you like me? Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone during moments of boredom or while commuting? We've all fallen victim to the allure of endless, algorithm-selected content, keeping us awake into the wee hours. But imagine channeling that time into something meaningful. Picture yourself utilizing those precious moments for a higher purpose. Introducing the Great Reef Census ( https://greatreefcensus.org/ ), an extraordinary initiative that allows you to engage with thousands of meticulously collected reef photos, offering an unparalleled opportunity to participate in vital conservation work. While the photo collection continues to grow, the power of AI can only go so far. 

That's where you come in! In under a minute, you can join forces with the AI system, working hand in hand to analyze reef photos. The AI highlights a specific section, and you simply select the category that best describes it. Rest assured, you don't need to be a scientist to partake in this endeavor. The platform provides clear explanations of each category, making the selection process effortless. And once you've completed the analysis, your dashboard will reveal the precise location of the surveyed photo within the vast expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. 

See a full explanation and video of how the software works here.

So, the next time boredom strikes or your passion for conservation ignites, don't plump for aimless scrolling—reach for the Great Reef Census instead. Take a moment to explore the captivating photos and lend your expertise to the Citizens of The Great Barrier Reef. By j

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

Simon's correct title reads... Professor Simon Mitchell MB ChB, PhD, DipOccMed, DipAdvDHM (ANZCA), FUHM, FANZCA, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Auckland.  This clearly does not fit in the title of this episode however, it goes a LONG way to explaining why Simon is one of the top dogs when it comes to being able to pour a healthy amount of clarity over the common confusions between decompression sickness, decompression illness, and arterial gas embolism.

Simon is a physician and scientist with specialist training in diving medicine and anesthesiology. He is widely published with over 150 papers or book chapters. He co-authored the 5th edition of 'Diving and Subaquatic Medicine' and has two chapters on decompression illness in the most recent edition of Bennett and Elliott. He has twice been Vice President of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society (USA) and in 2010 received the society’s Behnke Award for contributions to the science of diving and hyperbaric medicine. In the past, Simon was a naval diving medical officer and medical director of the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine in Brisbane. He now works as a consultant anaesthetist at Auckland City Hospital, and Professor in Anaesthesiology at the University of Auckland. He provides on-call cover for diving and hyperbaric emergencies at the North Shore Hospital Hyperbaric Unit in Auckland. Simon assumed the role of Editor of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine in January 2019.

Simon’s diving career has included more than 6,000 dives spanning sport, scientific, commercial, and military diving. He has been a lead member of teams that were the first to dive and identify three deep wrecks of high historical significance in Australia and New Zealand. At the time of one of these dives (2002) the 180 m depth represented the deepest wreck dive ever undertaken. He was elected to Fellowship of the Explorers’ Club of New York in 2006, and was the DAN Rolex Diver of the Year in 2015.

Ref: www.dhmjournal.com. (n.d.). DHM, Simon Mitchell. [online]

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

Today, we are thrilled to have a distinguished guest with us a man whose passion for diving spans over three decades and has led him to become one of the most skilled technical divers and instructors in the southern hemisphere. Google the name of Pete Mesley, and you'll find his namesake website, which contains his passion in life, two of which are the list first and shocking or big animal diving. And if that's not enough, you'll also find a rundown of all the technical training he has on offer. As a member of the Explorers Club, Pete's love for Wreck diving has taken him to some of the most historically significant sites across the globe, where he has documented them through his stunning photography and his work as a safety diver. Today, we have the pleasure of hearing firsthand from Pete about his experiences as an adventurer, and his unique perspective on the world beneath the waves. So sit back, relax, raise a glass and join us for an unforgettable conversation with Pete Mesley on the Scuba GOAT podcast.

Links:
Lust4Rust website - http://www.lust4rust.co
Shock and Awe diving - http://www.biganimaldiving.com 

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

Ladies and gents, welcome to the Scuba GOAT podcast.  Last year at the OzTek dive show in Melbourne, I had the pleasure of meeting Nathalie Lasselin. Our introduction was brief, but it was enough to pique my interest in her inspiring story and make me realize that she needed to be featured on the show.  In this episode, join me as I chat with Nath and uncover her motivations for venturing into the uncharted waters of the Arctic, spending over 30 hours submerged over two consecutive dives, and searching for evidence of the First Nations' presence in Quebec hydro-electric reservoir, Canada, and that's just for starters! 

Get ready to dive deep into the world of underwater exploration and documentary film-making in the next exciting episode featuring Nathalie Lasselin.  

Nathalie is an award-winning film-maker, dive expedition leader, cave and wreck explorer, and instructor with a passion for documenting our planet and raising awareness for our freshwater resources. As a keynote speaker and on-camera talent for TV shows, she shares her love for discovery and empowering people to have a better relationship with their environment. With numerous critically acclaimed films and awards, Nathalie's work has been released in over 25 countries and featured on networks like Discovery and Nat Geo. 

Formally trained as a director of photography, Nathalie casts an inquisitive eye on our blue planet and with Pixnat Productions she documents the captivating exploration of our earth. Her films have been critically acclaimed and have received numerous awards at international festivals as well as being released in over 25 countries. Nathalie regularly organizes small group diving expeditions for surveying, filming, 360 degree photography and other missions through her non-profit organization Aqua Sub Terra Exploration (ASTEX) 

RECOGNITIONS

Women Diver Hall of Fame inductee

Royal Canadian Geographical Society fellow

Explorers club fellow

NATHALIE'S LINKS

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
AQUA SUB TERRA
AQUANATH.COM

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

Welcome to the latest episode of Scuba GOAT! In this episode, we talk to Vanessa Torres Macho and Talia Greis, the founders of Liquid Lens, a project promoting and encouraging women in underwater photography. Vanessa is a 20+ year dive professional and the owner of Underwater Imaging Australia, while Talia is a scuba and photography enthusiast who started diving 7 years ago.

Vanessa and Talia share their love for the oceans and photography, and how they bonded over their passion for scuba diving and underwater photography. They discuss Liquid Lens, their project that aims to showcase the photographs of women alongside their male counterparts on the world stage.

We discuss a variety of photography-related topics including model shoots, commercial photography and the impact of digital cameras, social media and the expectation of free products for influencers.

We also touch upon overseas group expeditions planned and led by Vanessa and Talia.  Matt also highlights his expeditions via his company Nomadic Scuba. So, if you're looking for some exciting scuba and photography trips, be sure to check them out!

If you'd like to get in touch or follow Vanessa, Talia or both, hit the links below:

Vanessa

Vanessa's website

Vanessa on FB

Aquatic Imaging Australia website

Aquatic Imaging Australia on IG

Aquatic Imaging Australia on FB

Talia

Talia's website

Talia on FB

Talia on IG

Liquid Lens

Liquid Lens website

Liquid Lens on FB

Liquid Lens on IG

And finally, a friendly reminder that The Underwater Club is launching on the 31st of March, and there's still time to enter the free giveaway draw. So, if you're interested in joining a community of like-minded scuba enthusiasts and getting access to exclusive content and discounts, don't miss out! Enter the giveaway here

Tune in to this episode to learn more about underwater photography, Liquid Lens, and equality for women in the industry. As always, share the show with your dive buddies, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Scuba GOAT on your favourite podcast platform. Happy listening!

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

Are you intrigued by the complexities of underwater photography? Nicolas Remy (multi award-winning underwater photographer and founder of The Underwater Club) joins me in the studio to shed some light on this intricate art.

Nicolas and his wife Lena caught my attention initially with their stunning photos and furthermore because they dived on rebreathers. To me, rebreather diving to photograph marine life makes inherent sense, and I wanted to explore this fascinating topic with Nicolas in this episode. The extended dive times, the silence, and the opportunity to get much closer to your subject without disturbance are some of the benefits Nicolas highlights, while also discussing the two rebreathers they use, the Revo and Horizon.

Not only does Nicolas take a superb shot; he enjoys sharing his skills with others. Teaching people and breaking subjects down into a more understandable format is truly a passion of his. So, Nicolas has quit the corporate world and devoted the last 18 months to fine-tuning The Underwater Club and its contents. It is an exceptional forum for two-way communications and jam-packed with Nicolas' knowledge to be shared with all club members through various means, expanding on his availability as a one-on-one coach.

A keen writer, he has also penned content for Scuba Diver magazine and Narked at 90, with additional content in WETPIXEL and OZ Diver.

We anticipate the launch of the Underwater Club's website very soon; to stay in the loop you can sign up for the newsletter (and have an added chance to win a prize).  Join me in the studio as Nicolas takes us from his first discover scuba dive on Kangaroo Island, to global recognition for his underwater photography and the formation of The Underwater Club.

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE! DO THAT HERE

Nicholas' Links

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

Nicolas & Lena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolaslenaremy/

Photography website:https://www.nicolaslenaremy.com/

The Underwater Club links

website: https://theunderwaterclub.com/

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

Facebook:

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

 Are you a fan of scuba diving or luxury watches? Well, Sean Clements certainly is, and a few years ago, he found a way to combine his passions and create a path for the future away from the corporate rat-race. Sean's vision led him to create SDC Watches, a dive watch brand that offers luxurious watches for everyday dive adventures.

What sets SDC Watches apart is their commitment to protecting the oceans. Sean recognized that there is a huge amount of neoprene waste, particularly old and used wetsuits, that ultimately end up in landfills. To tackle this issue, Sean decided to repurpose these watery rags and incorporate them into his watches. The result is an encapsulated neoprene strap design that not only looks great but also helps reduce waste and protect our oceans whilst maintaining that luxury feel. 

The attention to detail in these watches is evident in every aspect. The SDC cookie logo and laser engraving, and original styling of an older dive watch with its rotational dive bezel, harks back to a time when chunky Seikos were the epitome of a diver's watch (flashbacks to eye-balling my dad's watch as a kid). And the naked rear case, which allows you to see the inner mechanism, is a luxurious touch that completes the package. With a 300m depth rating these really are a sexy statement.

As a fellow diver, I'm eagerly awaiting my own SDC Watch to arrive. I appreciate the company's commitment to sustainability and conservation efforts, and I'm excited to show my support by wearing one of their watches. It's clear that Sean has put his heart and soul into creating a product that not only looks great but also makes a positive impact on our planet.

If you would like your own SDC watch, head on over to the SDC website and use SCUBAGOAT10 to recieve a 10% discount

Join us on this episode as we dive deeper into Sean's journey as a diver, businessman, and conservationist. We'll learn more about his vision for SDC Watches and how he's making a difference in the world of luxury watches and ocean conservation.

Don't forget to use SCUBAGOAT10 for your 10% discount through the SDC website

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

Don Silcock, Senior travel editor of Scuba Diver magazine, owner of Indo Pacific Images and my good mate joins me in the studio for a long overdue catch-up, a good yarn and a couple of beers. 

Join me as we discuss Don's travels and many other topics;

• travelling through India by motorcycle, 
• collecting photogrammetry images in Papua New Guinea with Sean Twomey, 
• South Australia - sharks and cuttlefish,
• Tasmania in search of handfish and DEEP corals, 
• Mexico to dive with crocodiles and enter the Cenotes
• Patagonia to dive with Southern Write Whales
• El BLANCO!!
• Camera equipment
• Yucatan chaos
• International flights
• Raja Ampat - Sorido Bay Resort and interviews with Max Ammer

This episode is simply STACKED and not one to miss.  Don goes into detail about the political complexities/ authorisations required to be able to dive in Patagonia with the Southern Right Whales.  He also gives a full breakdown of some heart-pounding moments and close calls with a 5-ton calf.  

That's without mentioning El Blanco... The White One

Don is on form as ever and an absolute encyclopedia of information, so pin your ears back and dive in to hear about many locations that you may recognise and many that may also be new to you. 

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!

Dan Johnson is the man in charge of MV Oceania, co-owner, and captain of this beautiful vessel, and joins me to kick off Season 4. MV Oceania is a liveaboard scuba diving vessel that operates out of Walindi Plantation, New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea, located in the Coral Triangle of the Asia Pacific region, is situated just south of the equator and 100 miles north of Australia. The country encompasses the eastern side of New Guinea Island and 600 smaller islands and atolls. Known for its rich indigenous cultures, Papua New Guinea is home to over 800 languages, making up one-third of the world's languages, and boasts the largest area of untouched rainforest outside the Amazon.

PNG offers incredible scuba diving opportunities with its untouched coral reefs, diverse marine life, and unique culture. The diving hotspots in PNG include Milne Bay in the South, Kimbe Bay, and Kavieng town or Lissenung Island. Divers and underwater photographers come from all over to witness the coral atolls and walls, WWII wrecks, barrier reefs, and other underwater photography subjects the Indo-Pacific region is renowned for. The country also boasts beautiful tropical jungles and mountain ranges on land.

If you're planning to dive in PNG, it's a must to include a land tour to experience the local tribes. With 28,000 miles of reef systems, divers are unlikely to encounter other groups, making it a perfect destination for those looking for a secluded diving experience. The country offers various dive resorts and liveaboard options catering to all levels of divers and is renowned for its spectacular scuba diving.

"Having lived and worked in PNG, I personally rate it as my top hotspot for tropical diving. A must for any avid diver!" (Matt Waters)

Dan is a well-respected figure in the diving industry, known for his extensive knowledge and expertise in navigating the waters of Papua New Guinea, particularly the spectacular reefs of New Britain.

In this 2-part series, we discuss MV Oceania's past, present, and future plans for exploration scuba diving in Papua New Guinea, as well as Dan Johnson's journey and experience as a dive leader. So, join us as we explore the depths of Papua New Guinea's ocean and the story of Dan Johnson and MV Oceania, the ultimate liveaboard scuba diving vessel in this region.

Nomadic Adventures is a registered Australian business and consists of the Scuba GOAT podcast and Nomadic Scuba, a travel booking agency specifically focused on scuba diving.

Are you a dive operation wishing to promote your business on the Scuba GOAT podcast and via Nomadic Scuba? If the answer is YES! then get in touch today via any of the media streams, email (info@nomadicscuba.com), or WhatsApp at +61499021920, and let's start getting creative and tell the world about your services.

Nomadic Scuba not only promotes operators but provides an online concierge service to divers wishing to travel. With our expansive network, we have the knowledge and know-how to organize your dream vacation so let's get planning!