The BiG Scuba Podcast

This week, the BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian bring a roving report from their Sept 2025 trip to Seahouses and diving around the Farne Islands off the North East coast of the UK. Our local dive centre  Christal Seas Scuba Norwich organised the trip using the dive boat services of  Sovereign Diving.   We mention our stop off on the way to Seahouses to see the On Freedom Wings  monument.  This is a full-sized, steel representation of an Avro Lancaster Bomber, elevated 15 meters high to create the illusion of flight, located on the border of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, England 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:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com  👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 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

Episode 210 – Our Adventures in Lundy and Under Swanage Pier This week, the BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian, along with Scuba Honey, head to Ilfracombe to board the Barbara B with Lundy Diving for some unforgettable underwater adventures with the playful seals of Lundy Island. You can find out more at: https://www.lundydiving.co.uk/ From there, our journey continues to South Devon, where we dive Chesil Cove, catch up with Colin at DIR Direct (https://www.dirdirect.com/), and bump into our good friend Dave Mason enjoying the local waters. Along the way, we give shout-outs to Glen Barnes from the Seahorse Dive Club (https://seahorsediveclub.uk/), coastal hikers (and fellow divers!) Rhianna and Ed, and Liam from Divers Time (https://diverstime.com/) who shares tales of his own South Devon adventures. A big thank you also goes to the Swanage Pier Trust for looking after us with parking and pier access: https://www.members-swanagepiertrust.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. Visit: https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link 💬 We’d love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com. 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store: https://store.insta360.com/ – use our code BIGSCUBA Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebigscuba/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigscuba/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ Website: https://www.thebigscuba.com/ 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian report live from their road trip to Seahouses, Northumberland and diving adventures around the Farne Islands with Serentiy Farne Island Boat Tours https://farneislandstours.co.uk/ They also visit https://diverstime.com/ and catch up with Scoobs at the Dive Shack and have a dive in West Lake to see the new attractions. Gemma and Ian drove the Auto-Trail Excel 620g throughout the trip and give a review of the motorhome… safe to say they loved it!   https://www.auto-trail.co.uk/discover-the-award-winning-auto-trail-excel-range/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email   thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com   Take a look at the  Insta3620 Store    https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link  BIGSUCBA We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-612

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Barry McGill.  Barry McGill is a deep wreck photographer and CCR instructor trainer with Indepth Technical. His main area of focus is exploration of deep-water shipwrecks around the Irish coastline, and he has been fortunate enough to discover and explore many significant previously undiscovered shipwrecks.   Exploring iconic shipwrecks such as the R.M.S. Justicia, H.M.S. Audacious and R.M.S. Lusitania has left a significant impression on Barry, which helped develop his desire to discover and explore shipwrecks. Barry aims to share his passion for shipwreck exploration by capturing and sharing his images of many previously unphotographed shipwrecks including R.M.S. Amazon, H.M.S. Viknor and H.M.S. D6.   Barry has also been part of many international shipwreck expeditions, most recently in September 2021 where he formed part of an international team of divers who undertook the first internal exploration of HMHS Britannic which lies in 120 m of water in the Kea Channel in Greece. This expedition was funded by the Explorers Club and aimed to document key internal elements of the ship which had never been accessed by divers previously.    https://www.instagram.com/barrymcgill/ https://www.facebook.com/barry.mcgill.125 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbH2StdHWo0P-ARfjmxjPeQ https://indepthtechnical.ie/   The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link   We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email   thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com   Take a look at the  Insta3620 Store    https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link  BIGSUCBA   We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to James Neal.     James has been passionate about scuba diving and the aquatic realm since childhood, having grown up watching Jacques Cousteau on TV, along with Robinson Crusoe, Stingray and such like.  He suffered a subarachnoid Haemorrhage, grade 4 bleed on the brain, fatal in 80% of cases and was told he would never dive again! That was almost 12 years and over 1,200 dives ago!  Unfortunately, he has experienced stigmatism and discrimination  because of his haemorrhage ever since! He is  an IDC Staff Instructor, soon to be Master Instructor and a  technical diver, hypoxic trimix and full cave trained cave diver.  James has recently taken on the role of Brand Ambassador for Narked at 90 that compliments his role as brand ambassador for Sea & Sea Ltd representing the Huish Outdoors brands in the UK, which are: Atomic Aquatics, BARE, Hollis, Oceanic, Stahlsac & Zeagle.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesNealDiver/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesnealdiver TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesnealdiver Website: www.InDepth.club  The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link  We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email   thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com  Take a look at the  Insta3620 Store    https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link  BIGSUCBA  We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba  Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Stuart Douglas.  Stuart is an experienced mine clearance diver who served in the Royal Navy from 1982 to 1997, initially as an electronics apprentice before becoming a Ship's Diver. He later became a Royal Navy Clearance Diver, specializing in explosive ordnance disposal and supporting UK Special Forces in maritime counter-terrorism roles.  He tells us about being a PADI instructor and his up coming 209 mile ultramarathon across Iceland from North to South. The Great Norse Run that he is doing with his wife.  He is raising money for The Royal Navy Clearance Divers' Association Charity Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/stuart.douglas01 Great Norse Run : https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stuart-douglas-4?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=CL The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email   thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com   Take a look at the  Insta3620 Store    https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link  INRAI8S   We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Hollie Teggart.  Hollie currently studying Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton and will be finishing in September 2025. She has been an Instructor with RAID and BSAC for two years and  PADI and SSI for one year. Hollie has been working at Diveshack Malta as a recreational and technical instructor so we hear more about diving in Malta too.   Instagram:       https://www.instagram.com/girlthatsidemounts/ Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/hollie.gteggart/ Youtube:         https://www.youtube.com/@hollieteggart5404/videos TikTok:            https://www.tiktok.com/@girlthatsidemounts?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/.   We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email   thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com   Take a look at the  Insta3620 Store    https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link  BIGSCUBA   We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Dominic Robinson.  Dominic  Robinson is a technical deep diver who specialises in exploration and in particular ship wrecks around the British Isles and he documents his adventures on his YouTube Channel.. YouTube         https://www.youtube.com/@D33pUK Instagram       https://www.instagram.com/d33puk/# Facebook        https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574229267789 The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/. We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email   thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com  Take a look at the  Insta3620 Store    https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link  INRAI8S We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba  Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Emma Biran.  Emma is a PADI Staff Instructor, therapeutic counsellor and mental health professional.  Emma has merged these professions into a unique program called Self Confident Diver, which has been endorsed by PADI as a distinctive programme.  The programme offers coaching and counselling sessions specifically designed for individuals who experience anxiety or panic when scuba diving. Throughout her career, she has witnessed numerous individuals lose confidence in their diving abilities due to past experiences and anxiety.  The Dive Confident mission is to enable individuals to build resilience and restore confidence.  www.self-confident-diver.com   The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/.  We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email   thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com  Take a look at the  Insta3620 Store    https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link  INRAI8S We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Rob Colley.  Rob Colley is a former Royal Marine and Specialist Military Unit (SMU) operator with over 23 years of elite experience leading and performing in some of the world’s most extreme environments on land and under the sea.  Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for Gallantry, Rob spent much of his military career operating in high-pressure, high-stakes scenarios that demanded total focus, resilience, and leadership under stress.   Following his transition from military service, Rob turned his attention to human performance and recovery, serving as Director of Elite Performance & Training at DEEP Research Labs developing protocols to prepare scientists and explorers for extended subsea missions.   Today, Rob is the founder of Thrival Instinct and the creator of the Thrival Instinct Method for Inner Mastery a powerful system that blends breathwork, mindset training, and performance psychology. His approach helps military personnel, veterans, corporate leaders, and high performers break free from survival mode and reconnect with clarity, resilience, and purpose.  Through retreats, coaching, and digital programs, Rob now helps others build inner strength and live with intention—especially those who’ve faced extreme environments of their own, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Website: https://www.thrivalinstinct.co.uk  The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/.  We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email   thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba  Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Simon Mills.  In August 1996, the wreck of HMHS Britannic was bought by renowned maritime historian, Simon Mills. Simon is a long-standing camera technician in the UK film industry. During his career he has also researched numerous documentaries on historical and maritime subjects, and is a published author on all three Olympic-class ships.   The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/.   This episode is sponsored by Sports Financial Services  https://sports-fs.co.uk/   They are specialists in arranging life insurance for active sports and hazardous occupations.  Contact them for a free quoteation.   We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:   We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Rob Hinton.  Rob Hinton is the founder of the Hold Fast Challenges, a unique, hugely exciting, and rewarding outdoor challenge experience, based on Rob's former career as a Royal Navy Mine Clearance Diver.   A former competitive swimmer, he has spent most of his life in the water, or under it.  Robs introduction to diving began in 1999 in South Africa, where he learnt to Scuba Dive in CapeTown.  A 22 year career in diving, which saw him serve as a Royal Navy Mine Clearance and Bomb Disposal Diver, a Commercial Diver in the oil and gas world, and a Military Diving Instructor worldwide, began! In 2021 he set up the Hold Fast Challenges, with a mission to use his experiences in diving, and the mindset involved, to inspire people to get things done in an ultra positive, and community based way.   https://www.holdfastchallenge.com/   The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/.   This episode is sponsored by Sports Financial Services  https://sports-fs.co.uk/   They are specialists in arranging life insurance for active sports and hazardous occupations.  Contact them for a free quoteation.   We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:   We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Osama Gobara.  Originally from Austria, Osama has a profound passion for the subterranean realm and aquatic ecosystems  It has driven him to pursue a career as a cave diving explorer and instructor as well as working offshore too.  When not immersed in cave exploration or mentoring fellow cave divers, he extends his surveying expertise to offshore activities, specializing in deepwater ROV-based remote sensing and seabed mapping for offshore wind farm projects worldwide.   Social media and website links. https://www.facebook.com/os.gobara   The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/.   This episode is sponsored by Sports Financial Services  https://sports-fs.co.uk/   They are specialists in arranging life insurance for active sports and hazardous occupations.  Contact them for a free quoteation.   We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:   We are on Instagram              @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook              @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                      www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                       https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

Gemma and Ian were invited to the pre-release press screening of Last Breath prior to its public release in late February 2025.    It’s a heart-pounding film that follows seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crewmate trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean’s surface. Based on a true  story, Last Breath is an electrifying story about teamwork, resilience, and a race against time to do the impossible.   Gemma and Ian then interviewed Alex Parkinson, director/co-writer and David Brooks, co-writer/producer about the filming.    Also included is our conversation with the real life diver who is central to the film, Chris Lemons. Watch here :  https://www.youtube.com/@TheBiGScuba/videos The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/. This episode is sponsored by Sports Financial Services  https://sports-fs.co.uk/   They are specialists in arranging life insurance for active sports and hazardous occupations.  Contact them for a free quoteation. We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us: We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Lisa Blair.  Lisa is an Australian Adventurer, Climate Activist, Author, Speaker and Multi-World Record holding sailor.    On May 25th, 2022, Lisa achieved her latest milestone by becoming the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica, shaving 10 days off the previous record. During this record-setting journey, Lisa seized the opportunity to amplify her message of Climate Action Now and collaborated with a number of scientific organizations such as the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Seabed 2030 project.  Lisa's commitment to ocean health was evident as she deployed eight weather drifter buoys, one A.R.G.O research float, collected round-the-clock ocean health readings, and gathered over 180 microplastic samples, all while braving the perils of the world's most treacherous ocean for an astounding 92 days. Through her partnership with Ocean Ops, Lisa's expedition earned recognition as a United Nations Decade of Ocean Science initiative.   Social media and website links.   Find out more about Climate Action Now and Lisa's journey at   https://lisablairsailstheworld.com/ Follow Lisa on Instagram    https://www.instagram.com/lisablairsailstheworld/   The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/.   This episode is sponsored by Sports Financial Services  https://sports-fs.co.uk/   They are specialists in arranging life insurance for active sports and hazardous occupations.  Contact them for a free quoteation.   We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:   We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba   Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Luke Bullus.  Luke Bullus is the Diving Officer and a trustee of the marine conservation charity Fathoms Free.   Fathoms Free is a group of experienced volunteer divers and skippers committed to protecting marine wildlife and the environment. They focus on removing ALDFG (abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear) and other marine debris from the coastal waters of Cornwall and Devon. ALDFG, often referred to as "ghost gear", continues to "fish" by entangling, trapping, and killing wildlife indiscriminately. Since its inception in 2014, Fathoms Free has led initiatives to remove these hazardous materials from the ocean, preventing further damage to the marine environment. The charity also collaborates with and supports other organisations by using its boats and experienced skippers to assist with conservation efforts that contribute to a cleaner, safer ocean for everyone. Over the past decade, Fathoms Free has become a leading advocate for healthier oceans, inspiring collective action to protect marine ecosystems for future generations. Luke is passionate about the marine environment and dedicates most of his free time to ghost gear recovery operations and ocean conservation. Social media and website links. https://www.fathomsfree.org https://www.facebook.com/fathomsfree https://www.instagram.com/fathomsfree https://www.linkedin.com/company/fathomsfree The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/. We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends about us as each share and like makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us: We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian visit Sports Financial Services to discuss the importance of Life Insurance for scuba divers as well as anyone else.  We chat to Harvey and James about the business and their bespoke and personal service for anyone wishing to discuss Life Insurance, Income Protection and Critical Illness Cover. Sports Financial specialises in providing tailored insurance solutions for individuals involved in high-risk and extreme sports, such as Scuba Diving and other active sports and hazardous occupation.  Recognising the added risks of injury, accident, or even death, they offer specialised life cover, critical illness protection, and income protection designed specifically for those with non-standard insurance needs. They are experts who you can trust so that your unique lifestyle is protected, giving you peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage or seeking to safeguard your financial future against the unexpected, Sports Financial Services understand the nuances of high-risk activities and deliver policies that truly meet your needs. Get your free quote today by calling 0345 565 0935 or send an email info@sportsfinancial.co.uk https://sports-fs.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/sportinsureuk https://www.instagram.com/sportsfinancialservices/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/. We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends about us as each share and like makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us: We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian reflect on their year of 2024.  They discuss some stats of the podcast like how many countries the podcast is downloaded in and the most popular episodes.  Gemma and Ian talk about their watery adventures of 2024 both on the water and under the water, dive sites explored and places and shows they have visited. The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024. We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends about us as each share and like makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us: We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Edward Askham Spencer.   Edward has a spirit for competition and adventure that has drawn him across the world and back again. His fiancé would say he is married to the sea. Before Ed deployed to Afghanistan as a Paratrooper in 2008 he went to Andark his local dive shop on the south coast of England to do his Padi open water. This ignited a passion for the sea that saw him defending ships from pirates and then to become a professional air and saturation diver. He is a coded wet welder, inspection diver, experienced subsea Burner, DMT, Rigger, Shipwright and joiner.   On top of that he is a professional speaker and after Dinner Entertainer.  His adventures continue….. Social Meda: https://youtu.be/O56FSWg7zpg?si=aGsBo2bt0GWHqdnk https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-askham-spencer-4a514a196/ Other items discussed in the podcast: Across the Maldives https://gofund.me/28d5e41e The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024. We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends about us as each share and like makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us: We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

The BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Sophie Heptonstall. Sophie was introduced to diving by her dad, grandad and uncle who were diving in the UK.  She did a PADI Discover Scuba abroad at twelve years old and then PADI Open Water Course at Stoney Cove. At university in Wales Sophie joined the university BSAC Club and continued her diver grade training and instructor training in the club with BSAC but completed other agency specialty courses with TDI and IANTD and worked as a PADI Divemaster in the UK at weekends for a few years. Sophie then had opportunities  to dive abroad – Caribbean, Red Sea, Maldives and Truk Lagoon. In 2004 Sophie became a BSAC Instructor Trainer and in 2005 was asked to be the Communications Advisor on the BSAC National Diving Committee and a few years later was elected onto BSAC Council.   In 2015 she was elected as BSAC National Diving Officer, the youngest person to hold the post. Sophie is a CCR Mod 3 diver and CCR Instructor and have also held the BSAC positions of Tech Lead, First Class Diver Chief Examiner and National Instructor Chief Examiner. All these previous roles were volunteer roles but in March 2024 her hobby became a full time job taking in the BSAC employed role of Head of Diving and Training. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-heptonstall-82a44925/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024. We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends about us as each share and like makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us: We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127