Dive Training Blogs
Scuba Professional: Column No. 5

Where Diving Is New
Simon Pridmore imagines what it must be like to be a new diver in Indonesia, where, until recently, going underwater was just an impossible thing that other people did.
You have never heard of scuba diving. You know that there are people who swim underwater. You have seen them on TV and in the movies and you have wondered what it would be like. But this is not something that you ever imagined would be possible. Then one day you meet a friend for lunch and she tells you about a scuba dive that she did with an instructor while she was on holiday. Suddenly, a door you thought would always be closed to you opens a crack and you can see beyond.
After thinking about it for a long time you decide you don’t just want to dive once. You want to learn how to dive so you do it many times. You can swim but you take some lessons anyway to improve your confidence in the water. Then you look online for a dive instructor. There are no dive centres in your town. You have never actually seen a dive centre. You will have to travel to a nearby island to learn.
You are the first person you know who has signed up for a scuba diving course. For the people of your parents’ generation, diving was something that navy personnel did. It was a professional activity, not a sport. Now they know that you are going to become a diver, your family are worried about you and your friends are envious. As for you, you feel like you are embarking on an adventure that will change your life.
The First Scuba Divers
This must have been how it was for the first sport divers in the 1950s and 1960s. Before them, everyone who had ever gone underwater was doing a job. The baby boomers born in the USA and Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War were the first people ever to go under water for fun.
But in Indonesia, this is how it is right now! People from other countries have been diving in Indonesia for decades but only recently have Indonesians themselves been diving here, other than as professional divemasters and guides. For the first time, a generation of Indonesians has the economic security and free time to dive for fun.
Scuba is COOL!
The wonders of Indonesia’s underwater world are now constantly featured in newspapers, magazines and television documentaries. Several free magazines have been published, featuring movie stars and pop idols as diving role models. Many of Indonesia’s dive gurus and industry leaders are in their twenties or thirties. Scuba is COOL!
I visited a hotel on Java’s Sunda coast a few months ago with a group of divers. We were sitting by the pool in the evening while a film unit was shooting scenes for one of Indonesia’s most popular television soap operas. One of the crew came over and started chatting. We explained why we were there and, on hearing that we were scuba divers, he brought filming to an abrupt halt. The cast, actors and actresses famous throughout the country, all came over and bombarded us with questions about diving, saying how they were all planning to take courses. It felt like we were the stars!
World Class Diving on Your Doorstep
How wonderful must it be to start diving and then discover that some of the best diving in the world is right there on your doorstep? The vast majority of Indonesia’s 170,000 plus islands lie in the coral triangle where two massive oceans, the Pacific and the Indian, join. If you are Indonesian, places that people spend tens of thousands of dollars to visit for just a few days a year are easily accessible to you pretty much any time you wish. Do you fancy a long weekend in Komodo? You could leave work in Jakarta on Friday evening and be diving off Cannibal Rock the next morning. How about Christmas in Raja Ampat? Why wait until Christmas? There are overnight flights to Sorong from Jakarta every night of the week.
Positive Benefits
On a more sober note, the environmental and conservation consequences of so many Indonesians learning to dive can only be positive. The country has an appalling conservation record on land and sea, with plenty of well-meaning laws protecting the environment but very little implementation or enforcement. A new generation of divers could well be a powerful force in turning the situation around.
Living in Indonesia and seeing scuba diving through the eyes of newcomers to the sport is refreshing. It is wonderful to witness a whole society that is discovering the joys of dipping their heads below the surface of the sea for the first time.
Comedian Dave Barry once wrote: “when you finally see what goes on underwater, you realize that you’ve been missing the whole point of the ocean. Staying on the surface all the time is like going to the circus and staring at the outside of the tent.’
Welcome to the circus, Indonesia!
Read more from Simon in his latest release Scuba Professional – Insights into Sport Diver Training & Operations and his bestselling book Scuba Confidential – An Insider’s Guide to Becoming a Better Diver, both available from Amazon in paperback and e-book versions.
Blogs
Help to Dive into the Future of Scuba Training – Support NovoScuba Today!

At Scubaverse, we’re always keen to spotlight initiatives that aim to make diving more accessible, inclusive, and innovative. NovoScuba is a bold new training agency with a mission to reshape how people learn to dive—and they’re inviting the global dive community to be part of something special.
What follows is a passionate look at their vision, values, and how you can get involved.
An Exciting Opportunity for Divers and Dreamers to Own a Piece of the Future of Scuba Diving
The world of scuba diving is about to undergo a revolutionary transformation—and you could be a part of it! NovoScuba, an innovative and passionate scuba diving training agency, is on the brink of a final push towards a global launch, that promises to change the way people learn to dive forever.
After two years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless drive to make the sport of scuba diving more accessible to all, NovoScuba is excited to announce that they are inviting enthusiastic divers, ocean lovers, and supporters of innovation to become shareholders in this game-changing movement.
This is your chance to dive into something much bigger than just a hobby. NovoScuba isn’t just offering training programs; they’re offering a stake in the future of the scuba industry. Are you ready to be a part of a global wave of change?
Who We Are: The NovoScuba Movement
NovoScuba isn’t your average diving school. We’re a movement—a movement that strives to make scuba diving more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for everyone. Our team is made up of passionate divers who are not just certified professionals but also deeply connected to the ocean, the environment, and the people who should be able to experience the wonders of the underwater world. We believe diving is about discovery, adventure, and sharing these experiences with others, not just about profit.
For the past two years, we’ve been working tirelessly to develop a new kind of diving training system. One that utilises cutting-edge technology, digital learning platforms, and a unique approach to make scuba diving training available to people from all walks of life. We’ve built this system with love, sweat, and an unwavering belief in our mission to make the world of diving more inclusive.
But here’s the thing—we’re not doing it for the pay check. In fact, none of our team members have taken a salary because we believe in this mission so much. It’s been a labour of love, and now, we’re asking you to be a part of it.
The Big Vision: Taking the Leap
After two years of intense planning, development, and innovation, NovoScuba is finally on the verge of going global. We’re ready to open our doors to the world, but we need your help to make the leap. We’re asking for your support to refine our digital platforms, expand our global reach, and ensure that we can provide top-notch scuba diving training to divers everywhere, no matter where they are or what their budget is.
This is where you come in.
Why We Need Your Help: A Call to Action
We’re closer than ever to achieving our dream, but we need that final push to launch NovoScuba on a global scale. This is not just about funding a business—it’s about being part of something that will redefine the future of scuba training. We need your help to get us over the last few hurdles, and in exchange, we are offering you an incredible opportunity to own a share in this exciting new venture.
For every £250 donation, you’ll receive 1 Class B share in NovoScuba. That’s right—you’re not just helping us out, you’re becoming part of our future. You’ll have a stake in a company that’s poised to revolutionise an entire industry, and as NovoScuba grows, so does your ownership. It’s more than a donation—it’s a chance to join a passionate and innovative team and help shape the future of scuba diving education.
Imagine being able to tell your friends that you didn’t just support a great cause—you’re a shareholder in the future of scuba diving! That’s an experience that goes beyond just funding; it’s about being part of something that matters.
How You Can Get Involved: Dive Right In!
Here’s how you can join the NovoScuba movement and help us make a splash:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-novoscuba-shape-the-future-of-scuba-training
Donate: Any amount makes a difference! Whether it’s £10 or £1,000, every contribution helps us reach our goal.
- Become a Shareholder: Donate £250 or more, and you’ll receive a Class B share in NovoScuba. This is your chance to own a piece of the future of scuba diving education.
- Spread the Word: Even if you can’t contribute financially, you can still help. Share our campaign with your network and help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity.
- Get Involved: Dive deeper into the NovoScuba community by following us on social media, joining our online events, and staying connected as we grow. Your involvement will help us reach even more people who are eager to learn about the underwater world.
This isn’t just about helping us; it’s about joining a community of like-minded people who believe in making the world of scuba diving open to everyone. Together, we can change the face of scuba diving education and make it accessible for generations to come.
Why This Matters: Changing Lives, One Dive at a Time
Scuba diving is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences on earth. It’s a portal into a whole new world, full of beauty, mystery, and wonder. But for far too long, this life-changing activity has been out of reach for many people due to the high costs of training.
NovoScuba aims to change that by creating a digital-first training system that is not only more affordable but also more accessible. We’re committed to making diving available to people from all backgrounds, regardless of their income or location. With our innovative training methods, we’re able to offer a platform that meets the needs of today’s divers—whether they’re looking to dive for the first time or advance their skills.
We’re not just creating a business; we’re changing lives. We’re giving people the opportunity to explore the world beneath the waves, connect with the ocean, and discover something new about themselves. And we want you to be a part of that transformation.
The Future of Scuba Diving Starts Now
The diving world is ready for change, and NovoScuba is leading the charge. With your support, we’ll continue to grow and make diving more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a company that is set to disrupt an entire industry.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of something truly transformative, now is the time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the NovoScuba family and help us shape the future of scuba diving education.
Join Us Today—Let’s Make Waves Together!
Your support will help us reach new heights and bring our dream to life. Together, we can make scuba diving education accessible to everyone, no matter their background or budget.
Dive into the future with NovoScuba—join us today!
For more information or to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-novoscuba-shape-the-future-of-scuba-training today. Let’s make diving available for all—and let’s make the world a better place, one dive at a time.
Blogs
Making a Splash: My Path to Becoming a Master Scuba Diver at 12

Meet Mia Daponte, New England’s youngest female Master Scuba Diver and Scubaverse.com’s latest blogger!
Hi, I’m Mia DaPonte, and this is my first blog! I am New England’s youngest female master scuba diver. I did my training in Jamestown Rhode Island and I’m 12 years old.
I’m also black belt in karate, and I also play soccer, basketball, and love to race my sailboat named “Beluga”. My journey to become a master diver was amazing, not all of it was easy but with the help of my friends and family they supported me so much.
When I turned ten years old, I wanted to scuba dive for my Birthday. After learning diving in the cold murky waters near my home, I wanted to start my training for this Master Diver certification. I met my instructor Seamus on my first day of diving. He was a very good influence on me and always supported me. He taught me everything I know about diving.
I also got to go to new tropical places and dive for fun. We went places like Puerto Rico, Punta Cana, Bermuda, and Bahamas. For the first time I could see far. I saw stingrays, lion fish, coral reefs, tropical fish, and lots of other animals. My favorite animal that I saw was an octopus.
Finally, it was time for my certification trip. The trip came so fast, and I eventually succeeded. In February, I went down to Cozumel Mexico and went diving at Blue Angel Resort. To get my certification, I had to do a deep dive of a max depth of 60ft, and I had to do rescue training. I also had to do an online e-learning test to qualify for this certification.
On the first day I only worked in the pool to practice and perfect rescue techniques for the next day. It was fun putting the online learning to reality. The first part felt harder than the second because I didn’t have as much room in the pool as the open ocean. On the second day, we did it in the ocean. It was hard for me to do the rescue breaths, and bring the adult diver from the bottom of the ocean to the surface. But I was able to do it after hard work.
Cozumel was a lot of fun. We made so many friends down there and hope to see them again. Diving down there was truly magical. I can’t wait to go back someday.
After hard work and dedication, I was able to achieve this accomplishment. It took me 2 years of studying and practicing, but in the end it all paid off. I can’t wait to share my next adventure with you.
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