Excellent instruction by Sam. Did TDI extended range trimix course. Top notch outfit. Also very good assistance with transport etc. Thanks Dave. Highly recommended
Ghost Diving Southeast Asia is the newest international chapter of Ghost Diving, a registered charity founded in 2012 by technical divers specializing in removing lost fishing gear and other marine debris.
They hyperfocus on physically removing nets, fishing gear, and other marine debris while adhering to diving practices that reduce risks to a minimum. At their core is volunteerism, the willingness of the technical diving community in Southeast Asia to dedicate their time, so groups of adequately trained and experienced divers can come together. Projects are supported by both international and local sponsors.
Activities are selected and planned based on local intelligence and input from dive centers, boat operators, not-for-profits, governmental offices, coast guards, and citizen scientist reporting.
Inspired by Blue Alliance’s Blue Talk at El Galleon in Puerto Galera in April 2024, Ghost Diving SEA initiated and organized an expedition to Calapan. It was a three-day event consisting of four dives near the Baco Islands. This was preceded by two days diving in Balatero Cove, Puerto Galera which allowed the team, some of whom had not yet worked together, to familiarize themselves with each other and the tasks at hand.
The Balatero dives on June 12th/13th were smooth and successful with significant amounts of both line and netting being lifted from the water, during a series of four dives performed not deeper than 30m. The Calapan dives were more exploratory in nature with a sub-team from Blue Alliance focusing on fish survey, and The Ghost Diving SEA team evaluating potential areas for future clean up and net removal.
The expedition was funded by Atelier Holgur Exploration and Conservation Grant, with Asia Divers/El Galleon providing boat support, and Tech Asia handling gas fills and tanks. Blue Alliance Philippines advised on diving locations and provided visibility to relevant government offices and Coast Guards.
It is hoped expedition and cleanup event can begin a long-term project if Ghost Diving sees value in supporting the Calapan Marine Protected Area.
We have something for everyone at Tech Asia, beginner or experienced, why not join us for some of the best diving in Asia?
Rob Hilton, AustraliaExcellent instruction by Sam. Did TDI extended range trimix course. Top notch outfit. Also very good assistance with transport etc. Thanks Dave. Highly recommended
Excellent instruction by Sam. Did TDI extended range trimix course. Top notch outfit. Also very good assistance with transport etc. Thanks Dave. Highly recommended
Tony Exall, UKThe legend who is Sam Collett! This is the man who's taking me through all my Tech qualifications - one of the best instructors I've met, a man […]
The legend who is Sam Collett!
This is the man who's taking me through all my Tech qualifications - one of the best instructors I've met, a man of few words, but a bloody nice chap!
If you are considering doing any kind of tech qualifications, I can strongly recommend you get over to Puerto Galera and have a chat with Sam.
Tom DiverI have asked Dave months ago for some guided dives with CCR and DPV so everything was well organized.Finally I had 8 really exciting DPV dives together with […]
I have asked Dave months ago for some guided dives with CCR and DPV so everything was well organized.
Finally I had 8 really exciting DPV dives together with Sam. This area here offers dive sites with different topography so that you will never get bored.
Thanks a lot Sam for your excellent guiding :-)
Bing Sen Lim, SingaporeI did 8 days of diving with Tech Asia, including my Advanced Nitrox/Helitrox course with Sam Collett and DPV course with Tim Blömeke The people are amazing. Dave […]
I did 8 days of diving with Tech Asia, including my Advanced Nitrox/Helitrox course with Sam Collett and DPV course with Tim Blömeke
The people are amazing. Dave the owner is very responsive via WhatsApp and is able to address all my concerns before choosing to do my course with Tech Asia. Logistics were also smooth with them. Sam is a strict instructor who gives very thorough pre-dive and post-dive briefings with useful, personalised directions on what to work on. After the first two dives of my AN/Helitrox course, he makes sure everyone takes up certain roles (eg deco captain) during dives to ensure we learn by leading. I really liked this “letting students lead” approach as it made me confident that I’ll able to take up the same responsibilities if I were to dive with other tech divers elsewhere. Tim is a funny guy who gave great instruction during my DPV course. He is also very helpful to teach me how to configure my newly bought regs
Location wise, the dive shop is 5-10mins boat ride for all my dives during my stay, making dives very comfortable without post-dive colds and seasickness — I didnt even need to bring my windbreaker and towel for the trip when I knew that the dive sites are thattt close.
As a halcyon distributor, the rental equipments are also halcyon and in great working condition.
Most of my dives were in 1-2 customers per group, with 3 customers during one of my dives. The small group really enhanced my dive experience
Will return for more!
Basil Phang, SingaporeI did my TDI Sidemount course with them just last week. This was a course I wanted since my AOW. Their service was amazing from the arrangements for […]
I did my TDI Sidemount course with them just last week. This was a course I wanted since my AOW.
Their service was amazing from the arrangements for transfer by Dave Ross and his staff, everything was smooth and stress free.
My instructor was Sam Collett and he was one of the best instructors I ever had. He advocates for a very hands on and practical training which is the best and fastest way to learn.
He is highly experienced and knowledgable so he can always provide suggestions and alternatives for ways that skills can be done.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Tech Asia and will definitely return for further more advanced tech courses.