We offer a friendly, professional service
which focuses on safety and enjoyment
We are a fully accredited PADI 5 Star Dive Centre based in Whitstable that is dedicated to training new and already qualified divers. As a Dive Centre, and being a PADI Approved Youth Training Centre, we can work with divers of all ages from a simple Try Dive, right up to the professional levels of Divemaster and beyond.
Individual members of the team have been teaching diving for over 15 years, and have been involved with scuba for even longer. Every member of the team has lots of experience of diving in different environments and in different conditions. We are fully aware of the different individual needs and considerations when teaching people how to dive, and will do everything we can to provide you with a fantastic scuba experience.
Meet the team
Christian Clark
Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Has been an instructor since 2002 and also works as a college lecturer helping to get young people prepared for joining the services. First ever dive was in Turkey when on holiday and learnt two very important things. “I learnt that I loved SCUBA diving instantly but some people need a bit more time and patience to get over the initial nerves before they realise they love it too”. Has dived and worked in a lot of places and has had so many favourite dives that it would be impossible to single one out, but having face to face experiences with Sharks in the Red Sea comes close.
Rob Richardson
Master Scuba diver trainer
Learnt to dive in 1994 as a 13 year old boy living in Malaysia. Instantly fell in love with the ocean and turned a hobby into a profession in 2005, when he became an instructor and worked on premium diving liveaboards on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. “I have dived all over the world and my favourite dives so far are the Yolanga Wreck and Fish Rock Cave in Australia and the Thistlegorm Wreck in Egypt”. Very rarely in the water without a camera.
Dave Challiss
Assistant Instructor
Completed Open Water course in 2003, went diving in southern Turkey and has dived regularly ever since. Became an AI in 2014 and also runs production companies. Has a passion for photography and like Rob, is rarely in the water without a camera set-up trying to hone his skills. “I really enjoy helping people get qualified and watching them develop into divers”. One of his favourite animals are Nudibranch and likes spending the time trying to spot them. Extended his engineering knowledge by becoming a qualified service technician in 2017.
Kevin Webster
IDC Staff instructor
Kev has been a Dive Professional since 2015 and also works in the Emergency services. First dive was in Malta in 2008 before going on to complete the Open Water course in Majorca. Kev has worked his way up through the PADI system and really enjoys being an Instructor with Whitstable Scuba. “I love being involved and helping people both starting and continuing their underwater adventures”. One of his favourite diving experiences was spending a whole dive with a Turtle in the Red Sea. Kev enjoys underwater photography.
Rowena Bicknell
Divemaster
Has been a DM since 2018 whilst also being the President of the University of Kent Diving Society. Completed her first dives in Hong Kong and her most memorable diving experience was being inside a bait ball in the Red Sea. “It was a mesmerising experience with thousands of shimmering fish shifting and swirling all around me”. is very busy working on a PHD but loves being involved with diving and running courses.
We aim to be flexible so we can suit those either coming into the sport, or those that are continuing their training and education. We are passionate about the ocean and encourage positive environmental practices in all of our training programmes.
We organise, and staff, diving trips to the Red Sea which are geared for all levels of divers. For some, this is their first diving holiday abroad and find it truly memorable as they are accompanied by experienced divers to support and encourage.
We have also created a unique project called Scuba for School which offers tailor made packages for schools and educational organisations. Please look at the Schools page to find out more.