Congratulations on being appointed as one of PADI’s AmbassaDivers for 2024! What does this involve and how do you plan to use this platform to inspire others, especially within the superyacht community?
It’s an incredible honour and a great opportunity. The role primarily involves advocating for ocean conservation and promoting diving as a way to connect with and protect our oceans. I plan to use this platform to highlight dive locations and PADI dive centers that are actively engaged in ocean conservation projects. By visiting these sites, I aim to educate myself and share this knowledge with others.
This journey is also a chance for me to ignite my daughter’s passion for underwater awareness and conservation. By involving her in these activities, I hope to inspire the next generation to care and protect our oceans.
Superyacht crew with PADI Pro certifications can experience the destinations they visit from a new perspective enhancing their personal experiences while opening up intriguing conversations with fellow crew members and guests, making their travels even more engaging and memorable.
You’ve mentioned that diving and being underwater provides the ultimate escape. Does diving help you balance the high-pressure demands of being a captain and do you feel a sense of wellbeing beneath the surface?
Diving to me is a form of appreciation, it allows me as a Captain to be better aware of my surroundings and adds a stronger element to my discussions with crew and guests to give them confidence in their Captain. Sharing dive experiences with guests is a conversation that goes on well into the evening, and brings guests and crew together.
How and where did you originally get into diving?
My first experience was in the Bahamas with my chef and engineer some 20+ years ago. From there I’ve been fortunate to cruise very remote locations in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and of course The Great Barrier Reef.
As a PADI Rescue Diver, what personal encounters or experiences have fuelled your passion for ocean conservation?
My passion for ocean conservation is deeply fuelled by personal experiences, especially those shared with my daughter. When we snorkel together, she often discusses what she’s learning about marine life and the environment at school. These moments are incredibly inspiring and drive me to deepen our shared experiences as she grows older. It’s something we can bond over, making our vacations more meaningful through PADI Club adventures.
Additionally, my involvement with various Foundations I work with focused on plastic waste projects has heightened my commitment to conservation. Seeing my daughter take an interest in these issues, knowing how passionate I am about them, reinforces my dedication to protecting our oceans.
Beyond your role on Below Deck, you’ve also been involved in projects like Classroom of Hope. Tell us a bit about this.
Over the last 10 years I’ve taken over a project to build a small resort in the Philippines. Noticing seasonal dumps of plastic waste washing up on the beach, we did our best to find ways to reuse this. I came across The Classroom of Hope – Wow what a concept! They are working towards creating 400 schools, with 100 already completed. These schools feature 100% plastic waste systems and are built to be earthquake proof within 6-8 weeks.
They don’t stop there; they work with the community leaders to educate and increase the culture of reusing waste. More importantly, they are helping to instil the importance of gaining an education among a younger generation, especially giving hope to the young females highlighting that education will give them the tools to make them the bread winner.
How do you balance your roles as a father, TV actor, professional athlete, and now a PADI AmbassaDiver?
The show has given me the opportunity to spend more time with my daughter, which is incredibly important to me. I leverage this platform to support my Foundations and focus on my health and personal growth. Rather than using this visibility to promote multiple products, I aim to use this time to learn, share knowledge and inspire others.
For superyacht crew members looking to enhance their skill sets, what advice would you give on the benefits of becoming a PADI Pro and delving into the world of diving?
The more you advance with your skills, the more confident you will become as a leader, and it increases your understanding of safety procedures and your ability to deliver clear and effective instructions in diverse situations – an essential skill when managing a team or guiding guests.
In what ways do you see the superyacht industry evolving in its approach to ocean conservation?
Every yacht should know what’s around them, what’s under them and what’s important to preserving our oceans. I believe the industry should align itself with a global group that funds and supports local projects, such as coral restoration and marine parks, ensuring that Superyachts’ crew and guests not only enjoy the beauty of the oceans but also contribute to their preservation and restoration.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for a more sustainable future, both within the superyacht industry and on a global scale, and how do you see diving contributing to this vision?
My vision involves everyone making small, manageable changes. I believe that if each person commits to a 1% change in their behaviour or practices, collectively, we can achieve significant positive impacts.
Once you’ve experienced the underwater world, it’s impossible not to become more conscious about waste, coral restoration, and the importance of marine life. Diving fosters a deep appreciation for our oceans, encouraging people to think twice about their actions and their environmental impact.
Are there any other exciting projects you are working on in 2024?
I am excited to be working with the Mares Foundation, which operates out of the USA. This organisation focuses on bringing marine conservation education to children in Latin America through creative initiatives such as city murals and literature. The projects aims to help children who may not have the opportunity to see the ocean firsthand to still appreciate and understand its importance. By engaging with these communities, we hope to inspire a new generation to value and protect our marine environments.
