The Scuba Diving Podcast

Scuba World Record holder and Hall of Fame legend Neal Watson joins me to talk about the world's longest scuba swim on record:What it actually took, how a critical equipment malfunction forced him to drink warm salt water mid-swim, how he stayed hydrated and fed underwater, and exactly how far he went.But Neal's resume doesn't stop there. He also holds the record for the deepest dive on regular compressed air, is inducted into the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, and pioneered shark diving at what is now Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center.He's been diving since the 1950s. Long enough to have strong opinions about where the sport is headed, and something very specific that's been lost along the way.We talked about all of it with no notes or prep, this was completely impromptu on the dock at Marinelab Undersea Park. 🛟 Topics covered:World record scuba swim: Distance, logistics, and what went wrongDeepest dive on compressed airThe origins of modern shark divingOld school vs. modern scuba divingScuba Diving Hall of Fame

What if the scuba diving industry has been missing something critical — and two people just figured out how to fix it?Dr. Calina Ouliaris and Simon Lugan, cofounders of Journey Underwater, have developed a groundbreaking wellness framework that’s reshaping how divers learn, breathe, and reconnect with their minds underwater (and on land). Their approach — the “Dive In” Framework (also an official PADI specialty course) — challenges the dive industry to go beyond physical safety checklists and finally address the mental and psychological well-being of both students and instructors.In this full-length interview with Calina, we explore:Why traditional dive training is leaving a critical gap in diver wellnessHow the “Dive In” framework transforms learning environments and the significance of pre/post-dive briefings.The role of pace, mindfulness, and internalized safety in building a sustainable dive community.Why this movement could literally save scuba diving🗺️ Filmed entirely on location at Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns, Australia — one of the most stunning corners of the world, and along the Great Barrier Reef. It was a personal bucket-list destination. Nearly all the clips were shot in the field, with real participants going through the program. The little bit of wind you’ll hear, the waves, the reef — it’s all real.If you care about the future of diving, diver mental health, or wellness-integrated adventure sports, I think you’ll love this episode.https://www.journeyunderwater.com/—Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:www.sweetwaterscuba.com

I got a first-hand look at divers entering the water wearing a REAL WW2 Mark V dive helmet and suit! Local expert and guru "Sharky" paused for an impromptu interview right on the deck of the Marinelab habitat in Key Largo, FL. This is home to Vintage Dive Day, and Jules Undersea Lodge.
Sharky walks us through the experience of diving in historical gear, why he does it, and some key reactions of divers who didn't know what to expect!

Sharky (Mark Alexander), runs the "Dive a Mark V" experience, owns Trident Surface Supplied Diving, and contributes to the History of Diving Museum.

Interview and video by: Kenny Dyal

Is there anything wrong with giving away the online scuba training for free? RAID doesn't think so. They’re a major presence in the UK, and an ubiquitous logo around the 2026 UK Go Diving Show. “RAIDers” are taking the scuba world by storm with a very different approach to learning.
Director James Rogers took time to explain to me the learning culture behind RAID, which is an international scuba certifying agency.
https://diveraid.com/
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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast:
www.sweetwaterscuba.com

This new breakthrough version of a hyperbaric chamber is making it much safer to dive! The technology has been around for a while, but making it THIS lightweight, compact, easy to transport and setup (with just two people!) is a big deal in my book. This allows dive operators to bring along hyperbaric chamber treatment almost anywhere in the world (it can fit in the back of a pickup truck). It is called the “Hyperlite 1” Portable Hyperbaric Chamber.
And the fact that two guys can set it up in 15 minutes is wild.
When divers get “the bends” underwater (decompression sickness), they need to quickly be transported to a hyperbaric chamber for treatment. This often involves a long time between the emergency call, EMS, and the drive (or quite often, a life flight) to a hyperbaric treatment facility. It also requires the facility to be open, unoccupied, and ready.
Having a portable hyperbaric chamber that can pack up and deploy is a big deal. While the price tag is high for an individual diver, the cost-benefit for a busy dive center or remote tourist destination seems worth it.
Follow the Dive 1st Aid YouTube channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/user/Dive1stAid
www.dive1staid.com
Special Thanks:
SOS Group
Underwater scooter video footage supplied by Rotinor GmbH
Rebreather footage provided by SIEL srl
Photo Credits:
Original Hyperlite 1 Prototype - By John Selby
Hyperlite 1 in Aircraft - By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, USAF
Hyperlite 1 in Stryker INF - By Bradley Peterson, Former USN
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Kenny Dyal is the host of The Scuba Diving Podcast
www.sweetwaterscuba.com