Finnish Scientific Diving Academy

A very interesting round table chat I had, about the applications of advanced diving and technology in underwater research, with Phil S., Sonia J Rowley and Stratis Kas. as part of the Talks series in Indepth Magazine

From underwater videography to aerial drones, technological advancements in ocean observation have significantly enhanced our understanding of marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the marine environment. Scientists from the Marine Biological Association are now able to collect data in real time and monitor marine life in ways that were previously unimaginable. Dive into our latest update to see how technology continues to transform marine research ➡️ https://buff.ly/3SYkCtU #MBA140

I'm using social media less and less, but here's a little update for those of you who want to know a bit more about what I've been doing lately. Some of you know that I have wanted to focus my life on diving and science for many years, so I decided to study Biology and Environmental Science at the same time that I was training as a diver. Those of you who know me better know how much diving and marine biology fascinates me and that's why you will understand how keen I am to be able to dedicate myself to it full time. Well, in the last month and a half I have done something that if you told me a few years ago I would not have believed. It’s a bit of a dream come true. On the 3rd of May I flew to Finland to start a new experience: to work as a second instructor during the 6-week occupational scientific diving course (recognised at European level) offered by the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy at the Tvärminne Zoological Station of the University of Helsinki. I cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity. Thanks to the staff at the station for treating me so well and, most of all, thanks Edd Stockdale for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to work with you on this course, for treating me so well and teaching me so much. Thank you for becoming a mentor and, specially, a friend. The FSDA was established in 2021 with the aim of creating a world-class leading facility in cold water scientific diving. As such, this programme introduces and develops skills in all areas of scientific diving project execution, dive team management, emergency planning and diving skills. To have been part of the teaching team on this course makes me incredibly happy, and to have had the students that I did makes me incredibly lucky. Eleven wonderful people who have worked hard, individually and as a team, to become divers capable of participating in research projects and of planning efficient dive operations. I am very proud of you all and grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing you. Thanks for all and my best wishes for your future endeavours. P.S.: Thanks also to Milja and Karri for being so helpful and fun to be around, best DMs!!