Master Instructor
As a PADI Master Instructor and PADI Tec 50 instructor, Ben enjoys teaching a whole range of courses, from complete beginners to technical divers and professionals.
Team Interview
What made you start diving?
It was an opportunistic accident, really. In my mid-20s, I was getting bored of my current job, but had no idea what I actually wanted to do with my life. I saved up some cash and went travelling around Central America, with no specific goal in mind. In Honduras, I decided to give diving a go - it was something I’d always fancied, but never really thought too much about - and I instantly and absolutely loved it. I abandoned the rest of my travel plans then and there, scrapped my return flight, stayed and worked my way up to Divemaster, and never looked back!
What do you like about Malta?
After diving primarily in the British quarries for 5 years, the sheer vibrancy and variety of dive sites is incredible. I’ve been here for 4 dive seasons now and there are still loads more to explore, so I’m excited to see what else there is to offer!
What are your favourite dive sites here in Malta?
The Um El Faroud at Zurrieq is an amazing wreck. There is so much to explore with the swimthroughs and penetrations, and usually lots of marine life along the way. My favorite part of the wreck? Visiting the engines of this huge wreck!
What are your strengths as a scuba instructor?
My patience. I’m always happy to take the time to overcome nervousness, difficulties with certain techniques, language barriers, etc. My experience helps me come up with different methods of teaching, so if one thing I’ve said or done hasn’t worked for a certain student, I’ll stay calm and reassuring, and work with them to help them approach the problem in a different way.
What do you like to do on your days off?
In peak-season, when the dive centre’s really busy, the answer is easy, and I’m sure the other instructors will agree... sleep!! But when we have a bit more time on our hands I like rock climbing, running, snorkelling and swimming. My partner Susannah and I spend a lot of our days off walking and exploring the many varied and interesting places around Malta. I’m also a massive geek at heart - current video game obsession is Pokemon Go!
Describe yourself in 2 words
Outdoorsy geek