About Abyss Scuba School
PADI Dive Centre Littlehampton

PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer 

Managing Director of Abyss Scuba School

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Why did you get into diving?

My diving journey began at just 12 years old, when my dad introduced me to the underwater world. He had a huge love for travel, so I was fortunate to explore some incredible dive sites as a kid, from crystal-clear tropical reefs to rugged coastlines. Those early experiences opened up a whole new world for me and planted the seed for what would eventually become a lifelong passion… and career.

What's your favourite dive?

That’s a tough one, there’ve been so many. But one dive that really stands out was in Scotland, off the Isle of Skye. I dropped down to 74 metres, the deepest dive I’ve done so far, and had an unforgettable encounter with a playful seal that followed me around like a puppy. That dive reminded me that magic can happen in cold UK waters too!

Favourite movie?​

Lake Placid. It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure, but there’s just something about giant crocodiles and suspense that never gets old.

Bio.

Joel is the heart and soul behind Abyss Scuba School. With 16 years of service in the Royal Navy under his belt, he’s no stranger to the water or to leading teams in challenging environments. During his naval career, he developed a wide range of skills including mentoring, coaching, leadership, and technical maintenance, all of which he brings to every course and student at the dive centre.

After leaving the military, Joel turned his lifelong passion for diving into a full-time career. With thousands of dives logged, he became a PADI Instructor and quickly earned the title of Master Scuba Diver Trainer. His easy going teaching style, deep experience, and commitment to safety make him a favourite among both new and returning divers.

Alongside teaching, Joel is also qualified in scuba equipment maintenance, keeping all gear in top condition and ensuring every diver has a safe and reliable setup when they hit the water.

PADI Divemaster & DSD Leader 

Managing Director of Alternative Provision

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Why did you get into diving?

I’ve always loved being in and around water, and I’d dreamed for years about exploring the underwater world and meeting aquatic wildlife. After recovering from a serious injury, I realised there was no time like the present, so I jumped in, quite literally! Diving became both a personal achievement and a passion that’s never left me.

What's your favourite dive?

This one’s hard! All my dives so far have been in the UK, and they’ve each been special. I’d say it’s a tie between Swanage, where I’ve seen something new and exciting every single time, and Bognor Rocks, which can honestly feel like a tropical reef when the visibility is good. Both remind me how incredible UK diving really is.

Favourite movie?​

Jaws. Classic. Can’t beat the suspense, the soundtrack, and the sea vibes.

Bio.

Claire brings a unique blend of education, environmental science, and diving expertise to Abyss Scuba School’s Independent Alternative Provision. She began teaching in 2009 at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Arundel while earning her BSc Honours degree in Animal Conservation and Biodiversity. From the very start, she specialised in inclusive education, working with SEND and SEMH learners, and teaching ages 4 to 84 (and everything in between).

Claire’s career path includes roles as a college lecturer and a primary school teaching assistant, giving her a deep and adaptable teaching toolkit. She’s passionate about connecting people with nature, especially young people who may not thrive in mainstream education.

Combining her love of wildlife, the natural world, and the water, diving felt like the perfect next step. As a PADI Divemaster and DSD Leader, Claire now leads educational and therapeutic dive sessions that empower learners, boost confidence, and reconnect them with their environment in a truly hands-on way.

PADI Divemaster & DSD Leader

Educational Enrichment Coordinator

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Why did you get into diving?

I’ve always had a deep love for nature, and diving opened up a whole new world for me to explore. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of being completely weightless, free, and surrounded by life you don’t see on land.

What’s your favourite dive?

That’s easy – my first ever try dive in the Dominican Republic. I was on holiday with my family, exploring a reef bursting with colour, when a huge manta ray glided overhead. It was completely surreal, and I knew right then that this was something special.

Favourite movie?

The Little Mermaid – who doesn’t dream of life under the sea?

Bio.

Though she started life inland, everything changed when she moved to the south coast as a teenager and discovered her love for the ocean. Over the years, what began as a serious hobby gradually evolved into a career that perfectly blends her passion for diving with her background in education.

Before joining Abyss Scuba School, she worked extensively with young people, including roles as a 1:1 specialist and classroom-based teaching assistant for children with additional needs. She’s led an alternative provision and is a fully qualified ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant).

Now, as Educational Enrichment Director, she brings that wealth of experience into the water, helping learners of all backgrounds grow in confidence and ability. When she’s not diving, you’ll probably find her charging down a rugby pitch with Havant Ladies – usually covered in mud and loving every second.

PADI Divemaster Apprentice

Teaching Assistant

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Why did you get into diving?

I was lucky enough to have a forward-thinking teacher at school who believed education should go beyond the classroom. He introduced us to diving, and from that moment on, I was hooked.

What’s your favourite dive?

The Maldives – hands down. I had the chance to spend a week on a liveaboard out there, diving some of the most stunning sites I’ve ever seen. Crystal-clear water, vibrant marine life… pure paradise.

Favourite movie?

The Abyss – naturally! It’s a classic for any diver and still gives me chills.

Bio.

Garry – or Gazza, as he’s better known around here – first discovered diving at 14. Life took him on a detour into the world of pub management, but the call of the ocean never left. At 35, he got back in the water, completing his PADI Open Water in the Dominican Republic and his Advanced Open Water in Egypt.

Once he found Abyss Scuba School, it all clicked. With a background in teaching martial arts, stepping into the role of Divemaster Apprentice and Teaching Assistant felt like a natural fit. His energy, passion, and ability to connect with students of all ages make him an integral part of the team – and someone everyone loves having around, both in and out of the water.

PADI Rescue Diver

Logistics & Surface support

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Why did you get into diving?

I started as soon as I was old enough to jump in the water with my dad — and I loved it from the very first dive.

What’s your favourite dive?

Definitely the first dive me and my dad did together that wasn’t part of a course. We went to Chepstow Dive Centre and just explored for fun — it felt like a real adventure.

Favourite movie?

Deep Blue Sea — cheesy, thrilling, and full of underwater mayhem. What’s not to love?

Bio.

Logan is currently studying vehicle mechanics at Chichester College, but when he’s not in the workshop, he’s an essential part of the Abyss Scuba School team. From filling tanks to loading the van for dive trips, he helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

He’s also our go-to surface support during courses, making sure divers are safe, supported, and ready to hit the water. Reliable, knowledgeable, and full of energy, Logan is a key player on site — and he’s only just getting started. With his sights set on becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor when he turns 18, the best is yet to come.