Don Silcock

Diving New Britain’s Fathers Reefs

Diving New Britain’s Fathers Reefs… The large crescent shaped island of New Britain is almost uniquely located on the interface of some unbelievably powerful forces of nature. Physically, it sits on the south-western arc of the infamous …

Cape Kri – The World’s Best House Reef?

World’s Best House Reef… Google Earth is a great place to start if you want to understand why the island of Kri has such a stellar reputation for incredible diving. Viewed from above, the long, slender island is the first major …

Diving the Dampier Strait

Dampier Strait Diving … It really is incredible that in just over 20 years Raja Ampat has gone from a little known, remote outpost of the huge Indonesian archipelago. To one of the world’s must-do diving locations. Google “Raja Ampat diving” …

Understanding the Indonesian Archipelago

Understanding the Indonesian Archipelago… It is often said that if the 16,000+ islands of the vast Indonesian archipelago did not exist, we would only have 23 hours in our day… To put that rather bold statement into perspective requires a basic …

Getting into Technical Diving – Intro…

Getting into Technical Diving – Intro… If you are into scuba diving generally you will no doubt have noticed the growth of what is generally referred to as “Tech”. I certainly have and my attitude towards it evolved from somewhat …

Raja Ampat Pioneers – Ricard Buxo

Raja Ampat Pioneer Ricard Buxo… Undeniably one of the world’s extraordinary destinations. Raja Ampat blends breathtaking above-water landscapes with a staggering abundance of marine biodiversity, into a remarkable combination that draws …

The Ultimate Milne Bay Adventure

Ultimate Milne Bay Adventure… Milne Bay was first place I ever visited in Papua New Guinea. And even after many years and several return trips, my fascination with the area endures to this day. It’s a truly special place with much to see. But …

Southern Right Whales of Peninsula Valdés

Southern Right Whales of Peninsula Valdés – The key lies in how you enter the water… Slip ever so gently over the side and swim quietly toward them, always approaching from the front so that the mother can see you coming and assess the level of …

Raja Ampat Pioneers – Max Ammer

Max Ammer… It really is quite incredible that in just over 20 years Raja Ampat has gone from a little known, remote outpost of the huge Indonesian archipelago to one of the must-do diving locations globally. Google “Raja Ampat diving” and you …

The Ghosts of the Machines

Kavieng WWII Aircraft Wrecks… World War II came to the Australian territory of New Guinea in January 1942 when the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Rabaul in New Britain. Followed shortly after by the taking of Kavieng in nearby New …

A Guide to Diving Tasmania

Diving Tasmania… The “Apple Isle” is, in so many ways, the hidden gem of Australian scuba diving. And getting to know a bit more about it has been one of the highlights of my personal diving career!There really is a lot to see underwater …

Diving Beautiful Tufi

Diving Beautiful Tufi… The sun was just breaking as we walked across the tarmac towards the small plane that would take us over the mountains.Anxious to leave on time and with a busy day ahead of them. The two-person TropicAir crew ushered …