About Australasian Occupational Diver Training

Simon Talbot’s lifelong relationship with the ocean began in Papua New Guinea, where he first learned to snorkel as a child — sparking a passion that would evolve into a life dedicated to diving, education, and underwater safety.

Over a diving career spanning more than 40 years, with most of that as a diver trainer, Simon has logged several thousand dives - both diving with and training others to use a wide range of equipment, including open circuit SCUBA, 'hookah' and panel supplied SSBA systems and closed circuit rebreathers.

Simon’s career has seen him working in numerous diving sectors, including salvage diving, recreational diver training and marine science and fisheries. He spent a decade working with the Tasmanian Department of Sea Fisheries, several years with Commonwealth Fisheries, and then 25 years as Diving Officer for the University of Tasmania - during which time he managed thousands of dives each year, and mentored hundreds of divers and researchers.

His involvement in supporting the development of occupational diving practices over the last thirty years reflects his deep commitment to safety, quality, and international reciprocity in diver education, and has included:

- Working with ADAS to develop the ADAS Part 1 Restricted diver course in 2004.

- A long-standing involvement with Standards Australia, including over two decades as a member of their SF17 Diving Committee and his more recent involvement on the SF-20 scientific diving committee.

— His role as Australian representative on the ISO Scientific Diving Standards Committee; and

- Setting up the Australia and New Zealand Scientific Diving Association t promote more uniformity between marine science organisations, and leading ANZSDA for many years.

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Simon founded Australasian Occupational Diver Training (AODT) in 2025 with a clear vision:

To offer diver training that values personalised instruction, small group learning, the development of critical thinking, and ocean-based practical experience — not just diving in controlled environments.

At AODT, Simon combines his broad knowledge of the occuptionl diving sectors and his technical expertise, with a genuine passion for mentoring students. His training ethos is rooted in respect for the underwater environment, real-world application, and preparing divers to make smart, informed decisions — whether they’re aiming to work as a 'commercial' diver, in marine science or as a media diver.

His approach is deeply human, undeniably rigorous, and always focused on developing not just qualified divers — but capable, confident ones.

Jana brings a unique blend of academic insight, underwater experience, and behind-the-scenes support to AODT. Originally from Czechia, Jana studied molecular and cellular biology before moving to Tasmania, where she now works in neuroscience research at the University of Tasmania.

Jana’s background as a lifelong swimmer and underwater hockey player, and her affinity for the ocean led her to diving — and eventually to join Simon both personally and professionally in the world of occupational diver training.

At AODT, Jana plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations. From handling course inquiries and enrolments to supporting students in their preparation for training, she helps ensure everything runs smoothly — particularly when Simon is away running a course. Students often find Jana to be the first point of contact for their questions, and her approachable nature makes the entire onboarding experience more welcoming and efficient.

Her background in research and science also gives her a solid understanding of the mindset many AODT students bring to their training — in particular those coming from academic or fieldwork backgrounds.

Whether it’s providing course guidance or coordinating logistics behind the scenes, Jana is deeply committed to making each student’s experience as seamless and supported as possible.

Quietly capable and always accessible, Jana is an essential part of the AODT team — helping to ensure that every student feels informed, welcomed, and ready for the journey ahead.

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