🤿 Meet the Team Behind Your Next Underwater Adventure
Passionate Professionals | Quality Training | Great Value | Unforgettable Experiences
At the heart of our dive centre is a team of dedicated, down-to-earth, and seriously experienced dive pros — each one bringing their own unique skills, stories, and specialties to the table. What unites us? A shared love for the ocean and a commitment to delivering exceptional training, real value, and truly memorable diving.
From first breaths underwater to technical depths and exotic travel adventures, we’ve seen it, done it, and still can’t get enough of it. Whether you’re just starting out or levelling up your dive game, you’ll be guided by instructors and support staff who genuinely care, teach with purpose, and make it fun every step of the way.
💬 “We believe diving should be safe, exciting, and accessible — and we’re here to help you every fin kick of the way.”
With decades of collective experience, global dive travel know-how, and a friendly, no-pressure approach, our solid and supportive team is here to help you achieve your goals — and have a blast doing it.
Come meet the crew, explore what we offer, and let’s dive into something amazing together! 🌊🐟💙
🌊 Meet the Owner – Anthony Higgs
PADI Master Instructor | TDI Technical Instructor | Dive Industry Pioneer
With over 28 years at the forefront of scuba diving, Tony is more than just the owner of the dive centre — he’s the driving force behind everything we do.
A passionate instructor, expedition leader, technical diver, and innovator, Tony has shaped the dive journeys of thousands of students, from first bubbles to the most advanced depths. His career spans every corner of the dive industry — from diver training and development, to expedition leadership, product design, and dive centre operations management.
💥 Credentials That Speak Depths:
- PADI Master Instructor (#605300)
- TDI Technical Instructor (#7475)
- Open Circuit Tech Instructor – ADV/NX, DECO/PRO, Extended Range, Heliair, Normoxic & Hypoxic Trimix
- Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) Instructor – MOD1 Air Diluent, MOD2 Air Deco, Normoxic & Hypoxic Trimix
As a highly respected leader in the diving community, Tony brings unmatched experience, technical knowledge, and an infectious enthusiasm for underwater exploration to every course, every dive, and every diver who walks through our doors.
⚓ Whether you’re just starting your scuba adventure or pushing the limits on deep technical dives, you’re in expert hands with someone who has lived, breathed, and led in the world of diving for nearly three decades.
Come meet the man behind the mission — and let’s go diving! 🌊💙
🌊 Meet Simon Vassallo – Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Your Calm, Confident Guide Beneath the Surface
Originally from the crystal-clear waters of Malta, Simon’s connection to the sea runs deep. He began his underwater journey with snorkelling and skin diving as a child, long before strapping on a scuba tank — and by the time he arrived in the UK, he had already logged hundreds of dives across the Mediterranean.
Certified through both PADI and BSAC, Simon ultimately chose to grow his professional career with PADI, where he has spent the past 20 years teaching and inspiring new divers as a Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Simon is known for his calm, patient teaching style and his ability to put even the most nervous divers at ease. Whether you’re dipping your fins in for the first time or looking to take your next certification, you’ll find a supportive and knowledgeable mentor in Simon — always ready with encouragement, expert tips, and a big smile.
💬 “Helping someone take their first breath underwater — and seeing that look of wonder on their face — that never gets old.”
With a lifetime of sea experience and a genuine passion for sharing the magic of diving, Simon is ready to help you build confidence, skills, and unforgettable underwater memories.
Come dive with Simon and discover what’s waiting below the surface! 🌊🐠
🌊Meet Jack Eaton — PADI Divemaster
Performance Diver | Precision Specialist | Technical-Minded Professional
Jack brings a unique edge to the team at Essex Scuba — combining elite performance diving experience with a calm, analytical mindset and a genuine passion for teaching.
His diving journey has been shaped in some of the most demanding aquatic environments imaginable. Working with Royal Caribbean in the world-class AquaTheatre on Oasis-class ships, Jack performed in spectacular productions including HIRO and Oasis of Dreams. Operating in high-pressure, precision-driven environments where timing, safety, and flawless execution are everything, he developed an unwavering focus on control, awareness, and professionalism beneath the surface.
Determined to expand his connection with everyday divers, Jack later trained in Koh Tao with Black Turtle, where he immersed himself in the world of recreational diving and discovered a deep passion for guiding and supporting others on their underwater journey. That experience cemented his commitment to diver development, skill progression, and building confidence in the water.
Beyond diving, Jack works professionally as an automation engineer — a role that perfectly complements his structured, methodical approach to training and dive planning. His ability to remain calm, focused, and solutions-driven ensures every diver he works with feels supported, prepared, and in capable hands.
⚓ Whether assisting on courses, supporting divers in challenging conditions, or sharing insights from elite performance environments, Jack brings precision, professionalism, and quiet confidence to every dive.
Focused, disciplined, and passionate about helping others succeed — Jack is a valued part of the team and a trusted guide for divers ready to take their skills to the next level. 🤿🌊
🌊Meet Paul Clavero — PADI Divemaster & TDI Technical Diver
Experienced Diver | Supportive Mentor | Passionate Skills Builder
With over 20 years of diving experience, Paul brings depth, dedication, and genuine enthusiasm to everything he does at Essex Scuba. His journey through the underwater world has been driven by curiosity, continuous learning, and a true love for helping others discover the life-changing magic of diving.
Paul is qualified as an Open Water, Advanced Open Water, multiple Specialities, and CCR Rebreather Diver, giving him broad experience across a wide range of underwater environments and diving styles. His commitment to developing his own skills is matched only by his passion for helping others grow in confidence, ability, and enjoyment beneath the surface.
Before stepping into instruction, Paul spent five years working as a Divemaster — guiding divers, building strong leadership skills, and ensuring every underwater experience was both safe and unforgettable. Today, as a highly capable Assistant Instructor, he focuses on developing confident, capable divers through patient coaching, clear guidance, and a calm, reassuring presence.
🤿 What Paul Brings to Every Diver:
• Over two decades of real-world diving experience
• Extensive qualifications across recreational and CCR diving
• Proven leadership from years of professional dive guiding
• A calm, supportive teaching style that builds confidence fast
Known for his approachable nature and steady encouragement, Paul thrives on introducing new divers to their first underwater breaths just as much as he enjoys helping experienced divers expand into new specialities. His greatest reward is seeing divers progress, succeed, and fall in love with the underwater world.
Outside of diving, Paul balances his full-time career with his passion for motorcycling and fishing — always happiest when adventure, skill, and the outdoors come together.
🌊 Meet Martin Moore – PADI Divemaster & TDI Technical Diver
From First Splash to Deep Dives – Your Go-To Dive Buddy
Martin’s scuba journey began like many others — with a single Open Water certification and a thirst for adventure. But it didn’t take long before that spark turned into a passion, and soon he was diving deeper (literally and figuratively) into the world of scuba.
Now a certified PADI Divemaster and TDI Technical Diver, Martin has transformed his love for the underwater world into a professional pursuit, blending enthusiasm with experience to support divers of all levels.
Whether he’s guiding you through your first ocean dive or geeking out over gear setups for deep technical dives, Martin brings a down-to-earth, approachable style that puts everyone at ease. He’s the kind of dive pro who makes learning fun, makes the technical feel simple, and always has your back — both above and below the surface.
💬 “The deeper you go, the more there is to learn — and I love helping others discover that.”
From beginner bubbles to tech trimix, Martin’s your dive team mate, underwater motivator, and friendly face on every adventure.
Ready to dive in? Martin’s ready to lead the way! 🐟🧜♂️🌊
✈️ Meet Erica Higgs – Dive Centre Administrator & Travel Consultant
Your Go-To Expert for Seamless Adventures, Above and Below the Surface!
While she may be new to the world of diving, Erica is no stranger to adventure! With a strong background in organising unforgettable group travel experiences, Erica brings her signature blend of efficiency, enthusiasm, and an eye for detail to everything she does at the dive centre.
As our Dive Centre Administrator and Travel Consultant, Erica is the one making sure your bookings run smoothly, your questions get answered quickly, and your dive trips are packed with great value without ever compromising on quality. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a liveaboard dream holiday, Erica knows how to strike the perfect balance between cost, comfort, and excitement.
💬 “The best kind of travel is where the experience feels rich, effortless, and just the right amount of adventurous — diving takes that to a whole new level!”
Now dipping her own fins into scuba, Erica is diving into the sport with the same passion she brings to her travel planning — and she’s just as excited about exploring the underwater world as she is about helping others do the same.
Need help planning your next dive holiday or sorting out your course schedule? Erica’s here to make it easy, stress-free, and something you’ll never forget. 🌍🌊🧳
🧾 Meet Tina – Accounts Administrator & Open Water Diver
From Snorkel to Scuba – Now She’s Hooked!
Tina is the friendly, organised face behind the scenes who keeps our dive centre running smoothly. As our Accounts Administrator, she’s the go-to for making sure everything adds up — from invoices to expenses — with a calm efficiency that keeps our operations shipshape.
But Tina’s not just about numbers! Encouraged by friends and colleagues to try snorkelling, she decided to take it one step further… and took the plunge into scuba diving. Since earning her PADI Open Water certification, she’s never looked back.
💬 “I thought I’d just try snorkelling — but once I experienced scuba, I was completely hooked!”
Now a regular on team dive trips, Tina has travelled to some of the world’s most stunning dive destinations, soaking up the underwater sights and building unforgettable memories with the crew. Her love for diving continues to grow — and she’s proof that it’s never too late to start your underwater adventure!
Whether she’s keeping the books in order or packing her fins for the next trip, Tina is a valued part of our dive family — above and below the surface. 🐠🌍💙