When I was looking at doing a professional-level underwater videography course here on Koh Tao in December 2009, I had many contacts with different schools. After asking numerous friends who have been on the island for a number of months, it seemed my choice was clear- Oceans Below.

So I went for a chat with Adrian and Elisabeth in their office in Sairee Plaza and learned about the BSAC Professional HD Underwater Video Course that they have designed. The course seemed perfect and due to a late cancellation, I was able to start the next day. The course covers many aspects of Underwater Videography including equipment maintenance, shot-making, sequencing and editing in my preferred software package- Adobe Premiere CS4. 

Terence and Batfish...

Also, compared what I have seen on the island, Oceans Below have some of the best new equipment around for training their students- Sony HD Video cameras and Aquatica Housings. This is unlike many of the videography schools on the island which are teaching on SD cameras and consumer housings. I considered it a great benefit for me to be using current technology and commercial-grade camera housings during my training.

After two weeks I feel I have learned so much and am sad to leave. I will most certainly be back in the near future to do their two week internship which will help me to refine my new skills.

Once again thank you Adrian and Elisabeth.

See you guys soon.

Terence Evitt

I spent four and a half months living on the beautiful little island of Koh Tao. Four of those months were spent fully immersed in the incredible world of Underwater Videography. It was with many mixed feelings that I finally said goodbye to it all on October 15th. Having spent the entire summer season with the film team at Oceans Below exposed me to many great experiences. I've learned the secrets of shooting and working with SD and HD underwater camera equipment and I feel so much more confident in my filming skills as well as editing skills.  Aidy and Elisabeth were there when I needed help and/or advice...and were also there to razz me whenever a strange mishap occurred (with me around...this was quite often!). I was also honored to be the 1st person ever certified as a BSAC Professional Underwater Videographer- a course that Aidy and Elisabeth designed at the request of BSAC!


Leila Perreira...a bit of a shark herself...

The atmosphere in the office was always wonderful, and I can truly say that even though I was new in the videography business...I felt respected. I spent most of the summer filming with Koh Tao Easy Divers, a great little shop right off the pier in Mae Haad. They became somewhat of an extended family to me and many great times were had on the boat. I think even their boat captain finally warmed up to me in the end! Next summer I have plans to land on the great and mysterious continent that is Africa. My main goal is to dive with and film Great White Sharks. Call me crazy, but I just love sharks and am fascinated by them beyond belief. Oceans Below has provided me with the skills and confidence necessary to excel as a Professional Underwater Videographer. All I can hope is that with any future assignment...that my work can reflect my training and that I can make them proud. Thank you Oceans Below for an amazing summer! I will never forget you...


Thanks for the great work Leila, and all the best in the future!