CHRIS VENUS

West Hobart,Australia

Summary

Commercial manned submersible pilot with operational experience conducting passenger submersible dives in remote expedition environments including Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, and the South Pacific. Experienced in dive planning, submersible launch and recovery operations, vehicle systems checks, and expedition logistics. Experienced in subsea camera system use for scientific and recreational collection. Known for maintaining a strong safety culture while operating complex subsea vehicles in challenging polar environments. Background in Computer Science supports a systems-based approach to troubleshooting and operational planning. Extremely passionate about subsea operations and underwater marine life.

Overview

years of professional experience

Certification

Work History

Undersea Specialist / Expedition Diver

Lindblad Expeditions

01.2024 - Current

Plan and execute SCUBA dives in a 2-person team in remote polar regions.
Identify dive sites using bathymetric data and expedition planning tools.
Capture underwater imagery and video for expedition education programs.
Properly maintain all SCUBA and underwater camera gear.
Deliver presentations on marine ecosystems to expedition guests.

Submersible Pilot

Seabourn Expeditions

01.2022 - 01.2026

Piloted U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 submersibles (300m rated) during expedition voyages. Around 100 logged dives as pilot and equally as many as Surface Officer.
Planned and executed dive missions in remote and challenging environments including Antarctica, Greenland, UK, and the South Pacific.
Conducted pre-dive and post-dive vehicle systems checks and inspections.
Coordinated launch and recovery operations with vessel bridge and deck crews.
Managed passenger safety briefings, dive operations, and interpretation of wildlife.
Supported preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of submersible systems.
Managed underwater video collection used for guest videos and science.

Science Coordinator & Expedition Team Member

Hurtigruten Expeditions

01.2019 - 2023

Coordinated onboard science programming and expedition lectures.
Managed science centre equipment and expedition logistics.
Delivered lectures on marine science and expedition topics.
Operated zodiac craft during landing operations and wildlife excursions.
Led onboard ROV operations and developed fleet-wide operating procedures.

Education

BSc - Computer Science

University of Southampton

2011

Skills

Manned submersible dive planning and mission execution
Manned submersible launch & recovery operations
Vehicle systems inspection and checks
Vehicle systems maintenance support
ROV operations

SCUBA operations
Small craft handling
Expedition logistics
Public speaking and technical presentations

Websites

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris180690/

Certification

U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7-300 certified Pilot and Surface Officer
STCW Basic Safety Training
RYA Level 2 Powerboat (ICC)
PADI & SSI Dive Instructor
Emergency First Response Instructor
NZ Red Cross First Aid
British Seaman’s Discharge Book
Polar Bear & Grizzly Bear Safety Training

Languages

English

Native or Bilingual

Spanish

Limited Working

Timeline