Marcel van den Berg

17/09/2026

Turtle Rescue 🐢🚑🚨

09/09/2026

🤿 SCUBA TIP OF THE DAY: WHY DO THINGS LOOK BIGGER UNDERWATER?

Have you ever noticed that your hands, your dive computer, a fish — basically everything — seems a little bigger and closer underwater?

You're not imagining it. This happens because of **refraction**.

Light travels at different speeds through air, water and the glass or plastic of your mask. When light passes from water through your mask and into the air space in front of your eyes, it bends.

That bending of light is called **refraction**.

The result?

Objects underwater can appear approximately **33% larger and 25% closer** than they really are.

This is also why judging distances underwater can sometimes be tricky, especially for newer divers.

And here's something fun to try on your next dive:

Look at your buddy underwater and remember how big and close they appear. Then compare that with how they look once you're both back on the surface.

Your buddy didn't suddenly shrink... your eyes were just being tricked by refraction. 😄

Did you know about refraction before you learned to scuba dive?

07/09/2026

🐍 WOULD YOU BE NERVOUS DIVING NEXT TO THIS?

The banded sea krait (often called the black and white sea snake) is one of those animals that can make a diver stop for a second when they first see one swimming toward them.

And yes... it is highly venomous.

But should scuba divers actually be afraid of them?

Usually, no.

Banded sea kraits are generally shy and not interested in attacking divers. Bites are extremely rare and are usually associated with the animal being handled or feeling trapped.

One of my favorite things about them is watching them hunt.

They move through cracks and holes in the reef searching mainly for eels and small fish, and their flattened tail makes them excellent swimmers.

Even more interesting: despite spending so much time underwater, they still need to return to land to rest, digest their food and lay their eggs.

So if you're lucky enough to encounter one while diving:

Give it space, don't touch or chase it, and simply enjoy watching a pretty incredible marine animal.

I wrote a full article about banded sea kraits here, including their behavior, venom, diet and what divers should know:

https://www.scubadivingtips.net/banded-sea-snake-black-and-white-sea-krait-a-venomous-beauty-of-the-ocean/

Have you ever seen a sea krait while scuba diving? And be honest... were you a little nervous the first time? 😄

Learn how to identify the black and white banded sea snake, also known as the sea krait. Discover its behavior, habitat, and safety tips for scuba divers.

06/09/2026

🤿 SCUBA TIP OF THE DAY: EQUALIZING YOUR EARS

Having trouble equalizing your ears while scuba diving?

One of the biggest mistakes divers make is thinking there is only ONE way to equalize.

There isn't.

In this video, I show you several techniques you can try:

👉 The Valsalva technique
👉 Wiggling and moving your jaw
👉 Stretching and moving your head from side to side
👉 Combining different techniques

And at the end of the video, I’ll show you one of my favorite little tricks that can make equalizing easier.

The most important advice?

Don't wait until your ears hurt.

Start equalizing at the surface and continue early and often during your descent. If you feel pressure building up, stop descending, go slightly shallower and try again.

Never force it.

Every diver is a little different, so experiment with the different techniques and find out what works best for YOU.

Which equalizing technique works best for you?

Or are you one of those fortunate divers who can equalize without even thinking about it? 😄

11/08/2026

Become a better, safer and more confident scuba diver with the Ultimate Scuba Diving Tips Guide!

✔ Improve your buoyancy and underwater control
✔ Reduce air consumption and extend your dive time
✔ Learn safer diving practices and avoid common mistakes
✔ Master underwater navigation and awareness
✔ Understand dive computers and equipment setup
✔ Improve your underwater photography and videography
✔ Dive more comfortably in currents, waves and different conditions
✔ Learn professional techniques used by experienced instructors
✔ 280+ pages packed with practical scuba diving tips

Whether you're a newly certified diver or an experienced diver with hundreds of dives, you'll discover practical techniques that make every dive safer, easier and more enjoyable.

27/07/2026

Ready to turn your passion into a career? 🌊🐠

Join us for the PADI IDC Course at Sairee Cottage Diving on beautiful Koh Tao—I'd love to help you become not just a certified instructor, but a confident, successful dive pro.

Why choose us?

✅ One of the longest & most thorough IDC programs
✅ Real-life teaching practice, not just eLearning
✅ Focused on helping you get hired, not just pass exams
✅ Awesome facilities & our own dedicated IDC boat
✅ Supportive vibe & unforgettable social scene
✅ Career-focused job placement training

📩 DM me anytime:
FB Messenger / WhatsApp: +66872650859
Instagram: .coursedirector
📧 [email protected]

Or check out the course here:
👉 https://www.saireecottagediving.com/padi-idc-koh-tao-marcel

Can’t wait to chat with you about your future career in diving! 🌴

Start your diving career in paradise. Join Marcel van den Berg’s PADI IDC Course in Koh Tao and become a confident, job-ready dive instructor.

25/07/2026

Check out these most common Scuba Diving Hand Signals:

Master the most important scuba diving hand signals. Improve your underwater communication, safety, and teamwork with this visual guide for all divers.

23/07/2026

🇳🇱🇹🇭❤️

31/05/2026

🌴 Coming to Thailand in 2026?

Whether you're planning a scuba diving holiday on Koh Tao, a backpacking trip, or a longer stay, it's important to understand Thailand's latest visa rules.

I put together a complete guide covering:

✅ Visa Exemption
✅ Visa on Arrival
✅ Tourist Visas
✅ Extensions
✅ India-Specific Information
✅ Latest 2026 Updates

Read it here:

https://www.saireecottagediving.com/thailand-visa-rules-2026/

Feel free to share this with friends planning a Thailand trip 🇹🇭✈️

Learn the latest Thailand visa rules for 2026, including visa exemption, tourist visas, extensions, and important information for Indian travelers.

21/07/2021

I Wish I Knew This Before Becoming a Scuba Instructor:

If you fancy taking your passion to the next level and becoming a scuba instructor or dive professional, here are some of the things you should consider befo...