Some links to organisations, charities and other people who I care for and feel strongly towards and therefore want to support as much as possible. Follow the links to their websites and see what you think.
Sea Shepherd
“Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation 
organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.”
One of the former founders of Greenpeace (Paul Watson) took further action where Greenpeace failed to go. The organisation is determined to fight for the rights of the animals that help sustain our oceans. You can donate through their site or volunteer to work upon one of their ships. What I do is buy a T-shirt or a hoodie from them every year. Profits go straight to Sea Shepherd and they minimise administration cost unlike other charities. Most other charities only 20% of your money goes into helping the work they do. With Sea Shepherd up to 80% of your money goes in their fight for marine species.
Marine Megafauna Foundation
“The Marine Megafauna Foundation was created in 2009 to research, protect and conserve the large populations of marine megafauna
found along the Mozambican coastline. ‘Megafauna’ are large marine species such as sharks, rays, marine mammals and turtles.These animals are key components of marine ecosystems but, as they are long-lived and have low reproductive rates, their populations are usually the first to be reduced by human pressures. Fortunately, they are also amongst the most charismatic animals on the planet and engender a high degree of public interest in their biology and conservation, making them useful ambassadors for the whole marine environment.”
I came across these guys whilst diving in Tofo, Mozambique. I was immediately struck by how passionate they are about the marine animals living off their coastline. They are happy to share information and dedicated to their work that I’ll gladly support them anyway I can. I mainly support them through spreading knowledge of the work they do. If you are ever in Tofo please stop by Casa Barry Lodge to see one of their presentations and to help in any way you can.
Project Aware
“Project AWARE Foundation is a growing movement of scuba divers protecting the ocean planet – one dive at a time.Over the past two 
decades of underwater conservation we’ve learned that divers are true leaders in ocean protection. We’re ocean heroes numbering in the millions across the globe. We believe together our actions will make a huge impact and will help to rescue the ocean.
With new programs and more online resources than ever before, Project AWARE supports an unprecedented global movement of divers acting in their own communities to protect oceans and implement lasting change.
We’re focusing in on two major ocean issues –Sharks in Peril and Marine Debris, or trash in our ocean. Truly, there are many conservation issues converging on our ocean planet at once. Project Aware concentrating on these serious problems. Scuba divers are uniquely positioned to directly and positively affect real, long-term change in these two areas.”
I was introduced to Project Aware through diving and PADI and now fully support their actions. I have contributed in many beach clean ups over the past few years to help save our oceans. The way I help Project aware is by telling as many divers about the work they do. Their message and actions are growing stronger every year.
Buddy and Me
I met Steve Heath in a campsite in Namibia. In fact it was not hard to notice him as he was quite conspicuous in his bright loud off-road dune buggy. We enjoyed a long chat over dinner about the work he is doing in Africa, particularly South Africa on a subject that I didn’t even know was so prolific in Africa – child rape.
Steve’s life changed dramatically when his 8 year old granddaughter was raped by a 12 boy. In 2005 he decided to do a big fundraiser around Africa where he could learn as much as possible about child rape. He did this whilst talking to and highlighting the facts to as many people as he could on the way. Since 2005 Steve has travel from Cape Town to Cairo and back a few times. He is still focused on the mission of spreading the word in streets, schools and campsites all over Africa.
In South Africa ALONE there are an estimated 500 child rapes PER DAY. Of these rapes only 13% get reported (often enough it is a family member that rapes the child). Of these reported rapes only around 18% of the offenders go to court and only 5% are convicted. South Africa has the most equipped and specialized police forces in Africa. That means only 1 person in 500 (that rape) PER DAY are charged. And that is in South Africa alone. Shocking.
You can read his stories and blogs here and also donate if you have time.
Gary Peart Photography
Great friend, diving and travelling buddy and the person who first got me into diving. Gary Peart and his wife Trish have now got their own website documenting the travels they have made in the last 9 years. I have known Gary since I was 17 and I have been meeting up with Gary and Trish over the last 10 or so years. We have met in 
many different locations throughout the world, ranging from central America to Australia to SE Asia.
They have a beautiful life where they make me constantly jealous by going off on some amazing trips around the world. They have shared their adventures throughout their travels on their blog site. Gary and Trish have taking some amazing photos of all their travels around the world. Within the last year Gary has upgraded his camera equipment to D800, Nauticam Housing, 2 Inon Strobes and a beautiful glass dome port. Take a peak at Gary Peart Photography
Instructor Development Courses (IDC) with Richard Reardon
Ever thought about taking that next step in your diving career and learn to teach people their first breaths underwater? Well look no further! Richard Reardon, possibly one of the best IDC courses around, is teaching in SE Asia right here on Koh Lanta. As the name suggests you can Go Pro in Paradise. Go Pro 
In Paradise is dedicated to providing the highest quality training during your PADI IDC so you will have the ability and confidence to dive into your new life as a PADI Instructor. Richard is a calm, fun, experienced, knowledgable and a succesful platinum Course Director. Having worked in New Zealand, Australia, six different locations in Thailand, Cambodia, two different locations in Indonesia, Egypt, The Philippines, and on a liveaboard in Palau, Richard is very experienced in teaching courses as well as conducting IDC.
Richard also offers cross overs to PADI, regaining teaching status (if you have been out of the game for a while) and a whole list of PADI Specialty Instructor ratings, Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), IDC Staff Instructor and even preparation courses for becoming a PADI Master Instructor and a PADI Course Director!