I got stuck inside a wreck I knew better than anyone. This is the story of my close call on HMNZS Canterbury — and how complacency nearly cost me my life.

In this solo episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, I break down a real close call during a wreck-penetration dive on the HMNZS Canterbury in New Zealand.

Despite years of experience, deep familiarity with the wreck, and even writing a dive guide for it, I made a series of small decisions that led to an entanglement in a confined space — just metres from my buddy, who had no idea I was in trouble.

This episode is not about a dramatic rescue — it’s about how complacency, narcosis, configuration, and team separation can quietly stack up and put even experienced divers at risk.

If you dive sidemount, wrecks, caves, or any overhead environment, this is a must-listen.

🔑 What you’ll learn:

• How experienced divers get into trouble.

• The real risk of complacency in familiar environments,

• How narcosis subtly influences decision-making

• Why configuration matters in wreck penetration

• The importance of team positioning and discipline

• How to slow down and make better decisions underwater

👍 Like this episode? Please Share — it really helps grow the show and support future content.

💥 Powered by XDEEP → www.xdeep.eu

📘 Purchase "The Canterbury Wreck - A Diver's Guide"

New Zealand → www.sidemountpros.com/store

Rest of World → https://a.co/d/0iduWFAh

📘 Grab Steve's "Sidemount Fundamentals" eBook → www.sidemountpros.com/store

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis reacts to and analyses the 2021 wreck-diving tragedy inside the wreck of HMS Scylla off Plymouth, UK. This is Steve's reaction to Dom Robinson's interview with Adam Dent, the sole survivor of this tragic dive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMYKjZocins&t=1996s On the dive in question, two divers lost their lives during a 3 Deck penetration dive inside the wreck of HMS Scylla. Steve examines the dive from the perspective of: • A wreck diving instructor• A technical sidemount, CCR Cave and Full Cave, and advanced wreck diver • A former Royal New Zealand Naval Officer and Marine Engineer Officer of HMNZS Canterbury, a Leander-class frigate of the same generation as HMS Scylla.• Author of the book "The Canterbury Wreck – A Diver’s Guide" Drawing on his years of experience serving aboard Leander-class frigates, his training and wreck diving experience, plus hundreds of dives on the Canterbury wreck, Steve discusses how the layout of a warship influences wreck-diving navigation and why advanced wreck protocols are critical when penetrating deep into wrecks. Topics discussed include: • The difference between recreational and "Advanced Wreck" diving• Why shipwrecks become labyrinths underwater• Advanced wreck diving planning• The importance of progressive penetration• Guideline use and its limitations• Other methods of wreck diving navigation, such as strobes and the “lines of the wreck”• The human factors that contribute to wreck diving accidents• What to do if you become lost inside a warship.This episode is not about criticism. It’s about learning and helping divers better understand the risks of overhead environments. 👍 Like this episode? 👉 Hit Like, Subscribe, and Share — it really helps grow the show and support future content. 💥 Powered by XDEEP www.xdeep.eu🙌 Huge thanks to Dom Robinson - "The Deep Wreck Diver" https://www.youtube.com/@UC1pUSPlTx_DGIMJNlAXYVqg 🙌 And to Adam Dent for sharing his story📘 Purchase "The Canterbury Wreck - A Diver's Guide" → https://a.co/d/0iduWFAh 📘 Grab Steve's "Sidemount Fundamentals" eBook → www.sidemountpros.com/store 🙌 Support the show → www.patreon.com/speakingsidemount

The Sidewinder 2 is here — and the story behind it is wild.

In this episode brought to you by XDEEP, Patrick Widmann joins me to share the real journey behind the years-long development of the Sidewinder 2 rebreather. From design struggles, manufacturing setbacks and testing fails, to finally achieving CE approval in January 2026.

Please sit back and enjoy this behind-the-scenes look from inside the project, showcasing the incredible drive and ambition of the entire KISS rebreathers team that has brought us to this point.

Huge thanks to Patrick Widmann, KISS Training Director, for sharing some time from his busy schedule.

Host Bio:

Steve Davis is a passionate sidemount instructor, technical diver, and the voice behind Speaking Sidemount. With extensive experience in sidemount and overhead environments, Steve brings deep insight and curiosity to every conversation.

🎥 Sidemount Pros YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@sidemountpros

📘 Sidemount Fundamentals eBook: https://www.sidemountpros.com/store

🤿 Train with Steve: https://www.sidemountpros.com/courses

💛 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/speakingsidemount

📸 Follow Steve on Instagram: @nzsteved

🛠️ Thanks to our sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu and to our guest, Patrick Widmann