Popular TDI/SDI Instructor Trainer Evaluator Mark Powell – he is one of only 16 instructors worldwide who hold this rating – returns to the Tech Stage at the GO Diving Show, when he will be discussing two bucket-list destinations, Galapagos and Bikini Atoll.
Mark is also a member of the TDI/SDI’s Training Advisory Panel, which advises the training department on developments within the industry and provides input to changes to the training programme.
He sits on the British Safety Diving Group (BDSG), a multi-agency organisation with members from the various training agencies, HSE, Coastguard, RNLI, DDRC and other diving safety organisations, with the goal of increasing diver safety through co-ordinated actions among member organisations.
He has written various publications, including Deco For Divers (2008), a widely acclaimed overview of the theory and physiology of decompression, and Technical Diving – An Introduction (2018), a comprehensive overview of the key principles of technical diving.
His presentation will be Bikini Versus Galapagos – Which Is More Epic? Mark attempts to answer an impossible question. Bikini Atol is an iconic wreck site with a unique collection of historic wrecks while the Galapagos has awesome marine life which has generated some of the most-amazing underwater images ever created. Which makes for the most-epic bucket list destination? Mark talks you through his thought process in comparing these two incredible destinations. Come along and see if you agree with his conclusions.
The GO Diving Show 2026
The Main Stage boasts a smorgasbord of top talent – be inspired by stories from TV faves Steve Backshall and Lizzie Daly, as well as commercial diver Chris Lemons, whose amazing tale of survival in the depths of the North Sea was made into the big-budget movie Last Breath in 2025, and Hollywood stunt performer and freediver Liz Parkinson. Action Man Andy Torbet will, of course, be returning as MC, as well as presenting on the stage.
As well as the Main Stage line-up, the dedicated stages – the UK Stage, the Tech Stage and the Inspiration/Photo Stage – also boast a fantastic array of speakers, ranging from old favourites like tech gurus Paul Toomer and Mark Powell, underwater photographers Kirsty Andrews, to new faces such as snorkel pros Emma and Gordon Taylor, the Great Scuba Drive duo Rico Anselmi and Sophie Shields, underwater archaeologist Duncan Ross, extreme freediver Nick Fazah, and tech experts Barry McGill, Ahmed Gabr, and Dominic Robinson.
Each of the speakers on the dedicated stages are only appearing on one of the days, so with so many different options to choose from over the Saturday and Sunday, why not make a weekend of it?
There is plenty to keep you occupied. As well as the superlative array of speakers over the weekend, there are also a host of interactive features, including a VR technical wreck dive, the Nautical Archaeology Society’s ‘shipwreck’ to learn survey techniques, breath-hold workshops with Freediving London, the marine biology zone with Just One Ocean, and new for 2026, your chance to take part in research with Imperial College London, which has been conducting various studies into diving, as well as peruse diving gear from days gone by with the Historical Diving Society.
All these attractions are scattered among an ever-increasing array of stands from tourist boards, manufacturers, training agencies, resorts, liveaboards, tour operators, dive centres, retailers, artists and much more. Get inspired for your next dive adventure, check out the latest gear, and look at where your training will take you next.
Get your tickets now – save 30%!
Tickets are available now, priced at £20 for a day ticket, and £35 for a weekend pass. There is also the option of a VIP Pass, which includes a weekend pass plus 12 issues of Scuba Diver magazine (Magazine delivery – UK mainland only), and a GO Diving Show Dive Team T-shirt.
As always, complimentary parking is included with all tickets, and under 16s go free – bring the family and let the kids dive into the fun with our try-dive pool.
Book your ticket now and save money – use code divernet_30 and you will get 30% off the ticket price!
