Meet Bert.

Growing up in Lakes Entrance, Victoria, with its expansive lake systems and 90 miles of beach, Bert had the ideal playground to develop his aquatic skills—skills that would unknowingly chart the course for his future career.

As a teenager, he was a regular at the local Surf Life Saving Club and Ocean Rescue Squad, surfing the renowned dismal waves Lake Entrance can produce. He probably spent more time in the water than on dry land.

After finishing Year 12, he decided to plunge into the deep end and applied to become a Clearance Diver in the Royal Australian Navy.

In May 2000, Bert embarked on his Navy training as a recruit Clearance Diver, joining a motley crew of 47 others. He was forewarned about the course’s daunting 90% failure rate, but with determination, physical prowess, and a commitment to continuous learning (and maybe just a pinch of stubbornness), he pushed on and emerged as one of the five successful candidates—proof that when the going gets tough, Bert just gets going!

Bert’s Clearance Diver training was nothing short of an underwater masterclass. He learned everything from deep-sea diving techniques to operating an array of complex underwater tools, and even how to use clandestine rebreathers—essentially a fancy way to breathe without sending bubbles to the surface. Because there’s nothing “stealthy” about blowing a bubble trail!

In 2007, Bert transitioned into the Melbourne commercial diving scene, ready to make waves. However, he quickly realised that while he could operate underwater like a pro, the world of commercial diving was a different kettle of fish. Over the past 18 years, he has diligently expanded his expertise, mentoring numerous divers who are now either working alongside him or splashing around the globe.

As the sole founder of Aegir Divers, Bert has built the business over the last decade, focusing on fostering client trust, teamwork, and communication. His honest, friendly approach not only leads to clear dialogue and effective problem-solving but also keeps safety standards high in this high-risk yet rewarding field. Generally, surprises aren’t the best experience underwater.