If the ocean calls out to you, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with Ivy.
This charismatic radio host on 88.3JIA has been on the airwaves since 2007 and is known for her enthusiastic and engaging style. Throughout her career, she has interviewed an impressive lineup of industry big names including Jay Chou, May Day, Eason Chan, S.H.E. and Beast.
As a trilingual radio host who speaks English, Mandarin, and Spanish fluently, she’s known for her spontaneity and approachability, which has endeared her to audiences on and off the air. Outside of the studio, Ivy has discovered a deep love for exploring the ocean depths, and swimming with the creatures of the deep.
We get our hands dirty (or in this case wet) and dive deep into her journey as a scuba diver and learn how her passion has evolved into a fulfilling and meaningful commitment to protect the environment.
Q: What made you decide to take the plunge and pick up diving?
I first picked up diving 13 years ago, as my friends were all diving and convinced me to try it. I took my Open Water Diver certification and haven’t looked back since. I have been diving leisurely for a long time, but recently decided to take on the Divemaster just to understand diving on a professional level. It is my 2023 goal to become a competent Divemaster!
Q: What were the steps to attain a diving certification?
We would usually start with Open Water Diver level, which would allow you to dive up to 18 metres. Advanced open water would allow you to dive up to 30 metres. Most leisure divers would stop here, while some will move on to do the Rescue Diver course which equips you with the knowledge of what to do in times of a diving emergency. And lastly, if you would like to go professional, one would advance to Diver Master and finally Instructor level.
An Open Water Diver certification can range anywhere from $600 to $2000.
Q: Where is your favourite diving spot?
I just came back from Maldives and it was absolutely breathtaking! A shiver of 40-50 spinner sharks swam past us as we were ending a dive, being amongst giant stingrays as they dance alongside us, watching manta rays getting cleaned at their cleaning stations (similar to our car wash), and snorkelling with a whale shark! Definitely one of the top sites I have dived at.
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Q: What was your most memorable diving experience?
I have had quite a few close shaves underwater before, mainly due to my own negligence. When I was a fairly new diver, I went on a night dive with my group of friends. During the dive, I was too engrossed in looking at a fish hunting its prey that I did not realise my group had moved on without me, and I was all alone in the dark. As a fairly new diver I completely forgot the protocol to follow during such a situation, and I went into a full blown panic attack underwater. Thankfully someone realised I was missing and came back for me. I stopped doing night dives for quite a few years after, until recently, when I finally gained enough confidence to get back in the dark. And it has been amazing since.
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Q: You previously participated in your first seabed cleanup back in 2022. What made you decide to volunteer and what was the experience like?
As a diver, and a consumer, I take a lot from the ocean. And seems right to give back when and where I can. I think it is just natural to want to protect what you love. So when a brand approached me to collaborate on the seabed cleanup, I immediately jumped at the chance.
The idea was to dive in Singapore waters, and pick up trash from underwater. I was quite shocked by the amount and types of trash in our Singapore waters, from the usual culprits of plastic bottles and plastic bags, to big items like truck tyres and a washing machine. There are also some weird and unexpected ones like a study table.
I have continued with the seabed clean-ups since then and hopefully can use this as a platform to spread the love for our oceans.
Q: Besides diving, we understand that you have an interest in underwater photography. Can you share with us how different it is underwater than on land?
I am still learning the ropes with underwater photography! Right now I have a simple set up of Olympus TG6 and a GoPro Hero11. The biggest challenge with underwater photography for me is trying to multitask. As there are a lot of aspects to be mindful of while trying to get a nice angle of your subject. For example, how do I hover in midwater and at the same time get as close as possible to my subject without touching anything, and funnily, don’t forget to breathe etc. but let’s hope I will have some more beautiful pictures to show off soon!
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Q: Based on your experience, where would you recommend people looking to begin their diving journey start?
Research, and more research! Choose an agency that you want to get certified with, there are so many out there – Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Scuba Schools International (SSI), and Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) to name a few. And then search for a reputable dive centre according to your budget. There are many dive centres out there, so be sure to choose one that really caters to your needs and ensures your safety. Safety should always be your top priority. There is a dive centre for everyone and every budget!
SAFRA members can take part in specially organised trips and activities like scuba diving, rock climbing and more by joining the SAFRA Adventure Club. More info at safra.sg/interest-groups/adventure-club
Join Ivy on《午间到》on weekdays, 10am-2pm on 88.3JIA
Follow Ivy on Instagram: @883ivy
Photos were provided by Ivy and taken from her Instagram with permission.
