An interview with Nico Koch, a German dive travel specialist and scuba instructor, about his first steps into technical diving at Cebu Fun Divers in the Philippines

When Nico Koch talks about his first technical diving course, his tone is calm and clear, but full of genuine enthusiasm. There’s no bravado, no exaggeration. Just the quiet joy of learning something new. What he experienced during his course in Cebu was more than another certification. It was his entry into a new dimension of diving.

From a summer pool program to professional instructor

Nico’s first dive was as a child. His hometown had a summer holiday program that offered try dives in the local swimming pool. The instructor was his neighbor, the mayor at the time, who ran the sessions himself. “I was instantly hooked,” Nico recalls. “That silence, that feeling of floating, it got me right away.”

At twelve, he earned his first diving certification in Germany. Because diving there depended heavily on weather and location, he logged about twenty dives per year at most. It wasn’t until years later that he really got back into it seriously.

In 2020, Nico joined Beluga Reisen, a German tour operator specializing in dive travel. He wanted to move away from the classic office routine and do something more dynamic. Beluga’s focus on diving made it the perfect blend of profession and passion.

Today, Nico is an SSI Open Water Instructor with over 300 dives. About a quarter of those were in Germany, the rest in places like Iceland, Greece, Egypt, Indonesia and the Cayman Islands. In 2021, he spent six weeks on Samos, Greece, working at the dive base of the Kerveli Village Hotel for Beluga. A hands-on experience that still shapes him today.

The road to becoming a Tec diver

Nico’s path into technical diving began with a conversation with Axel, Beluga Reisen’s managing director. “He said it might be something for me,” Nico remembers. “Until then, I hadn’t thought much about it. I always assumed Tec diving was for extreme adventurers.”

But the more he looked into it, the clearer it became. Technical diving opens new horizons. “I was especially drawn to the idea of exploring wrecks at greater depths. As a recreational diver, you quickly hit limits. With proper training, you can stay longer, dive deeper and operate more safely.”

Intensive training at Cebu Fun Divers

The course took place at Cebu Fun Divers, Beluga’s long-standing partner in the Philippines. Together with Leon, one of the dive center’s young instructors, Nico began his first Tec course under the guidance of Oscar “Tio” Pico, an experienced Tec trainer from Spain.

“The start was definitely tougher than I expected,” Nico says. “Leon and I underestimated the theory a bit.” Decompression models, gas management, redundancy systems, all of it was new. “It’s not something you can just skim through at night. You really have to work through it.”

Despite the high demands, the course never felt dry. “Oscar was great at explaining things. Super professional, but always with humor. Even when something went wrong, he stayed calm and positive.”

New gear, new experience

The practical side was just as different. “I’d never used a wing or backplate before, and I’d never had doubles on my back,” Nico says. “On land it’s heavy, but underwater the setup feels amazing. The buoyancy is more stable, you have better control and your movements are more precise.”

He vividly remembers the mask-off drills. “A lot of divers find those scary, but I found them fascinating. You have to trust your routine completely. Once you know where everything is and can handle it blind, you gain a real sense of confidence.”

Another key moment came during a gas management exercise. “I accidentally shut off the wrong valve and cut off my own air supply. Luckily it was only a drill, but that’s exactly what the training is for. It shows how crucial calm and awareness are underwater.”

A final dive to 55 meters

The course concluded with a dive to 55 meters along a steep wall. “Suddenly a thresher shark appeared,” Nico recalls. “Completely unexpected. It came out of the blue, made a graceful turn and disappeared again. Just a short moment, but incredibly powerful.” For Nico, it summed up what diving is about. Staying open to what the ocean brings.

Professional, but personal

The dive center itself left a lasting impression. “Everything was well organized but still relaxed. Everyone helped each other out and shared experiences. That really stood out. Having Oscar as an instructor was a real stroke of luck.”

Sometimes, he says, it took a bit longer until all gas mixes were ready. But that’s normal for a busy dive center. Overall, the balance between professionalism and a friendly atmosphere was ideal.

Tec diving as a focus for the future

For Nico, this is just the beginning. “I want to plan dedicated Tec dives during my holidays, especially to explore wrecks that are otherwise out of reach. I already have a list in my head.” A drysuit is still on his wish list, but his goal is clear. To keep progressing.

Beluga Reisen is also working to expand its Tec diving portfolio. “Partnerships with dive centers like Cebu Fun Divers are key,” Nico explains. “It’s about building a professional offering for divers who want more challenge.”

At the next boot Düsseldorf, Beluga will even host the current world record holder in deep diving at their stand. A sign that deep and technical diving will play an even bigger role in the future.

“Cebu was the perfect mix of learning and adventure,” Nico concludes. “The island is beautiful, the training was intense but never stressful. I’m really glad I took this step.”

A step that, true to the course name, let him dive deeper and think further.

More in Technical Diving Courses here

Cebu Fun Divers – The sea is calling and I must go!