Splash Inn 004

At this Splash Inn we will be presenting the SEA STAR awards, which are to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to diving, snorkelling or freediving and/or a wide range of other activities concerned with the protection & promotion of our marine and freshwater environments & cultural heritage in South Australia.

The SDFSA is pleased to announce that we have not one, but four, exceptional champions of the South Australian ocean world who will receive our inaugural SEA STAR award; John Bent, Janine Baker, Carl Charter and David Delaine. Three recipients will present a short talk about their passion for our sport and our unique marine environment.

John Bent - Talk title : My relationship with diving

Abstract : An overview; early days, middle time and now!

Bio : John first became interested in diving in the UK in the late fifties / early sixties and joined BSAC to learn to dive “properly” achieving the BSAC one star entry level. John came to Australia in the sixties and dived with Adelaide Skin Diving Centre, eventually buying into ASDC with Paul Lunn. ASDC became very busy as Scuba Diving became more popular and eventually the Federation of Australian Underwater Instructors (FAUI) was formed.

John has taught hundreds of people to SCUBA dive; he also commenced cave diving and has dived most of the caves that can now no longer be dived. In the early nineties John had a wild idea to go “treasure hunting” in the South Pacific Island of GUAM. Around this time, he became a PADI Master Instructor and TDI (extended range) Instructor. On returning to SA, he got back into the SA SCUBA world by taking on the management of Adelaide SCUBA.

John is now retired and keeping busy assisting Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS) and Adelaide SCUBA.

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Janine Baker - Talk title : The Essential Role of the South Australian Diving Community in Marine Citizen Science

Abstract : Janine’s presentation is about the important, long-term roles that divers and marine photographers play in marine citizen science projects in SA, such as Dragon Search South Australia; Marine Hitchhikers projects on introduced species; pipefish species biogeography and habitats, and photographing the nudibranch and sea slug fauna in SA. The latter resulted in an annual marine photo competition event for divers that ran each summer for 10 years, and has enabled a comprehensive field guide on the sea slugs of South Australia to be produced.

Bio : Janine Baker (Marine Janine) has worked in marine research for 35 years, and in marine education for 12 years, doing contracts for government agencies, NGOs, universities, research orgs, and as a sole trader. Janine’s work has included fisheries population dynamics, marine species conservation assessments, surveys of sea floor cover to 20m deep, field projects on native and introduced marine species, and marine parks research.

Janine has worked on seadragons since 1996, previously analysing and reporting on diving community sighting data for the original Dragon Search program in several States, and since 2013, managing a long-term, photo-based, citizen science project on leafy seadragons. Janine works mainly in marine citizen science project management, but also worked in primary special education part-time, between 2015 and 2022.

Janine has written various guide books and chapters on marine flora and fauna of South Australia, and delivered marine science education presentations and workshops to schools and community venues across SA. Janine moved to live on Eyre Peninsula in 2023, and currently works with many people in the marine community, government agencies, universities, museums and private taxonomists, to identify and document introduced marine species in both Eyre Peninsula waters, and in metropolitan Adelaide waters.

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Carl Charter - Talk title : My Ocean Journey: From First Dive to Building a Community for Conservation

Abstract : In "My Ocean Journey: From First Dive to Building a Community for Conservation," Carl Charter shares his personal and professional journey in the diving community. From his first dive at 14, when his father pushed him off the back of his ‘rubber ducky’ dive boat, to co-founding Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS), Carl reflects on the pivotal moments and people who inspired him, including his parents and fellow conservationists. He highlights EMS’s achievements, such as inclusive snorkelling programs, CuttleFest, and the Ethan London Youth Program, which engage and inspire future generations. This presentation celebrates the collective passion for marine conservation and Carl’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive ocean future.

Bio : Carl Charter – Ocean Advocate and Community Leader

Carl Charter is a passionate ocean advocate, PADI Instructor, and co-founder of Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS). With a lifelong connection to the sea, Carl began diving at the age of 14, sparking a deep commitment to marine conservation. He has dedicated his career to fostering connections between people and the ocean, creating inclusive and educational programs such as snorkelling tours, citizen science initiatives, and the Ethan London Youth Program.

Carl’s vision for marine protection emphasises accessibility, education, and community engagement, inspiring thousands to experience and protect South Australia's vibrant marine environments.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rob Roy Hotel, 106 Halifax Street, Adelaide, Australia