Dive Crew

Vincent Chew
Owner / Director

A former naval and commando diver, Vincent has 35 years of diving experience and has spent more than 30 years doing diving business. A PADI Instructor since 1990, Vincent is still diving every month and is very passionate about introducing new divers to the underwater world. He particularly loves exploring new dive destinations, meeting new people on dive trips, and building new boats.

His all-time favourite dive destinations are Raja Ampat, Komodo and Banda Sea. When he is not diving, Vincent enjoys swimming, playing the guitar, and spending time with family.

 

OFFICE

 
Maximilian Hand
Operations Manager

Max learnt to dive in the refreshingly cool waters of the UK in 1999 and has continued to dive in many amazing countries and dive sites. Based in Phuket since 2006, Max is living his dream by working as an instructor. Whether he is teaching, guiding, or just talking about fishes, he wishes to share his passions with every diver. He does that at White Manta Diving as the office "Dive Desk Jockey". Although he does not get wet as often these days, he is always ready and willing to answer your queries and helping you plan your diving adventures. Max's personal creed is: Dream the Dive, Dive the Dream.

 
Mike Thomas
Operations Manager

As a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Mike has more than 500 certifications and plenty of experience looking after both experienced and new divers alike. When diving, Mike is a little old-fashioned in that all his favourite underwater inhabitants are bigger than him. If there is a shark, manta, dolphin, turtle or whale shark in the water – that is when he is at his happiest! However, on the numerous occasions that the big guys are hiding away from the reef, Mike is more than happy to scour the underwater world for the macro life that excites even the most jaded underwater photographer. Mike has worked as Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director & Instructor on both the East and West coasts of Thailand as well as the incredibly rich and diverse waters of Komodo National Park in Indonesia. He now sits in the White Manta headquarters handling operations with Max, but regularly joins our vessels.

 

CRUISE DIRECTORS

 
Cedric Lesenechal
Cruise Director, KM Blue Manta

Born in France, Cedric started travelling the world in his twenties and discovered scuba diving along the way. Since then, he has only had very short surface intervals.

Cedric loves sharing his knowledge about the ocean and marine life in the various languages he can communicate with. His love and passion for the underwater world spills over into every dive briefing and always excites divers for the next wonderful discovery.

You will find Cedric on the Blue Manta, often entertaining our guests with his amazing juggling or guitar-playing skills. 

 
Evan Foster
Cruise Director, KM Blue Manta

Evan is originally from sunny Miami, FL.

Upon graduating from university Evan moved abroad for work, taking up scuba diving in the process. It only took one breath underwater before he was enraptured by the sea. Evan has since spent nearly a decade exploring destinations far afield and still loves what he does. Being a Cruise Director on the Blue Manta fuels Evan’s lifelong passion for adventure, human connection, and the unknown.

If you don’t see him onboard during your stay, Evan’s probably skiing or climbing along the Silk Road and wishes you a wonderful voyage! 

 
Herdianto Bando (Anto)
Cruise Director, New White Manta

Anto hails from Banggai Island in Central Sulawesi, where the banggai cardinal fish was first discovered. He start diving at 2004 in Togean Island, and joined White Manta Diving on the Black Manta as a divemaster in 2012.

Since then, Anto has amassed a wealth of diving experience in Komodo, Bali, Alor, Banda Sea, Ambon, Raja Ampat, Triton Bay Halmahera, Lembeh, Derawan Islands, and many more destinations. Anto is known for his calm demeanour and sharp eyesight – he can spot the craftiest and most well-camouflaged critters underwater with ease. Anto is always happy to share his knowledge with guests, so don't be shy to approach him when you see him onboard the White Manta!