It seems like not so long ago, I was writing articles about our office expansion in Koh Tao's Sairee Plaza. Well, once again we find ourselves outgrowing our office space here and we've decided to construct our own custom building on some land the company owns on a hill behind Sairee Beach.

Only a month after making the decision, the building is looking like it will be finished soon! The new Oceans Below office will be built on three levels, with the top level set up for underwater camera/housing maintenance and prep area. We've also designed a kitchen area  here for the staff and video trainees.

The next level will house the editing suite where they can all create and edit their HD underwater videos. This part of the office looks straight out onto an amazing banyan tree which has grown around a huge rock. The lowest level, near the entrance will be Elisabeth and my office which overlooks the tree to one side, and the other side up to the hills across the valley. It's a stunning scene, sure to inspire the staff for some great Underwater videos! As you can imagine, we are quite anxious to get moved in.

Tree of Inspiration...?

The new office is taking shape...

This month also has seen the promotion of one of our staff members. Autumn, who has been filming the PADI and SSI open water courses for us, and before that she worked with the film company in Bans Dive Resort, was ready for a change in life and work. Conveniently, we were ready to train and take on another BSAC HD Underwater Video Instructor. We felt that Autumn had the qualities we look for in our trainers.

Autumn, at work underwater.

And in the office.

Over the last few months or so she committed to crossing over from PADI Divemaster to BSAC Diveleader, completed her BSAC Instructor course and has been diligently assisting on our Pro HD Video courses and internships. She's definitely paid her dues and has worked hard for her reward. Since getting started, Autumn has proved to us time and time again that she was definitely the right choice for the job. Thanks Autumn, for all you hard work and dedication to the Oceans Below team!

So with a new instructor, a new office, and new cameras on the way, Oceans Below's Pro HD Underwater Video School is getting set for the start of a great new season...