Mike Bartick is a passionate photographer and PADI Diving Instructor living in Anilao, Philippines who would love to be a dolphin!
Full Name: Mike Bartick
Age: 40’ish
Live In: Philippines. Anilao, Philippines
Working For: Crystal Blue Resort
Diver Qualifications: Instructor level-PADI
When and where did you start diving?
2004, in Southern California was when i was finally certified
Why did you start diving?
So i could stay down longer and shoot photos, rather then freediving
What made you choose to become a dive professional? (if applicable)
Personal goal and to have better insight of the dive industry. Also when working with resort guests you get to experience divers from every skill level. Having the instructor experience has been incredibly beneficial in helping me to better fit myself to thinking ahead and planning for safety of the guests, comfort and workflows
Which is your favourite dive site and why?
Anilao, Philippines, Positioned at the west end of the Verd Island Passage, the bio diversity and dive sites are incredible.
What has been the most memorable dive of your life and why?
It was just this last season, i witnessed, photographed and documented spawning frogfish
If you would come back as a marine life form in your next life, what would that be?
I would have to say, A Dolphin, still a mammal but really fast and intelligent.
Who is your dream dive buddy?
That would have to be, the entire IMAX team on location somewhere..
What dive locations are on your dream “bucket list” and why?
Pacific Northwestern North America, Antarctic, more Indonesia and more Philippines
What is on your bedside table right now?
Indo-pacific Nudibranchs and sea slugs, reef creature tropical pacific, and Octopus, oh and the Macro book by the ferraris
What is your favourite piece of diving equipment and why?
my camera…thats equipment right..
If you were to launch a campaign to raise awareness on a specific issue that affects divers, the oceans or marine life, what issue would you target and why?
Plastic use and waste, plastic pollution in the ocean, plastic water bottles, bags etc. I would like to see the plastics collected and turned into mooring balls for the areas that need them. Also, fish collecting and educating more people on this.
Where will you be in 10 years and what will you be doing?
At our resort, welcoming guests and teaching them how to shoot photos underwater…enjoying life and teaching people the natural history of our critters in the Indo-Pacific
