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Jess Hill
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Abyss Scuba Diving · Sydney
Jess Hill
Marine Biologist · PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Jess combines marine-biology training with PADI instruction, helping divers build confidence while understanding the species, habitats and behaviours they encounter underwater.
At a glance
Scuba instruction informed by marine biology
Jess is a full-time member of the Abyss Scuba Diving instructor team. Her work connects beginner training and safe diving skills with a deeper understanding of Sydney’s species, habitats and wildlife behaviour.
- Abyss role
- PADI Instructor and Marine Biologist
- PADI rating
- Master Scuba Diver Trainer
- Academic background
- BSc Marine Biology, Bangor University
- Teaching focus
- Beginner training and marine-life education
Background
Bringing marine science into everyday diving
Originally from the United Kingdom, Jess discovered diving while backpacking in Australia and completed her PADI Open Water Diver course with Abyss in 2020. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Bangor University in Wales.
Jess returned to Abyss in 2024 as a PADI Divemaster, then completed her instructor training and joined the full-time team. She now brings marine-science knowledge into beginner courses and guided dives, helping people connect practical scuba skills with a clearer understanding of what they see underwater.
For Jess, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is watching students grow in confidence and fall in love with the ocean. She has also guided selected Marine Marvels experiences, where a slower search, habitat clues and wildlife behaviour add ecological context to the dive.
2020 · Open Water Diver Completed her PADI Open Water Diver course with Abyss in Sydney.
2023 · Marine Biology graduate Earned a BSc in Marine Biology from Bangor University in Wales.
2024 · PADI professional Returned to Abyss as a Divemaster before completing her instructor training.
Today · Instructor and marine biologist Teaches full-time and helps divers connect sightings with species, habitat and behaviour.
How Jess helps
Learn the skills, then understand the ecosystem
Jess’s combination of instruction and marine biology is especially useful for divers who want confidence, control and more meaning from what they observe.
Understand what you see
Marine-biology insight helps divers connect an animal or reef feature with its habitat, behaviour and role in the ecosystem.
Improve observation through control
Good buoyancy and a thoughtful pace help divers notice more while keeping fins, gauges and equipment away from reef and kelp.
Observe wildlife responsibly
Marine-life dives emphasise space, natural behaviour and careful use of lights and cameras rather than chasing or repositioning animals.
Marine-life diving
See Sydney’s reefs through a marine biologist’s lens
The site, theme and safe dive plan depend on the selected event and the day’s conditions. Wildlife remains wild, and no sighting is guaranteed.
Marine Marvels Dives
Join a themed experience led by marine biologists and learn how habitat, camouflage and behaviour reveal wildlife.
Sydney Marine-Life Dives
Compare guided experiences focused on seadragons, sharks, cuttlefish, octopus and temperate reefs.
Sydney Dive Sites
Compare local shore and boat sites, depths, conditions, access and diver-suitability guidance.
The Steps at Kurnell
Learn about a well-known Kurnell shore dive and important habitat for the common or weedy seadragon.
Qualifications and focus
Four strengths that shape Jess’s work underwater
Jess’s current Abyss role brings together formal science education, PADI instruction and marine-life interpretation.
Marine Biologist
Uses her academic background to explain species, habitats, ecology and wildlife behaviour.
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Teaches as an experienced member of the Abyss PADI instructor team.
Beginner Scuba Instructor
Supports first-time divers through the practical stages of learning to dive in Sydney.
Marine-Life Educator
Helps divers slow down, identify ecological clues and understand the animals they encounter.
Choose your next step
Start diving or add more meaning to your next local dive
Choose the pathway that matches your certification and interests, then check the live listing for dates, requirements and availability.
Jess is a full-time member of the Abyss team, but individual instructor and guide allocations depend on the program, date and conditions. If you would like to ask about Jess’s availability, contact the team before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Diving with Jess and the Abyss team
What is Jess Hill’s role at Abyss?
Jess is a marine biologist and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer on the full-time Abyss Scuba Diving instructor team in Sydney. She also helps aspiring dive professionals live their diving dream, guiding interns through their options and supporting them as they build the skills, confidence and experience to turn a passion for diving into a new adventure or career.
What is Jess’s marine-biology background?
Jess holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Bangor University in Wales.
Can I join a Marine Marvels dive with Jess?
Jess has guided Marine Marvels experiences, but guide allocations vary by date. Check the live event listing and contact Abyss if you would like to ask about Jess’s availability.
Can I request Jess for a scuba course?
You can contact the Abyss team and ask about Jess’s availability. Specific instructor allocations depend on the course, date and training requirements.
Diver feedback
What divers say about Jess
Each review in this feed mentions Jess, including feedback from students and marine-life divers. You can also read more Abyss Scuba Diving reviews.
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