Organisational Structure
ADAS operates as a not-for-profit incorporated association on a cost-recovery basis. ADAS receives no government funding and has no paying members or shareholders.
The Scheme, particularly in relation to offshore oil and gas activities, operates under the general direction of the Federal Government Department of Industry and responsibility for the specific corporate governance and strategic oversight of the Scheme is vested in the independent ADAS Board.
Governance Arrangements
The ADAS Board acts in a policy governance role and the day-to-day administration and operations are undertaken by ADAS staff under the direction of an Executive Director.
The ADAS Board comprises of independent non-executive Directors from various sectors of the occupational diving industry, each offering particular expertise and industry experience to the Board.
These Directors are independent of management and free from any business relationship or other circumstance that could interfere with objective, unfettered or independent judgement. The Board Directors perform their duties on a strictly voluntary basis.
The Board’s role is fundamentally to create and deliver value through the effective governance of the organisation and Directors also undertake to act as a conduit between their organisations and ADAS.
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Industry, the Board is required to ensure that ADAS:
- delivers and continues to deliver its full range of diver certification functions;
- is conducted so that its administrative, operational, training, assessment and diver certification standards, policies, procedures and practices are, and remain, at the level of best practice and result in a standard of diver certification acceptable to the Department and that enables the maintenance of the ADAS international recognition agreements.
The Board is required to report to the Department on an annual basis with respect to the finances, fees and the administration of the Scheme.
ADAS Board Membership Expressions of Interest
If you are interested in joining the ADAS Board please send your expression of interest by submitting the ADAS Board Membership Expression of Interest Form.
Current ADAS Board of Directors
The ADAS Board of Directors is currently made up of the following people:
Dr Stuart Cannon (Chair)
Senior Executive Service, Australian Department of Defence
Stuart has long-standing and extensive experience in the maritime industry primarily focusing on naval architecture and engineering. Stuart’s career began as a Graduate Naval Architect in 1986 and he went on to be a lecturer at Brunel University in London and the Australian Maritime College teaching in the areas of ship structures and engineering. In the late 1990’s Stuart’s career began to focus on maritime engineering research and he has been instrumental in the research and development of Royal Australian Navy surface ships, and ensuring the longevity of the shipbuilding program by implementing a national research program in the Naval Shipbuilding Plan.
Currently, Stuart’s involvement in Engineering and Technology continues in his role as ADG: Submarine Systems Technology, and he also holds a position as Adjunct Professor in Hydrodynamics and Maritime Engineering at the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College.
In addition to being a chartered engineer, Stuart also holds fellowships with Engineers Australia, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, and the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering. Stuart also gained an Executive Masters degree in Public Administration in 2021 which compliments his previous extensive qualifications in maritime engineering and naval architectural fields.
Stuart’s passion and commitment to research and strategic planning is an asset to ADAS, with extensive connections to Standards Australia and Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, and his strong involvement in the business world throughout his career.
Amanda Sordes
ADAS Executive Director
Amanda has significant experience as an occupational diver (onshore and offshore), supervisor, and diving safety industry officer. She has worked across various industries including offshore construction and inspection, onshore construction, aquarium/zoo, and scientific diving. Amanda has two Master’s degrees in Environmental Protection and Management and is qualified as an ADAS Training and Assessment Manager with experience in training development and delivery, and has been a contributor to a wide range of ADAS projects.
Her positions as Dive Officer at two Sydney universities, facilitator for the French National Convention on Occupational Diving, participation in IDRCF and EDTC meetings, and three years’ experience serving as a Director of the ADAS Board have given her a solid understanding of ADAS’s role and function both nationally and within international arenas.
Amanda cares about all sectors of the diving community, growing stakeholder engagement, and improving diver safety. During her time as Executive Director she aims to efficiently maintain ADAS’ regulatory and MOU commitments whilst continually improving the quality and relevance of ADAS’ portfolio of services.
Cliff Coulson-Bonner
Project and Diving Manager
Cliff is a Project and Air/Nitrox Diving Manager, with extensive experience in Oil & Gas, UXO remediation and Renewables industries.
As a Project Manager, Cliff is responsible for a Tier 1 Oil & Gas decommissioning project in Australia. As a Former Royal Navy Chief Clearance Diver & 2nd Officer in Charge of SDU2, Cliff operated for 24 years in the UK & internationally, in Management of Diving /EOD Units, Diving Supervision, Underwater Engineering, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), UXO remediation, DCIEM Experimental Diving & Submarine Escape Support.
Born in South Australia before moving to NSW and then to the UK; Cliff returned to Australia in 2002, where he has worked extensively in the Australian & International sector, as a Diving & ROV Project Manager, OGP Client Representative, Offshore Superintendent, ADAS Offshore Dive Supervisor, Health & Safety Professional & Senior UXO Supervisor/Manager.
Ben Law
Diving Manager / Diving Responsible Person (DRP) – Subsea 7 Australia & APAC
Vessel Operation Manager – Seven Pegasus DSV
Ben has 30 years’ experience in commercial diving and associated operations, he completed his air & saturation diving qualifications in the early 1990’s and worked extensively in the North Sea, but also with assignments in both the Middle east and Asia.
Starting his diving career with Rockwater Ltd in 1992 Ben has experience in all aspects of commercial diving including renewables, offshore Oil & Gas and was also privileged to work on many salvage projects for government operations such as Kursk, Estonia Ferry as well as military asset recovery.
Ben has held various position since finishing diving himself, Project Manager, Operations Manager, Contracts & Commercial Manager and is currently Diving & Vessel operations manager for Subsea 7.
Ben is second generation diving in his family, with his father being on the first commercial diving course ever ran in Scotland, a combined family history in diving of over 60 years.
Thomas Mayo
Assistant National Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He lives on Larrakia land in Darwin.
Thomas has more than twenty years of experience in leadership and advocacy, as a union delegate at Patricks Stevedores; Northern Territory Branch Secretary of the MUA; during the development of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in May 2017; and the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum. His full-time role today is Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia.
Having prior experience as a Board Director with the Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition since 2019, and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation since January 2024, Thomas joined the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) Board in April 2024. Thomas is also on the steering group for the First Nations Clean Energy Network, influencing clean energy policy and supporting the Indigenous peoples and their communities in policy development, energy access and negotiations.
Thomas is a bestselling author, essayist, orator, and a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. His publications include seven books published by Hardie Grant; numerous articles and essays published by major Australian media providers; and the highly significant “Voice to Parliament Handbook” which topped bookselling charts nationwide.
While undertaking his day-to-day work as an MUA representative, Thomas also continues to passionately advocate for workers rights; for a constitutionally enshrined Voice in Australian government; and for the rights and recognition of Indigenous peoples.
Mike Pascoe
Owner/Director/Diver Trainer – OMNE Marine Training Centre
Mike has 15 years experience in commercial diving, supervision, and project management of inshore and offshore sectors around New Zealand and the South Pacific, including a 4-year seabed mining project off the west coast of New Zealand where he assisted in the development and operation of diver and remotely operated geotechnical drilling systems.
Mike Holds a Diploma in Outdoor Education, Diploma in Hyperbaric Operations, and Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, he is a current ADAS Training and Assessment Manager (ATAM) and has been involved in occupational diver training since 2014.
He is actively involved with ADAS and other industry working groups to develop quality internationally recognised training programs including the development of New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) funded certificate courses. He is a representative across multiple stakeholder platforms including the Australian SF17 Standards Committee and the Worksafe New Zealand DIAG (Diving Industry Advisory Group), and has most recently worked on the development of ADAS Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) pilot technician training programs, and approval of two new ADAS training centres located in Singapore and Spain.
Mike is a consultant to the Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Navy for Dynamically Positioned (DP) Diving and ROV systems and has recently opened a new privately owned occupational diver training facility in New Zealand.
A’ishah Sahar
Legal Counsel – Subsea 7 Asia Pacific
Aishah Sahar is a dedicated legal professional with over nine years of in-house experience, primarily in the oil and gas sector. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom, in 2015.
Aishah’s career in the oil and gas industry includes a diverse range of experiences, covering various aspects of the sector. Currently, she serves as Legal Counsel for Subsea 7 Asia Pacific. In this role, she provides comprehensive legal support for matters within the APAC region on legal and contractual issues related to both onshore and offshore operations including, amongst others, diving operations.
Aishah’s legal knowledge and expertise offer valuable insights, helping to navigate the complex legal landscapes of the oil and gas industry and supporting the strategic direction and governance of the organization.
Outside of her professional life, Aishah has a profound appreciation for the maritime world. She is also involved in community initiatives, particularly those focused on environmental conservation and education. Aishah volunteers with local organizations to promote awareness about marine conservation and sustainable practices, demonstrating her commitment to preserving the natural world.
Associate Professor Susannah Sherlock
Medical Director of Wesley Hyperbaric
Associate Professor Sherlock began her medical career as an anaesthetist, gaining entry to the Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA) in 1998, then went on to complete an Advanced Diploma in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine with ANZCA in 2018. Since that time, Associate Professor Sherlock has been a practicing hyperbaric physician in private practice and is also a senior anaesthetist with several major Australian hospitals.
In addition to her hospital and private practice work, Associate Professor Sherlock is also a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Queensland. She has an interest in examining and teaching at both undergraduate and post graduate levels, and has a special interest in simulation and crisis management. She has also convened and founded an annual course for General Practitioners to increase their diving and hyperbaric medicine knowledge.
Associate Professor Sherlock is a member of several national and international collaborative groups involved in research, with one research topic being the use of hyperbaric therapy for long COVID.
Along with her medical work, Associate Professor Sherlock has also been an examiner and hospital accreditor with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) for the last 15 years. She is also the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) committee Chair, and a sub-committee member for the Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Committee of ANZCA which approves formal qualifications in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine.
Associate Professor Sherlock is passionate about safety in diving and hyperbaric medicine, and about crisis prevention and management. She is a tireless promotor of safety in anaesthesia and hyperbaric medicine, and in the hyperbaric industry as a whole.
In her spare time, Associate Professor Sherlock enjoys diving recreationally and spending time with her husband who is a retired Royal Australian clearance diver. She also enjoys the occasional Tiger Moth biplane wingwalking experience and was the first Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Australian certified wingwalker.
Blair Smith
Regional HSEQ Manager – Kotug International
Blair has 16 years of experience with the State and Australian Federal Police and 12 years as an HSE Manager in the Oil and Gas industry. He has extensive expertise managing HSE activities for Dive Support Vessels (DSVs), including working with regulators and third-party diving contractors.
Blair began his police career in 1996 with the Western Australia Police, where he served as a tactical operator with the Tactical Response Group before moving into a counterterrorism role with the AFP. In 2012, he transitioned to the oil and gas sector, working as an HSE Lead for Sapura Energy and later Subsea 7 on large-scale offshore projects, including subsea installation, decommissioning, pipelay, and well intervention. He is currently the Regional HSEQ Manager for Kotug International, overseeing operations in the APAC region.
Blair is passionate about enhancing organisational capability through teamwork and shared purpose. Early in his career, he witnessed the power of this approach, which inspired him to pursue further studies to better support and develop organisational effectiveness. He holds a Master’s in Business Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts (Security & Terrorism), a Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health, and several industry-specific certifications.
Edwin Tan
Managing Director – Hydropro Pte. Ltd
Edwin Tan started his career in the diving industry as a naval diver with the Republic of Singapore Navy in 1983 and subsequently became a qualified Clearance Diver in the Royal Australian Navy. Soon after, he obtained vigorous training in commercial diving, including his attendance in ADAS courses in New Zealand, and established his position in the industry. Today, he is the Managing Director of Hydropro Pte. Ltd.
Throughout his 38 years of experience, Edwin has risen through the ranks and made a significant impact in the diving industry. Edwin founded and chaired the Commercial Diving Association (Singapore) between 2010 and 2014, which led to the transformation of old diving practices to a system that operates under strict regulations today.
Edwin is also a member of the commercial diving workgroup, which played a significant role in appraising the Workplace Safety and Health Guideline for Inland/Inshore Commercial Diving that is to be published in 2021.
Edwin offers a wealth of insights with his experiences within the Southeast Asian diving industry and hopes to introduce these ideas to the ADAS Board of Directors. Through his involvement in ADAS, Edwin aims to continue raising the standards for training and qualification for diving in Southeast Asia, focusing on that of the ship husbandry industry.
Karl von Minden
Search & Rescue Mission Coordinator – Northern Territory Police
Karl von Minden brings experience in diving operations, work health and safety, and strategic leadership to his role as an ADAS Board Director. With a background in law enforcement, aquaculture and commercial diving, he offers an understanding of safety, compliance, and industry best practices.
As a Police Officer with the Northern Territory Police, Karl serves as both Police Dive Supervisor and a Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SARMC) within the Territory Specialist Services Division. He has also represented the Northern Territory Police in the National Police Divers Working Group.
Karl’s involvement in the commercial diving sector includes working with companies servicing the Aquaculture, Oil & Gas, Shipping, Construction, Government, Training, and Mining industries. In addition to diving, he was also Senior Manager of Work Health and Safety at Tassal Operations where he played a key role in the development and implementation of comprehensive safety management systems. Before his career in diving and law enforcement, Karl honed his leadership and operational management skills as an executive chef,.
He holds a number of relevant industry qualifications with both a civilian and police focus, including a Diploma of Public Safety (Policing), a Diploma in Hyperbaric Operations (Onshore Diving Supervision), an Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety, an Advanced Diploma of Search and Rescue Coordination (Marine and Land) – to name a few.
Karl’s commitment to collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, along with his strategic mindset and ability to navigate high-pressure environments, makes him a valued asset to the ADAS Board.