Leading it is Dr James Moss, BSAC Dive Leader and physiologist at Imperial’s National Heart and Lung Institute, focusing on how CO₂ accumulates, how it drives ventilation, and why that matters across two very different ends of the spectrum: breath-hold diving and closed-circuit rebreathers.

This isn’t about revisiting entry-level theory. It’s about making the physiology land in a way that changes how you dive.

The session: CO₂, breathing drive, and why things escalate quickly

CO₂ is the inevitable by-product of metabolism. As workload rises, eg. finning into current, managing kit, dealing with stress etc, production increases. The body’s response is automatic: rising arterial CO₂ stimulates chemoreceptors, ramping up respiratory drive.

That rising urge to breathe is not primarily about “running out of oxygen.” It’s about CO₂ crossing a threshold your body refuses to ignore.

The planned live demonstration aims to make that mechanism tangible rather than abstract, showing how CO₂ builds, how quickly tolerance can erode, and how perception and physiology can diverge under load.

For breath-hold divers, the implications are obvious. If CO₂ tolerance is misunderstood, misjudged, or artificially suppressed through poor practice, the margin between “fine” and “not fine” narrows fast, particularly when you add task loading, temperature stress, or ego-driven extensions into the mix.

For experienced divers in the room, this won’t be news. But seeing it demonstrated in real time, and framed by a working physiologist who also dives, is likely to sharpen the mental model.

Rebreathers: when CO₂ becomes the immediate threat

At the technical end, CO₂ is not an academic discussion.

Closed-circuit systems depend on effective scrubbing to remove carbon dioxide from the loop. If that process fails, whether through scrubber exhaustion, packing issues, channeling, flooding, or incorrect setup, CO₂ accumulation can outpace a diver’s ability to respond.

Hypercapnia degrades cognition, which then increases breathing effort, and things can cascade quickly. In that scenario, the problem is not oxygen control. It’s the gas you’re not meant to be rebreathing.

This Tech Stage session is expected to connect the dots directly: breathing physiology, scrubber function, and the operational consequences of complacency.

For industry leaders and instructors, that framing matters. CO₂ management is often treated as background context rather than a front-of-mind risk driver.

GO Diving Show 2026:
headline pull on the Main Stage

The Main Stage line-up at GO Diving Show 2026 is built to draw traffic, with names including:

• Steve Backshall
• Lizzie Daly
• Chris Lemons
• Liz Parkinson
• Andy Torbet (returning as MC and speaker)

It’s a broad appeal programme … exploration, media, commercial diving… the kind of content that fills seats. But for many experienced divers, the deeper value sits off the Main Stage.

Beyond the headline acts:
Tech, UK, and Inspiration/Photo stages

The dedicated stages traditionally carry the more granular material, the talks that reward attention. Speakers across the UK Stage, Tech Stage and Inspiration/Photo Stage include:

• Paul Toomer and Mark Powell
• Kirsty Andrews
• Emma Taylor and Gordon Taylor
• Rico Anselmi and Sophie Shields
• Duncan Ross
• Nick Fazah
• Barry McGill
• Ahmed Gabr
• Dominic Robinson

One operational note: speakers on the dedicated stages appear on only one of the two days. If you’re travelling any distance, a weekend ticket significantly reduces scheduling frustration.

Practical implications for working divers and instructors

Treat CO₂ as a primary variable, not background theory.
High workload, poor trim, cold stress, or task saturation all amplify production. The body’s response is predictable — but not always well managed.

Rebreather divers: scrubber discipline is non-negotiable.
Packing quality, duration tracking, storage, and manufacturer guidance are operational safety controls, not admin details.

Breath-hold divers: physiology doesn’t negotiate.
If you’re pushing tolerance, understand the mechanism you’re pushing against.

Use events strategically.
A show like this is an opportunity to address blind spots — whether that’s physiology, CCR planning, freediving fundamentals, or workload management under stress.

A brief safety note

Breath-hold and rebreather diving both carry significant risk when equipment, procedures, or supervision fall short. Operate within your training, follow manufacturer guidance, and seek qualified instruction when entering new disciplines.

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The wider picture

There’s a noticeable shift in dive events toward experiential education, less “here’s the theory,” more “here’s what it feels like.”

The interactive CO₂ physiology session from Imperial College London exactly fits that direction. For experienced divers, the science isn’t new. But seeing it demonstrated, and tied directly to operational consequences, may be the reminder that sticks with us.

And in diving, the reminders that stick tend to be the ones that matter.

The post Imperial College London Brings CO₂ Physiology to the Tech Stage at GO Diving Show 2026 appeared first on Scuba Diving Magazine.

Go Diving Show 2026 lands at NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, on 28 February–1 March. Expect a packed show floor (10,000 sq m) and plenty of chances to get hands-on with gear, compare destinations, and lock in show-only offers.

The quick take

• Go with a plan: the best deals disappear fast once the stands get busy.
• Prioritise fit checks (drysuits, gloves) early — queues grow by mid-morning.
• Travel brands bring real value if you ask the right questions (routes, seasons, add-ons).
• If you’re club organising for 2026, liveaboard operators want to talk dates now.

The show basics (so you don’t waste time)

When: Weekend of 28 February–1 March 2026
Where: NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Coventry
Why it matters: One roof for new kit, destination shopping, training options, and old-fashioned diver networking.

Pro tip: Arrive early on Saturday if you want serious one-to-one time with exhibitors. Sunday tends to be better for relaxed browsing — but the hottest deals may already be gone.

Exhibitors to put on your shortlist

Aqua-Firma Worldwide (Stand 626): Galápagos with a science-and-photo focus

If Galápagos is on your bucket list, this is one to pin. Aqua-Firma is promoting a Galápagos Shark Research & Photography liveaboard running 27 July–3 August 2026, hosted by Dr Simon Pierce (Marine Megafauna Foundation co-founder).

The trip is framed around learning as well as diving — think research insight and photography support rather than just ticking off sites.

What to ask at the stand

• What’s included in the £4,790 price (flights, park fees, nitrox, etc.)
• How “photo-focused” it really is — workshops, briefings, in-water coaching
• What experience level they recommend for the itinerary and conditions
• Typical shark encounters and seasonal expectations

Smart move: Ask about repeat-diver or group incentives — these often exist but aren’t always advertised.

Contact: info@aqua-firma.com | www.aqua-firma.com | +44 (0)1428 620012

O’Three (Stand 330): try-on time for drysuits

Drysuit shopping online is a gamble. O’Three is bringing a full range of neoprene and tri-laminate suits for divers to try on, plus advice on servicing and sizing.

If you’re between sizes, changing undersuit thickness, or just tired of fighting your seals, this is a stand to visit early.

What to do at the stand

• Book a fitting slot as soon as you arrive
• Bring the underlayers you actually dive in (or at least know the thickness)
• Ask about service turnaround times and what’s included
• Check seal options (latex vs neoprene vs silicone systems)

Insider tip: Even if you’re not buying immediately, getting properly measured now can save a costly mistake later.

Contact: info@othree.co.uk | www.othree.co.uk | +44 (0)1305 822820

Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa (Stand 440): Indonesia packages with a booking window

Bunaken is a classic for warm-water wall diving and reef life, and Bunaken Oasis is pushing a show offer that applies across diving and non-diving packages.

Show offer basics

• Book by: 1 April
• Travel valid until: 31 December 2027
• Applies to: full diving / reduced diving / non-diving packages

What to ask

• Which months they recommend for best visibility and calm seas
• How they handle mixed groups (divers + non-divers)
• What’s included in each package tier
• Typical boat schedules and guide ratios

Worth knowing: Bunaken works especially well for couples where only one person dives — but confirm non-diver pricing carefully.

Contact: georgie.bartlett@bunakenoasis.com | www.bunakenoasis.com | 07557 105593

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (Stand CV10): wrecks, reefs and easy Caribbean diving

Barbados is pitching itself as a do-it-all island: culture topside, and a mix of reefs and wrecks underwater. If you want a destination that works for newer divers and still keeps experienced buddies entertained, it’s worth a chat.

Notable drawcards include artificial reefs and the Stavronikita wreck — one of the Caribbean’s better-known penetrable wrecks.

What to ask

• Best areas to stay for easy access to dive ops
• Typical conditions by season (and hurricane-season realities)
• Options for mixed itineraries: diving days plus non-diving activities
• Shore vs boat diving balance

Reality check: Barbados is rarely the cheapest Caribbean option — but it often wins on ease and reliability.

Contact: btmiuk@visitbarbados.org | www.visitbarbados.org | +44 (0)207 299 7175

Siladen Resort & Coral Eye Resort (Stand 565): twin-island North Sulawesi, with perks

Two sister resorts, two different flavours of North Sulawesi:

• Siladen Resort (Bunaken National Park): wall diving, big reef scenes, and the chance to add black water diving
• Coral Eye Resort (Bangka Island): boutique vibe with a strong underwater-photo and marine-enthusiast angle, plus a wide spread of site types (pinnacles, gardens, slopes, mangroves, walls)

They’re also promoting a combined-stay incentive:

• Stay minimum five nights at each resort, or seven nights at one
• Receive free Nitrox and a complimentary villa upgrade (subject to availability on arrival)
• Quote code: “Scubaverse in Sulawesi” when booking via email
• Show-time chance to win six nights at their resorts

What to ask

• How transfers work between islands (and whether you can dive/snorkel en route)
• Which resort best suits your diving style
• Nitrox availability details and any conditions
• Best seasons for critters vs wide-angle

Contact: reservations@siladen.com | www.siladen.com | +62 811 4300641
reservations@coral-eye.com | www.coral-eye.com | +62 811 4300641

KUBI Dry Glove Systems (Stand 550): cold-water comfort that actually lasts

If you dive UK waters, dry gloves aren’t a luxury — they’re a season extender. KUBI specialises in dry glove systems built for colder, tougher diving, with a modular approach designed to be straightforward to fit and maintain.

The stand also includes associated brands: Miflex Hoses, Omniswivel International, Oceanarium, Best Divers.

What to ask

• Compatibility with your current suit and ring system
• Which glove combinations suit your typical temperatures
• Field repair options and spare parts to carry
• Real-world durability vs silicone alternatives

Practical tip: Take a photo of your current cuff system before the show — it speeds up compatibility advice massively.

Contact: sales@kubistore.co.uk | www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk | 0116 238 8255

Big Blue liveaboard (on RAID Stand 580): Red Sea safari, built for divers not gimmicks

Big Blue is selling a Red Sea liveaboard concept that leans hard into practicality and safety — and away from floating-hotel extras. The pitch is simple: stable platform, diver-focused layout, and a schedule designed to reduce the feeling of being herded.

They’re also talking directly to clubs about 2026 charters, with flexibility to shape the week around wrecks or reefs.

Dates and routes mentioned

• 9 May 2026 – Fury Shoals & South
• 18 July 2026 – Brother, Safaga & North
• 9 September 2026 – South Explorer
• Offer: 25% discount on safari base cost (as stated)

What to ask

• What the discount actually applies to
• Group sizes and guide ratios
• How staggered entries work in practice
• Tank fills, nitrox policy, and deck workflow

Club organiser tip: Ask about full-boat charter thresholds — this is often where the real value appears.

Contact: info@mybigblue.com | www.mybigblue.com | +20 1065540888

The Dive Bus Curaçao (Stand 720): shore diving made simple

Curaçao is a shore-diving heavyweight, and The Dive Bus is leaning into what many divers actually want on holiday: small groups, guided dives, and low-stress logistics.

They’re promoting accommodation-led packages including Sleep, Drive & Dive and Drive & Dive options.

What to ask

• How their guided shore dives are structured (max group sizes)
• Vehicle type and insurance details in Drive & Dive packages
• Tank logistics and opening hours for shore divers
• Best months for visibility and calm conditions
• Whether they support photographers with rinse/storage space

Why it’s worth a look: Curaçao rewards divers who like flexibility — but only if the logistics are smooth. This is where operators can make or break the trip.

Contact: info@thedivebus.com | www.thedivebus.com | +5999 661 3483

How to get real value from the Go Diving Show 2026

If you walk in cold, it’s easy to spend four hours collecting brochures and leave none the wiser. A little strategy goes a long way.

Before you go

• Make a hit list of stands you genuinely care about
• Set a rough budget (gear and/or travel)
• Check your current kit sizes and specs
• If planning a club trip, know your rough numbers and dates

On the day

• Do fittings first, browsing second
• Take photos of offers — you will forget details
• Ask for written quotes on bigger trips
• Don’t be shy about asking “what’s the show deal?”

After the show

• Follow up quickly! Many offers have short windows
• Compare like-for-like inclusions before booking
• Loop in your dive buddies early if it’s a group plan

Go Diving Show 2026 isn’t just a gear marketplace — it’s one of the few places where the UK dive community still properly gathers in person. Go with a plan, ask sharper questions than the average punter, and you can walk out with genuinely better trips, better-fitting kit, and maybe even your 2026 dive calendar sorted in one weekend.

If you’re serious about diving next year, this is one date worth circling in thick marker.

The post Go Diving Show 2026: Exhibitors to hit first appeared first on Scuba Diving Magazine.