For Bruneian diver Jet Kong, the ocean has never just been a place to explore. It is where he constantly tests the limits of discipline, endurance and discovery.
When The Bruneian last spoke with him in 2023, Jet was venturing into the demanding world of cave and mine diving, navigating narrow underwater tunnels and uncharted environments.
Two years later, the experienced diver has gone even deeper, both literally and figuratively. Having recently completed his 100-metre dive certification, Jet has reached a new milestone in his career, one that reflects not only technical mastery but also mental and emotional growth.
Since then, he has advanced through technical diving courses, mastering both open-circuit and closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) systems. He describes the journey as challenging but incredibly rewarding.
“Each level of certification comes with a new set of responsibilities,” he said.
“You start with basic open-water and progress to advanced, rescue, and speciality courses before you can even consider technical diving. It is not just about going deeper; it is about doing it safely and responsibly,” he added.
Technical diving goes far beyond recreational limits, often exceeding 30 metres. It requires specialised equipment, mixed gases, decompression procedures, and a deep understanding of physics, physiology, and emergency management. For Jet, it has always been a discipline, not just a thrill.
“What keeps me pushing my limits is understanding how our bodies work under pressure. At 100 metres, it is not just about depth; it is about how gases move in and out of your tissues, how your body adapts, and how your mind stays calm. I love the balance between precision, control, discipline, attitude, and trust in training,” he explained.
“Every dive teaches me something new about the human body, the ocean, awareness, and myself. That is what keeps me inspired to go further,” he added.
Reaching new depths: the journey to 100 Metres
When Jet descended to 100 metres beneath the surface of Sipadan, it wasn’t just a test of endurance; it was the culmination of years of discipline, precision, and mental control.
For most divers, that depth lies far beyond reach. For Jet, it represented a milestone in understanding both the science of diving and the limits of human adaptability.
“At 100 meters, it’s not just about going deep,” Jet said.
“It’s about understanding how gases move in and out of your tissues, how your body adapts, and how your mind stays calm through it all. I love that balance between precision, control, discipline, attitude and trust in the training. Every dive teaches me something new about the human body, the ocean, awareness and myself through adaptation.”
Jet’s achievement didn’t happen overnight. The road to 100 metres began with the 75-metre certification, a crucial stepping stone that tested his confidence, equipment handling, and situational awareness.
Each dive during his training in Semporna, Sabah, refined his mastery of trimix gas management, decompression planning, and equipment discipline, all vital elements of technical diving at such extreme depths.
“Hitting 75 meters wasn’t just a milestone; it also proved that we were ready, capable, and prepared to push deeper,” he said.
“From there, the training intensified with trimix gas management, equipment management, decompression planning, and adjusting gradient factors on the fly. We drilled every emergency scenario too — BCD failure, regulator free-flow, lost mask — all while maintaining buoyancy during all this task loading. Staying calm under pressure became instinctive,” he explained further.
His instructors, including Roihan, Zoey, and Yan, guided him through the rigorous process, ensuring that every dive was more than an exercise in skill — it was a lesson in mindset.
“It wasn’t just a dive, it was a masterclass in discipline, precision, and mental focus,” he said.
The challenges extended beyond technical skill. Jet admits that one of the hardest parts was adapting to new dive planning systems and calculations.
“My Tec 50 training was a different style altogether, and this course pushed me to think critically and adapt on the fly,” he explained.
“Trimix gas planning and in-water decompression added a whole new level of awareness and stress. By the end, it wasn’t just about following procedures; it was about understanding the logic behind every decision and being confident in executing dives safely while constantly opening new doors.”
Training in Semporna, known for its deep walls and pristine waters, also honed Jet’s mental resilience. Beneath the surface, small issues can quickly become major challenges if not handled calmly.
“It’s not about taking it easy; it’s about finding the right balance to control your emotions while planning, coordinating, and executing complex technical tasks,” he said.
“If hoses fail, or if equipment malfunctions, your ability to adapt and solve problems on the spot ensures the dive goes smoothly. It’s as much about mental resilience as it is about technical skill,” he added.
When the day came to finally make the 100-metre descent, Jet described the experience as surreal — an immersion into a world few ever see.
“Reaching 100 meters was an incredible, almost otherworldly sensation,” he recalled.
“Surprisingly, I didn’t feel anxiety or worry — not because I was fearless, but because my dive buddies and I were so thoroughly prepared. Our instructor emphasised that confidence, not ignorance, is the key. Knowing that every contingency was planned for allowed me to truly enjoy the dive.”
At that depth, the Sipadan wall stretched downward into the darkness, far beyond what their gauges could record. The water grew colder, light faded to blue, and the ocean took on an ethereal stillness.
“The marine life is different — both in temperature and light. Colours fade, shadows grow longer, creating a surreal, almost alien atmosphere. The thrill of exploration combined with the adrenaline rush at this depth is unlike anything else,” he shared
“Every second feels intense and alive, reminding me how vast the ocean is and how small our everyday worries really are,” he added.
But the dive wasn’t without its surprises. In one instance, Jet’s dive buddy Ray faced unexpected equipment issues.
“During our 100-meter dive, Ray’s BCD inflator burst before we even started, and his dry suit started inflating unexpectedly during the descent,” Jet recounted. “Most divers would have panicked, but not us. We tackled the chaos calmly and methodically.”
The experience reinforced the importance of trust and teamwork in technical diving. Jet credited Ray’s experience and composure under pressure for helping them navigate the unexpected.
The 100-metre dive marked a turning point in Jet’s journey, not just as an accomplishment, but as an evolution of his approach to diving.
“This milestone isn’t just about going deeper. It’s about diving with more intent, confidence, and respect for the process,” he said.
With the new milestone, Jet hopes to inspire others to see that the ocean still holds mysteries worth exploring, and that the right blend of training, patience, and passion can take you to unimaginable depths.
“Every dive reminds me how much more there is to learn,” he said. “I want to keep exploring, continue learning with my instructors, and maybe one day uncover Brunei’s hidden underwater treasures. The future of diving isn’t just about depth — it’s about discovery.”
Diving into the future and beyond
After achieving his 100-metre certification, Jet shows no signs of slowing down.
“One of the main reasons I advanced into this type of diving is to explore depths that very few have seen. Technically, 100 metres is the deepest certification available. Anything beyond that is no longer about certification, but about knowledge, preparation, and experience. That is why a solid foundation is essential for planning and executing deeper dives safely,” he said.
As for the future, Jet plans to pursue Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) diving, which allows longer and quieter dives.
“If time and resources allow, I’m very interested in CCR diving. It opens up new possibilities for longer, deeper, and more controlled explorations.”
He also hopes to take part in local exploration projects. “Brunei still holds many hidden treasures, from uncharted wrecks to historical underwater sites. I’m excited to combine advanced diving skills with exploration to uncover them. The future of diving isn’t just about depth; it is about discovery, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”
Jet wants more Bruneians to see diving beyond its recreational side, as a way to understand the marine environment and support ocean conservation.
“Brunei has incredible dive sites that remain underexplored. With awareness and proper training, our local diving community can grow stronger and even contribute to marine research and preservation,” he said.
Beyond diving, Jet also engages in community outreach and training, sharing knowledge with younger divers and collaborating with local dive centres to promote safety.
“Diving has given me a sense of purpose. It teaches patience, focus, and respect for nature. Every descent feels like stepping into another world, and I want others to experience that wonder too,” he added.
His ultimate goal is to give back to Brunei’s diving community through mentorship, education, and positivity.
“I see myself helping both recreational and technical divers build confidence and dive safely. My goal is to share knowledge, promote best practices, and ensure we explore Brunei’s underwater sites responsibly.”
“Diving is as much about trust and preparation as it is about adventure. I hope to foster a community where divers feel supported, inspired, and empowered to enjoy the incredible experiences Brunei has to offer safely,” Jet said.
With his sights set on new depths, Jet continues to embody the spirit of exploration and learning that defines technical diving.
For him, the ocean is an infinite classroom, full of mystery, challenge, and wonder. His journey does not stop at records or certifications; it is about exploring, documenting, and showcasing Brunei’s underwater world to inspire others to dive deeper, both literally and figuratively.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
