Sin
Som
Sin is the owner of Cambodian Diving Academy, who loved to go swimming and snorkeling off the coast of Cambodia in Sihanoukville. One day she heard a friend talking about diving and not knowing much about Scuba Diving she thought it was the same as snorkeling. Then one day she got the opportunity to try scuba diving.
Wow, the first time she went, she couldn’t believe what she experienced. To see so many fish that she could follow the deeper she went. With so much life and so many beautiful things and colours, she was so happy and relaxed in this wonderland environment it encouraged her to want more.
So, from that moment she wanted to learn how to dive...
In 2017 she had the opportunity to live in Myanmar for some 19 months which gave her the “Open Water” diving course and then moved on to the “Advanced Open Water” course. In 2020 she moved to Thailand and expanded her love for diving and completed the “Rescue Course”.
In 2021, Sin moved back to Cambodia, where she was proud to accomplish the “Dive Master” course and become the first Cambodian female Dive Master!
This has also helped Sin to understand a lot more about the environment and what we need to do to help educate and protect our fragile ecosystem.
Sin’s ambition is to help not only other Cambodians but everyone who comes to the beautiful Cambodian Coastline to learn how to dive and teach people what we need to do to help the environment. To clean our country to protect Cambodia and make it more beautiful to show people around the world that Cambodian people can do it.
Ken Obrien
A Founding Partner &
Advocate for Ocean Conservation
Sean Callan
Ken Obrien is one of the founding partners and plays a very active role in the organization. With a passion for conservation and public awareness, Ken drives himself to deliver the message of “Protect our Ocean.”
With a background in property development, construction, and engineering, Ken has created a state-of-the-art dive center where every detail has been meticulously worked through. From developing the current location to equipment maintenance and conformity to international standards, his dedication is evident.
Ken works tirelessly to ensure that our customers have the whole package with a focus on fun and safety. His commitment to excellence ensures that every visitor has an unforgettable and secure diving experience.
Welcome to Sean's Diving Adventures! With over 20 years of diving experience across Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific, Sean is passionate about ocean conservation and is dedicated to making a difference.
He is excited to launch a coral regeneration project off the coast of Sihanoukville, inviting both new and seasoned divers to join him as ocean warriors.
As Sean always says, “Keep the oceans clean, Have fun in a safe and wonderful environment.”
Join us for a Discover Scuba Diving Experience and witness the magic of the underwater world!
Qualifications
BSAC Dive Master / Assitant Instructor
Multi-Level Diver
Underwater Navigation
Night Diver
Boat Diver
Enriched Air
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Coral Aware
Emergency Oxygen Provider
Emergency First Response
Deep Diver
Wreck Diver
Search & Recovery
Dry Suit Diver
Fish Identification
Ke Sreypich (Pich)
Sky Bar & Restaurant Manager
Pich commenced with Cambodia Diving Academy during the opening of the Sky Bar and Restaurant and, through her hard work, dedication, and commitment to improving service standards and venue quality, has progressed into the role of manager. She warmly welcomes every guest with a kind smile and is always happy to assist customers, helping create the friendly and welcoming atmosphere the venue is known for today.
Passionate about hospitality, Pich is focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences while driving business growth through quality service, team support, and operational efficiency.
Punlok
Boat Captain
​Born in 1986 on a very small island called White Rock 30km from Sihanoukville, Punlok has spent almost all his life in around or on the ocean.
Starting out as a boat boy learning everything he could from the age of 15, at the age of 21 he was appointed his first ships captain position on a traditional Cambodian fishing boat.
In 2013 he took a sabbatical from the ocean and worked in a boat building yard were he acquired new skills such as engine installation, repair and maintenance.
In 2015 he returned to the ocean again working in varying manners as a ships captain in 2023 he met Sin and James and became a very great asset to Cambodia Diving Academy.
James Swain
(Deceased)
Cambodia Diving Academy was founded by James Swain — an extraordinary individual whose diverse and impactful life was dedicated to marine conservation. Alongside his wife Sin, James established CDA in 2022 with a vision of continuing his lifelong passion for diving, education, and the protection of Cambodia’s marine ecosystems. He was not only the driving force behind the academy, but also a passionate advocate for conservation and sustainable ocean stewardship.
James’s life was defined by resilience, adventure, and an unwavering love for the ocean. Through his work, he inspired countless divers, students, and conservationists to appreciate and protect the underwater world.
Tragically, James was killed in a motorbike accident in July 2025. His legacy, however, continues through Sin, founding partner Ken O’Brien, Sean Callan, Ke Sreypich, and Punlok, along with the many people whose lives he touched through his conservation efforts and passion for diving.
We invite you to help continue the conservation journey that James cared so deeply about.
“If you’re looking for James, he’s gone diving.”