Our Origins

InDEPTH was born from conversations between Jarrod Jablonski, founder of GUE, and Michael Menduno, creator of the legendary aquaCORPS: The Journal for Technical Diving (1990–1996), which helped launch technical diving as a discipline. Their vision was to build a free, online magazine for the global technical and mission-oriented diving community—much like aquaCORPS had done in its time. Now in our seventh year, InDEPTH has become a trusted platform for pioneering journalism, research, and storytelling in advanced diving.

Honoring Michael Menduno

We mourn the loss of Michael Menduno, a founder, guiding voice, and pillar of our community. His passion for diving, exploration, and innovation continues to inspire every page we publish. We honor his legacy through our ongoing commitment to integrity, curiosity, and excellence.

Leadership & Editorial Team

With this new chapter in our journey, we are proud to introduce Stratis Kas as the Editor in Chief of InDEPTH. Stratis steps into this role at a pivotal moment, bringing a fresh perspective and deep dedication to our mission.

Our Mission

At InDEPTH Magazine, our mission is to expand knowledge and push the boundaries of what’s possible underwater. Each month, we feature stories on safety, technology, physiology, exploration, training, and culture—always grounded in education, conservation, and progress.
Our global team of writers includes scientists, explorers, photographers, and thought leaders who share a passion for deep exploration and mission-driven diving.

The Knowledge Base

At the heart of InDEPTH lies our Knowledge Base Archive—a living resource of over 1,000 technical diving articles, the only collection of its kind. It documents where technical diving has been, where it stands, and where it’s headed. We extend this mission through Data Matters surveys, curated media in Soundings, interviews in The Talks, and special annual guides.

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Meet The InDEPTH Team

Michael Menduno / M2, Founder — Michael was the co-founder and editor-in-chief of InDEPTH, and an award-winning reporter and technologist who wrote about diving and diving technology for over 30 years. He coined the term “technical diving.” His magazine aquaCORPS: The Journal for Technical Diving (1990–1996) helped usher technical diving into the mainstream of sport diving. He produced the first Tek, EUROTek, and ASIATek conferences, and organized Rebreather Forums 1, 2, and most recently, Rebreather Forum 4, held in Valletta, Malta, in 2023. Michael received numerous honors, including the OZTEK Media Excellence Award (2011), the EUROTek Lifetime Achievement Award (2012), and the TEKDive USA Media Award (2018). A sought-after speaker, he gave hundreds of talks at workshops, conferences, and dive shows around the world. In addition to his work at InDEPTH, Michael served as Senior Editor and writer for DAN Europe, and contributed to publications including Alert Diver and the Journal of Diving History. He also served on the board of the Historical Diving Society USA (2019–2024) and was a member of the Rebreather Training Council (RTC).

His vision, energy, and passion for exploration continue to inspire the global diving community.

Stratis Kas, editor-in-chief. As the author of “Close Calls” and “Cave Diving,” Stratis is a respected voice in the diving community. An accomplished expedition leader and dynamic speaker, Stratis has shared his knowledge at major international conferences, delivering impactful talks on diving safety, innovation, and underwater filmmaking. Fluent in multiple languages, he collaborates effectively with multicultural teams, bringing his entrepreneurial mindset and creative vision to projects that span the globe. Stratis has spent years immersed in the diving community — as a technical diver, explorer, and writer — with a firm belief in the power of storytelling to illuminate challenges, discoveries, and innovations. Under his stewardship, InDEPTH will continue—and amplify—its mission to push boundaries, foster learning, and spark dialogue across the diving world.

He can be reached at: sk@indepthmag.com | Website: www.stratiskas.com

Ashley Stewart, Reporter. InDEPTH investigative reporter and contributor Ashley Stewart is a Seattle-based journalist and tech diver, and an owner of Eight Diving. Ashley started diving with Global Underwater Explorers and writing for InDEPTH in 2021. She is a GUE Tech 2 and CCR1 diver and on her way to becoming an instructor. In her day job, Ashley is an investigative journalist reporting on technology companies.

She can be reached at: ashley@gue.com

Marysia Trepat Borecka, Conservation Content Editor (MSc in Ecology and Biodiversity Management). Marysia is a biologist and ecologist with a lifelong love for the sea and nature. She began exploring the underwater world as a diver during her university years, combining her scientific training with her love for discovery. Her professional experience includes research on marine ecology and field experiences across Europe and South America, where she contributed to projects focused on biodiversity protection. Marysia is passionate about conservation and science communication, thrives in multidisciplinary environments, and is committed to building bridges between research and community to protect our natural world for future generations.

She can be reached at: m23.trepat@gmail.com

Natalia Zakharova, social media Manager. Natalia manages InDepth Magazine’s social media presence, engaging a global community of diving enthusiasts. With expertise in social media strategy and digital marketing, she excels in creating impactful and dynamic content. An avid tech diver and part-time documentary filmmaker, Natalia brings her passion for diving to every campaign.

She can be reached at: natizakharova@gmail.com

Pat Jablonski, Director of Copy Editing. After years of education, two degrees, and two satisfying careers helping people achieve their goals in Palm Beach county, Pat retired to High Springs to be closer to her grandchildren. Having earned a degree in English and wanting to be useful, she happily took on the task of copy editing GUE’s instructional materials, which evolved into her great joy, working on InDepth’s editorial team. In addition to that sweet gig, she writes—lists, notes, essays, short stories, and novels. Writing makes her happy and keeps her out of trouble. She lives with her loving husband and eight marvelous hens on five acres of old oak trees. Since moving there, her hair turned white, but she doesn’t think it’s anyone’s fault.

She can be reached at: patj@gue.com

Nic Joye, Copy Editor. Nic loves lobster season, brackish water, and all things Floridian. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Florida Atlantic University, they pursued a variety of careers before rediscovering their first love—writing. When they aren’t working, you can find them boating, roller skating, or snacking on smoked fish dip.

Darcy Kieran is principal at the Business of Diving Institute. In the dive industry, Darcy Kieran has worked in retail and wholesale. He’s been a Course Director and scuba diving Instructor Trainer with numerous recreational and tech diving training agencies. He owned/managed dive shops, dive resorts, and charter boats in Canada and the USA. He’s been on the Board of Directors of DEMA. He has gained valuable experience from other industries, including sporting goods manufacturing, radio & TV broadcasting, railroads & transportation, digital marketing agencies, and education. Darcy is an engineer, radio announcer, and author.

He can be reached at: darcy@businessofdiving.com

Kady Smith, Office Operations Manager. Kady began working part-time for GUE in 2007 and gradually moved to a full-time position over the following couple of years. She is currently the GUE Headquarters office operations manager and supports InDEPTH with administration of sponsorship contracts, processing payments, and bookkeeping.