Our tech expert Phil is originally from Sweden but has lived abroad for most of his life. An accomplished tech instructor, he is in charge of technical diving at Manta Dive on Gili Trawangan, Indonesia.
He is an OC extended range instructor and holds certifications for closed circuit JJ-CCR and SF2 advanced trimix.
In 2016 he completed his Expedition Trimix training, reaching a depth of 130 meters in November. In 2017 he added his Full Cave certification, both Open Circuit and Closed Circuit.
Portfolio
Reviews
I recently completed a technical diving trip to Truk Lagoon with Phil Christoff and Insider Divers, and I can’t recommend them highly enough for serious wreck divers.
Every dive, often in the 40–60m range, was meticulously planned, with clear gas, deco, and contingency briefings. Safety was always front and center — from gas matching and bailout checks to reliable surface support and conservative adjustments for current and visibility. I have since also joined them for a rebreather trip to Bikini Atoll - also outstanding.
For anyone committed to technical wreck diving in Truk Lagoon, Phil and Insider Divers are an outstanding choice.
I’ve done 3 trips to Truk Lagoon and 1 to Bikini with Insider Divers, each was exceptional. The wrecks, warm clear water, and rich sea life make it a world‑class destination. Insider Divers consistently delivers smooth organisation — from booking and travel support to managing the group and diving on site.
My first trip was recreational with Simon, from shallow wrecks to deeper, more complex sites. On technical trips with Phil we explored deeper wrecks, add penetration, and extended bottom times. Phil’s leadership made the technical planning seamless, with clear deco reviews, objectives, and run‑time coordination that kept dives safe and comfortable.
Truk is truly unique, and I look forward to returning.
Diving Truk Lagoon with Simon from Insider Divers was one of my most memorable trips.
The wreck dives were expertly planned, the guides outstanding, and the whole experience ran smoothly. Blue Lagoon Resort was clean, comfortable, and felt very safe. Simon’s photography coaching and his mini WWII history sessions added real depth to every dive. I also met an amazing group of divers, many of whom I still dive with today.
Highly recommend Simon and Insider Divers for a well‑organized and unforgettable wreck‑diving adventure.
Q&A
When did you start exploring the ocean and how did your passion develop from there?
When I was a kid I would visit my family in Florida every summer and I started swimming in the ocean and snorkeling as early as I can remember. I always loved marinelife and water sports but it wasn’t until a university break years later that a friend convinced me to go to Egypt and give diving a try, since then exploring the underwater world has become my main focus in life
What was your best moment in the wild thus far?
It is very hard to choose from so many good memories, I would say the most rewarding was coming across a ghost net that had been dropped the same morning. The fish were still alive and my dive buddy and I managed to free them all including a bamboo shark before removing the net. Seeing that shark swim away felt very special
What do you like about being a group leader?
Being a group leader allows me to see some amazing destinations through the eyes of a wide variety of divers with diverse backgrounds. It really enriches the experience and gives me a perspective on a destination I could never have had on my own
The most important things you are trying to achieve for your guests?
While my primary focus with technical divers will always be safety I aim to make sure that my guest get the very best out of every dive through careful planning