Tag: jett britnell

Where Time Stands Still: Ghost Huts of Antarctica

Jett & Kathryn Britnell March 23, 2026March 23, 2026 Comments are off

Where Time Stands Still Jett and Kathryn Britnell

Where Time Stands Still: Ghost Huts of Antarctica

We were over the moon to see our story, “Where Time Stands Still: Ghost Huts of Antarctica,” splashed across a full eight‑page double‑spread in the Fall 2025 issue of The Explorers Journal. There’s a particular magic in holding it in your hands… the printed pages give the words and images a presence that digital can’t quite match.

I’m especially delighted that the editor chose Kathryn’s breathtaking landscape photograph to open the feature. It sets the tone perfectly. And I was standing right next to her when she took the photo.

The Explorers Journal

The Explorers Journal, published by The Explorers Club, continues to distinguish itself… named one of Gear Patrol’s top eight adventure magazines and honoured with Print Magazine’s NYC Design Award. To appear in a publication of this calibre is a thrill for any writer or photographer, and we’re grateful for the opportunity. Even more so, the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from our fellow Explorers Club members was deeply humbling.

You can download this story: Where Time Stands Still

Life As It Happens

Jett Britnell Appointed to Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Board of Governors

Jett & Kathryn Britnell November 6, 2025November 30, 2025 Comments are off

Board of Governors

Jett Britnell RCGS — I’m eager to work alongside the distinguished members of the College of Fellows who serve on the RCGS Board of Governors.

I’m deeply honoured and genuinely thrilled to share that I was elected to the Board of Governors of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS). What made this moment even more meaningful was learning from the Chair of the Nominating Committee that the panel’s decision was unanimous.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to two dear friends and RCGS Fellows, Janis Peleshok and Jenn Thornhill Verma, whose nominations and unwavering support made this possible. I’m also profoundly thankful to Robin Brooks, another cherished friend and RCGS Fellow, who always speaks highly about me in rooms I’m not in.

RCGS Annual General Meeting

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the warm congratulations and encouragement I received from members of The Explorers Club-Canadian Chapter who were present at the RCGS Annual General Meeting. Your friendship and support mean the world. The same goes for my learned friends and colleagues at the RCGS. Ever since I was elected to the RCGS College of Fellows in 2017… I have been proud to serve and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Canada… its people, places, natural and cultural heritage… both nationally and globally.

As the Honourable Lois Mitchell, President of the RCGS, often reminds us… Gratitude is one of the strongest and most transformative states of being. It shifts your perspective from lack to abundance. Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. On this, I couldn’t agree more.

On November 5th, 2025, I attended my first Board meeting with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. I move forward with purpose, deep gratitude, and unwavering commitment to the Society’s ongoing mission. 🇨🇦

Life As It Happens

A Life In The Depths: Moonlighting As A Diving Photojournalist Keynote Presentation

Jett & Kathryn Britnell April 16, 2025 Comments are off

IIBC Promo 2 for Hett Britnell Keynote Presentation

Jett Britnell Keynote A Life in the Depths Moonlighting as a Diving Photojournalist — Jett Britnell Keynote “A Life in the Depths Moonlighting as a Diving Photojournalist.”

I feel deeply honoured to have presented the Lunch Keynote at the Insurance Institute of British Columbia’s Symposium 2025 earlier today. Sharing my photojournalism experience and insights with such an engaged and enthusiastic audience was an absolute pleasure. The positive reception of the keynote from so many truly touched me.

A special thanks to Danielle Bolduc and Winnie Hon for placing your trust in me for this important IIBC annual event. I’m also immensely grateful to the IIBC’s Seminars Committee members for their warm welcome and outstanding coordination that made this experience seamless.

Thank you note from the IIBC Seminars Committee

Lastly, my sincere gratitude goes to the insurance industry professionals whose energizing and uplifting feedback made this experience all the more rewarding. Your kind words fuel the drive to continue my long obedience in the same direction—thank you all!

Exploration Published Work

The Explorers Club: Where The Spirit Of Exploration Abides

Jett & Kathryn Britnell April 16, 2025April 16, 2025 Comments are off

The Explorers Club Story - Jett and Kathryn Britnell

“Thank you, Jett & Kathryn!!! Another AMAZING piece.”

— Sherrie Wilkolaski, Editor in Chief, Luxe Beat Magazine

Our latest Third Age Expeditions column for Luxe Beat Magazine, “The Explorers Club: Where the Spirit of Exploration Abides,” marks a significant milestone as our 25th consecutive “Editor’s Pick.”

This comprehensive feature, totalling 9,618 words, edges close to book territory and explores the numerous benefits of being a member of The Explorers Club. Moreover, it shines a tiny spotlight on the Canadian Chapter while honouring the sense of fellowship, camaraderie, and the ties that bind Explorers Club members.

Story Link Here

Here’s what some fellow members of The Explorers Club said:

“This isn’t something that I talk about much outside of my close Circle but this is something that is worth sharing for those of you that might be interested. I met the authors on a trip last year and had the pleasure of scuba diving with them in Antarctica. Meeting Jett Britnell and his amazing wife, Kathryn Britnell, became some sort of life-changing event for me. They were both members of a club that I had so much respect for, that I felt Starstruck to be sitting on the same boat with them! (please don’t tell them that I said that!) Anyhow, it was through their guidance and support that I was actually able to become a member of this club. I still feel like a private first class in a room full of generals- but at least I’m in the room! Anyway, if you are interested in more information, there is a link to an article that they wrote about the organization. Becoming a member of The Explorers Club is one of the greatest accomplishments in my adult life.”

— Mark Owens

“There’s a nice segment in this article about the Explorers Club’s DEI Committee and the Society of Forgotten Explorers.”

— Robert Harris

“This is so good ! It really encapsulates what we are about and what the club is built on. Outstanding.”

— Kevin Heath

“Wow that’s quite a write up…..well done both of you.”

— Natalie Schmitt

“Excellent, that’s the perfect summary.”

— Nick Lyon

In The Press

Scuba Diver Magazine UK Interviews Jett Britnell

Jett & Kathryn Britnell March 21, 2024May 21, 2024 Comments are off

I’m thrilled to have one of my images on the cover of Sport Diver UK magazine, let alone my interview making it as the feature.

There is a link to the magazine here. Here

In The Press

“Teamwork in the Depths” Published in Alert Diver

Jett & Kathryn Britnell April 30, 2023May 11, 2023 Comments are off

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Teamwork in the Depths

Our story, “Teamwork in the Depths” is published in the current issue of “Alert Diver Magazine.” Last fall, Stephen Frink, editor of Alert Diver asked if we would author a story given the premise that underwater photographers are increasingly sharing the ocean with equally passionate underwater photographers and there may be fierce competition to compete for a photo op. As Kathryn and I had recently been diving in the Philippines with a large group of underwater photo pros, and while the pressure should have been intense to come home with the very best images, our social media posts implied we were working in a climate of camaraderie, respect, and support for getting the best image… all while not stressing the marine environment. Many thanks to Stephen and his talented team at Alert Diver. The consistently high quality of this publication speaks volumes about their teamwork.

The feedback we have received from our peers says it all for us:

Tanya Griffin Houppermans

“Bravo, Jett and Kathryn! I love that the diving community will see what happens when we work together and help lift each other up. What a great experience that was in the Philippines!”

Vijay Raman

“Thank you Kathryn and Jett for highlighting such an important topic. Proper photo etiquette is a piece that can really define the overall experience for both yourself and all those with you. With that spirit of camaraderie, teamwork and perhaps mentorship when appropriate, everyone comes away with a much richer experience. I know our time together this past summer was very fulfilling to me and I hope I was able to give back a little as well.”

Marty Snyderman

“I certainly agree with all of this!”

Michael Aw

“Good work bro & Kathryn!”

Allison Vitsky Sallmon

“Great to see this topic covered, and a wonderful article:). Congratulations!”

Here is a link to the story online: HERE

In The Press Published Work

The Philippines: Tripping the Depths Fantastic with Atlantis Dive Resorts

Jett & Kathryn Britnell February 11, 2023 Comments are off

Common lionfish Pterois volitans JETT BRITNELL

The Philippines

Last year, Kathryn and I accepted an invitation from diving legend and Atlantis ImageMakers Ambassador, Marty Snyderman, to fly to the Philippines in August, with an international group of nine other underwater photo pros, to participate in Atlantis ImageMakers 2022, hosted by Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, Philippines.

Our collective mission for two weeks between the two resorts, Atlantis Dumaguete and Atlantis Puerto Galera, was to do nothing except come along and… “bring a great attitude, dive safely, and above all have fun!” We did all that, and more. While we were under no obligation to do so… we decided to write a story about it for our adventure column in Luxe Beat Magazine.

Flamboyant cuttlefish Jett Britnell — Flamboyant cuttlefish. Photo by Jett Britnell.

Whatever you give in love… always comes back to you in countless ways.

Life As It Happens

Jett Britnell – Chapter Chair of The Explorers Club Canadian Chapter

Jett & Kathryn Britnell January 4, 2022June 4, 2022 Comments are off

Chapter Chair – The Explorers Club – Canadian Chapter

Well, New Year’s Day 2022 is the day I officially assumed the role and responsibilities of Chapter Chair of The Explorers Club- Canadian Chapter. While it all still seems a bit surreal to me, I’m comforted knowing that we have a group of extremely talented people on the Canadian Chapter’s Executive Team. Tomorrow it’s “Ahead warp factor one“…because all things in life should be more about the voyage… than the destination.

“I Truly Never Imagined Any Of This”

Scuba News Canada Story: Link

Published Work

“Blowin’ a Gagger” in Tobermory – Shipwrecks, a Grotto, and Ice Cream

Jett & Kathryn Britnell November 15, 2021 Comments are off

Diving Tobermory’s Historic Shipwrecks

My story about diving Tobermory’s historic shipwrecks “Blowin’ a Gagger” in Tobermory – Shipwrecks, a Grotto, and Ice Cream”, was published online today on Shearwater Research‘s website.

This was a fun story to write and is a nod and a wink to the many diving friends I have back east who shared time and space with us during my 10-day diving visit to Tobermory, Ontario, back in 2019.

Mucho thanks to Jeff Shirk, Paul Scott, Greg Hannigan, my fellow Team Zero brothers who drove all the way up from Milwaukee for a visit, (Cal Kothrade aka Mr. #MilwaukeeSettings, Steven Wimer II, and Dirk Wilhelm, Corry Coyea, Divers Den owners Kelly McAdam & Michael Marcotte, and then on my last night at the Seldon’s homestead for dinner Mark Skursky and JD Strang came for a visit and where I met for the first time the lovely and talented Kelly Rizzo who tamed… er well, married… Stuart Seldon. Thanks again, Stuart, for making this visit a blast. Best of all… I can now forever claim to be part of Tobermory’s scuba history having stayed for many nights at the notoriously famous… “Squaller Holler!”

Published Work

Exploring Mars From Pavilion Lake

Jett & Kathryn Britnell June 30, 2021July 25, 2021 Comments are off

Colonies of microbialites in Pavilion Lake photo by Jett Britnell

“WOW! You hit another one out of the park! LOVE this piece. From Martini’s to Mars… Jett and Kathryn rock it!”

~ Editor, Luxe Beat Magazine

We scored another LuxeBeat Magazine… “Editor’s Picks!”

“Get dressed, we’re going on an adventure!”

Everyone needs a friend who will call, and say… “Get dressed, we’re going on an adventure!” And the friend who jump started this adventure was Michel Joseph. That’s Michel with his full underwater camera rig in the picture.

Link to the story is: Here

“Where there is water, there is life!” is an old adage of Astrobiologists. Whenever people pondered the possibility of there being water on Mars, it was often in the context about there being either ancient water or frozen water. However, there was a scientific breakthrough in 2017 when cumulative evidence from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provided scientists with findings that liquid water does indeed flow intermittently each summer on the Red Planet’s mountains, craters and canyons. Evidentiary proof that Mars may in the past, or in the present, been habitable for microorganisms. “Our quest on Mars has been to “follow the water,” in our search for life in the universe, and now we have convincing science that validates what we’ve long suspected. This is a significant development, as it appears to confirm that water, albeit briny, is flowing today on the surface of Mars” said John Grunsfeld, astronaut and associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

(Play Nice In The Sandbox, Kids. Ask, Don't Steal)