Company History
Other Contributors

Violet Ultra Travel Ltd draws together the expertise and experience of Rohan and James Pike.

James Pike

James’ first experience of diving was on a frosty morning in November 1993, in the cold murky waters of the harbour at Fort Bovisand, Plymouth. Under the expert tuition of the Instructors of the Joint Services Sub-Aqua Diving Centre (JSSADC), he was soon caught by the diving bug!

Whilst working for the Ministry of Defence as a member of staff at Birmingham University Officer Training Corps (BUOTC), his interest in scuba diving continued to expand through participation in numerous unit diving expeditions. With his love for scuba diving being matched only by his desire to share this experience with others, he soon progressed to BSAC Advanced Diver and commenced BSAC Instructor qualifications.

Seven years later, he would find himself back at Fort Bovisand undertaking the arduous week’s assessment for the Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisors (SADS) course. Successful completion of this course has led to participation, instruction and supervision as a diving Supervisor in 35 military diving expeditions in the last 9 years, gaining valuable experience in the Egyptian waters of the Red Sea

Since 1998, James “Jim” has served as the Membership Secretary for the Army General Branch of BSAC (ASADA SB651), and also on the Executive Committee for the Army Sub-Aqua Diving Association (ASADA) in a variety of appointments as Secretary, Treasurer and UK Focus. During that time, he has developed a thorough understanding of the scuba diving regulations and all aspects of the expedition process.

In late 2004, he was lured away from Birmingham to become UK Operations Manager and Company Secretary for a specialist diving tour operator, based in Plymouth. This was to prove a very wise decision as it was through working for this company (conducting a military expedition on a liveaboard in the Northern Red Sea) that he met his wife-to-be, Rohan.

Recently relocated to Kendal in the Lake District, he has accumulated 21 years service in the Territorial Army, and now serves with Liverpool University Officers Training Corps (LUOTC), based at their Lancaster detachment. He is looking forward to introducing many more new divers to our wonderful underwater world!

Diving Qualifications:

Joint Services Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor (SADS 1244)
BSAC Open Water Instructor (OWI 4743)
BSAC Advanced Diver
BSAC Oxygen Administration
BSAC Diver Coxswain
RYA Powerboat Level 2 and Safety Boat
PADI Dive Master

Rohan Pike

Rohan has always loved any sport that kept her on or in water. Her adventures with diving began in1997 when a friend convinced her it was time go to the local Kendal and Lakes BSAC club and make a try dive. She never looked back! Diving was addictive and soon she was to be found on all the evening and weekend club trips.

After seven years working as Business Manager and Company Director for the family award winning mail order company, it was time for a change. She headed out to Egypt  in 2001, turning her hobby into her career by becoming a liveaboard Dive Guide. It was a steep learning curve to live in a country with such a different culture, language and religion but what an experience!

During the following four years, life on the sea took hold and she quickly developed her understanding of the reefs, currents and marine creatures. It became a passion to help others to see, understand and enjoy the world they were diving into. In addition to her liveaboard  Dive Guiding experience, Rohan also spent time working as a dive centre Instructor on day trips and provided holiday cover for a British holiday rep.

By 2005 she was Senior Guide with a fleet of boats, training new Guides and teaching the crew first aid (EFR) and PADI diving courses. During the summer her path crossed with James, over a military diving exped, and later that year she took the decision to move back to the UK to settle in Plymouth.

Drawing on her wide-ranging experience as both a business woman and Diving Instructor, Rohan took up the role of Sales Team Manager for a specialist diving tour operator. Life was odd without blue skies every day, but she enjoyed the new challenges and man in her life! After their marriage in March 2007, Rohan and James relocated to Rohan’s home town of Kendal, in Cumbria, and set up home in the beautiful countryside. Although James is trying hard to persuade her to dive again in British waters, the memories of warm, clear blue seas are just too strong and the only hope is to return soon to the places she loves!

Qualifications:

PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (PADI no. 619795 in teaching status)
PADI Speciality Instructor (Nitrox, deep, wreck, dry suit, drift and boat diver)
EFR Instructor (Emergency First Response Ltd)                   
TDI Gas Blending Technician                               
TDI Basic Nitrox Instructor             
BSAC Dive Leader & Open Water Instructor (OWI 5888)                       
BSAC Oxygen Administration