Whether shooting a documentary, a television commercial or a feature film the right choice of underwater and marine locations is essential.

Many years of experience in marine and underwater productions around the world have provided us with a unique insight into the criteria which must be met for a location to be considered suitable and economical.

A pristine beach with white sand and turquoise waters may look idyllic when shot from the surface or the air but beneath the water it may prove less than ideal, prevailing sea conditions may have a detrimental effect on underwater visibility while currents and winds can make it difficult for support vessels and in-water personnel to hold positions.

A two hour boat ride to an offshore location sounds pleasant enough on a calm day but if weather and sea conditions change you could end up with very sea-sick cast and crew – not a good way to start the day.

Many desirable and environmentally sensitive locations require permits. Temporary permits for Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef are issued by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. These permits may require more than 30 days for processing and will only be issued if strict criteria are met and substantial insurances are put in place.

NUMA is the only Underwater and Marine production support company currently issued with a renewable 6 year permit to undertake film and television production using large underwater props and special effects equipment within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

This permit was issued In 2003, after an exhaustive and expensive application process - part of which required the production of a detailed ‘NUMA Manual for Underwater and Marine Operations within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park’.

This means there is no need to make further permit applications when the proposed activity falls within our permit guidelines.

Since receiving this permit we have gained considerable experience, providing our clients with environmentally responsible and sustainable approach to filming around one of the world’s great natural wonders.