A SCUBA expert is hoping to successfully co-ordinate a mass dive off the Purbeck coast that will smash the world record.

The target, set by the Indonesian navy in 2009, is a staggering 2,486 divers in the water at the same time.

But Swanage man Jason Haiselden is hoping to entice up to 3,000 divers to the town for September’s record bid.

This dive will raise money for charities including Swanage’s Heroes Haven and the RNLI.

Jason, who has a decade of diving experience – mostly in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines – has been working tirelessly to organise the bid and hopes to make £150,000 for charity.

He said: “I hadn’t done very much UK diving until I moved here, as I love colourful reefs and marine life.

“However, I completely appreciate just how good the diving is here in Swanage. It has a great reputation in the UK with the dive community.

“The environment off the Jurassic Coast and Purbeck in particular is just a dream. On a clear summer’s day you feel you could be on a Greek Island.”

Jason, who runs an online Livaboard booking system company, called ScubaClick, is confident the record can be broken.

A company spokesman said: “To make an attempt on any world record requires immense planning, support and money.

“Jason has spent many months putting together risk assessments, having numerous meetings with safety advisory groups and Swanage Town Council.

“The council, while initially somewhat cautious, have all been very supportive and have given their full approval and backing for the event.”

The record bid is scheduled to take place off the Swanage coast, weather depending, on September 24.

A bar, live music and diving related stalls will be set up at Sand Pit Field, giving the attempt a real carnival feel.

Visit gwr.scubaclick.com for information.