Diving with great white sharks and discovering shipwrecks is considered a “good day at the office” for Hugh Edwards. 
The self-proclaimed adrenalin junkie took a giant leap of faith when, at the age of 35, he threw in his job as a journalist and pursued a life-long dream to dive deep underwater and document his adventures.
Now 76 and with no plans to slow down, Mr Edwards, of Swanbourne, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours.
His research over the past 50 years has been instrumental in the discovery of several historical wrecks.
He has also filmed underwater documentaries and worked alongside the late crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, saying he was “a thoroughly nice person”.
An award-winning author, Mr Edwards has penned more than 30 novels plus a number of historical books on his home state.
“Adventure is as addictive as any drug and you don’t realise that until you look back how one thing has led to another,” Mr Edwards said
“It’s a great thrill to be acknowledged for something I enjoy doing.”
Mr Edwards said he was most proud of his contribution to the discovery of the Dutch ship Batavia, and uncovering one of Australia’s darkest stories of mutiny after its sinking in 1629.
The father of three and grandfather of five plans to release a new book next year.
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