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Round-up of Southeast Asias best dive sites

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The UK diving scene needs you!

The Easter festivities have come and gone, and now as we move through May, the weather will be gradually improving on a daily basis (as I write this, it is actually grey outside, but heh, you have to think positive!), which means it is the perfect time to be contemplating where you will be diving this summer. I am a huge fan of diving around our coastline, which is part of the reason why Sport Diver has developed such a large section devoted to UK diving. I am looking forward to paying a return visit to Scapa Flow (Ill probably be up there as you read this), going camping-and-diving in Cornwall at the end of May, and getting involved with the Scubapro Diving Days, which means heading over to Ireland in June and returning to Cornwall in July. Then there will be all the usual Test Team days at local inland sites, plus the odd weekend which will appear on the radar if a particular day is looking decidedly nice. That is the great thing about UK diving. You can plan trips well in advance, or you can drop everything and head off for a day or a weekend at a moments notice. If you needed further temptation dangled like a carrot in front of you, why not check out the BBC series Britains Secret Seas, currently showing on BBC Two on Sunday evenings, Mark Evans, Editor which is a fantastic showcase for British diving. mark.evans@sportdiver.co.uk
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BOB WHORTON
Bob Whorton has been diving all over the world, but has come to love certain areas specifically for their photographic potential. He first visited Jordan many years ago, and now, after after a 17-year hiatus, he returns to the Middle East to check out the diving on offer.

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PATRICK SHIER
Patrick Shier is a PADI MSDT who runs a dive school on the Kent/Sussex border. He often arranges shore and boat dives around the UK coastline, taking newly qualified divers on their first sea dive. This month, he visits twin wreck sites off the Norfolk coastline.

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Archant Specialist, 3 The Courtyard, Denmark Street, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2AZ. Tel 0118 977 1677 Fax 0118 977 2903 EDITORIAL EDITOR Mark Evans....................0118 989 7265 mark.evans@sportdiver.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR/WEB EDITOR William Harrison............0118 989 7266 william.harrison@sportdiver.co.uk ART EDITOR Matthew Griffiths ..........01242 216067 matthew.griffiths@archant.co.uk REPROGRAPHICS MANAGER Neil Puttnam ..................01242 264788 AD SALES AD MANAGER Dave Pritchett................0118 989 7236 dave.pritchett@sportdiver.co.uk SALES EXECUTIVE Ross Arnold....................0118 989 7220 ross.arnold@sportdiver.co.uk

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Al Hornsby has been enjoying the underwater world since the age of 12. A long-time senior manager with PADI - he is currently Senior Vice President for PADI Worldwide he also enjoyed a stint as editorial director of the now-defunct Skin Diver. This issue, he explores the wonders of Sipadan and Mabul.

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Archant Specialist, 3 The Courtyard, Denmark Street, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2AZ. Tel 0118 977 1677 Fax 0118 977 2903 Archant Specialist is a wholly owned subsidiary of Archant plc.
Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers or PADI. Copyright for material published remains with Archant Specialist. Use of material from Sport Diver is strictly prohibited unless permission is given. While we do accept editorial submissions, Sport Diver cannot accept any liability for loss or damage, however caused. Please include an SAE for return of your work. All advertisements of which the creative content is in whole or in part the work of Archant Specialist remain the copyright of Archant Specialist plc.

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June 2011 www.sportdiver.co.uk

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COVER PICTURE: Diver on Zenobia PHOTOGRAPHER: Stuart Philpott

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Sport Divers acknowledged diving experts offer useful tips and sound advice on a host of dive-related topics to help you dive like a pro

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Dive Doctor
Dr Oliver Sykes looks at the similarities and the differences - between CCRs and anaesthetic machines.

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Find out how much money you could save by joining the Diving Society.

Photo workshop
Martin Edge explains how sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time to get the shot you are after.

News
South Coasts Coronation wreck opened to all divers, plus cyclist celebrates epic charity bike ride in full dive kit.

46

Your letters
The pick of the Sport Diver postbag, including a diver concerned about reported closures of dive sites in Thailand.

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Top Tips
Martin Sampson focuses on the ascent portion of your dive, and argues that this is the most-important section, yet also one that people dont give enough attention.

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Scholarship diary
Erin McFadden introduces herself as the 2011 Our World-Underwater Scholar.

PADI Diving Society News

Simon Chance examines how diving courses have helped turnaround the lives of kids in a childrens home in JoBurg.

Photo of the month

The best image from the Sport Diver gallery wins a 200 voucher from Cameras Underwater.

120 Tech Diver: Tech Zone

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PADI Diving Society benefits

138 Rob Hunt

Divings funniest columnist looks at the invention of the aqualung.

Mark Powell looks at the core skills that every technical diver - whatever their level of experience and regardless of the training organisation they follow - needs to master in order to progress with this discipline.

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Sport Diver brings you more regular UK diving features than any other magazine

Sport Diver travels the world to bring you the best diving destinations

Sport Divers Test Team rates and reviews the new releases

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Above 18m: Norfolk

Patrick Shier pays a visit to two very different wrecks located off the Norfolk coastline and finds them absolutely smothered in marine growth and fish and invertebrates.

24

Jordan
Bob Whorton makes a welcome return to the Middle East, exploring Aqaba after a hiatus of some 17 years and finding it still offers much to visiting divers.

New
Clip n Go video camera, Highland utility shorts, Ikelite PC LED torches, and Mares Hybrid She Dives BCD.

98

Whats

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Southeast Asia
Overview of some of the best diving destinations in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

100

Group Test: Regulators under 200

The Sport Diver Test Team got together to brave extremely chilly surface and water temperatures to rate and review a selection of budget regulators.

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The Dive Files

Light-hearted but informative profile of Cornwall-based dive centre Sal Diving.

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Sabah, Malaysia
Al Hornsby returns to Sipadan and Mabul and is once-again mesmerised by the vast array of marine life on display right in front of his mask.

Focus on... PADI Deep Diver

Web editor Will Harrison descends to the depths of Stoney Cove to notch up his PADI Deep Diver certification.

106 108

Test Extra
OThrees Ri2-100 Flex drysuit is given the once-over.

76

Florida
Manatees are ugly but cute and Florida is the best place in the world to interact with them. Plus, it is just a short drive to some seriously impressive wrecks.

114

Tech Diver: Scotland

Mike Clark reckons HMS Pathfinder is the best wreck dive in Scotland.

Long-Term Test
A range of diving equipment, including the Mares Icon HD dive computer, are put through their paces.

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Find you e 128 ide on pag see our gu

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Mozambique
Part two of Patrick Shiers epic trek the entire length of Mozambique, this time taking in the southern sector.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIVER TRAIL GOES ON-LINE

A diver investigates one of the Coronation's anchors during the diver trail open day organised by the Coronation Wreck Project

Photograph: Courtesy of the Coronation Wreck Project

aturday 16 April 2011 marked the launch of a ground-breaking new diver trail on one of the UK's least-dived yet most historically important marine archaeological sites. The Coronation, a 300-year-old Second Rate warship, sank off Penlee Point during a violent storm in September 1691 but from the early 1970s was subject to a protection order that restricted unlicensed diving in and around the surrounding area. However, thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of an eight-strong team of volunteer divers led by licence holders Mark Pearce and Ginge Cook of the

Coronation Wreck Project, permission was recently granted to allow sport divers to access the wreck. Mr Cook, a PADI instructor who holds a Nautical Archaeological Society (NAS) Part II qualification, explained the idea behind the project during an open day hosted by Discovery Divers, at Fort Bovisand, Plymouth. "It was my aim as a vocational archaeologist to get over the 'closed shop' attitude of such sites and open it up for everyone - every diver isn't going to smash and thieve from a wreck - which is a perception that some of the old school had. "Initially the idea met a lot of skepticism but with

the support of English Heritage, Crown Estates and the NAS, who had previous experience with similar schemes elsewhere, we were able to get the scheme up and running. The day began with a fascinating presentation by Peter McBride, team leader of the original divers who discovered the remains of the 1,345-tonne Coronation and who still lends his knowledge, expertise and experience to the scheme. While the exact reasons for the loss of the ship remain unclear, the evidence strongly points to a parting of the anchor cables while sheltering from a ferocious hurricane-force southwesterly gale, which left a number of other vessels from the English fleet to a similar fate as they sought refuge along the same stretch of coastline. De-masted and capsized, the Coronation was mercilessly swept aground at Penlee's Lady Cove, resulting in the death of Captain Charles Skelton and 600 of his crew in what still remains the UK's largest loss of life in a maritime disaster. Only an estimated 20 men survived and fierce public calls for a safe haven in Plymouth Sound in the aftermath of the catastrophe resulted in the eventual creation of the ports famous Breakwater. Mark Pearce, visitor licence holder, and first point of contact for divers wishing to register for the trail, explained how the idea came to fruition after a chance meeting. I bumped into Ginge here at Bovisand back in 2009 and we got talking about the various dive sites around the area and I happened to mention the historic wreck off Penlee Id love to dive but couldnt. He went through the procedure on how to go about it, which I did and weve been diving it ever since! Divers have had such a bad reputation in the past that we wanted to set up this method of being able to see it and show that divers when given the opportunity will respond and respect what is there. Were 100 per cent voluntary, nobody gets paid and nobody earns anything out of it, but we are very grateful to our sponsors who support various aspects of the project, including the divers trail guide.

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Mark Pearce and Ginge Cook, licence holders for The Coronation Wreck Project wreck trail, look over the guide on the way out to the site at Penlee Point during the open day

Camel Dive Club & Hotel - since 1986: Created for divers, by divers

Photograph: Courtesy of the Coronation Wreck Project

Coronation Watch Bell, taken in 1983 Photograph: Richard Merritt

Mr McBride's well-researched history of the sinking of the vessel, its subsequent discovery and eventual identification was followed by an escorted dive for the days attendees led by Mr Cook, who explained what to expect for a first-time visiting diver. "The first anchor when you go down at the start of the trail, you look at it and take in the sheer magnitude and size of that anchor - and you think, how in the 1600s, how did they manage to move that kit with no hydraulics, no steam power?" The area of trail is approximately 50 metres by 60 metres and is an easy 40-minute dive in a maximum depth of 20m, leaving plenty of time to return to any specific point of interest and can be enjoyed by anyone from OW Diver upwards. "It's great for the likes of the newly qualified diver, continued Cook. And to be able to visit something

of this magnitude 300 years old in this depth is an inspiring dive." From her original 90-gun armory, a total of 86 cannon, seven anchors, and many other smaller artifacts have been recorded over two main areas, designated as inshore and offshore sites. The shallow inshore site remains of bounds and due to an abundance of kelp obscuring the remains offers little of interest to all but the keenest of trained eyes. The deeper offshore site with a rock and sand seabed comprises ten individually buoyed and numbered stations that designate the boundaries of the diver trail. Each station features one or more of 17 cannon along the trail, with two of the Coronations five-metre-long anchors, weighing an estimated five tonnes apiece, giving scale to the tragic sinking. While the site is open, certain restrictions remain in place - primarily a look but dont touch policy. The temptation for anyone that finds something interesting is to pick it up. says Mark Pearce. We are saying dont do that as youll be breaking the law but instead, note down where it is and at the end of the dive we have a dive form which everyone fills out and any finds can be left to the team to assess. Were hopeful that this project can blaze a trail for protected wrecks around the country to be opened up and so allow everyone to enjoy the pleasure of their heritage. To dive the Coronation Diver Trail, contact Mark Pearce via The Coronation Wreck Projects website at: www.coronationwreck.co.uk

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06 -11

GORDON FRONTS BITEBACK SOUP-ER STARS

oceans correspondent of The Times newspaper, Frank Pope (currently appearing on BBC2 in Britains Secret Seas), both of whose names appear as signatories on the campaign letter. Prior to this celebrity boost, Bite-Back has enjoyed remarkable success in ending the sale of shark-fin soup in Britain by inspiring dozens of restaurants to change their menus, including the countrys only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, Hakkasan. It is credited with prompting Wagamama to remove shark from its menus and for persuading ASDA to halt the sale of shark steaks nationwide. Bite-Back is also responsible for encouraging Holland & Barratt to remove shark cartilage capsules from its 550 stores. Graham Buckingham said: This is a perfect opportunity for individuals and dive clubs to reshape the survival odds for sharks by inspiring change in their own neighbourhood. In fact the letter is a call to arms for anyone who has ever been offended by the inclusion of shark-fin soup on a local restaurant menu. We stand by the belief that the fight for the survival of sharks is a war that can be won on the high street as opposed to the high seas. For more information about Bite-Backs campaigns and to print out the letter, visit: www.bite-back.com

Crown of thorns survey in the Red Sea

Gordon Ramsay, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Charles Clover and Martin Clunes are among the first six signatories to support a new campaign from UK shark and marine conservation charity Bite-Back to end the sale of shark-fin soup in Britain. The charity believes the high-profile names will be enough to inspire divers and restaurant-goers around the country to invite restaurants on their doorstep to end the sale of shark-fin soup. Each celebrity signature features on a pre-written letter that can be downloaded from www.bite-back.com and then presented to restaurants selling shark-fin

soup. Graham Buckingham, campaign director for Bite-Back, explained: We know that thousands of people are disappointed to see shark-fin soup on menus in their own town and yet feel uncomfortable about voicing their opinion. We genuinely believe that this letter will help change that by giving individuals increased confidence, credibility and courage to invite change. Support from Gordon Ramsay and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall came from Bite-Backs consultation in the Channel 4 Fish Fight season, broadcast in January. The pioneering charity has since found support from the adventurer Ben Fogle and the

Dive with a buddy in Sharm and save s!

The popular Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh has yet another ace up its sleeve. This prime diving destination, well known for its stunning dive sites and bustling nightlife, will be offering some great savings to divers this summer, thanks to Longwood and the award-wining Red Sea Diving College. Starting from now until 15 July, so during peak diving season, the Buy One Get One Half-Price offer is available for the PADI Open Water Courses, Discover Scuba Diving introductory dives and for three, four and five day diving packages for qualified divers. In May and June everything starts hotting up in the Red Sea, both the temperature and the marine life. Its the mating season of many tropical fish species, and large schools of fish can be easily spotted, providing spectacular underwater views, said Dan Lion, Longwoods diving product manager. The waters of the Red Sea have enjoyed a few peaceful months lately, with smaller numbers of boats heading for dive sites, which has given the marine life a boost. Now really is a very special time for diving in Sharm, continued Lion. Five days diving at the Red Sea Diving College is 185, but for divers who take it up with a buddy, the Buy One Get One Half-Price offer means a saving of 45 per person. For more information or to book a Red Sea diving holiday, visit: www.longwoodholidays.co.uk/diving

In their ongoing efforts to monitor and stay abreast of the crown of thorns situation at Carless Reef, HEPCA scientists and divers carried out a fourth survey and re-assessment trip to the reef on Monday 2 May. Scientists discovered that crown of thorns abundance in the area they surveyed (north side and between the pinnacles) was 0.016 individuals per square metre five times the minimum abundance of an outbreak. Creature dissection carried out after a limited collection showed that all creatures were at the pre-spawning stage. HEPCA scientists stress the importance of multiple collections of crown of thorns from Carless Reef to minimize the chance of a secondary outbreak occurring and, barring that, to greatly reduce the size of an outbreak, if one does happen. HEPCA urges all Red Sea diving centres and visitors to report any sightings of crown of thorns in the Red Sea. HEPCA will also provide diving centres with the requisite equipment required for crown of thorns collections. For more information and to download the sighting form, check out: www.hepca.com

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JUNE 2011

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Diver completes cycle for charity

A scuba diving fanatic has completed a charity bike ride clad in his underwater gear - including the tank! Danny Coldrey, Scuba + Outdoor Pursuits Centre Manager, cycled from his Solihull branch to Stoke-on-Trents sister dive centre in aid of Comic Relief on 10 April. As an avid scuba diver and mountain biker the challenge was perfect for Danny, and he didnt disappoint those who donated. The route covered a distance of more than 70 miles, with each revolution powered by Dannys finned feet. Of course, even the most hardened athletes need some encouragement and Danny got his from the occasional leaf through his favourite diving magazine Sport Diver! Were glad we could be of help. The target for the event was to raise as much money as possible as well a few smiles along the way. A total of 320 has so far been collected. Prior to the challenge, Danny said: I hope someones planning on giving me a lift home from Stoke. Sport Diver can confirm that, mercifully, Danny did not have to cycle home. Anyone who still wishes to sponsor Danny for his Bubbles, Bikes and Smiles challenge can pop into his Scuba Centre on the Stratford Road in Solihull or give him a call on 0121 733 8228.

HEPCA carries out Red Sea moorings work

Eco Divers strengthens management team

Eco Divers has announced the appointment of Andrea Bensi to its management team. Andrea, who has over ten years of experience in managing a dive centre and resort business in North Sulawesi, joins the management team as co-owner and Managing Director. A passion for diving and a myriad of marketing experience will have also played a significant role in owners Jim and Cary Yannys decision. Jim and Cary said: We are delighted to be partners with Andrea. Having been friends for several years we have always had great respect for him on both a personal and professional level. This is a new era for us and we believe that we make one of the strongest management teams to be found anywhere in Indonesia, not just North Sulawesi. The benefit to our guests will be an even higher level of customer service and satisfaction than before. Andrea was previously a partner in Celebes Divers and, until recently, Sales & Marketing Manager for Liveaboard Ocean Rover. He said: I am thrilled to be part of the Eco Divers' family as this is one of the leading dive businesses in Indonesia. I have always prized the high level of service offered to its guests and I believe that, together, we'll achieve even higher results in terms of customer satisfaction, which is our first goal. For more information, visit www.eco-divers.com

The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) has carried out moorings maintenance in the southern Red Sea. In their continued efforts for environmental conservation and protection, particularly of reefs and other diving sites, the HEPCA mooring team carried out moorings maintenance and installations at various diving locations in the Red Sea. The work took place between 11-16 April, with operations largely based at Wadi El-Gemmal and Marsa Alam. The operations included carrying out maintenance and replacement work on 14 different moorings at six different reef locations. HEPCA thanked Shams Alam diving centre for its cooperation and the assistance it provided to the HEPCA mooring team in carrying out its duties. Red Sea dive centres and visitors have been urged to report any missing or damaged moorings to mooring@hepca.com

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Freediving centre opens in Cornwall

A new freediving centre has opened in Cornwall, offering divers the chance to experience the underwater world off the Cornish coast on just a single breath. FreediveUK, which opened in March and is based in Newquay, could prove popular with scuba divers who make regular visits to the south west. Learning to breathe more efficiently underwater not only allows for a more enjoyable snorkeling experience, but also helps divers stay under for longer when on compressed air. Furthermore, the yoga-style techniques used in freediving mean that newcomers to the sport will also enjoy health and fitness benefits.And much like scuba diving, its extremely relaxing. Cornwall is already a popular UK scuba diving destination, but imagine being able to dive on kelp covered reefs and through rock canyons, explore wrecks and discover secret coves with no equipment - it certainly gives your back a break!

Cornish waters are great for freediving

There is also the chance to dive with seals, basking sharks, Sunfish, dolphins and other amazing sealife while undertaking a freediving course in Cornwall. With the likes of Liv Philip and William Trubridge popularising the sport, FreediveUK is likely to have a busy summer.

Disabled children discover snorkelling

A class of disabled children from Liverpool were recently treated to an afternoon of snorkelling with Odyssey Dive Centre. The pupils, all from Springwood Heath School, took part in the dive centres first ever PADI Discover Snorkelling Session. With water-based activities widely regarded as fantastic exercise for those with physical disabilities - as well as great fun - the aim of the session was to provide the children with an afternoon like they had never had before. The initiative was the brainchild of Andy Longden, an Odyssey Director and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, and Claire Ashton, a trainee Divemaster who also works as a paediatric physiotherapist with the NHS in Merseyside. "Working with children with physical disabilities, I was already familiar with the therapeutic effects of water, as both a medium for exercise as well as building confidence, said Clare. I was keen that these children have the opportunity to witness the same sense of freedom, amazement and enjoyment that I had seen in previous discover snorkelling sessions. The children entered the water one at a time, allowing the team to work closely with each pupil, ensuring that they felt comfortable with the mask and snorkel before starting with confidence-building exercises. While all the kids needed help to swim, each of them happily had their faces in the water by the end of the session and enjoyed that amazing feeling of breathing in water. Odyssey Dive Centre is planning to run several more PADI Discover Snorkelling Sessions. Fore more information, go to the Odyssey Dive Centre website. www.odysseydivecentre.co.uk

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Microdiving centre opens in Norwich

A new five-star Microdive centre has opened at the long-established Go Scuba diving centre in Stratton Strawless, Norwich. Microdiving is the worlds fastest-growing type of diving. It uses a unique type of scuba equipment contained within a backpack. Breathing regulators, buoyancy control air-cell and the air cylinder are all contained within it. Either five or ten litre cylinders can be used, with the spare space in the backpack used to house the divers mask, fins and snorkel. Microdiving courses teach allow divers to reach a depth of 9m, rather than the 18m in conventional scuba diving. It is this depth reduction that makes the kit re-sizing possible. Chris Lumbard, Director of Go Scuba, said: This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy a sub-aqua sport that makes the undersea world more accessible than it has ever been before. The arrival of Microdiving introduces an interim stage between snorkelling and traditional scuba diving. The training is simple because Microdivers do not go below 9m. Microdiving courses can be completed in just one day. The ease of kit transportation could make it popular among those who enjoy motoring, boating or caravanning holidays as it leaves them free to explore an interesting lake or piece of coastline at a moments notice. The easy learning aspect will also likely make it popular among young children and the elderly. For more info, go to www.mini-b.com or www.microdive.com

Diver proposes with octopus ring

Two divers have paid tribute to the fact that they met when buddied-up on a dive holiday by getting engaged with an octopus-inspired ring. Graham and Caroline met while scuba diving and have been diving buddies ever since. With the sport such an important factor in their getting together, they thought it only right that Carolines engagement ring acknowledged this. The ring is inspired by the sea and an octopus they saw on an expedition in Bodrum, Turkey. Graham said: We have been diving buddies for nine years and after waiting so long to propose I really wanted to give Caroline something special. On our first diving holiday together we found an octopus, which immediately hid in a hole. Our guide tempted the octopus out using the metal strap of Carolines watch - apparently they love anything shiny. So, it seemed perfect then that an octopus should hold the sparkling diamond on Caroline's ring. The platinum ring, which was crafted by Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design,
The ring in all its glory

features a 0.16 carat brilliant cut diamond solitaire. When we saw the octopus it was fantastic and it was amazing to see it so close. I find it very romantic that my engagement ring symbolises this special moment and l love that my octopus ring is unique, added Caroline.

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For your safety and enjoyment, book your diving with a CDWS member. See www.cdws.travel for a list of legal diving operators in Egypts Red Sea.
Image: Kimmo Hagman

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Dive brand BARE acquired by Huish Outdoors

World-renowned wet- and dry-suit manufacturer BARE has been acquired by a US-based outfit. Huish Outdoors, an emerging United States company in the outdoor sports industry, has bought the brand from Suunto, the manufacturer and designer of dive computers. It has also taken control of Canadian company Fitz-Wright Holdings Ltd as part of the deal. For quality, innovation, distribution, and customer base, we couldnt have acquired a better brand than BARE, said Mark Fredrickson, Chief Executive of Huish Outdoors. We now have a platform that will enable us to bring new innovations to the dive, fishing, watersports and professional industries. BARE has been producing cutting-edge dive technology for more than 30 years, with its products now available in more than 50 countries. Some of the companys wet- and dry-suit advancements include stitchless technology, unbreakable seams and the revolutionary Stretch Breathable (SB) Drysuit. Geoff Power, President of BARE, said: We couldnt be more excited about the purchase of the company by the Huish team. This purchase presents BARE with an opportunity to grow the brand at an unprecedented rate and in categories and markets that in the past have been unachievable.

Mooring buoys are restored

World-recognised diver Neal Watson has teamed up with marine artist Guy Harvey to replace old mooring buoys in Bimini. The restoration project officially got underway on 4 April, courtesy of funding from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Replacing the old buoys with newer models will help protect sensitive reefs from indiscriminate anchoring in Bimini. The buoys will identify 15 of Biminis best dive sites. Neal Watsons Dive Bimini operation at the Big Game Club was opened along with Harvey earlier this year. For more information, visit: www.biggameclubbimini.com

Divers raise 1,200 for charities with freediving champion

Divers from New Horizons Dive Society, Macclesfield, helped raise more than 1,000 in a charity swimathon with freediver Liv Philip. The event, organised by Macclesfield Castle Rotary Club, took place on Sunday 6 March. A total of 12,000 was raised, with New Horizons contributing 1,200. The annual sponsored team relay swimming event raises money for both the Rotary Club charities and each teams chosen charity. New Horizons swam in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, with 800 of their 1,200 going to the organisation. Unlike the other teams at the event, New Horizons swam their lengths underwater. While most of the team used scuba gear to complete their lengths, Liv Philip, who won the Worlds Absolute Freediver award 2010 earlier this year, swam her four-length stints on a single breath. All divers towed an SMB to allow the lane judges to see where they were, and count the number of lengths completed. Liv learned to scuba dive with New Horizons Dive Centre and worked as an instructor there before moving away from the area.

Record-breaking dive andYOU are invited!

A group of Egyptian divers are organising the Egypt Scuba Challenge in order to break not one, but two Guinness World Records, which were set in Indonesia in 2009. The challenge is to break these World Records in just one day. The plan is that 3,000 divers from all over the globe will go diving together and also make the biggest underwater clean-up in the world. The event will take part on Tuesday 26 July in Hurghada in the New Marina. If you are interested and would like more information about this special event, contact Mohammed Adel Hanafi on email: mohammedhanafi@hotmail.com

Liv Philip and her fellow diving fundraisers

Special 2011 IDC Package

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Includes: 3-Day Prep, 3-Day Assistant Instructor, 4-Day OWSI, 2-Day EFRI, 3-Day MSDT Prep, Guaranteed Pass & Free Unlimited Instructor, Specialty ratings for life!

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DDRC report reveals drugged-up divers

A report commissioned by the Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC) reveals that some people dive while on drugs. While cannabis was found to be the most common drug used by the diving community, higher-class drugs such as LSD also featured. The survey revealed that 22 per cent of divers have used recreational drugs since learning to dive, with three per cent doing so in the last month. While this does not directly tie drug-taking with diving, the survey also asked divers to record the closest time to diving that they had ever used a recreational drug. Although the survey only gave divers a time-frame of one hour and upwards before a dive, several left comments stating that they had indulged closer to descent time. Class A or B drugs had been used by 21 per cent of the drug users between five minutes and 24 hours before diving, with cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy reported between five and six hours preceding a dive. The potential dangers of diving while high are obvious, though the DDRC does confess that owing to the difficulty of testing there is no concrete evidence regarding the exact effects of drug use on a body under pressure. Despite this, the report suggests that dive schools warn trainee divers of the potential risks of drug-taking prior to a dive, as is currently the case with alcohol. For more information, visit the DDRC website: www.ddrc.org

Dive groups raise money for the RNLI

Several companies within the dive industry joined forces to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Throughout 2010 the Sub Aqua Association (SAA) and Westfield Sub Aqua & Marine Insurance Services Ltd raised 1,608. Rather than the standard cash donation, it was specified that the money be used to train an RNLI crew member. Ray Murphy, from the Poole lifeboat station, was picked as the beneficiary in November. The concept of paying to train one member fits well with the RNLI motto - Train One, Save Many. Westfields Nick Caldwell said: On behalf of the Sub Aqua Associations Members and customers of Westfield Sub Aqua & Marine Insurance Services Ltd together with Mike Burley from the SAA, it filled me with great pride and pleasure to be able to provide a donation to the RNLI - a very worthwhile and much needed service. Dive companies involved in the fundraising process include Suunto, A P Valves, Fourth Element, Oceanic, M R Diving, Beaver Watersports, Miflex and Rescuean. Mike Burley, SAA chairman added that the RNLI offered valuable support to all those who go to sea. The SAA and Westfield hope to raise enough money in 2011 to train another crewman. Follow Ray Murphys progress on www.saa.org.uk

Nick Caldwell (left) hands over the money raised for the RNLI

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AtomicAquatics full range comes to the UK

Atomic Aquatics revolutionary titanium T2 regulator

As from 1 July 2011, the full Atomic Aquatics product range will be distributed to all existing Atomic Aquatics dealers in the UK by Atomic Aquatics EU. New dealers will be supplied from 1 May 2011. The representative for Atomic Aquatics EU for the territories of the United Kingdom, all-Ireland and the Channel Islands will be Justin Hanning Atomic Aquatics UK Sales Manager. Justin Hanning has worked with various big-brand names in the diving world over the past 20 years and he is looking forward to heading up Atomic Aquatics operations in both the UK and Ireland. Atomic Aquatics is the manufacturer of the well-received range of regulators that includes, among other items, the all-titanium Atomic TX2, the tough Atomic Sub-frame mask, a highly effective Atomic fin design and the unique Cobalt OLED integrated-nitrox computer with its own Wienke RGBM algorithm and full-colour illuminated display. www.atomicaquatics.com

SEA SPIRIT LIVEABOARD MALDIVES FAR SOUTH REMOTE AND EXCITING!!! June and July 2011 trips

Sport Diver launches Facebook competition

Sport Diver is rapidly gaining a dedicated following on its pages within the social networking site Facebook, and to get the ball rolling on various interactive features over the coming months, we are launching a fun photography competition. The challenge is simple you need to shoot a humorous shot of someone reading a copy of Sport Diver magazine, and the funniest one wins! The team from Silent Planet have joined up with us to offer an awesome prize an X-Tex finnful Ursuk undersuit. The winner will have the choice of a heavy version (SRP: 265) or a lightweight version (SRP: 235). The suit is available in sizes small/medium/large/extra-large/extra-extra-large. For more information, check out: www.ursuk.fi/en/diving/underwear To enter the competition, get some ideas formulated in your head, start snapping away with your camera and check out the Sport Diver Facebook page for full details on how to enter, etc. The competition runs under 22 June, so plenty of time to get your thinking caps on!

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Magnicent Seven!

Blue

Carbon Black Red White Yellow Black Mellow Yellow

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Go to Gozo with Regaldive

Diver operator Regaldive is now offering holidaymakers the opportunity to visit Gozo for a diving holiday. The island, part of the Maltese archipelago, is one of the few remaining unspoilt Mediterranean islands and is a haven for divers. Three accommodation options are being offered - the three-star Hotel San Andrea, the four-star St Patricks Hotel and a range of self-catering apartments of one to three bedrooms. Just 14km long and 7km wide, the island boasts over 30 dive sites, accessed from the shore and by boat across Gozo and Comino. The water clarity and stable conditions make the area ideal for learners and inexperienced divers, while the arches, tunnels and caves - not to mention the shipwrecks - will delight the mostexperienced diver. Marine life highlights include the rare giant tun shell, barracuda, parrotfish and many species of seahorse. Andreas Elia, Managing Director of Regaldive, said: We are always looking for new and interesting diving destinations to offer our customers. Gozo is a great addition because its clear waters offer something for all diving abilities. Whats more, the island offers many draw cards on dry land - stunning beaches, historic architecture and sleepy fishing villages. For more information, visit www.regaldive.co.uk

Gozo is home to several shipwrecks

Werner Lau offers 20 per cent Red Sea diver discounts

Dive operator Werner Lau is offering divers a 20 per cent discount on diving courses and packages in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. The offer applies to all diving courses and diving packages pre-booked online for the travel period 1 June to 31 August. Divers simply need to write Summer Special on the online booking form in order to claim their discount. As well as saving money, divers will also benefit from fantastic diving conditions in the Red Sea. Since the unrest earlier this year, the Red Sea has been relatively quiet. As such, many visitors have reported having reefs practically to themselves, and thus are seeing larger pelagic species and a multitude of other fish life. For more information about the offer, go to www.wernerlau.com

Discoverthe Difference
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AL ON SESDAE Y N
WED NE 22 JU

UK wreck diving
Will Harrison becomes a wreckie in the depths of Stoney Cove

Maldivian mantas
Tony Baskeyfield gets creative when he joins an Alex Mustard photographic workshop on a liveaboard in the Maldives

Back in the Flow...

Mark Evans returns to the Orkney Islands to explore the German World War One fleet scuttled in the depths of Scapa Flow

Diving around the Caribbeans drift-diving capital, Tobago; the Test Team rates and reviews dive bags; two teenagers take the plunge on the Blue Planets new child-friendly aquarium dive experience; Sport Divers web/assistant editor Will Harrison embarks on his first liveaboard trip with Red Sea wreck guru Peter Collings; getting to grips with a DSLR; and the latest issues of Wreck Diver and Underwater Photographer

PLUS

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Jordan

Clownsh are a regular sight on Jordans reefs

A royal experience
Bob Whorton was excited about going back to Jordan, as it had been far too long since he was there last - 17 years, to be precise - and he couldnt wait to rediscover the wealth of interesting assets the country has going for it
Photographs by BOB WHORTON

M
24

y invitation by Gill at Sea Star (Above & Below), in conjunction with the Aqaba Tourism Authority ASEZA, was gratefully accepted and filled me with an excitement which is rare now-a-days. I was ferried across from Egypts Taba port on the smallest of the Sinbad Ferry boats. As you can imagine, this is a very popular port for operators offering a quick sprint around the sites in Jordan, such as Petra and Wadi Rum in a day! The two larger high-speed cat-ferries were already packed to the gunnels and I was quite pleased to be able to enjoy the more open-top approach, allowing me to suck in the four-country panorama more effectively. Before

long we were entering Aqabas new Tala Bay customs port. The bigger ferries had already disembarked, which meant a quiet time for our handful of passengers. Before long Gill and I were at the Seastar Dive Club, a few minutes north, and this brought it all back to me. A system designed originally for expats and locals, laid back and relaxing. You wont find a regimental attitude around here. Things have changed a little to include passionate Russian and Dutch staff members, plus the resident Jordanian PADI Master Instructor Thea. After the introductions and an agenda discussion, I was invited to undertake a check-out dive on Eel Garden just across the beach from the club. Little did I realise at that

time just what this one site had in store me The thought of dragging myself, my gear and a full-blown camera rig down to the water didnt really fill me with inspiration, but its something I needed to get used to again liveaboards had turned me (like most) into a lazy b****** over the last 20 years, and now I had the chance to re-tone those flagging muscles into the once-solid mass they were I have an affinity with frogfish, and part of my loose agenda was to get a glimpse of these endearing critters. Boy, was I in for a surprise! The site has a Wadi-like chute from around 1m to 16m, where it pans out into a gently sloping sandy expanse. This effectively splits the sites into two classic reef coral congregations,

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Jordan

GO TECH IN JORDAN
Seastar Watersports also is Aqaba's only TDI Diving Centre incorporating Aqaba Tech. They are a full trimix facility offering the full range of TDI courses up to Advanced Trimix and fully guided dives to all the deep sites. The centre's 19-metre dive boat is used for all tech dives and training. Aqaba has two deep wrecks - Taiyong and the Shorouk - at depths to 70m. They also have the Power Station Wall dropping to over 600m, as well as other nice deep sites. Aqaba is a great Red Sea location for technical diving and training. The team is planning Jordan's deepest record dive to 166m later this summer. Contact them on info@aqabadivingseastar.com for more information.

Jordans reefs are alive with sh and corals

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SEASTAR WATERSPORTS - Red Sea diving at it's best!

Seastar Watersports is located on the beautiful Red Sea and is Aqaba's first established PADI 5 Star IDC Centre. Our Dive Centre, "Club Murjan" is located on the South Beach in Aqaba, Jordan. We also incorpoate Aqaba's only TDI/SDI Dive Centre "Aqaba Tech". A full trimix technical diving facility. Club Murjan has a full restaurant, change rooms, toilets and fresh water shower facilities, large swimming pool and 3 house reefs! - Cazar Reef, Eel Garden and First Bay North!

WE OFFER
Shore guided diving daily - All sites in Aqaba only a 10 minute drive from Club Murjan and easily accessible. Dive and then after relax by the pool! Boat guided diving - Our 19m dive boat "MY Seastar" can access all dive sites and a great way to relax, dive and have a delicious BBQ lunch on board! PADI Courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Open water Scuba Instructor! Full equipment hire (recreational and technical) TDI Courses from Nitrox to Advanced Trimix Underwater Digital Camera Hire Fully guided technical dives SDI Solo Diver Course Nitrox & Trimix Snorkeling
FREE daily hotel transfers for all divers (Aqaba and Tala Bay) FREE Diving Insurance to all student divers

Come and experience Aqaba's beautiful red Sea diving without the crowds! Wrecks, walls and stunning reefs! We have it have all!
Contact us; info@aqabadivingseastar.com Phone 00962 (3) 2018335 (business hours) Phone 00962 (0) 5854419 (after hours) WWW.AQABADIVINGSEASTAR.COM

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Jordan

The team deploying the balloon

comprising of numerous hard coral and sponge species. The plan was to dive the site back-to-front, swimming out across the sandy expanse to the left above the black coral colonies and onwards over to the black coral bushes and on to a very prominent two-metre coral formation standing erect from the sand. Two metres doesnt sound like much, but trust me, there was so much life in and around it, I was amazed! Several giant moray, white moray, yellow-mouthed moray, hundreds of shrimp and bronze hatchet fish all bound together by the perpetual motion of several hundred anthias. That wasnt all There was a special surprise hiding against an adjacent rock - a blue/grey frogfish! Travelling back was to prove quite eventful too, as the shallow grassy area was filled with all manner of critters, including lionfish, scorpionfish, stingers and a robust ghost pipefish. Also a very large and inquisitive cornetfish adopted me as an ally waiting for an opportunity to pounce on anything that I might disturb. Up in the shallows, a wooden jetty juts out into the expanse of sand. These are like a magnet for me, as they often shelter some interesting critters. A large school of bream and a dozen or so batfish weaved in between the legs. Numerous blenny and goby species had homes on or around the legs, with a skittish pair of sea moths sifting through the brightly lit sand. As you get closer to the Wadi chute, the sandy slope is built upon by large areas of coral that form a small but interesting wall. I found another two frogfish amid the sponges there, plus one of my favourite fish, the leopard blenny. Eighty minutes after entering this enchanting world we were trekking back towards the club smiling and reflecting on a great amble. Needless to say I passed my assessment, and began planning the next dive straight away! Over the next three days I would do five more two-hour dives around the expansive Eel Garden

it The visibility here is always pretty good and on this particular visit was about 30 metres horizontally,allowing a nice panorama of the wreck and surrounding reefscape

Beginning the day with a very early dawn balloon ride

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Jordan

Although only 150-200 metres from the shore,the wreck is ideally dived from a boat,especially if you have bulky camera equipment

The view over the Gulf of Aqaba

site, finding a total of 11 frogfish! The long straight beach heading towards Aqaba and the below waterline varies in topography into steeper classic reef layouts often separated by deeper wadi runs. The coral concentration is often amazing, gapless and full of colour and life. Its not all classic reef diving in Jordan - Power Station reef, for example, drops from the surface to 5m then slopes to 12m before dropping vertically to 200m in a sheer wall (similar to the Jackson Reef profile). Swimming along the edge of the wall offers spectacular views, and large pelagic species make this their hunting ground. Soft corals abound as nutrient-rich waters gently flow along the wall. This dive requires good buoyancy control and offers some amazing coral outcrops with huge numbers of fish. The dive can be completed in shallow water between 12m and 5m, where an abundance of varied hard corals, each with its attendant species, keeps you busy! The Cedar Pride The Cedar Pride is a sizable freighter which ended its 18-year maritime career in Aqaba in 1982 after a fire engulfed its interior, sadly killing two crew members and causing irreparable damage. Despite this, the ship remained afloat in the harbour for another three years while the buck was passed regarding responsibility. The Jordanian King and Royal Family (being keen divers) hatched a plan to use the wreck as an artificial reef; to be sunk at a depth suitable for sport divers Prince Abdullah (now the King) became patron of the project, and the task of overseeing the sinking arrangements was given to James Fylan. The ship was extensively cleaned to remove pollutants, such as engine and machine oils, before the complicated towing by a pair of tugs out of the harbour. The final resting place of the wreck was chosen specifically by the team to ensure that the Cedar Pride couldnt slip off into the deep ravine of the gulf during the sinking, or by natural means

later on. However, things didnt quite go to plan following the extensive preparations. The charges applied to the hull were too small and wrongly placed, resulting in too slow an ingress of water along the whole length of the ship to provide uniform stability. Instead, she listed to port and landed on the bottom in the same attitude. Some 25 years on, the wreck is solidly fixed to the bottom, its port side resting at about 28m. Although only 150-200 metres from the shore, the wreck is ideally dived from a boat, especially if you have bulky camera equipment. This is to give you the maximum time on the wreck and doesnt see you budgeting your air supply for the swim back. The other option is a surface swim to and from the buoy, but this can be hard work if carrying camera gear. You will notice at the bow that both anchors are still wound up into their stored position, which again might confuse, as they could have been carefully placed to provide extra stability during its decent to the bottom I digress. The visibility here is always pretty good and on this particular visit it was about 30 metres horizontally, allowing a nice panorama of the wreck and surrounding reefscape. The coral and sponge growth has moved along nicely; less than I expected, but still pretty nice. A lot of fish around this wreck with many interesting residents too. Out in the open were large pufferfish, scorpion, lion and stonefish, and a big surprise of a hawksbill turtle. Double bar bream loitered in a small school near the radar mast, and there were always clouds of anthias and chromids around the hard corals. A very aesthetic and photogenic wreck for sure, and several dives here are warranted to do it justice, as the angles and superstructure create endless possibilities. Between the wreck and the shore is Osama Reef. A wide range of corals and fish life can be found here, including larger pelagic species which approach the reef to feed. This site can be

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Aqaba, Jordan
Aqaba

Jordan is drenched in historical sites

How to get there

There are direct flights into Aqaba from the UK, or you can go via the capital Amman and catch an internal flight down to Aqaba. Alternatively, you can fly into Egypt or Israel and go across the border on land or sea.

When to go
You can dive in Jordan all year round.

or There seems to be some confusion argument over the designation of this vehicle
Entry requirements
An entry visa can be obtained on arrival for around 20JOD (around 17).

Currency
Jordanian dinar (1 = 1.16JOD).

Where to eat
There are a vast selection of restaurants scattered throughout Aqaba, and all the hotels have good-quality food available all day.

Angelsh

Where to meet
Any of the hotel bars provide a welcome spot to kick back with a cold beer and admire the views.

Jordan is a country steeped in history, and while the diving is great for everyone from beginners to tech divers, visits to the likes of Petra and Wadi Rum are a must.

combined with the wreck, but there is rarely time to explore more than a fraction of the reef and so this site is worthy of some quality time too. The Cedar Pride is not the only metallic icon around Aqaba. An American M42-based anti-aircraft tracked vehicle (The Tank) can also be dived. It was originally used by the Jordanian Army. It was scuttled as an artificial reef on 1 September 1999 by the Jordanian Royal Ecological Diving Society and has since accumulated a remarkable amount of marine life, and though small, the macro enthusiast would be busy here for the whole duration of the dive! There seems to be some confusion or argument over the designation of this vehicle. Lets end this!

The M40 platform was used in two carriage variants - as an artillery gun carrier (Howitzer) and armoured troop transport. The faster, lighter M42 was converted to an anti-aircraft platform with twin 40mm cannons and used extensively as such around the world. The original army transfer documents will also quantify this. Anyone still confused, or in denial, please follow this link: http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m42duster.html I stayed at two locations during my visit to Aqaba, organised by ASEZA. Firstly, at the all-new Kempinski Hotel in town, overlooking the gulf and three countries. The evening sunsets from here are truly inspiring. I cannot speak highly enough about this hotel. The level of quality is world-class, with excellent food and a level of service Ive never witnessed before from a uniquely attentive and caring staff. Secondly, the Radisson Blu Resort at Tala Bay. With great food, great service, great accommodation and amazing facilities to suit every taste, this was another very enjoyable place to stay. A visit to Jordan is never complete without a trip to Petra and Wadi Rum. The close proximity of the two sites allows both to be explored in one day. You have the opportunity to begin the day very early with a dawn balloon ride above the incredible topography of Wadi Rum, then continue north to spend an interesting day at Petra. Gill at Seastar can arrange everything into one package. Aqaba has a lot going for it - nice friendly town-folk with great bars, coffee shops and markets. In my opinion, its the friendliest place in the Middle East. Tour operators Aquatours www.aquatours.com Longwood www.longwoodholidays.co.uk

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THE RED SEA DIVING SPECIALIST

Have you discovered diving in Aqaba yet?

020 8418 2527 diving@longwoodholidays.co.uk www.longwoodholidays.co.uk/diving

From beginners to experienced divers our quality facilities and professional staff offer diving to suit all levels
5 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CENTER BOATS AND SHORE DIVING PRIVATE BEACH CLUB TRAINING POOL NITROX

Nabeel Aqbarawi Jordan Diving Center Tel. +962 3 2064005 Mob. +962 79 5801100 Fax. +962 3 2064006 email. scubadiverjo@yahoo.com nabeel@jordandivingcenter.com
PO Box: 636, Aqaba 77110, Jordan

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News and views from Simon R. Chance, manager, PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations and the PADI Diving Society

SIMON SAYS...
especially key impacts, with children reading more while studying how to improve, look after and sustain the ocean environment. They also conduct impromptu beach clean-ups whenever they visit the coast, this behaviour carrying over to taking more general responsibility for keeping the immediate environment clean at home and at school. The childrens manners are described as wonderful, greeting people with a friendly smile, eye contact and a handshake, the positive response to which bolsters their confidence even more. They lead a more-healthy lifestyle, swimming once a week to keep their fitness levels up, and the Department of Health and Social Development which also receives monthly feedback of the Dive for Life project have

Heartwarming and inspirational W

ithin a diving Thesaurus, the word inspiration can point to a wide variety of synonyms, however within the contexts of visionary achievement and motivational events, one particularly touching story has come out of Africa recently. At a childrens home in Johannesburg, an idea was born to employ scuba as a focus for emotional awareness and development. The Dive for Life programme was duly established in 2010 and, in that year, 27 children qualified as PADI Open Water Divers; one even changed courses at school to include tourism, already having an eye on future PADI Divemaster membership and reasoning that a tourism course would assist employability. Many of the children in the project saw the ocean for the first time and, on returning home, played at being Instructor and students effectively becoming children again in many cases. All 27 have become involved with Project AWARE, and buoyancy practice is regularly enjoyed at a local confined water site. The difference in these children is, apparently, very clear. When asked initially to rate their feelings about life, school, sport and other

interests, an almost desperately low control score was returned across the group; after gaining their scuba qualifications, however, the lowest return was an impressive nine out of ten. Formerly low self-esteems are now bubbling with confidence; the children trust more due to the buddy system and realise that they can and must rely on others sometimes; and they have learned to take responsibility for their dive kit, personal

encouraging Dive for Life is an integrated programme which uses scuba as a catalyst each child to do their best at home,school and in life,as well as while diving
learning and group safety. Various social workers and other carers the people who spend most of their time with the children have commented that most are putting in more effort at school and, rather wonderfully, a large majority have become leaders in their respective houses, acting as good examples to other children. Dive for Life is an integrated programme which uses scuba as a catalyst encouraging each child to do their best at home, school and in life, as well as while diving. As Project Manager Charlene Grobler wrote recently: Some of the children were on their way down the wrong path, [however] the diving has [specifically] changed their behaviour and perspective so positively that there are no more complaints. Charlene added that the Project AWARE elements have made expressed themselves as being highly impressed with this project. And of all the various activities and projects presented to them, Dive for Life seems to be the most engaging, with the children completing their work early or on time. Scuba is undoubtedly a fun sport and, of course, can be simply a pleasant diversion when diving well within the limits of personal training and experience. Its easy to forget that in many circumstances, when scuba is described a life-changing experience, its more than just a case of enjoying new experiences; clearly, for some, an introduction to scuba really has changed their lives very profoundly indeed! www.louisbothachildren.co.za

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DIVING VET BACK IN THE WATER

PADI INSTRUCTORS EXPLAIN WHAT INSPIRED THEM TO TURN PROFESSIONAL

Why I became an instructor...

NAME: Joanne Simms RANK: PADI IDC Staff Instructor and DSAT Tec 50 Instructor DATE OF QUALIFYING AS AN INSTRUCTOR: March 2007 NUMBER OF DIVES: 500 plus YEARS WORKING IN DIVING: Four years DIVE CENTRE YOU WORK AT: Director of Odyssey Dive Centre Ltd

How did this all come about?

I was taught to dive by a very patient(!) Course Director at a local dive centre (The Diving Academy, Urmston, Manchester). As soon as I got under the water I was hooked. I was in the water at every opportunity I could get and progressed through the courses, eager to learn more skills. Watching the students coming through made me want to pass on what I had learned. I wanted to give people the experiences I had. I quickly became a DM and AI and then sat my instructor exam in Malta (with the same very patient Course Director!). Like a lot of instructors, initially I wasn't sure what direction I'd take once I passed. However, later that year (2007), myself and four other fantastic instructors decided to set up Odyssey Dive Centre and we've been going from strength to strength ever since. I love the diversity that I get with teaching and the fact that I can be teaching kids in the pool one minute then be diving at 50m teaching technical diving the next. Obviously helping to run a dive centre has given me a great insight into the industry. Its also let me have a great social life - our club holidays and annual Christmas fancy dress dives being some of the most-memorable experiences for many different reasons.

Im not fishing for recognition but I did want to tell you about the rough route I took to finally achieve MSD. I am a 55-year-old veterinary surgeon from Cambridge and I achieved my MSD in June 2010, but have yet to appear in Sport Diver. My wife and I started scuba-diving in 1984 with a very dodgy (definitely not PADI!) outfit in the south of France. Even our first dive was in open water. Shortly afterwards, our group suffered a tragedy and my wife never dived again. The very next day I was taken down to a wreck at 30m under terribly choppy conditions and low visibility. The sonar had stopped working and the Divemaster dived to the wreck and then released his Fenzy ABLJ to the surface so that we could navigate to the wreck. Two BSAC divers on the RIB refused to dive because the conditions were so poor. But I did - and suffered the Grande Bleu at about 20m. I was taken down to the railings of the wreck where I proceeded to hyperventilate all my air in five minutes (we should have had a bottom time of 20 minutes). So the whole group had to come up with me. There were two other potential accidents - one uncontrolled ascent when the diver inflated their BCD instead of purging it, and one where someone exited the RIB with a closed valve and only realised after the second breath forced him to buddybreathe (no alternate source with this lot!). I continued to dive the following years in Spain, but my wife became anxious watching and waiting - she did not enjoy being the

only physician present on these dives. So I gave up. In 2008, the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons organised Scubascene (a Continuing Professional Development Course for veterinary surgeons) in Sharm el Sheikh and the Presidents brother, Stephen Waters of The Dive Centre in Newcastle, was my instructor. I started again from scratch in the hotel swimming pool and slowly but surely my confidence returned - despite one little, never-to-be-repeated error of descending with my snorkel instead of my regulator! By the time I had successfully completed my Rescue Diver course I thought this was about as far as I wanted to go. Almost without realising, I accumulated more and more Specialities on various liveaboards and in the Red Sea in June 2010, it occurred to me that I only had one Speciality to go before achieving MSD. And it was on the last night dive of the holiday on 23 June at 9pm that I completed my Night Dive Navigation course and qualified for MSD! Id like to thank PADI for their structured courses, my instructors at the Newcastle Dive Centre - Stephen Waters, John Hoggarth and Steve Wong, and my Diving Doctor, Dr Cain Hunt of Cambridge, and my non-diving Doctor wife who encouraged me despite her concerns. Were off to The Maldives in a few months, then the Red Sea and hopefully back to my place of birth, South Africa, during their summer.

Are you a PAD I in We would love structor? to hear from yo email padi@sp u, ortdiver.co.uk

GET INVOLVE D

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Is the only dive centre on Malta which can take you from beginner to professional in Recreational, Technical and Disabled diving!

VE DI E W TR EN NE EN OP C W NO

DiveStyle has been teaching divers and non-divers for 20 years and have built up a reputation as a friendly, welcoming and above all a safe dive centre
We have many initiatives in place to help make diving an affordable sport for new and qualified divers alike. DiveStyle has and continues to pledge 3 to The Shark Trust for every diver we teach. So you can be safe in the knowledge that when you learn to dive with DiveStyle you are giving something back to the marine environment.

Unit A, Bridge Farm, Reading Road, Arborfield, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG2 9HT

Tel: 0118 9761729

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COURSE FOCUS

Divemaster
Expand your knowledge and hone your skills as you develop dive leadership abilities,take part in dive planning,logistics and site briefings.Become qualified to supervise diving activities and assist with courses.

PADI

An office underwater? A suit made of neoprene?

Do things your friends only dream of.Whether you work in your local dive centre or travel and work overseas,the adventure of a lifetime is yours for the taking! Imagine a job where you actually look forward to work in the morning!The PADI Divemaster Course is your first step towards a career in scuba diving.

Visit the Teach Diving section of padi.com for more information and start your journey to becoming a PADI professional today with Divemaster Online!

Experience the pride that comes from helping others enrich their lives through diving. Be involved as student divers learn to breathe underwater for the first time, watch their anxiety turn to excitement as they achieve mastery of new diving techniques with you.
JUNE 2011

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Diver of the month

PHOTO CALL!
As long-standing members will know, we like to change our Society membership card designs from time to time, and the search is now on for a new image to grace the card in 2012 so dig through your photo files, and send us three of your best shots!. The JPEG/JPG images should be in landscape (i.e. horizontal) format, proportional to 9.56 x 6.4cm, in high resolution (min 300 dpi), and remember were going to need some space for the Society and Sport Diver logos, plus individual member details toward the lower left-hand quarter of the card. Images will need to reach us by 22 September 2011, and can be emailed to pds@padi.co.uk, under the subject header 2012 Society Membership Card Entry, or sent by surface mail to 2012 Society Membership Card Images, PADI Diving Society, Unit 7 St Philips Central,Albert Road, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0PD. Please include your name, address and daytime contact number, your Society membership number (if applicable), and a signed photo release (copies available on request, or send an email to photoreleasedoc@padi.co.uk with the subject line Photo release request. Once all the entries are in, ten regional winners will be selected and opened up to a public voting process, the winning entry being announced in Sport Diver and other global magazine partners simultaneously around the time of the DEMA conference in November. Good luck, and happy snapping! PS: Want to brush up on your photography skills? Ask your local PADI dive centre or resort about the PADI Digital Underwater Photography programme, or use the following TinyURLs to find a local centre and learn more about the programme at www.padi.com; www.tinyurl.com/padidiveshops or www.tinyurl.com/padidup (NB: TinyURL is a trademark of Gilby Productions). And remember, award-winning Society partner Maria Munn at www.oceangifts.co.uk runs highly popular workshops through her parallel operation, www.oceanvisions.co.uk; more than ten of her guests have gone on to win prizes over the last three years, so she might just give you the edge here!

PADI DIVERS DESCRIBE THEIR RECENT CERTIFICATION COURSES

NAME: Paul French FROM: Hornchurch, Essex RANK: Divemaster NUMBER OF DIVES: 256 DATE OF QUALIFYING: April 2011 DIVE CENTRE YOU TOOK COURSE AT: Trio Dive International, Upminster, Essex

I was quite happy with my Rescue Diver rating, until my daughter, who is now 11, passed her Junior Open Water last summer. I had a sensible parent-based revelation - I need to be the best buddy I can for my daughter, so more study and better skills is really a smart thing to do.

Why did you take the course?

What did you gain from the course?

Having been diving for many years, it reminded me of a lot of the basics that you do as second nature. I also met some great people, both club divers and people taking on differing levels of PADI exams. The course also achieved my primary goal, which was to improve my skills for diving with my daughter.

Renewed focus on marine debris

As Project AWARE nears its organisational relaunch,World Oceans Day, 8 June 2011, a new approach on the issue of litter in our ocean - marine debris - is at the core of its focused ocean protection strategies. During the fifth International Marine Debris Conference (5IMDC), Honolulu, Hawaii, from 20-25 March, Project AWARE, a conference sponsor and presenter, represented 18 years of underwater marine debris clean-ups and data collection efforts by volunteer scuba divers. The conference was a turning point for marine debris issues, convening all sectors involved government, industry, marine researchers and NGOs, says Jenny Miller Garmendia, Executive Director, Project AWARE Foundation. During a time when climate change, ocean acidification and many other ocean issues are of global concern, it was clear that its time heighten the marine debris issue internationally and develop a comprehensive approach to the problem. The IMDC, organized by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and United National Environment Programme (UNEP), was an effort to advance initiatives to combat economic and environmental impacts of marine debris, globally and locally. Serving as Rapporteur for the conference, Project AWARE was involved in the creation of the Honolulu Commitment calling on citizens, government and industry to take responsibility for the contributions and solutions to the marine debris problem.The Commitment marks the first step in the creation of the Honolulu Strategy, a strategic framework for addressing the issue globally. Project AWARE will support the development of the Honolulu Strategy by UNEP, NOAA and other marine debris experts. It was very evident that Project AWARE volunteers are a critical component to the overall strategy underway. Only we can provide a global view of the underwater state of marine debris and our new programme at launch will be a valuable contribution to the global effort, says Garmendia. Over the last 18 years, Project AWARE Foundation has partnered with scuba divers in more than 100 countries to remove and prevent marine debris underwater. Scuba divers are uniquely positioned to tackle this global ocean issue, to take action every day and prevent debris from entering the ocean. View Project AWARE Foundations International Clean-up Day Snapshot 2010 detailing the global debris removal and data collection efforts of scuba diving volunteers in 669 locations worldwide on: www.projectaware.org

What were the most challenging aspects of the course?

Having loved physics at school, I was looking forward to this exam, but when it came round to exam time, it without doubt made my head hurt, however I still managed to pass at the first attempt. Physically speaking the swim tests are quite tough to score top marks in, and I would suggest practicing beforehand, so you can ensure you get the times you want.

Would you recommend the course?

I certainly would, I think it adds a different aspect to your diving, my only comment dont think it is easy, nothing worth achieving ever is.

What future courses are you considering taking?

At this moment in time, I am not 100 per cent sure. As part of my DM, I did my Drysuit Speciality, an unusual concept for someone who was NEVER going to dive in UK waters, and I have been having fun perfecting the skills ever since!

D I VO PADI co GET u Nken aLVE urse? ta

u, Have yo to hear from yo We would love tdiver.co.uk or email padi@sp

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WorldMags

12 months the bership of mem

PLUS

12 issues of
The UKs best diving magazine

All from just 2.81 a month!

U PLOSTS
PHOTOGRAPH BY MALCOLM NOBBS

AH OF OTHER GREAT BENEFITS

The PADI Diving Society and Sport Diver have teamed up to create a whole host of credit-crunch busting member benefits, including:

100 off
Dive gear
Scubapro is offering a fantastic 100 off any Scubapro/Uwatec purchase over 599 (excludes any current package promotions). This massive saving could put higher-specification Scubapro gear within the budget of Diving Society members.

Save 5%
Diving holidays
Dive specialist tour operator Regaldive is offering Diving Society members a five per cent discount on diving holidays, and best of all, the saving can be used with certain other special offers. For example, booking a 1,000 trip to the Maldives would generate a saving of 50!

us$150
Dive-specialist travel insurance
Westfield Sub Aqua Marine Insurance Service Ltd are offering members a 15 per cent saving. For example, a joint annual husbandand-wife multi-trip package is normally 155. With the 15 per cent saving, this drops to 132 a saving of 23!

100 + 50 + 23

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2 EASY WAYS TO JOIN!

SUBSCRIBE B Y DIRECT DEBIT TO for just 8.44 saving 33%! A a quarter, lte you can subs rnatively, cr credit/debit c ibe by ard for 37.80 and save 25%.

100 off
Drysuits
Ursuit is a new name on the British diving scene, but a veteran in its native Fin;and, and it is now being brought to our shores by Portland-based Silent Planet. The company is offering an amazing 100 off any of its high-quality, well-equipped trilaminate and cordura drysuits.

Save 5%
Diving holidays
Divespecialist tour operator Longwood Holidays is offering members a five per cent discount on diving holidays to any of its featured destinations. For example, book a scuba-diving holiday to Sharm el Sheikh for 500 and you would save 25!

us$150
Liveaboard $$$
Explorer Ventures is a liveaboard specialist running boats in the Caribbean, Maldives and the Galapagos. They have offered a fantastic US$150 on-board benefit to members taking a trip on one of their Caribbean itineraries, meaning you can spend this on nitrox, kit rental or even your bar bill!

+ 100 + 25 + $150 = 398!

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Terms & conditions: This is a UK offer only. Savings based on the cover price of 4.20 per issue. Overseas readers to subscribe, please call +44 (0)1858 438 840 or visit www.subscriptionsave.co.uk. Offer closes 22nd June 2011.

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Take the plunge into UK waters with this shallow dive site suitable for divers with all levels of experience

SS Rosalie and SS Vera

WHAT TO EXPECT
TYPE OF DIVE Easy entry from the beach and short surface swim EXPERIENCE Suitable for novice divers DEPTH Approx 10m at high tide MARINE LIFE Varied VISIBILITY From June to September can be eight metres SEABED Sand

NORFOLKS TWIN GEMS

Patrick Shier heads up the A11 to the Norfolk coastline to dive two shallow shipwrecks absolutely teeming in colourful marine life
Photographs by ROB SPRAY AND DAWN WATSON OF NORFOLK SEASEARCH

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Norfolk
The wrecks are covered in marine gorwth

If you do manage to reach the stern section, its

here where you will nd

amboyant nudibranchs such as the crystal sea slug and the colourful violet slug

he SS Rosalie was just one of the 206 ships sunk by Otto Steinbrinck, the most-celebrated U-boat commander of World War One. During what was an otherwise uneventful voyage from the Tyne to San Francisco, the crew of 17 were unaware that their ship was to become the U-boat commanders next victim. On the evening of 10 August 1915, as the ship neared Blakeney Buoy, German U-boat UB 10 fired a torpedo which hit the port side of the ship and then, amidst the commotion and under the cover of the sea, made good its escape. With the ship taking on water, the decision was made to beach the 120-metre-long vessel at Weybourne in the hope that the damage could be repaired. She now sits in approximately 8m of water just off the shingle beach. The SS Vera was on voyage from the Tyne to Italy with a cargo of coal, when on 15 November 1914 she collided with a Royal Navy minesweeper. Like the Rosalie, the quick-thinking crew were able to beach the vessel before she surrendered to the sea and she now sits in shallow water within easy reach of the shore. Although both ships were eventually sold for salvage, there is still plenty of wreckage for the diver to explore.

Arrival at the site

Both dive sites have pay and display car parks. For the Rosalie, park as near to the steps on the northwest corner of the Weybourne beach car park as possible. Then, follow the beach west for 450 metres. Locating the wreck is easy - at low tide, small sections of the wreck are visible from the shore. For the Vera, park your vehicle in the south east corner of the beach car park, which is opposite the Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitors centre on the A149 Coast Road, and then follow the dirt track east for approximately 200 metres. Again, like the Rosalie, you will see wreckage protruding from the surf at low tide.

Dive briefing
It is possible to dive both the Rosalie and the Vera on the same day, albeit that you will have a six-hour surface interval between dives (see other activities). After deciding which wreck will be your second dive of the day, swim out and place a surface marker buoy on it. This will make it much easier to find when it is completely submerged at high tide. Both dives need to be carried out at slack tide, as otherwise the current is too strong. The centre of slack is approximately two hours after low or high tide at Cromer. Visibility is better at slack high tide, but the wrecks will be completely submerged, making them difficult to find unless

The wrecks protrude from the water at low tide

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Norfolk
you have buoyed them. If your first dive is to be the Rosalie, it is a bit of a hike to the entry point, somewhere between 450-500 metres, so best to take your kit to the waters edge in stages. You will then have a surface swim of around 180 metres before you reach the protruding wreckage and make your descent. If you decide to dive the Vera first, the walk to the entry point is around 200 metres and the surface swim out to the wreck is 120 metres, so you can kit up in the car park. Both dives are shallow, so a ten-litre tank will be sufficient for most people and easier to carry along the beach.

What will astound you as you navigate your way around the site is the sheer number of plumose anemones on this one wreck

The dive
On both wrecks you will descend on or around the engine blocks. If you are diving on the Rosalie, the engine block stands roughly eight metres proud of the seabed and is an ideal place for you to begin your exploration of the wreck. There are lots of nooks and crannies playing host to a multitude of creatures such as shrimps, velvet swimming crabs and pipefish. In the larger crevices, and hiding among the mangled metal, its possible that you will encounter more popular crustaceans such as lobster or edible crabs. You can, if you wish, stay really shallow in a depth of 5m and head towards the bow of the ship or you may want to follow the contour of the open hull and the prop shaft towards the stern of the vessel, which sits in a depth of no more than 10m at high tide. However, bear in mind this is a big wreck and the distance between the engine block and the stern is approximately 60 metres, so you may not get to see all of it on the one dive. What will astound you as you navigate your way around the site is the sheer number of plumose anemones on this one wreck. If you do manage to reach the stern section, its here where you will find flamboyant nudibranchs such as the crystal sea slug and the colourful violet slug. On both wrecks you will only get a maximum of an hour before the tide starts to run again, so when diving the Rosalie it may be best to be near the bow towards the end of the dive. On the Vera it may be best to finish near the port side ribs. This way you will only be a short distance from the shore. The wreck of the Vera is a very similar dive to that of the Rosalie, only smaller, closer to the shore and shallower. Sitting in a maximum depth of 8m at high tide you will again descend onto the engine block. Although scattered over a wide area, you will find that much of the wreck is lying parallel to the shore and, like the Rosalie, is smothered in plumose anemones. To reach certain sections of the wreck it is necessary for you to pass over barren areas of sand. It is these areas where, if you look closely, you will find small flatfish. I

Nudibranchs swarm over both wrecks

What to look out for

Towards the stern of the Rosalie and hidden among the plumose anemones you will find an abundance of nudibranchs, crystal sea slugs and violet slugs being the most flamboyant. This is an excellent dive site for the macro photographer. On the wreck of the Vera keep an eye out for porcelain crabs. If you are using a camera, it may be wise to use a macro lens.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
If you do decide to dive both wrecks on the same day you will have about a six-hour wait between tides. But dont worry, theres plenty for you to do to amuse yourself. Apart from enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area, you may wish to visit the Muckleburgh tank museum, which sits opposite the wreck of the Rosalie. For a small fee, members of the public are able to visit this large private collection of memorabilia from the RAF, Royal Navy and Army. Along with walking around the museum and viewing the extensive collection of exhibits on display, you can take the controls of one of 120 tanks, driving across a three-mile course of rough terrain at a speed of 30mph.

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Cley and Weybourne, Norfolk

Weybourne

How to get there

Leave the M11 at Junction 9 and then merge with the A11. Follow the A11 up to Norwich and then travel round the outer ring road following signs for the A140 (Cromer). Shortly after passing Asda and B&Q you will arrive at the junction with Cromer Road. The dive shop is located on this junction and has parking outside the front conservatory.To access the wrecks continue up the A140 until you reach Cromer and then follow the A149 coast road west until you reach Cley (for the Vera) or Weybourne (for the Rosalie). Drive a tank at the Muckleburgh tank museum

THE DIVE CENTRE

Christal Seas Scuba is a PADI five-star IDC centre in Norwich, just a short distance from the two wrecks, and is owned and run by Chris and Polly Wake. Chris, a PADI Course Director and Polly, an IDC Staff Instructor, started their business ten years ago. After years of dedication and hard work, the fruit of their labour is visible for all to see. The centre has just about everything you could possibly want in a dive school. Equipment from a whole host of manufacturers adorns every inch of the shop walls. Behind the counter, cameras, strobes and housings highlight the couples passion for underwater photography. Along with their team of experienced instructors, they can offer a wide range of courses from beginner through to the more-demanding professional and technical courses. They service and repair equipment, provide air and mixed gases, arrange holidays and club events and hire out equipment to divers wanting to experience UK diving for the very first time. If you require accommodation, just let them know and they can suggest some good local B&Bs and campsites. The dive centre also has its very own RIB which can carry ten divers and two members of crew. This heads out for regular trips to the many wrecks that lie further offshore and spaces can be booked by contacting the dive centre on the details below. Tel: 01603 485000 Email: christal.seas.scuba@hotmail.com Web: www.scuba4me.co.uk

When to go
This site is best dived between the months of June and September, after which, the visibility will reduce dramatically.

Inside the dive centre

Dive centres
For a list of dive centres in the area see page 136 or check out www.padi.com

PADI SPECIALTIES
The PADI Specialties I recommend for this dive are the PADI Videographer and Digital Underwater Photography Specialties. The marine life here will astound even the most-experienced UK diver. You can spend upwards of an hour exploring the wrecks, so the Drysuit Specialty will help to keep you warm during your dive. And finally, the PADI SMB Deployment Specialty. Other watersports enthusiasts use the same stretch of sea for fishing and boating, so its worth letting your surface support know your exact location at all times.

The marine life here will

astound even the

er most-experienced UK div

Expect to pay
An air fill for a 12-litre tank will cost you 4 and, if required, a full set of equipment (which includes the use of a drysuit) is 50.

Where to eat and meet

Although there are a number of cafes and restaurants between the two dive sites, I recommend Cookies. It is situated just opposite the wreck site of the Vera. This all-fish restaurant provides a fitting end to what can only be described as a spectacular day of diving. Although alcohol is not on sale here, you are able to take your own bottle of wine or beer. The condition of the two small wrecks and the marine life that can be found on them should place them high on every divers to do list.

Scorpionsh

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WorldMags

THE AUTHOR OF OUR STAR LETTER WILL WIN A 50 VOUCHER TO SPEND ON MIFLEX HOSES AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS
WRITE TO: Sport Diver, 3 The Courtyard, Denmark Street, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 2AZ OR EMAIL: letters@sportdiver.co.uk
PLEASE KEEP LETTERS SHORT, IDEALLY NO MORE THAN 200 WORDS, THANKYOU

For more info, or to view the full Miex range visit www.miexhoses.co.uk

CLOSURE CLARIFICATION

PHOTOGRAPH: AL HORNSBY

Pristine reef in Thailand

I was reading the Phuket article (it's where I've done 90 per cent of my dives) in the April issue, and was surprised to read that the islands of Phi Phi are off-limits as part of a government initiative. I've been in contact regularly recently with a dive centre on Phi Phi, as I'm planning to head back out in November to do my

Divemaster. I asked as to whether the islands are off-limits and they have said that only a small reef north of Phi Phi Don - Hin Klang - is off-limits, and that it was only used as a snorkelling site. Only been back for two months and I'm loving Sport Diver mag - keep up the great work. Paul Hauffe, by email

NB:Thanks for the clarification, Paul. When we compiled the article, depending on which website you looked at, or who you spoke to, the list of sites that are off-limits for several months differed.We went with the most-common sites, but divers should be aware that these may change.

GET FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR CLUB

Torvill and Dean have beaten the 1966 England football side in a new poll conducted by MARS Refuel drink to find out the nations most-inspirational sporting moments. The ice skating duos perfect score at the 1984 Olympics topped the list of the nations most-inspirational sporting moments, 27 years after their incredible performance saw them win gold in Sarajevo. The 1966World Cup winning England team came in second, while Dame Kelly Holmes winning two gold medals inAthens in 2004 came third. A quarter of those polled by MARS Refuel drink say they have been inspired to take up a sport following a major sporting event, by watching sport onTV, or from the success of an elite sportsperson. In the case of taekwondo world number oneAaron Cooke, sporting inspiration came from an unlikely source!Aaron explains:I started taekwondo when I was five years old because I watched Power Rangers and wanted to be one! It just goes to show sporting inspiration can come from anywhere! Aaron is keen that others are inspired to get involved in sport. He added: If anyone needs financial support getting active, they should check out the MARS Refuel Drink Fund.

MARS Refuel drink set up the MARS Refuel Drink Fund to encourage people to try new sports and play their favourite sport for longer.The fund, which launched on 2April 2011 and runs until 30 September 2011, has 5,000 to donate each month to the most-deserving applicants. Applications can be made online at www.marsrefuel.com offering support with anything from equipment and travel costs, to improving training grounds and club houses.The site will be regularly updated with the names of the people and clubs awarded each month. The fund is open to residents of, and clubs and organisations based in the UK and Republic of Ireland only.Applicants must be 12 years or over and only one application will be accepted per person, club or organisation.

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DIVE BUDDY - OR MASCOT?

I was in the Red Sea recently and while out on the dive boat Aquarius 9 saw this unusual BCD addition on the kit of one of my fellow divers. So, I have to ask, is this a new form of dive buddy, or a furry mascot to aid in diver recognition underwater? Michael Francis, by email
A different kind of buddy!

Happy as Larry!
For my 40th birthday my wonderful wife bought me a subscription to Sport Diver and promised a dive holiday of my choosing. I started looking at holidays before the first copy of the magazine arrived and I have to say I wasted a lot of time online.The array of features contained within your magazine is fantastic and while they offer us readers entertainment, they are also valuable in choosing where to dive next.The April issue was my first copy so I also had the Malta and Dominican Republic guides to peruse. Ive leafed through Mays mag and the Maldives are calling I think! That said, I think Ill wait until Ive read the June and July issues before I commit. Who knows what gems youll be throwing my way! Keep it up. Larry Green, via email

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Southeast Asia

Eastern promise
Southeast Asia offers some of the most-superlative diving in the world, and we present a round-up of the top dive destinations within this neck of the woods
Photographs by AL HORNSBY

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Southeast Asia

S
WorldMags

outheast Asia is world-renowned as being a hotspot for scuba diving, boasting everything from weird-and-wonderful critters and stunning coral gardens to sheer walls, adrenaline-fuelled drifts and dramatic shipwrecks. With more flights than ever accessing this part of the planet, there has never been a better time to hop on a long-haul flight and sample some of the best Indo-Pacific diving you are ever going to experience. Over the following pages you will find a brief overview of several of the top destinations within this region, with information about some of the top dive sites you have to put on your must-dive list.

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T h e fa r e a s t i s our speciality
Dive into a tropical atmosphere at affordable prices; choose a resort holiday or a liveabord in some of the best far east destinations: Myanmar Malaysia - Indonesia - Philippines - Thailand.

Geo Dive Limited, 57/58 Church Street, Twickenham TW1 3NR Tel: 020 85383838 e-mail info@geo-dive.com

www.geo-dive.com

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Southeast Asia

A liveaboard is one of the best way to visit Thailands sites

Thailand
Thailand - or officially, the Kingdom of Thailand is a country located at the centre of Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast and Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea to the southwest. Thailand is blessed with gorgeous weather, fantastic beaches, and great diving just a few kilometres from an action-packed shoreline. Phuket, Khao Lak, Phi Phi Islands and Ao Nang Beach on Krabi are the best resort areas for a Thailand diving holiday, offering plenty for non-divers to do as well. Phuket is best placed to serve the whole region, and is particularly popular with party-goers, while Khao Lak is ideally placed to focus on the northern Thai Andaman Sea. Ao Nang is set on the peaceful and spectacularly beautiful Krabi coastline across Phang Nga Bay, and Phi Phi's magic draws sunseekers and travellers for the beaches and a slice of island-life. The Bidah Island are suitable for all levels of experience. Schools of fish hang out in the blue and also cover the beautiful reefs, ranging from giant barracuda to trevally to yellow snapper. Reef sharks, leopard sharks, stingrays, moray, seahorse, ghost pipefish and so much more. Shark Point, near Phuket is actually three pinnacles, two of which are submerged, and they all boast beautiful corals covering the entire reef and a very diverse marine life. This dive site is great for both experienced and new divers, and photographers will love it. Eagle rays and whalesharks have been spotted here from time to time and leopard sharks are a common sight. If you are lucky you can spend your safety stop with them swimming around you! Anemone Reef is a huge limestone pinnacle that rises 30m up from the seafloor to just beneath the surface. This barely submerged reef is a well-known shipping hazard and is located less than a mile north of Shark Point. Vast swathes of

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anemones cling to every conceivable surface and as they move with the current, it creates an illusion that the entire structure is one giant living rock. The pinnacle is always surrounded by enormous schools of tropical fish, snapper and grouper, plus the odd pelagic like tuna and barracuda. The area gained a decent wreck dive on 4 May 1997 when the 85-metre passenger ferry King Cruiser strayed off course while enroute to the Phi-Phi Islands and hit Anemone Reef. This unplanned addition to Anemone Reef rapidly became one of the areas most-popular dive sites. Sat in a depth of 30m, and rising in places to 12m, the King Cruiser offers multiple decks to explore, and is smothered in marine growth, as well as many scorpionfish and lionfish. One of the biggest draw-cards in Thailand are the liveaboards cruising around world-class dive sites in the Similans, Burma and Hin Daeng. The picturesque Similan Islands are the most-popular destination, with superb underwater scenery and excellent visibility in its aquamarine waters. Huge deep water boulder formations create daring swim-throughs, as well as providing dramatic back-drops to its vibrant coral gardens and reef slopes. You can dive here by liveaboard or diving day tours. The world-famous Richelieu Rock is perhaps Thailand's most well-known site, and it is known as a place to dive with whalesharks. Jacques-Yves Cousteau listed the site in his top ten list of the worlds best dives. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are great for manta rays and whitetip reef shark encounters. Hin Daeng off Hin Muang is your best chance to see grey reef sharks, patrolling the walls. Besides that, it's also the second home in the Andaman Sea for whalesharks and mantas. Dive Hin Daeng and you'll experience the excitement of diving Thailand's highest vertical wall. Nearby caves and caverns add to the thrill of adventure. Koh Samui is the ideal base for exploring the dive sites on the Gulf of Thailand. The diving may not be quite as varied as Phuket and the Similan Islands, but there are some very good dive sites around Samui and Koh Tao which can be combined with a stay at one of Samui's excellent resorts. You can dive Thailand all year round. The best conditions exist from November to April, with whalesharks visiting from February to May, and manta rays all year round. Late May to October brings monsoon winds and surface swells to the Andaman Sea, making some remote sites, such as Richelieu Rock and Hin Daeng, inaccessible and reducing visibility in general by about 30 per cent at the open dive sites. October can also see heavy rains in the Andaman Sea.

Giant moray eel

Anemonesh

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F DIVING WITH
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Malaysia
Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy that consists of 13 states and three federal territories and has a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres. It is separated by the South China Sea into two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo (also known as West and East Malaysia respectively). Land borders are shared with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, and maritime borders exist with Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines. Peninsular Malaysia is connected to Singapore via two bridges, one which transports traffic and water and a second link just for traffic. Malaysia plays host to an amazingly diverse range of scuba destinations teeming with marine life. From diving on sheer walls and in the company of more turtles than you can imagine in Sipadan to the pristine coral atoll and hammerhead sharks in Layang Layang. You can find migrating whalesharks around Lankayan and macro diving in Mabul and Kapalai islands, to name just a few of the spectacular opportunities available. Mataking Island, located fairly close to Sipadan, is becoming a new diving hotspot, and with 25 great dive sites all less than 15 minutes away, there is something for everyones taste. A staff favourite is the Turtle Playground, a drift dive on a sloping reef wall from 5m-60m plus that puts you face to face with both green and hawksbill turtles. As you can see, most of the Malaysian dive resorts are situated on the islands of Sabah, which are fringed with epic sand beaches and coconut trees - a beautiful setting to complement the excellent diving. The Scuba Junkie House Reef off Mabul Island ranges in depth from 2-20m, yet it is arguably Mabuls best dive site. There are so many unusual critters here, even the most-experienced of divers will be amazed. It is common to see rhinopia, mandarinfish, wonderpus, frogfish and seahorses on most dives. However, don't be surprised to see a manta or an eagle ray swimming over your dive buddys bubbles! Third Beach, off Si Amil Island, Sabah, has only recently been discovered and is already becoming a world-renowned dive site. At Third Beach you start the dive at the top of a pristine coral reef that slopes from 5-30m, and here you will see pristine soft and hard coral and lots of whip coral with xeno crabs. Among the coral it is a macro heaven, with weedy rhinopia, Ambon scorpionfish, thorny seahorse and flamboyant cuttlefish seen most of the time. At 30m you hit a sandy slope that is often visited by devil rays. Manta Point, on the Borneo Barrier Reef, Sabah, is the point where the continental shelf starts and is just a stones throw from Sipadan. The dive starts in a shallow sloping coral reef full of unusual critters, then from around 15-30m there is a sandy sloping reef that attracts many different species of rays. At 30m you hit another reef and some interesting overhangs that disappear into the blue. Venture into the blue yourself and don't be surprised to be met by large pelagics such as sharks, tuna and large manta rays.

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The Philippines
The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is located in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam. The Sulu Sea to the southwest lies between the country and the island of Borneo, and to the south the Celebes Sea separates it from the other islands of Indonesia. It is bounded on the east by the Philippine Sea. An archipelago comprising 7,107 islands, the Philippines is categorised broadly into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. There are diving opportunities throughout the Philippines, from quiet spots like Cabilao and Anilao to tourist hotspots like Boracay, Puerto Galera and Alona Beach, not to mention the world-class sites off Dumaguete, Moalboal, the whalesharks of Donsol and the World War Two shipwrecks of Coron Bay and Subic Bay. One of Balicasag Islands best dives is the Black Forest, which ranges from 10m-40m. This is one of the only places you can find black coral at a shallow 30m. An enormous variety of trevally, barracuda, grouper and sweetlips swarm around this site, and you can see why it is one of the top dive sites in the Philippines. The surface interval is even better - just sit back and watch as turtle after turtle pop their heads up to take a look at you! Wall Street, in Tubbataha, drops to 100m, and with huge barrel sponges, gorgonians galore, whitetips cruising, nurse sharks sleeping and mantas barrel rolling, this is a fantastic dive. Slow down for the critters on the wall, dont just look for the big stuff in the blue. Some 45 minutes from Puerto Galera, you have Verde Island, which has depths ranging from just a few metres to over 150m. The tip of this underwater mountain protrudes a metre or so above the ocean surface. Hiding below is a spectacular wall dive. Thousands upon thousands of blue triggerfish, interspersed with sweetlips, big-eye trevally, golden trevally, fusiliers and anthias, provide a riot of colour. Miss this and you wont forgive yourself! Off Malapascua, Monad Shoal is an underwater island on the edge of a 200m drop-off, and the Shark Point site is famous as the only place in the world where the magnificent thresher sharks can be seen everyday. Giant manta rays are a common sight year round and the shoal attracts other pelagics, such as devil rays and hammerheads. The Dona Marilyn wreck is said to be one of the best wrecks in the Central Philippines. It was a Cebu-Manila passenger ferry that sank in a typhoon over 20 years ago. It lies intact on its starboard side in 32m and is around 100 metres long. It is covered in plentiful soft coral and abundant marine life. The Dona is usually dived on a day trip combined with nearby Gato Island, one of Malapascuas best dive sites. It has at least five dive sites with a huge diversity of marine life: huge whitetip sharks, sea snakes, cuttlefish (often while mating), pygmy and larger seahorses, nudibranchs, frogfish, scorpionfish, porcupinefish, and smashing mantis shrimp. The coral is in good condition and the rocky island has many interesting underwater rock formations, including a 30-metre tunnel under the island, which is cool for the suitably experienced.

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Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is the worlds largest archipelago and comprises a staggering 17,508 islands and 33 provinces. The vast country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia. Other neighbouring countries include Singapore, Philippines, Australia, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Indonesia is home to ten to 15 per cent of the worlds coral reefs, so as you can imagine it has some of the most-impressive diving sites imaginable. About 4,000 different species of fish are found in Indonesian waters (that is over 25 per cent of the planet's fish species), as well as numerous invertebrates. Given the enormous size of the country, as you can imagine, there are dive destinations throughout the islands. Liveaboards can take you through the Banda Sea rapidly gaining a reputation for great diving to the critters of Ambon and to Komodo, world-famous for its dragons, but also a fantastic location to dive. Diving from a boat is also the best way to access Raja Ampat, widely regarded by many as the best diving area in the whole of Southeast Asia. But you dont have to earn your sea legs to see the best of Indonesia, there are many land-based resorts offering fantastic diving just minutes from their dock. North Sulawesi is home to two very different, but equally intoxicating, diving areas the Bunaken Marine Park and the Lembeh Strait. Bunaken offers sheer walls, fast drifts and encounters with sea snakes, sharks and rays, while Lembeh is the birthplace of muck diving and the habitat of all sorts of weird and wonderful critters. Then you have Bali, which boasts a world-class wreck in the shape of the Liberty, off Tulamben, as well as the chance to dive with mola mola and manta rays.

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WorldMags

Dr Oliver Sykes discusses common health

issues and answers medical queries
Dr Oliver Sykes is an experienced PADI Divemaster with nearly 20 years experience under the surface, logging dives in the UK, Red Sea, Zanzibar, Australia, Greece, Spain and the Caribbean, as well as spending three months with Coral Cay Conservation in Belize. He qualified as a doctor in 2000, spent a year working full-time at the renowned DDRC in Plymouth in 2002/2003, and has written and run a Royal Society of Medicine course for doctors on diving medicine. He works at London Hyperbaric Medicine at Whipps Cross Hospital and is approved for sport diving and HSE medicals, as well as giving advice on all diving problems.
All views expressed in this column are the personal opinions of Dr Oliver Sykes. You must consult your own doctor if you have any doubts about your physical or mental ability to dive.

ANAESTHETIC MACHINESAND REBREATHERS: WHAT ISTHE CONNECTION?

ince this Diving Doctor is also an anaesthetist, and I have just had a general anaesthetic for a knee operation, rebreathers have been on my mind. Why? Because there are many similarities between an anaesthetic machine and a rebreather. At first this may seem surprising, but actually both are used to supply life-sustaining gases to make the impossible, possible. The essence of anaesthetics is to provide a comfortable, safe environment for the patient and involves lots of monitoring of physiology and physics. If a general anaesthetic is required, an anaesthetic machine is used to supply a mixture of gases that will certainly include oxygen, but may also include air, nitrous oxide or an anaesthetic vapour. The inspired and expired partial pressures of all these gases are monitored continuously and, in order to conserve heat, moisture and gases, semi-closed or closed-circle systems are used, along with regulators, one-way valves, a ventilator and soda lime (scrubber). The primary concerns of rebreathers and anaesthetic machines include providing sufficient oxygen and ensuring carbon dioxide clearance. A lack of oxygen can be quickly fatal and increased carbon dioxide levels increase the respiratory rate and the work of breathing. This wastes gas and may be a cause of headaches and nausea after diving. Therefore safety, accurate monitoring and delivery of gases

and vapours are a cornerstone of anaesthetics and rebreather diving. We use helium in anaesthetics to help gases flow round upper airway obstructions as its low density makes turbulent flow occur deeper in the airways, thereby reducing resistance to breathing. This change in flow dynamics is the cause of the voice change. Interestingly, nitrogen works as an anaesthetic at partial pressures over 1 atmosphere. Hence we get nitrogen narcosis and it is useful in preventing the seizures associated with high-pressure neurological syndrome at depths over 100m. On the other hand, rebreathers are not like anaesthetic machines in a few respects. Anaesthetic machines are clearly not watertight, are designed to accurately supply anaesthetic gases and no less than 21 per cent oxygen at atmospheric pressure. Gases are usually all supplied from a common gas outlet from an anaesthetic machine, so there are no different sources of breathing gas and diluent. However, rebreathers sometimes need to accurately provide less than 21 per cent oxygen. This is because the partial pressure of oxygen must be kept at a maximum of 1.4 atmospheres absolute at all depths to prevent oxygen toxicity. Hence oxygen is supplied separately so that its supply can be accurately altered as required. Dont forget 21 per cent oxygen at 1 atmosphere absolute gives a

partial pressure of 0.21 atmospheres absolute; but at 10m, or 2 atmospheres absolute, 21 per cent oxygen gives a partial pressure of oxygen of 0.42 atmospheres absolute. Therefore at 100m, or 11 atmospheres absolute, 4 per cent oxygen will give a partial pressure of oxygen of 0.44 atmospheres absolute and plenty to breathe. But similarly, a tiny partial pressure of CO2 in a cylinder at the surface can be fatal if the same cylinder is used at 11 times surface pressure. So as you can see, rebreather diving is a bit like strapping an anaesthetic machine on your back and jumping in the water, but thankfully there are some significant differences. I

Simplied diagram of the loop in a fully closed circuit rebreather:

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Simple schematic of an anaethetic machine. Pictures for comparison, kindly supplied by Wikipedia

Yourquestions
Dr Oliver Sykes tackles questions revolving around the subject of closed-circuit rebreathers, which are soon to enter the recreational market

ANSWERED

one-way valves are not shown but would be on the inspiratory and expiratory limbs of the breathing circuit. The regulators are also not shown, but there are at least two and can be placed anywhere between the high-pressure gas supply and the patient breathing system. The ventilator provides positive pressure and is not a passive recepticle like the counter lung. Therefore, it is more complex and, through a system of valves, the ventilator is actually in the circle for part of the breathing cycle, as gases are vented through the ventilator.

through the vaporiser, picking up anaesthetic gas along the way.

Caustic cocktail an issue?

Q Is caustic cocktail an issue with anaesthetic :: machines? A: Caustic cocktail is a slurry that occurs when water gets into the rebreather circle and washes a highly alkaline solution into the divers airway, causing burns. Thankfully, in an anaesthetic machine, the soda lime cannot be washed into the patient, however hardener in the soda lime is used to prevent dust entering the circuit and causing a similar problem.

Whats in a name?
Q Why are rebreathers called rebreathers? :: A: Simply because the gases used are recycled and rebreathed. Therefore a rebreather requires soda lime to remove (scrub) carbon dioxide. This is the one difference that sets all rebreathers apart from traditional scuba equipment. While overall rebreathers can differ in many respects, and the terminology can be confusing, avoiding terms such as semi-open and semi-closed may be a good idea as these mean different things to different people. However, we all agree that traditional scuba equipment is open circuit, as no gases are rebreathed and no soda lime is used.

Flowmeters in anaesthetic machines

Q What is (C) diagram and what is (D) diagram? :: A: The first is an inflatable bag. When the anaesthetist wants to control the breathing more accurately, there is an option to squeeze a bag in order to do the work of the ventilator. This gives the anaesthetist information on the state of the lungs and the gas flow through the system. The second are flowmeters for altering the flow of the three gases through the anaesthetic machine. These then pass

Training to be an anaesthetist
Q How long does it train to be an anaesthetist? :: A: In the UK, as with our divers, training is some of the longest in the world. A total of 14 years is probably the minimum time to complete training in anaesthesia to consultant level. However, some of us take even longer.

Inside the machine

Q Where are the anaesthetic gases, the scubber, :: the one-way valves and the regulators in the anaesthetic machine picture, and why is the ventilator not in the circuit like the counter lung? A: The anaesthetic gases vaporise in the black box (A), the scubber is in the grey box (B), and the

Divers Emergency Service UK, London Hyperbaric Medicine Whipps Cross University Hospital Tel (Enquiries): 020 8539 1222 Emergencies: 07 999 292 999 Email: mail@londonhyperbaric.com Website: www.diversemergencyservice.co.uk and www.londonhyperbaric.com
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Expert advice from respected UW photographer MARTIN EDGE

HOW THAT SHOT WAS TAKEN

Fish soup
Shooting mass groups of frenetic fish is not easy, but if you are in the right place at the right time, it can all turn out okay, as Martin discovered
Photographs by MARTIN EDGE
I just love to shoot loads of fish! You know, all milling around and in your face - Susan White, who recently spent the day with me improving her underwater photography. It was one particular idea she was trying to tackle without much success at all. Fish, and loads of them - and I knew exactly what she meant! I needed a steer to ascertain the precise kind of shot she was after, so from my laptop, I showed her schooling jacks from Bali and Malaysia. No, not that type, I shoot schooling fish okay. I showed her my yellowtail snapper from the Red Sea. No, theyre kinda like schools. I went through a dozen fish pictures, but none seemed to hit the spot. What about this set from Raja Ampat? An instantaneous Wow, fish soup, thats the shot Im after but it never seems to happen when Im there. Understanding exactly what she meant, I now knew what she was after. Her first remark was most relevant: All milling around and in your face. Every diver who has ever taken a camera underwater has, at some time, taken the fish shot. We see fish the majority of times we dive. They can be in our face and, more often than not, completely at ease with our presence. We have a wide lens fitted, which allows us to fill the frame for maximum effect. Many will have an external flashgun to bring out their colours. Were in shallow water which allows us plenty of bottom time. So, what can go wrong? Shouldnt this be a real easy shot to bag? In my experience, no, its not easy and it never will be. The reason why this type of shot rarely ever lives up to expectations is because these fish opportunities are all to often a tad too far away from our camera lens. Fish have comfort zones and as manic, frantic and chaotic as they are, they will always keep their distance. More often than not, this distance usually results in fish action just a little too far from the lens to capture the excitement we envisaged. This months shot works because these fish have become accustomed to being fed at a certain time of day and their desire to feed overrides the fear of divers. How that shot was taken At 4.30pm each afternoon, kitchen staff from the Misool Eco Resort, Raja Ampat, Indonesia are in the habit of pouring fish-gut food waste into the sea. Over time, the fish have become accustomed to this. I first witnessed this by accident when instead of taking the 4pm boat dive, I opted for a wide-angle photo-dive beneath the house pier. Id dived the pier many times before and I knew what to expect but on this occasion I became aware of extreme and frenzied fish activity beside the pier at no more than 1m deep. I popped my head out of the water and was advised to move to one side to avoid the impending melee. I sank back down,

SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR!

Thefourtheditionof Martinsbook, TheUnderwaterPhotographer, isnowavailable.Forasignedcopy, phone 01202887611oremail martin@edgeunderwater photography.com

quickly set my aperture to f11 and shutter speed to 125th second. Moments later the fish went berserk, their lunch had been served directly in front of my face. I was in engulfed within this feeding frenzy and I knew I would finally achieve the elusive fish soup picture. The following day I organised the fish feed to coincide with a group photo dive beneath the pier. The best camera position was at 1m deep, just inside the pier, shooting out into blue water. The bonus was a black vignette effect around the picture frame due to the shadow detail beneath the pier. This successful opportunity had nothing to do with equipment, or camera settings. There was little control over composition. It was made possible simply by the close proximity of the fish action. I

PERSONAL PHOTO TUITION WITH MARTIN EDGE

Improve your own photography with a tuition day with Martin. He promises to improve your photo skills by three years. Group bookings at discounted rates are available. Go to www.edgeunderwaterphotography.com for details or email Martin direct on
martin@edgeunderwaterphotography.com

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Fish swarm under the pier at feeding time

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The Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society is a non-prot, educational organisation whose mission is to promote educational activities associated with the underwater world. It has offered scholarships for more than 35 years. owuscholarship.org

e Erin McFadden is th ater erw 2011 Our World-Und ves gi Scholar, and here she r he a brief introduction to life so far
den Text by Erin McFad

PHOTOGRAPH : DOUG ALLAN/W WW.DOUGALLA N.COM

Scottish Scholar
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u a ra ht Hv o eh sg e tc a ! a ey a t h ni vt o g p r yt e n i eD u ,h a i n ,D u ? i u to s o g Hs v rb e na yh i yst e e e ni n ar i ts m t i glk : n o e hn i e o c aa tr s o s e n n h l n e p n ew s a nr c l.O ow i ,Iw a e al hn at H m ,n tt a m m o h tIc . . a e ya ar so c . t k nb w l u n e pt h i ot e to a yfr t e e r c i nw sm i s - v rt ys c n i t a M e o dds r

sia l in Indone out the cora Checking

f ai i gt ei p r a c e lsn h m o t n eo u i ghg c o la dr d rn i hs h o n o pe e y c m l t dm rp t e a hI i i gt yc o e a e dvn om h s nc r hlyN r hS aa ec il o t e t e a e o r ei h p nW t rc u s nt A IO PD h g f1 . t ea eo 7 ai e a k do b r e nam rn e st a e rl t rI m L s h nay a a e e n ot eB h m s u i g nt h a a a .D r o s r a i ne p dto c n e v to x e i i D AI i nI an dm to g i e yP h o r eo h x e i t ec u s ft ee p d v sd a eu e a i na dsn et e h c to n i c h nI i e a t rq ai i Dv m s e u lf anm r og i o e nv r i yt mu i e st v r u m rb e kf o e e ys m e r a r sa y da c .Ih v e ne po e n e a eb e m l i i ge p re dvn x e i n i a n ae a zb ra dh v n r sa dZ i e a t ri o hC p u Dv m s e nb t y hA rc n t f i aa d St Andrews, e e n e n hp nS u l t di t r s i si o l oc m as o p ov di i n e i g v l e npo e rn New York and si a n o a bq e h r w M z m i u ,w e eI Sulawesi, yr s a c . a ee r h at m n ar Indonesia e ro a i eboo y ly a fam rn i l g m u r n l nm i a Ia c r e tyi yfn tA d e s no y fS n r w .Ie j ym e r ea h nv r i yo d g e tt eU i e st ov l yn o k yf r v l epa i gh c e o u ys m s e s hc n b s e e t r ,w i hi ta h e n st en w nae e le g g m e e m n o kn sa k yt a a dw r i ga S- n yfr to fca U a dm i s f i i h nv r i yfedh c t eU i e st i l o e hr ekn n lW e e di nu SA n a fc u s !S o ti n t ,o o r e p r sa o c oa o h W S S h l r-f rt eO U at e s- n t d i g w i r s a ds u yn n i gb t i g ,t ew e e d u nn o h hn s h e k n h rt te mn n m i ga dr e o k m n a yo N wY r .A o gm n fm a so s i hs i o yp s i n ,wt w fca w r f i i la a d oe a c i tn ;t eo r fm i e a to ylf . R l xw t hft i g h n ov da i v le en a g b i gal r ep u ;a db i ggv na l b n en i e i n e od t a e re c st a eh v i n ra h x l r r dn e tt eE po e sC ys u i sa ddv x e M t de n i ee p d n a r m lm u e rf o Oy p sa ag ed lc t n rc c f t h ei a ei t i a yo o r fe c le tc m r h a do x el n a e lo e et p r ca et al w dm oa p e i l s a h l a u eo l oh dt epe s r f r san e o l b ly e h ei e df rgo a a e yg a r m A .Ia s f t e rf o D N h e n e o ns t es aa dIr c g i et y uc t o re l o i gs ce r ec mn o i o s r a i na dr s ec n e v to n e e tn u b ro e yw m e i gan m e fv f e tv n u t i a l e f c i ea ds s an b pa e uo e n iv a yo h r vo sE r ob e eo e .Ib le st ed v l p d e sm n ft ep e i u e b r sw l m m e sa ela a a e e tm a u e mngmn es r c oa tm t l l i a ey gS h l r eyo t on v l ug i m u iy n o m nt ,a du c oa s n l dn h o s h l r ,i cu i gt el d c tn h i e i ec e u a i gt ewd rdv s ue es r s eI e n n m ti d rt n r a es ca r e et a k ot v r o r e oi c e s o i lp c r h n sg oe e y n rd ysn I g i .M i h i e o l ,i t ewd rw rd no st . r sa et e o iy u e r ob ee dg n r c i em a f e tv e s Yf rt erkn n s n N o h i i d e sa ilb u d m n a fe f wl ef n a e t li na ds r eo hs o n o u s ft i sb c om i s r a i t o u e .O e h o ti a kt yds e t t n r d c d v rt ec o o F rn wi c e t da di a c pe n dfn u h t n u e ilh v o n i do tw a e t r swl a et v d ei s e s s u sa e o n i gm e i ea r c u tn yn wdv e rI i oe po et e y a amt x l r h ilgv o e .Ia l o ,Iwl i ey ua h m mas tln x o t .F rn w n i e tm n h o o ea nt r so a ki gt r ti e m ft c ln atu wi t g ea s a ew il na r a f klsi na r yo i gs rn i tei sg ti t e lt l n i h n om o kn o w r oa q i l o i gf r a dt c u eS o ts o s a a eyg t i gt h h c t i hc a t l tm t l e tn ot e a o na dr i e nt a e i cpi e n l i Iw sb r n as di w t rds i ln sa du ne udr es aa h e l a sf u dt eaw y o n e w t rw rd d r ae ol . o no u b ra dh v t w fD n a n a e r ft edvn n n h a to h i i ga du rt is to n o t n m n .If a i na dc n e t e t o r eo a cn s u c ff s i fm rn i l g do a i eboo y t r e op r u h i l s a t dt u s et efe

WHERE AM I?

AN.COM .DOUGALL N/WWW UG ALLA RAPH: DO PHOTOG

Erin

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SPONSORED BY

Readers picture of the month

Every month, the best readers photo uploaded to the Sport Diver website Readers Gallery wins 200 to spend at CAMERAS UNDERWATER

TO SPEN D AT UNDERWCAMERAS ATER

200

WIN

Giant moray, by Michael Gallagher

I took this shot on a night dive in the Egyptian Red Sea, with a Canon 50D and a 60mm macro lens in a Hugyfot housing with dual Ikelite DS-125 strobes. There was no shortage of fantastic subjects that night, but I devoted most of my time to this particular moray eel. Luckily for me, the eels position on the reef allowed me to get in very close and at eye level, and by closely studying its breathing pattern, I was able to predict the precise moment he would open his mouth to reveal his sharp teeth.

Point of view
Cameras Underwater photo pro Paul Duxy Duxeld gives his expert opinion
As soon as I saw this shot from Michael it made me realise how certain lighting trends from the world of photography at large can influence us underwater shooters. Perfectly balanced side/side lighting as seen in this extremely dramatic shot of - and if the truth be known, a relatively benign creature as most divers realise, but maybe not so to non-divers - moray eel, is a lighting technique pretty much in vogue these days for cool shots of sportsmen and young actors. Whether or not Michael consciously invoked this lighting method, which casts a dark band down the middle of the face by placing the lights relatively side on to the subject, or was subconsciously tapping into the zeitgeist, only he knows. Whatever his intentions, this is an undeniably dramatic picture of this oft-photographed creature, and elevates it above the norm. Keeping a perfect symmetrical composition has also ramped up the impact of this shot and placing the eyes and lower jaw on the top and bottom thirds presses all the classical compositional buttons. Sometimes, it really pays off to stay with a subject, especially ones not easily spooked like this, and you can then try out lighting positions, which you can draw on in the future as the situation arises. Top notch, well done.

HAVE YOU TAKEN A GREAT PICTURE?

To enter the competition to win 200 to spend at Cameras Underwater, register at: and upload your favourite underwater shots
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The winning image will be chosen by the editor. The winning photographer must supply a high-res image suitable for publication and be willing to be featured in the magazine with a head shot and text. The winner must have a UK address to receive the prize.

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Malaysia

Sipadan: A special place of nature

Sipadan is one of those locations spoken of in revered terms, and Al Hornsby discovers it has lost none of its magical charm
Photographs by AL HORNSBY

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The spectacular view from the beach

One of Sipadans other favourite dives isThe Drop-off,the rst dive discovered when the island was initially explored by divers

lie back at the bow of our dive boat, eyes closed, warmed by the tropical sun. As we skim across the flat, smooth water, my mind begins to spin a dive fantasy theres a small, remote island topped with rich jungle, suspended alone between the blues of sea and sky. The islands white-sand beach, directly ahead, is bordered by the clear, cobalt water of a drop-off, all along the islands front and to one side. In the other direction, the reef-line extends outward, enclosing an area of the bright, turquoise waters of coral-filled shallows. Turtles poke their heads up from the surface, here, and there, another. The water glistens with the bright colours of many-hued reef fish, swirling across the drop-off edge; a bit further, the sea ripples, disturbed by a gigantic school of trevally that forms a silvery, ball-shaped mass moving slowly along the

border between the shallows and the deep As the boat suddenly slows, I look up, and my dive fantasy comes to life - we have arrived at Sipadan. The tiny island is a rarity, a place where nature has conspired to create something truly unique. Though located not far from the huge, shallow shelf of seafloor that extends out from the northeastern coast of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sabah, Sipadan is actually a true oceanic island, the top of an ancient volcano that rises straight up from nearly 600m of water in the northern Sulawesi Sea. It has been described in the most-superlative tones; even Jacques Cousteau felt it was perhaps the most-unique dive spot on earth. Its location in the centre of where marine life first developed in the sea has given it a degree of bio-diversity unsurpassed anywhere. And, with

its combination of deep ocean and shallow coral shelf influences, the range of life that can be seen by divers is amazing - large pelagics and exotic small critters are found on virtually every dive, regardless of the dive site chosen. When dives around Mabul (the nearby resort island for diving Sipadan) - one of macro-critter divings most-celebrated locations - are added, the total dive experience is nothing short of remarkable. Despite all of this, perhaps the most-profound aspect of visiting Sipadan is its essence, a feeling of being far away in a natural place, a place that remains as it was born from the sea. From the moment you reach this beautiful spot, the rest of the world seems to disappear and be forgotten. There is a stillness, a quiet solitude that is pervasive and calming to the spirit. The sounds are those of a pristine world; the

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soft lapping of the ocean against the shore, the cooing of doves in the forest and the rustle of the sea breeze through the overhanging trees. And its ocean environment has a pristine richness that can scarcely be imagined. Even getting there lets you know you are in for something special. There is an aeroplane ride to the small city of Tawau, Malaysia. Then, all seamlessly arranged by your resort, theres a 45-minute tour by bus across rolling hills of jungle and palm plantations to Semporna. From there, theres another 45 minutes by speed boat to Mabul. Sipadan itself sits as a small, forested hump on the horizon, less than 30 minutes away. Designated as a national park in 2004, the island has a small dock and visitor beach area, which also contains small administrative and dormitory facilities for park and security personnel. The rest of the island has been left to nature, with resident birds, monitor lizards and nesting turtles. Access to Sipadan is carefully controlled, with a limit on the number of divers and boats maintained through a permit system. A dive week will typically include several four-dive days around Sipadan and the remainder around Mabul. A typical day on Sipadan begins early, with breakfast at your resort on Mabul. Boats head to Sipadan typically between 7-8am. Some groups like to leave even earlier to catch a dawn dive, and the resorts are generally very accommodating. After a quick check-in at the parks jetty office, the morning dive immediately commences, followed by a brief trip back to the beach for post-dive snacks (having snacks in Malaysian terms basically means eating small, delicious meals all day long) and some surface interval before another boat dive around 10.30am. Then, theres lunch and a dive around 1.15pm, followed by snacks and a dive around 3pm before heading back to Mabul. And, if you wish, the Mabul resorts are blessed with wonderful house reefs off their jetties, for at will night dives to see surprising collections of macro-critters.

The reefs are teeming with marine life

Seahorse

Anthias provide a riot of orange over the coral

a wall Especially dramatic when the current is running,Hanging Gardens is drift dive that starts just a few minutes boat ride to the west of the jetty
Sipadans dives Sipadans morning dive is usually reserved for Barracuda Point, less than five minutes away from the park jetty by boat. Regarded as Sipadans signature adrenaline dive, it begins with a ride on the current toward the eastern tip of the reef-line along the steep wall. There are many turtles, schools of spadefish, and Sipadans massive school of some 200 bumphead parrotfish is

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usually seen grazing on coral along the reef top. A huge school of bigeye trevally will be found as well, and where the wall flattens out as the reef turns to the south, a large, resident school of blackfin barracuda moves about in shifting, swirling conflagrations. For photographers, it is the best spot Ive ever found for capturing those unique shots of circling, schooling fish. Grey reef sharks and whitetip sharks are also seen in large numbers and, in recent times, a large great hammerhead makes a brief appearance almost every day. As a very special addition to this area of bigs, on the bottom of Barracuda Points channel there is a small, resident dragon sea moth, a rare and unusual creature the best Divemasters can find. One of Sipadans other finest dives is The Drop-off, the first dive discovered when the island was initially explored by divers. The spot is a steep wall, just a few metres off the sand at its closest point, which runs in front of the parks jetty and beach. Its top is covered with vibrant corals and the area is frequented by Napolean wrasse, sweetlips, coral grouper, whitetip sharks and many resting green turtles. Down the steep face, there are numerous anemones with various species of anemonefish and porcelain crabs, and beneath a large overhang at 15m there is a pair of resident ornate ghost pipefish. For experienced divers, a unique feature of the Drop-off is found at 15m just out from the jetty - a large overhang opens into Turtle Caverns, a cave system that extends for 60 metres back into the island. Of special interest is the strange sight of the skeletal remains of turtles that became lost in the caves and drowned. In the back reaches of the system, there are lovely stalactites and stalagmites, from a time when the caves were above the
Angelsh

Fish swarm under the pier

waterline, and these are a truly amazing sight in your torch beams. Especially dramatic when the current is running, Hanging Gardens is a wall drift dive that starts just a few minutes boat ride to the west of the jetty. It gets its name from the huge gorgonians and soft corals that grow along the sheer face of the drop. There are many turtles, which can often be seen perched on the gorgonians and black coral bushes. Pelagics will be frequently seen here, especially dog-tooth tuna; there are also many grey reef and whitetip reef sharks. Schools of fusiliers, unicornfish and spadefish will be found as well. To the south, on the walls top, is Sipadans most-beautiful congregation of hard corals, which grow in brilliant profusion for several kilometres along the curving reefline. With some careful searching, leaf scorpionfish of several different colours can be found here.

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Sipadan, Malaysia

Macro critters abound off Mabul

Sipadan

How to get there

Connect from Great Britain and other European countries through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Tawau, Malaysia. Whitetip reef shark Lionsh

When to go
Year-round, with the calmest, driest conditions from April to December.

a, Mabul, as a famous muck diving are would be considered a must-visit destination point for Sipadan even if it werent the jumping-off
Mabuls diving Mabul, as a famous muck diving area, would be considered a must-visit destination even if it werent the jumping-off point for Sipadan. Perched on a large coral and sand plain with a wall on its west side, the small islands diving is exotic-critter intensive. The number and variety of interesting species is truly remarkable, all found in shallow water, with most dives less than 20m in depth. The resorts house reefs (which generally allow jetty walk-in diving, as much and whenever you choose), are along a shallow coral embankment sloping down to a sand bottom. There are many lionfish of different species, cuttlefish, mandarinfish, schools of barbed catfish, spadefish, blue-spotted stingrays, pipefish, seahorses, morays, several species of squid, turtles and much more, all congregated in very small areas (as I write this, I realise I saw all of these on one 45-minute dive). By boat, with all sites reachable within a few minutes, are spots like Lobster Wall, a coral wall that is known for pygmy seahorses, frogfish, anemonefish and leaf scorpionfish. Around the Seaventures Oil Platform there is an astounding collection of life, with lionfish, ribbon eels, leaf scorpionfish, ghost pipefish and several species of seahorses and pygmy seahorses. Eel Garden, off Mabuls northern tip, has garden eels, cuttlefish, giant frogfish, and in the sandy shallows, incredible peacock mantis shrimps. With all my diving at Sipadan and Mabul over the years, Im always still surprised and amazed each trip. There is so much to see in such a small area; so much that can be experienced in such a brief period of time. I always leave with a sense of discovery of some rare, shy creature I had never found before; with a sense of lingering, electric thrill from some big animal encounter that had set my imagination on fire; with a sense of having seen nature in its finest, most-precious splendour; and promising myself that soon, once again, Ill return. Al was assisted on his expedition by Borneo Divers Mabul Dive Resort. Tour operators Aquatours Crusader Travel Dive Worldwide Divequest Regaldive

Entry requirements
A valid passport with six months before expiry is all that is needed by citizens of most countries for tourism visits.

Currency
The Malaysian Ringitt (1 = MTR4.95).

Where to eat
The restaurants in all the resorts on Mabul serve a delicious selection of food.

Where to meet
The bar in Mabul Dive Resort is a great place to relax after a hard day of diving.

Truly one of the worlds great dive and dive holiday destinations.

www.aquatours.com www.crusadertravel.co.uk www.diveworldwide.com www.divequest.co.uk www.regal-diving.co.uk

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Sal Diving Company

Pentewan, StAustell Cornwall

ie earted profl l Lighth al ve centres ain of di t er Great Bri ov

WHOS IN CHARGE?
Technically its Sal but Tamsin generally has the last word! Name: Sal & Tamsin Salliss Rank: PADI IDCS & MI respectively! Date qualified: 1996 Number of dives: 6000+

Sal Diving Company

Q&A
Q A Q A Q A Q A
Q
How would you describe your team at your dive centre in no more than 15 words? Id trust them with my wallet and my life so can you. Theyre great! What is your most embarrassing teaching moment? This would have to be Rob aka Zippy forgetting to get your dry-suit done up once is bad enough but twice he still hasnt lived it down! Thats just plain ******

Jim, Sal and Katie

WHATS YOUR STORY?

After being a steely eyed dealer of death with the Royal Marines Commandos, I decided to live the dream! Quote from Sal!!

HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH YOUR DIVE CENTRE?

After travelling & teaching for a while, we chose to stay at home & set up Sal Diving as a top training establishment. Its been a real adventure. Surrounded by like mined people, its hard not to like our job!

What is your favourite place to dive in the UK? Our own backyard in the sea (we dont do quarrys!) The Scilly Isles is a close 2nd! Scapa Flow was pretty unique too!

A Q A Q A Q A

Internet discount retailers!

Who's the worst air-guzzler in the team? Hard to say really theyre all pretty good, but occasionally there is an over full cylinder on the truck!

Q A Q A

If you could teach a celebrity to dive, who would it be and why? Any, they all look the same underwater. The England rugby team would be welcome though. What's been the biggest fear factor in your diving career to date? Looking at a pile of 750+ cylinders at the start of the Fillathon session on the Saturday evening at Divefest 2010. They all had to be ready by 0800 Sunday morning - & they were! Get in!!

What is your favourite place abroad to dive? Plymouth it is across the water! The Red Sea & Gozo have to be favourites for a club trip, but anywhere warm & tropical generally hits the spot.

Who's the biggest wimp out of the lot of you, and give a recent example? Rob he gets out sulking & soaking every time he forgets to do his zip up! Even his teddy bear got wet! Who attracts the most attention, bad or good? Rob hes an easy target.

VED GET INVOLcentre ur dive

If you could change one thing about diving, what would it be?

To have yo Files email featured in Dive .uk es@sportdiver.co divel

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Cornwall boasts some beautiful shore-divin g sites

Why you should join our club

Club nights
If you enjoy a wide variety of diving in a fun & friendly atmosphere withou t committees, then come & meet our team. We dive all year round, every weekend, night dives in the winter, daily diving in the summer, boat trips, win ter wreck lectures, shore dives, camping weekends, holidays in the UK & abroad, special offers for club members on equipment & courses wha t more do you want?

- who wouldnt want

to go for a dive here ?

Training facilities
7.5m rib OCEAN PRO 1, 3 Landrovers, 30 sets of school kit, 80 cylinders, mu ltimedia classroom, wet room, our own house reef, wrecks on our door step, up-to-date & dedicated pro fessional instructors, dive dog!

From the Scilly Isles to Sca pa Flow we get around! Wrecks or reefs well dive it! Theres such a diverse bunch of dive rs that even if the vis is not so good, the trip is alw ays good fun! The Red Sea Gozo Flor ida & the Caribbean Thailand Sipidan

British diving trips

Foreign diving trips

Tamsin and Charlie

FACT FILE
Sal Diving Company
The Old Pumphouse, Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall. PL26 6BU Tel: : 01726 844640 Email: info@saldivingcompany.com Web: www.saldivingcompany.com

Club camping and diving weekend

Opening hours
1000 1700 winter (closed Mondays) 0900 1800 7 days a week summer.

Rental kit and brand

Mainly Aqualung, Ocean Reef, Dreager

Gas mixes
232 & 300 barAir & Nitrox to 50%.

Shop
Oceanic,Aqualung,Apex, Suunto, Cressi, Sherwood, Hollis,Aeris, Ocean Reef, Sea and Sea, 4th Element,Weezle & lots more!

Servicing
Sal (Bob to his mates) can fix anything If youve dropped it, lost it, fouled it, sunk it or broken it, call us we can do it all! Cylinder testing too.

Courses available
Bubblemaker to Instructor, Seal Team included, EFR & EFRI, FAW, TEC 40, Distinctive Hard Hat Specialty.

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Florida

Florida drive and dive

Florida is the ideal destination for a family diving holiday, boasting the perfect blend of sun, sand, warm waters, friendly marine life and world-class shipwrecks
Photographs by MARK EVANS AND NICK AND CAROLINE ROBERTSON-BROWN OF FROGFISH PHOTOGRAPHY

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Florida

ucked away on the north-western gulf coast of Florida's panhandle is the small town of Crystal River. This is the northernmost winter home of an endangered aquatic mammal called the Florida manatee. The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee and is a slow-moving, gentle herbivore that can weigh in at 550kg and reach four metres in length. These sea cows can travel up to 50 miles per day to find vegetation and shelter. They are related to the dugong that can, occasionally, be seen in the Red Sea and are believed to have evolved over 50 million years ago. They move around slowly in shallow water and at speeds of around 5kph but can, in short bursts, move at 30kph. Because there are spring waters rising from underground both here, and seven miles south at Homosassa, the waters remain consistently warm at around 23 degrees C. It is here, when the winter sea of the Gulf of Mexico gets too cold for the manatees, that hundreds of these strangely beautiful creatures gather together. They are particularly susceptible to the cold and can become ill and die if they suffer cold stress. This small area of the USA is the only place where humans are allowed to interact and make physical contact with these mammals, and there are strict rules which are enforced with typical American zeal when it comes to getting in the water with them. It is, however, all worthwhile as you will find out if you ever choose to put on your wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins to interact with the Crystal River and Homosassa manatees. We did just this in January... We flew into Orlando, hired a car, and drove two hours northwest along Floridas Turnpike, also known as the Ronald Regan Turnpike. We stayed in a rented house organised by Birds Underwater, a very professional dive outfit which has been

Finally,you will hit Key West,the ultimate party town which is now
rmly on the diving map thanks to the sinking of the Hoyt SVandenberg
running responsible manatee tours for over 20 years. The company is owned by Bill Bird and Dianne and on the day we took one of their guided tours, Chris was our guide. We set off at 6am on a shallow draught catamaran through a heavy mist to three small circular lakes known as The Three Sisters. It might sound a bit early to get up in the morning on your holiday, but it is worthwhile getting to the springs before the other tourists. It was a particularly cold winter in Florida

A Stars and Stripes ag on the Vandenberg

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Fun | Adventurous | Safe

What our customers say: Absolutely the best Fantastic service Great experience Excellent operation Wonderful time Good work Perfect, dont change Hands down the best Great diving

Our renowned service

Some have called what we do Goochi diving.
(Sorry, we cant spell it correctly without paying for it). When you arrive to go scuba diving on your Florida Keys adventure, we tag your dive gear with your name, carry it to the boat and set it up for you. During your guided dive our knowledgeable divemasters will identify the Islamorada marine life as you see it versus looking it up in a book after your dive. When the boat returns to the dock our staff will be happy to break down your gear, rinse and store it in our gear locker. When you arrive for your next day of scuba diving we will have it ready on the boat for you. On your Florida Keys scuba diving adventure all we ask is that you kick and breathe!

Join us on a diving trip to found out why our customers are so happy and come back fror more

facebook.com/keydives
79851 Overseas Highway | Islamorada, FL, 33036

0011 305-664-2211
Open Mon - Sun: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
info@keydives.com

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Florida

The manatees are extremely friendly

Radar dish on the Vandenberg

The wrecks are covered in sponge growth

Adults and juveniles crave attention

this year and manatee numbers around Crystal River were at an all-time high as they sought warmer spring water. The water was still on the cool side and so we were very pleased to have brought our 5mm suits. We very gently slipped into some fairly murky water at the entrance to the springs. There were manatees everywhere as we snorkeled through into the crystal-clear water of

The wardens take their charge of manatee protectors very seriously, which is great to see. Once you enter The Three Sisters you are immediately rewarded. The visibility is excellent and the manatees are desperate for you to scratch and touch them - they really seem to crave human contact and interaction. They get very jealous too! Once you have connected with one manatee, you risk being swamped by several of these gentle giants. We were in the water for over two hours on

them know what we wanted to get from our trip. They suggested that we rent one of their houses at Homosassa and use the kayaks provided to paddle the short distance to the manatee sanctuary. This would allow us to spend time with the manatees whenever we wanted and to get our photographs at our leisure. As the house was so close to the sanctuary and was situated at the waters edge, we didnt even need to leave the garden to see the manatees from the surface, with one inquisitive individual coming right into our boat launch bay

ce Anyone can get into the water,with or without oats,and experien

the pleasure the companionship of the manatee can bring
The Three Sisters. In order to protect the manatees from boats and to give them a bit of peace from us humans, Manatee Protection Zones have been marked off by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These designated areas are marked-off and closely guarded and, if you stray into one, you risk immediate expulsion from the area. Manatee harassment is also prohibited, so you can not disturb a sleeping manatee, or dive down underwater with them to grab hold of them. this occasion and regularly had to move away from the scrum in order to be able to get some photographs. They certainly seem to like the camera! Many of them posed for me inching closer to the dome port. On one occasion my buddy dropped the camera to her side as one particularly loveable character closed in so they were face to face - an endearing moment. As I mentioned earlier, we booked with Birds Underwater. We had emailed before the trip to let to graze. On our first morning, at 7am, in the dark, we launched our kayak into the creek, loaded our camera gear and paddled about 300 metres to where the manatee sanctuary is marked with a series of buoys and markers. We tied-up to the mooring and waited for daylight. However, the itchy manatees spotted their chance to scratch their algae-covered hides and congregated under the kayak! We donned out masks, fins, snorkels and weight belts and grabbed our cameras

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Florida, United States of America

Florida

How to get there

You can either fly into Orlando or Miami. Orlando is nearer the theme parks and Crystal River, Miami is just 45 minutes from the Keys.

The Vandenberg is simply huge

Key Largo also happens

to be the number one dive

spot in the Keys

Entry requirements
British citizens visiting the USA need to complete an ESTA form online before travelling to the States.

Currency
US dollar (1 = $1.64).

Where to eat
In Key Largo, try a dolphin (also known as mahi mahi) sandwich in Hobos, or have a nice evening meal watching the sun go down in the aptly named Sundowners.

Where to meet
The Caribbean Club and Cactus Jacks in Key Largo are popular dive hangouts, or visit any of the bars on Duvall Street in Key West.

Florida has diving for all levels of diver, is easy to get to, has everything from cuddly marine mammals to world-class wrecks - what more could you want?

before being bundled into the water by 3,000lbs of cuddly manatee. As an empty kayak provided minimal resistance to such a hefty animal, they soon turned their attentions to the two humans in the water. Scratch me, scratch me, they demanded as the manoeuvred themselves to get the attention they craved. One big fellow took a shine to me and actually hugged me with both his fins and rested his head on my shoulder - they really are the most-adorable animals. Homosassa, by kayak, offers wonderful encounters with manatees, especially during the quiet time before the tourist boats arrive. However, the visibility is not as good as it is at Crystal River. The manatees have large paddles for a tail and the silty bottom is easily stirred up by the manatees and snorkelers alike. Their continuing protection is vital. Numbers are threatened by changes in the climate and water temperatures, as well as the huge increase in water-based activities in the last decade making boat strikes an increasing problem. Responsible tourism can help in their protection and already, with visitor numbers increasing, local wildlife agencies have teamed-up with residents and local businesses. They have raised money to buy up land adjacent to the springs to stop any further development and damage to this protected area. It is a fantastic experience and one you can do with all the family, so any non-divers can get an idea why you want to go diving so often. Being only two hours from Orlando and all the theme parks, it is very easy to extend the family holiday by a few days, hire a car and head off to Crystal River. Anyone can get into the water, with or without floats, and experience the pleasure the companionship of the manatee can bring. You can also make a few days with the manatees the first stop of a drive and dive trip of Florida, as

it is only a matter of hours on endlessly straight roads to get to the northern tip of the Florida Keys. This smattering of islands, all linked by US Highway 1, are a part of the USA but feel a million miles away from the mainland. Hitting Key Largo, the first town on the Keys, you get a real Caribbean island feel, with its laidback atmosphere and surroundings. Key Largo also happens to be the number one dive spot in the Keys, with the Pennekamp Marine Park offering shallow reefs teeming with marine life perfect for snorkelers and newly qualified divers and the outer reefs being home to purpose-sunk shipwrecks like the Spiegel Grove, the third-largest artificial reef in the world, and the coastguard cutter sister-ships, the Duane and the Bibb. All of these wrecks are covered in sponge, coral and algae growth, and are home to shoals of barracuda, large grouper, parrotfish, wrasse and the occasional shark. As you progress down US Highway 1, you hit Islamorada, which is the ideal location to head offshore to the wreck of the Eagle, another artificial reef which truly resembles a genuine shipwreck after it was snapped in half by a hurricane. Further south, you have the Adolphus Busch artificial reef, best accessed from Big Pine Key, which doesnt benefit from the Gulf Stream visibility of the other wrecks but is swept by nutrient-rich currents and thus is smothered in marine growth. Finally, you will hit Key West, the ultimate party town which is now firmly on the diving map thanks to the sinking of the Hoyt S Vandenberg, the worlds second-largest artificial reef. This enormous vessel could keep you busy diving it for a week and you still wouldnt explore everywhere. It makes a fitting final dive to round out a drive and dive trip of Florida. I

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Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Tours

Ask about our special $35 Manatee Tour

We have year-round dives, springs, rivers & entry level cavern diving for openwater divers. All dives are guided. We Dive:

Blue Grotto 100ft, Devils Den 55ft, Manatee Springs, deep & shallow, Kings Springs 50ft & Rainbow River drift dive.
Discounts are available for accommodations at the Days Inn Resort with a booked tour. Guest book the rooms through us only.

Manatee Tours Dive Instruction Kayak Rentals Waterfront House Rentals

(352) 563-2763
320 N.W. Hwy. 19 Crystal River, FL 34428

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IVE D SL
of dive rted profile Lighthea e world s all over th centre

IRLENA F E NATIO INT

Q&A
Q A

WHOS IN CHARGE?

N IMEN,SIltO NEW D St Pauls Bay Ma a SCUBA

Q A Q A Q A Q A Q A
If you could change one thing about diving, what would it be? We both agree it would be nice if the water temperature could stay nice and warm and clear all year round! Who's the worst air-guzzler in the team? Nobody, because were awesome!

Name: Andrea Stanley (Boss and owner) Name: Mick Peakman (General factotum) Rank: PADI IDC Staff Instructors Date qualified: 1999 (Andrea) and 2001 (Mick) Number of dives: 3,000 plus

How would you describe the team at your dive centre in no more than 15 words? Personal customer care, professionalism, environmentally conscious, serious love of teaching, good sense of humour and a big diver family. What is your most embarrassing teaching moment? ANDREA: Debriefing an Open Water student topless without realising! MICK: Being asked which Adventure Dive we had just completed when I was under the impression we were just doing recreational dives. What is your favourite place to dive in your country? ANDREA: Cirkewwa for its many possibilities. MICK: The Imperial Eagle. What is your favourite place to dive elsewhere? ANDREA: South Africa. MICK: The Thistlegorm in the Red Sea.

Q A Q A Q A

TRAINING HOUSE REEF -

SIRENS

WHATS YOUR STORY?

Andrea - I first came to Malta in 2002 on a diving holiday and enjoyed it so much that I stayed. I first worked as a diving instructor, and then had the opportunity of taking over NDS in 2005, which was quite scary at 31 years old! I have been teaching diving full-time for about ten years. We may be a small dive centre, but we can create a much more personal service as a result, and have time for our clients.

Who's the biggest wimp out of the lot of you, and give a recent example? Andrea, definitely - after a recent visit by some rather large cockroaches behind the compressor, Mick was able to wind her up very easily! Who attracts the most attention, bad or good? Alex, Andreas son and instructorto-be (IDC booked for 2026)! If you could teach a celebrity to dive, who would it be and why? (Try and keep it clean!) ANDREA: Nick Stokes off CSI Vegas

(Wow!). MICK: Kylie, or Counsellor Deanna Troy off Star Trek Next Generation.

Q A

What's been the biggest fear factor in your diving career to date? ANDREA: Being diagnosed with a PFO and having to keep an eye on my dive profiles now a thing of the past as it was closed in November 2010. MICK: Inexperienced diver problems over-weighted, low on air, current and a long way back to shore (they made it!).

VED GET INVOeL tion p ra your o

mail To have Dive Files e featured in ortdiver.co.uk diveles@sp

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Why you should visit our dive centre/resort

Top five Dives:
Imperial Eagle (Boat dive) - Guarded by a three-metre-tall Statue of Christ, the Imperial Eagle is an old Gozo ferry sitting upright on the sandy bottom off Qawra at about 38m, with excellent penetration possibilities. Rich in marine life it is also an awesome photography dive. Lantern Point, Comino (Boat dive) - A beautiful dive offering a good variety of chimneys, swim-throughs and boulders. You can pick your depth here to your liking! Often with crystal-clear visibility, this spectacular dive is one to remember. Qawra Point - A dive with caves and an arch, and depths up to 40m. A reef dive boasting a huge variety of fish life, sponges and rock formations, this is one that is not done as often as it should be. Rozi Wreck, Cirkewwa - An all-time favourite dive with NDS! A really cool wreck and reef dive not far from the entry point, the Rozi sits nicely on the sand and is well-known for its nudibranchs, moray eels and resident grouper. Left Arch, Cirkewwa - A dive for everyone! Caves and swim-throughs for the first-timer, followed by the Left Arch, which is a unique rock formation. With a maximum depth of 20m, this makes a good long dive where everyone can enjoy the reef and its local inhabitants of octopodes, cuttlefish, bream and damselfish. MICK TEACHING

DIVERS WILL FIND THEMSELVES POPU LAR WITH

THE FISH

Dive centre/resort facilities:

New Dimension Scuba is a five-star PADI dive centre overlooking Sirens Harbour in St Pauls Bay, Malta. The dive facility provides diving at all levels around the Maltese Islands from shore and from boat. It is specialised in providing a personalised service and catering to the individual divers needs, therefore creating a high customer return ratio, and 100 per cent satisfaction rates from our clients.

Training facilities:
Our staff are highly qualified, professional and very knowledgeable on the diving available locally. We have a fully equipped classroom for knowledge development and a house reef directly in front of the dive centre that provides both confined and open water training sites.

FACT FILE
New Dimension Scuba St Pauls Bay, Malta
Tel: +356 2134 0511/+356 9940 0914 Email: info@nds-malta.com Assistant Instructor EFR and Specialty Courses

DIVE CENTRE RESO RT

Range of dive kit, swim/beach wear for sale, with suppliers only a phone call away!

Rental kit and brand

Aqualung Suits, BCDs and regs Mares fins BARE boots

Gas mixes
Air and nitrox to 300 bar

Opening hours
Monday to Saturday, 8.30am - 5.30pm Sunday by prior arrangement

Servicing Shop
Kettle is always on, especially if you bring biscuits! We can fix minor repairs on-site, and we have Mares, Aqualung, Scuba Pro and Oceanic servicing centres nearby!
JUNE 2011

Courses available
Full range from Bubblemaker to

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Stoney Cove

Will giant-strides into the water to embark on his Deep Diver training

Focus on Deep Diver

Will Harrison moves the Focus on series south from Capernwray to Stoney Cove, where he undertook PADIs Deep Diver Specialty
Photographs by MARK EVANS

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Stoney Cove

he Deep. Its a place synonymous with mystery and intrigue; somewhere that man does not belong, but has an insatiable desire to explore. Our oceans are becoming increasingly accessible and PADIs Deep Diver Specialty is the top rung on that submerged ladder that starts at 18m and heads for the abyss. While techies descend to far deeper depths, for recreational divers, 40m represents the limit. I visited the UKs Stoney Cove to begin my deep descent The Deep Diver Specialty consists of four dives. Having done the first dive as part of my Advanced Open Water course in Capernwray, just three dives separated me from a diving future rich in would-have-been inaccessible wrecks, reefs and marine life. My three dives were split over two days and interjected with dives for the Wreck Speciality (Julys Focus on article). As such, my first Deep Diver descent was not the deepest - that came on day two. Up first was a dive to just shy of 20m. The objective of the dive was to see the effects deeper diving has on both people and objects. We descended with a straightforward navigation task and pockets containing, among other objects, an empty plastic bottle and a piece of neoprene. The dive party consisted of five people instructors Andrew and Robbie, fellow classmate Chris, Editor Mark Evans, who was on photography duty, and me. With Mark floating on the periphery, the rest of us buddied-up. We were to swim ten fin strokes on a given heading, before turning around and swimming back. The idea was for one person in each pair to navigate while the other monitored depth. This is a particularly important team skill when diving in areas where the bottom is out of sight. Its very easy, as I found out, to descend without realising as you move forward. This may not be an issue over ten fin strokes, but on longer routes divers

Will and fellow course participant Robbie Stoops

in the underwater world is an effective one and does serve to remind you that you are in an alien environment - a divers lungs succumb to that squeeze just as much as the plastic bottle. As for the neoprene disc, well, lets just say it served as more of a sacrificial offering to the Scuba gods rather than a useful tool in understanding

this is the point beyond which most people feel the effects of nitrogen narcosis - the intoxicating effect of breathing nitrogen under pressure. Getting narked is, in itself, completely harmless. Physiologically, breathing air at recreational depths poses no threat. The danger lies in how nitrogen narcosis manifests itself in divers actions.

Robbie served up the perfect example of a moderate nark. Halfway through jotting his address, there was a few seconds pause. He had forgotten where he lived!
could easily cause themselves problems. Once the navigation task had been completed, it was time to dig out our objects. Under pressure the bottle had squeezed to the point where opposing sides were touching in the middle. While we had all expected this, the visual reminder of the increase in atmospheric pressures the effects of pressure. To be fair to Chris, it was cold and dark in there and thick gloves dont mix all that well with an 8cm-radius, 3mm-thick piece of neoprene. Deep three was the big one - my first-ever descent below 30m. Prior to the dive itself, PADI course literature informs you in no uncertain terms that Side-effects can include a diver becoming overly relaxed or confident, which could in turn result in them diving inappropriately and putting themselves and their buddy at risk. Others may suffer tunnel vision. There is also the dark nark, whereby a diver suffers an unbearable sense of impending doom. More often than not, its

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Stoney Cove
Will writing his address in the pitch black at 32m

While the thought of kneeling atop a metal platform at 32m in the pitch black in a quarry in the Midlands might not sound like much fun to

some, it is in fact a spectacularly calm environment

a simple case of slowed psychomotor functions. To demonstrate the effects of nitrogen narcosis, we descended to the Hydro Box, which sits at 32m. Prior to entering the water, Robbie, Chris and I all wrote our names and addresses on a dive slate. The times were noted. The first thing I noticed descending to 30m was the loss of light. The bottom of Stoney Cove is devoid of ambient light. While the thought of kneeling atop a metal platform at 32m in the pitch black in a quarry in the Midlands might not sound like much fun to some, it is in fact a spectacularly calm environment. The visibility improved by several metres to boot. With torches on and slates out, we began to write our names and addresses one-by-one. While I proved myself to be quicker underwater than on land by shaving five seconds off my previously-clocked 20 seconds, Robbie served up the perfect example of a moderate nark. Halfway through jotting his address, there was a few seconds pause. Under the dazzle of four torch beams his brow scrunched with puzzlement. He had forgotten where he lived! He did complete the task (it later turned out that he had miswritten a d as a p and was disproportionately intrigued by this). Unfortunately, we then had to make our way towards the shallows.

Will and Robbie share an okay signal on the ascent from the Hydro Box

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Stoney Cove
training (or ever, for that matter), it is essential to understand. While divers can suffer a bend following a shallow dive, the chances are heightened when deep diving. Of course, if a dive is well planned and well executed the likelihood of anyone in the dive party suffering from decompression sickness is extremely slim, regardless of dive depth. Divers considering the Deep Specialty should, in my opinion, consider doing it in the UK. While there is little choice with regards to inland sites, the UK environment offers a number of benefits. Divers who experience 30m for the first time in the pitch-black and have to contend with one-metre visibility will be well prepared for deep dives in a number of locations, particularly in warmer waters where such depths still receive plenty of ambient light. Conversely, divers who take on the Deep Speciality in warm waters with oodles of visibility may struggle with darker, murkier conditions should they ever encounter them. Its by no means a must-do, but its certainly something to consider. Either way, the Deep Diver course offers divers the chance to gain access to dive sites that they would have otherwise missed out on. Whether that means kneeling atop the Hydro Box in Stoney Cove or checking out the lower sections of the Thistlegorm in the Red Sea, who cares - its deep diving and its great fun! I NEXT MONTH: Focus on Wreck Diver. Will reveals all about an eventful Wreck Diver course, including a free-flowing reg, underwater cramping and a snag during a penetration of the Stanegarth wreck.

Will clambers up the ladder after Deep Diver two

CLARIFICATION
It seems a few people were confused by last months Focus on... article. In it, Will said that the AOW course consists of four dives, when of course it actually requires ve dives, but as it stated in the rst paragraph, he did his Drysuit Specialty that same weekend and so that covered his elusive fth dive of the AOW course.

DIVE CENTRE FACT FILE

seconds. The final deep dive is a plan-your-own dive, with PADI seeing it as an opportunity for participants to put their training into practice. We decided to descend to 20m relatively quickly before swimming for Stoneys helicopter and then winding our way back to the entry point via a penetration of the underbelly of Nemos Bar. All went roughly to plan, though visibility did hamper things slightly. At one point I could barely see my buddy, such was the amount of sediment floating in the water. The dive was perhaps most useful for buoyancy practice and staying in control of your position in the water in a poor-vis environment. The Deep Diver course also takes you through the signs and effects of decompression sickness, aka the bends. While this is, fingers crossed, not something that students come across during their Full name: Odyssey Dive Centre Limited. PADI status: Five-star Instructor Development Centre. Whats available: Beginners to expert. Recreational and technical diving. Service and ex-forces. Small groups. Friendly atmosphere. Kids diving. Families. Holidays. Expeditions. Diving equipment. Join the Odyssey Divers Association and dive all year round. Learn at your own pace. Associated with: Techwise (technical diver training and expeditions, Malta) and Divewise (recreational diving, Malta). Based in: Target Fitness Plus, Shiers Drive, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 1JR and Northern Diver, Appley Bridge, Wigan WN6 9AE. Number of staff: Approximately 20. Established: 2007. Contact: info@odysseydivecentre.com Tel: 07515 423 653 Facebook, Twitter and www.odysseydivecentre.co.uk

Robbies regulator had started to free-flow. While our planned bottom time of eight minutes had been reduced to about three minutes, the journey back was largely as planned as Robbie had a pony cylinder and used this during the ascent. While it was a shame to have had our bottom time cut short, the incident served to show the value of a pony cylinder while diving at depth. It is recommended that divers take their own alternate air source and on this, the deepest dive of the weekend, we all did. Just watch out for that extra weight when you descend, you really can build up some speed! Once wed ascended to 5m, we paused for an eight-minute safety stop to replicate a missed deco-stop. The eight minutes included a minute-long switch to our alternate. Robbie simply switched back to his main supply - which had by then returned to normal -for his 60

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SELECTED

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Essential advice from diving expert MARTIN SAMPSON

Martin is a PADI MSDT and BSAC National Instructor with 25 years of diving experience, much of it spent running Anglesey Divers, a PADI five-star dive centre

GETTING YOUR ASCENT RIGHT

Martin explains why you should ensure that you make a controlled ascent after any dive
Photographs by MARTIN SAMPSON

couple of days ago at a local dive site I saw a pair of divers come to the surface in such a way as to make me wonder whether they thought that the dive had ended when they left the bottom. The creation of a large jacuzzi a few seconds before one of the divers heads broke the surface grabbed my attention first. That he arrived on the surface with BCD already inflated only confirmed my suspicions that this was not a perfect ascent. A couple of rapid 360s combined with a 'where am I?' expression on his face was followed by a half-hearted I've made it back alive so I must be okay signal. His buddy arrived on the surface a few seconds afterwards; I don't think his ascent skills were any better. It's true that for most of us, the descent and the exploration on the bottom is the exciting part of the dive. But in terms of what's about to happen in your body, the ascent is where it's at. Expanding air will be trying to escape from your BCD, drysuit, middle ears, sinuses, lungs, and even your teeth. Nitrogen bubbles may try to form in body tissues - and probably will in most cases. As well as having an awareness of the problems these can cause in the back of your mind, you will be controlling your posture in the water, maintaining contact with your buddy, monitoring your ascent rate, and venting air from your BCD and drysuit. For some divers, operating a surface marker buoy and performing decompression stops as well could be a task too far.

The one device that can help enormously with an ascent (and descent) is a shot-line; in other words a temporary anchor line that you can use as a visual and tactile datum. This gives you an immediate visual reference for both orientation and ascent rate and can help keep you together as a buddy pair. A shot-line needs to be set up before a dive and good dive boat skippers are well practised at providing them. The other device worth it's weight in gold is a modern dive computer with a clear ascent rate display, and even clearer ascent rate warning. Before I ascend from any dive I like to pause for

several seconds to think about it and stow equipment that I won't need during the ascent. If I am planning to use a delayed SMB I'll need even longer to get organised. I may want to adjust my buoyancy slightly as well. In other words I like to clear my head so that every ascent is a considered and relaxed event entirely separate from the rest of the dive. With deeper dives involving mandatory decompression stops, I believe this approach to be vital, especially as the duration of the ascent and decompression stops could be several times longer than the time spent on the bottom. I
Relaxed at the safety stop

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for safe ascents

1. Buoyancy control depends partly on your state of mind. Plan the dive thoroughly and eliminate any concerns that you may have before getting in the water. 2. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to your exit point or the shot-line. Especially on deeper dives, keep navigation simple and stay relaxed. 3. Don't push your air supply to the limit. You may need more air than you think for the ascent, especially if your computer requires you to complete a decompression stop or you get an unexpected 'reverse block' that takes time to clear. 4. Aim to arrive at the exit point with time to spare to clear your head and get organised for the ascent. 5. Check your air, bottom time, and position your computer so that you will be able to easily monitor your ascent rate. 6. If you are using a drysuit with an adjustable valve, you may have closed it during the dive. Open it so that it will dump enough air during the ascent, but not so much that you become negatively buoyant. 7. Check that your buddy has had enough time to get ready to ascend. 8. Check your buoyancy so that you can begin the ascent easily. Don't dump air too soon as this will only cause you to fin harder to get the ascent going. 9. Aim to maintain an ascent rate just below the allowable maximum ascent rate for your computer or table. Especially from deeper dives you can ascend too slowly because inadequate elimination of nitrogen during the ascent could lengthen decompression stops. 10. Even if a mandatory stop is not required, aim to complete a safety stop of at least three minutes at 5m or at the stop depth given by your computer. Trim your buoyancy at the stop so that you can be totally relaxed and neutrally buoyant. 11. As you leave the safety stop, look up and also listen out for boat engines. If any doubt, raise your hand above your head just before you get to the surface.

Diver checks above before surfacing

Expanding air will be trying to escape from your BCD,

drysuit, middle ears, sinuses, lungs, and even your teeth

A diver operates drysuit valve staying close to line

Ascending a shot line

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Mozambique

Magnificent Mozambique: Part Two

Patrick Shier continues his epic trip along the length and breadth of Mozambique, and is captivated by creatures large and small
Photographs by PATRICK SHIER

or the second part of my tour of Mozambique, I was off to the world-famous Barra Lodge, situated about 100km north of Inhambane airport. The journey to the resort was a little bumpy. The roads, which are a mixture of red dust, pot holes and, on occasion, tarmac, are best negotiated by 4x4. A journey that would otherwise take an hour or so can take most of the day. But try not to be put off by this. On the positive side you get to see and travel through a stunning landscape of lush green jungle with small thatched villages dotted here and there. Barra Lodge consists of a number of individual chalet-style rooms which boast views of the Indian Ocean and encompass all of the modern amenities you would expect of a luxury holiday. At the same time, it still creates that Robinson Crusoe feel of being shipwrecked on a desert island. Sun-bleached sandy beaches which are cooled by a clear, inviting turquoise sea stretch for as far as the eye can see. And although Barra Lodge is incredibly busy all year round, you can walk for miles without seeing another soul. The resort has its own PADI

five-star IDC dive centre, however, it was arranged that I would first be diving with Diversity Scuba in nearby Praia de Tofo. The staff are a relaxed, friendly, fun-loving bunch of divers that like nothing more than showing you the reasons why divers are returning to Mozambique time after time. Once all the necessary paperwork had been completed, we had a short walk to the beach. And then it was all hands - and the use of a Land Rover - to move the RIB into the sea. As soon as the RIB was floating, pointing in the right direction and everyone was onboard, our skipper waited for the waves and then with the throttle fully open we cut through the surf and made our way to the first of the two dive sites of the day. Crocodile Rock, so called because of the unusually high number of crocodilefish that can be found here, wasnt going to be a particularly deep dive, but it became clear from the very start why this site was high on the days agenda! As I made my descent into the warm tropical water, my view of the reef just 14 metres away was obscured by the dense shoals of fish swimming around me. The visibility was

awesome! Fish of all shapes, sizes and colours swam in every direction. There was just about every species of fish indigenous to the Indian Ocean in this one spot. The reef stands two metres proud of the seabed and is a labyrinth of passageways, overhangs and ledges that stretch for as far as the eye can see. As I explored the passageways my guide tapped on his tank to get my attention and then started to play the air guitar. Just as I thought he was suffering the effects of nitrogen narcosis, he pointed in my direction. As I looked up, a huge guitar shark went overhead. The reef was alive with a mixture of brightly coloured soft and hard corals each playing host to small pipefish, porcelain crabs or nudibranchs. Everywhere we looked there was something exciting to see or photograph. As we were going to be doing another dive it was arranged that we would stay on the RIB

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Mozambique

Although it looked as if the whaleshark was moving at a slow leisurely pace,it was actually moving at a rate of knots!

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Mozambique

All hands on deck moving the RIB into the sea

We sped through the surf and up on to the beach and

then in an instant came to a sudden halt on the sand
a whaleshark safari and would I like to be on it? I didnt need to be asked again! This was a trip that I wasnt going to miss, so with mask, fins, boots and camera I joined a group of non-divers for a trip of a lifetime! With the guide sitting high up in the lookout chair we all eagerly waited for the signal that a shark had been spotted. We travelled slowly up and down the coast, our eyes straining to see one of these magnificent creatures through the waves. An hour and a half passed, and as our enthusiasm was beginning to wane we were rewarded with the cries from the lookout shark! While he pointed, the skipper turned the boat and headed in the sharks direction. All of a sudden the excitement was electric; everybody clambered to put their mask and fins on. When the signal came we all slid over the side and into the sea. I took a deep breath of air and made a free descent into the clear blue water. Coming towards me was a creature that few divers have ever seen, a creature that is on every divers wish list - just ask the editor! Although it looked as if the whaleshark was moving at a slow leisurely pace, it was actually moving at a rate of knots! Trying to keep up while I aimed and took a photograph was near impossible. I managed to reel off a couple of shots before it raced past, disappearing into the distance. Back onboard the boat everyone had a smile of satisfaction on their face while they examined the
Pipesh

during our surface interval. The crew had brought along snacks and plenty of water to keep us hydrated. About three hundred metres from the beach and where we originally launched the boat, is one of the best dive sites that I have had the pleasure to experience. Again, it wasnt a deep dive - just 11m - and loaded with marine life! Known as Clownfish Reef, this site provides shelter and protection for an abundance of marine life, and is an ideal breeding ground and nursery for many species of fish. Much of the reef stands just a metre or so proud of the seabed. The fissures and small crevices are home to an array of unusual marine life. My guide knew the area very well and like a sat-nav turned this way and that, while pointing at this fish and that fish and then all of a sudden he stopped at a particular section of the reef and knowingly shined his torch into a crevice and signalled for me to look inside. The crevice was home to a pair of harlequin shrimps. It was the first time I had seen these flamboyant little creatures, and I must admit that I was probably a little over-enthusiastic with the camera. But fortunately, they appeared unperturbed by my presence and were quite happy to pose for that all-important photograph. Again, like the first dive, there were dense shoals of Bengal snapper and squirrelfish everywhere. This dive, like the last, was very much a case of where do I look next! With all divers safely back onboard the RIB, our skipper made the short journey back to shore. But rather than slow down as he reached the beach, we were told to hold on tight as he opened the throttle and accelerated as fast as possible. We sped through the surf and up on to the beach and then in an instant came to a sudden halt on the sand. Back at the dive centre while I was busy cleaning my kit, I was told that there was a boat leaving for

Honeycomb moray

images on their cameras. After a good nights rest and a hearty breakfast I joined the dive team at Barra Lodge for what can only be described as a spectacular days diving. Again, all hands were needed to push the huge RIB into the sea, before setting off for the first of our two dives of the day. First up was Sherwood Forest. With a depth of 30m, the seabed is made up of small colourful rocks and coral formations which stand about four metres proud of the ocean floor. Although there is a steady current running between them, it is still possible to explore the coral formations in detail. We found a large potato grouper resting on the seabed. The creature was huge. And then, in the distance, a devil ray swam past. Like all of the other dives the place was alive with shoals of fish moving in every direction. After 15 minutes or so we slowly made an ascent to 20m and then let the current take us wherever it wanted to. Our guide deployed an SMB and the boat followed us until we were ready to surface. All in all this was an exhilarating dive. As we were going to be doing another dive we remained on the boat during our surface interval. Our next exciting location was just a few minutes away and as the skipper manoeuvred the boat into position we prepared our kit and waited for the signal to backward roll into the warm clear water. Kingfisher Reef is another dive that can be done as a drift dive, or, if you descend to the seabed and shelter behind the pinnacles, it is possible to explore the area with relative ease. This was another deep dive with a maximum depth of 30m. Our plan was to explore the seabed

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JUNE 2011

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Mozambique
MOZAMBIQUE

for 15 minutes or so, and then ascend to around 15m and again let the current take us wherever it wanted to. At the entrance to one recess we found a large shoal of glassfish and a yellow-mouthed moray eel with its head poking from a crevice. As we moved from the shelter of each small reef we could immediately feel the strength of the current pushing us along. Somehow a small shoal of Moorish idols facing into the current managed to remain still as I passed by. With the current gaining in strength it was now time to turn the dive into a drift dive, so out into the blue we went! Within minutes the seabed was just a blur as we sped past. We had travelled a fair distance before we decided to surface. My tour of Mozambique was coming to an end. It was time for me to make my way back to Maputo

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Mozambique. Flights can take up to 16 hours to reach Maputo, with stopovers in Lisbon, Nairobi or South Africa. Add additional time if travelling to the northern territories. Harlequin shrimp

When to go
April to September for slightly cooler temperatures, and August to November for whale watching

Trying to keep up while I aimed and took a photograph was near impossible
Entry requirements
Make sure your passport is valid for more than six months and that you have two clear pages. Visas can be purchased before you travel, or at the airport on arrival.

Currency
Metical (1 = 55M). Turtle heading to the surface

Where to eat
Visit the Caser de Comer restaurant in Tofo for excellent food and value for money. The owner also has a B&B on the beach.

to catch a flight home. When you look at a map the distance from Tofo to Maputo doesnt look that far. However, the main road that can take you from one end of the country to the other is a little bumpy to say the least. It took us eight hours to reach the Southern Sun Hotel, my final destination before I left Mozambique. Patricks trip was organised by Oonasdivers (www.oonasdivers.com) TOUR OPERATORS Dive Worldwide www.diveworldwide.com Oonasdivers www.oonasdivers.com Regaldive www.regaldive.co.uk Safari Diver www.safaridiver.co.uk

Where to meet
A refreshing beer in your resort bar cannot be beaten. Mozambique is one of those countries that stays in your memory long after you have left, and lures divers back time and again.

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JUNE 2011

WorldMags

Ikelite PC Lite LED torches (SRP: 40-44.99)

Ikelite Underwater Systems PC range of diving torches has long been a favourite of our US cousins, and now a new LED version is hitting these shores. Ruggedly constructed from tough plastic with rubber shrouds around the heads, these 90m-depth-rated torches all feature a reliable rotating mechanism to turn them on/off, which can easily be done with one hand. The PCm Lite is positively tiny and will slot in the smallest BCD pocket with ease. It runs on four AA-cell batteries (included) and has a five-hour burntime. The PCa Lite is not that much bigger, again fitting into a BCD pocket, and it runs on six AA-cell batteries (included), giving a burntime of seven hours. The PC Lite is the largest in the set, but it is still fairly compact and would fit into most BCD pockets. It runs on four C-cell batteries (included) and has a burntime of ten hours. All will run cool both underwater and on the surface, so you can use them in all circumstances. They are very bright, and though small, are more than adequate for use as a primary light abroad, and as a capable back-up in the UK. www.camerasunderwater.co.uk

Miflex Mini Gauge (SRP: 77)

Miflex hoses have taken the diving world by storm, and following hot on the heels of the low-pressure version came the ultra-thin high-pressure variant. Now, to save you faffing about swapping out the rubber high-pressure hose on your SPG, you can just buy a range of pressure-gauge-and-hose combinations directly from Miflex which just need attaching to your first stage and you are ready to go. The Mini Gauge is perfect for the travelling diver as it is positively tiny, and the Tek variant (82) is a slightly chunkier unit. For those who want to combine an SPG with a compass, you have the Twin Combo, which retails for 113. www.miflexhoses.co.uk

Highland Utility Shorts (SRP: 80)

Batman had his utility belt, now divers can have utility shorts. These 2mm super-stretch neoprene shorts have been designed to be worn over a wetsuit or drysuit and feature two capacious cargo pockets equipped with Velcro flap closure, stainless steel grommets and D-rings. They also have a neat Velcro system which holds the pocket flat against the leg when it is empty and not in use. Available in sizes small to extra large. www.miflexhoses.co.uk

Soprassub Fusion (SRP: 55)

The Soprassub Fusion is a new model of fin featuring an advanced multi-flex blade made from three different materials. Designed to reduce diver fatigue and air consumption, these fins also give the diver a faster and more powerful propulsion than a traditional blade fin. The side rib (harder material) efficiently converts the energy of a kick into propelling power. The blade (medium material) increases the efficiency of the water channel. The foot pocket (very soft material) enhances the fitting comfort and transferring of the power to the ribs and blade. The excellent fit and non-wasteful transmission of energy ensures that body fatigue and air consumption is minimised. Available in three colours - white, black and blue - and from small to extra large. www.soprassub.com

WorldMags

IST T-110 Canister LED Torch (SRP: 409.95)

Housed in a durable, attractive anodized aluminium alloy body, the T-110 torch is compact and sturdy, yet provides effective illumination while diving in dark or murky conditions. It features three high-powered LEDs pumping out 660 lumens, has a burntime of over four-and-a-half hours, weighs 1.55kg on land, is depth-rated to 100m and recharges in just six hours. www.sea-sea.com

Mares Hybrid She Dives (SRP: 449.95)

The Mares She Dives range of women-specific dive gear has been expanded with the launch of the Hybrid BCD. The new model includes a special cut dedicated to the female body, seamless shoulder straps for ultimate comfort, trim weight pockets and Mares MRS Plus integrated weight system. With a foldable backpack, ergonomic inflator and flat overpressure valve, plus knife grommets for attaching the Mares Force knife, the Hybrid She Dives is well-equipped. For travelling divers, the quick-pack system lets you compact the BCD to its minimum dimensions in just a few moves, and once it is closed, it can be easily stored in a closet or transported in a small backpack. www.mares.com

Clip-N-Go waterproof video camera (SRP: 119.95)

This dinky little video-camera-and-underwater housing is so small it will easily fit unobtrusively on the side of your mask, and has been designed for simple one-button use. Users have up to two hours of Mpeg-4 storage space on the 2GB built-in memory, and the camera itself can be used with or without the housing, which is depth-rated to 30m. You can download to your PC using the supplied USB cord, and all software required comes on a CD in the box. www.miflexhoses.co.uk

IST 18kg Air Cell (SRP: 224.95)

A double-layered buoyancy air cell made with special three-dimensional panel construction, streamlined to achieve increased lift without increasing resistance. The outer shell is constructed from 1680 denier tear-resistant ballistic nylon and its durable anti-corrosion zip encloses the replaceable inner air cell, which is made from 420-denier TPU material. The inflator hose and dump valve cut-outs in the outer shell are urethane-protected from fraying.The circular air cell design eliminates the chance of gas being trapped, thus providing divers with precise buoyancy control at all times. Designed for single cylinder use (up to 15-litre). www.sea-sea.com

WorldMags

Regulators under 200

egulators are undoubtedly the most-important part of a divers kit. Lets face it, without one, we wouldnt be going underwater for any length

TEST TEAM
MARK EVANS Sport Diver editor PADI Divemaster 24 years of diving experience DAVE HOPE Dive club founder PADI MSDT 18 years of diving experience

of time! Weve split regulators into three price bands, and this month we are looking at bargain-priced units. We tested the budget regulators in cold-water conditions, and royally abused them - breathing hard on the surface and purging them for several seconds prior to diving, purging underwater for an extended period and rapidly breathing through them. Basically, things you wouldnt normally do if you had any sense! We figure if they can cope with this behaviour, they will be fine during more normal diving conditions.

ON TEST
MODELS Apeks ATX40/DS4 Aqualung Calypso Mares Rover Scubapro R295 Sub Gear Aruba DATE TESTED 16 February 2011 Water Temperature 5 degrees C Air Temperature 2 degrees C

PAUL ANDREWS LGV driver PADI Divemaster 7 years of diving experience JIM BREWIS Manufacturer PADI Divemaster 6 years of diving experience

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Regulators under 200

APEKS ATX40 AQUALUNG CALYPSO

PR 1 ICE 99
Mark: Fantastic performance, as you would expect from Apeks. I hope that in the future we can see some tweaks to the looks, as the second stage is beginning to date against some of its rivals, although to be fair, in this price bracket, they dont stand out as much as in the more-expensive categories. Comfortable mouthpiece. Dave: Simple, classic-looking reg that gives a cracking breathe for the price. Smooth, dry delivery in all positions. Extremely good-value regulator. Paul: Standard-looking regulator, but this being Apeks, when it comes to performance, you get exactly what you expect - reliable, dry, smooth breathe. Jim: Good-looking Apeks reg. Breathed well in all positions, and delivered the air smoothly whatever I did to it. Not a fan of the mouthpiece. Mark: Not sure of the looks. It matches with the Aqualung family styling, but I wasnt that keen on the Titan Supreme either. However, looks aside, it gave a reasonable all-round performance, and the Comfo-Bite mouthpiece was very comfortable. The venturi control didnt make that much difference. Dave: Looks a bit garish - would probably be okay in a different colour, but black-and-orange. Yugh Very good breathe, firm purge, but the venturi made no discernable difference to the performance. Paul: I like Aqualung a lot, but this was disappointing looks-wise. Comfortable mouthpiece, and a smooth breathe. Good all-rounder. Jim: I like the tool-free collar which allows the user to remove the second stage without the need to employ a wrench. Performance adequate, mouthpiece comfy.

PRI 18CE 9

Comfo-Bite mouthpiece

Venturi not that effective

Venturi lever worked well

large purge

VERDICT
Performance Comfort Looks Value for money

VERDICT
Performance Comfort Looks Value for money

WE LIKE...
Performance, comfort

WE DONT LIKE...
Looks divided opinion

WE LIKE...
Lightweight, performance, comfort

WE DONT LIKE...
Looks

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WorldMags

Regulators under 200

MARES ROVER SCUBAPRO R295

1 PR 89 ICE .9 5
Mark: Excellent breathe in all positions; dry, smooth delivery. The design of the second stage is fairly basic, but it is none-the-worse for this and it is actually one of the more eye-catching regs in the test. Dave: Good-looker. Very hard purge cover, but an excellent breathe in all positions. Really nice reg - Mares are making good regs on this performance. Paul: Very stiff purge. Exhaust works well, keeping exhaled bubbles well clear of your field of view. Comfortable, and one of the best breathes in the group - gave me all the air I wanted when I wanted it. Jim: Not unattractive - I quite like the clean, back-to-basics look. As good as anything else on the test. Firm purge button, but good all-round regulator.

PRICE 165
Mark: First off, lets talk about that price! 165 for a Scubapro reg is a fantastic bargain. As youd expect, this offers a great performance, with a smooth breathe, comfy mouthpiece and stylish, understated looks. Dave: Best looker here. Its a close-run thing, but this is probably my favourite. Good, dry breathe, smooth delivery and hardly any bubbles in your field of view. Paul: I like the simple good looks. The reg I recommend in this group. You just cant go wrong with this performance at this price. Top marks - a cracking breathe in all positions. Jim: Lightweight second stage, comfy mouthpiece. Really nice reg, up there with the best of them. The quality Id expect from Scubapro, and at a brilliant price.

Large purge

Fairly stiff purge

Comfortable mouthpiece

Comfy mouthpiece

VERDICT
Performance Comfort Looks Value for money

VERDICT

WE LIKE...
Comfort, performance, looks, price

Performance Comfort Looks Value for money

WE LIKE...
Comfort, performance, looks

WE DONT LIKE...
Firm purge

WE DONT LIKE...
Nothing worth mentioning

WorldMags

Regulators under 200

SUB GEAR ARUBA
E PRIC 9 15

Mark: Excellent performance, as youd expect from what is essentially a rebranded Scubapro regulator. Great value for money at under 160. Smooth, dry breathe, comfy mouthpiece and reasonable looks - not so sure about the orange, though. Scubapro performance on a budget. Dave: I like the long mouthpiece. Nice, light second stage. Excellent purge. Good exhaust, keeping bubbles well clear of your mask. Stunning value for money. Good performer in the cold waters of the UK. Paul: Nice, simple looks. Very lightweight second stage, with a long, comfy mouthpiece. Breathes well in all positions. Jim: Change the orange bit for black on the first stage! My favourite reg here. Great value for a great-performing reg.
Large purge

Long, comfy mouthpiece

VERDICT
Performance Comfort Looks Value for money

WE LIKE...
Comfort, performance, price

WE DONT LIKE...
Lose the orange plastic on the first stage

As in last months mid-range regulator test, we found that all the regs here performed at a more-than-satisfactory level, and there werent any that we wouldnt be comfortable taking for a full-on dive either here in the UK or abroad. The Best Value award was fairly straightforward. All the regs here represented excellent value for money, but the Sub Gear Aruba took the title as it came in at under 160. Excellent value when you consider that it is a rebranded Scubapro regulator. The Choice award was a battle between the Apeks ATX40, the Mares Rover and the Scubapro R295. The Apeks and the Mares both gave excellent performances, but the Scubapro - which was in contention for Best Value as well, coming in at just 165 - won out, being the clear favourite of the test team in terms of looks and performance.

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WorldMags

TEST EXTRA
OTHREE RI2-100 FLEX
OThree has built a solid name for itself by producing durable, good-looking and top-performing neoprene drysuits, and the Ri2-100 Flex is only going to enhance this reputation. The company says that the Ri2-100 Flex has been specifically designed with technical divers in mind - for instance, the hyper compression of the neoprene creates an extremely dense wall of protection and ensures virtually no buoyancy change at deep depths - but this high level of performance makes it equally suitable for recreational divers as well. OThrees Ri coating is resin-impregnated, which not only makes it strong and snag resistant, but also impervious to water, meaning the suit dries off in minutes when you exit the water, reducing wind-chill considerably. As the name Flex suggests, the new suit is very easy to move around in, and the introduction of a flex panel in the companys Constant Compression Neoprene, or CCN, only emphasises this. This was the first OThree suit I have dived in, as former deputy editor Martin Bruce test-dived this suits predecessor, and I was impressed with the build quality as soon as I took it out of the box. The finish on the stitching and detailing is top-notch, and you really feel like you have got a quality product in your hands. I took it up to Stoney Cove for a weekend of intensive diving - assistant editor/web editor Will Harrison was doing his Deep (see page 84) and Wreck Specialties, and I was on photographer duty - and I was immediately smitten with the comfort and look of the suit when I got it on for the first time. It fit perfectly, not too tight and not too loose, and was extremely easy to move about in. In the water I never felt restricted, whatever position I was trying to get myself into while photographing Will, and with OThrees PBB Extreme undersuit on, I didnt feel cold, even though the water temperature ranged from 5 degrees C to 8 degrees C.The PBB Extreme - made up of socks, long-sleeved top and long-john-style salopet - is comfortable, very warm and, at 169.95 for the full set, it is good value for money as well.The standard PBB is available for 129.95 for those who dont need the warmth of the Extreme version. The kneepads and shoulder pads are thick, but flexible, and really help protect the areas of the suit that are going to get the most hammer. I like the fact that the suits subtle good looks will not date - this will still look the business in ten years time.
The Ri2-100 is a nice-looking suit

PR 9 ICE 49

I like the fact that the suits subtle good looks will not date - this will still look the business in ten years time
At 50 under a grand, the Ri2-100 Flex is not a cheap drysuit, but as OThree states, the complicated manufacture of the material and the construction process makes the suit technically demanding to produce. However, when you consider that for your money you not only get a superbly finished drysuit complete with braces and thigh pocket, but also a nifty drysuit bag, changing mat, vented semi-dry hood, Jollop wrist seal lube, bees wax, Zip Slip and all valves/low-pressure hoses, suddenly it doesnt seem such a hefty amount. Mark Evans www.othree.co.uk
Mark diving the Ri2-100 Flex in Stoney Cove

WE LIKE...
Build quality, looks, performance

WE DONT LIKE...
It is expensive, but you do get a lot for your money

WorldMags

TEST EXTRA
Reective shoulder panel Apeks inator

PBB Extreme undersuit was warm and comfortable

Velcro-closing zip cover

Thigh pocket as standard

Mark returning from a test dive

The layering system worked a treat

WorldMags

OTHREE RI 1-100CCN
OThree has built its reputation on neoprene drysuits and Sean Webb and his team are staunch believers in neoprene and the additional benefits it offers over other types of material. Over the years OThree has been lucky enough to be involved with several boundary-breaking expeditions which have taken their suits and those people wearing them to the extreme. OThrees new Constant Compression Neoprene (CCN) provides an outstanding combination that addresses all of the issues encountered at extreme depths for long periods of time and will appeal to neoprene and membrane drysuit users alike. The Ri outer lining - now in its 12th year - creates a finish that makes the Ri 1-100ccn extremely strong and snag resistant. The neoprene is only just over 1mm thick, but due to quantum leaps in processes and technology, OThree has developed a genuinely compressed neoprene that has maintained great thermal insulation, buoyancy has been substantially reduced, buoyancy change is virtually zero and flexibility and durability has been increased way beyond what was thought achievable. We cant wait to get this baby in the water to see Date acquired April 2011 how it performs. Suggested retail price 1,049 Mark Evans, www.othree.co.uk Number of dives 0
Time in water 0hrs 0mins

AP VALVES BUDDY COMMANDO ESCAPE

The BCD is cut quite high under the arms, which makes for a couple of cavernous pockets which will easily accommodate a torch, reel, DSMB and still have room for a mid-dive snack (dont mock, Ive seen it done!). The air seemed to migrate freely around, letting me get in any position I cared to, and as I was diving with the editor and his camera so he could photograph various bits of kit, I did have to get in some strange positions. A nice snug fit so no cylinder roll and a nice position on the surface, so all in all very good first impressions. Dave Hope, www.apvalves.com

Date acquired Suggested retail price Number of dives Time in water

January 2011 320 16 12hrs 55mins

TYPHOON PRO II
These are not flashy fins, they are not expensive fins. Contrary to the beliefs of some divers, fins are not all about speed, they are about comfort and manoeuvrability in the water. They are about an effective fin at a sensible price which will propel you through the water, giving you a good return of power for your effort. Our test team (including me) has been critical of Typhoon fins in the past, but I have to say these are a vast improvement and they tick all the boxes Date acquired February 2011 above, especially when you consider they Suggested retail price 29.99 only cost 29.99. Number of dive 5 Dave Hope, www.typhoon-int.co.uk Time in water 3hrs 50mins

MARES ICON HD
The one thing you have to do with the Icon is remember to charge the bloody thing up! I am so used to computers just working till their battery runs flat and needs replacing that I went into automatic mode and, sure enough, the Icon died halfway through a test day. Doh No fault of the Icon, it was all down to the fact I forgot to charge it up. And charging the computer is a doddle you just attach the charging clip, plug in the cable and then push the other end into a socket. Job done. You even get adapters for other countries so you dont have to mess about with converters. Mark Evans, www.mares.com

Date acquired Suggested retail price Number of dives Time in water

February 2011 699.95 6 4hrs 25mins

WorldMags

METALSUB CABLE LIGHT KL1242 LED

Slide the locking mechanism back and twist the end cap 45 degrees to switch it on to reduced beam, or 90 degrees for full beam - easy, effective and unlikely to be inadvertently switched on or off. When the editor wasnt looking I had a little fiddle with it and found that there is an SOS setting, strobe setting and flashing setting. I thought I had broken it initially but its supposed to do that, and you get the various features by switching back and forth between the two settings. Okay, Ill read the manual next time, but it proves its easy to use! Dave Hope, www.cpspartnership.co.uk
Date acquired October 2010 Suggested retail price 499 Number of dives 28 Time in water 25hrs 30mins

OCEAN REEF NEPTUNE SPACE G.DIVER

The main thing to get used to with a full-face mask is the fact that you cant pinch your nose to equalise. There are those people out there who can clear their ears by swallowing, or cricking their neck, but the vast majority of divers still rely on the good old pinched-nose routine. Thankfully, the Neptune Space G.diver doesnt require you to master a hands-free equalisation technique. Inside the mask are a couple of plugs with soft silicone covers. These can be adjusted in various ways to make them sit in the right position, which is right under your nose. To equalise, you just push on the top of the mask, which tilts the plugs up into your nostrils. You then just blow out as normal to equalise your ears. It takes a bit of faffing to get the plugs in the right place, but once they Date acquired April 2011 are set - and you get the hang of tilting the mask back Suggested retail price 455.95 it is no different to pinching your nose with your fingers. Number of dives 3 Time in water 2hr 30mins Mark Evans, www.sea-sea.com

HALCYON SCOUT XP

OCEANIC OC1

The OC1 comes with an extender strap to fit around a drysuit, and as reported last month, even in pretty dire visibility, the screen is still easy to read, so it is certainly more than up to the job for UK divers. However, the buttons on the OC1 are fairly small and attempting to use them while wearing 5mm neoprene gloves was quite challenging, and it was next to impossible with drygloves. Thankfully, you can do all the fiddly work changing nitrox settings, etc, while on the surface prior to the dive, and just put your gloves on when it is ready to go. Mark Evans, www.oceanicuk.com

Date acquired Suggested retail price transmitter) Number of dives Time in water

December 2010 1.152 (inc 7 7hr 55mins

Time for the Scout XP to head back to Silent Planet and it has been a useful addition to the Long Term Test stable. Compact, durable, extremely bright and the perfect size for your hand, this torch lives up to the reputation afforded to Halcyon by its devotees. There is simply no escaping the high price, but if money is no object and you are after a smashing back-up torch - which Date acquired September 2010 can double as a primary when you head abroad - the Scout XP is Suggested retail price 399.95 well worth a closer look. Number of dives 26 Mark Evans, Time in water 24hrs 55mins www.silentplanet.info

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Gas Boosting & Transfer Solutions

by STANSTED
Established since 1970, Stansted Fluid Power (SFP) specialises in the design & production of high pressure engineering solutions offering a range of proven advanced technology solutions. Where required we can also provide custom design to meet special requirements. Our work takes us through from low, medium, high & ultra high pressures from 0 1400 MPa (0 - 200,000 psi, 0-14000 bar). Our air driven boosters designed for use by CCR and Open circuit divers blending their own mixed gas. Its unique design ensures that there will be no contamination of the boosted gas by the drive gas, essential if boosting oxygen.

ELECTRIC DRIVE

CONTACT US NOW FOR YOUR GAS BOOSTING SOLUTION

Telephone UK_01279 813 459 | Outside UK_+44 (0)1279 813 459 Fax UK_01279 81 51 80 | Outside UK_+44 (0)1279 81 51 80 www.stanstedfluidpower.com

AIR DRIVE

Stansted Fluid Power Ltd. Stansted Fluid Power Ltd, Unit 5, New Horizon Business Centre, Barrows Road, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5FN, UK.

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DEDICATED TO ALL THINGS TECHNICAL

HMS Pathfinder
Is this the best wreck dive in the UK?

Learning the basics

Review of the skills you MUST know to technical dive
From the publishers of

TekCamp 2011
Your chance to speed-date technical instructors

The official magazine of the

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JUNE 2011

111

Custom made
DRYSUITS
See website for our full range

-We also offer a 5 working day Repair service to all makes of DRYSUIT
We have now moved to bigger and better premises Pop in and see us at Hammond Drysuits Ltd Unit 2 Dene Yard Green Street Green Road Dartford Kent DA2 8DH

Tel: 01474 704123 Fax: 01474 708123

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www.hammond-drysuits.co.uk

Best wreck dive in Scotland?

Welcome to the eighth edition of Tech Diver, the regular bi-monthly section of Sport Diver devoted entirely to the world of technical diving. After the last issues report on guided technical diving in the Egyptian Red Sea, this month we thought wed stay closer to home. With the start of the British diving season upon us, it seemed only appropriate that we check out a local wreck in technical depths - and Scottish wreck afficionado Mike Clark reckons the HMS Pathfinder, off St Abbs Head, is one of the best shipwrecks in the entire country. Also in this issue, on page 120, Mark Powell looks at the basic dive skills needed by all technical divers in his regular Tech Zone section. Essential reading for anyone contemplating entering the technical diving realm - are YOUR skills up to scratch? Plus, in Tech News on page 126, we have information about the inaugural TekCamp at Vobster Quay in July. The perfect introduction to technical diving for those making their first foray into this world, or tech divers looking to expand their skill set with more qualifications, TekCamp gives participants the opportunity to sample diving with and taking instruction from a wide range of renowned technical instructors from a variety of agencies, so that they can then make an informed decision as to Mark Evans, Editor mark.evans@sportdiver.co.uk which way suits them the best.

MIKE CLARK
Mike Clark learnt to dive in 1985, and has enjoyed the sport ever since. Two years after qualifying he made his first attempt at underwater photography and hasnt looked back. This issue, he ventures offshore from St Abbs Head to what he considers one of the UKs best wrecks.

MARK POWELL
Our technical diving guru Mark Powell has been diving since 1987 and instructing since 1994. He runs his company Dive-Tech as a full-time business, teaching technical diving both in the UK and abroad. This month, he looks at the basic skills required by all technical divers, regardless of their training agency.

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JUNE 2011

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HMS Pathfinder

Finding the right path

Mike Clark has dived numerous wrecks north of the border and believes the HMS Pathfinder - the first warship ever to be sunk by a torpedo fired from a submarine represents one of Scotlands best shipwrecks
Photographs by MIKE CLARK

MS Pathfinder was a 2,940-ton Scout-class light cruiser and is another one of the extremely important historical shipwrecks in the Firth of Forth, as it was the first warship ever to be sunk by a torpedo fired from a submarine. It was a beautiful day on 5 September 1914 and the belching black smoke from HMS Pathfinders three funnels made the light cruiser visible for miles around in the clear conditions. She was patrolling the outer Firth of Forth with

Pathfinder. The gentle progress of the light cruiser had been monitored for some time by Kapitanleutnant Otto Hersing, who was in command of the German submarine U21. He had soon tracked the vessel by the black smoke from her stacks. HMS Pathfinder was a sitting duck and Kapitanleutnant Hersing fired a torpedo from around 1,500 yards off of HMS Pathfinders starboard bow. The torpedo was seen and tracked by the lookouts on HMS Pathfinder as it raced towards the ship but they were powerless to evade it. At five knots HMS

the remaining ships of the flotilla, the captain ordered a blank shell to be fired from the stern gun. HMS Pathfinder went down to the bottom of the Firth of Forth and also down in the history books, picking up the inglorious honour of being the first warship to fall victim to a torpedo fired from a submarine. All but nine men of the 268 crew lost their lives. Diving the wreck, which lies between 60-66m, requires technical diving skills. HMS Pathfinder is the main reason I undertook such training, as this ships history drew me like a magnet to

HMS Pathnder is the main reason I undertook such training, as this ships history drew me like a magnet to explore its remains
a flotilla of destroyers and torpedo boats. The patrol was to last for five days and this caused problems for HMS Pathfinder. Coal shortages at the outbreak of World War One and the poor endurance of this class of ship meant that HMS Pathfinder had to cruise at five knots to complete her patrol, otherwise she would run out of fuel. The sea was mirror calm and the afternoon sunlight shone down on HMS Pathfinder was making so little headway that when orders to avoid the torpedo were given, the ship would not respond to the helm, as it was unable to steer effectively at such slow speeds. The torpedo struck just below the forward guns and ignited the cordite in the magazines. The bow vaporised and HMS Pathfinder started to settle very quickly. Fearing that the explosion had not been observed by explore its remains. Visibility is usually between five to ten metres, but dark. Descending the shot line its a long way down and all ambient light is left behind as the depth increases. Divers usually stop to attach a strobe to the shot line to assist in relocating it after the dive. At a depth of 61m the diver lands on the deck just aft of the remains of the bridge. Voice pipes and levers can be seen here. Finning aft along the port side

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HMS Pathfinder

Mike doing a deco stop

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HMS Pathfinder
of the wreck, torpedo tubes are passed and shells lie around on the deck. Some are packed in groups of six, their wooden box having rotted around them. Portholes also lie on the deck. There are other mundane items to see, such as mooring bollards and capstans. Near the stern a large four-inch gun points towards the surface in an elevated position. Perhaps this was the gun that fired the blank shell to try and alert nearby ships to the plight of HMS Pathfinder. At the stern a large anchor lies on the deck and, if the diver drops over, they will be able to view the twin screws in a depth of 66m. Returning to the shot line back up the starboard side of the wreck more ordinance is noted, as well as guns pulled from their mounts. This has most likely been the work of trawl nets - there are the remains of some nets on the wreck. Just aft of the bridge is one of the most-poignant sights I have ever seen underwater. On the deck a brass sextant glowed green in my torchlight. Guns and portholes were all magnificent sights, but the sextants were used by one of the ships crew members, who most likely lost their life on that day. It really brought the human aspect of the dive home to me. HMS Pathfinder is obviously a war grave and should be treated with the utmost respect. Very recently Iain and Jim Easingwood of Marine Quest located and put divers on to the remains of the bow section of HMS Pathfinder. This was thought to have been completely destroyed in the explosion. Reports from Iain suggest that there is a section of the wreckage rising out of the seafloor to a height of 1m. I have not visited this site as yet and it has been added to the wish list of the ever-expanding dives to be completed in the Firth of Forth. For the technical diver, HMS Pathfinder makes an outstanding dive.

Getting ready for the dive

THE DIVE CENTRE

Marine Quest has been operating for around seven years out from Eyemouth. It now runs two superb boats, Jacob George and Silver Sky. Both are fast, spacious and totally kitted-out for divers. Both boats have good seating and diver lifts, as well as ample shelter. Marine Quest is largely responsible for finding and identifying all the new wrecks in the area and in the seven years it has operated, it has found more than 30 new wrecks - and there are still more to come. Marine Quest offers day trips and week-long technical trips, taking in the best wrecks on offer. Accommodation is provided at its Harbourside property, where the cafe and filling station is also located. www.marinequest.co.uk

Gun lying on deck of HMS Pathnder

At the stern a large anchor lies on the deck and, if the diver drops over, they will be able to view the
twin screws in a depth of 66m
Remains of the bridge

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Eyemouth, Scotland

PLENTY MORE TO DIVE...

Well, if HMS Pathfinder has captured your interest, there are many more new and intact wrecks in the technical range to dive. There are a number of submarines to explore. HMS K4 and K17 are massive steampowered submarines that lie between 45-58m. The newly found U12 lies slightly shallower at 42-48m and if you are into World War Two submarines, then there is an intact type-VIIC U-boat U714, which lies between 51-58m. All these submarines are intact, upright and make truly magnificent dives, and if you are into periscopes and conning towers, you will not want to miss these wrecks. There are conventional shipwrecks too, such as the Boyne Castle, which is a steam trawler that lies between 51-56m and is covered with marine life, as well as lots of interesting artefacts. She lies upright on the seafloor and is totally intact, apart from damage to her bow caused by the mine that sent her to the bottom. The Venus is another newly found wreck lying between 54-58m. Her stern section and propeller is an impressive sight sitting on clean sand. Even at these depths the wrecks are all covered in plumose anemones and marine life. Perhaps the most-impressive shipwreck found so far is the American cargo vessel Exmouth. She lies between 36-58m and is covered in portholes, telegraphs, compass binnacles - even the ships wheel can be seen. This wreck lies some 30 miles offshore from Eyemouth and only Marine Quest visits it. The outfits policy of look but dont remove will ensure that this wreck and others visited by Marine Quest will always have these impressive features on show. This is just a taster of some of the magnificent wrecks off the south east of Scotland. More are still to be found, including an oil tanker and another destroyer, which I will hopefully bring you news of soon.

Eyemouth

Brass pulley wheel on the deck

EYEMOUTH
Eyemouth has for a long time been the silent partner of the St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve. In the past the beautifully scenic St Abbs has had better facilities and tended to take the credit, even though the diving around Eyemouth is just as good. The main reason for this was that shore diving at Eyemouth was difficult and boat diving was not commercially available until around eight years ago when the harbour was redeveloped. Since then the large building on the south side of the harbour now houses Aquastars Dive Centre and washroom facilities. The main driver in this diving renaissance though is Marine Quest, based at the Harbourside. Enthusiasm for finding new wrecks and travelling to distant dive sites, on excellent diver-friendly boats, has seen the company rewarded with dozens of pristine new shipwrecks and scenic dive sites. This has transformed Eyemouth from the silent partner to the most-exciting place to dive in the UK, never mind the Firth of Forth. Im watching with interest to see if the impressive wrecks found off Eyemouth turn the town into the 21st century Scapa Flow. Diving around Eyemouth is mainly by boat, and as mentioned there are fantastic shipwrecks to dive just offshore. There are, however, two excellent shore-diving locations that are well worth diving. Eyemouth is a reasonably large town built up around its modern harbour. This is home to the ports large fishing fleet. Eyemouth has a good selection of bars and restaurants. There is a caravan park and a selection of B&Bs. Most of the facilities you will require will be found in the town.

How to get there

Eyemouth is well signposted off of the main A1 route less than five miles north of Berwick upon Tweed and the Scottish border.

When to go
These deep wrecks are dived all year long. Weather is the main factor to consider when diving them. Calm winter diving offers fantastic visibility, but the water temperature will be around 5 degrees C. Late summer offers the best conditions and the warmest diving. Visibility is generally always very good at these sites unless there has been a storm or plankton blooms are affecting the area.

It really brought the human aspect of the dive home to me

Expect to pay
Parking for shore dive is 3. Air fills are around 3 for a 12-litre cylinder. Nitrox and trimix are available, prices vary with mix. Depending on distance to site, technical dives range in price from 40-60.

Where to eat
Marine Quest has a cafe at the Harbourside. Oblo is also a good place to eat, and there are lots of pubs and restaurants in the Eyemouth area.

HMS Pathfinder is undoubtedly one of the most-spectacular wrecks in Scotland, and Eyemouth has plenty to offer divers of all levels, not just techies

Gannet

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Escorted cavern dives

Senior Club

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TECHNICAL Tech Zone

Many exercises are designed to develop mastery of buoyancy control

TECHNICAL SKILLS
Technical diving instructor Mark Powell looks at some of the skills covered in a technical diving course
Photographs by GARETH LOCK/IMAGESOFLIFE.CO.UK

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TECHNICAL Tech Zone

Practicing an out-of-gas ascent tests buoyancy control and teamwork

a technical There are additional challenges that are set on

diving course that appear to have no relevance to real-life diving

hile there are a number of differences between the mainstream technical diving agencies, there are in fact more similarities. Although the syllabus for each agency is different, there are some skills that you will be expected to cover whichever agency you do your technical training with. In some cases these skills are rushed over as something you need to do in order to pass the course. However, understanding a little bit more about the principles behind some of these skills can help us perform them better. It can also reveal that, very often, the particular skills are being used to teach a wider concept. In this article I will look at a number of skills that will likely feature in all technical diving courses, and look at the key principles behind them. A common skill taught by a number of instructors is to get a team of divers to send up a DSMB while all are neutrally buoyant. This is typical of the type of skill taught, in that it is a

useful skill in itself, but also teaches a number of other lessons. Sending up a DSMB is an essential skill for any UK diver, and even more so for a technical diver. Technical dives invariably involve decompression and, as a result, the diver is likely to drift further during the ascent than a recreational diver who, other than stopping for a few minutes for a safety stop, will be coming almost directly to the surface. During the decompression stop it is possible for the diver to drift a considerable distance. A DSMB is essential in order for the boat skipper to know exactly where the diver is. Some boat skippers will ask for one DSMB per diver on a decompression dive, so that they know the exact position for each of the divers. Recreational divers often send up a DSMB from the bottom, but technical divers will often do this during the ascent or on one of the earlier decompression stops. The reason for this is that sending up a DSMB from the bottom eats into precious bottom time or, looking at it the other

way, incurs additional decompression time. The deployment of the DSMB and the amount of time that it takes to get to the surface from a deep dive can add a significant amount of time to the decompression. As a result, the technical diver will often not want to waste bottom time on sending up a DSMB. In addition, many reels do not have sufficient line to be sent up from the bottom. It is common to have between 30 and 50m of line on a reel, which is useless when the wreck is at 60m. As a result, the ability to send up the DSMB in mid-water while ascending at a controlled rate, or holding position at a deco stop is essential. This skill also highlights the importance of teamwork. It is very common for a team of two or three divers to become so fixated on their own DSMB that they completely forget their team mates. I have often seen divers who have been keeping close contact and monitoring each other during the dive then turn their backs on their buddies while deploying a DSMB. The deployment takes up all their available

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Arcobaleno Tours owns a 31 meter wooded luxury yacht with five cabins, just renovated and fully equipped for diving enthusiasts. Destinations: hidden and little-known diving areas around five beautiful Dalmatian islands of Brac, Hvar, Vis, Lastovo and Mljet, where in the past Antique Greeks and Romans sailed. Enjoy untouched nature surrounded by blue and green,which will accompany you during your holiday at one of the most desirable destionations today. So choose Croatia, a beautiful country, so close for an exclusive yacht charter or diving holiday destination.

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TECHNICAL Tech Zone

concentration and they forget that they are still supposed to be diving in a team. This shows that they are operating at the limit of their comfort zone. This is particularly important because the end of the dive and, in particular, deploying a DSMB is one of the most-dangerous parts of the dive. Reels can get jammed, buoyancy can be forgotten, line can become tangled around regs or other bits of equipment and so this time, almost more than any other, is when the divers should be aware of their team mates. As well as teamwork, buoyancy control is also tested. Divers can often manage their buoyancy very well as long as they are not distracted by anything else.

Deliberate practice can help develop mastery of skills

too far apart and, in For a start, most divers spend most of the dive

the case of an out-of-gas situation, cannot get to their buddies in one

However, as soon as they are distracted, by the act of deploying the DSMB for example, their buoyancy control starts to go and they start to float up or sink into the depths. So when we say we want to send up a DSMB, what we really mean is that we want to maintain contact with our team mates, while maintaining our position in the water, while sending up our DSMB. If a team can do this then it shows they have good team skills, good buoyancy skills and good DSMB skills. Stage cylinder swapping is another skill that is useful in itself, but also has a number of other purposes. Divers using a rich nitrox mix in a stage cylinder can significantly reduce the length of time they need to decompress. However, if there is a problem with the decompression cylinder, they will need to spend much longer decompressing. If they have used sensible gas planning rules the diver in question should have enough gas in their twinset to be able to do this, but there are other options. Once their buddy has finished their own decompression they can potentially pass the remaining gas in the deco cylinder over to the diver with the problem. Of course, decompression stops are usually done in mid-water and so being able to do this without changing depth or dropping the cylinder into the depths is a very-important skill. Communication and co-ordination are also tested. If the divers can identify the situation, communicate the proposed solution, agree on the course of action and then carry out the cylinder swap they are clearly acting as a solid team. If they cannot do this, the divers should identify their team weaknesses and work to improve them. Buoyancy control is again tested. A mid-water swap with no visual reference (other than a third team member or a DSMB reel hanging at a fixed depth) will likely cause buoyancy issues for even the most experienced recreational diver trying it for the first time. Again, this illustrates how easy it is to get distracted from your buoyancy by a challenging task. Practice allows divers to increase their buoyancy awareness and helps to teach them how to manage their position in the water while carrying out a difficult task. This helps to build good awareness of depth and builds the ability to multitask. The third skill which is taught and drilled on almost every course is an out-of-gas situation. Its obvious why being able to donate quickly and efficiently to an out-of-gas diver is an essential skill. However, there is more to it than that. Most instructors test this skill when neither the out-of-gas diver nor the donor are expecting it. This shows the difference between a practice drill, where both parties are expecting it, and an unexpected situation. When both divers expect to practice the drill the stress levels are much lower - there is less confusion and, in my

breath

experience, it very rarely goes wrong. However, when neither diver is ready for it, a number of potential problems arise. For a start, most divers spend most of the dive too far apart and, in the case of an out-of-gas situation, cannot get to their buddies in one breath. This shows how close you should be to your buddy in case of an out-of-gas situation. It also shows the importance of position. If the diver in front is out-of-gas then they can just turn around and the other diver can see them immediately. They will swim towards each other, effectively halving the distance between them. However, if it is the diver at the back that is out of gas they need to catch up with the diver in front, effectively doubling the distance. They will then need to get their attention and signal that they are out of gas. This will obviously take significantly longer. As the time the diver is out of gas increases, even if it is simulated and they are just holding their breath, so their stress levels will increase. When the stress levels go up so does the urgency and so does the likelihood that one of the divers will make a mistake. I have seen divers forget the drill they have been taught, react far too slowly or get their bungied long hose caught because they have fumbled the deployment. In each case the most-important lesson is that a more-realistic situation can create problems that are just not present in a nice relaxed simulated situation and so, in a real emergency, this

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TECHNICAL Tech Zone

Deploying a DSMB is one of the most dangerous parts of the dive A technical diver should never run out of gas

is going to be even worse. It also shows that little things can become huge problems when a problem occurs. Convoluted solutions to gas donation inevitably cause problems in a real-life situation and this is where the disadvantages of independent twinsets, bungied long hoses, inaccessible back-up regs, and clutter can become glaringly obvious. As a result, an out-of-gas exercise can also be a very-effective way to illustrate problems in kit configuration. Hopefully, it is clear that in some cases these skills are taught because they are useful themselves, but also because they teach other skills. There are additional challenges that are set on a technical diving course that appear to have no relevance to real-life diving. In this case they are set in order to practice some other, more-important skill. Often this is buoyancy control or team work. These additional exercises are used because in order to master certain skills, we need to do more than just use those skills regularly on a dive. When people first learn a new skill, such as diving, skiing or playing a musical instrument, they improve very quickly until they reach a proficient level and the skill becomes effectively automatic. Buoyancy control is a perfect example of this. New divers quickly learn the basics of buoyancy control and get to a reasonable level of proficiency so that they stop having to constantly think about how to control their buoyancy. At this point, most people's buoyancy skills stop progressing, they reach a plateau. This is known as the Okay Plateau and most divers stay there not knowing how to progress to a higher level and, in many cases, not even realising that a

higher level of buoyancy control is even possible. Even if they practice their skills by diving regularly, they will maintain this level but will not significantly improve their skills. Of course, this is in contrast to the idea that practice makes perfect, so why dont people who dive more necessarily get better? And why do some people seem to be able to master a skill while others remain stuck on the Okay Plateau? What separates those who master buoyancy control or teamwork or any other skill is that instead of just doing the activity, they will focus on practice specifically aimed at stretching their skills. This is often known as deliberate practice. Amateur guitarists, for example, are more likely to spend their time playing music, whereas more advanced guitarists will spend their time working through specific exercises to improve their
A diver deploys a DSMB

technique. With diving, it's very common to get to the Okay Plateau and just stop. However, the technical diver needs to aim further than this and take their skills to a higher level. This can only be done by deliberate practice. The exercises used for this should put divers outside their comfort zone and allow them to make mistakes in a relatively safe practice environment. Technical diving courses start off this process and include a number of exercises designed to do just this. Over time this will allow the diver to progress from simply completing skills to mastering them. In the next issue of Tech Diver: Mark reviews the KISSSS approach to equipment configuration. For more information on any aspect of technical diving, contact Mark on Tel: 07770 864327 Email: mark@dive-tech.co.uk Web: www.dive-tech.co.uk

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Dive the ex-USS Kittiwake Cayman's newest wreck

Warm waters, 30m+ vis await!

Divetech @ Colbalt Coast Dive Resort www.divetech.com | www.cobaltcoast.com

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06-1 1

SPEED-DATING FOR TECH DIVERS

Sponsored by Fourth Element, the inaugural TEKCamp will be held from Monday 25 July to Friday 29 July 2011. Join ten of the UK's top technical diving instructors for five days of solid diving, lectures, presentations and - of course - fun at Vobster Quay, Somerset. "Time and again when a diver is considering going down the technical route they always ask the same question 'who should I train with'? ", said Martin Stanton, owner of Vobster Quay. "The consistent sensible answer given is 'that it's not a specific training agency but down to the quality and ethos of the individual instructor'." Until now it was a bit of a Catch 22 situation. The only way to find out if a specific instructor's teaching style was for military approach adopted by some instructors, whereas others respond to a more pragmatic down-to-earth instructor. Martin said: "I'm delighted to say that for TEKCamp 2011 we've secured the services of the 'crme de la crme' of UK technical diver education - ten really experienced instructors from the four top training agencies. We'll be announcing the full dream team shortly although we're proud to announce that names already signed up include Martin Robson (IANTD, NSS-CDS & NACD), Phillip Short (IANTD UK Training Director), Richard Stevenson (TDI & IANTD) and Rich Walker (GUE UK Training Director) luminary figures not only involved in teaching but also Instructor will deliver one lecture), a Guest Speaker every evening, the ability to dive equipment from key manufactures, six days onsite camping, and barbecues every evening where divers can spend time and chat to the instructors informally. TEKCamp 2011 will culminate in a celebratory hog roast on the Friday night. Places are limited at TEKCamp 2011. To book your place simply log onto: www.tekcamp.co.uk . Divers should be a minimum of Sport Diver/Rescue Diver with 50 logged dives, preferably with a nitrox qualification. For those who are not nitrox certified, Vobster will run a special course on Sunday 24 July.

These 'taster' sessions will be invaluable for any diver

wanting to take up or further their technical diving training
you was to physically book onto and take a course. At Vobster it was decided that an opportunity to 'speed date' some of the UK's foremost tech instructors from the leading agencies would be the way forward, with the emphasis focused on a week's personal improvement diving. Every TEKCamp student gets to take part in a daily in-water workshop with three of their TEKCamp peers covering everything from equipment configuration, twinset diving and finning techniques to a try dive on a closed circuit rebreather, with each workshop taught by a different instructor. By the end of the week every TEKCampee will have been taught by five different instructors. These 'taster' sessions will be invaluable for any diver wanting to take up or further their technical diving training. And it helps them decide if this type of diving and certain teaching styles are appropriate for them. Some divers benefit from a more known for diving at the very cutting edge of expedition-level tech." Whether you're a recreational diver looking to take on a whole new challenge or an experienced technical diver looking to broaden your diving horizons, this is a unique opportunity to learn from and dive with some of the biggest names in technical diving. Rich Walker of GUE UK stated: "The opportunity to work alongside the UK's best tech instructors was too good to miss. The way in which the event is structured will allow divers interested in moving to tech diving to get a real picture of the different approaches and styles of teaching available. I can't wait!" During the week TEKCampees will also benefit from a five day Guest Pass to Vobster Quay including unlimited day diving, two half-hour lectures every lunchtime (each

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UK DIVE CENTRES
Directory Key
ENGLAND
AVON
SUBAQUAHOLICS @ MIKES
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262 Portland Rd, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9DF Tel: 01305 766220 Fax: 01305 778690 Email: dive@fathomandblues.co.uk Website: www.fathomandblues.co.uk Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 8.30am to 6pm Air to 300 bar PADI 5# CDC, DAN, TDI, RYA POWERBOAT SCHOOL, TecRec, EH, NITROX. The only completely one-stop Dive Centre in a pub! Beer, diving and accommodation all in one place! New facilities with 4 coded vessels for local/offshore wrecks. Cafe, unrivalled views over Portland harbour, showers, kit storage and parking.

PORTHKERRIS DIVERS
Porthkerris, St. Keverne, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6QJ Tel: 01326 280620 Email: info@porthkerris.com Website: www.porthkerris.com Opening Hours: 7 days a week. PADI 5# IDC Centre. Diving tuition from novice to instructor. The manacles, wrecks and reefs, only 5 mins. Hardboat and Rib charters, escorted dives, Dive shop, beach Caf, basking Shark Trips, camping and best shore dive in the UK. OLD HARBOUR DIVE CENTRE 11 Nothe Parade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8TX Tel: 01305 760888 Email:info@oldharbourdivecentre.com Website: www.oldharbourdivecentre.com Opening hours: 9.30 - 5.00 pm Monday - Friday but hours may vary.please check website. Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5# IDC and RYA training centre. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox, Trimix, 02. Dorset's most comprehensive scuba diving facilility. Well stocked shop. Hardboat trips daily during the season. R.I.B. facilities outside our harbourside premises. Small/large Groups catered for.

BERKSHIRE
DIVECREW
37 Binfield Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 2AW Tel: 01344 454245 Fax: 01344 454246 Email: collin@divecrew.co.uk Website: www.divecrew.co.uk Opening Hours: 10am to 6.30pm - Monday - Friday 10am to 2.30pm Saturday Air To 300 Bar, Nitrox, PADI CDC. EH, TD, EA, AYRD, UWP, NDCF. Platinum Course Director on Staff, Scubapro Showroom (top 10), Servicing and Air Fills inc Nitrox, UK Club Diving as well as diving holidays.

DIVESYLE
Unit A, Bridge Farm, Reading Road, Arborfield, Berkshire, RG2 9HT Tel: 0118 976 1729 Fax: 0118 926 9616 Email: info@divestyle.co.uk Website: www.divestyle.co.uk Opening Hours: M, T, T, F 10:00 - 18:00 W 10:00 - 20:00 S 10:00 - 17:00. Air To 300 Bar. PADI 5# IDC. Nitrox, National Geographic. EH, ESI, TD, EA, FCF, AYRD. PADI IDC centre, Nitrox, Trimix, equipment retail, PADI, SSI, BSAC, EFR, DSAT, TDI, rebreather friendly, Family friendly, child friendly, kids parties (4 weeks notice).

SAL DIVING COMPANY

The Old Pumphouse Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6BU Tel: 01726 844640 Email: info@saldivingcompany.com Website: www.saldivingcompany.com Opening hours: WINTER-10am-5pm (closed Mon) MAY-OCT- 08:30am-6pm (7days). Air to 300 Bar. PADI. 7.5m RIB, dive club (active), all PADI specialities + courses up to AI, historical hard hat diving exp + courses. Professional fun + friendly centre! OSS, BS, EH, Nitrox, (OST testing agents)

ESSEX
2DIVE4
10 Chapel Hill, Stansted, Essex. CM24 8AG Tel: 01279 815559 Email: info@2dive4.co.uk Website: www.2dive4.co.uk Opening hours: OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. Monday - Via appointment only. Tuesday - 09:00 - 17:30, Wednesday 09:00 - 17:30, Thursday Late Night - 09:00 - 19:00, Friday - 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday - 09:00 - 17:30, Sunday - Via appointment only. Air to 300 bar, NITROX, TRIMIX. PADI IDC Centre. TDI Technical Diving Centre. All courses from beginner to Instructor. All major brands in store and in online shop. Discounts on packages. All brands of servicing done on site. UK dive trips and Red Sea specialists. FRIENDLY, HELPFUL STAFF.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
SCUBADUCKS DIVE CENTRE LTD

DERBYSHIRE
CHESTERFIELD ADVENTURE CENTRE
Wheatbridge Road, Off Dock Wall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 2AB Tel: 01246 245408 Email: info@divenut.co.uk Website: www.divenut.co.uk Opening hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5# IDC, OSS, BS, EH. Full range of courses from beginner to instructor. Equipment sales, dive club, group holidays. Nitrox, Submatix rebreather sales & training. Easy parking. 3 pool nights.

SHOP KEY OSS................................Onsite servicing OST ..................................Onsite testing BS ................Testing to British Standards OVERSEAS ABBREVIATIONS Acc ................................Accommodation AIP ........................All inclusive package AT ..................................Airport Transfers AYRD ....................All year round diving BH ............................................Boat hire CAOS ..................Compressed air onsite CH ..............................................Car hire EA ........................Environment Activities EH ..................................Equipment hire ESI ..............English speaking instructors FCF ..........................Families catered for LB ........................................Liveaboards NDCF ..................Non-divers catered for OWs ..........................Other watersports TD ........................................Tech diving UWP ................Underwater photography

34 Edison Road, Rabans Lane Ind. Est. Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8TE Tel: 01296 317787 Fax: 01296 398958 Email: u2us@scubaducks.co.uk Web: www.scubaducks.co.uk Opening Hours: Wed, Fri, Sat 10am to 6pm, Thur 1pm to 7.30pm Sunday 11am to 4pm Air to 300 Bar. EH, LB, ESI, TD, AIP, ACC, FCF, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox, Trimix. PADI 5# IDC Centre. Large on site heated pool, Huge retail area with all major brands, Poseidon Rebreather Centre, Dive Club, Dive Trips & Holidays, IDEST Service Centre.

ADVENTURES IN DIVING LTD

16 Russell Way, Widford Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3AA Tel: 01245 252627 Email: info@adventuresindiving.co.uk Website: www.adventuresindiving.co.uk Opening Hours: 9am-6pm (Mon-Sat) 9:30am-4pm (Sun). Essex Largest Equipment Sales - instore & On-line 24/7. PADI 5# IDC Centre - All courses, Specialities & Try dives taught. 3 Pools - 6 metres. "WETWRECKS" Dive club with Hardboat ZEUS & 2 RIBs. All qualified divers welcome. Air/Nitrox pumped to 300 bar. Full Equipment servicing with 7 day Turnaround. World wide holidays. EH,OST,BS,OSS,

CAMBRIDGESHIRE
PARWIN SCUBA Manor Farm, Church Rd, Glatton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire Tel: 01487 834630 Fax: 01487 830407 Email: paul@metalspec.freeserve.co.uk Website: www.parwinscuba.co.uk Opening hours: 8am - 4pm Mon Weds Thurs Fri and most weekends. Air to 300 Bar. Shop, Servicing and cylinder testing to ASSET IDEST/UKAS on site by friendly owner. Fast turnaround and free parking.

DEVON
DIVERS DOWN
139 Babbacombe Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3SR Tel: 01803 327111 Fax: 01803 314728 Email: info@diversdown.co.uk Website: www.diversdown.co.uk PADI 5# IDC Centre. OSS, BS, EH, ES, CAOS, Nitrox. Active dive club, escorted dives, boat trips organised. Courses from beginner to instructor. Open 7 days a week.

DIVERSE SCUBA
Ye Olde plough House Motel, Brentwood Road, Bulphan, Essex, RM14 3SR Tel/Fax: 01375 892444 Mob: 07814 570165 Email: jeanne-marie@diverse-scuba.co.uk Website: www.diverse-scuba.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 2pm-10pm. Sat & Sun 10:30am-5pm (Closed Fri). Our own On Site Pool, Air to 300 Bar, PADI 5# IDC. OSS, EH,On Site Pool FCF, Acc, Restaurant Facilities. Complete range of PADI courses available, from Discover Scuba through to Instructor, with resident course director, Full range of specialities, classroom. Dive shop. Social events and holidays.

CHESHIRE
NEW HORIZONS DIVE CENTRE LTD 51-53 Park Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK11 6TX. Tel: 01625 611108 Email: info@new-horizon.co.uk Website: www.new-horizon.co.uk Opening hours: Mon 9-6, Tues, Wed closed, Thur 9-7, Fri 96, Sat 9-5, Sun 11-5. Friendly, professional tuition offering full range of PADI courses from beginner to Instructor. Large retail outlet for sales, rental and servicing. Dive Club, dive trips in the UK and abroad. National Geographic Centre.

SANDFORD & DOWN

24 Pier St, West Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3BT Tel: 01752 266248 Fax: 01752 226131 Email: dive@sandfordanddown.co.uk Website: www.sandfordanddown.co.uk Opening hours: Tues-Sat 9am-6pm. Air to 300 Bar. EH, TD CAOS. Nitrox, Trimix, IDEST4W, Regulator Servicing. PSAI Tech Dive Centre. Retail Sales Most Major Brands, Rebreather Specialists, Technical Training To Mixed Gas Rebreather, Servicing & Testing On Site, Suit Repairs, Friendly Advice.

128 SportDiver JUNE 2011

WorldMags

Advertising: T: 0118 989 7220 E: ross.arnold@sportdiver.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE
ANDARK DIVING AND WATERSPORTS
256 Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7FL Tel: 01489 581755 Fax: 01489 575223 Email: bookings@andark.co.uk Website: www.andark.co.uk Opening Hours: Open 7 days. PADI 5# IDC centre, Discover Scuba to Instructor, Specialities; RYA, diver coxn, underwater helicopter escape training, own 3.5 metre pool and classrooms. Large shop, mail order, friendly club, holidays and trips, kids parties. BSAC, Disabled Facilities, Nitrox/Trimix, RYA, TDI, OSS, OST, BS, IDEST, EH. Air to 300 Bar. PADI & BSAC School.

UK DIVE CENTRES
LODGE SCUBA ACADEMY
35 Solent Court, 1258 London Road, Norbury, London SW16 4EE. Tel/Fax: 0208 765 1036 Email: simon@lodgescuba.com Website: www.lodgescuba.com NAUI Pro Diving Centre. OSS, OST, Nitrox.An active dive club with over 300 friendly members from all organisations. UK and International trips, training & social evenings. Dive locally at Crystal Palace & Streatham.

DIVING UNLIMITED
The Dive Centre, 56 Lessness Avenue, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 5SJ Tel: 0208 311 0201 E-mail: info@divingunlimited.co.uk Website: www.divingunlimited.co.uk Opening Hours: 10:30am-7pm Tues-Sat. Learn to Scuba Dive. PADI 5# Dive Centre. Kids courses and parties our specialty. Equipment hire, maintenance & purchase. Emergency first response. PADI & DAN Oxygen courses. Club atmosphere. Regular newsletter & social events. Dive trips UK & overseas. Try dives & practice sessions. Private or group training available. Courses from absolute beginner to professional and beyond. OSS, OST, BS.

SURREY
OXYGENE CRANLEIGH
82b Smithbrook Kilns, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8JJ Freephone: 01483 279879 Email: cranleigh@oxygenediving.com Website: http://oxygenediving.com/cranleigh Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm Monday to Sunday. Closed Wed. Air to 300 Bar. Closed Wednesdays. PADI 5# IDC. Nitrox, National Geographic. EH, LB, ESI, TD, AIP, FCF, AYRD, UWP, NDCF, CAOS. A friendly dive centre in the heart of Surrey, catering for all levels of divers and snorkellers.

LONDON SCHOOL OF DIVING

11 Power Road, London, W4 5PT Tel: 020 8995 0002 Fax: 020 8995 5100 Email: info@londonschoolofdiving.co.uk Website: www.londonschoolofdiving.co.uk Opening hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Fri. Sat 9-5pm. 300 Bar + Nitrox fills, PADI 5# CDC Centre, Londons only purpose built dive pool. Courses from beginner to instructor.Active Club, Overseas trips, Equipment Sales, EFR courses, corporate days and Childrens birthday parties.

SURREY DIVE CENTRE

67 High Street, Ripley, Surrey, GU23 6AN Tel: 01483 225699 Email: info@surreydivecentre.co.uk Website: www.surreydivecentre.co.uk Opening Hours: See Website PADI 5* IDC,TDI.Air to 300 bar. EH, LB, ESI,TD, EA,ACC, FCF, AYRD, UWP, CAOS. NITROX. ON SITE CLASSROOMS, LARGE RETAIL SHOP, CAR PARKING, LARGE RANGE OF COURSES INCLUDING INSTRUCTOR LEVEL AND TECHNICAL.

HERTFORDSHIRE
2DIVE4
10 Chapel Hill, Stansted, Essex. CM24 8AG Tel: 01279 815559 Email: info@2dive4.co.uk Website: www.2dive4.co.uk Opening hours: OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. Monday - Via appointment only,Tuesday - 09:00 - 17:30,Wednesday - 09:00 17:30,Thursday Late Night - 09:00 - 19:00, Friday - 09:00 17:30, Saturday - 09:00 - 17:30, Sunday - Via appointment only. Air to 300 bar, NITROX,TRIMIX. PADI IDC Centre.TDI Technical Diving Centre.All courses from beginner to Instructor.All major brands in store and in online shop. Discounts on packages.All brands of servicing done on site. UK dive trips and Red Sea specialists. FRIENDLY, HELPFUL STAFF.

SHORNCLIFFE DIVE CENTRE

Unit 12, North Close, Shorncliffe Industrial Estate, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3UH. Tel: 01303 243149 Email: info@shorncliffedivecentre.com Website: www.shorncliffedivecentre.com PADI, DAN, OSS, OST, EH, NITROX. Padi Dive Training courses. Boat charters, dive trips & holidays arranged. Well stocked shop. Equipment sales, hire, servicing and repairs. Acccomodation available.

OCEAN LEISURE LTD

11-14 NorthumberlandAvenue, London,WC2N 5AQ Tel: 0207-930-5050 Fax: 0207-930-3032 Email: info@oceanleisure.co.uk Web: oceanleisure.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10-7 Sat 10-5. PADI 5# IDC Centre. London's best stocked Dive andWatersports Store. All major brands stocked, on-site service centre for all brands. Proud member of SITA.

SUSSEX
OCEAN VIEW DIVING SERVICES LTD
160 South Street, Lancing, West Sussex. BN15 8AU. Tel: 01903 767224 Fax: 01903 754361 Email: den@oceanviewdiving.co.uk Website: www.oceanviewdiving.co.uk PADI 5# IDC Centre. IANTD, TDI. OSS, OST, EH, BS. Air to 300 Bar, Nitrox. Mail order, suit repairs, holidays abroad, on-site indoor pool. Licenced bar and club. Largest selection of equipment in Sussex.

LANCASHIRE
CAPERNWRAY DIVING CENTRE
Jackdaw Quarry, Carnforth, LA6 1AD Tel: 01524 735132 Fax: 01524 735520 Email: info@dive-site.co.uk Website: www.dive-site.co.uk Opening Hours: 0900-1700 weekends. Closed Monday exept Bank Holidays.1000-1700 weekdays. Wednesday to 2100 during Summer. Air to 250 bar. PADI 5 # IDC, National Geographic, Nitrox. Shop, restaurant, showers, changing rooms, car parking, disabled, Courses in various languages, hoiday lets, conference room, workshop and servicing centre. EH, ESI, TD, Acc, AYRD, UWP, NDCF, CAOS

MANCHESTER
DIVE LIFE
Stone Pale Buildings, Victoria Lane, Whitefield Manchester M45 6BL Tel: 0161 796 0300 Email: info@divelife.co.uk Website: www.divelife.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon,Wed,Fri 9-5:30 9.00am-5.30pm,Thurs 9.00am-8.00pm, Sat 9.00am-4.00pm. PADI 5# IDC Centre, BSAC Technical Centre & Seamanship Centre, IANTD Platinum Centre.Air to 350 Bar. Nitrox,Trimix, Oxygen, National Geo. EH, LB, ESI,TD, EA, FCF,AYRD, UWP, CAOS,AIP.We cater for everyone from snorkellers, Holiday Divers, UK Divers through to Tech and Rebreather Divers.All equipment, servicing, gas, suit repairs and hire onsite.

INDEPTH DIVING UK LTD

13 A Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DX Tel: 01992 589910 Fax: 01992 589848 Email: info@indepth.net Website: www.indepth.net Opening hours: 10am-5.30pm Sat 9am-5.30pm PADI, OST, OSS, BS, EH. PADI Courses from Bubblemaker (8 years old) to Instructor. Flexible midweek and weekend courses. Stockist of most leading manufacturers. Holidays arranged UK and abroad. Professional, friendly & helpful staff. Social and active dive club. On-line shop.

WEST MIDLANDS
HIDDEN DIVING GB LTD
126 Haslucks Green Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 2EH Tel: 0121 744 1526 Fax: 0121 733 3618 Email: info@hiddendiving.com Website: www.hiddendiving.com Opening Hours: Mon/Thurs 10:00-20:00, Tues/Wed/Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 09:30-17:30 PADI 5# IDC. Air to 300 bar, Nitrox/Trimix gas booster to pump oxygen to 220 bar. The Midlands first National Geographic Centre. Full time Course Director onsite. Equipment from leading manufacturers. Over 24 PADI specialtys/ DSAT Tec Rec offered. OSS, BS, EH, Nitrox, National Geographic, ESI, COAS, FCF, AYRD, UWP, NDCF.

THE DIVE SHOP

1 Cocker Avenue Poulton Business Park, Poulton Le Fylde, Lancashire FY6 8JU Tel: 01253 891085 Email: dive@diveshopuk.com Website: www.diveshopuk.com Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm, Mon - Sat. Air to 300 bar. EH, EA. Acc, AYRD, UWP, NDCF,CAOS. PADI 5 # IDC, National Geographic. Most specialties, plus a large well stocked shop of diving and watersports equipment.

MIDDLESEX
G & H DIVING SERVICES LTD
Unit 1, Willow House, River Gardens, N Feltham Trading Estate, TW14 0RD.

KENT
BLUE OCEAN DIVING
West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 7AF (NEXT TO MOAT PARK LEISURE CENTRE) Tel: 01622 212 022 Email: info@blueoceandiving.co.uk Website: www.blueoceandiving.co.uk Opening Hours: ***FREE TRY DIVES EVERY WEEK*** TUES-SUN 10-6pm. LATE 8pm TUES & THURS. PADI 5# Instructor Development Centre. National Geographic Dive Centre. Scubaholics Dive Club. FREE MEMBERSHIP. UK Diving, Social events & Holiday Trips every month. Servicing, Testing, Spares and Repairs. Workshop on site. 300bar Air/Nitrox. Large Shop Free Parking. 20+ Speciality Courses incl Rebreathers, DPV & TECDEEP. PADI Instructor Career Development Course (CDC). AI + OWSI + EFRI + 20x SPEC INST + DSAT ITC.

LONDON
AQUANAUT SCUBA & SNORKELLING CENTRE
34 Coombe Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7AG Tel: 0208 546 8882 Email: info@aquanautscuba.co.uk Website: www.aquanautscuba.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon-11am - 6pm, Tues/Wed-10am 6pm, Thurs-11am - 7pm, Fri-10am - 6pm, Sat-10am - 6pm, Sun by appointment. Nitrox & Air to 300bar, 5# IDC Centre and BSAC Centre. SITA member. OSS OST BS CAOS EH TD. Courses from beginner to instuctor, Fully stocked dive shop with excellent purchasing advice, Friendly and very active dive clubwith UK and overseas trips and social.

Tel: 020 8751 3771 / 020 8890 3302 Fax: 020 8751 2591 E-mail: gerryhassell@gheng.com Website: Under construction Opening Hours: 8.30 - 5.30 Mon to Friday. 8.30 - 12 noon Sat. Air to 300 Bar. BSAC, TDI, SDI & PSA. EH,TD,CAOS. Cylinder testing IDEST 2v, Regulator servicing, Air, Nitrox, Trimix, TDI Technical courses. Suit repairs.

NORWICH
CHRISTAL SEAS SCUBA LTD
6 CROMER ROAD, NORWICH, NORFOLK, NR6 6ND.

WILTSHIRE
THE DIVEZONE LTD
Unit G21, Avonside Enterprise Park, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8BS. Tel: 01225 791 440 Email: info@thedivezone.co.uk Website: www.thedivezone.co.uk Shop online: www.divezonedirect.co.uk Opening Hours: Tues-Thurs 10am-5:30pm, Fri-Sat 10am6pm, Closed Sunday and Monday. Air to 300 Bar. Padi 5# Centre. Ample free parking, large dive club, travel, training, experience and equipment specialists. Unbaised advice from divers who love to dive! OSS, OST, BS, IDEST, EH, Nitrox.

DIVE MACHINE
Unit 11 Orchard Business Centre, Sanderson Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1QF Tel: 01732 773553 Fax: 01732 773663 Website: www.divemachine.com Email: robert@divemachine.com Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 09.30-17.30, Weds 09.3019.00. Air to 300 bar, nitrox, trimix, idest. PADI CDC, PADI Courses from beginner to instructor. IANTD, Nitrox. Specialities: Enriched air, Dry suit, Photographer, Deep, Night, Underwater navigator, wreck, Oxygen first aid, DAN 02, Boat, Equipment and Drift. Authorised dealer for most leading mfctrs. Large display area. Classrooms. Large free car park. Professional, friendly service & advice. Regulator Services. Suit repairs. Holidays abroad and in the UK.

Tel: 01603 485000 E-mail: christal.seas.scuba@hotmail.com Web: www.scuba4me.co.uk Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. PADI 5# IDC.Air to 300 Bar. EH, LB,TD, EA, FC,AYRD, UWP, BH, Nitrox. Friendly experienced staff and well stocked dive shop with equipment from all major manufacturers. All PADI courses from beginner to in-house instructor training. Dive boat.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

DIVEMASTER SCUBA CENTRES NOTTINGHAM

DIVING LEISURE (LONDON) LTD

36 Webbs Road, Battersea, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 4106 Fax: 020 7924 4095 E-mail: info@divingleisurelondon.co.uk Website: www.divingleisurelondon.co.uk Opening Hours: 10am6pm TueSat, 10am - 8pm Thur. Padi5#CDCandIDCCentre,DAN,EFR,DSATandTDITechnicaltraining available.BeginnertoInstructorandbeyond.Air,Nitrox,servicing,Major equipmentretailer.UKandWorldwidetravel.Whynotcompleteyour courseinanexoticlocation.ThecoolestdiveclubinLondon!

Beechdale Swimming Centre, Beechdale Road, Bilborough, Nottingham NG8 3LL Free information pack call: 0115 929 0707 FAX: 0115929 0808 Website: www.divemasterscuba.com Email: info@divemasterscuba.com. Pool Opening Hours: Tuesday evenings 7.30-9.30. PADI Dive Centre, BSAC School.All divers welcome - come and join us. Courses start every 6 weeks. Holidays, equipment sales and hire. Nottingham Adventure Centre, 403 Aspley Lane, Nottingham NG8 5RR. 5 minutes from Junction 26 M1. Opening Hours Tues-Sat 10am6 pm.Air fills to 300 bar. Cylinder testing, equipment servicing, suit repairs. Main agents for PADI, BSAC, Dacor, Sea & Sea, Northern Diver, IST,Typhoon and Oceanic, Bodyglove, Beaver,AP Valves(Buddy) Dive Rite, Sherwood. Join one of the largest Dive Clubs in the UK. Regular trips.

YORKSHIRE
THE DIVERS WAREHOUSE
Otter House, The Slip Road, 911 Wakefield Road, Dudley Hill Slip Road, Bradford, BD4 7QA Tel: 0044 (0)1274-307555 Fax: 0044 (0)1274-730993 Email: sales@diverswarehouse.co.uk Website: www.diverswarehouse.co.uk Opening Hours: 9.30-5.30pm Mon - Fri, Thur 8pm, Sat 9.30-5pm. OSS-OST-BS-EH, Air to 3800psi. Specialities: Made to measure dry suits, suit repairs.

WorldMags

129 SportDiver JUNE 2011

UK DIVE CENTRES
THE DIVER TRAINING COLLEGE
Malt Kiln Lane, Appleton Roebuck, York, North Yorkshire YO23 7DT Tel: 01904 744424 Fax: 01904 744724 Email: ops@diving-serv.co.uk Website: www.diving-serv.co.uk Opening hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Mon-Sat. Air to 300 Bar.PADI5# Centre, OSS-OST-BS-Nitrox. Full range of PADI specialities,RYA courses and specialist commercial diving courses. Full range of equipment sales from our well stocked dive shop.Open Mon-Sat.

Advertising: T: 0118 989 7220 E: ross.arnold@sportdiver.co.uk

OVERSEAS
AUSTRALIA
SUNREEF SCUBA DIVING SERVICES
110 BRISBANE ROAD MOOLOOLABA QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA Tel: 61-7-5444 5656 Fax: 61-7-5478 0716 Email: dive@sunreef.com.au Web: www.sunreef.com.au Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm 7 days Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5# IDC Centre. Nitrox. EH, LB, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, AT, ATRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Dive HMAS BRISBANE wreck, reef dives, 37' custom built dive boat, small groups, Equipment hire (incl cameras, torches) & servicing, Wreck, Deep, Nitrox courses, Gear sales.

EDEN ROCK DIVING CENTER

PO Box 1907, 124 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman Tel: 1-345-949-7243 Fax: 1-345-949-8370 Email: edenrock@candw.ky Website: www.edenrockdive.com Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00 AM/5:30 PM Sunday 8:30 to 5:00 PM EH ESI EA TD Acc FCF AYRD UMP NDCF CAOS. Nitrox, PADI 5 Star - BSAC Resort ..

LIMASSOL DIVE-IN
Kypreopoullos Court No. 2 59 Amathus Avenue, Limassol 4532 Cyprus Tel: +357-25-311600 Fax: +357-25-313267 Email: dive_in_retail@cytanet.com.cy Website: www.dive-in.com.cy Acc, AT. ESI, EA, BH, AYRD, UWP, OW, NDCF, TD, CAOS, EH, CH,AIP, FCF. Fully independent Diving Retail Shop featuring APEKS, SEAQUEST, SUUNTO, MARES, DEEPSEE,TECHNISUB, SPORASUB, BEAVER, WATERPROOF and much, much more! Great prices and even greater bargain deals, try us now. Special Rates only 308 7 nights Acc + 6 Dives.

CYPRUS
ALPHA DIVERS, LARNACA
2 Pyla Gardens, Dhekelia Road Tel: 00357 24647519 Fax: 00357 24647519 Email: info@alpha-divers.com Website: www.alpha-divers.com Opening Hours: 0730 - 1830 Air to 300 Bar. PADI Gold Palm IDC Centre. BSAC Technical Centre, Disabled friendly & TecRec. Nitrox, Tri-mix, ATOL. The Zenobia Wreck Specialists, best boats, best service, best ZENOBIA dives guaranteed. Individual & all-inclusive holidays arranged. 10 Dive package with 1 weeks luxury accomodation for only 350 Euros pp. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, NDCF, CAOS.

ROBIN HOOD DIVE SCHOOL

Robin Hood Watersports, 152 Leeds Road, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire WF16 9BJ Tel: 01924 444888 Fax: 01924 474529 E-mail: Dive@Roho.co.uk Website: www.Roho.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.15- 6.00. Late night Thurs till 8.00. Sat 9.15-5.00. OSS, OST, BS, IDEST, EH, Nitrox. PADI Dive Centre, BSAC Premier level.Training in our on-site heated pool and lecture rooms. Home of the renowned ROHO drysuits. Nitrox courses and fills. Gigantic 5000sq ft showroom fully stocked with dive, watersports and snowboarding equipment. Friendly, helpful staff and instructors. Equipment hire.

LARNACA DIVE-IN
Blu View Residence, 132 Piale Pasha Larnaca 6027 Cyprus. Tel/Fax: +357-24-627469 Email: larnaca@dive-in.com.com.cy Website: www.dive-in.com.cy TDI Instructor Trainer onsite. SDI/TDI Regional Office. PADI 5# GOLD PALM RESORT DSAT/TecRec centre, BSAC Technical School, DAN. Air, Nitrox, Trimix, CCR friendly, O2 to 200 bar. Full cylinder & regulator workshop. OSS, OST, ACC, AIP, AT, AYRD, CAOS, EH, ESI, NDCF, TD, LB, UWP. Specialists in Zenobia diving.

TECH DIVE ACADEMY

The Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia Tel: +61 7 3040 1699 (Australia) Tel: 020 8144 9009 (London) Fax: +61 7 4099 1684 Email: info@tech-dive-academy.com Website: www.tech-dive-academy.com Opening Hours: 8am to 8pm - 7 days a week Air to 300 Bar. Padi 5# IDC Centre - TDI Instructor Training Centre - IANTD Centre - DSAT/Tec Rec Centre - DAN. Air, Nitrox, Mixed Gas. EH, LB, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, BH, BDCF, CAOS. The acclaimed bespoke private training specialists. All Recreational & Technical Courses from Beginner to Instructor level. Private Guiding. Outer Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea & Beyond.

BUDDY DIVERS LTD

Le Meridien Spa Resort, PO Box 56560-CY3380, Limassol, Cyprus Tel: 00 357 2563 5522 Mobile: 00 357 99 604204 Email: buddydiv@spidernet.com.cy Website: www.buddydivers.com PADI 5# Resort. Acc, ESIs, EAs, BH, AYRD, UWP, OWs, NDCF, CAOS, Nitrox, EH, CH, FCF. Facilities: Pool bar, food and drink is served throughout the day, showers, changing rooms. Trips to the Zenobia Wreck. Snorkeling trips..

WALES
WEST WALES DIVE CENTRE
Broadhaven, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire Tel: 01437 781457 07813 174707 Email: info@westwalesdivers.co.uk EH, ESI, AIP, ACC, FCF, AYRD, UWP, BH, CAOS. PADI 5# IDC. National Geographic, Nitrox. Diving Skomer Marine Reserve. Unique marine-life. Excellent shore & boat diving. Sea safaris. Guided Dives. Groups & all-incl.packages. 4-day Learn-to-dive Courses.

LARNACA DIVE-IN
HTTC Ltd (Hyperbaric Therapy Treatment Centre), 47a Eleftherias Avenue, Aradippou, Larnaca 7102, CYPRUS Tel: +35725320101 Fax: +35725320108 Email: cmartin@cytanet.com.cy Website: www.hbotherapy.com If you are concerned or feel that you have unusual signs or symptoms after a dive please always get it checked. We have a 24/7, 365 days service with a full Hyperbaric Medical team on standby at our 14 Man fully computerized, HAUX 2200 Starmed Unit. We are the Preferred Provider for IDAN, UK Armed Forces, US Armed Forces, NATO and many more. We offer Direct Insurance billing for all treatments. Also Dry Dives to 40 metres, PADI Chamber Specialty Courses, DAN In-Chamber Tender Courses, DAN Chamber Operator Courses, DAN Consumer and Instructor Courses to all Levels.

BELIZE

TURNEFFE ISLAND RESORT CYDIVE DIVE CYPRUS

Myrra Complex 33, Poseidonos Ave 1, Paphos 8042, Cyprus. Tel: 00 357 26 934271 Email: info@cydive.com Website: www.cydive.com PADI. The First PADI 5# Career Development Centre & Centre of Excellence in Cyprus. CAOS, EH, CH, AIP, Acc, FCF, AT, ESIs, EAs, BH, AYRD, UWP, OWs, NDCF. Fantastic Location, an exciting programme with 2 Boat Dives & Daytrips Daily. Instructor programmes 4 times a year.

SCOTLAND
BERWICKSHIRE
AQUASTARS DIVE CENTRE
New Harbour Buildings, Guns Green Basin,Eyemouth, Berwickshire, Scotland. TD14 5SD Tel: 018907 50904 Mob: 07886 314008 Email: info@aquastars.co.uk Website: www.aquastars.co.uk Opening Hours: 9am-5pm. Air to 300 Bar. PADI School. SITA, OST, OSS, BS, EH. Guided dives, 10 metre rib, boat charter, shop, hot showers, holiday packages arranged.

P.O. Box 480, Belize City, Belize Tel: 713-425-5399 or 800-874-0118 in the US Fax: 713-236-7743 Email: ckemp@turneffelodge.com Website: www.turnefferesort.com Opening hours: 365 days a year. A private Caribbean Island. PADI Dive Resort. EH, ESI, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF. Nitrox. We specialize in all PADI dive courses, Fishing courses and guided trips. Various tours and activities for all guests. Come see for yourself!

OCTOPUS DIVING CENTRE

PO Box 40124, Larnaca, Cyprus Tel/Fax: 00 357 24 646 571 E-mail: octopus@spidernet.com.cy Website: www.octopus-diving.com PADI 5H, PADI Gold Palm Resort, BSAC, Nitrox, ACC, AIP, AYRD, ESI, BH, EH, NDCF, CAOS, TD, CH, FCF, UWP. Deep & wreck diving. Self catering accommodation available. Open February to December inclusive. Located on the Larnaca/Dhekelia Rd near the Princess Hotel 30m from the ocean.

CAMBODIA
SCUBA NATION DIVING CENTRE
18, Sothearos, Phnom Penh & Mohachai Guesthouse, Sihanoukville, Cambodia Tel: 855 (0) 12 715785 / 12 604680 Fax: 855 (0) 23 211850 Email: info@divecambodia.com Website: www.divecambodia.com Opening Hours: 9am - 8pm Air to 220 Bar. PADI 5# IDC Centre. Nitrox, Nat Geo. EH, LB, ESI, EA, AIP, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, NDCF. British/Dutch owners. Day trips, liveaboards, packages, nitrox. Great macro, reefs, muck dives, night dives, photography and small groups. All PADI Courses. DM/IDC interships available.

CYDIVE CORAL BEACH DIVE CENTRE

Coral Beach Resort. Tel: +357 99414999 Fax: +357 26935307 Email: coralbay@cydive.com Website: www.cydive.com PADI. BSAC. EH, NAUI, CH, FCF,AT, ESIs, EAs, BH, UWP, OWs, NDCF,Acc. Fantastic Location with access to some of the best dives in Cyprus/Zenobia Wreck & much more.

NORTHERN IRELAND
COUNTY DOWN
DV DIVING
138 Mount Steward Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT22 2ES. Northern Ireland. Tel: 02891 464671/861686 Fax: 02891 464671 Email: info@dvdiving.co.uk Website: www.dvdiving.co.uk OSS, OST, BS, EH. DV Diving offer one of Europe's most comprehensive ranges of scuba, technical and commercial diving and powerboat training courses - for the complete beginner through to instructor development for the most experienced professionals.

VIKING DIVE CENTRE EASY DIVERS

315 Protaras-Kavo-Greco Avenue Portaras, Cyprus. Tel: 00 357 9967 6216 Email: dive@ezdivers.com Website: www.ezdivers.com Scuba Diving Cyprus Ayia Napa and Protaras with easy divers PADI Professionals on the east coast of Cyprus. Ayia Napa - Protaras, Excellent Service. Wreck, introduction, shore and boat dives, and a full range of PADI courses. P.O. Box 42589, Larnaca, Cyprus, 6500 Tel/Fax: 00357 24644676 Email: vdivers@spidernet.com.cy Website:www.viking-divers.com PADI 5# IDC Centre, PADI Resort Association. Nitrox.Acc,AT, ESIs, BH,AYRD, UWP, OWs, NDCF, CAOS, EH, CH, FCF.The Viking water sports centre 200m from the dive centre. Sports - Jet, bikes, parachute, water ski etc. Beach facilities - Sunbeds - beach restaurant. Daily trips at the Zenobia Wreck and RIB safari to exclusive dive sites.

CAYMAN ISLANDS PORTSTEWART

SUNSET HOUSE - GRAND CAYMAN'S HOTEL FOR DIVERS BY DIVERS
390 South Church Street Tel: 1-345-949-7111 Fax: 1-345-949-7101 Email: reservations@sunsethouse.com Website: www.sunsethouse.com/ Opening Hours: 7 am until 5 pm everyday. Air To 200 Bar. Nitrox, PADI 5 Star IDC. Accommodations; In-house dive operation, restaurant, bar, Cathy Church's Underwater Photo Centre, 5 custom boats, incredible unlimited shore diving 24 hours a day, famous Stingray City! EH, ESI, AIP, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF

AQUAHOLICS DIVE CENTRE

LIMASSOL DIVE-IN
Four Seasons Beach Resort Hotel Amathus Avenue, P.O.Box 57222 Limassol 3313 Cyprus Tel: +357-25-311923 Fax: +357-25-313267 Email: dive-in@cytanet.com.cy Website: www.dive-in.com.cy PADI 5# CDC and 5# Dive Centres.Acc,AT. ESI, EAS, BH, AYRD,UWP, OW,NDCF,TD, CAOS, EH, CH,AIP, FCF, EA. The only PADI CDC and 5# facility in Limassol and by far the best Equipment and the most professional Dive Centre in town. Full Mares Dive Centre layout. Great boats and great vehicles. Special Rates only 308 for 7 nights Acc + 6 Dives.

14 PORTMORE ROAD , PORTSTEWART NORTHERN IRELAND Tel: 28 70832584 Email: dive@aquaholics.org Website: www.aquaholics.org Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5# CENTRE. NITROX, TRIMIX. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, ACC,FCF,AT, AYRD,UWP,CH,BH, NDCF, CAOS. Offering the full range of courses from Beginner to Trimix. Diving the spectacular clear water of the North Coast from Rathlin Island to Malin Head.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
SCUBAFUN
Called Principal #28, Bayahibe, D. Republic Tel: 001 809-833-0003 Fax: 001 809-833-0005 Email: info@scubafun.info Web: www.scubafun.info PADI. EH, ESI, EA, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox. The best dive shop in the Dominican Republic with high quality rental gear and custom built 42+ foot catamaran dive boats! Get Wet with ScubaFun!!

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EGYPT
AQUARIUS DIVING CLUB
PO Bx 38, Marriott Beach Resort, Hurghada, Red Sea, EGYPT. Tel: +20 101 600 714 Email: info@aquariusredsea.com Web: www.aquariusredsea.com Opening Hours: 8am - 6pm Air to 200 Bar. PADI 5# IDC Facility. Nitrox. EH / LB / ESI / EA / ACC / AT / AYRD / UWP / BH / NDCF. 10 centres covering all Red Sea regions, Liveaboards, Amazing packages, accommodation, Training upto Instructor level, Aqualung centre partner, Fury Shoal by Daily Dive, ISO Certified.

OVERSEAS DIVE CENTRES

FRANCE
EUROPEAN DIVING SCHOOL
3 Excellent dive centres on French Riviera St. Tropez Hyres Port Grimaud Tel: 33494799037 Fax: 33494544779 Email: info@europeandiving.com Website: www.europeandiving.com/ Opening Hours: 9.00 to 18.00 March until end of October. Air To 300 Bar, Nitrox, PADI 5* IDC. EH,ESI,TD,EA,Acc,FCF,AT,CH3. Dive centers directly on beach, accomodation in Mobilhome or Hotel next to dive centers on beach, Nitrox free, 30 different wrecks, Submarine Le Rubis, Le Donator, drop offs, dives from 1- 100m

OCEAN COLLEGE
Hilton Fayrouz Hotel, Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh. Tel: 0020 127792749 Email: info@ocean-college.com Website: www.ocean-college.com Opening Hours: 8am - 6pm Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5# IDC, BSAC Premier Centre, TDI Instructor Training Facility. Nitrox, ATOL Bonded. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Ocean College, one of Sharm's premier dive operators, offers a full range of PADI courses & daily excursions to all Sharm's top dive sites.

NAUTIC TEAM GOZO LTD

Triq Il Vulcan, Marsalforn MFN 1211, GOZO/Malta Tel: 00356-21 558507 Email: nautic@go.net.mt Website: www.nauticteam.com Opening Hours: 8:30am - 18:00pm CMAS All Star Center, BARAKUDA 5# Center, PADI Center. EH,ESI,TD,EA,Acc,FCF,AT,AYRD,UWP,CH,NDCF, Nitrox.TEC Courses up to Instructor Level, Handicapped Diving,Wreck & Cavern Diving. Courses & excursions for all levels of divers. Own boat. Special rates for clubs and groups. Retail outlet & workshop.

CAMEL DIVE CLUB & HOTEL

Centre of Naama Bay, PO Box 10, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. Tel: +20 69 3600 700 Fax: +20 69 3600 601 Email: info@cameldive.com Website: www.cameldive.com PADI 5# Gold Palm IDC Centre, BSAC, Acc. AT, LB, ESI, EA, BH, AYRD, UWP, OW, NDCF, TD, CAOS, EH, FCF. The Red Seas friendliest diver hotel and dive centre. Join us for spectacular diving and the best apres dive in Sharm. Established 1986.

OONAS DIVE CLUB

Naama Bay, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Tel: 002 069 3600 581 Fax: 002 069 3600 582 Email: info@oonasdiveclub.com Website: www.oonasdiveclub.com Opening Hours: Everyday except New Years Day, 8am 6pm. PADI 5# Gold Parm Resort. Air to 220 Bar. An extremely popular choice with groups, individuals and families who seek a friendly, informal, yet professional Dive Club environment. Nitrox, EH, ESI, EA, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS

ST. ANDREW'S DIVERS COVE

FUERTEVENTURA
DEEP BLUE DIVE CENTRE
P.O. Box 33 Caleta de Fuste, Antigua, E-35610, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands Tel: +34 606 27 54 68 or +34 928 16 37 12 Fax: +34 928 16 39 83 Email: info@deep-blue-diving.com Website: www.deep-blue-diving.com Opening Hours: All year round 8:00am-6:00pm EH, ESI, EA, CAOS, Acc, FCF, AYRD, UWP, NDCF. PADI Discover scuba to Divemaster. All year round, water front location, small groups, 20-25m visibility. Exclusive dive sites, after dive sector.

UNDERSEA ADVENTURES DIVING CENTER

Tia Heights Makadi Bay Hotel, Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt Tel: 0020123492630; 0020199923790; 0020121185114 Fax: 20653448891 Email: undresea@access.com.eg info@redsealife.com Website: www.redsealife.com; www.undersea.co.uk Opening hours: 8am until 6pm Air to 50 Bar. PADI 5# Centre, EH; LB; ESI; TD; AIP; Acc; FCF;AT; AYRD; UWP; CH; BH; NDCF; CAOS. Nitrox. Undersea Adventures prides itself on meeting the needs of every level of diver, specialising in courses for the handicapped as well as advanced technical diving.

PHARAOH DIVE CLUB

El Quseir, Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt. Tel: 20106822000 Email: info@pharaohdiveclub.com Website: www.pharaohdiveclub.com PADI National Geographic 5# IDC Resort. Air to 230 Bar. Full 5 star facilities - Shore, house reef, zodiac and hard boat diving. Very friendly club atmosphere run by divers for divers. Nitrox, National Geographic, EH, LB, ESI, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CAOS.

St. Simon Street, Xlendi Bay, Gozo, VCT115 Malta Tel: 00 356 21 551301 Fax: 00 356 21 561548 Email: standrew@gozodive.com Website: www.gozodive.com Opening Hours: 12 months a year PADI 5# Gold Palm Resort, Nitrox, National Geographic,ATOL Bonded. Friendly and professional service for all levels of diver. Dive from the shore and by boat. Fullly equipped PADI Dive Centre and well stocked shop.. EH,Acc, BH, FCF, CAOS, CH,AT, ESI, NDCF, SSI IAMD

GOZO
BLUE WATERS DIVE COVE
Kuncizzjoni Street Qala, Gozo, Malta Tel: 00 356 2156 5626 Email: info@divebluewaters.com Website: www.divebluewaters.com Opening Hours: 8am til late. Air to 232 Bar. PADI Dive Centre. Nitrox, ESI, Acc, AT, AYRD, UWP, EH, BH, CH, FCF, CAOS, AIP, NDCF. Dive centre and organisers of holidays on Gozo, Malta. Situated in a typical village with a local lifestyle youll love. Diving around the three islands.

UTINA DIVING COLLEGE

Calleja Building, Rabat Road, Xlendi XLN 1101, Gozo, Malta Tel: 0035621550514 Email: utina@gozomail.com Website: www.utina-diving.com Opening Hours: March to November PADI 5# IDC Gold Palm Resort, Nitrox,Air to 300 bar. Friendly Proffessional - Individual Attention - Experienced and Novice Divers are very Welcome at Utina. EH, ESI,TD, EA,Acc, FCF,AT, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF.

CORAYA DIVERS
MADINAT CORAYA / MARSA ALAM Tel: 0020 65 37 5000 Fax: 0020 65 37 50055 Email: info@coraya-divers.com Website: www.coraya-divers.com Opening hours: 7 days a week from 8am until 6pm Air to 200 Bar. PADI 5# Centre, EH; ESI; EA; AT; AYRD; UWP. Nitrox for free (32% O Mix)2 Half-&Fullday Bus & Boattrips; 5 Speedboat trips, guided & unguided housereef dives between 8,30am & 4pm, earlymorning & nightdives, PADI education.

SINAI DIVERS
Ghazala Hotel, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt Tel: 00 20 069 3600 697 Fax: 00 20 069 3600 158 Email: info@sinaidivers.com Website: www.sinaidivers.com Opening Hours: 08:00 - 20:00 summer/ 08:00 - 18:30 winter. Air to 200 bar. EH, LB, ESI, TD, EA, Acc, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, FCF, CAOS, AT. Free Nitrox for Nitrox certified divers, NG. PADI 5# Gold Palm Resort. SSI, CMAS (Barakuda) CDC & TDI (Dahab). Easy house reef in the centre Naama Bay, safari boats, north & south. Full tec centre in Dahab, Resort and dive centre in Marsa Alam and Taba.

GREECE
CALYPSO DIVING CENTRE
The Seafront, Marsalforn Bay, Island of GOZO, Malta Tel: 00 356 2156 1757 Fax: 00 356 2156 2020 Email: info@calypsodivers.com Website: www.calypsodivers.com Opening Hours: 08.00 - 17.00, 7 days a week. PADI Dive Centre, BSAC Centre of Excellence. Air to 232 Bar. EH, ESI, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS, NITROX. Equipment washing & storage room, air conditioned classrooms, 5 trucks, 2 ribs, wide range of equipment for hire, shop, hot showers.

CRETE UNDERWATER CENTER

Mirabello Beach Hotel, Agios Nikolaos 72100, Crete, Greece. PO Box 100 Tel/Fax: 00 30 284 1022 406 Email: info@creteunderwatercenter.com Website: www.creteunderwatercenter.com PADIResortD.C.,DayBoats/Servicing/Accommodation/Technical/ IANTD/PADI/BSACResortCenter/Air/Nitrox/Trimix/KitonSale. Basedwithinahotelcomplexdirectlyonthebeach,weprovideagreat varietyofdivingservicesforBeginnersthroughtoAdvancedandTechnical Divers.Asawellequippedresortanddivingcentre,wetailorpackagesto suityourindividualorgroupneeds.

DESERT DIVERS
Centre of Masbat Bay PO Box 58, Dahab,South Sinai, Egypt Tel/Fax: 00 20 (0)69 3640 500 Mob: +20 (0)10 40 40 181 Email: info@desert-divers.com PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Resort, DAN sponsor, Disabled Diving. AA, AIP, AT, AYRD, CAOS, EA, EH, ESI, FCF, NDCF, OW, UWP. Dahabs centre for Diving & Desert Adventure in the Sinai. Unique Specialities inc AIDA Freediving, Camel Diving Safaris, Deep Desert Safaris, Rock Climbing & Yoga.

FIJI
LALATI RESORT & SPA
P.O. Box 461, Pacific Harbour, Fiji Islands Tel: 679-368-0453 Email: info@lalatifiji.com, res@lalatifiji.com Website: www.lalatifiji.com Opening Hours: Daily - 7 - midnight PADI Resort. EH, ESI, EA, ACC, AT, AYRD, BH, NDCF, CAOS. 4 Star boutique resort on world famous Beqa Lagoon. World class diving, sites within 5-10 min. distance from resort. Lots of top side activities.

WATERHOPPERS DIVING SCHOOL FRANKIES GOZO DIVING CENTRE

Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Gozo, Malta Tel: 00356 21551315 Fax: 00356 21560356 Email: info@gozodiving.com Website: www.gozodiving.com Opening Hours: 8:00am - 8:00pm PADI 5# IDC, Nitrox, Deep Diver Training Pool, Air-conditioned rooms, restaurant, pizzeria, bar, sun terrace, car park, equipment storage, daily boat dives, liveaboard. Retail shop, 2 fully equipped classrooms, world class cavern & wreck diving and Dive master Internships. EH, LB, ESI, EA,AIP,Acc, FCF,AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH. NDCF. Kritika 45, Rhodes, 85100, Greece Tel: 0030 22410 38146 Fax: 0030 2241030819 Email: info@waterhoppers.com Website: www.waterhoppers.com Air to 200 Bar. PADI 5# INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT DIVE RESORT. EH, ESI, EA, FCF, UWP, NDCF. Wide range of PADI courses from DSD to Divemaster. Fabulous sites for all levels of qualified divers, special discount for clubs. Snorkelling for all ages.

ELITE DIVING'S DIVERS UNITED

Coral Hills Resort Hotel, Hadaba, Sharm El Sheikh. Egypt Tel: 0020 124 308 780 Email: info@elite-diving.com Web: www.elite-diving.com Opening Hours: 8.00am to 19.00pm Air to 220 Bar. Divers United PADI 5# Resort. Elite Diving BSAC Diver Traning Center. EH, LB, ESI, EA, AIP, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS. NITROX, ATOL Bonded through UK Tour oporator. British Owner managers, offering Daily Boat Diving on some of the best reefs in the world, House reef, PADI & BSAC courses, Liveaboards, Special excursions.

SCUBA BULA (FIJI) LTD

Seashell@Momi Resort, Momi Bay, Fiji Islands Tel: +679 6280190 Email: info@scubabula.com Website: www.scubabula.com PADI 5* Gold Palm Resort, SDI/TDI 5 Star Dive Center, DAN Training Facility. EH, ESI, TD, EA, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS, OSS, OWs. British owned, UK Safety Standards. 10 minute boat ride to nearest dive site on Barrier Reef. Exceptional marine life. 42 miles of exclusive Barrier Reef.

GRENADA
AQUANAUTS GRENADA
c/o True Blue Bay Resort Tel: 020-8144-8606 Fax: 1-473-444-1127 Email: dive@aquanautsgrenada.com Website: www.aquanautsgrenada.com Opening Hours: 08.00 to 17.00 hs daily Air to 200 Bar. PADI 5# RESORT, SDI/TDI FACILITY. EH, ESI,TD, EA, AIP,ACC, FCF,AT,AYRD, UWP, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox. Great wreck diving only few minutes boat ride, 2 tank morning, 1 tank afternoon, night fluo dives, trimix available and rebreather friendly.

NESIMA RESORT & DIVING CENTER

PO BOX 24 - Dahab - Egypt. Tel: +20 69 3640320 Fax: +20 69 3640321 Email: info@nesima-resort.com Website: www.nesima-resort.com Opening Hours: Everyday 8-18 Air to 200 Bar. Nitrox. EH, ESI, EA, Acc, FCF, AYRD, UWP, NDCF, CAOS. We are a PADI 5# Gold Palm Resort. Our diving center offers a wide range of underwater experiences, including guided dives, PADI courses, tailored diving safaris by camel and unforgettable night dives.

MOBY DIVES CO. LTD VITI WATER SPORTS

Shop 8, Port Denarau Marina, Nadi, Fiji Islands Tel: +679 6702413 Fax: +679 6702412 Email: info@vitiwatersports.com Website: www.vitiwatersports.com Opening Hours: 0800 - 1700 Mon - Fri,0800 -1200 Sat PADI 5* IDC. Why do your IDC in a cold dark quarry? Come to Fiji and enjoy the warmth of our water and our hospitality. EH, ESI, Acc, FCF, AYRD, UWP, NDCF, CAOS Moby Dives, Gostra Street, Xlendi Bay Gozo Tel: 00356 21551616/ 00356 21564429 Fax: 00356 21554606 Email: info@mobydivesgozo.com Website: www.mobydivesgozo.com Opening Hours: 8:00am - 18:00pm Air To 235 Bar. PADI 5# IDC, Nitrox. 3 Classrooms; Dry Area for kit; 66 sq meter indoor pool; over 20 specialty courses; DPV rental; Dive shop. EH, ESI, EA,Acc,AT,AYRD, CH, NDCF, CAOS.

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131 SportDiver JUNE 2011

OVERSEAS DIVE CENTRES

SCUBATECH DIVE CENTER
Calabash Hotel, St. George's, GRENADA, West Indies Tel: 001 473 439 4346 Email: info@scubatech-grenada.com Website: www.scubatech-grenada.com Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm Air to 300 Bar. EH, ESI, TD, EA, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS.. Nitrox. PADI Resort, Pro NRC, TDI, CMAS Customer orientated & most individual service. Free shuttle service, private jetty, recreational, technical & rebreather diving, snorkeling, sightseeing & watersports. Nitrox for FREE. Come and discover the difference!

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DIVE CENTRE THALASSA

p/a Seaside Resort Santika, Kel. Tongkeina, Kec Bunaken, 95016 Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia Tel: (+62) 431 8850 230 Fax: (+62) 431 8850 231 Email: info@thalassa.net Website: www.thalassa.net Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday. 07.30 - 16.30hrs PADI 5# IDC, Nitrox.An Aqua Lung dive facility equipped with 40 sets of scuba equipment; 8 made-to-measure dive boats; careand-carry service; one-stop booking shop; and specialised photographer guides.. EH, LB, ESI, EA,AIP,Acc, FCF,AT,AYRD, UWP, NDCF, CAOS.

SAFARI DIVING LANZAROTE

Playa de la Barrilla 4 (Playa Chica Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote) Tel: 0034 928511992 or 0034 646752512 Fax: 0034 928511713 Email: enquiry@safaridiving.com Website: www.safaridiving.com PADI, PADI 5# Centre, BSAC, PADI Premier Centre, NAUI, SAA.Acc,AT, LB, ESI, EAs, BH,AYRD, UWP, OWs, NDCF,ATOL,TD, CAOS, EH, CH,AIP, FCF. SSI & RYA. Powerboating centre - we offer training courses in our fully equipped classroom. British owned, beach based diving centre, established for over 18 years. Spectacular Ocean diving all year round which include reefs, drop offs, wrecks etc to suit all levels of diver and the complete beginner! Special offers available for dive packages for shore, night and boat dives.

DIVESHACK SCUBA SCHOOL

14a, Qui Si Sana Seafront, Sliema SLM3111, Malta Tel: 00 356 2133 8558 Fax: 00 356 2134 5670 Email: info@divemalta.com Website: www.divemalta.com Opening Hours: 07.30 - 17.30 PADI 5# National Geographic IDC. Nitrox.Air to 300 Bar. Seafront location. Resident Course Director.All courses taught throughout the year including Tec. Full retail & rental service. Tailor-made dive packages for all abilities.LH, ESI,TD, EA,Acc, FCF, AT,AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS

HONDURAS
TRANQUILSEAS ECO LODGE & DIVING
Carretera Pavimentada Principal, Cahoon Bite, Sandy Bay 33172, Honduras Email: enquiries@tranquilseas.com Website: www.tranquilseas.com PADI STORE/RESORT. EH, ESI, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, NDCF, CAOS, Nitrox. LOCAL DIVING & DIVE SAFARIS, PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL, BAR & RESTAURANT, DOCK, HOUSE REEF FOR SNORKELLING, CLOSE LOCATION TO REEF, CAN ORGANISE ALL ISLAND ACTIVITIES FROM OUR SITE.

SEA SAFARI CRUISES

Dermaga II Street, Benoa Harbor Tel: +62-361-721212 Fax: +62-361-723363 Email: bali-ssc@indo.net.id Website: www.divingseasafari.com Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm Air to 200 Bar. EH, LB, ESI, TD, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox, National Geographic, ATOL Bonded. SSI - Scuba Schools International. Sea Safari Cruises has been provided : Indonesia diving leisure expedition, Komodo Liveaboard, Raja ampat Liveaboard, Bali - Indonesia Liveaboard.

DIVE SYSTEMS

MALAYSIA
SIPADAN-KAPALAI DIVE RESORT
# 484, BLOCK P, BANDAR SABINDO, 91000 TAWAU Tel: 6089-765200 Fax: 6089-763563 Email: psrt@po.jaring.my Website: www.sipaden-resort.com PADI DIVE CENTRE. Resort Facilities: Water Chalets, private balcony,Restaurant,Sundeck,Dive Centre,dive equipment,Souvenir Shop,TV(Lobby Area),Wi Fi(Restaurant and Kapalai Centre Garden Lounge) Games Room(Table Tennis and Snooker Table) EH,ESI,AIP,AT,AYRD,FCF,NDCF

Tower Point-Exiles, Tower Road, Sliema Tel: (+356) 21319123 Fax: (+356) 21342040 Email: info@divesystemsmalta.com Website: www.divesystemsmalta.com Opening Hours: 08:30 - 18:00 (Winter) 08:30 - 20:00 (Summer) Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5#. EH, LB, ESI, TD, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox. Situated by the water's edge, Dive Systems is one of Malta's the leading Dive Centres with over 30 years experience and a clean safety record.

UTILA DIVE CENTRE/MANGO INN

Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras Tel/Fax: 5044253327 Email: info@utiladivecentre.com Website: www.utiladivecentre.com/www.goproutila.com Opening Hours: 7am to 7pm Air to 220 Bar. PADI Career Development Centre and IANTD facility. Nitrox, Trimix, Rebreather friendly, National Geographic Facility. EH, ESI, TD, EA, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CAOS. PADI certification courses from beginner to Instructor (monthly PADI IDC's) with diving packages and accommodation. The island of Utila offers spectacular Caribbean diving and Whale sharks.

MALTA
TWO FISH DIVERS
Lembeh Straits & Bunaken Island Tel: 62-811-43-2805 Email: info@twofishdivers.com Website: www.twofishdivers.com PADI 5# IDC. Nitrox, EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, AT, AYRD, UWP, NDCF. Tina and Nigel are from the UK and they owe & run Two Fish Divers, a small and friendly PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive operation with two dive resorts that offer some of the best diving in Indonesia: 1. Bunaken Island - dive the award-winning reefs of Bunaken Marine Park 2. Lembeh Straits - dive the muck-diving capital of the world.

AQUAVENTURE LTD #3083

INDONESIA

AQUAMARINE DIVING - BALI

The Waters Edge, Mellieha Bay Hotel, Ghadira, Malta MLH 9065 Tel: +356 2152 2141 Fax: +356 2152 1053 Email: info@aquaventuremalta.com Website: www.aquaventuremalta.com PADI 5# Gold Palm Resort. BSAC, Acc, ATs, ESIs, BH, EAs, AYRD, UWP, OWs, NDCF, CAOS, EH, CH, FCF. Services: Air conditioned audio/visual classroom plus 3 training pools on-site, free daily pick-up service, scheduled daily escorted shore & boat dives, full range of specialities, retail shop, on-site showers. One of Maltas leading dive centres, with total commitment to customer care and satisfaction.

Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta Tel: (+356) 21 356 441 Email: info@divewise.com.mt Website: www.divewise.com.mt Opening Hours: 7 days a week from 9am till finish. Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5# IDC Centre. Nitrox,Trimix, Boat Diving, Day trips. EH,ESI,TD,EA,ACC,FCF,AT,AYRD,UWP,CH,BH,NDCF,CAOS. PADI's No1 centre in Malta offering all courses but specialising in Technical diving & Instrcutor level.

DIVEWISE

MALTAQUA
Mosta Road, St. Pauls Bay SPB 03 Tel: (+356) 21 571873/21 572558 Fax: (+356) 21 580064 Email: dive@maltaqua.com Website: www.maltaqua.com www.tecdivingmalta.com Open all year. Courses and excursions for all level of divers. PADI/BSAC referrals. Weekly dive programme on website. Air/Nitrox/Trimix. Large retail outlet. Car rental & Acc. Cater for both private Instruction and large groups. Acc, AYRD, CH.

Jalan Petitenget 2A, Kuta-Legian-Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia. Tel: +62 361 738020 Fax: +62 361 738021 Email: info@aquamarinediving.com Website: www.aquamarinediving.com Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 Air to 200 Bar. PADI 5# Gold Palm Resort 6344. EH, Nitrox, ESI, EA, CAOS, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF. Balis only British owner-operated dive company. Only offers Balis better dive locations (wrecks, drifts, Mantas, shore, deep). Daily Trips and Customised Dived Packages. UWP Specialists.

JORDAN

Al Rashid Street, PO Box 636, Aqaba, Jordan 77110 Tel: 00962 32064005 / 00962 795801100 Fax: 00962 32064006 Email: info@jordandivingcenter.com Website: www.jordandivingcenter.com Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 ir To 200 Bar. PADI 5# Dive Resort. Nitrox, National Geographic. The only National Geographic Center in Jordan. Daily shore and boat diving on 20 dive sites along the Jordanian coastline of the Red Sea. EH, ESI, TD, EA, FCF,AT,AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS

JORDAN DIVING CENTER

CORSAIR DIVING
14/16 Triq il-Qroll, Bugibba, SPB 2550 Tel: 00 356 21570118 Email: info@corsairdivingmalta.com Website: www.corsairdivingmalta.com Opening Hours: 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday by prior arrangement only. PADI 5# dive centre. Nitrox.Air to 300 Bar. EH ESI EA AIP Acc FCF AT AYRD UWP CH BH NDCF CAOS. Purpose built dive centre with excellent facilities. All courses from beginner to Instructor. Small groups. 45% of our customers are repeat bookings or been recommended.

NEPTUNES DIVING MALTA

Main Street, Balluta Bay, St Julians Tel: 00 356 21 376865 Mob: 00 356 99 436209 Email: info@neptunesdiving.eu Website: www.neptunesdiving.eu Opening Hours: 08:00am-18:00pm. Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5#. EH, ESI, EA, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox. The family run, friendliest dive centre in Malta. Full sized training pool, own boat. Daily diving on Malta, Gozo and Comino. All PADI courses available.

BALI AQUA DIVING

Jalan. Gatot Subroto Timur no.490/113, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia Tel: 62361 8898585/8052165 Fax: 62361 461322 Email: info@baliaquacom Website: www.baliaqua.com Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Air To 200 Bar. Nitrox. PADI Resort. Bali Aqua Diving is able to handle diver group, Bali Aqua Diving will prepare everything for your diving trip in Bali EH, LB, ESI, Acc, AIP, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS.

LANZAROTE

CALIPSO DIVING DAWN DIVING

RAMLA BAY RESORT, MELLIEHA, MALTA MLH02 Tel: 00356 21520245 Email: info@dawndiving.com Website: www.dawndiving.com Opening Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm. Air to 232 Bar. PADI 5# IDC, DISABLED DIVERS INTERNATIONAL, EFR, DSAT. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, ACC, FCC,AT,AYRD,UWP,CH,NDCF,CAOS, Nitrox, English owned and managed IDC facility based at the 4* Ramla Bay resort, with our own resident PADI Course Director & DDI Instructor Trainer and year round training and diving.

C.C. Calipso Local 3, Avda, De Las Islas, Canarias, 35509 Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, Canary Islands. Tel: 00 34 928 590879 Fax: 00 34 928 590879 Email: calipso@arrakis.es Website: www.calipso-diving.com PADI Resort S9645, BSAC Centre of excellence, SSI School. Facilities: Acc, AIP, EH, ESIs, EA, BH, AYRD, UWP, OWS, NDCF, TD, CAOS, EH, CH, FCF, Nitrox Blending, Rebreathers. Snorkeling and Discover Scuba diving. Excursions run daily.

NEW DIMENSION SCUBA

Tower Place,Triq San Giraldu, St. Pauls Bay, Malta Tel: +356 2134 0511/+356 9940 0914 Mob: +356 2134 0511 Email: info@nds-malta.com Website: http://www.nds-malta.com 8.30-17.30 Man Sat (Sun by prior arrangement). Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5H Dive Centre. Nitrox, EH, ESI, EA, AIP, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Based in St Paul's Bay, professional, fun and friendly! Dive into a New Dimension with NDS! PADI courses and guided dives for all levels.

BLUE MARLIN DIVE

Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia. Tel: ++62 (0) 370 632424 Fax: ++62 (0) 370 642286 Email: info@bluemarlindive.com Website: www.bluemarlindive.com PADI 5# Premier IDC Centre. Acc., AT, LB, ESI, EA, BH, AYRD, UWP, OW, NDCF, TD, EH, CH, AIP, CAOS, FCF. The Gili Islands most professional & friendly 5# IDC Centre (estblished 16 years). Spectacular world class ocean diving. Oceanfront restaurant, bar, night club & freshwater pool. Full retail dive shop on site. DM internship programmes. Full technical diving facility offering TDI & IANTD. Blue Marlin has its own luxury livaboard offering trips throughout the Indonesian Archipelago. Packages available.

MANTA DIVE CENTRE

JUAN CARLOS 1, no.6, local 5, PUERTO DEL CARMEN, LANZAROTE Tel: (0034) 928 516815 Fax: (+34) 928 516815 Email: info@manta-diving-lanzarote.com manta-diving-lanzarote-alan@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.manta-diving-lanzarote.com Opening hours: Mon - Sat 8.30am-5.30pm all year round. Air to 200 Bar. PADI IRRA RESORT CENTRE, BSAC RESORT CENTRE. EH, ESI, FCF, AT, AYRD, CH, NDCF, CAOS, AIP, ACC, EA, BH, UWP. PADI Courses & Specialties ,Discover Scuba & Snorkelling Fully equipped, spacious centre, 150mtrs from best sites in Lanzarote. Group Rates All level of divers welcome. NITROX.

DIVE DEEP BLUE MALTA

9/11 Annanija Street, Bugibba, St pauls Bay,Mlata SPB 1320 Tel: 00 356 21 583946 Fax: 00 356 21 583945 Email: dive@divedeepblue.com Website: www.divedeepblue.com 8am till 6pm. PADI 5# IDC. EH ESI TD EA AIP Acc FCF AT AYRD UWP CH BH NDCF CAOS. Nitrox /Trimix. Facilities include: Dive Shop, Private parking, swimming pool, sun deck, gas filling/blending station, euipment rental/sales, drying and storage areas, toilets/showers,A/C class rooms, techniclal facility, CCR support.

SEA SHELL DIVE COVE

Sea Shell Dive Cove Marfa Road, Mellieha, Malta Tel: +356/21522595 + 356/21521062 Fax: +356 2152 1062 Email: info@seashell-divecove.com Website: www.seashell-divecove.com EH, Nitrox, ESI, TD, CAOS, AIP, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF. Family run dive centre. Technical diving & courses. Escorted dives from shore/boat Malta, Gozo, Comino. Wreck dive specialist. Latest equipment for hire & for sale.

132 SportDiver JUNE 2011

WorldMags

Advertising: T: 0118 989 7220 E: ross.arnold@sportdiver.co.uk

ST JULIANS
STARFISH DIVING SCHOOL
Marina Hotel, St. George's Bay, St. Julian's Tel: 00356 21382995 Mobile: 00356 99463544 Email: info@starfishdiving.com Website: www.starfishdiving.com Opening Hours: from 7.00 till late Air To 230/310. PADI, TDI, GUE, NAUI. EH, ESI, TD, EA, ACC, AYRD, UWP, CH, NDCF. Nitrox, Trimix. Comfortable class rooms, access to swimming pools, own jetty, access to diving from boat. Special offer from Marina Hotel for our divers and groups. The school is recognized as a TDI Facility. The full range of TDI courses are offered throughout the year.

OVERSEAS DIVE CENTRES

EL HIERRO
Calle la Orchilla 30, La Restinga, 38917 El Hierro Tel: 34922557171 Email: info@arrecifal.com Website: www.arrecifal.com Air To 210 Bar. Nitrox, National Geographic, ATOL Bonded. Daily boat trips to the Marine Reserve, all level PADI courses, Hot Showers, wet and dry areas, Hammocs and the Best Music and Ambient! EH, ESI, TD, EA, FCF, Acc, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS

SELKIES OXYGENE MALTA/COMINO/GOZO

GROUND FLOOR, PLANET COURT, TIGNE SEAFRONT, SLIEMA, SLM 3012 Tel: 00356 2134 5986 Email: dive@selkies.eu Website: www.selkies.eu Opening Hours: 08:30 - 18:30 Air to 300 Bar. PADI 5# Instructor Development Centre in Malta / PADI Gold Palm Resort in Comino. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox, ALL PADI COURSES OFFERED UP TO TECREC TRIMIX. REBREATHER SUPPORT. DAILY DAY BOAT DIVING IN MALTA, GOZO & COMINO (APR - OCT). ONSITE TRAINING POOL. RETAIL SHOP. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK.

ARRECIFAL CENTRO DE BUCEO DEPORTIVO S.L.

SEA BEES DIVING

1/3 MOO 9, VISET Road. AO CHALONG, PHUKET 83130. THAILAND Tel: +66 76 381 765 Fax: +66 76 280 467 Email: info@sea-bees.com Website: www.sea-bees.com PADI 5 # Centre, TD, CAOS, Premier Centre, SSI, PADI, CMAS, BSAC, EH, CH, Acc, FCF, AT, LB, ESI's, Eas, BH, AYRD, OW's, NDCF.

SPAIN

SIMILAN DIVING SAFARIS CO LTD

13/19 Moo 7, Khao lak, Kukkak, Takuapa, Phang-Nga, Thailand Email: info@similan-diving-safaris.com Website: www.similan-diving-safaris.com Opening Hours: 7am to 9pm PADI 5# IDC Centre. EH, LB, ESI, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS, Nitrox. located in the heart of Khao lak, Thailand. Specializing in Liveaboard and Day trps to the Similan islands,Koh Bon & Koh Tachai islands also Richelieu Rock. Onboard courses avalible. British owner.

SALGAR DIVING

ST. ANDREW'S DIVERS COVE

ST. SIMON STREET, XLENDI BAY, GOZO, VCT115, MALTA Tel: 00 356 21 551301 Fax: 00 356 21 561548 Email: standrew@gozodive.com Website: www.gozodive.com Open all year round! PADI 5 # Gold Palm Resort. Nitrox, SSI, IAMD, EH, ACC, BH, FCF, CAOS, CH, AT, ESI, NDCF. Friendly and professional service for all levels of diver. Dive from the shore and by boat. Fullly equipped PADI Dive Centre and well stocked shop.

SAUDI ARABIA
GULF DIVER GROUP
P.O. Box 132051 Jeddah 21382, Saudi Arabia Tel: 96626766225 Fax: 96626766224 Email: ktayib50@hotmail.com Website: www.gdiver.com Opening Hours: 09.00 AM to 12.200 Midnight Air to 250 BAR. PADI Dive Center (21892). We organize diving trips, safari, camping and diving courses in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, Khobar, Dammam and Jubail. Nitrox. EH, LB, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS.

Paseo Martimo, S/N SAlgar, San Luis, Menorca, Spain. Tel: 0034 971 150 601 Fax: 0034 971 150 604 Email: enquiry@salgardiving.com Website: www.salgardiving.com Opening Hours: 9.00-18.00 PADI 5# IDC, IANTD, RYA, EH, ESI, CAOS, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, UWP, CH, NDCF. Air to 232 Bar. Boat Diving, Professional Captains, Divesites within 15mins, 2+ Boats/Day, Reefs, Caverns, Biosphere Reserve, English Run, Groups/Clubs welcome, Courses DSD to Cavern & Cave.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

DIVE PROVO
Providenciales,Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI Tel: 001 649 946 5040 (shop) Reservations US Tel: 001 954 351 9771 Email: diving@diveprovo.com Website: www.diveprovo.com Hours: Hours 8am-5pm daily EST. Hotel/dive packages to suit every taste. PADI 5# Resort, OSS, EH. Daily 2 tank dives to all areas around Provo; West Caicos, French Cay, N.W. Point, Grace Bay, Pine Cay. Air, Nitrox, instruction and dedicated snorkel trips. British owners Alan and Clare Jardine. 1990 - 2010: Celebrating 20 years of diving as it should be!

STRAND DIVING SERVICES

Ramon Perellos Street, St. Pauls Bay. SPB3101 Malta Tel: 00356 21 574502 Fax: 00356 21 577480 Email: info@stranddivers.com Website: www.stranddivers.com PADI 5#Gold Palm Resort, TDI, SDI, CMAS, ACC, AIP, AT, AYRD, BH, CAOS,CH, EH, ESI, FCF, NDCF, TD, Inspiration CCR courses, Nitrox, Trimix Courses, Dive excursions to Gozo/Comino. Shop and pick ups.

HAPPY DIVERS CLUB

C/O ATALAYA PARK HOTEL, CTRA. DE CADIZ, KM 168,5 29688, MALAGA Tel: +34 609 571920 Fax: +34 952 883617 Email: college@idc-spain.com Website: www.divingcostadelsol.com PADI 5H IDC. EH, ESI, BH, CAOS, FCF, ACC. Nitrox, National Geographic. Happy Divers Marbella & IDC College Atalaya Park Hotel/ Estepona. The only 5H CDC & NG centre in Spain, Nitrox & DPV speciality centres.

SOUTH AFRICA
ALIWAL DIVE CENTRE
No. 2 Moodie Street, Umkomaas, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa Tel: +27 39 973 2233 Fax: +27 39 973 2133 Email: dive@aliwalshoal.co.za Website: www.aliwalshoal.co.za Opening Hours: 07h00 - 16h00 Air to 200 BAR. PADI 5# Gold Palm Instructor Development Centre. EH, ESI, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox. Scuba diving/training, on site bed and breakfast lodge, wifi, internet cafe, laundry service, on site heated training/recreational pool, baited shark dives.

MEXICO

SCUBA SHACK / DIVE ECO-COZUMEL

SIMPLY DIVING
Carlota Alessandri #25,Torremolinos 29620, Malaga. Spain Tel: 0034 600506526 Email: dive@simplydiving.com Website: www.simplydiving.com PADI, PADI 5#, ESI, BSAC, EA, EH, BH, NAUI, AYRD, SAA, UWP, Acc, FCF, AT, NDCF. The only British-run PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Resort in southern Spain. We dive 240km of coastline including the famous wrecks of Gibraltar and the Costa del Sol. Open all year. All Specialties on offer. Special rates for groups.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

AL MAHARA DIVING CENTER LLC
FO12, ICAD, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi Tel: '971-50-7202833 Fax: '971-2556 1227 Email: info@divemahara.com Website: www.divemahara.com Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00 Air To 207 Bar.PADI 5*IDC. Services: Professional and friendly dive center in Abu Dhabi. PADI courses and excursions for all levels for groups, private, corporate, youth and ladies only programs. Air/Nitrox/Trimix/CCR. Retail and hire equipment. EH, LB, ESI,TD,EA,AIP, Acc,AYRD,UWP,BH,NDCF,CAOS

South Hotel Zone - between the Park Royal and Casa del Mar hotels Tel: 0052 (987) 872-4240 Fax: 0052 (987) 872-6142 Email: roberta@robertasdiveecocozumel.com Website: www.DiveECOcozumel.com Opening Hours: 7:30am - 7:30pm. Air to 270 Bar. PADI PIRA #16544. Nitrox. Specializing in small dive groups and personalized service, Scuba Shack / Dive ECO-cozumel has been servicing Cozumel for over 20 years. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AYRD, UWP, CAOS.

NOMAD ADVENTURE TOURS

1st Floor, Leadership House, 40 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town, South Africa, 8001 Tel: 0027 (0) 21 426 5445 Fax: 0027 (0) 21 422 1175 Email: dive@nomadtours.co.za Website: www.dive.nomadtours.co.za Opening Hours: 8am until 5pm Mon to Friday, Sat 9am to 1pm. All tours are accompanied by a PADI 5# instructor. The Southern African Dive Safari includes 16 recreational dives at Tofo, Sodwana, Aliway Shoal, Proteal Banks and with optional Great White Diving near Hermanus. EA, AIP, Acc, AT, SATSA Bonded.

MOZAMBIQUE
DIVERSITY SCUBA
Po box 194, Inhambane, Mozambique Tel: +258 29329002 Fax: +258 29329042 Email: info@diversityscuba.com Website: www.diversityscuba.com Opening Hours: 7am - 5.30pm 7 days a week, all year Air to 220 bar. PADI 5# IDC, IANTD. Nitrox. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, Acc, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Longest running divecentre in Tofo offering first class diving and service. Whaleshark ocean safaris, Manta dives and an abundance of marine life. Individuals and groups welcome.

THAILAND
ALVARO DIVING
Calok Baan Kao Bay, Koh Tao, Thailand Tel: +6677456457/+66864762637 Fax: +66 77 45 6457 Email: info@alvarodiving.com Website: www.divingcourseskohtao.com Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 Air To 200 Bar. Padi Dive Resort. Nitrox. We are specialized in providing small-scale, personal service, a relaxed atmosphere and high standards, so you and your family can concentrate on having fun. EH, ESI, EA, Acc, FCF, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWIQi8_KRao

ATLANTIS DIVE CENTRE

Atlantis Dive Centre, PO Box 78942, Dubai, UAE Tel: 009714-4263000 Email: reception@atlantisdivecentre.com Website: www.atlantisdivecentre.com Hours: 07.45 - 17.00hrs 7 days a week. EH,LB,ESI,RSI,GSI,EA,ACC,AYRD,UWP,BH,NDCF,CAOS Nitrox, National Geographic, e learning Centre Dive Centre has 2 indoor salt water, temp controlled, dive pools, max depth 3.5m. 3 Dive Boats. 2 classrooms, changing facilities, located on the beach

UMKOMAAS LODGE DIVE CHARTERS

1 Roland Norris Drive, Umkomaas, kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, Aliwal Shoal. Tel: 27 (0) 39 973 2542 / 27 (0) 82 800 4668 Fax: 27 (0) 86 603 6819 Email: umkomaas@netactive.co.za Website: www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.co.za Opening Hours: 0800 - 1700. PADI 5# Gold Palm Resort. Nitrox, Fishing, Shark Cage Diving, Tiger Shark diving, Snorkeling, Dive Center, B&B. EH, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Sharks! Sharks! and more sharks! And a Beautifull Tropical reef! Plus three Amazing wrecks! Situated on the beach front. 2/4 Star Accomodation. Established since 1985 / Oldest Padi School in RSA.

ZANZIBAR
RISING SUN DIVE CENTRE
BREEZES BEACH CLUB & SPA, PO BOX 1361, Zanzibar, Tanzania Tel: + 00255 777 872 163 Fax: + 00225 242 240 450 Email: bookings@risingsunzanzibar.com Website: www.risingsun-zanzibar.com 5# Gold Palm Resort,EastAfricas 1st and only National Geographic dive centre.Comp air on site EH CHACC FCF airport transfers,lb's ESI's,EA's, BH,AYRD,UWP,OW's,NDCF.Come & discover the unexplored with East Africas first national geographic dive centre.Based on a deserted beach inside the fabulous breezes beach club & spa.We have 65km of untouched reef and are just waiting for you to help us explore it!

ODYSSEA DIVE
Baobab Beach Backpackers - Vilanculos Mozambique Tel: (+258) 82 78 17 130 Tel 2: 84 66 55 509 Email: info@odysseadive.com Website: www.odysseadive.com Opening Hours: 7am-9pm Air to 220 bar. PADI Resort. Multi lingual instructors. All PADI courses up to DM. Non divers welcome to join for a beautiful snorkeling on the reef. EH, ESI, FCF, AYRD, UWP, NDCF, CAOS

BIG BLUE TECH

1Koh Tao, Thailand Tel: +66 077456415 Email: info@bigbluetech.net Website: www.bigbluetech.net Opening Hours: 7 Days a week, 9-6pm Air To 300 Bar. EH, LB, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, ACC, AYRD, UWP, CAOS, Nitrox, Trimix, Equipment Service, Expeditions, GUE. TDI Instructor Trainer Facility, BSAC Technical Centre, SSI Tech Facility, PADI Dive Centre. Dedicated Technical Diving Centre for Cave, Wreck, CCR and Tech diving in Thailand.

PHILIPPINES

SOUTH AMERICA
RED MANGROVE DIVE CENTER
Av. Charles Darwin y LasFragatas Puerto Ayora-Santa Cruz Tel: 0-808-101-2270 Email: diving@redgalapagos.com Website: www.redmangrove.com www.divingalapagos.com PADI IRRA. EH, ESI, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, BH, NDCF, CAOS Red Mangrove specializes in island hopping dive packages combining the best land and diving tours in Galapagos. Divers/Non-Divers, enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

THRESHER SHARK DIVERS

SCUBA CAT DIVING

94 Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand, 83150 Tel: 00 66 76293 120 Fax: 00 66 76293 122 Email: info@scubacat.com Web: www.scubacat.com Opening Hours: 08:30am - 10:00pm PADI 5# CDC. EH, Nitrox, LB, ESI, TD, EA, CAOS, FCF, AYRD, UWP, NDCF. At Scuba Cat we pride ourselves on the wide range of services and facilities we have on offer, including: 2 Liveaboards, Day trips ,Tech diving, Enviromental and all Padi Courses.

ZANZIBAR WATERSPORTS
P.O Box 1784, Zanzibar, Tanzania Tel: 255 773 235030 Email: info@zanzibarwatersports.com Website: www.zanzibarwatersports.com Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 Air to 220 Bar. Gold Palm PADI 5# IDC. EH,LB,ESI,EA,ACC,FCF,AT,AYRD,BH,NDCF,CAOS. Zanzibar Watersports operates three PADI dive and watersports centres. Long-established and focusing on professionalism, safety and customer satisfaction, we service over 25 Zanzibar hotels.

Malaapscua Island, Cebu 6013 Philippines Tel: +639276123359 Fax: +63324370985 Email: dive@thresherdivers.com Web: www.malapascua-diving.com Opening Hours: 5am-8pm Air to 200 bar. EH, LB, ESI, TD, EA, AIP, ACC, FCF, AT, AYRD, UWP, CH, BH, NDCF, CAOS. Nitrox trimix. PADI 5# IDC, IANTD, BSAC. Daily thresher shark dives (as seen on Monty Halls), mantas, wrecks, reefs, macro, muck diving, great walls dives. British owned and run, PADI courses available.

WorldMags

133 SportDiver JUNE 2011

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

26 11 Y 37m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx steel CCR

240V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

20 10D Y 30m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

220V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

16 8 Y

Elec Cour A/C 32.3m Ntx Steel CCR

110&220V

Y Y Y N

Australia - Cairns

Egypt - Sharm el Sheikh

Galapagos Islands

Spirit of Freedom
www.spiritoffreedom.com.au

Golden Emperor 1
www.seaqueens.com

Humboldt Explorer
www.explorerventures.com

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

22 11 Y 33m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx Alum CCR

110V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

24 10 Y 45m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx steel CCR

220V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

12 6 Y 37m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

220v Y Y N N

Bahamas

Egypt - Sharm el Sheikh

Indonesia - Tanah Beru, Sulawesi

Aqua Cat Cruises

www.aquacatcruises.com

Sea Queen 1
www.seaqueens.com

KLM Citra Pelangi

www.mayantriangle.com

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

29 15 Y

Elec Cour A/C 30m Ntx Alum CCR

240v

Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

16 8D Y 27m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

220V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

18 9 Y 31m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx steel CCR

240V Y Y Y Y

Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Egypt - Sharm el Sheikh

Koror, Palau

Spoilsport
www.mikeball.com

South Moon
www.seaqueens.com

Ocean Hunter Palau

www.oceanhunter.com

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

10 5 Y 31m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

220v Y Y Y N

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

16 8 Y 40m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

110V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

18 9 Y 33m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx alum CCR

240/110V

Y Y Y Y

Croatia

Egypt - Safaga

La Paz

Lipi Skoji
www.exclusivediving.info

Seacillia
www.bavariablue-safari.com

MV Seascape
www.seaescapeliveaboard.com

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

14 7 Y 25m

f.glass

Elec Cour A/C Ntx CCR

220V Y N N N

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

20 10 32 36m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

110V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

18 9 Y 53m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx steel CCR

240/110V

Y Y Y Y

Cienfuegos, Cuba

Egypt - Port Ghalib

La Paz

Amazing Enterprise
www.amazingfleet.com

M.Y. Blue Pearl

www.oonasdivers.com

MV Narval
www.seaescapeliveaboard.com

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

24 12D Y 36m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx Steel CCR

220v Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

14 8 Y 27m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

110V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

20 8 Y 33m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

110/220V

Y Y N Y/N

Egypt - Hurghada

Egypt - Hurghada

Maldives

Golden Emperor 2
www.seaqueens.com

M.Y. Blue Planet

www.oonasdivers.com

M/Y Conte Max

Albatros Top Boat exclusive

www.albatrostopboat.com

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

22 11 Y 37m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

110V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

14 7 Y 28m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

110V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

22 9 Y 36m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

220V Y Y N Y/N

Egypt - Port Ghalib

Egypt - Sharm El Shiekh

Maldives

M.Y. Blue Seas

www.oonasdivers.com

M.Y. Juliet
www.oonasdivers.com

M/Y Duke of York

Albatros Top Boat exclusive - Rebreather

www.albatrostopboat.com

134 SportDiver JUNE 2011

WorldMags

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

20 10 Y

Elec Cour A/C 38.2m Ntx wood CCR

110&220V

Y Y Y N

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

20 10 Y 38m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx alum CCR

110V Y Y Y N

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

20 10 Y 32m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx alum CCR

110&240V

Y Y Y N

Male, Maldives

Southern Bahamas

TORTOLA

British Virgin Islands

Carpe Vita Explorer

www.explorerventures.com

Turks & Caicos Explorer II

www.explorerventures.com

Cuan Law
www.BVIdiving.com

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

20 10 Y 37m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx steel CCR

240V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

18 9 Y 35m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx alum CCR

110V Y Y Y N

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

20 10 Y 38m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx alum CCR

110V Y Y Y N

Philippines - Cebu / Palawan

St Kitts & St. Maarten

Turks & Caicos

Stella Maris Explorer

www.expeditionfleet.com

Caribbean Explorer II
www.explorerventures.com

Turks & Caicos Explorer II

www.explorerventures.com

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

12 4 N 18m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx GRP CCR

240V Y Y Y Y

Pax Cab EnS Lth Hull

16 8 Y 40m

Elec Cour A/C Ntx wood CCR

110V Y Y Y Y

Portugal - Algarve, Portimao

Tia Heights Makadi Bay Marina

Xunauta
www.subnauta.pt

Sea Cruiser
www.redsealife.com

WorldMags

135 SportDiver JUNE 2011

CLASSIFIEDS
ACCESSORIES EQUIPMENT

Advertising: T: 0118 989 7220 E: ross.arnold@sportdiver.co.uk

HOLIDAYS OVERSEAS
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MEDICAL
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HSE Sport & Phone advice. Medicals done promptly at your own convenience.

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HSE Sport & Phone advice. Medicals done promptly at your own convenience. Phone 01202 741345 Ask for Jill or Heidi or email: desmondfmccann@hotmail.com

Contact us through our contact page on our website

We will not be beaten on legitimate quoted prices! Quotes for flights andaccommodation at very competitive prices with our ABTA approved agent.

Diving Medicals London Tel: 0207 8064028, HSE / Sport / Phone advice. Email: doctor@emed.co.uk

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Diving medicals Nottingham. Sport Diver medicals 50. HSE commercial diving medicals 110. UK and Norwegian offshore medicals 100. Discounts for students and large groups. For appointments Tel: 0780 2850 084 or 0115 9332368 Email: mclap@doctors.org.uk

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Create your own profile page, post images, YouTube videos and chat to other divers online. Ask questions and give advice in our Forum. Sport Diver will be on hand to help and offer expert advice on ways to improve your diving. Comment and rate divers pictures and videos and have the chance to be selected for the photo of the month! Sign up to our newsletters and have the latest developments and offers sent directly to your inbox. In the Kit Finder you can read our reviews and ratings on all the latest Dive Computers, Regulators and BCDs. If you already own a piece of kit featured - let everyone know what you think of it.

www.jmdsports.co.uk tel: +44 (0) 1751 205081

Visit www.sportdiver.co.uk today!

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Advertising: T: 0118 989 7220 E: ross.arnold@sportdiver.co.uk

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To advertise on these pages please contact Ross Arnold on 0118 989 7220 or email ross.arnold@ sportdiver.co.uk
137 SportDiver JUNE 16

T el: 0783 464 0659

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Using the most-advanced research techniques known to man (eight minutes on Google and Wikipedia), Rob Hunt transforms the miracles of yesteryear into the tedious history lessons of today.

nless you count submarines with oars, and thats a road down which madness and pedantry lie, the history of scuba diving begins in 1772, when Sieur Freminet invented a rebreather made out of a barrel. Sadly, its a history that goes very quiet around 20 minutes later as thats how long it took Mr Freminet to asphyxiate on his own exhaled carbon dioxide. Freminet was clearly some sort of foreigner and although a cursory glance on the interweb fails to reveal what kind, he sounds like he might be a bit French to me His behaviour was to become typical of many of the most-innovative names in the history of scuba. Despite the tragic nature of Freminets exeunt, folk continued to invent ways of breathing more or less acceptable gases in alien environments, and it would be wrong of me to make generalised assumptions as to the motivation behind this. It was due to the persistence of rumours, despite derision from the scientists of the day (beards, pipes, top hats, you know the sort), that water might have fish living in it. The consumption of these so-called fish, at the time, was commonly thought to have several benevolent properties, including an increase in intelligence in

schoolboys, the warding off of geriatric ailments such as arthritis, and going well with chips. Its unlikely that anyone will ever know for sure whether fish existed in the olden days, but what is certain is that before World War Two (sequel to the enormously popular World War One but with improved special effects and better baddies), the subaquatic options available to the average man in the street (Mike) were either cumbersome (brass helmets, enormous lead weights, brass shoes, hoses attached to head); a bit too cutting-edge in terms of safety (see last brackets but add rudimentary rebreathers to the list); or just tedious (breath-hold diving or snorkelling, which are boringly accessible to anyone). There was no way that Mike was going to get in the water unless he absolutely had to make something enormous out of steel or kill someone,

COUSTEAU WENT ON TO SHOW THE WORLD THE FUN TO BE HAD HOUNDING BABY WHALES TO THEIR DEATHS, HACKING UP SHARKS WITH AXES AND DYNAMITING REEFS IN THE SILENT WORLD
and he certainly wasnt going to do it for fun. All that changed with the invention of the aqua-lung by Frenchman mile Gagnan and Frenchman Jacques Cousteau. Its impossible to say which of them was the brains behind the invention; Cousteau was a media-sensation, constantly courting fame and making underwater films, while Gagnan was merely an ingenious inventor who specialised in high-pressure pneumatic design. Cousteau went on to show the world the fun to be had hounding baby whales to their deaths, hacking up sharks with axes and dynamiting reefs in The Silent World, while

Gagnan wandered off into obscurity, patenting a huge variety of scuba firsts. Had he not made the schoolboy error of dying during the war, more credit might have gone to Georges Commeinhes, who seems to have copied Cousteau and Gagnans idea four or five years before they came up with it. Once marketable, he called his invention the GC42, based on his initials and the year of commercial release. In order to avoid confusion upon the release of their device, Cousteau and Gagnan called it the CG45, based upon, er, the initials of both their surnames and the 1945-ish nature of the year. The innovative aspect of the aqua-lung lay in its ability to provide gas at ambient pressure to the diver via a demand valve rather than the diver having to manually control what was essentially a freeflow into a mask. Their fast-growing popularity was, however, probably due to the fact that there was a comparatively low chance of finding oneself being endeadened by the apparatus, in stark contrast to previous devices of a similar ilk. Also, they were quite cheap. Except in Blighty, where the cost was prohibitively high. I lost interest before I found out why, but I expect it was due to a general mistrust of all things French. Except cheese. If you remember only one thing from this history it should be this: cheese is always to be trusted, even though it might also be French. Rob Hunt is a PADI Master Instructor. Currently he is travelling around South East Asia and Australasia, but still finds time to write for Sport Diver and Tanked Up.

WorldMags

138

JUNE 2011

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