Category Archives: Tips
PADI Open Water Diver Course
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the basic scuba diving certification. It is available at all PADI certification agencies. The course must cover a standard set of basic skills and knowledge. Naturally, scuba diving training may differ from agency to agency but the end result is the same.
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People aged between 10 and 15 years can take the Junior Open Water course and those 15 years and above can take the full Open Water Course. Any Junior Open Water certified child will automatically be a certified Open Water Diver on this 15th birthday and no recertification will be necessary. All divers need to be in good health with no major health problems.
An Open Water Diver is able to dive to depths of 60 feet or 18 meters. Until this depth the Open Water Diver is not required to be accompanied by a dive master or instructor. Open Water certification also entitles you to continue with the Advanced Open Water diver and other specialty dive courses.
The Open Water Diver course usually takes 3-5 days if taken at dive vacation sites. Others may choose to learn it part time which may take weeks or months. During the course, the aspiring diver will be subjected to knowledge development classes which will teach basic diving techniques, how diving affects your body, safety, equipment selection and maintenance, dive planning and a preview of the skills you will need in the water. An exam is given to make sure the diver is ready to begin training in the water.
Next on the list is confined water training which is basically diving in a controlled environment like a pool or shallow, sheltered ocean water. What’s important is the water is shallow enough to stand up for your safety, so that you can develop confidence in learning all the basic skills you’ll need to enjoy scuba diving safely. Gradually you can move to deeper waters for advanced skills and safety drills.
Open water training is a great experience. This is the real thing. No more simulations and pools just your team, instructor and the open waters. This is the time to practice your skills with the instructor so much so that you gain the confidence to perform them with ease in real diving situations. Let us not forget that while learning you will be able to appreciate what the underwater world has to offer and maybe develop a lifetime love for scuba diving.
Once you have passed all requirements you will be declared a certified Open Water Diver. This certification lasts forever and does not need to be renewed. Although it is recommended that you take a scuba review before diving if you haven’t dived for a year or so. The scuba review is a short refresher course with a professional. The main objective is to help you keep your skills in check.
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Gangehi Kandu Dive Site
With a drift of more than 2.5 km from the channel’s entrance to the end of the dive at the inside of the Atoll, Gangehi Kandu is known to be one of the longest channel dives in the Ari Atoll. When the current is incoming, the dive begins a bit further out and drifts into the channel. Once inside, you will see the caves and overhangs and a few outcrops away from the reef. The outcrops have interesting features and are covered with attractive hard and soft coral formations. The bottom of the entire channel is sandy making a perfect resting ground for the zebra shark, stingray and white tip reef shark, all of which are commonly found here.
Find out more about Gangehi Kandu at this dive site information page.
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Kandooma Thila Dive Site
One of the most spectacular dive sites in the South Male Atoll, teardrop-shaped Kandooma Thila is known for its impressive underwater scenery and prolific fish life. A quick descend is necessary at Kandooma Thila because of the strong currents. The dive begins among up-currents and dive guides usually set the jumping point a few metres away from the reef. As soon as divers reach shallow water they should deploy the surface balloon and it should be visible at all times until the dive boat locates the divers.
Lionfish spotted at Kandooma Thila Dive Site in the Maldives
For more information about Kandooma Thila, please visit this information page.
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Are You Too Fat to Dive?
On last night’s Biggest Loser, on NBC, we discovered that contestant Lance Morgan, from Texas, had previously pursued a lucrative career as a commercial diver. Lance was raised on a farm, eating a typical farmer’s diet of meat and potatoes, he was always instructed to finish everything on his plate… a dieter’s nightmare! As Lance grew older, he gained weight, but was working as a commercial diver and was in demand. However, as the industry began to get stricter on health and safety, Lance found himself without a job because of his weight. Since losing his job, he has been unable to lose enough weight to return to his beloved profession and now him and his wife, Melissa Morgan (the second member of the red team) have found themselves with a significantly reduced family income.
Lance Morgan – Too Fat to Dive
Healthy Scuba Diving Weight?
When you go diving, anywhere in the world, you will notice people of all shapes and sizes participating… that’s one of the beautiful things about diving. Essentially, to dive recreationally, you don’t need to be in amazing shape and a few extra pounds certainly won’t stop you from enjoying this amazing sport. Lance Morgan, incidentally, currently weighs just over 330lb, having lost over 20lbs in the first two weeks of the show. For a healthy BMI, he should way about 220lb. It’s difficult to put an ideal weight on scuba diving, but what’s for sure is that the better shape you’re in, the more you’ll get out of your scuba experience.
Fat People and Scuba Diving
Scuba diving requires a lot of energy, even though you don’t feel like you’re exerting energy while diving. In particular, diving requires aerobic fitness, if you have good lung power, you will be able to dive for longer as you will be using less air from your tank. Also, fat people will find it harder to attain neutral buoyancy and will need more weights on their belt than a skinny person to be able to dive effectively.
Lance Morgan, Commercial Diver
Biggest Loser’s Lance Morgan is on a mission to lose enough weight to get back to work. He is on the right track, and I think he will be one of the finalists, if not the winner. He has a great attitude and is truly motivated… I just hope he can stay at the ranch long enough to get his life back. Good luck Lance!
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How to Wash Your Scuba Gear
Taking good care of expensive scuba gear is a very important trait that a scuba diver must get accustomed to. An exceptional part of this effort requires you to wash your scuba gear meticulously after a day of diving activity. This ensures that your precious equipment functions safely and at the same time also prolonging its life span.
How to Wash Your Scuba Gear
Scuba Gear Cleaning: Tip 1
You can start by setting up two large tubs, one filled with fresh water and the other one containing water and detergent. You may also use a hose for cleaning your scuba gear. These are basically the necessary preparations for this activity. Make sure that you rinse off sand and dirt before washing your scuba gear.
Scuba Gear Cleaning: Tip 2
Always clean your scuba gear individually as each piece involves a specific methods of care to be undertaken. Let’s begin with the regulator. Now the first rule in cleaning this piece of equipment is to ensure that the dust cap is properly attached. This prevents water from entering the first stage regulator, as it contains internal components sensitive to moisture. With dust cap securely in place, submerge the regulator in fresh water for at least 4-5 minutes. Once done, allow the regulator to dry.
Scuba Gear Cleaning: Tip 3
Next on our laundry list is the BCD. Start by soaking the BCD in water, shaking it up and down to wash away saltwater and dry salt crystals. Once the outer part is clean, proceed by washing its inner portion. Push down the deflate button of the low pressure inflator and use a hose to pour fresh water into the exhaust valve. Let the water flow in the bladder until it is about one quarter full then shake the BCD around until thoroughly cleaned. After doing this, empty the bladder and allow it to dry. Now you’re done cleaning the BCD, move on to washing your other scuba gear.
Scuba Gear Cleaning: Tip 4
Washing the remaining pieces of your scuba gear are much easier than the previous tasks. Some of the other items remaining on the list are your fins, mask, and snorkel. Clean these items simply by submerging them in a tub of fresh water while dunking the scuba gear up and down. Once done, hang the scuba gear and allow it to dry.
Scuba Gear Cleaning: Tip 5
Lastly, wrap up your scuba gear laundry session by cleaning your wetsuit, boots, and gloves. They should also be washed in fresh water, but it is also ideal to use a specialized detergent available in many supply stores. Make sure you also have a strong hanger for your wetsuit. Again, hang the scuba gear you just washed and allow them to dry.
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Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Celebrates 10th Anniversary
The International SCUBA Diving Hall of Fame is hosting its 10th anniversary awards banquet and induction ceremony Saturday, 30 January, at Pedro St James. Eleven persons will be honoured for their contributions to the growth of SCUBA diving as a sport and for their contributions in the fields of dive travel, entertainment, art, equipment design and development, education, exploration and adventure.
Scuba Diving Hall of Fame
Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Founded in 2000
Founded in 2000 by the Ministry of Tourism, the Cayman Islands is home to the ISDHF, created to establish a link between the Cayman Islands, a premiere diving destination, and diving enthusiasts worldwide who have made significant contributions to the recreational SCUBA diving industry.
New Members of Scuba Diving Hall of Fame
The 2010 inductees are Dr Eugenie Clark, known affectionately as the “shark lady,” a world-renowned ichthyologist and authority on sharks; Benoit Rouquayrol, who developed, patented and manufactured a self-contained breathing apparatus that became the first production SCUBA diving system; Wyland, a marine life artist and leading advocate for marine resource conservation; Nick Icorn, a diving pioneer regarded as the “keeper of the flame” for preserving diving’s illustrious history through his collection of representative samples of diving gear; Professor Louis Boutan, the first diver to take underwater photos; Francis Toribiong, who started the first dive operation in Palau and discovered the Blue Corner, one of the most famous dive sites in the world; Henry Albert Fleuss, who produced the first practical and successful closed-circuit breathing apparatus; Commandant Yves Le Prieur, who co-founded the world’s first recreational SCUBA diving club in 1935; and Auguste Denayrouze, who worked with the inventor Benoit Rouquayrol to develop and manufacture the self-contained breathing apparatus, and successfully marketed it internationally.
Dr. Eugenie Clark Shark Lady
The early pioneer awards for Professor Louis Boutan, Henry Albert Fleuss, Commandant Yves Le Prieur, Benoit Rouquayrol and Auguste Denayrouze will be given posthumously.
Each year, the Ministry of Tourism also honours Caymanians, paying tribute to the important role they played transforming the Cayman Islands into the premier diving destination that it is today. This year’s local honourees are Charles Ebanks, known locally as Captain Chuckie, and Patrick Noel Evans.
Special guests will be Ron and Valerie Taylor, who filmed the live shark sequences and underwater action footage in film and TV productions including Jaws, Orca and the Blue Lagoon; Sylvia Munro, who received the first early pioneer award on behalf of her father who made the silent movie version of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea in 1915; Dan Orr, President of DAN; and the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment & Tourism for the Palau Islands, Hon. Harry Fritz.
Also at the event on Saturday night, artifacts which have been collected for the planned Hall of Fame building will be displayed, including a customized wet suit from the movie The Daring Game, starring Lloyd Bridges; a circa 1947 La Spirotechnique Cousteau & Gagnan CG 45 regulator, recreational diving’s first production regulator; and a pair of Sea Net wooden diving fins circa late 1940s.
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Underwater Photography: Snapshots of the Wonders of the Sea
In the world of underwater photography, because of all the potential beauty that one can harness with each dive. Its no secret that one can easily develop love for underwater photography. There is a growing population of underwater photography hobbyist and that is why there is now a huge market for it. Cameras used for underwater photography is constantly changing and improving. Manufacturers are aiming to create better underwater cameras that are easier to use, much more durable and can capture much greater detail. The amazing convenience of digital cameras made photography a much more enjoyable hobby or profession since it is abolished the painstaking process of developing. Not to mention you no longer have to be wary when taking shots since its all digital. We have all seen the great shots of fish and amazing marine life in the sea. Before underwater photography was not really an option for a lot of people. But times have changed, photography can now be for everyone and everyone should try underwater photography.
Underwater Photography
What Is Underwater Photography?
Underwater photography obviously is just what its name implies. Photographs taken underwater. It is safe to assume that underwater photography became a popular hobby because there is just so much beauty under the sea. When there is beauty there is happiness and happiness is always something you would want to share. Underwater photography became popular because scuba divers could see underwater they wanted to share with others.
Documentaries, Movies, National Geographic films all use underwater photography to teach, inspire and tell stories about life underwater.
Underwater Photography Techniques
On a more technical note underwater photography equipment can be both simple or complex, all depending on what kind of photography you would like to employ. Simple cameras range from the disposable ones which are ideal for vacations and amateurs. Disposable underwater cameras typically use film and can be developed at any developing center. You can expect great underwater images even from disposable cameras. But if you are an avid underwater photographer with advanced skills then you will probably not settle for disposable cameras. Some cameras are originally not made for underwater use, but some manufacturers develop add on casings specifically for their cameras so that they can be used for underwater photography and can withstand the pressure underwater.
The Maldives is a great destination for underwater photography
Underwater Photography Tips.
- Depth and transparency of the water. The deeper you go the less light is available and of course if the water is murky then not much can be seen.
- Light. Cameras usually function best when there is a lot of available light, should there is no adequate light then an alternative light source most commonly known as a camera flash should be used.
- Backscatter. When the flash or strobe light reflect back due to particles in the water, showing specks of light in the photo.
Don’t just scuba dive and keep all the beauty to yourself, make the most out of it and share what you see with others. Do underwater photography.
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Norwegian men in scuba gear give chase to Google Street View Car
While tricks to appear on the images of Google Maps have become common since the launch of the “Street View”, a couple of guys from Norway just pulled off the best Google “Street View” prank yet. Seems two unidentified gentleman had heard a Google camera car was in the neighborhood, so they decided to dress as ninjas scuba divers and laid (or rather sat) in wait for the unsuspecting car.
As soon as the Google vehicle passed by, the two scuba divers sprang into action. They both leapt from their respective lawn chairs and gave chase as best they could behind the “Street View” car as it traveled down the road with one of the men brandishing a fishing fork. Fortunately for Google, since both the men were wearing diving flippers at the time, the pursuit did not last very long. All the while, however, the Google cameras snapped away at the bizarre chase taking place.
Now it seems no one is exactly sure how these Norwegian men caught wind that there was a Google “Street View” car in their town. What is known, though, is that Google apparently did not mind the funny scene as they posted the photos on Google Maps. Just go to “Street View” level to see the pair on the side of the road and then continue down the street to see them give chase.
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Parth Sanghvi of Mumbai is the World’s Youngest Scuba Diver
Mumbai’s Parth Sanghvi broke the world record to be the youngest scuba open water diver this week after he dived 40 feet underwater near Grande Island in Goa, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) said today.
10-year-old Parth awarded PADI junior open water scuba divers certificate
Anindya Mukherjee, PADI instructor, said that 10-year-old Parth was awarded PADI junior open water scuba divers certificate on February 23, a day after his birthday, at exactly at 7:01 a.m.
The 10-year-old from Mumbai broke the earlier record of Egypt’s Natasha Turner, who had become the youngest diver at the age of 10 years and three days.
“Parth got the certificate at the age of 10 years and one day, which is two days short than Turner,” Mukherjee said.
Accompanied by his father, Mehul, a certified diver, Parth jumped off the grande Island near Vasco port town in Goa to break the record. Parth is a fourth standard student of CNM School at suburban Ville Parle in Mumbai.
The boy was trained at Goa Aquatic dive resort at Candolim near here before he jumped in for the world record.
“Parth had his first encounter with scuba at the age of nine years and four months when he went to Phillipines for a holiday with the family,” Mehul told reporters in Mumbai.
“The minimum age of scuba diving is ten years, so he took up the bubble maker course where they teach the basics of scuba diving,” Parth’s father said.
Mehul, who runs an import export business in Mumbai, said that Parth was really inspired by experience, so his parents decided that he starts the course on his tenth birthday.
“Three months before he started his course, Parth studied the open water diver manual by PADI,” he said.
In Indian, Sahil Pisharody of Mumbai, had formerly achieved the record of youngest scuba diver of nation when he dived at the age of 10 years six months, Mehul said.
“It was really amazing world down the water. I saw lot of fishes and a ship wreck too,” Parth said.
His coach, Mukherjee, said that the boy came back with two shells, although it is prohibited to disturb anything underwater.
“He said he wanted to show them to his younger brother, so we allowed it,” the coach added.
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Vabbinfaru, Maldives – After years of scientific research, scientists watched astoundingly under the full moon as they witnessed reproducing corals eject pink-orange eggs and copious amounts of sperm, which confirms that the Maldives’ endangered reefs are on its way to regeneration.
“That was the first time in the history of the Maldives that we had discovered coral spawning! It went into our hearts.”, stated by marine biologist, Azeez Hakim, who was one of the watchers that evening. Twelve years ago, a spike in the water temperature, brought about by the El Nino phenomenon, had nearly killed 2/3 of the Maldives coral reefs. Those scientists had blessed the Maldives with a great gift, it was like saving the island from an upcoming economic downfall.
“If the reef is gone, we are gone”, stated by Hakim.
The researchers have found a way to regenerate those coral reefs by using cone-shaped steel frames which served as nurseries for the corals, passing small electric currents through the metal to form limestones, on which the corals could grow after they had produced their eggs and sperm.
The coral reefs play a very important role in the economy of the Maldives. Aside from its beaches and turquoise waters, those reefs lure the tourists as they exhibit pure, natural, underwater beauty, which is basically the main attraction in scuba diving. The corals also serve as building materials for Maldivian homes. And without the coral reefs, coastal erosion could ravage 1,200 islands lying low in the ocean.
“Before 1998, we never thought that this reef would die. We had always taken for granted that these animals would be there, that this reef would be there forever. El Nino gave us a wake-up call that these thing are not going to be there forever.”, Hakim said.
Today, the world is going through another El Nino crisis, and coral regeneration would play a big part in the marine life and the lives of the Maldivian people.
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