Nicolene Olckers, Earth Legacy Foundation, Francois Burman, JoAnn Haack, Gabriela Guberman, Yvette Oosthuizen, Kyle Kray, Ofek Liepaz, Gregory Norris, Guy Thomas, Adam Sokolski, Jacques Vieira, Madeline Coombs, Frauke Tillmans, Jessica B Adams, Stephen Frink, Tasmyn Signe, Alexander Wowra
Team
Morné Christou, Nicolene Olckers, Dr Frans Cronje
Cover Photograph
By Yvette Oosthuizen
Compass jellies are a favourite of mine For many months, we may not see them, and after a while, one starts noticing social posts about their absence being missed! When the time comes, the jellies arrive on the currents with the southeasterly wind, and I’m always delighted, along with my fellow freedivers and photographers The jellies capture light in such a beautiful way – when you’re in the water, these luminescent, pulsating beings truly stand out
On this day, a fantastic boat trip took us out to where their food is: the algae bloom they feed on, also known as the dreaded red tide Add a bit of heat from the sun, and you have yourself a jellyfish party Even though I couldn’t see past my own fins, and my wetsuit and hair smelled like overripe prawns afterwards, I found myself very happy!
AS THE FESTIVE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES, MANY DIVERS ARE PREPARING FOR EXCITING DIVE ADVENTURES However, before you take the plunge, it’s crucial to prioritise safety through effective dive planning and risk management Dive hazards can be categorised into several groups, with two significant risks being pressure changes during ascent and environmental factors Proper dive planning and adherence to established breathing-gas management protocols have been shown to save lives don’t leave it to chance this holiday season
DIVE CONSERVATIVELY: MASTERING GAS MANAGEMENT
One of the most common causes of dive fatalities reported to DAN is out-of-gas emergencies Managing your breathing gas and effectively responding to out-of-air situations are vital skills that every diver must master. Divers often run out of gas due to inadequate monitoring of their air supply or poor planning that doesn’t align with their available gas and consumption rates. Effective breathing-gas management is critical to avoid potentially life-threatening consequences.
When conducting no-decompression dives in open water where emergency ascents are an option it’s essential to plan for sufficient gas reserves This reserve not only ensures a safe ascent but also covers contingencies, such as deeper or longer dives requiring decompression stops Running out of gas at this stage increases the risk of decompression sickness, a scenario easily avoided with proper gas planning
Planning your dives with conservative estimates and calculating minimum acceptable pressures for each stage of the dive are key practices Remember, being aware of your gas consumption rate, as well as that of your dive buddy, under varying conditions can make all the difference
PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES: HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN
Unprepared divers are more likely to panic in emergencies, especially when there’s no contingency plan in place Effective planning means preparing a documented emergency action plan (EAP) and ensuring that everyone in your dive group is trained and familiar with it Having an EAP ready can be the difference between a smooth response and a catastrophic outcome
Consider these steps for comprehensive emergency preparedness:
Ensure first aid equipment is on site and accessible
Confirm oxygen and administration equipment are available and wellmaintained
Create a plan for evacuating an injured diver to the nearest medical facility. Prepare a list of emergency contacts, including local EMS and instructions for reaching the nearest medical facility from the dive site.
We strongly encourage you to make it your responsibility to implement risk mitigation practices on every dive. An effective EAP should be simple enough that even an untrained bystander can assist if needed
Periodically review and update your EAP to account for changes in facilities, contact details, or the dive group’s composition
We strongly encourage you to make it your responsibility to implement risk mitigation practices on every dive An effective EAP should be simple enough that even an untrained bystander can assist if needed
Periodically review and update your EAP to account for changes in facilities, contact details, or the dive group’s composition
CALL DAN FOR ASSISTANCE
If you need support in developing your EAP, DAN’s Medical and Safety Services teams are here to help Reach out to us today to get started
GET TRAINED: ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Comprehensive training can be the deciding factor between a tragic outcome and a successful rescue By integrating DAN training programs into your dive preparations, you equip yourself and your dive companions with essential skills for handling emergencies
DAN has trained many instructors across Southern Africa to teach recreational divers the critical skill of providing oxygen first aid in the event of a dive accident Advances in communication technology have made contacting emergency services easier, but
remember that it can still take time for medical personnel to arrive Don’t waste precious moments ensure you and your dive group are prepared to act immediately
With the right training, preparation, and equipment, you can transform a potential tragedy into a minor incident Let’s make this festive dive season a safe and memorable one for all
Plan ahead, dive safely, and call DAN today to get started on your emergency preparedness journey!
Prepare for The Festive Season Dive! Before you take the plunge, it’s crucial to prioritise safety through effective dive planning and risk management.
DIVERS ACHIEVE REMARKABLE SUCCESS IN MARINE CLEAN-UP EFFORTS
October 2024 – With ocean plastic pollution reaching alarming levels, Keep Fin Alive, in collaboration with the Earth Legacy Foundation and Go Dive Mossel Bay, has made significant strides in tackling the issue through its successful Clean Ocean Divers programme Since its inception, the initiative has trained divers in safe underwater debris removal and conducted multiple clean-up dives, recovering over 10 km of fishing line, nearly 1,000 sinkers, and more than 350 hooks from sensitive marine environments
Led by Esther Jacobs, founder of Keep Fin Alive, an Advanced NAUI diver, and Communications & Sustainability Manager for Earth Legacy Foundation, the Clean Ocean Divers programme equips divers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact on ocean health
Participants are trained to carry out "deep cleans" in marine environments, focusing on the safe removal of harmful debris The programme not only educates participants on the dangers of plastic pollution but also provides hands-on training through cleanup dives, contributing to national efforts to address "ghost gear" along coastlines Through its partnerships with Earth Legacy Foundation and Go Dive Mossel Bay, the programme continues to make a tangible difference in protecting marine ecosystems
Clean Ocean Divers Mission Statement
"Empowering our diving community to preserve and protect our coastline by providing the knowledge, skills, and resources to keep our oceans healthy and marine life safe"
ABOUT KEEP FIN ALIVE
Keep Fin Alive is a dedicated marine conservation initiative focused on
safeguarding marine ecosystems and wildlife through active engagement, education, and advocacy With a mission to inspire ocean stewardship, the organisation empowers divers and non-divers alike to combat marine pollution and overfishing Through collaboration with partners such as Earth Legacy Foundation and Go Dive Mossel Bay, Keep Fin Alive spearheads innovative programmes, including clean-up dives and awareness campaigns, to promote sustainable ocean practices and ensure the survival of threatened marine species for future generations
ABOUT EARTH LEGACY FOUNDATION
The Earth Legacy Foundation is dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems through
education, conservation initiatives, and the promotion of sustainable practices By partnering with local and global organisations, the foundation seeks to drive long-term efforts that support ocean health and biodiversity conservation
ABOUT GO DIVE MOSSEL BAY
Go Dive Mossel Bay is a leading dive centre in South Africa, offering exceptional diving experiences with a strong emphasis on ocean conservation As a key partner in the Clean Ocean Divers initiative, Go Dive Mossel Bay provides divers with opportunities to engage in meaningful ocean preservation efforts through specialised clean-up dives and environmental education.
RECOVERY MISSIONS DRAW MANY PASSIONATE AND HARDWORKING VOLUNTEERS
RECOVERY MISSIONS DRAW MANY PASSIONATE AND HARDWORKING VOLUNTEERS
YOU DON’T HAVE TO DIVE VERY DEEP into the world of finance to be aware of Ray Dalio Journalist Bill Whitaker interviewed him in 2019 on the campus of Dalio’s firm, Bridgewater Associates, and introduced him this way: “This week on 60 Minutes we met Ray Dalio He runs the most successful hedge fund in the world, and he is one of the wealthiest men in the United States”
Submerged beneath the blue Caribbean in Dalio’s research submarine, they continued their chat. “Whether it is investing or exploration, Dalio goes his own way,” Whitaker said. “While your fellow billionaires Bezos, Branson, Elon Musk are all going into outer space they’re headed toward Mars and the moon you choose to go down. Why is that?”
RAY DALIO
MEMBER
Hometown: Greenwich, Connecticut Age: 75 Years Diving: 55 Why I’m a DAN Member: I feel a kinship with other DAN members and want to share in our collective goals for communication and ocean conservation
“I find ocean exploration a lot more exciting, a lot more important than space exploration, right? And then you think about it affects our lives so much more,” Dalio replied
“I don’t understand the resource allocation of space to the ocean, really, in terms of return on investment,” Dalio continued “The return on investment down here is fabulous”
How he came to that epiphany is not much different from most DAN members of a certain age “My fork in the road was watching Jacques Cousteau on TV well, that and Sea Hunt I did both,” Dalio recalled, attributing his love for the ocean to those early television programs He got scuba certified in 1970, but the day he took his kids diving for the first time set the hook He knew then that the ocean would be integral to his life
Dalio eventually acquired enough money to make his nascent dream of supporting ocean research begin to take form. The Alucia, a 184-foot (56-meter) research vessel, became the platform to support his vision of marine science, and he would get to tag along as his time allowed.
About the same time, Dalio’s son Mark worked at National Geographic It was his first job out of college, and a synergy was beginning to form James Cameron, a National Geographic Explorer at Large, had been involved with Alucia Cameron’s media experience is legendary as director of Titanic, and the Avatar films, and his bona fides as a deep ocean expert include 33 dives to the Titanic and the former world solo deep dive record of 35,787 feet (10,908 m) to Challenger Deep in the Deepsea Challenger submersible
Meanwhile, Alucia supported production as well, including the 2012 Discovery Channel and NHK collaboration that documented giant squid through 55 submersible dives
with bioluminescent lures and lights with wavelengths invisible to the animals These dives sometimes reached depths greater than 3,000 feet (914 m) Alucia also supported Blue Planet II; with that series’ success, Dalio had a glimpse of what an audience of half a billion viewers could mean for ocean conservation
After 11 years, Dalio and Mark were ready to commission a new ship, the OceanXplorer, with four times the capacity of Alucia The ship’s statistics are impressive: 286 feet (871 m) long, a maximum crew of 72, four wet and dry labs for tasks such as genetic sequencing and microscopy, media facilities including digital imaging capture and editing, and a recompression chamber It’s the most advanced scientific research, exploration, and media production vessel ever built Cameron and production designer C Page Buckner consulted on the Hollywood-quality production facilities
OceanXplorer carries a resident H125 Airbus helicopter, Zodiac Milpro MK6 HD inflatable boats, two crewed Triton submersibles capable of 3,280-foot (1,000-m) dives, and one large remotely operated vehicle (ROV) depth rated to 19,685 feet (6,000 m) along with a mini ROV that can operate in tandem with the main ROV. The sonar array can map at depths up to 26,247 feet (8,000 m)
Dalio’s acquisition of the ship, a former oil field support vessel, was timely because the oil market had crashed, and the ship was only 5 years old It had to be stripped and rebuilt at enormous expense to meet Dalio’s demanding vision The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution gave insight into their wish list for ocean research, and Cameron advised on the lighting and design that give the vessel its ambiance consistent with a vision for a starship USS Enterprise of the sea They would go where no one had gone before in style and functionality that had never been seen before
DALIO PILOTS AN UNDERWATER DPV THROUGH A MASSIVE SCHOOL OF TROPICAL REEF FISH IN THE SEYCHELLES SCHOOL OF TROPICAL REEF FISH IN THE SEYCHELLES
DALIO PILOTS AN UNDERWATER DPV THROUGH A MASSIVE
OceanX, the nonprofit organization that Dalio co-founded and continues to advise, supports the ship’s expeditions, began to take on relatively short projects in places such as Norway and the Azores and others that might last multiple months at sea Most recently they were in Indonesia, documenting what may be the world’s greatest and least discovered biodiversity Discovery is a task for which the ship is uniquely capable
Dalio requires “three thumbs up” to greenlight an OceanX project: excellent science, great media potential, and cost justification He explains the cost justification as, “I’ve allocated a certain amount of money I’m willing to lose each
year philanthropically, and then we seek symbiotic relationships”
Currently, the most high-profile and symbiotic relationship is a six-part cable network and streaming series, OceanXplorers, that premiered Aug 18, 2024, on the National Geographic channel All episodes stream the day after release on Disney+ and Hulu Cameron served as executive director and narrator
If there were an awards category for Outstanding Production Design in a Science Series, OceanXplorer would clearly be in contention The work Dalio and OceanX do is significant enough to warrant an award to honour them
Ray Dalio: I feel a kinship with other DAN members and want to share in our collective goals for communication and ocean conservation.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON A DIVE BOAT
DIVE SLATE | TRAVEL SMARTER
WHEN YOU ARE IN AN EMERGENCY while diving from a boat, you and the crew can’t waste precious moments looking for safety equipment. Some safety items should be readily available on a day boat or liveaboard
First aid kit: Cuts and scrapes are common in recreational diving Proper bandages are necessary for stemming bleeding, and infection possibility is always high around seawater Having the appropriate items to keep wounds clean and dry is important
Oxygen kit: You should ask to inspect the oxygen kit All the components must be present and functioning A missing hose or defective mask makes the kit almost useless Also, check that the cylinder is full
Communications equipment: A simple radio may work, but if you will be far from shore, ask how the crew communicates with the main office
Life preservers: Every person on the boat should have at least one accessible life preserver Make sure you know where yours is
Fire equipment: Fire extinguishers should be available throughout the boat Make sure you know where they are and how to use them.
Alarms: Make sure you know the difference between the alarms. Your response to an evacuation alarm is much different than a person-overboard alarm. Emergency action plans (EAPs): Ask to see the EAPs and whether the crew has regularly trained with them There should be a written plan for each possible emergency, such as a fire, abandon ship, person-overboard, or missing diver Ensure you can carry out your part so you can assist rather than get in the way
This equipment is useful only if the crew knows how to use it in an emergency Ask if the crew is properly trained and certified in first aid response, use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen administration, emergency communications, and firefighting equipment They should be able to tell you about regular training and practices for all types of emergency situations
These measures may not prevent an incident or emergency but can change its severity
THE BUSTLING, OTHERWORLDLY ACTION OF THE SARDINE RUN became tenfold better when I switched vessels to Mission 1 Ocean’s boat From admiring the frothing seas brimming with life to helping film this world-class natural spectacle, I could hardly believe my luck I was incredibly fortunate when these well-known French photographers and filmmakers welcomed me aboard something that would quickly prove to be a life-changing experience Allured by the peculiar-looking gear and the chance to speak the language I love, I approached the men with an endless stream of enthusiastic questions, a simple act that would become the catalyst for a new adventure Little did I know they were the renowned Alexis Rosenfeld and Mission 1 Ocean / UNESCO
For four whole days, I was captivated totally enthralled and inspired Their overflowing passion for capturing and preserving the ocean’s magnificence through film and education was contagious. I decided then and there that this was what I wanted to do. My childhood love for the ocean was brought back to the surface. They had planted a seed, but one that would have to wait until I came across Dive Action in Cape Town to properly germinate. After hours spent dreaming and unproductively searching the internet, I was pointed towards Barry and Sarah at Dive Action the only Nauticam dealer in South Africa This would prove to be a vital step in turning my dream into reality
A few weeks later, I bought the camera of my dreams and headed to Cape Town to pick it up Much to my surprise, rather than just hand it over, the team at Dive Action went above and beyond in every way possible They welcomed me for four days, not only showing me the ropes of my new camera but teaching me everything I wanted to learn from how to edit photos in post-production to giving me a free course on Nitrox diving and even taking me on multiple dives
This fantastic team from a tucked-away dive operation taught me the ins and outs of my new image-capturing marvel Everything from how to assemble this complex contraption, to caring for it, and even countless nifty tips and tricks gained from years of experience They lent me anything I needed without batting an eyelid, helping and encouraging me as I began finding my feet in this wonderful profession
My first dive in the Cape was eye-opening The sheer quantity of vibrant life filling these icy waters is outstanding Huge schools of curious fish pulse in and out of the underwater forests, while carpets of bright, colorful marine life add an otherworldly dimension to the mysterious, watery realm I was ecstatic, my excitement bubbling over despite being limited to hand signals for communication The tiniest areas had me glued to the viewfinder, relishing every detail of the reef
Armed with this fantastic new camera, the world is my oyster. I’m passionate about sharing the wonders of our underwater world with the younger generation the future custodians of our planet. My goal is to inspire as many people as I can, introducing them to the amazing world found beneath the surface through my lens and pen.
“Hi! I’m Yvette Aunty Vetty to the Twinadoes and known as @wildbluevetty on Instagram I work in international nature documentaries and am a freediver exploring the beloved kelp forests where I live I also capture underwater images, contributing however I can to conserving our natural world, especially my greatest love the ocean I hope these images inspire you to fall in love with it too!”
From creating music videos for worldrenowned artists like Coldplay to photographing never-before captured marine life behavior, Yvette Oosthuizen brings a steady hand and (mostly!) a calm mind to her work in nature documentaries Specializing in Line Producing and the often-challenging arena of securing filming permits, she’s played vital roles in acclaimed
productions, including My Octopus Teacher, Penguin Town, and the BBC’s Blue Planet II series To this day, she remains captivated by the natural world and especially by the mystery of South Africa's magical Kelp Forests
Growing up in Pretoria, Yvette lived for the family’s annual road trips “I didn’t realize it then, but those trips had a huge impact on me Every December, we’d head to Palm Springs, a special place on the coast near East London This meant huge ocean-based adventures for our family The minute we arrived, my dog and I would jump out of our old El Camino and race straight for the beach,” she recalls fondly Along with those experiences and her mom’s regular trips to beautiful wild places, which inspired a deep love for nature, the rest was history
After a two-year stint in the dreary grey of London, she knew three things for sure:
She needed to return home
She wanted to pursue a career in film, having enjoyed a brief experience on a film project
She wanted to reconnect with nature, building on the love she’d nurtured since childhood
Upon returning to South Africa, Yvette began working at an equipment rental house after persistently asking friends for help breaking into the industry. “Once I had a job, I insisted a journalist friend in the film industry give me every wildlife filmmaker’s contact in South Africa,” she laughs.
Living in Johannesburg, she would phone each filmmaker monthly, hoping for a
chance Eventually, her perseverance paid off Yvette’s love of nature and the foundation laid during her childhood drove her into wildlife documentaries After a severe knee injury ended her adventure racing days, she knew she was at another crossroads and made the bold decision to move to Cape Town
“I started over again, calling filmmakers monthly and sending out my CV daily That’s how I met the Foster brothers.”
Working with the Fosters, she contributed to Shark Man, featuring Michael Rutzen, a South African shark conservationist and filmmaker who is one of the few people in the world that can understand and respond to shark behaviour and body language whilst freediving in the ocean.
Witnessing the decline in the natural world only deepened her passion for documentary filmmaking “It’s a different picture now than it was a hundred years ago The greatest grief in my life has been seeing the decline in our natural world Being in wildlife documentaries felt like my own small way of making a difference,” she reflects
Her journey into freediving began after seeing two freedivers emerge from the water, appearing almost magical. She and a friend took a freediving course and began exploring the coastlines. “I had done cold water diving with Craig Foster and have seen the kelp forests,” Yvette shares. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring the kelp forests and South Africa’s wild oceans.
Now, Yvette dives with a camera in hand, capturing the vibrant underwater landscapes. She’s known for her striking images of anemones and colourful reefs around Cape Point, False Bay, and the Atlantic seaboard.
“Through my images something that doesn’t feel like work to me I hope that people can say, ‘Wow, look at this world’ Being part of a freediving community, I share my images within our freediving community, many of whom join me on dives I’ve noticed a huge increase in freedivers and ocean enthusiasts I think it’s partly because the great white sharks have largely disappeared here, but also the desire to see the kelp forests in person, creating a groundswell of interest and awareness about our oceans”
CONNECT WITH YVETTE
@wildbluevetty
CAPE TOWN CLIFTON KELP FORESTS - FREEDIVER KIM HOUGHTON
CAPE TOWN CLIFTON KELP FORESTS - FREEDIVER KIM HOUGHTON - PHOTOGRAPHY MATT STOW/FREEDIVING AFRICA - PHOTOGRAPHY MATT STOW/FREEDIVING AFRICA
BETWEEN INSTAGRAM REELS OF OCEAN RAMSEY’S SEEMINGLY DEATH-DEFYING INTERACTIONS with giant tiger sharks and Alexey Molchanov’s regular world record dives to depths well below 130m, the public perception of freediving exudes an air of adrenaline and edginess, suggesting that ocean submersion is a risky business, albeit filled with the possibility of life-changing wildlife encounters and bucket-list adventures
This image is bolstered by a plethora of adventure tourism options: swimming with whales in exotic destinations like Tonga and Mauritius, jumping onto a yacht in the Bahamas, Philippines, or Australia to join a yoga and freediving retreat, or diving with sharks in French Polynesia You’d be forgiven for believing it’s a pastime of the rich, given the eye-watering price tag associated with these experiences
However, there’s much more to freediving than meets the scrolling eye, and I’d like to give you a glimpse into the world of possibilities that lie just beneath the surface if you know where to look!
MYTH
#1: FREEDIVING IS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS
Truth: So is driving your car, working a stressful job, or eating chicken off the bone Life is filled with risks, many of which can be well managed, particularly in freediving By taking an introductory freediving course, you quickly learn basic safety concepts and feel more confident approaching the water with an understanding of the risks and what to do in an emergency
In short, always freedive with a buddy, ensure proper weighting for safe buoyancy, know how to support a buddy in distress, and assess the environment you choose to freedive in
These practices lay a strong foundation for many happy, safe hours in the water Choose an instructor who prioritizes safety, and never push beyond your comfort zone As your experience grows, your comfort zone will expand organically
MYTH #2: YOU CAN ONLY FREEDIVE IF YOU ARE AN ATHLETIC PERSON WITH A LONG BREATH-HOLD OR BIG LUNGS
Truth: Freedivers come in all ages, shapes, and sizes, and the ocean belongs to everyone The human body has incredible capabilities, including the Mammalian Dive Reflex, a "superpower" you might not have discovered yet Our bodies are programmed to operate differently underwater, and submerging the airways initiates a series of physiological changes designed to optimize oxygen efficiency during a breath-hold The heart rate slows, blood is redirected from the extremities to the core, and a profound sense of calm descends For a brief moment,
time seems to stop, and as you absorb the beauty around you, it feels as though you may never need to breathe again Eventually, the buildup of carbon dioxide triggers the urge to breathe, reminding you to return to the surface
Almost everyone who has spent time underwater, whether in a pool or the ocean, has experienced this feeling What few realise is that the urge to breathe is simply an early warning, and there’s usually enough oxygen saturation left for a safe return to the surface Ultimately, the key to safe, enjoyable dives is relaxation By calming the body and mind before a dive, you can achieve a meditative state that extends both the length and enjoyment of the experience Tense muscles and a busy mind consume more oxygen, and holding tension in the torso can make equalisation more challenging
Learning these fundamentals from a skilled instructor, along with choosing a safe, accessible place to dive, can lead to a zenlike calm found in few other activities
MYTH #3: YOU NEED TO BE A DAREDEVIL TO FREEDIVE
Truth: You can experience the ocean in a safe, gentle way, making it enjoyable even for the most risk-averse Although social media is filled with extreme examples, the essence of freediving is meditative immersion With just a mask and swimsuit, swimming around just below the surface of a warm ocean and marveling at life on a shallow coral reef can be as fulfilling as deep, competitive dives Exploring the accessible kelp forests of False Bay or swimming through underwater hoops at 5m in Lighthouse Bay, Dahab, offers a taste of freediving without intimidation
MYTH #4: FREEDIVING IS EXPENSIVE AND INACCESSIBLE TO MOST
Truth: Freediving can be as affordable as you make it A basic introductory course costs around R2000 to R6000, which is a worthwhile investment in understanding the fundamentals safely After that, a set of plastic fins, a mask, snorkel, weight belt, and wetsuit covers your basic needs
For those with budget constraints, community events offer affordable introductions to freediving In Cape Town, for instance, several foundations work actively to democratize ocean access
With a basic set of gear and a safe buddy, the ocean becomes your playground Join local freediving groups, discover dive spots, and explore easy shore-entry dives together
UNTITLED STATUE,GILI MENO, LOMBOK INDONESIA. FREEDIVER UNTITLED STATUE,GILI MENO, LOMBOK INDONESIA. FREEDIVER
TAMSYN SIGNE - PHOTOGRAPHY MATT STOW/FREEDIVING AFRICA
TAMSYN SIGNE - PHOTOGRAPHY MATT STOW/FREEDIVING AFRICA
As you dive more, understanding local conditions becomes second nature, allowing you to venture out independently with your buddy
Freediving is the easiest way to access the underwater world, with fewer financial barriers than scuba diving
The physical and mental impact of being in the water is profound; I have yet to meet a freediver who hasn’t experienced health benefits In a world filled with anxiety, stress, and constant demands on our time, the water provides a sanctuary where we can be present and reconnect with ourselves and our environment After a dive, a sense of calm relaxation replaces anxiety, offering a magical escape from reality Immersion allows mental rest and rejuvenates both the body and mind
For scuba divers who venture into freediving, the minimal gear offers a new sense of freedom and connection to the underwater ecosystem, much like walking on foot through a game reserve rather than being in a game vehicle Many freedivers find this freedom so addictive that their scuba gear often gathers dust in storage!
As the summer season approaches, let this be your invitation to experience the ocean more deeply through freediving
FOLLOW TAMSYN SIGNE & HER COMMUNITY
@tamneedswater wwwstaylongergodeepercom
@freediving africa wwwfreedivingafricacoza
DANVAN TRAINING TRIP
DIVE SLATE
TEXT&PHOTOSBYNICOLENEOLCKERS
AS ANOTHER BUSY YEAR DRAWS TO A CLOSE, we successfully completed another promotional road trip in the “DANvan” Travelling the roads of South Africa is always an eye-opener, offering us a unique view of the nation’s state on the ground.
This year’s journey took us from Cape Town all the way to Vilankulos in Mozambique and back again Along the way, we had the chance to connect with dive centres and operators, hearing first-hand what they’ve been working on throughout the year a real “state-of-our-diving-nation” report, so to speak
We were fortunate to have two international DAN team members join us, providing valuable training updates First, JoAnn Haack (now Perry) made the long trip from the USA to update us on the new standards in DAN course materials for DAN instructors Then, Guy Thomas from DAN Europe visited a few centres to promote the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Program (HIRA) programs after we had completed the theory sessions online.
This trip was crucial for reintroducing key DAN courses such as Basic Life Support, Oxygen for Injured Divers, and Diving First Aid for Professional Divers It also served as an opportunity to introduce our new team member, Megan Wagner Megan has taken on the significant task of revitalising DAN training courses across Southern Africa’s diving community This trip marked her first of what we hope will be many, as she works to grow the number of new DAN Instructors, Instructor Trainers, and Examiners in the region
We had the privilege of conducting DAN Workshops once again, raising dive safety awareness among the dive communities in h f i d bi f ll
DAN training, which led to the sign-up of several newly qualified DAN Diving First Aid (DFA) Instructors in our region
We’re particularly inspired by the newly qualified instructors based in some of the more remote parts of our region, who are passionate about DAN’s mission to make diving safer for everyone visiting their centres and operations
The Otoscope Use Workshop continues to provide valuable, much-needed training on the most common diving injury ear barotrauma This workshop has become an essential tool in our repertoire, educating both divers and instructors on equalising and ear-related issues.
We also had the opportunity to deliver the Oxygen for Injured Divers Workshop to several National Sea Rescue bases in KwaZulu-Natal. Understanding how to assemble and disassemble oxygen units is critical for a quick response to injured divers, and we were pleased to share this vital knowledge
As we prepare to dive into the challenges the next year will bring to the diving industry in Southern Africa, let’s continue to approach them with responsibility, safety, and, of course, fun for both new and experienced divers alike
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
@dansouthernafrica
@divers-alert-network-southern-africa
@dansaorg
ProsChooseDAN TrustedWhenItMattersMost
Richie Kohler, Professional diver, shipwreck researcher, and film-maker, explains why he chooses DAN.
SOME DIVERS PREFER THE FEELING OF EFFORTLESSLY GLIDING THROUGH THE WATER, taking in the larger fish and the sheer abundance of life that the underwater world has to offer Others, like myself, approach each dive as a treasure hunt, eager to uncover the more elusive species that inhabit our oceans It’s incredibly rewarding to work toward sightings, and finding marine life unseen by most people can give diving an entirely new meaning
If you want to spot cryptic creatures on your dives, here are some tips to keep in mind:
(1) Know what you’re looking for and look at photos beforehand. Having an idea of what various creatures look like is a great way to identify their shape and colour among the reef
(2) Familiarise yourself with the behaviour of your subject. Learn about any potential symbiotic relationships, what food they tend to eat, or where they like to hide
(3) Dive slowly and look closely. Many of the ocean’s inhabitants hide in plain sight All you need to do is take the time to look a little closer
(4) Use a torch to bring back colour and enhance contrast. This is also essential for taking good photographs of your discoveries It’s recommended to use a red light for more skittish subjects, as they cannot see the red light frequency at depth
(5) Remain patient. Many creatures can be startled by sudden movements Approach them slowly to increase the likelihood of a longer encounter
CAPE TRIPLEFIN BLENNY (CREMNOCHORITES CAPENSIS)
CAPE TRIPLEFIN BLENNY (CREMNOCHORITES CAPENSIS)
(6) Respect the environment and ensure your buoyancy is in check to avoid damaging the reef or harming any marine life
False Bay is home to over 200 species of fish
Many of them seem to find you on your dives With others, you need to be in the right place at the right time
Fish like the two-eyed blenny, Cape triplefin blenny, and the smooth-skin scorpionfish are surprisingly more common than one might think You just need to know where to look, and this article shares some of my secrets for finding them
TWO-EYED BLENNY (CHALARODERMA OCELLATA)
The two-eyed blenny reaches a maximum length of around 7 cm You’ll sometimes find
them darting around the reef, but generally, these fish are quite territorial and prefer to stay close to their homes They like to inhabit various holes and crevices on the reef, with their go-to hiding spots being empty worm tubes This is a great place to look if you want to find these fish, and if you’re really lucky, you’ll even spot a blenny fiercely guarding its eggs along the walls of the tube
When looking for two-eyed blennies, a good first step is to find steep, vertical walls on deeper reefs Then, look out for worm tubes, and see if you can spot any small faces peeking out at you
It’s worth noting that while these worm tubes are naturally white, they often get encrusted by various sponges, so be sure to watch for the tube’s opening! Two-eyed
TWO-EYED BLENNY (CHALARODERMA OCELLATA)
TWO-EYED BLENNY (CHALARODERMA OCELLATA)
blennies can also be found hiding in other small crevices, so do keep an eye out for their distinctive faces when exploring the nooks and crannies of the reef
When first approached, blennies will usually retreat into their hideout, but thankfully, they are naturally curious fish If you wait and remain still, they will almost always pop their heads out to investigate you
Most people associate scorpionfish with the large ambush predator found in tropical waters However, the waters of Cape Town are home to a significantly smaller, distant relative Much like their larger tropical counterparts, these fish are highly venomous and have a sting that is said to be extremely painful Thankfully, they are
incredibly docile, and about the same size as your pinkie finger, meaning that the only real risk would be if you were to grab one with your bare hand, which is something you should never do with any fish, in any case
Smooth-skin scorpionfish are generally found at the intersection of the reef and sand They are usually spotted in the first 1-2 meters of reef or in the nearby sand area, among the substrate and empty mussel shells at depths of 10 meters or deeper
They can also be seen tucked against the reef alongside invertebrates like sea cucumbers and feather stars
To find them, look for a small, elongated teardrop shape with colours and patterns that are slightly brighter than their
surroundings A torch is essential for spotting them, as the added light brings out the orange and brown colouring of their skin, making them easier to spot
CAPE TRIPLEFIN BLENNY
(CREMNOCHORITES CAPENSIS)
This little fish can be found on almost every reef in Cape Town but is easily overlooked due to its remarkable ability to blend into the seascape
They can blend in so well that I sometimes only spot them on my computer screen, hidden in plain sight in the background of photos I’ve taken of other subjects!
These fish are frequently found nestled among the invertebrates that encrust Cape Town’s reefs To spot a Cape triplefin, look closely among strawberry anemones, sea
cucumbers, sponges, and crinoids, and watch for striking patterns and round, curious eyes They generally like to stay anchored to the reef, which also makes them very fun fish to photograph up close!
CLOSING REMARKS
Diving in search of small, well-hidden subjects is an incredibly fun and rewarding way to dive It might be a bit frustrating if you don’t spot what you’re looking for at first, but don’t get disheartened! This just means that when you do eventually spot that blenny or scorpionfish, it becomes allthe-more special Finding these creatures does require a trained eye, meaning that the more time you spend looking in the right places, the more regularly you’ll start to find these exciting cryptic fish!
DIVING DEEP WITH DSLR
GEAR | A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT UNDERWATER HOUSING
TEXT BY GREGORY NORRIS | PHOTOS BY DANEL WENTZEL
SO, YOU’VE DECIDED TO TAKE THE PLUNGE both figuratively and financially into the world of underwater camera housings. The array of choices can be overwhelming, with countless makes and models on the market. To help you navigate this sea of options, here are some tips to guide you in selecting the right housing for your needs. While I may not be an expert, I’ve made and witnessed enough mistakes to offer valuable insights that might help you avoid common pitfalls
IT’S ALL IN THE SHOT
The first step in your decision-making process is determining your photography style Are you drawn to wide-angle shots of expansive seascapes or do you prefer the intricate details of macro photography? Your choice between the two will significantly influence the housing, ports, and lenses available to you Consider the environments you’ll be diving in, the marine life you want to capture, and the overall visibility at your dive sites each of these factors will shape your gear requirements
CAMERA CHOICE
If you haven’t already purchased your camera, start by researching housing options The availability of housings can give
you a sense of which cameras are most compatible and widely supported. Similarly, your lens choice whether wide-angle or macro will determine whether you need a flat port or a dome port, both of which affect the overall image quality underwater.
HOUSINGS
Now that you’ve chosen your camera and lens, the next and arguably most important decision is selecting the right housing Narrow your choices based on what's compatible with your camera and lens setup, but also consider potential future upgrades Think about additional accessories like strobes and other lighting gear, as well as port adapters for lens upgrades While affordability is crucial, it shouldn't be the only factor; you can’t buy what you can’t afford, but make sure to balance quality with your budget
MATERIAL CHOICE
The choice between aluminium and polycarbonate housings is significant Aluminium housings, though more expensive due to the engineering involved, often provide superior durability and performance While polycarbonate housings can serve you well, especially for beginners
or casual divers, aluminium is typically the better long-term investment.
STAYING HIGH AND DRY
One critical feature not to overlook is a vacuum port. This device ensures the integrity of your housing before you even enter the water, reducing the chance of leaks. Originally designed to prevent lens fogging by removing air from the housing, vacuum ports now also offer peace of mind by testing the seal’s security
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Ergonomics is another key factor The housing should allow you to easily reach and operate all essential camera controls while maintaining a natural grip Buoyancy is equally important; ideally, your setup should be neutrally buoyant, though achieving this can be challenging, particularly with larger dome ports
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right underwater housing for your DSLR is a complex process that balances cost, functionality, and your specific photography needs By carefully considering your options and prioritising what matters most whether it's durability, ergonomics, or compatibility you can find a housing that not only protects your camera but also elevates your underwater photography experience Ultimately, the best housing is the one that fits your unique requirements, enables seamless camera operation, and brings out the best in your underwater adventures.
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SHARK DETERRENTS GEAR
TEXTBYKYLEKRAY
SUITS MADE OF STAINLESS-STEEL CHAINMAIL MESH ACT AS A STRONG
SUITS MADE OF STAINLESS-STEEL CHAINMAIL MESH ACT AS A STRONG
PROTECTIVE LAYER BETWEEN A DIVER AND SHARKS PROTECTIVE LAYER BETWEEN A DIVER AND SHARKS
MANY DIVERS SEEK INTERACTIONS WITH SHARKS, but others actively seek to avoid them As long as sharks are in the water, people will look for ways to reduce the lethality of a shark bite or decrease encounters altogether
The development of shark deterrent devices over the years ranges from the headscratching to the deranged: mobile selfpropelled dive cages, reverse slurp guns that expend bait as a chum chaff countermeasure, shark cattle prods hooked up to battery backpacks, and even antishark grenades (patent US4155186A) Understanding the history of shark deterrents is important for appreciating modern innovations.
BANGSTICKS
Bangsticks have been around since the 1950s, and some of the original dive gear manufacturers sold them directly under their brand names. While lethal deterrents have fallen out of public favor, bangsticks for divers still exist and are produced by different manufacturers although it’s rare to see a diver with one now
They are simple in design, consisting of a pole with a chamber at the tip that holds a live round of ammunition over a fixed firing pin Slam-firing the bangstick into the target forces the round back onto the pin and sets off the projectile Both the projectile and expanding gas cause massive trauma and fatal tissue damage
While bangsticks come in various lengths and virtually any caliber, the cartridges have to be waterproofed, as they are not designed to be submerged or subjected to the effects of pressure at depth Bangsticks have a debilitating impact on sharks, but the user is not left unscathed Using a bangstick at depth can damage your eardrums, and the pressure wave can be unpleasant, especially with large-caliber ammunition The subsequent noise and gore can also attract
more sharks and create a bigger problem than the original one
COMPRESSED-GAS SYSTEMS
The Shark Dart was designed in 1971 as a silent alternative to bangsticks and marketed as a defensive tool for divers to use only when in immediate danger of an attack They were touted as “the most lethal anti-shark weapons in the world,” and true to the description, this compressed-gas injector weapon had terrifying results when hitting a shark in the correct target area
The needle-tipped lance would penetrate the shark’s skin and actuate the cartridgerelease mechanism, which made carbon dioxide gas rush into the shark’s body, rupturing and displacing the internal organs and forcing the shark to expel its entrails out through its mouth. The shark would then masticate its own innards while simultaneously suffering from rapid convulsions and an uncontrolled positive ascent The Shark Dart came in different models but disappeared from the market after only a few years
The concept was briefly revived in 2008 with the WASP Injection Knife Designed to “reduce divers’ stress levels,” the WASP aimed to combine the precision of a knife with the stopping power of compressed gas It worked similarly to the Shark Dart but with a button near the blade’s guard to be manually pressed to release the gas
NONLETHAL DETERRENTS
Compressed-gas weapons and bangsticks share the same shortcomings: they depend on visibility and require near-superhuman reflexes to use effectively underwater Both devices fail with a glancing blow, and most divers don’t see the shark attack coming
Today, killing sharks is highly controversial Public perception toward sharks has changed from fearing them as man-eating
BANGSTICKS AND COMPRESSED-GAS WEAPONS SHARE THE SAME SHORTCOMINGS: THEY DEPEND ON VISIBILITY AND REQUIRE NEAR-SUPERHUMAN REFLEXES TO USE EFFECTIVELY UNDERWATER. BOTH DEVICES FAIL WITH A GLANCING BLOW, AND MOST DIVERS DON’T SEE A SHARK ATTACK COMING
maritime monsters to realising their intrinsic value and important roles in marine ecosystems
Most people now believe shark bite incidents are accidental rather than intentional, but shark bite fatalities continue to occur around the world
The effects of removing sharks from our oceans can be economically and ecologically damaging, and this understanding has given rise to nonlethal shark deterrents as alternative solutions Several concepts exist behind the currently available personal protective shark deterrent devices divers can wear or deploy.
CHEMICAL REPELLANTS
Sharks have an impressive olfactory system and are highly sensitive to smell. Manipulating this sensory system is a longstanding area of shark deterrent development. Fishermen have propagated the anecdote that sharks will avoid areas containing their decomposing brethren for hundreds of years
The US Navy developed the first chemical shark repellent, Shark Chaser, during World War II It was made of a copper acetate and nigrosine dye mixture and designed to smell
like decaying shark carcasses The repellant was issued to US military personnel from 1945 through the early 1970s until reports of its ineffectiveness led to its eventual removal from general use
Independent companies have continued developing chemical deterrents using many concoctions, including irritants, vinegar, sulfur, peppers, pine oil, nicotine, and highly toxic compounds Dispersal methods include chum blocks, underwater aerosol spray cans, squirt bottles, dissolvable packets, gels, pastes, and beads Some products contained sharp aluminium flake particles designed to suspend in the water and get into the shark’s eyes, mouth, and gills. The concepts of sewing bite-released chemical pouches into swimsuits or mixing them into suntan lotions were also pursued.
Attempts have been made to harvest chemical defence mechanisms from various marine animals. However, obtaining sufficient quantities, synthetically recreating the secretions, and extending their poor shelf life have been consistent logistical hurdles
Work has continued based on the theory that dead sharks can repel living ones using necromones extracted from liquefied rotting
DuringWorldWarII,theU S Navydevelopedthefirstchemicalshark repellent,knownasSharkChaser. Mostsharkbiteattacksarethoughttobecasesofmistakenidentityand occurtothevictim’slimbs.Somevisualdeterrentsaredesignedwiththis frequentlytargetedareaspecificallyinmind
shark tissue While experimental tests have temporarily dispersed certain shark species, criticisms of this deterrent type are that some sharks exhibit cannibalistic behaviour and that sourcing dead sharks is not commercially feasible and counterintuitive to conservation efforts
VISUAL METHODS
Shark species have varying degrees of visual acuity for detecting movement and contrasting colours Blue, camouflagepatterned wetsuits attempt to make a diver blend into the surrounding water by breaking up their silhouette Black- and white-banded divewear designed to emulate the natural patterns of pilot fish and poisonous sea snakes has been around since the 1970s, and full suits, rash guards, and limb sleeves move in and out of popularity and availability. These patterns’ warning effects may work on some species but could be limiting to others. Tiger sharks, for example, are a major predator of sea snakes.
ACOUSTIC DETERRENTS
Sharks have an acute sense of hearing and can accurately track sounds Acoustic methods for modifying marine animals’ behaviour are appealing since sound stimuli can propagate farther underwater than any chemical, electrical, or visual method
Acoustic deterrent devices for divers include wearable, battery-powered speaker units that emit propriety sound signals, including recorded orca sounds Certain underwater sounds can alter a shark’s behaviour and potentially deter it from entering an area Artificial sounds outside a shark’s normal soundscape, however, may trigger investigative behavior in some species More consideration and study are necessary to understand the impact of acoustic deterrents on other marine life
PROTECTIVE WEAR
The concept of protective wear for shark bites has existed since recreational diving’s
early days Some dive suit designs offered pufferfish-style spiked armoured suits as a potential method of preventing bites However, these suits had as much chance of harming the user as protecting them and quickly became obsolete
The focus shifted to fabric materials that would best minimise injury to the wearer Neoprene with Kevlar ideally reduces the size and number of punctures of a shark bite, and wetsuits using proprietary polymer fibre technology combine protection and flexibility Suits made of stainless-steel chainmail mesh act as a strong protective layer between diver and shark but cannot fully guarantee diver safety.
ELECTROSENSORY AND MAGNETIC DETERRENTS
Sharks have a complex electrosensory system of specialised receptors called the ampullae of Lorenzini. These tiny gel-filled sacs on a shark’s head and snout enable it to passively detect bioelectric stimuli produced by potential prey, predators, and other sharks of the same species Sharks use this sensory apparatus for attraction and avoidance Species that rely heavily on this sense have many electroreceptors, while those that don’t typically have fewer
The following deterrents attempt to saturate that sensory system with short but intense stimulation while having minimal or no effect on nontarget species without these receptors The ampullae of Lorenzini can detect only small electrical and magnetic fields at very short distances These fields dissipate quickly in water, so the effectiveness of these types of deterrents require the shark to be in very close proximity to have any effect
Electrical: Electric shark deterrents work by creating an electrical field that surrounds the user Once the shark detects the field through its sensory receptors, it is believed to cause mild discomfort and muscular
spasms in the ampullae of Lorenzini, resulting in avoidance behaviour
For an electrical deterrent to work, the diver must position the device according to the manufacturer’s placement specifications, power it on, and have a sufficiently charged battery Specific electric field characteristics, such as voltage gradient and frequency, are the key factors that influence how an electric deterrent will affect a shark’s behaviour
Several electric deterrents are available to the public, all of which the manufacturers claim are successful, but independent testing has shown that not all have the same level of effectiveness. While some of these deterrents have constantly emitting electrodes that create a three-dimensional electrical field around the wearer, others are pulse devices that have a considerable time delay between voltage pulses.
Magnetic: Several shark species have demonstrated the ability to sense magnetic fields The Earth’s geomagnetic field is thought to help sharks orient themselves and navigate the world’s oceans Some deterrents use powerful magnetic technology to create an electromagnetic field around the user
Magnetic waves from the deterrent field are hypothesised to disrupt the shark’s electroreceptors and have a repellant effect These devices require no batteries or h i d th fi ld t d b th
as memory cards, hard drives, compasses, and dive computers if placed in close proximity Divers with magnetically affected medical devices should consult with their doctor and the device manufacturer before using this type of deterrent
Electrochemical: Electropositive metals undergo hydrolysis and produce a measurable voltage when immersed in seawater The charge distribution is thought to take advantage of a shark’s sensitivity to voltage gradients by overwhelming its electrosensory system, and the localised change in the water’s pH balance may act as an irritant.
These devices don’t need external power, and the repellant effect can last up to 48 hours, depending on the type and thickness of the alloy or metal used. However, the metal is lost due to corrosion during the chemical reaction, so divers will need to replace the device after using it.
Conclusion
There are reports of attacks and fatalities of victims using different types of deterrent devices A deterrent device may provide peace of mind while diving, but no deterrent is 100% effective
Shark behaviour can be generalised, but individual motivation be it genuine hunger or simple curiosity is a strong factor in a shark’s determination to power through deterrents Don’t allow an increased ti f l f t f th f
CHILDREN & DIVING
EDUCATION | SHOULD WE TREAT CHILDREN AS SMALL ADULTS WHEN IT COMES TO DIVING
DEPENDING ON THE DIVE TRAINING ORGANISATION OR COUNTRY, children can participate in introductory diving activities in a pool or suitable confined water starting from the age of eight, and from the age of ten, they can participate in “junior” diving courses While this is not necessarily a problem, parents, doctors issuing fit-to-dive evaluation certificates, and dive instructors must consider several pertinent aspects before allowing young children to dive
An important question is: Does the child want to dive, or do the parents want their child to dive? Parental pressure is not uncommon, but it is a red flag You should never force a child to undertake a diving course when they feel uncomfortable or feel obliged to participate This makes for a very unsafe situation for all
The child needs to be medically evaluated, and the doctor should be aware of at least the following considerations:
Pulmonary development occurs until the age of eight when the diameter of the airways and lung elasticity are not fully developed.
Higher pulmonary closing volume (the volume in the lung at which its smallest airways, the respiratory bronchioles, collapse)
Functional immaturity of the Eustachian tube opening mechanism
Inner ear/sinus problems are more prevalent in small children and can pose problems when diving
The presence of any cardio/respiratory or musculoskeletal system issues
Incomplete bone development
Unfavourable body surface-to-weight ratio, which increases the risk of hypothermia
Emotional instability
Finally, dive instructors need to evaluate the maturity of the child. The following questions are important:
Is the child capable of listening, understanding, following rules and interpreting hypothetical questions?
Is the child capable of understanding mathematical and physical laws?
Is the child capable of identifying and interpreting fear, and reacting appropriately when stressed, scared or frustrated?
TEXT GUY THOMAS | PHOTOS BY MARCELLO DI FRANCESCO
Can the child communicate problems, ask for help and offer help?
Does the child possess the ability to selfcare and to take care of others? Does the size of the diving equipment present any issues in relation to the size and form of the child?
Can the child tolerate increased thermoregulation/metabolism? It is important to understand that a child will lose heat faster than an adult and may become hypothermic within a relatively short period
Will the child comfortably enter and exit the water when fully equipped and manage any adverse dive conditions such as currents and wave swell? Children may simply not be physically capable of taking care of themselves or others in many of the aspects of safe diving.
Will the child be able to handle the stress of the underwater environment, and are they comfortable in water?
There is no specific psycho-technical test to assess a child’s overall ability to dive safely and comfortably Consider the reaction of many children to distraction and concentration A child may have a greater sense of adventure but a low-risk awareness Children use concrete thinking and are less able to react adequately in situations that are different from those described by their instructors
DIVING COURSES FOR AND WITH CHILDREN
As a parent, you want to be confident that the instructor is knowledgeable and experienced when taking your child into the water; as a diving instructor, you want to make sure you have what is needed to do this safely
Dive organisations have specific safety standards, but these are mainly applicable to adult course standards, with some restrictions (depth limits) and/or special
requirements for the diving buddy As a result, children will be learning from training materials produced for adults It is, therefore, important that the instructor can explain certain concepts and/or have the tools to help explain these to the child and their parents
Most dive organisations do not offer or require additional training from their instructors to dive with children, and so it is important for the instructors to understand the many considerations that apply to teaching children to dive It is not only a diving depth limitation Instructors should know their responsibility and thoroughly inform themselves to mitigate all the risks.
Diving equipment for adults might cause discomfort, difficulties, stress or even panic in a child. An adult small-size BCD might be too big and result in the cylinder pulling the child to one side, which, in addition to causing a safety problem, will also ruin the fun The instructor or dive centre needs to have child-sized equipment, which includes:
Appropriate BCD sizes
Child (low profile) masks, which are easier to clear when flooded
Smaller snorkels: Due to the dead space and potential for CO2 buildup in snorkels, the volume for children should not exceed 150 ml, whereas for adults, it can be up to 230 ml
Fins with soft blades will give the needed propulsion but will help avoid leg cramps
A child-size diving suit: Children lose temperature faster, so the suit needs to be a good fit and an appropriate thickness
Lightweight regulators, with shorter hoses and smaller mouthpieces
Small/lightweight cylinder
Weight system: Consider using an integrated weight system to avoid the weight belt slipping off children’s smaller hips
AFTER THE COURSE
Many of the same concerns as described above remain valid The child’s dive buddy, who may be the parent, needs to understand the diving limits and plan dive trips to appropriate destinations, considering both the local diving conditions and the availability of the equipment the child will need Clearly, a child will not be able to participate in every type of diving, and the buddy needs to be qualified, experienced for the type of dive planned, and physically fit They also need to be confident in caring for, assisting and even rescuing a child
To conclude, while we can say diving for
children can be fun and safe, it is essential to understand that everybody involved with training and diving must understand the limits and not simply consider children to be small adults
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Guy Thomas is an expert Diving and First Aid Instructor Trainer who works full-time as the Director of Safety Programs at DAN Europe, where he is responsible for developing and implementing the DAN Europe Safety Initiatives He is also a member of the Special Rescue Team of the Italian Red Cross and operates as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer/Diver Medic onboard a SAR helicopter of the Italian State Police.
Should We Treat Children as Small Adults When it Comes to Diving?
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DIVERS ALERT NETWORK
IMMERSION PULMONARY OEDEMA
EDUCATION | IMMERSION PULMONARY OEDEMA: A DIVING SAFETY CONCERN?
IMMERSION PULMONARY OEDEMA/EDEMA (IPO/IPE) might not be the most common safety concern or health problem during diving, but it is probably one of the most unknown ones. As we will see in this article, it might even be misunderstood by both the diver and his buddy, leading to wrong decisions during the dive that can have lifethreatening consequences.
IPO, EXPLAINED
When we scuba dive or do other immersionrelated activities, such as swimming or freediving, the hydrostatic pressure of the water pushes substantially more blood to the central part of our body, where we have our heart and lungs Therefore, our heart size and the cardiac filling pressure increase, and as a result, we require more workload from the heart When we also have constricted peripheral blood vessels (vasoconstriction) caused by, for example, immersion in cold water or a high blood pressure, the backpressure or pulmonary capillary pressure increases as well The blood pressure in the alveolar capillaries can increase to a level that makes it possible for the blood plasma to leak into the alveoli, where the gas exchange takes place With this fluid in the alveoli (similar to drowning),
we have a reduced gas exchange and, consequently, a reduction of oxygen levels (hypoxia) in our body. Additionally, negative airway pressure can worsen IPO. This negative airway pressure can, for example, be present during an ascent because, at that moment, the position of the diver’s head is higher than his lungs.
As a direct consequence, the diver can experience breathlessness, coughing (the victim may also cough up pink coloured frothy sputum), confusion and the inability to carry out normal functions During the ascent, the decrease of the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs/body can make symptoms even worse and might lead to unconsciousness and cardiac arrest
Although persons with a heart problem or a high blood pressure are more at risk, healthy individuals are not excluded from getting IPO Several cases of fit military swimmers/divers with IPO have been reported in the past As already mentioned, cold water will lead to vasoconstriction, but contributing factors such as stress and exertion can also lead to increased blood pressure A good hydration level before the dive is important to reduce the risk of DCI,
TEXT GUY THOMAS | PHOTOS BY MARCELLO DI FRANCESCO
but overhydrating is not good either because this could increase the risk of getting IPO
RECOGNISING THE SYMPTOMS
IPO obviously is a severe health problem, but we can make things worse without realising it When a diver experiences breathlessness or finds it hard to inhale during the dive, he can erroneously conclude his regulator is not working properly or does not have enough breathing gas anymore When he then signals to his buddy that he is in an out-of-air situation, the buddy will give an alternative air source to the diver, but this will not resolve the problem. While the diver becomes anxious,
the buddy can become confused as he knows his alternative air source works perfectly The buddy might conclude that the diver is just out of breath and panicking As a reaction, the buddy might try to calm down the diver and do his best to avoid him rushing to the surface while panicking The problem, though, is not the regulator or gas supply, and we just make things worse by trying to keep the diver down
What we need to do is accompany the diver to the surface and get him out of the water as soon as possible, as this will reverse the effect of the hydrostatic pressure on our body, as earlier described. Do not have the diver surface by himself, because
unconsciousness might occur during ascent or at the surface 100% Oxygen should be administered while the diver is kept calm and placed in a comfortable sitting position, but do not give fluids Keep the diver warm to reverse the effect of the vasoconstriction and activate EMS immediately for further treatment
IPO is relatively rare and might not be the most common safety concern, but knowing what it is, how to recognise it and what to do in case of emergency can save lives
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Guy Thomas is an expert Diving and First Aid Instructor Trainer and works full-time as
Director of Safety Programs at DAN Europe, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of the DAN Europe Safety Initiatives He also is a member of the Special Rescue Team of the Italian Red Cross and operates as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer/Diver Medic, onboard a SAR helicopter of the Italian State Police
Immersion Pulmonary Oedema A diving safety concern?
NO SIT-UPS-NO PROBLEM
ASYSTEMATICAPPROACH
BYJESSICAB.ADAMS,PHD,ANDMATTHEWDELTUFO,D.P.T.
CORE STRENGTH HAS A HOST OF BENEFITS A stronger midsection allows you to approach the physical challenges of scuba diving and other weightbearing activities with more force It enables the body to better withstand the jarring external forces that are common on a rocking boat A strong core means increased stability for balance and transitional movements, such as manoeuvring on land in scuba gear Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a strong core reduces risk of injury Many people work out their arms and legs but a weak link in the centre of your body increases the likelihood that an injury will take place there A weak or inactive core is a common cause of lower-back pain
Out of the water, core stability is important for gear setup and transport, moving around on a rocking boat and simply standing from a seated position to embark on a journey through the deep A strong midsection allows your body to safely and effectively oppose these external forces without suffering debilitating effects
In the underwater realm, your core takes on a whole new level of importance The core muscles serve as the foundation upon which movement occurs; the abs stabilise the pelvis to allow us divers to propel ourselves through the water. Strong abdominals are essential to efficient finning, while weak abdominals lead to lower-back pain.
Now we will dive into some of the best core exercises specifically for underwater adventurers. Most people go right to sit ups when thinking of core exercises but there are many ways to strengthen your core without doing a single sit-up.
NO SIT-UPS - NO PROBLEM
CHAIR POSE
TIPS
Challenge:
NO SIT-UPS - NO PROBLEM BRIDGES
TIPS
Squeeze your glutes (butt muscles), and continue to breathe
Challenge: Try to squeeze a pillow between your knees while you hold the bridge position (the natural tendency is for your knees to splay outward).
NO SIT-UPS - NO PROBLEM
SINGLE LEG STANDING
Begin with good neutral posture and your feet shoulder width apart (It’s a good idea to start near a wall in case you lose your balance)
Transfer your weight onto your dominant foot
Slowly flex your hip and knee, picking up your nondominant foot off the ground
The goal is to flex your hip until your thigh is parallel to the floor, and hold your knee with your hands Just raising your foot an inch or two from the floor, however, will activate your core So pay attention to your body, and work where you are comfortable
for 5-30 seconds (depending on your balance)
TIPS
Keep your chest up.
Keep your shoulders back.
Focus on a specific, stationary spot.
Standing on a hard surface is easier.
If you start to lose your balance, put your foot down on the floor.
NO SIT-UPS - NO PROBLEM
FLAT BACK
Begin with good neutral posture and your feet shoulder width apart 1
Fold forward at your waist, allowing your arms to dangle toward your toes, and relax 2
Bend your knees slightly, and extend through your back so that your hands hang at knee level 3
Squeeze together your shoulder blades, and contract your belly button toward your spine Your back should be flat like a table top Your head and neck should be in a neutral position, with your eyes focused slightly in front of you 4 Hold for 5-10 seconds while continuing to breathe 5
Release back into a forward fold 6 Repeat 10 times 7
TIPS
Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades and preventing your tummy from sagging.
Challenge: Increase the duration of the hold to 30 seconds.
If you follow the exercises listed above, you will be on your way to a rocksolid core without doing a single sit-up Enjoy your newfound strength, and continue on your journey through the water uninterrupted by injury NOTE
To avoid an increased risk of decompression sickness, DAN recommends that divers avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after making a dive
During your annual physical exam or following any changes in your health status, consult your physician to ensure you have medical clearance to dive
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SWIMMER’S EAR
FROM THE MEDICAL LINE
DAN MEDICS & RESEARCHERS ANSWER YOUR DIVE MEDICINE QUESTIONS
Q | I frequently get Swimmer’s Ear while diving. Can I do anything to fix it?
Swimmer’s Ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the external auditory canal that frequently occurs in divers and swimmers. Lingering moisture in the skin of the ear canal results in an alkaline shift of the pH balance, which provides a good environment for bacteria proliferation. Any number of bacteria and other microscopic organisms can contaminate the water where we dive
Antibiotics are the most common treatment for the condition, and you shouldn’t dive or swim until you’ve completed the treatment and your symptoms have fully resolved As with many disorders, prevention is the best treatment Keep your ear canals clean, dry, and free of waxy debris or buildup We do not recommend cleaning your ears with cotton swabs, which often push earwax further in and can cause tiny abrasions, making you more prone to infection
You can dry your ear by putting your head sideways so gravity can assist with draining or by using a fan or a hairdryer on a low setting Some commercial eardrops can
help, but a mixture of equal parts household white vinegar (not acetic acid) and rubbing alcohol or equal parts vinegar, alcohol, and distilled water can also create an environment less suitable for bacteria to proliferate.
If none of these conservative measures works, an otic acetic acid and aluminium acetate solution is another alternative but requires a physician’s prescription A drying measure paired with an eardrop solution may be the most beneficial
Leandra Lynn, NREMT
Q | Can I dive with herpes?
Herpes is a common infection up to about 80% of people have oral herpes, which causes cold sores or fever blisters, and about 17% of people 14 to 49 years old have genital herpes A herpes outbreak can be painful and a source of infection
The pain associated with oral herpes can interfere with your ability to hold a regulator in your mouth, and a tight-fitting wetsuit’s constriction can exacerbate the pain and
discomfort of genital herpes Any restriction to regular physical activity caused by an outbreak can potentially put you or your dive buddy at risk The discomfort could force you to end a dive early, which can also affect your dive buddy or group Any physical restrictions during an emergency or strong current could increase your risk of serious injury
All bodies of water are full of microorganisms, and any break in the skin provides a passageway for those microorganisms to enter the body and cause an infection Diving in remote locations can be especially concerning if medical care is limited or unavailable An infection left untreated or significantly delayed from appropriate health care can lead to serious illness or even death
Generally, herpes is most contagious for seven days before and after an outbreak Sharing a regulator or touching gear and other surfaces during an active herpes outbreak can put others at risk of contracting the virus, so communication with your dive buddy is important.
While herpes is not an absolute contraindication, we recommend not diving when experiencing an active herpes outbreak or any time you are not feeling completely healthy.
Jevon Monaghan, EMT-P
USING A CLOSED-CIRCUIT REBREATHER, GARBINO DIVES USING A CLOSED-CIRCUIT REBREATHER, GARBINO DIVES TO THE SS MAIDAN IN THE RED SEA IN 2024 TO THE SS MAIDAN IN THE RED SEA IN 2024
ALEJANDRO GARBINO RESEARCH PROFILE
BORN IN URUGUAY IN 1982, ALEJANDRO GARBINO, MD, PhD, has been fascinated with air and sea since he was young His passion for the air stemmed from an uncle who flew banner aeroplanes along the beach Another uncle was a diver who liked to explore shipwrecks Both of his parents are physicians, so medicine was the last thing he wanted to do
Garbino grew up in Geneva, Switzerland, and after high school, moved to Houston, Texas, with his high school sweetheart They married soon afterwards and are now raising four kids, all of whom are avid divers
WHEN DID YOU START DIVING?
My now-wife and I started diving in the Mediterranean off the southern coast of France when I was 16 years old. We are very passionate about the ocean.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN SPACE RESEARCH?
Since high school, I’ve been drawn to all things space, physics, and astronomy While pursuing my undergraduate degree in physics at the University of Houston Honors College, I found quantum mechanics and string theory too abstract I wanted something more applicable to daily life, so I applied to an MD/PhD program at Baylor College of Medicine The program included two years of medical school followed by a PhD program and another two years of medical school During my PhD studies, I worked with Jon Clark, MD, MPH, a retired NASA and Navy flight surgeon who mentored me on high-altitude and aerospace projects such as the Red Bull Stratos and StratEx extreme altitude jumps involving pressure suits
That experience bridged my interests in diving and aerospace, as all spacesuit work and extravehicular activities (EVAs or spacewalks) combine elements of both disciplines My curiosity expanded to rebreather physiology, particularly relating
to spacesuits, which function similarly to rebreathers I began rebreather diving in 2018
After obtaining my MD/PhD, I completed a three-year emergency medicine program in Houston and got my private pilot’s license in 2010 I then joined the aerospace medicine residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, to train as a flight surgeon for two years That training involved exposure to remote environments, such as Antarctica, and analog field medicine scenarios through programs like the Antarctic medical program, which is in collaboration with various institutions, including the Navy, Air Force, and private companies such as SpaceX.
YOU WORK ON DECOMPRESSION PROTOCOLS FOR SPACE. WHAT DOES DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS (DCS) HAVE TO DO WITH SPACE?
In 2018, I transitioned to NASA’s research division and joined the EVA physiology lab, focusing on spacesuit research Since then, my work has focused on the physiological impact of EVAs and working in spacesuits
Managing pressure changes in different environments is one of the critical challenges of spacesuit design While vehicles like the space shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS) maintain Earth-like conditions (one atmosphere of pressure, 21% oxygen), the spacesuit must operate in a vacuum, requiring much lower pressure approximately one-third of Earth’s atmosphere This scenario mirrors the challenges saturation divers face during ascent, where rapid pressure changes can pose significant risks due to decompression stress
Workload is one of the big stressors for decompression sickness and bubble generation during human EVAs My work at NASA primarily involves studying how to apply previous research and current
HYPERBARIC CHAMBER IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, IN 2014
GARBINO MONITORS PHYSICIANS IN DIVE TRAINING IN A GARBINO MONITORS PHYSICIANS IN DIVE TRAINING IN A HYPERBARIC CHAMBER IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, IN 2014
GARBINO SUPPORTED THE RED BULL STRATOS IN 2012, GARBINO SUPPORTED THE RED BULL STRATOS PROJECT IN ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO PROJECT IN ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO
exposures to design and test new decompression protocols similar to dive tables adapted for space For example, the rapid altitude change of transitioning from sea level (0 feet) to a spacesuit operating at one-third of atmospheric pressure (equivalent to approximately 30,000 feet or 9,144 meters) is like opening a window in a plane or ascending Mount Everest in minutes
Spacesuits use pure oxygen to compensate for reduced oxygen at higher altitudes Our research explores living environments at equivalent pressures of 12,000 to 16,000 feet (3,658 to 4,877 m), adjusting oxygen levels in the atmosphere from the typical 21% up to 30% or even 34%. This adjustment helps mitigate the physiological stress of transitioning from lower to higher altitudes. By reducing decompression stress, we can facilitate quicker transitions into the spacesuit, typically requiring hours of preparation and prebreathing oxygen to purge nitrogen
IS PREBREATHING FOR ASTRONAUTS THE EQUIVALENT OF A DECOMPRESSION STOP IN DIVING?
It’s a good analogy Decompression stops allow nitrogen to leave the body during ascent In contrast to diving, where oxygen toxicity limits oxygen intake, reduced pressures at altitude negate this concern, necessitating 100% oxygen use Prebreathing oxygen purges nitrogen before transitioning to a lower-pressure environment
For EVAs lasting six to eight hours, starting with a brief prebreathing session enables quicker suit entry This approach is like saturation diving, where living in an intermediate atmosphere reduces the need for prolonged decompression stops, optimising efficiency for daily spacewalks in programs such as Artemis Like managing repetitive dives, this work encompasses decompression physiology and operational
studies to explore intervals between spacewalks and recovery protocols to ensure crew safety and performance under lunar exploration demands
WHERE CAN YOU TEST SPACEWALKS OR NEW EVAS TO SIMULATE THE ENVIRONMENT?
NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) and 20-foot (6-m) altitude chamber are the two main environments we use In the NBL’s 62-million-gallon (235-million-litre) pool, we simulate moving in the suit by using the water’s buoyancy in place of reduced gravity There are no antigravity or zero-gravity spacewalks with actual or prototype spacesuits. We adjust buoyancy using lead and foam packs and even add lunar regolith to the pool floor to simulate the environment.
The 20-foot (6-m) altitude chamber in Houston is a three-story facility where test subjects live and work in conditions simulating space missions The top floor serves as a cognitive testing and crew quarters area, the middle floor houses the crew habitat, and the ground floor replicates lunar surface tasks and EVA simulations Here, we study the effects of different pressures on astronaut performance and test decompression models using ultrasound to monitor for venous gas emboli This research aims to establish protocols for developing dive tables for safe and efficient spacewalks, ensuring crew safety and performance under lunar exploration conditions
You’re doing this research to prevent DCS in space, but it seems improbable to have a portable hyperbaric chamber nearby What would the protocol be for DCS in space?
That’s a big question, divided into two parts: the ISS and the Artemis lunar exploration program A hyperbaric chamber in the airlock was originally planned for the ISS but was ultimately deemed impractical due to structural concerns Returning to the ISS
from a spacewalk involves gradually increasing pressure in the suit back to sea level, often supplemented by using the airlock to pressurise further This method, which uses the spacesuit as a makeshift hyperbaric chamber, can be extended by restricting the suit’s exhaust port to increase pressure However, this can render the suit unusable for future flights and requires a return to Earth for recertification If necessary, astronauts can quickly return to Earth via the capsule for definitive medical care
In contrast, astronauts on lunar missions may be days away from medical facilities on Earth, making immediate return impractical Future spacesuit designs aim to operate at higher pressures to provide better treatment capability Complete hyperbaric treatment equivalent to Earth’s facilities remains challenging, however, and ethical considerations preclude deliberate induction of DCS in humans for study Animal studies and modelling will likely precede any human trials to assess the effectiveness of partial treatments in these unique, low-pressure environments, such as those experienced on the moon.
Alejandro Garbino: Mitigating Decompression Sickness in Space
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Windell John Regional Watersports Manager Eastern & Southern Caribbean Region, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, PADI® IDC Staff Instructor, explains why he chooses DAN.
AFRICA’S FIRST OCEAN OBSERVATORY RESEARCH
AFRICA’SFIRSTOCEANOBSERVATORYLEVERAGES
SCIENTIFICDIVINGFORKNOWLEDGESHARING
TEXT BYALEXANDERWOWRA|PHOTOSBYORLANDOMIRANDA&SALVADORCOLVEE
BENGUERRA ISLAND BENGUERRA ISLAND
"IF YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE, LET OTHERS LIGHT THEIR CANDLES AT IT" American journalist Margaret Fuller voiced these words as a true pioneer in her field, recognizing the potential of sharing knowledge to empower others The spirit behind her thoughts still resonates today on the shores of Benguerra Island, Mozambique, where the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) is leading the way in scientific research and knowledge sharing with the establishment of Africa’s first Ocean Observatory time series
The Bazaruto seascape boasts the world’s second most diverse coral reefs, an abundance of five different turtle species, and 56 species of sharks and rays, including hammerheads, bull sharks, grey reef sharks, oceanic blacktips, and two types of manta rays Humpbacks and other whales traverse this ecological hotspot annually Here, even the rare dugong finds a protected home, thanks to the Bazaruto Archipelago National
Park (BANP) and its surrounding areas
On land, Benguerra Island is characterized by sandy beaches reminiscent of paradise, mudflat ecosystems teeming with birdlife, including the iconic lesser and greater flamingos, and mangrove forests that serve as a bastion of stability against the raw power of the ocean BCSS is transforming this ecological oasis into a live research station, enabling a far-reaching and diverse community of marine scientists to study the ocean and its surroundings in real time
AN ECOLOGICAL HOTSPOT PROVIDING A LEARNING GROUND FOR
ALL
BCSS aims to leverage its unique location to support environmental management at a local level, facilitate regional collaboration, and contribute to international scientific programs
At its core, BCSS hosts the Bazaruto Archipelago Ocean Observatory a scientific
initiative focused on studying the interactions between the ocean and Earth’s ecosystems The observatory employs a "multi-ecosystem time-series mode" monitoring approach, continuously collecting data across various processes in different ecosystems over time This methodology enables scientists to observe patterns and changes in biogeochemical and ecological processes in the ocean These observations focus on understanding how environmental factors, such as temperature, pollution, or ocean currents, affect these processes and the health of marine ecosystems and their wildlife
BCSS research focuses on four major themes, all of which involve scientific diving
THEME 1: ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION AND MONITORING
Divers are in the process of setting up the entire observatory platform, which is being built around fixed (GPD-seabed) and floating
(GPS-boat) stations for continuous and monthly sampling The observatory utilizes weather stations, acoustic receivers, sound traps, sensors, sample collection, tagging, and remote sensing to gather data
To monitor key ecosystems including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and open ocean waters over time sensors, receivers, hydrophones, and other equipment need to be deployed Scuba diving is crucial for managing, maintaining, and recovering these installations BCSS also conducts larger surveys to monitor how marine life interacts with its environment over time
THEME 2: SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING
BCSS monitors resident and migratory megafauna to identify marine life hotspots, key habitats, or important corridors Often assisted by boats, this work involves transect diving Divers unroll a large tape measure
HUMBACK WHALE JOURNEYING THROUGH THE BAZARUTO SEASCAPE
HUMBACK WHALE JOURNEYING THROUGH THE BAZARUTO SEASCAPE
on the seafloor and count the occurrences of animals within this transect, using slates to identify and document encountered species When examining coral reefs, divers assess coral cover, species richness, and bleaching events using quadrants
The BCSS scientific team has 3D-mapped all of its dive sites using seabed multibeam technology, enabling immersive views of underwater topography in both 2D and 3D for more effective technical briefings
THEME 3: MIGRATORY FISH POPULATION DYNAMICS
BCSS is involved in several megafauna tagging programs to understand the migration and residence patterns of large predators Additionally, BCSS runs a longterm program to collect bio-samples from trophic webs (ranging from plankton to tuna and sharks) to analyze isotopic, heavy metal, and plastic composition across different trophic levels.
THEME 4: MARINE DEBRIS MONITORING
BCSS’ marine debris surveys on Benguerra Island track how debris enters and accumulates in different ecosystems, considering factors like socioeconomic activities, weather, and ocean conditions Supported by BANP, BCSS staff conduct weekly surveys to ensure data consistency BCSS engages in both beach clean-up operations and underwater clean-ups supported by diving Collected debris is sorted at the BCSS waste management facility before being sent to the Mozambique mainland for recycling
IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS
BCSS offers visiting project partners, researchers, and media teams access to the Ocean Observatory and its associated tools, as well as scientific diving assistance BCSS’ experienced divers are fully equipped to deploy observation mooring stations and sensors and have previously installed highresolution thermistors for collecting data on
water column temperature and currents, paired with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) to measure current speed and direction
The Ocean Observatory can also be set up with Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video (sBRUV) sampling technology, which uses a pair of video cameras with a small canister of bait attached to the camera frame to attract fish The BRUV method is non-invasive, making it suitable for use in marine parks or sensitive habitats This use of stereo video cameras allows for precise estimates of fish size, which, in turn, enables accurate assessments of biomass and life stages
@bcssmz
@bcssmz
@bsccmz
With a variety of use cases and adaptable technology as rich and diverse as the oceanic ecosystems it aims to monitor, the BCSS Ocean Observatory represents an unparalleled pioneering effort along the Mozambican coast Through logistics, knowledge building, and scientific as well as operational collaboration, it serves as Africa’s prime vantage point from which we can advance our understanding of its marine ecosystems
If you would like to get in touch with BCSS to collaborate or use their facilities, please contact Dr Mario Lebrato at the following handles
@bcssmz
@bcssmz
info@bcssmzorg wwwbcssmzorg
ProsChooseDAN TrustedWhenItMattersMost
Stephen Frink, Underwater Photographer President, Waterhouse Tours, Publisher, Alert Diver® Magazine, explains why he chooses DAN.
EMERGENCY OXYGEN CYLINDER REFILLS
RISK MITIGATION
TEXT BY JOANN HAACK, MSE, AND FRANCOIS BURMAN PE, MSC, AND MARK GRESHAM
THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) classifies oxygen as a drug when provided to an injured or ill person It requires specific labelling and product controls and must be individually prescribed to someone suffering from an ailment When used incorrectly, oxygen can cause damage to someone’s health
Oxygen administration, however, is the emergency standard of care for any in-water incident, including decompression sickness, arterial gas embolism, and near-drowning The FDA recognises a delay is not in the injured person’s best interest in situations of oxygen deficiency, so there is an exemption to the requirements for labelling and control of oxygen that allows administration without a prescription The exemption requires that oxygen may be used only for emergency resuscitation when administered by properly trained personnel
Once a provider has been trained in emergency oxygen, the next step is to get access to oxygen equipment, but having cylinders filled is often a challenge. Commercial gas companies that supply medical gas products must follow FDA drug
classification requirements and are often unaware of the FDA prescription exemption, so they may be reluctant to provide fills without that individual prescription
To help commercial gas companies, filling stations, and first aid providers, DAN prepared a document titled “FDA Prescription Exemption: Oxygen Fills for Emergency Use” and made it freely available The DAN legal team reviewed it to ensure the exemption is correctly applied The document explains how the exemption applies to diving first aid and ensures oxygen supply companies that they are not infringing on the FDA’s strict regulatory requirements
The following requirements are needed to fill an oxygen cylinder without a prescription:
The provider shall demonstrate they are properly trained to administer oxygen during an oxygen-deficient emergency Completing courses such as DAN’s comprehensive Diving First Aid for Professional Divers or Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries constitutes proper
training The certification is usually considered current for two years Be ready to present your valid training certification card
The oxygen equipment shall have a minimum capacity of 180 litres (6.4 cubic feet) of gas, the ability to deliver a minimum flow rate of 6 litres per minute for 15 minutes, a contents indicator (pressure gauge), and a means to administer oxygen to the patient (a suitable breathing device).
DAN’s oxygen kits, among others, meet these requirements
The oxygen equipment and/or container shall be labelled “for emergency use by properly trained persons only.”
All DAN oxygen equipment now contains
these labels on the cylinders, regulators, valves, and the case
Another common misconception is that nonmedical-grade breathing oxygen from a filling station is not suitable for emergency use Any breathing-grade oxygen is acceptable for emergencies
Industrial gas-filling companies may maintain a policy to fill only with an appropriate prescription and no regulation prevents them from doing so but we hope this information about the exemption will help filling companies and providers maintain the availability of emergency oxygen.
If you or an oxygen-filling company have questions or need an appropriate label for a DAN oxygen kit, email us at mail@dansa.org.
STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURES, OR SOPS, are written documents that explain how to organise or do specific tasks, to create a standardised and streamlined process to be followed by all staff members
This way, they ensure that all tasks are performed consistently Although it may sound as if it is logical to expect to be in place, still many dive centres do not have them This is why you might note that briefings (or other tasks) are performed in different ways when diving several times with the same centre
Typical tasks that require SOPs may include:
Pre-dive safety briefings
Head count procedures
Disinfection procedures
Administrative procedures
Maintenance procedures
Lost diver prevention procedures
Entry and exit procedures
Post-dive safety briefings
However, these are only a few of the SOPs that may be necessary Herein lies one of the main problems: compiling SOPs is timeconsuming and hence becomes a typical “I’ll do it when I have time” (as in never) task
Therefore, many times, the information remains in the dive centre owner’s or manager’s head, or staff do things how they see fit and as they occur to them on the day Management usually informs staff about how they should perform tasks, but usually without any written procedures The effectiveness of procedures isn’t the same, and doing things inconsistently becomes a standard.
What would be the easiest and best way to inform a new staff member about the procedures in use? How can you assure that they follow these correctly and consistently? Passing on verbal instructions may then require a long and drawn-out process,
important aspects could be missed, and inconsistency may be inevitable
How do SOPs relate to diving safety? Where an Emergency Assistance Plan explains how to act in an emergency, an SOP considers how to prevent emergencies from happening
Let’s use an example:
Entry and exit procedures can differ from dive site to dive site Some dives are from a boat, others from the shore Sometimes, a running propeller presents the risk; sometimes, it will be a slippery shore entry location. A SOP provides instructions as to how divers should get into the water while avoiding the risk of hitting the propeller or slipping. The SOP should state that the engine needs to be turned off and the propeller stationary before divers enter the water, or it could describe where/how to enter the water in such a way that slipping or falling is reduced to the minimum.
The SOP should be clear and not introduce any kind of confusion Ideally, it should be made after a (safety) assessment of the task, to determine the safest and best way to perform such a task It’s recommended that experienced staff members participate in the development and/or evaluation (incl testing) of the SOP, as their experience might benefit the efficiency and/or the level of safety Remember that you cannot learn experience, but you can learn from it Use the experience of staff members to make things better
If the SOP is well considered, it will reduce incidents and liability issues. To make it really work effectively, some additional things need to be in place:
Check if additional training or equipment is needed in order to make SOPs work or improve the process.
Check that the SOP isn’t in conflict with other SOPs and is in accordance with safety standards or any regulations
Have a plan to inform staff members of its existence, provide orientation and training, and distribute or make the SOPs available
Have staff members sign a document where they acknowledge that are aware of, and will respect the SOPs
If a staff member does not respect an SOP, take a corrective action By not correcting their behavior, this will not only decrease safety, but will increase your liability risk As you were aware that safety was jeopardized, and had not done anything about it, you add a level of responsibility upon yourself.
Evaluate the SOPs periodically, especially every time a safety issue was reported: put a date on the SOP as this will help in understanding when the SOP was implemented or last reviewed. Inform clients what you expect from them in certain situations
For certain SOPs it is necessary to use checklists or logs A checklist for the safety briefing avoids dive guides forgetting to say something Maintenance or a cylinder filling log will keep track of when maintenance is needed
Having an SOP is not a guarantee that accidents will not happen, but it will reduce the risk of accidents happening
HOW TO DETERMINE WHERE YOU MAY NEED SOPS
There is no “one size fits all” solution; what is needed will differ from dive operation to dive operation Some SOPs detail administrative procedures, such as which documents (including indemnity forms) are required to register a client Other SOPs may be necessary to guide when and how to deny services based on inadequate fitness-to-dive or to explain a cancellation policy
Not only clients’ safety but also the safety of staff members needs to be considered Policies and procedures explaining which personal safety protection devices should be used for certain tasks are an absolute requirement
Identifying one's actual needs requires a certain level of awareness Risk assessments will not only help, but they are absolutely necessary if one wants to have solid, effective, and reliable SOPs
WHERE TO START?
Many might now think that this is a huge and unsurmountable task and…yes, it could well be. It’s time consuming, but once done you will be impressed with the results.
However, having SOPs is not enough if you really want to increase diving safety. Just as with EAPs, SOPs are a part of something bigger. These are only part of a culture of safety, which a dive centre needs to develop, nurture and maintain in order to become a safer dive operation
So, where and when does one start? You can start today, by participating in DAN’s Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA) programme
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Guy Thomas is an expert Diving and First Aid Instructor Trainer and works full-time as Director of Safety Programs at DAN Europe, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of the DAN Europe Safety Initiatives He also is a member of the Special Rescue Team of the Italian Red Cross and operates as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer/Diver Medic, onboard a SAR helicopter of the Italian State Police
What are Standard Operation Procedures and how do they relate to diving safety?
THE INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE [IUCN] has uplisted the African Penguin from Endangered to Critically Endangered, underscoring the species' extremely high risk of extinction in the wild The bird has already lost 97% of its population and could be extinct in less than 4,000 days if nothing changes SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa, with the support of ocean conservation charity Blue Marine, are urging the South African government and the international community to take immediate action to save the African Penguin Before 2010, the species was listed as Vulnerable, but the rapid decrease in numbers warranted a shift to critically Endangered status.
Dassen Island, once home to an estimated 600,000 penguins, saw its population dwindle to only 8,000 by 2011, from a study by penguin biologist Paul Leonard of the New England Aquarium.
Over the last decade, the population across six South African penguin colonies has drastically declined to fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs If no significant changes are made to current policies or actions to protect the species, it is predicted that the African Penguin could face extinction by 2035
CURRENT POLICIES AND CHALLENGES
The South African government has implemented several measures to safeguard the species, including the declaration of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and No-Take zones around penguin breeding grounds These restrictions on commercial fishing aim to protect key food sources like sardines and anchovies from overexploitation However, these measures have not fully addressed the core issue "These zones fail to sufficiently protect crucial foraging areas for penguins, forcing them to compete with commercial purse-seine fisheries for food," experts note Simply put, African Penguins need adequate food to survive
One of the main drivers of the penguins' population decline is the overfishing
of sardines and anchovies species that are essential to their diet The intense commercial fishing of these prey species has severely reduced fish stocks, especially near breeding colonies As a result, penguins must travel farther to find food, leading to increased energy expenditure and reduced reproductive success
In 2013, the Department of Environmental Affairs published the Biodiversity Management Plan for African Penguins This plan aimed to address the primary threat food shortages by managing fisheries, protecting breeding sites, and rehabilitating animals affected by oil spills.
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) plays a pivotal role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured penguins. Oil pollution, whether from tanker spills or chronic leakage, poses a significant threat to these birds. When penguins come into contact with oil, it damages their feathers, reducing their insulation and buoyancy, making it difficult to hunt and leading to hypothermia, starvation, or even death Oil contamination can also impact their reproductive success Despite significant conservation efforts, the results have been mixed, and the species continues to face serious challenges In South Africa alone, the penguin population has decreased by over 60% in the last 30 years
A CALL TO ACTION: SIGN THE PETITION
SANCCOB, in cooperation with organizations like BirdLife South Africa, plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about the plight of African Penguins These campaigns educate people on how human activities such as littering, unsustainable fishing practices, and irresponsible tourism affect the species' survival
Recently, SANCCOB, BirdLife South Africa, and the Blue Marine Foundation launched a petition urging the South African government to take immediate action to
save one of the world's most threatened penguin species The petition calls for:
The establishment of effective no-take zones around the six key African Penguin colonies, where commercial purse-seine fishing for anchovy and sardine continues to decimate fish stocks These zones are essential to ensure enough prey to sustain the species Stricter enforcement of existing marine pollution regulations, as well as closing legal loopholes that allow pollution, including noise pollution, which disrupts penguin breeding
The public is invited to sign the Save African Penguins from Extinction petition here: https://only.one/act/save-african-penguins.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As a diver, ocean ambassador, responsible tourist, or passionate animal advocate, there are several ways you can contribute to the protection of penguin populations along our shores, such as those at Boulders Beach, Betty’s Bay, and Seaforth Beach:
SIGN THE PETITION!
https://onlyone/act/save-africanpenguins
Donate to organizations like SANCCOB, BirdLife South Africa, and The Dyer Island Conservation Trust, which are actively working to protect African Penguins through rescue operations, habitat restoration, and public education
Support artificial nest projects on key islands like Dassen Island and Robben Island These nests offer penguins protection from extreme weather and predators
Respect tourism guidelines by using guided viewing platforms, which help minimize disturbance to penguins while still promoting eco-tourism
Get involved with conservation programs led by organizations such as BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB. These programs highlight the African penguins' struggles and encourage public participation in efforts to save them. Long-term success depends on sustained funding and involvement.
WAYS TO DONATE
Visit the websites of organizations like SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa to find donation pages
Support specific programs, such as sponsoring a penguin rescue or funding artificial nest projects
DIVING ROMBLON
A HIDDEN PARADISE FOR UNDERWATER MACRO
PHOTOGRAPHERS
SPECIAL INTEREST
TEXT&PHOTOSBYADAM SOKOLSKI
ROMBLON, A RELATIVELY LITTLE-KNOWN ISLAND IN THE PHILIPPINES, is becoming increasingly popular among underwater photographers, especially those specialising in macro photography While it's not as famous as Anilao, which I wrote about previously, the waters around this island hold a rich variety of marine life, making it one of the best destinations for those who enjoy photographing small and unique creatures
The journey to the island takes a bit longer than to Anilao, but dive centres easily organise transfers You can get there from Manila either by plane, which operates only twice a week, or by ferry, which sails six times a week The ferry journey takes around nine hours from the port in Batangas, which is about a two-hour drive from Manila’s airport Onboard, there are various accommodation options – from a large room with bunk beds to comfortable VIP cabins with private bathrooms.
Our ferry trip was pleasant and hassle-free
There are only three dive centres on the island, and all of them specialise in serving underwater photographers During my last visit, I was diving with Sunset Cove Beach & Dive Resort, a cosy resort on a small island right next to Romblon The service was excellent – both in terms of the hotel, food, and dive organisation Our guide was fantastic and found many amazing creatures I can definitely recommend this place
The waters surrounding Romblon are a true treasure for macro photography enthusiasts The island is particularly known for several species of Cyerce sea slug Besides these, you can also find many other fascinating creatures, including the "holy grail" of nudibranchs – Melibe colemani, tiny seahorses Pontohi and Denise, as well as the incredible Sashimi Shrimps
CYERCE SEA SLUG CYERCE SEA SLUG
Romblon offers numerous dive sites, most of which feature gently sloping bottoms There are also beautiful coral-covered walls and typical muck diving sites – with seemingly empty bottoms where you can find plenty of small marine life The dives are not deep; the average depth was 18 metres and the maximum we reached was 25 During my dives in Romblon, there were virtually no waves or currents We dived in April
Romblon is an excellent destination for those who, besides diving, want to enjoy peace and breathtaking landscapes, as well as experience the rich nature, culture, and history of the Philippines Some of Romblon's most captivating attractions include Bonbon Beach, famous for its white sand, the marble quarries, and Fort San
Andres, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Romblon town and port
Each year, Romblon is gaining popularity among underwater photographers from around the world Thanks to its charm, diverse marine life, and excellent conditions for macro photography, it is becoming a must-visit destination for every underwater adventure enthusiast
Which is better: Anilao or Romblon? That’s a tough question Both places are fantastic for macro photography, and each offers different, unique creatures It’s definitely worth visiting both of them Personally, I love both destinations and will definitely return to them many times
Follow Adam Instagram: adam _ sokolski _bluepix
ProsChooseDAN TrustedWhenItMattersMost
Michael AW, Underwater Photographer, Director, Board Member, Ocean Geographic, explains why he chooses DAN.
MADAGASCAR
DISCOVER THE UNTOUCHED BEAUTY OF MADAGASCAR’S HIDDEN TREASURES
SPECIAL INTEREST
TEXTJACQUES VIEIRA
MADAGASCAR IS THE FOURTH LARGEST ISLAND IN THE WORLD Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, it lies just 430 km away from Mozambique at its closest point, between Ponta Namalungo and Cap St Andre The island spans approximately 1,580 km in length and 600 km in width Madagascar split from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago, which might explain why over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth While much is known about this fascinating island, there are still many well-kept secrets One of them lies off a small island northwest of the mainland called Nosy Be
Nosy Be is celebrated for its vibrant lifestyle, picturesque surrounding islands, incredible cuisine, pristine beaches, and rich underwater life. Many visitors come for the scuba diving offered around Nosy Be and three of its smaller islands. However, what most people don’t know is that there’s also an option for a private liveaboard experience whether for scuba diving, fishing, or simply island hopping With a direct three-hour flight from Johannesburg to Nosy Be, this tropical paradise is within easy reach
Several yachts are available, offering a private crew and chef to ensure a luxurious experience as you explore unspoiled islands far from Nosy Be For scuba divers, there’s the added option of having your own dedicated dive guide, leading you to the underwater marvels of Madagascar’s uncrowded dive sites often with your boat as the only one in sight The yachts are all four-berth catamarans, accommodating up to eight guests The charter companies only offer private bookings, so you’ll have the yacht entirely to yourself perfect for a family trip or a honeymoon getaway
EXPLORE MADAGASCAR’S ISLAND ADVENTURES
Three main types of seven-day trips are available:
1
Radama Islands: Head south to the Radama Islands, known for their stunning wall dives, rustic landscapes, and local fishing villages
2
Mitsio Islands: Venture north to the Mitsio Islands, accessible only from March to May and in November and December due to the northern winds
Each island has its unique charm, making every trip unforgettable.
3.
Nosy Be & Surrounding Areas: Explore the waters around Nosy Be for a more localized adventure, enjoying its beautiful underwater life and serene beaches.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Best Time to Visit: April to December. Radama Islands: Famous for wall dives and rustic fishing villages
Mitsio Islands: Best visited in March-May and November-December due to weather conditions
Whale Shark Season: October to midDecember
Humpback Whale Season: Mid-August to early October
FOR INFORMATION OR BOOKINGS
jozjozadventures@gmailcom @jozjozadventures
REVIEW
FROM DAN MEMBER
SIZAAN GREYLING
I PHONED DAN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO as I had a general medical concern the day before going for a fun-dive I was put in contact with a medical doctor who was able to assist me in making a well-informed decision relating to the dive the next day Thank you for being there and giving me the needed facts to make the right decisions!
CALLING THE DAN HOTLINE
WHEN SHOULD I PHONE THE DAN HOTLINE?
All diving emergencies
Non-diving medical emergencies
Diving medical information, such as fitness to dive, medication, and travel medical advice and enquiries
Travel notifications and advice
Diving medical examiner contact details
International medical centres or doctors who want to confirm DAN memberships
WHAT DO I NEED TO HAVE READY?
The caller and/or patient’s name and contact number
The nature of the emergency
The patient’s DAN membership number, if applicable or known
The patient’s medical aid information, if the incident occurred within South Africa
The patient’s travel insurance information, if applicable
If the caller is not at the scene, at least one local contact number should be provided in order to reach the person that is in need of assistance, or those who are in charge of their care
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I HAVE LOGGED THE EMERGENCY?
DAN makes a conference call to one of the on-call diving medical officers (DMOs) when an emergency call is received and the nature of the event has been established The DMO will provide specialist diving medical advice regarding how and what should be done immediately and will also make decisions concerning the further management of each case, depending on the situation
WILL I GET EVACUATION BY AIR?
Aeromedical resources, such as helicopters and air ambulances, cannot be dispatched unless authorised by the DMO It may take longer to activate an air ambulance than it would take to mobilise emergency medical services via a ground ambulance Several factors, aside from costs, will determine aeromedical evacuation
The DAN hotline provides emergency medical assistance to injured divers We encourage you to call early, even when you are uncertain, rather than wait until the situation has become critical as the opportunity to assist becomes more restricted.
DIVE ESSENTIALS
IMPORTANT FACTORS TRANSPORT
THE AVAILABILITY OF TRANSPORT
Is an air ambulance or a helicopter available?
THE INJURY
THE NATURE OF THE INJURY
How urgently does the patient need advanced life support and should they be moved to intensive care?
THE LOCATION
THE LOCATION OF THE PATIENT
What are the optimal logistical considerations for efficiently and safely moving the patient to a place where they can receive medical assessment and appropriate medical care, with appropriate medical support, during the transfer?
LANDING ZONE
VARIOUS ASPECTS REGARDING THE LANDING ZONE OR AIRPORT
Are these appropriate for a helicopter or a fixed-wing air ambulance? Are these open, particularly at night? What are the customs or immigration requirements? What are the implications of getting the patient to the landing zone or airport, or the crew to the patient?
ProsChooseDAN TrustedWhenItMattersMost
Maurtius Valente Bell, Dive Safety Officer, California Academy of Sciences, explains why he chooses DAN.
PARTING SHOT
SANDY MARWICK | REACHING FOR THE STARS
Rianna’s Reef, Ponta do Ouro
Depth: 24m
Camera: Olympus TG6 In The Olympus Housing With The Big Blue VTL4200P On Its Narrow Beam
Shooting mode: Aperture Priority
Light Meter Setting: Spot Metering, ISO Auto, AF Set To Super Macro In JPEG.
Shutter Speed: ISO 400 | f5.0 | 1/125s
I love macro photography, having started my diving in the Cape, where I often encountered low visibility. I now primarily dive in Still Bay, which has similar conditions. My passion lies in capturing the intricate beauty of nudibranchs, crabs, and countless mysterious critters. Each dive is an adventure, presenting new, tiny worlds to discover and transforming the unseen into the unforgettable. This journey beneath the ocean fuels my curiosity and allows me to share these moments on Instagram. When winter temperatures drop too low, I escape to Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique This photo was taken at Rianna's Arch in Ponta do Ouro at 24 meters, where this tiny Coral Crab was well-hidden among the hard coral (possibly Dendrophyllia spp, ref: Two Oceans - 4th edition) It was a brave little critter, as I must have looked quite intimidating
