Alert Diver September 2023

ALERTDIVER

CAPE NUDIBRANCHS SPECIALINTEREST

AVOID DIVING WITH EAR PLUGS

THE NEXT GENERATION DIVER

SHARLIDURANDT

THE GREATEST SHOAL ON EARTH

WEIGHT LOSS FOR DIVERS

THE MALADY OF DIVING SCIENCE

KWAZULU-NATAL SHIPWRECKS

THE PRODUCE

UNDERWATER CRIME

SCENE INVESTIGATORS

Editor

DAN Southern Africa

Publisher DAN Southern Africa

Contributors

Nicolene Olckers, Dennis Guichard, Francois Burman, Kyle Kray, Frauke Tillmans, Christine Tamburri, Audrey Cudel, Claudio Di

Manao, Jessica B Adams, Jaime B Adams, DAN Medical Team, Rhiannon Brenner, Gareth Lock, Tonya Khoury, Leandra Lynn, Mark A Gresham, Gordon Yuill, Tara Panton

Team

Morné Christou, Nicolene Olckers, Dr Frans Cronje

Cover Photograph

By Ofek Liepaz

The tiny two-eyed blenny hiding inside an ascidian photographed at Batsata Maze in April this year I used a Canon G16 in a Fantasea FG16 housing, with an Orcatorch

D900v focus light (in red mode) and 2 x Inon Z240 strobes Blennies tend to be quite skittish, so it was frightened by my bright focus light when I first approached it and retreated deep inside the crevice I changed my focus light to the red setting and waited patiently for the blenny to reappear, which it eventually did, allowing me to capture one of my favourite photos to date

Contact

Website www dansa org

Advertising mail@dansorg

General mail@dansaorg

Phone +27-11-266-4900

Diving Emergencies +27-82-810-6010

@dansouthernafrica

@divesafety /DANSAorg

@dan sa org

Alert Diver Philosophy

Theviewsexpressedbycontributorsarenotnecessarilythoseadvocatedbythe publisherorDANSouthernAfrica Whileeveryeffortismadetoensurethe accuracyofinformationandreports,thepublisherandDANSouthernAfricadonot acceptanyresponsibilitywhatsoeverforanyerrors,omissions,oranyeffects resultingtherefrom TothebestofthepublisherandDANSouthernAfrica’s knowledge,contributorshavenotindulgedinplagiarism Althoughtheutmostis donetoavoidsuchoccurrences,thepublisherandDANSouthernAfricawillnotbe heldresponsibleforthecontributors’orwriters’indulgenceinplagiarism Nopart ofthispublicationmaybeusedorreproducedinanyformwithoutthewritten permissionofDANSouthernAfrica E&OE

BRING A BUDDY TO DAN

DIVE SLATE | PERSPECTIVES

TEXT BY MORNÉ CHRISTOU

For more than 20 years, DAN has become one of the most renowned names in diving Unswervingly dedicated to offering personalised service, the unofficial motto of "divers helping divers" encapsulates our standing - we are divers like you

We value every member of this organisation, striving to support divers whenever and wherever they need us with round-the-clock assistance Our goal is to nurture knowledgeable and steadfast adventurers through our comprehensive services

We offer comprehensive dive accident membership coverage, safety training, medical information, safety resources and 24-hour emergency assistance Our customer service staff are highly trained to meet your needs with prompt, direct and welcoming responses They do a fantastic job!

Members of DAN come from every diving agency distributed across the globe When enrolled in a DAN dive accident membership plan, participants are guaranteed hyperbaric chamber treatment anywhere Since its inception in 1997, our membership program has dispensed immense sums to the advantage of injured divers Over time, hundreds of thousands have relied on us for security and essential services Each member assured that on contacting the DAN Emergency Hotline, their call will be linked to a healthcare provider versed in dive medicine

As DAN members, we know our organisation is invaluable when managing risks and in times of crisis We recognise the advantages of being part of the group, but has our dive buddy taken advantage of them yet?

Choosing DAN as your Dive Safety Association is as important as selecting a reliable dive buddy To ensure a successful and safe diving adventure, you and your dive partner must be in sync underwater, appreciate the sport of diving and each other's company, and demonstrate confidence when diving. To guarantee even better and safer dives, opt for someone who serves as a role model by always carrying out predive equipment checks and discussing emergency action plans ahead of time.

Be a responsible diver and set a positive example to your dive buddies who still need to join as members of DAN. As part of your

predive safety talks, emphasise the importance of having membership with DAN After all, it's not only for your own wellbeing that you need to be aware of the risks involved in divinglooking after your buddy is just as important! Don't let anyone go diving if they're unwell or without being a member of DAN

Referring a friend for a DAN membership offers the chance to earn terrific rewards The most important benefit, however, is that more divers will be safer when they're in the water By signing up their buddy, they can now access DAN's services and programs for extra security

Roughly half of the people who dial the DAN Emergency Hotline are not members and many lack dive accident insurance With care often costing thousands, plus the expense associated with evacuating an individual from a secluded dive site, it's important to secure coverage For around the price of a single dive, your buddy can rest easy knowing they're just as protected as you are

A competent diver knows the potential risks and what to do to minimise them Their task is to ensure they are fit, vigilant and wellequipped for any dive Should an emergency arise, they are skilled in recognising any symptoms of decompression sickness and cognisant of the measures to take for basic oxygen first aid assistance and a strategy Despite all these steps, there may still be some external factors which can't be avoided

When a diver is affected by decompression illness, it may be assumed that they have breached some safe diving rules; however, we now know this is not always the case Most injured divers claim to have remained within their dive table or dive computer parameters. Unfortunately, sometimes an identifiable trigger associated with the injury cannot be found.

The continued need for the presence of Divers Alert Network in the dive industry is a strong indicator that a dive accident can happen to anyone.

We welcome all new divers to our organisation and are eager to provide them with the many benefits of DAN membership. With more divers in the water than ever, calls to the hotline are frequent, and the demand for emergency oxygen units is high.

DAN works hard to answer these calls and provide this vital equipment, but one thing is certain: Divers and the dive industry need DAN, and DAN is here for them

From the Arctic Circle to Antarctica, if you’ve ever taken a breath from a scuba cylinder, there’s a good chance that cylinder was filled using a Stark Industries breathing-air compressor For half a century, dive operators and fill stations worldwide have been using Stark compressors to fill divers’ tanks, trusting their quality to meet daily demands It’s no surprise to find the same level of toughness and dependability in the compressors’ namesake: Jess Loren Stark

Stark began diving in 1954 as a lifelong Texas resident with a double-hose regulator and no pressure gauge or buoyancy compensator While studying law at Wharton, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1955 and served honourably for six years Upon his discharge, he returned home and started a small business

“In 1962, I bought a small gun shop in Houston called Shooter’s Supply and eventually turned it into a machine shop since I had acquired a lathe and milling machine,” Stark said “In 1968,

BREATHING-GAS GIANT

JESS STARK DIVE SLATE

TEXT BY KYLE KRAY

PHOTOS COURTESY JESS STARK

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Age: 86

Years Diving: 69

Most Memorable Dive: Making more than 400 dives on the wreck of the V A Fogg shortly after it sank in 1972

DAN Member Since 1995

Why I’m a DAN Member: The first time I discovered DAN it was a no-brainer to me Why not have emergency evacuation support and dive accident insurance while doing my favourite sport, especially with the number of decompression dives I was making?

STARK INDUSTRIES BREATHING-GAS COMPRESSORS HAVE BEEN PROVIDING STARK INDUSTRIES BREATHING-GAS COMPRESSORS HAVE BEEN PROVIDING DIVERS WITH TANK FILLS AROUND THE WORLD FOR HALF A CENTURY. DIVERS WITH TANK FILLS AROUND THE WORLD FOR HALF A CENTURY.

the dive shop I frequented mentioned they needed an air compressor, so I figured I could make one for them and did It seemed more lucrative than machining parts, so I kept at it Word got out, I started hiring employees to handle additional sales, and the business began to grow”

When Stark wasn’t building compressors, he was diving offshore in the Gulf of Mexico After his first trip on the liveaboard Aqua Safari, he immediately began working on ways to get free dive trips an approach familiar to many passionate dive professionals First working as an unpaid deckhand and then offering repair and maintenance on the boat’s compressor, he eventually earned his US Coast Guard Charter Boat Captain license and became the Aqua Safari’s assistant captain

In 1972 Stark’s dive experience expanded into commercial diving, and he worked jobs in dangerous conditions that took him all over the United States Stark recalls wearing an Advanced 2000 air helmet mated to a Viking drysuit with 70 pounds of lead, working in the intense heat of a South Carolina nuclear power station’s spent fuel pool as he was lowered into the 116°F liquid

“After about 29 minutes, I realized I was close to losing consciousness and radioed the tender to get me out,” he said “I learned then that the backup diver on the surface had fainted while I was working”

Stark still has his Kirby Morgan SuperLite 17 helmet with serial number #003, which he purchased in 1975 direct from Bob Kirby and Bev Morgan He credits its sturdy design with saving his life on multiple occasions, one in which his dive umbilical became wrapped around a propeller shaft in heavy seas.

“The umbilical became a tightly packed 2-footdiameter ball around the prop shaft, and I gradually unwound it while rotating the

massive prop blade,” he explained “The more wraps I got off, the easier the prop was to turn But the stern was rising 6 to 8 feet out of the water with each wave, and every time it crashed down, it caused a complete foam whiteout On one of the downward crashes, the force jerked the prop blade out of my hand, and the next blade below me rotated up and crushed my head between the blade and the ship’s hull The helmet was so strong that my head was totally uninjured, and the only damage to the helmet was the destruction of the regulator, which caused it to free flow uncontrollably”

While Stark found fulfilment in his dive career and in the global distribution of his compressors, he is most proud of his years in law enforcement serving his community in Houston Before he built his first compressor, Stark joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as a diver in 1965 The work was informal at first; deputies used privately owned boats, and the divers’ only responsibility was to remain available to work dive scenes day or night whenever called

“We recovered everything you can imagine from the murky waters, rivers, and ponds of Harris County, where visibility was often zero,” Stark said, “including murder weapons, drowning victims, cars, counterfeiting equipment for the Secret Service, and a safe for the FBI, just to name a few” After 35 years in the Marine Division, Stark transferred to the Sheriff’s Academy as a firearms instructor

A diver can’t stay away from the water for long though; after years of training new recruits, Stark returned to the Marine Division to dramatic changes. “The county had purchased boats for the Sheriff’s Office, and we were assigned harbor patrols in the Port of Houston for the Department of Homeland Security,” Stark said. “Our duties included preventing unauthorized boats from entering security zones, and we carried personal radiation

STARK FULFILS DECOMPRESSION OBLIGATIONS STARK FULFILS DECOMPRESSION OBLIGATIONS AFTER A REBREATHER DIVE TO 412 FEET IN 2014. AFTER A REBREATHER DIVE TO 412 FEET IN 2014.

THE LIVEABOARD DIVE BOAT AQUA SAFARI THE LIVEABOARD DIVE BOAT AQUA SAFARI RAN ITS FIRST DIVE TRIPS IN EARLY 1972. RAN ITS FIRST DIVE TRIPS IN EARLY 1972.

detectors to alert us to the presence of any nuclear devices while on patrol”

After 56 years of service with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Reserve Command, Stark retired to spend more time with family and help his team run Stark Industries

Close calls for Stark extended beyond his days as a diver and in law enforcement Throughout his life, Stark has been fortunate to survive countless brushes with death, some of which read like a Dos Equis “most interesting man in the world” beer commercial, yet he has the scars and newspaper clippings to prove them He was shot in the hand by a derringer, shafted in the shoulder by a spear gun, charged by an elephant in Kenya, mauled by a lion in

Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe), and chased out of the water by hungry 12-foot bull sharks He survived a plane crash in a pineapple field in Honduras and plugged the holes in a 65-foot steel- hull ship as it sank 80 miles off the Gulf Coast

“In every calamitous event, I am grateful that God watched over and delivered me from disaster and my feckless nature,” he said “After years of experiences kept to myself, I have been hounded by friends and family to share them At their request I’m putting them together in a book to reflect on the importance of faith, family, and living a fulfilling life My niece Desiree has already decided on a title for it: Nine Lives – And Then Some”

STARK WITH HIS KIRBY MORGAN SUPERLITE 17 HELMET, SERIAL NUMBER #003, STARK WITH HIS KIRBY MORGAN SUPERLITE 17 HELMET, SERIAL NUMBER #003, IN A 1978 NEWSPAPER PHOTO AFTER A RECOVERY IN LAKE AMISTAD, TEXAS.

IN A 1978 NEWSPAPER PHOTO AFTER A RECOVERY IN LAKE AMISTAD, TEXAS.

MONITORING CARDIAC HEALTH IN SCUBA DIVERS

DIVE SLATE

DAN DISPATCH

Decompression-related events typically come to mind when thinking of dive injuries and fatalities

However, DAN Research’s incident analysis program has shown that approximately one-third of diving fatalities can be traced to a cardiac event, making cardiac-related issues the No 1 cause of fatalities while diving

The most suspected fatal cardiac event is an arrhythmia that triggers cardiac arrest Certain medical conditions, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), in which the heart muscles are stretched to greater than normal size, correlate with increased arrhythmias When diving, the increased pressure and workload can also increase stress on the heart, possibly triggering arrhythmias

DAN is especially interested in studying the prevalence of arrhythmias and LVH in public safety divers due to the often strenuous nature of their dives We want to work with public safety teams i id illi i i i d hi h i l ll i l di d

DIVE SLATE TRAVEL SMARTER

Whether travelling domestically or abroad, you can take steps to ensure your personal safety With proper planning, self-awareness, and some common sense, you can enjoy your destination relatively easily by implementing some of the following personal safety practices

Before you leave home, check the local news at your destination Knowing about inclement weather, utility outages, or civil unrest will allow you to adjust your travel plans accordingly

Be sure your accommodations meet your personal safety standards Familiarize yourself with multiple entrances and exits from the main building and your quarters Motivated thieves can use a stolen or fabricated keycard to bypass digital room locks, so use the secondary latch or deadbolt lock on your room door at night

Documentation is not only necessary to get into another country but also something you need to get home Make digital and printed paper copies of all documents required for the trip so you

have a physical backup to the original and photos on your phone, and share a copy with someone, not on the trip with you Should anything be stolen or misplaced, you need a positive way to identify yourself and shouldn’t rely solely on your phone if it also disappears

Whatever mode of transportation you use, select companies that are reputable (or at least known) businesses with online reviews If you are using an app service, verify that your driver’s information matches what is reserved on the app Before you get into a vehicle, don’t be shy about taking a picture of its license plate and sharing the photo with a friend

When in public, try not to stand out as someone who doesn’t belong or who is a traveller to avoid being an easy target for pickpockets, thieves, and scammers Instead, do your best to blend in by knowing where you’re going and walking with a purpose

Before you leave on your trip, share your

itinerary with friends and family Include the sites you plan to visit and where you will be staying Research and note the local phone numbers for police, fire, and emergency medical services for the places you will be visiting Consider carrying a piece of paper with friends’ and family members’ contact information in the event you lose your phone and need to reach someone or in case you have a medical emergency and need to provide personnel with contacts to inform of your condition

Sharli Durandt

THE NEXT GENERATION DIVER

LOCAL DIVING

TEXT BY NICOLENE OLCKERS | PHOTOS BY SHARLI DURANDT

THE DIVER

My name is Sharli Durandt, and I recently turned 12. I was born in Cape Town, and I grew up in several countries, as my parents love to travel all over the world I’m a grade seven student at the French International School in Cape Town, South Africa

THE SPORT

I started swimming in Cape Town when I was a baby Currently, I swim competitively in 3 federations: in South Africa under SSISASports Science Institute of SA, Bulgaria for AKULITE Burgas and under ZASU - the Zambian Federation

I always loved the water especially the ocean When I was 6, I decided that I wanted to swim competitively I love both the activity and the competition

I currently participate at the South African National Junior level and hold several records in the open water swim and record in the open water swim and pool events

In April 2022, I set the fastest-ever recorded time for kids 12 years and under during the five-kilometre open water swim event at Tiffany’s Canyon in Zambia

I am the top SA-ranked swimmer for the 2022/2023 season for the 800m and 1500m in the 11-year age group I qualified for SA National championships 12 years and over for 200m Free Style, 400m Free Style, 800m Free Style, 1500m Free Style, 200m Backstroke, and 200m Fly

I also plan to qualify for all remaining Backstroke and Fly and the 200m and 400m Individual Medleys

THE ADVENTURE

My parents' friends introduced us to Jan de Bruyn of Dive Team Cape Town, and he suggested I try scuba diving I like the team and went on a Discover Scuba Diving excursion with Instructor Jax Lamb I started diving with him regularly

When I was 11, I signed up for the PADI Open Water Diver course and was qualified as a scuba diver by instructor Mikhail Ryaguzov in Burgas, Bulgaria

He thinks he can scare me with a toy puppet shark To this day, I have made 25 dives and will add another ten dives to my logbook when I do the next level course

I will be doing the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course and try some wreck diving with instructors Mikhail or Misha in Burgas, Bulgaria

My dive experience includes diving in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, specifically Greece and Crete I also was fortunate to dive in Mozambique and South Africa

I enjoy scuba diving because I get to experience a new world full of astonishing animals, salty water, and many different species My favourite animal is the Dumbo Octopus which I hope to see one day My Dad or my instructor usually accompanies me on my dives

THE NEXT ADVENTURE

I am planning to complete the freediving course I want to go wreck diving and cave diving My dream dive excursion will be to go cave diving in the jungle of the Yucatan and wreck diving in Bermuda And of course, diving in the Red Sea

We are very blessed living and diving on the east coast of southern Africa, as the oceans we call our home remain one of the highest energy coastlines found on our blue planet The expanse of open ocean that extends eastwards toward Australasia and south towards the Antarctic provides us with a nearconstant barrage of powerful oceanic ground swells, strong standing currents, and southerly weather systems This is tremendous news of course, as all this provides us with a sometimes ferocious stretch of coastline that has been the downfall of many hundreds of ships as far back as our maritime history can recall

If it’s shipwrecks and history you’re after, your investigations of this rich coastline will excite you beyond belief Our little stretch of ocean we call home alone contains a myriad of wrecks and treasures of which even I couldn’t completely hope to grasp There are many famous wrecks of past centuries that you will find recorded in treasure books aplenty

KWAZULU-NATAL SHIPWRECKS

THE PRODUCE LOCAL DIVING

TEXT BY DENNIS GUICHARD

Dennis Guichard is a multi-agency qualified Scuba Instructor Trainer and a DAN ‘Master Dive Pro’ member. He is qualified as an offshore Diver Medic, a Saturation Life Support Technician, and a freelance UHMS Hyperbaric Medical Technologist

THE VESSEL LIES ON HER STARBOARD SIDE ON THE VESSEL LIES ON HER STARBOARD SIDE ON A SAND BED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 METRES. A SAND BED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 METRES.

PHOTO BY RAE DU PLESSIS PHOTO BY RAE DU PLESSIS

It’s an unfortunate truth that despite the wealth of ancient wrecks that have come to bear along this coast, few diveable remains have survived to this day Fewer still lay in locations or depths that make them attractive to the current standard of recreational scuba diver that we commercially cater for in current times Fewer people further again have the knowledge to know the precise locations of many of the best dive spots along this coastline

For the serious wreck enthusiast, a local skipper with infinite knowledge of the sea and her secrets, who is capable of dropping you on a postage stamp time and time again is a must

Similarly, a local Divemaster with intimate knowledge and passion for their location, who has a fountain of knowledge and experience on local history, marine life, dive management, rescue capability, and most importantly knows the secret locations of access corridors, spare propellers, and other such treasures is also a must

One of the more accessible and fabulously favourite wrecks along our awesome coastline

is the Produce - a 119m long Norwegian bulk carrier, weighing in at 15,000 tons

She was travelling south from the port of Durban carrying a cargo of molasses when she struck, and ripped open her hull, on the northern Pinnacles of the nearby Aliwal Shoal during rough seas on the 11th of August 1974 The crew made a brave attempt to turn the ship around to return towards Durban, but she was irrevocably doomed and started to sink

The event was witnessed from ashore, and a rescue party was launched by local fisherman who managed to heroically rescue all the crew in treacherous conditions, thereby averting any casualties The ship split in half and quickly came to settle about 500m north of Aliwal Shoal shortly afterwards, where today she provides an excellent opportunity for a most interesting dive.

The rusting framework now provides an established residence for a myriad of varied fish species, including her famous yet shy school of dark brindle bass each measuring over 2m in length.

The vessel lies on her starboard side on a sand bed at approximately 30 metres, with her

THE WEALTH OF MARINE LIFE THAT CAN BE SEEN WHILE THE WEALTH OF MARINE LIFE THAT CAN BE SEEN WHILE DIVING AROUND THE WRECK. PHOTO: RAE DU PLESSIS DIVING AROUND THE WRECK. PHOTO: RAE DU PLESSIS

PHOTO: RAE DU PLESSIS

PHOTO: RAE DU PLESSIS

THE WEALTH OF MARINE LIFE THAT CAN BE SEEN WHILE

THE WEALTH OF MARINE LIFE THAT CAN BE SEEN WHILE DIVING AROUND THE WRECK. PHOTO: RAE DU PLESSIS DIVING AROUND THE WRECK. PHOTO:

RAE DU PLESSIS

PHOTO: THE PRODUCE SINKING ON 11TH AUGUST 1974

PHOTO: THE PRODUCE SINKING ON 11TH AUGUST 1974

PHOTO: THE PRODUCE SINKING ON 11TH AUGUST 1974

PHOTO: THE PRODUCE SINKING ON 11TH AUGUST 1974

bridge section lying merely about 14 metres below the surface The stern is largely intact although the now almost 50-years she’s been laying there have inevitably taken their toll on the wreck

Her massive bronze propeller was sadly commercially salvaged by a local company in her early years, where it was shipped off to the Far East to be sold as scrap metal Massive outrage surfaced at the time as it was discovered that their initial plan was to simply blast the propeller off her drive shaft, and the company was eventually pressured into cutting the propeller free, and as such preserving the wealth of marine life that calls the Produce home

There are many opportunities for safe swimthroughs and easy penetration into her massive rear upper deck holds The bow section contains a massive forward hold that is easily and safely entered by anyone with the courage to swim into this seemingly initial dark space As the thundering of your heart subsides and your vision adjusts, you find yourself faced with the ship's spare propeller in full view in front of you, fixed upright against the forward wall

The Produce is a difficult wreck to visit because of the currents that frequently wash this part of the coastline As a result, it is a diving opportunity we jump at whenever we are presented with a few days of slack water

Divers need to be aware of the stinging hydroids that have colonised the wreck, and it’s the one time we advise divers to wear gloves and if at all possible to avoid touching the wreck, which we strongly advise against anyway Most important is to ensure that one doesn’t touch your face during or after the dive as the hydroids, that may have attached to your gloves, will leave you will a nasty watering welt for days to come Also be aware of putting your hands down anywhere during the dive as the wreck is home to many stone and scorpion fish that can cause a nasty sting if inadvertently disrupted

This is a popular wreck with a heroic past that affords us the most splendid diving opportunities The sheer size and interest factor that she provides ensures that numerous dives are required merely to grasp the full extent of her size and the opportunities for exploration that are possible here.

I have led a vast number of dives to this wreck over many years and yet there’s still not a visit that goes past that she doesn’t continue to amaze with the secrets that she slowly reveals.

She’s definitely worthy of inclusion on any list of ‘must-do’ dives.

Kwazulu -Natal Shipwrecks The Produce Wreck

The sheer size and interest factor that she provides ensures that numerous dives are required merely to grasp the full extent of her size and the opportunities for exploration that are possible here.

THE THE GREATEST GREATEST SHOAL ON SHOAL ON EARTH!

LOCAL DIVING LOCAL DIVING | TEXT BY TONYA KHOURY | TEXT BY TONYA KHOURY

PHOTOS BY TONYA KHOURY & WALTER BERNARDIS PHOTOS BY TONYA KHOURY & WALTER BERNARDIS

Sharks, huge Dusky Sharks, Bronze Whalers, squadrons of dive-bombing Gannets, and Dolphin megapods This is the Studio 54 of the underwater world: a cacophony of deafening sound, metaphysically uproarious chaos, and tramps like us, baby we were born to run!

Why would they call an off-land event a “run”? Here’s the rub The predators ‘run’ after those bait balls as if it were the chase they had prepared for their entire lives The boats “run” to catch the action, and the divers and snorkelers ‘run’ (underwater) to keep up

I had several fears for this trip: I’m old, I get cold (very cold), and I get seasick I had a ton of excuses which would suffice to say no But I have had this dream since time and immemorial, and now, at 50 I finally had the opportunity to drop my defences and open up to a nudge in the ribs from the Shark Man, Walter Bernadis, my extraordinary friend and fearless leader who is the owner and shark diving pioneer of African Watersports based in Umkomaas

Over a period of many years, I’ve watched Walter, usually in the centre of a ring of bull sharks where he seems most comfortable, do the most incredible things with these misunderstood creatures, while they circle curiously around him The man who removes hooks, the tonic master When I first started shark diving, I learnt to always listen to exactly what Walter said, and as a result, I have always had the time of my life So, when the time came, Walter was my only choice I thought I’ll be safe and like with shark diving, and I was right: Only dive / run with the best

Driving down to Port St Johns left me dumbstruck I’ve always heard the Transkei was breathtaking and here I was between two large crags, the river cutting through unsullied land into the wild coast’s Indian Ocean The most astonishing, untamed, untouched landscape with pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and lush forests It is a region of exceptional natural beauty and there were moments when I wished I could stay just a little

while longer to avoid the feeling of melancholy as I watched the beauty flash by

Everyone warned me about the launch, but I had no fear of that; I’d been with Walter and Top Man Thunzi before, and surfing waves with a boat is something they both make look easy My biggest apprehension was the cold, and I was right I had a big ass jacket, literally three times too big for me so that I could curl up in it, two beanies, a neck scarf, and gloves It turns out I wasn’t the only one prepared for the cold as one of our teammates, Lorenzo Pilati, came with two hot water bottles for his feet, I was envious, and he was generous, sharing his pink flamingo-covered water bottle with all on board And as we raced headlong into the sound and the fury, I remembered Walter’s description of what was about to take place: “It is going to feel as if we are being lured into a gravitational tornado of movement from above and below” On arrival, we could see thousands of Cape Gannets diving and hitting the silver silhouette of the bait ball that spins below the surface, desperately trying to keep itself

together as if a secret pact had been agreed upon, and dolphins putting on an aerial display, flying into the air, jumping and twirling And then back into the fray, the fray that we were about to jump into

Everything, including the cold, disappeared when I was given my first “Go” and landed right next to a humpback whale that hung suspended in the water, waiting for me to applaud it I had to remind myself to breathe The enormity of this creature was heartstopping It is indescribable, the feeling of being next to a mammal that weighs tons You feel insignificant, and the thought of being swallowed, of disappearing for eternity, crossed my mind Instead, with the smallest eyes, a look of such deep intensity, a spiritual connection beyond belief and words fail me Colossal, yet so incredibly aware of the space it occupies Several times humpbacks came so close that their pectoral fins almost touched us, and one can only believe that they didn’t touch us deliberately We were in the presence of something so great

AFRICAN WATERSPORTS GROUP OF ENTREPID ADVENTURERS AFRICAN WATERSPORTS GROUP OF ENTREPID ADVENTURERS

I am told that not everyone sees what I saw on the run, and I still don’t feel like I saw enough Below the surface, the birds made my eyes wide Once they hit the water, they resemble bombs; the speed cuts a trail behind them that is almost cartoonish as my mind translates their sunny air assault into picture bubbles underwater They gobble up sardines as they dive bomb, three or four at a time, and they swim with their wings as if they’d been created as half bird /half fish Then they bob up like a buoy line trapped underwater The sound of it alone reminds you that you are in Africa, and this truly is the Wild Coast

The dolphins are juggling tasks, and there was not a day that wasn’t filled with dolphins singing and clicking as they corralled the sardines into a ball Torpedoes in the water, dolphins are extraordinarily fast and, strangely enough, know exactly where you are and that you are not food Often, they wink or smile as they go past, and some even say there’s the occasional “teehee” amongst their calls You’ll think I’m mad, but that’s the truth

While with the dolphins and part of the predatorial pack, the sharks are my favourites; when they’re alone circling you, um, not so much I’ve been taught how to swim with sharks, yet everything I did went against my training I lost my nerve at one point when at least six dusky sharks began circling me, and I screamed for Thunzi to help me back onto the boat What a thrill, my heart double beats just thinking of it The sharks loved me so much that I earned the nickname: Sharkey NumNum

I couldn’t believe there could be more to this experience, but the truth is, we had just begun I spent nine days with the AWS crew; every day was a triumph Finally, we saw a static bait ball I told a friend that it felt like the first time I had dived, and she responded: “It was like the first time I lived” I agree Here it was, the mother ship, the nirvana A massive tower of sardines that stretched as high or low as your eyes could see This tight tornado of fish separates as several sharks sweep through it It rejoins only to be scattered by dolphins and birds I have never seen anything like that in my life, and I

TONYA WITH THE FEARLESS TONYA WITH THE FEARLESS LEADER WALTER BERNARDIS LEADER WALTER BERNARDIS

PHOTO TAKEN BY ROGER HORROCKS PHOTO TAKEN BY ROGER HORROCKS

“IT IS GOING TO FEEL AS IF WE ARE BEING LURED INTO A “IT IS GOING TO FEEL AS IF WE ARE BEING LURED INTO A GRAVITATIONAL TORNADO OF MOVEMENT FROM ABOVE AND BELOW”. GRAVITATIONAL TORNADO OF MOVEMENT FROM ABOVE AND BELOW”.

will spend my next years running after that experience I thought I reached the peak of the run, but I was wrong again

The Brydes whale is the most coveted sight on the Sardine Run, and I saw not one but two One of which came close to swallowing Walter Watching a recording of this incredible video, I still believe that the whale knew he was there because if you slow the footage down, you’ll see the whale not only didn’t swallow Walter, it didn’t swallow a gannet that was in the way either These creatures are just incredible

And then there were the people When you participate in an endurance activity like this, you truly get to know your peers, and I loved the people as much as I loved the adventure We were a bunch of characters, and I have made friends for life We have a Whatsapp group now filled with “miss you guys” and “same time next year” greetings

This has single-handedly been the big adventure of my life, and that’s saying something I changed forever; I became friends with my body; I achieved more than I could ever dream of; and, of course, I certainly saw the greatest show on earth

Sardine Run 2023 Whale Experience

Sardine Run 2023 was action-packed! From Baitballs, Birds, and Dolphins to Sharks and Whales of all kinds!

My experience of international dive travel can be counted on one hand By international diving, I mean getting on an aeroplane to reach the dive destination Having done most of my diving along the South African and Mozambican coastline meant that I was spoiled by the biodiversity available to photograph underwater I am fortunate to be based in Cape Town, South Africa, a 5-minute drive from the closest dive sites

When the opportunity to travel to the Philippines presented itself, I jumped to get a spot in the group The Philippines boasts a plethora of top-notch dive sites that cater to divers of all levels, whether beginners seeking adventure or seasoned veterans looking for new challenges

This enchanting archipelago comprises more than 7,000 islands sprawled across 300,000 square kilometres of ocean

ROMBLON RAMBLE

LOCAL DIVING

DIVING TO FIND THE HOLY GRAIL OF NUDIBRANCHS

TEXT & IMAGES BY NICOLENE OLCKERS

It is renowned for offering some of the most spectacular diving experiences on the planet With nearly nine per cent of the world's coral reefs and serving as the epicentre of global marine biodiversity, this tropical haven is a diver's paradise

Underwater photography expert Kate Jonker and her husband, Deon, planned and organised the excursion Kate is well-known for her superb macro images of the fascinating underwater wildlife in False Bay, South Africa

PACKING FOR THE TRIP

One thing that is always an issue when planning an overseas dive excursion is packing Having enough space for all your dive and camera gear can become a weighty business While getting everything sorted I realised that my suitcase actually took up 5 kg of the weight, my fins are too long to fit and my camera just made it all too heavy Many travelling photographers wear multi-pocket jackets and carry their cameras in the housing without the

O-ring as hand luggage I packed my hardy gear – diving equipment, clothes, strobes, cables, and chargers into a dive bag and used my closed-heeled fins to form support The bag was cling-wrapped at the airport My camera, computer, DS160 strobe batteries, and housing were taken as hand luggage in a standard cabin case Everything arrived in perfect order I discovered that I could have my luggage off faster when declaring it as sporting equipment because of the odd shape of the dive bag The pros will have a good laugh as they have far more equipment and valuable pieces than my meek Seafrogs Housing All luggage weighed in at 23kg

THE DESTINATION

After enduring long hours of travel by plane, bus, and boat, we arrived at the Three P Beach Resort & Ducks Diving The boutique resort is located on the north-western coast of Romblon Island and is surrounded by pristine beaches and clear blue waters All the rooms boast ensuite bathrooms and marble floors

THIS FROGFISH SURE WAS GRUMPY AFTER BEING DISCOVERED

THIS FROGFISH SURE WAS GRUMPY AFTER BEING DISCOVERED

The diving around Ronblom is focused on macro photography The images on the walls are a testament to this, as several renowned photographers visited the island to find and photograph these little jewels specifically

Excited and eager to get in the warm, blue water, most of the group had some refreshments, assembled their cameras and scuba gear, and was out for their first dive Armed with my trusted wide-angle setup, I explored and got comfortable underwater Sorting out weighting and buoyancy was a joy in the 28º Celsius water

HUNTING FOR THE HOLY GRAIL OF NUDIBRANCHS

The main purpose of the trip was to find extraordinary, rare nudibranchs Most of the divers in the group carried the versatile Olympus TG cameras These compact cameras

p , photographer can get close to those minute subjects

Though I was not equipped to photograph these small critters, I ambled along, much to the frustration of our very persistent and knowledgeable underwater guide, Cyril As we continued through our dives, he would find progressively smaller critters I admit some I gave one look and swam away to allow others to photograph it

Many of the nudibranchs found at Romblon are rarely found anywhere else in the world One is the fabled Melibe Colemani, often called the Ghost or phantom nudibranch It was discovered off the coast of Mabul, Malaysia, in 2008 by Australian naturalist, and underwater photographer, Neville Coleman He initially described it as “a string of snot” in the water due to its translucence Its strange appearance has made many photographers consider it the ‘holy grail’ of nudibranchs

A PORCELAIN CRAB A PORCELAIN CRAB AT HOME ON A GREEN AT HOME ON A GREEN ANEMONE ANEMONE

ORNATE SEAFAN IS HOST TO A AN ORNATE SEAFAN IS HOST TO A BAND OF TROPICAL COACHMEN BAND OF TROPICAL COACHMEN

DEPTHS OF MOST DIVE SITES RANGED FROM 5 TO 27 METERS, MAKING SAFETY STOPS EASY AND YOU STILL HAD LOADS TO PHOTOGRAPH THANKS TO THE SHARP EYES OF THE GUIDES.

Making three dives at the reef where these were located, I at least managed to get an infocus image of one of them Using a 50mm compact macro lens and not having the necessary magnification to photograph the one-centimetre critters became frustrating by day 5, andI decided to shoot more wide-angle images

Booking 24 dives during our short trip meant the days sailed by under the blue water, and most of our days were spent diving, eating, and sleeping

FOOD AND DRINKS

The traditional and great fare presented to us, with some exotic dishes of banana-heart and green mango salad, was enjoyed heartily Dishes varied from vegetarian-based to roast

HOW WE GOT THERE

Flights were booked with Singapore Airlines from Cape Town to Manila The stopover in Singapore was seamless and comfortable The resort arranged transfers from the airport to the port for the ferries The porter fees can be a bother, and you must keep track of who is carrying your bags and where to prevent confusion regarding the payments Ferry tickets to the resort via Ondiongan were Booked with 2GO Travel The return ferry tickets were booked on Starlite Ferries The latter ferries are in better shape Ferries were booked on an overnight trip and in cabins sleeping four people You could have the local experience and book a bunk on the decks, which will be cooler and more public

Connect with Kate Jonker - the underwater

MOST DIVES WERE SPENT LOOKING AND PHOTOGRAPHING THE SMALLEST NUDIBRACHS. DIVERS WOULD SPEND LONG MINUTES TO PERFECT THE SHOT AND THIS RESULTED IN LONG DIVE TIMES.

DIVE IN THE FAST LANE WITH DPV’S GEAR

TEXTBYCHRISTINETAMBURRI

New and improved technology enters the diving industry every year Advancements can make diving safer, more enjoyable, or sometimes both

The Italian Navy deployed the first known practical diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) during their World War II military operations DPVs eventually became available for use by recreational divers worldwide Early DPVs were big, heavy, loud, and had short battery life As technology progressed, however, so did their design and features

Divers of all experience levels can now utilize smaller, lighter, faster, quieter, and more reliable DPVs to make their diving safer and more enjoyable

TYPES OF DPVS

Several styles of DPVs are currently on the market, but divers most commonly use three of them

The first type is a small, handheld DPV for confined or shallow open-water dives They have a low power output and do not have a long battery run time These DPVs are solely for recreational purposes due to these limitations

The second style is a larger DPV that divers can grip with two hands or sit astride and move through the water hands-free The battery run time is sufficient for slightly longer dives, but these DPVs are also solely for recreational purposes on shallow open-water dives

The third style is more common for advanced recreational or technical divers or those undertaking exploration efforts These DPVs are large, powerful, and reliable The diver attaches to them with a crotch strap D-ring and steers them with one or two hands as it tows them through the water

COMMON APPLICATIONS

Divers can use DPVs in a range of environments and for various goals. The average recreational diver might use them to conserve their energy while travelling around a

dive site At the same time, DPVs might help a technical diver combat heavy flow or current, extend their penetration distance into an overhead environment, or cover ground more efficiently on the bottom phase of the dive to have shorter dive times and reduced decompression obligations

During exploration efforts, divers can use survey technology in conjunction with a DPV to collect data points for constructing maps and other educational materials Each diver in a team might use multiple DPVs to expand the exploration boundaries beyond what was previously thought possible

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE PURCHASING

DPVs are expensive, and any diver considering purchasing one should do thorough research Reading product reviews, speaking with gear manufacturers, and listening to advice and personal experiences from friends and mentors can help assess a DPV

Intended use: As previously discussed, DPVs have several uses, so divers should evaluate what they intend to do with it before purchasing one It is also worth considering future goals and how the DPV can grow with a diver as they expand their skillset

Battery type, power, and run time: Most modern DPVs contain large batteries that commercial airlines won’t transport Buying one with removable, airline-compliant batteries is necessary if a diver prefers to fly with a DPV Regardless of the style, one with lithium-ion batteries will offer good reliability and longer run times than other options Evaluating the battery power and run time will help ensure that the DPV can assist a diver in achieving all the intended goals of their current and future dives

Customer support accessibility: Purchasing dive equipment from a local dive shop is always recommended, and a DPV is no exception A qualified service technician is helpful since DPVs require regular maintenance and are cumbersome and costly to ship.

Cost: Prices range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so on top of all the other considerations, divers must ensure the DPV is within their budget

INCREASED DIVER SAFETY

Divers use DPVs not only for fun but also for safety A reduced workload on the bottom phase of a dive reduces a diver’s decompression stress Less work may also result in lower gas consumption, keeping more reserve gas available in an emergency

Divers also gain the ability to quickly move from location to location, which may reduce their response time during an incident If a major loss of gas occurred in an overhead environment, for example, a DPV would allow the dive team to exit quickly and keep as much gas in reserve as possible for any additional problems

TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

Safely using a DPV requires additional training Divers who intend to use one in open water without proper training may lose control of the unit or their buoyancy, which could lead to a rapid ascent and undesirable physiological outcomes Using a DPV in an overhead environment without proper training may make divers exceed their penetration distance limits, resulting in their inability to make a safe exit if their DPV fails

Divers should contact a qualified and experienced instructor who can answer questions and provide additional insight into the requirements to maintain, train with, and use DPVs Learning never stops, and DPVs are a great way for divers to expand their knowledge, develop their skills, and partake in new underwater adventures

A topic that comes up frequently when discussing dive safety is using earplugs Are they safe to use while diving? Can they be used if someone has tubes in their ears due to an ear infection or a ruptured eardrum? Can they prevent swimmer’s ear? Does DAN have any recommendations? These questions are often posted on online message boards and frequently asked on our medical line

People might wear earplugs for in-water activities for a multitude of reasons One underlying premise for using them is to keep the external auditory canal dry, which could help people who have frequent issues such as swimmer’s ear, surfer’s ear or any communication through the eardrum (tympanic membrane)

For swimming and other surface activities, earplug use has no likely consequences because there isn’t a change in pressure at the surface For diving, however, earplug use can have detrimental results

AVOID DIVING WITH EARPLUGS EDUCATION

TEXT BY LEANDRA LYNN, NREMT

DESPITE CERTAIN EARPLUGS BEING MARKETED TO SCUBA DIVERS, DAN DOES NOT ENDORSE OR ENCOURAGE THEIR USE FOR SCUBA DIVING.

Students in open-water training learn multiple methods to equalize air spaces Whether it is the Valsalva manoeuvre or another modified equalization technique, we learn how to push air up through the Eustachian tubes to equalize our middle-ear space This narrow passage is finicky; if equalization is not done early and often, there can be too much pressure from the underwater environment to move air through them effectively This is why instructors teach students who cannot equalize to ascend slightly and try again

When we equalize successfully, the air pushed through the eustachian tubes causes the pressure in the middle-ear space to increase, allowing it to match the ambient pressure from the underwater environment exerted on the outside of the tympanic membrane

Using traditional earplugs creates an additional air space that your anatomy cannot equalize The increase in pressure on descent puts pressure on the earplug and pushes it further into the ear due to the decrease in pressure of the air space created According to Boyle’s Law, the relationship between gas volume and pressure are inversely proportional (of a given mass at a constant temperature)

If you descend to 3 atmospheres (20m/66ft), the air is one-third of its original volume, including the air in the space the earplug created To compensate for this, the earplug is forced further into the external ear canal than it should be until it meets too much resistance and stops At the same time, if nothing is blocking the eustachian tube and the diver equalizes or passive equalization occurs, pressure increases in the middle-ear cavity This increased pressure, paired with the decrease in air pressure between the eardrum and earplug, will cause the tympanic membrane to bow outward As a diver continues to descend in the water column, the pressure can eventually become so significant that the tympanic membrane can rupture

One could argue that the use of vented earplugs will mitigate this issue Vented earplugs allow water to enter the external auditory canal Suppose the purpose of wearing the earplugs is to keep the external auditory canal dry However, vented earplugs will not accomplish this in that case because some water will enter the vent and fill the additional space as the air volume decreases

Suppose divers want to use earplugs for another purpose, such as trying to mitigate issues with caloric vertigo or difficulty with equalization In that case, the vented earplugs can pose the same risks as traditional earplugs if they become occluded If dirt or debris such as earwax blocks the vent, it has the same result as using an unvented earplug and will likely result in barotrauma

Some websites sell earplugs marketed toward divers Some vendors have even claimed that DAN endorses their products DAN does not endorse the use of any earplugs for diving Depending on the issue, other options are available

For communication issues through the tympanic membrane, such as a tympanostomy (tubes) or perforation, we recommend waiting until they are closed If they do not close, visit an otolaryngologist to discuss repair options

To address moisture in the external auditory canal, there are a few ways to assist your body with draining the remaining water from your ears and several over-the-counter products that can help restore the ear canal’s natural condition to prevent infections

Discuss options with your medical provider to determine the best choice for you The DAN medical department is available for consultation should your provider have any questions or concerns

COVER THROUGH DAN

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UNDERWATER CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS

EDUCATION

TEXT BY KYLE KRAY | PHOTOS BY BLACK MASK DIVERS

Throughout history, criminals have looked to bodies of water as safe places to dispose of and forever hide evidence of their crimes Wherever there is water, there is the potential for criminals to escape punishment by tossing murder weapons or victims into the depths, never to be seen again or so they thought

With advancements in forensic science and dive technology, more recoveries of evidence are successfully performed each year Many items found underwater secure convictions against those who sought to escape justice

WHO GOES UNDER

When a location requires subsurface investigative resources, the agency leading the investigation will call a specialized dive team The team may be attached to an existing public service department such as police, fire, emergency medical services, or a federal agency and consist of qualified, trained divers who perform this task as an additional duty on top of their established role

Volunteer search-and-recovery teams of certified public safety divers can also be called These divers may hold a specific skill set required for the location, have experience in that body of water, or can offer additional assistance based on the size and scope of the scene Many departments do not have enough funding or personnel to dedicate resources to a dive team, especially if their geographical location does not dictate it as a priority

Public safety divers working as underwater crime scene investigators will operate under the authority of a law enforcement liaison who is present with their team leader This ensures they follow all elements of proper evidence collection and chain of custody so recovered evidence can be used in court

Training is crucial for divers to successfully act in a legal capacity as underwater investigators Instructional agencies such as Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI) and Dive Rescue International (DRI) offer courses to search-and-recovery personnel

IT IS COMMON FOR CALLOUTS TO BECOME COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS BETWEEN MULTIPLE AGENCIES WORKING THE SCENE SIMULTANEOUSLY.

“The reality is that many dive teams are not made up of law enforcement personnel,” said Thomas Powell, an ERDI instructor trainer evaluator and public safety diver “Public safety divers must learn how to document and handle evidence in a manner that follows standards required by law enforcement and be adequately trained to follow chain-of-evidence protocols and ensure proper evidence collection procedures”

What Lies Beneath

Underwater crime scene divers slowly, methodically, and precisely follow the directives of their dive tenders on shore and their command support staff on the surface, moving along predetermined search grids and patterns The work is long and tedious; the divers keep one hand on their tether and move the other outward in a repetitive sweeping motion Authorities treat every location these divers are called to as a crime scene until proven otherwise The items the divers recover such as vehicles, weapons, or human remains are evidentiary by their presence underwater

Identifying objects in total blackout conditions using only touch limited by a drysuit glove is difficult, even if you know exactly what you are looking for Discerning the difference between a segment of human finger bone from a pile of similar-sized bits of tree debris is daunting Finding a weapon may seem easier but often yields unexpected results It is not uncommon for divers searching for a firearm to find multiple, none matching the description of the one being sought

When an item is discovered and retrieval authorized, they attempt to recover it exactly as found They encapsulate the item in water at depth, including the sediment and any debris underneath, which can convey pertinent information about its previous environments and the time of year in which the object settled When objects are disturbed, any trace

evidence samples start to degrade from the moment they are handled Exposure to air amplifies this effect, immediately causing oxidation and eliminating the applicability of various forensic techniques

Unlike the prevalent actions of internet phenoms who remove license plates from vehicles for video thumbnails or hoist recovered firearms above their heads for social media posts, true professionals will never simply grab and bring bare evidence to the surface Nor do they share their personal opinions with the public on cause-of-death factors in open cases involving the recovery of human remains

“Whenever a body is found in the water, it becomes a cause-of-death investigation,” said Kevin Kemmerling, a DRI corporate instructor and a lieutenant and dive commander for the Tulare County, California, Sheriff’s Office “There is a proliferation of self-proclaimed ‘professional’ search-and-recovery dive teams popping up across the country who use sensationalist and predatory tactics with victims’ family members to insert themselves into underwater crime scene investigations These groups lack operational experience and training in industry standards and best practices, and they can ultimately create more emotional distress for victims’ families by giving out incorrect or false information about an active case”

Recovery of deceased persons in water is among the most difficult tasks underwater crime scene investigators perform An individual “at rest” in water can stay in motion Generally, a body settles and travels to the bottom after death During its movement, it may encounter wind at the surface and currents in the water column and at depth, which may continue to move the body Due to postmortem decompositional changes, the gas inside the body may cause it to become buoyant and ascend to the surface, leading to

additional movement after further encountering site conditions

After the body completes off-gassing, a final descent will occur Depending on how long the victim was submerged, the entire body of water and water column within it could be subject to search

Even if drowning is suspected as the cause of death, authorities must still properly process and investigate the remains As with object recovery, divers recover soil samples and subsurface material underneath the body’s final resting site For example, bullets from a gunshot victim’s body may have settled into the sediment after seeping through permeable flesh due to the body’s emulsification in water

PHYSICAL DANGERS

With blackout conditions, encounters with aquatic life may happen by contact rather than by sight Investigators have lost digits to snapping turtles, and officers with rifles often watch over crime scene divers in Florida canals to protect them from alligators

Not being able to see gives rise to a myriad of entanglement and entrapment hazards Fishing lines and submerged branches may tangle in a diver’s tether, and more than one investigator has inadvertently travelled into a pipe or natural flow restriction between two bodies of water, becoming trapped by the pressure differential

Handling evidence in these conditions is dangerous Deceased persons in aquatic environments release biological material into the water that is hazardous to human health Firearms handled roughly in the water or not secured properly during collection may inadvertently discharge Unsecured vehicles can shift and crush divers, and the foam used in some car seats becomes liquified and toxic after extended exposure to water

Chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, factory runoff, liquid chemicals, human waste, or the odd unidentifiable residue may pollute bodies of water Exposure to these substances can lead to cancer, birth defects, nervous system failure, and deadly diseases

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

There are no limits to what an underwater crime scene investigator may encounter at depth The only guarantee is that they must rely on personal courage, fortitude, and a steel resolve to complete the task at hand If a slow exploratory sweep causes their drysuit glove to pass through pliable wet flesh and make contact with skeletal components inside a body, panic and bolting to the surface is not an option

Every scene brings with it mental challenges

Even expected circumstances can cause unexpected reactions, despite previous experience When a woman intentionally drove her car into a South Carolina lake with her two toddlers inside in 1994, veteran underwater crime scene investigators made the recovery For one investigator with a lifelong passion for recreational scuba diving, seeing the two children still strapped in their car seats ruined his love for the sport, and he never went diving again

Encountering human remains underwater has a high likelihood of causing psychological trauma Implementing strategies for prevention beforehand is a key component of mitigating this risk

“Despite what you have seen as a first responder, patrolman, or combat veteran, whatever you have seen on land will not compare to what you encounter underwater,” said Patrick O’Boyle, a senior medical instructor at the US Army’s JFK Special Warfare Center and School “New crime scene divers should meet with their state’s medical examiner to

view an underwater cadaver before going on a recovery Their first experience with one should not be at depth Crime scene divers should seek support from a counselling professional or teammate talking to someone will not hurt your job; it will only help you”

NOT AT DEPTH, BUT STILL UNDER PRESSURE

For most divers, the dive ends when you reach the surface and return home For underwater crime scene investigators, the dive continues in a courtroom months or years later Many crime scene divers find the courtroom more stressful than the underwater work All it takes is one small misstep in the recovery process, chain of

custody, or documentation to have the evidence they worked so hard to retrieve to be thrown out of court Attorneys on both sides fight to admit or dismiss evidence imagine how easy it might be to instil doubt about the recovery of evidence obtained in blackout water conditions when the divers in question were the only ones present at the scene

Understanding the professional scrutiny these divers can face, coupled with the dangers and conditions they brave, helps us appreciate this application of diving far beyond the recreational realm It also invites respect for those divers who perform this job, so we don’t have to

DIVING BOAT ETIQUETTE

FROM YACHTS TO RUBBER DUCKS

EDUCATION|TEXTBYCLAUDIODIMANAO

Most diving on planet Earth begins with a diving boat However, unlike VIP divers on luxury yachts or liveaboards, average divers often have to deal with cramped spaces, dangling dive ladders, and the overall hustle and bustle of crew members, divers and equipment on board a dive vessel before and after every dive What's more, there is a potentially bumpy launch to and from the beach to consider All these factors can create a highly hazardous, unstable environment, precipitating trips, bumps and falls, some of which may cause serious injuries

So, this article aims to explore the most common causes of injuries to avoid themhence the name of the article: Dive Boat Etiquette Harmony and order on board ensure comfort and are the foundation of safety

SHOES

Shoes can be a significant issue on boats Most people don't like walking around barefoot, but on the other hand, shoes can damage boat decks Some boats may have expensive teak decks, delicate paint, or - on the other hand –ugly, nasty-looking nonslip mats It may seem

trivial, but every boat has its own set of rules about shoes: when to wear them; when not to wear them; where to store them, and where to let them dry Crew members may omit explicitly instructing you about the rules about shoes in advanceThen, the next thing you know, you are being scolded for something you just didn't know The bottom line: find out in advance - ask!

Once everyone is ready to dive, dive booties are no longer a major issue However, there is the odd occasion that someone forgets something in the boat's hull and quickly runs into a dry zone to get it – with their booties still dripping wetNot good ! As I said, shoes and boats are not always good bedfellows

TAKING A SEAT

Commercial, multi-seater dive vessels are generally meant to fill up from the back to the front. This makes obvious sense, as entry and egress can then be undertaken in the most orderly fashion. However, not all divers have the situational awareness or courtesy to follow this rule, which makes for some unintended delays and bumps. If given a choice sitting somewhere between halfway and the rear third of the boat is generally a good rule of

thumb: it's not too close to the bathrooms, with its odours - biological and chemical, and it is usually the least bumpy area of the boat, especially if the sea is a bit choppy The seats closest to the entry point are typically reserved for those with difficulties getting in on and off the boat and the dive leaders

The dive briefing is frequently given en route, making sense for them to be sitting in front In brief, avoid the very back and the very front of the boat, especially those who suffer from motion sickness do not want long delays in getting off the boat

The boats you'll encounter along South African shores are usually simpler and frequently single or double hull semi-inflatables --affectionately referred to as "rubber ducks". The divers sit on the pontoons or sometimes on seats in the case of slightly larger vessels. The convenience of having a little more space to stash some of your dive gear – is terrific! Just a word to the wise here: be sure to put your weight belt down first in the designated box at the back of the boat: Many a dive mask has been smashed during the hustle and bustle of equipment moving around. If you have a box to keep your mask in, consider bringing it.

In many cases, especially on smaller boats, divers simply roll backwards from where they are sitting to enter the water On larger vessels, however, they may be required to move to the back of the boat and hop off with a giant stride If possible, remove your fins, so you are more steady and don them just before entry If this is not possible, be very careful as you move to the back of the boat, ensuring that you don't trip over your fins or have forgotten something –like your mask or weight belt Nothing irritates fellow divers as much as someone needing to return for something they've left behind at the last minute

Generally speaking, the rear end of the dive boat is the most stable, and the bow is the most choppy. So again, the rear third of the boat is typically the ideal spot to pick from, leaving the tail end of the boat for those with back problems or generally just wanting a less bumpy launch. Bear this in mind, especially if you have back issues. One disadvantage in sitting at the back of the boat is that it is often laced quite heavily with diesel fumes that may provoke motion sickness in susceptible individuals.

EQUIPMENT

Every diver who has done more than a few dives has learnt that anything that dangles free and loose will get snagged on something Ropes get entangled at the first opportunity they get So try to dress as trimly and compactly as possible On the other hand, heavier and more fixed dive gear components often display the opposite behaviour, they come loose and pinch and snag everything, from a diver's fifth finger to the most expensive dive computer So, always be situationally aware, and anticipate problems before they occur! Usually, and fortunately, the injuries of reasonably minor, but Divers Alert Network has occasionally had to evacuate divers due to injuries resulting from cylinders crushing feet and dive ladders amputating fingers.

At best, the general state on a dive boat is somewhat chaotic and disrupted. So don't be surprised if this is your experience.This generally settles once everybody is found their place and their dive gear is safely stowed, or they are kitted up and ready to enter the water. Please do everyone a favour and ensure that your dive cylinder is adequately secured.Your weight belts are stored as instructed by the crew. It is also wise to have a weight belt with a unique colour or design, as it is not uncommon for them to inadvertently end up with a foreign owner who typically will have neither the same circumference nor weight appropriate for the particular belt Try to keep your equipment's area as small, compact, and tidy as possible The more expensive the equipment is, the closer you should keep it Always be sure to dive with your own dive computer, especially if it's a rental, which means that there may be several computers that resemble yours Using someone else's computer will either put you or the other person at risk due to excess nitrogen levels

Unless the boat ride is unduly long, it is best to get dressed fully in your wetsuit However, it may prove uncomfortable if it's a lengthy ride or the conditions are very hot So use common sense Keeping one's belongings compact and in order has a remarkably calming effect on everyone If necessary, practice donning your

gear in small spaces

CHANGING SWIMWEAR

With the typical two-dive-a-day routine, swimwear stays on for the day However, it is not necessarily the most comfortable gear, and some people tend to get rashes as a result So this brings up the matter of changing swimwear The amount of modesty varies significantly amongst different ethnic groups Some cultures are almost indifferent to being completely naked in the presence of complete strangers: Scandinavians, Germans, Swiss, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and Papuans are often practically impervious to the sensibilities of others. South Africans, on the other hand, are typically a lot more conservative. Learning to dress and undress with the use of a beach towel as a makeshift dressing room is an invaluable skill and worth practising at home before trying it in public.

DRY ZONE VS. WET ZONE

Boats are usually divided into so-called dry-and with zones. The entire below-deck area, and in many cases even the sun-deck or upper deck, are almost always considered dry areas, where you should not enter while wet. There may be exceptions, but it is wise to confirm this with a crew before making any assumptions. The climate may also influence where people spend their time between dives Excessively cold or hot climates may tend to keep people indoors And never forget that overcast days are often the cause of severe sunburn If climatic conditions force you to use a dry zone is a wet one, be thoughtful enough to use towels and other means of keeping the areas dry as possible Even where it is allowed to enter with the costume still wet, it is always good to spread a towel to protect precious plastic cushions from unsightly spots and ripples

DRINKING WATER AND RINSING WATER

Even when used on a temporary basis, drinking and eating utensils are usually claimed for exclusive use by the individual using them first More than one dive trip has become

unpleasant due to individuals not observing this unspoken rule: "Choose what you intend to use and stow it rather than show it"! If you choose to drink directly from the bottle and tear all the labels for identification, don't be surprised to find that many others will have the same idea It may sound petty, but taking a sharpie with you or another writing instrument and marking your utensils clearly with your name is a small but remarkably important ability

Always remember that fresh water is precious while at sea Whether it is taken on board in the form of containers or generated whilst on board, it is as precious as drinking water in the desert. Please don't waste it; when possible, bring your own; avoid glass containers as far as possible; choose robust, easily identifiable ones; and pack them away, so they don't wander off when you're not looking! Freshwater is also often used for showering. It is equally important to be frugal and respect the needs of other divers. Strange though it may seem, divers don't like salt!

SUNSCREENS

If you choose to use sunscreen, make sure it's coral-friendly. Sunscreens harbour several hazards: (1) they are a potential slipping hazard; (2) they are toxic to most corals ;(3) and, believe it or not, they contribute significantly to global warming As far as possible, make use of hats, shading and sun filtering clothes

MEALS

A classy diver can be recognised by how much he does not fill his plate

OBJECTS WITH A PASSION FOR FLYING

Hats, caps, sunglasses, and water bottles have an inherent desire to fly off dive boats at the most inconvenient time Be aware of this, not only they may be expensive, and you plan to use them, but also because of the pollution they cause In addition, you may now be without the means of necessary hydration yourself If you use disposable plastic bottles for drinking water, crush the plastic bottle as

far as possible, and then screw on the cap, so it stays shrivelled Doing so saves space and makes them less likely to be blown off the boat If you have the opportunity to hang up your wetsuit, it's best to do so with the zip closed; a sudden gust of wind can easily dislodge a wetsuit and blow it out to see without warning

PASSAGES AND MANOEUVRES

On a boat, never stop at a waypoint If you do, make sure you leave enough room for a crew member rushing to go through Manoeuvres, such as anchor housing, cleats, lines and, in sailing boats, masts and winches, should be kept clear of wetsuits, towels, and people It is best to ask the crew to show you where you can stay without getting in the way and where you can hang your things up to dry. During manoeuvres, do not offer to help without asking. Doing so may put you at risk and frequently be a nuisance rather than a help.

DOORS AND PORTHOLES

Doors, hatches and portholes should be left closed or secured with hooks and clips.Few things are as irritating as the rhythmic slamming of a hatch or porthole that has not been secured. Apart from the noise, the open hatch may present a significant risk, even causing the amputation of a finger.

MARINE TOILETS

One would think using a toilet should be a simple affair While this is mainly true, boats present several complications For the most part, they resemble what you'd expect, but they are two devices that divers frequently struggle with Typical marine toilets have a handle and a lever The handle is used like a bicycle pump, pushing and pulling, but then follows the critical function of the mysterious lever: Depending on how it is positioned, it will drain or pump the toilet with seawater The functions cannot occur concurrently, the toilet first needs to be primed, and then its contents are launched by the lever! Marine toilets are not designed to manage toilet paper and rapidly become clogged So without becoming too graphic, take note that there is usually a

basket with a lid next to the toilet where this is deposited after use You get the picture Admittedly, it is far from elegant, but that's the price you pay for a functional marine toilet Some more luxurious boats may be able to hold the waste, but many don't Don't make any assumptions Ask or check first A word to the wise: don't use the toilet while the boat is stationary

MOVING AROUND

Many divers, especially the more experienced ones, develop such a symbiosis with their equipment that they tend to forget they are wearing it This is a recipe for bumps and bruises. All this means is that you should plan to wear heavy dive equipment for the shortest possible period before entering the water but follow the same principle when returning on board. Pack your load as quickly as possible and get out of the way. If the boat has a ladder, plan your ascent right to the top without anyone blocking access at the top or halfway up. Apart from creating a bottleneck, the sudden pitching motion of the boat may cause serious injuries.

If you decide to bring hot drinks on board, don't walk around with them where they can spill on other people Use appropriate thermos flasks and be thoughtful in using them

Experienced divers might think that the tips offered in this article are obvious, and they certainly should be to them However, remember that there was a time when you were a novice, so be courteous in guiding those who are still 'finding their fins'.

This article aims to help less experienced divers improve their Onboard Happiness Index, and to reinforce what more experienced divers take for granted. The most important piece of advice comes last. In the words of Douglas Adams, author of famous Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (and avid diver): "Don't forget your towel".

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I thought my medical insurance provider was having a laugh, loading my premiums just because I took up diving High-risk sport my backside; there’s no ‘high risk’ in scuba diving I couldn’t think of a lazier and safer way to spend my weekend than drifting along in the current like a southern right whale looking at everything else going about its business over the reef And then it struck me; it’s not the diving but the southern right shape that’s become me over the years where the issue lays

If you read the health guidelines for optimised wellness, they recommend at least an hour’s exercise six days a week I nearly choked on my rusk I’m a sedentary desk-bound introvert The most exercise I usually get is the twenty-pace shuffle from my home office to the kitchen for more tea and biscuits However, I must be honest; that hasn’t done much for my physique I hope that old-fashioned wit and charm still count for something in the dating game because I’m about all out otherwise

WEIGHT LOSS FOR DIVERS EDUCATION

TEXT BY DENNIS GUICHARD

SHEDDING THAT BULGE TO IMPROVE OUR DIVING SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT

Dennis Guichard is a multi-agency qualified Scuba Instructor Trainer and a DAN ‘Master Dive Pro’ member. He is qualified as an offshore Diver Medic, a Saturation Life Support Technician, and a freelance UHMS Hyperbaric Medical Technologist.

And then I set myself to researching how scuba diving might indeed be my weight-loss golden nugget after all

I must admit that just the effort of squeezing into an always-too-tight wetsuit isn’t to be scoffed at It can be a 20-minute wrestle at the best of times, working most muscles in the body and getting my heart rate up The penguin shuffle to the tractor-trailer for the lift to the beach must chip another few minutes off that daily hour target Scrumming the dive boat into the surf will surely get my heart pumping if it doesn’t dislodge my knees The upper body workout holding on for dear life through the surf zone launch is mostly adrenalin and screaming, but I’ll bank what I can Because beyond that, if I’m fair and honest with myself, there’s not a lot exercise-wise I can bank to trade off against that hearty post-dive breakfast and all the calories that will end up on my waist

Scouting the various diving medicine websites, I was delighted to find a handful of articles that suggest that hyperoxia (high partial pressures of oxygen - ppO2) might, in fact, be beneficial for fat metabolism A 2016 Swedish research project identified that acute hyperoxic exposure, breathing an oxygen mixture at 31% ppO2, increased physical performance and lipid (fat) oxidation

Fat oxidation was shown to be increased by a whopping 52% with a corresponding reduction in carbohydrate oxidation Oxidation is the process by which an energy source (glucose or fats) is combined with oxygen in our cells to produce energy in the form of ATP Maximum exercise power output also increased by 24% in the same study. The topic is nothing really new. You’d already know this, of course, if you’ve read my article in the September 2022 edition of the Alert Diver Lite magazine on ‘Nutrition in Saturation Diving’.

Fat metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down and utilizes fat as an energy source. Fat is stored in adipose tissue (some of us seem to have more of it than others) and intramuscular triglycerides. It can also be derived from dietary intake or cholesterol

synthesis Fat metabolism involves several steps that are regulated by various factors, such as hormones, enzymes, transcription factors, and oxygen availability

Hyperoxia can affect fat metabolism in different ways, depending on the duration and intensity of exposure, fat tissue type and location, and other stressors or diseases

Triglycerides, the primary form of stored fat in the body, can be broken down into free fatty acids and glycerol through a process called lipolysis Free fatty acids can then be used as an energy source by various tissues or organs, including muscles, heart, and liver

We have to be mindful, of course, of the flip side of breathing high oxygen partial pressure gas mixtures like Nitrox in diving The relative risk of CNS oxygen toxicity if depth limits are exceeded Increased oxidative stress from the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Impaired mitochondrial function And also altered hormone regulation and gene expression

We can compensate for being overweight whilst diving by adding extra weights to our weight belts, of course We’ll still attain neutral buoyancy, although being the shape of a puffer fish isn’t overly good for streamlining It’s no wonder I’m often the first one back on the dive boat, having run out of Nitrox It wouldn’t be bad if only they still gave us lollies after the dive, which they don’t Life seemed so much better in my youth

Weight loss isn’t rocket science Just eat fewer calories than you burn You can’t out-exercise a bad diet and lose weight unless you’re in a calorie deficit. Eat more vegetables than a vegetarian. Increasing your fibre intake is beneficial for the health of your gut microbiome. Get adequate protein in your diet. Do some exercise (note to self). Eat fewer rusks (another note to self). Get some sunshine on your skin (not too much). Drink lots of water. Fresh air is good for the soul. Fresh sea air is even better.

A 2017 published French study of 37

recreational divers indicated that scuba diving positively influenced the ‘perceived stress scale’ assessed in the subjects It highlighted the positive improvement in multiple psychological factors

The benefits of weight loss are endless Improved cardiovascular health is safer for diving, making our bodies more efficient at nitrogen off-gassing and minimising decompression sickness risk We get a reduced risk of diabetes and the need to spend weeks and months in a hyperbaric chamber undergoing oxygen therapy treatment Better joint health Enhanced respiratory function, which would help extend my bottom times Improved sleep Increased energy levels Enhanced mental well-being An improved sense of self-worth And we get to live longer so that we can dive for longer

Just because science papers are formally published doesn’t, of course, necessitate that they’re true But I’m not a dive doctor, so that makes me free to float as I choose in the grey zones of wild hypothesis Diving medicine very often doesn’t stray (I guess for good reason) from the tested and proven But so very often,

the best things in life are found floating on the fringes of it all

There is so much in sub-sea and hyperbaric medicine that is speculated that just hasn’t been proved through extensive randomcontrolled double-blind trials But that doesn’t mean that the hypothesis is unfounded Haldane’s hypothesis of tissue saturation and desaturation in decompression theory is hypothetical, but we’ve followed that blindly for over some 115 years

If numerous sources suggest that there might be a benefit to fat metabolism when diving on enriched oxygen (Nitrox) breathing gasses or in elevated oxygen saturation environments, that’s good enough for me What more reason do we need anyway to get motivated to get out diving as much as we can?

It’s important, of course, to approach weight loss in a balanced and sustainable way Crash diets or extreme measures can negatively affect your health and well-being For the life of me, I can’t think of a single negative to getting out diving more often Raise a fin and give me a hearty Pirate ‘Aargh’ if you’re with me ?

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EFFICIENT PROPULSION TECHNIQUES

HOUSE OF CARDS

EDUCATION|TEXTBYAUDREYCUDEL

"Whatever your diving ambitions are, mastering trim, buoyancy control, and propulsion techniques are very important for a safe and enjoyable dive.

As a diver, you can choose from various propulsion or swimming techniques depending on the situation Depending on the type of dive and your specific purpose, you choose the technique that fits best For example, there is the frog kick, modified frog kick, modified flutter kick, shuffle kick, helicopter turn and even a technique to move backwards Not all kicks are useful in every situation The most commonly used technique is the frog kick; it's a kick that can bring you everywhere It is easy and energy efficient You bend your knees and ankles slightly and bring your feet and ankles together, almost like you would do when swimming a breaststrokeHowever, you hardly use your thighs, you use your calves, ankles and feet

If you need to turn around, you can use the helicopter turn Basically, it is the frog kick but using only one leg This way, you can rotate 360 degrees while maintaining your original position Another technique I often use, called "sculling," allows you to descend and ascend without using your buoyancy compensator device (BCD) or upper body The technique is to stretch the legs and move the fins horizontally in a scooping manner from side to side As a result of the hydrodynamics and the design of the fins, you will start to descend However, when you bring the legs tight together and bend the knees and feet perpendicularly and start moving them from left to right, you produce a water pressure underneath the fins, enabling you to ascend

Using a propulsion technique efficiently, your body position and trim must be well balanced to maximise your mobility and "well-being" underwater These then are the foundations: a tidy, manageable configuration of your equipment, a balanced rig, a horizontal and stationary position in the water column, mastering propulsion techniques and maintaining neutral buoyancy Implementing these in your own diving is part of the process of becoming a good diver To master these techniques, you need to practice them frequently, and once you do, you will come close to knowing how a fish feels underwater"

Metaphorically, as a passenger on their own small boat floating in perfect balance on the surface, the diver deploys the paddles to manoeuver and propel the boat, turn, reverse course to avoid collisions and, should conditions worsen, advance against a mild current. The technique is applied using one side or the other of each paddle while synchronising their motion to produce the desired movement. The efficiency of the propulsion comes from the strength given to the rotation of the paddles when their surface is exposed to the water.

Fins are to a diver what paddles are to a small boat; they are propulsion and manoeuvring devices. However, it is essential to note that there is metaphorically no "one size fits all" nor one ideal pair of fins. As such, fins need to be chosen carefully, for each characteristic (apart from their colour) has its importance.

efore purchasing the appropriate set can be uires visiting a facility with a wide range of owever, during training, a proper assessment of d to determine two critical elements that vary : their appropriate weight and stiffness

f the open heel foot pockets must match the ock boots to transfer the leg's maximum power ould be tight enough to maintain the feet in n-adjustable metal spring straps, which are bing and screwed directly into the fins, are safer aditional adjustable rubber straps with plastic all sizes and will never break or become loose he most common materials used today in fin end to be longer and offer a narrower surface, vide the optimal propulsive power or d to rubber fins, particularly when it comes to nning techniques Also, the longer the fins, the eate in overhead environments It should also hich are popular from a marketing perspective, ith the proper support or efficiency over the g techniques

e along the blade, which might not be the best s can generate a 'wave' effect, which ends up pulsive thrust Typically, the stiffer the fin, the rated through the kick The downside is that demanding on the muscles and the joints As nd the right balance between flexibility and ess

her major criterion for selecting the right pair Fins that are too heavy or too buoyant can m and eventually result in muscle fatigue and every diver is unique regarding their weight ed suit options, be it a wetsuit or drysuit, and rock boots These parameters need to be optimal pair of 'glass slippers,' err fins, that will proper propulsion efficiency and comfort and ng

e proper technique and why the traditional ot appropriate for divers. Call it "the right tool aware that several different jobs are involved: and positioning.All of these require the use of

f movements or kicks aiming to create the ficiency while minimising the impact on the optimising team positioning, and safeguarding nately, the flutter kick, a legacy inherited from diving, has been passed down and adopted

by the recreational diving community, largely due to ignorance This kick alternatively brings both legs under the horizontal axis of the diver's trim, causing drag It also requires continual muscular effort increasing the diver's gas consumption It produces a cloud of sand or silt when used close to the bottom This can damage the environment and create an unsafe situation for other teams of divers that might follow

As explained in the "Doing It Right" (DIR) philosophy, the frog kick offers the most efficient conversion of muscular work into the thrust of all the various propulsion techniques Without going into an extensive description or decomposing and analysing each of the component movements, the frog kick involves both an extension of the lower part of the leg, and a mirrored rotation of the ankles, which keep the fins above the horizontal axis of the diver's trim Each kick is followed by a gliding phase that takes advantage of the thrust produced by the power stroke to gain distance and provides rest before starting the next kick The intermediate moment when the forward movement slows is also a good indicator of one's buoyancy control This technique, combined with the breathing cycle, should allow one to exhale during the power stroke and inhale during the gliding phase, preserving and lowering divers' gas consumption while protecting the environment from silt out

Similarly, the back kick is executed as a reversed frog kick with a gliding phase It is probably the most challenging propulsion technique to learn, and it can highlight buoyancy or trim control issues To develop good muscle memory, it is best decomposed into its constituent components and repeatedly practised as part of land drills practising each step of the movement while laying on the ground or sitting. Practising on land helps divers to remain in trim underwater and identify whether they are correctly using the top surfaces of the fins combined with a proper rotation of their ankles, rather than conducting the kick from the hips.

The control of the upper body, including the extension of the arms and looking forward, is

essential to maintain a proper trim during each stroke A full back kick with the extension of the lower leg enables a diver to reverse direction and move backwards from a dead end A modified back kick involving only the rotation of the ankles helps fight the 'magnet effect' between two divers facing one another, enabling them to maintain a suitable distance As such, it enhances a team's stabilisation during safety or decompression stops, and controlled ascents and descents, as opposed to maintaining an appropriate distance by pushing against each other's fists, destabilising divers' trim As mentioned earlier, sculling is another combined technique that can aid a diver in making depth changes

Some advanced propulsion techniques are employed when the surrounding environment is space limited, and there is a potential for a silt out While they provide limited thrust, they are used for short portions of the dive, both for team safety and for conserving the environment Amongst them are:

The modified frog kick, which does not include the extension of the lower leg, is conducted while keeping the ankles close The rotation of the ankles pushes the water with the back surface of the fins This constrained movement prevents one from touching walls, breaking formation, or moving silt in overhead environments when close to the bottom

The modified flutter is conducted by alternating the extension of the lower part of the leg by opening the knee together with the ankle, from a 90-degree to a 180degree angle, while pushing the water with the top surface of the fins This technique is suitable for silty conditions in confined vertical spaces, keeping the fins at a greater distance from the bottom.

The shuffle kick is used in more extreme silty spaces that offer little room to move sideways or from the ground. It involves keeping both legs close to one another and bent in a 90-degree position at the knee and the ankle while using toes to shuffle just the tips of the fins alternatively.

Other techniques are used for manoeuvring or

repositioning purposes The helicopter kick enables the diver to conduct an axial rotation by combining a simultaneous clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of the ankles with a slight extension of the lower leg part This enables the diver to turn to reposition themself relative to the team or the surrounding environment

Last but not least, in terms of efficiency, hands have long been banished when it comes to diver propulsion, and so should they be However, in terms of manoeuvring or repositioning, they can be used temporarily when helicopter kicks would create environmental damage, for example, when a diver is too close to a fragile formation or silty wall Divers might also experiment with a "crab kick," moving a hand with a single fin to push away the water on one side of the body to move sideways and not push against a wall or diving partner

Proper breathing, good buoyancy control, and proper trim are prerequisites for efficient propulsion techniques Paddling will not get

you far if your small boat cannot float horizontally on the surface At the same time, small boats will end up crashing into other boats or the shore if not propelled and or manoeuvred adequately Mastering finning techniques is also fundamental to the team's effort and situational awareness

Divers can find inspiration in William Ernest Henley's famous line in his poem, Invictus "I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul" In the language of diving, "Be the master of your finning, be the captain of your small boat"

About the Author: Audrey Cudel is a cave explorer and technical diving instructor specialising in sidemount and cave diving training in Europe and Mexico She is also renowned in the industry for her underwater photography portraying deep technical and cave divers Her work has appeared in various magazines such as Wetnotes, Octopus, Plongeur International, Perfect Diver, Times of Malta, and SDI/TDI and DAN (Divers Alert Network) publications

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It can do your head in; it really can Trying to make sense of things that don’t want to be completely made sense of Although I think it’s perhaps us (speaking for myself, of course) rather than science Science just ‘is’ It’s us who want to complicate things

I think it’s ingrained in human nature Our desire to make the world fit into our preconceived idea of how everything should be If we can put everything in the world into our ideological pigeon-boxes so that everything makes sense, then we think we’re in control of life, and the world becomes ‘safe’ And diving medicine feels a lot like that, too

I’ve been studying decompression theory most of my life I got drawn into it even before I did my Instructor’s course in February 1995 (yes, I’m that old!) As far back as April 1993, I qualified as a chamber operator with a commercial dive school in Durban On top of my paramedical qualification, it fuelled my love affair with chamber work both as a medical attendant

THE MALADY OF DIVING SCIENCE

EDUCATION

TEXT BY DENNIS GUICHARD

STAYING FOCUSSED ON WHAT MOST COUNTS IN DIVING MEDICINE

Dennis Guichard is a multi-agency qualified Scuba Instructor Trainer and a DAN ‘Master Dive Pro’ member. He is qualified as an offshore Diver Medic, a Saturation Life Support Technician, and a freelance UHMS Hyperbaric Medical Technologist.

and as a chamber operator, from that into commercial dive medics, saturation science, and the fundamentals of hyperbaric medicine I’ve been enthralled with decompression theory and diving medicine ever since

The Holy Grail of my studies has always been a desire to master decompression theory It seemed as though that was all that really mattered most - understanding the core nature of inert gas bubbles and decompression sickness (DCS) If I understand deco theory, I understand ‘diving’ The oceans become our oyster, as I think the saying goes

I don’t think there’s a science paper that I haven’t read on the topic, nor a diving medicine book that I haven’t bought and devoured mentally A hypothesis of Haldane and contra-Haldane deco theory I haven’t studied Dissolved gas models versus freephase dynamics, dual-phase, exponentiallinear, varying permeability, thermodynamic kinetic model, slab diffusion, ratio deco, and biophysical decompression models - I’ve studied them all I’ve even ‘coded’ various iterations of the Bühlmann algorithms via a plethora of various Excel spreadsheets I have

The times with sheer joy that I’ve thought I’ve stumbled (as a humble mortal dive Instructor) onto the missing jigsaw piece that might finally solve the DCS puzzle More than once Finding, for example, a published science paper proposing the hypothesis of how lung surfactants dissolve into the blood plasma and attach to the blood vessel walls as active hydrophobic spots And how this is thought to be where and how bubbles seed upon decompression from any dive

Or finding another published paper showing how endothelial function (blood vessel walls) is hampered post-dive, reducing the efficiency of off-gassing. Thinking that’s what might finally crack the DCS malady. As if I’m going to be the one to solve anything at all anyway.

Only to get hit with the learning that just because a science paper is published doesn’t make it true. A hypothesis is nothing but a hypo-thesis. ‘Hypo’ means ‘less-than-normal’,

and ‘thesis’ means it is just a ‘theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved’ So, in truth, hypotheses remain on shaky ground even if they’re published hypotheses

My frustration with medicine is that it doesn’t (and quite rightly so) deal with maybe’s Science deals with certainties It doesn’t dance in the shadows, even if it’s precisely in those shadows where most of the exciting stuff is to be found Anything ultimately brought into the light of scientific enquiry must first be birthed in the shadows of observation

It is equally a realisation I find frequently with the architectural building science analysis work I do for my mainstream entertainment (work) Building science analysis shows that design solutions that work on one building don’t necessarily work on another One solution is not equal to all You can’t simplify what is, in truth, a complex science Buildings are shown to be complex structures where individual consideration of bespoke solutions is paramount for each

Science is science So, how do we find ourselves (speaking again for myself) hoping to find single solutions in diving medicine and decompression theory that might equally apply to all divers everywhere? It is faulty thinking We are each incredibly and beautifully unique and complex And I’m slowly coming to realise that there, in fact, isn’t a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow In fact, there are times I even start to doubt the rainbow

It’s perhaps only through the painstaking process of ‘coding’ out the Bühlmann algorithm and other formulas to plot tissue gas loads and risk of oxygen toxicity that you realise how purely mathematical the central concepts of hypothetical prediction are anyway. At best, math can only wildly predict mean (average) probability rather than bespoke individual behaviourism. Based on assumptions that are commonly hypothetical and may never perhaps be proven in truth. It’s rather frightening how we thus so deeply trust our mathematical dive computers to keep us safe on dives. When those are programmed

with many varying mean-based algorithms centred in any number of different decompression hypotheses

When you speak to and study with, some of the very best diving specialist doctors and consultants on earth - and I’m fortunate indeed to have access to some of the very best of them - you discover that bubbles and DCS aren’t even on their radar as a concern in diving medicine

For sure, bubbles are important If we ignore the basics of diving, we will likely get a bend And the hyperbaric facilities I know of do indeed see a lot of bends, some of which are serious or even fatal So, DCS is serious business; you want to avoid it at all costs But it’s still not very high on the statistical list of concerns

In reality, more divers get skin cancer than get DCS More of us are stuffing our faces with too much sugar and junk food, risking diabetes in later life Risk is in everything When we overstay our bottom NDT times and ascend too quickly, it is mainly irrelevant whether active hydrophobic spots are real or not When you’re lying in the chamber with lower limb paralysis,

it is irrelevant whether your dive computer was running Bühlmann or RGBM algorithms We sometimes forget to respect the bigger picture when we get lost in the details

It would be nice to go diving with absolute surety of my safety from DCS risk But that’s a pipe dream For sure, we know that certain profiles are more provocative than others For sure, we know that DCS is widely multifactorial We know that dive computers do nothing but predict mean (average) risk and probability of hopeful DCS safety We know that you can bend despite being well within your computers’ NDT mean limits But we also know that DCS, in reality, only occurs to a tiny proportion of divers Treasure the adventure of life rather than getting lost in the details !

I often find science to be frustrating because I can’t grasp it with any level of real certainty I’m one of those who likes black and white boundaries even though I do like to play in the grey zones What I do know is that when push comes to shove, there are great dive doctors out there doing incredible work dealing with certainties and realities And that gives me comfort despite the rest

DIVE FITNESS

BY JESSICA B. ADAMS, PH.D., AND JAIME B. ADAMS, M.S.

Divers tend to be very invested in their gear They clean masks, adjust straps, check computers, test regulators and shuffle weights prior to taking giant strides into the underwater realm It is important that divers also remember to prepare their most important dive gear: their bodies

Before you dive, take a moment to inventory your body If you were sedentary on the ride out to the dive site your heart rate is probably near resting, so it is not circulating much oxygen to your muscles Your muscles may be tight, which limits mobility Your joints might be creaky, limiting comfort of movement If you dive right in, you risk cramping up or starting the dive feeling less than optimal You have invested a lot in your training, planning and preparation, so take a few minutes to prepare your body

Diving is a physical activity A proper warm-up

and stretching routine is important for both enjoyment and safety during dives A smart stretching session can boost circulation, lubricate joints and warm up muscles It will allow you to don your gear and enter and exit the water with greater ease It may also allow you to acclimate to the underwater environment more quickly

A progressive warm-up gradually increases the heart rate and dilates the blood vessels, which promotes oxygenation of muscle tissue Elevated muscle temperature optimizes efficiency and flexibility A predive stretch reduces stress on muscles, tendons and joints and increases range of motion

Before you dive, spend five to 10 minutes to complete a few rounds of the exercises below Pay attention to how your body feels, and focus on any areas that seem tight

CALF STRETCH

Calf cramps are a common annoyance in diving; the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) are primarily responsible for pointing your toes during finning Tight calf muscles can lead to cramping, so stretch your calf muscles before you dive.

If you are already wearing fins, stretch your calves just like you learned in your open-water class:

1. Straighten your leg.

2. Grab the blade of your fin.

3. Pull the blade back toward your knee until you feel the stretch, and hold this position for 30-60 seconds.

4. Repeat on the opposite side.

If you are not wearing fins:

1. Sit with one leg straight (flat on the ground or seated on a bench).

2. Loop a towel under your toes

3. Pull until you feel the stretch, and hold this position for 30-60 seconds

4. Repeat on the opposite side

BACK SCRATCHER SHOULDER STRETCH

You don’t want the first time you reach overhead to be when you need to reach a valve or locate your regulator.

1. Extend one arm straight overhead.

2. Bend your elbow, and reach down your spine.

3. Grasp the bent elbow with the opposing hand

4. Gently pull your elbow, and hold this position for 30-60 seconds

5. Repeat on the opposite side

Tip: Keep your head up

HANGING ARM CIRCLES

Rotator-cuff issues are a common ailment as we age. Activation of the rotator muscles prepares the shoulder for action and increases joint mobility.

1. Bend over at your waist while maintaining a flat back.

2. Let one arm hang freely, and rotate it 30 times clockwise and 30 times counterclockwise, gradually increasing the size of your circles.

3. Use the other hand to brace yourself, if necessary.

4. Switch arms after two to four sets.

STANDING OR SEATED TRUNK TWISTS

Lower-back tightness is a common cause of back problems, so warm up before donning heavy dive gear.

1. Begin with a tall spine while either standing or sitting

2. Cross your arms in front of you like a genie

3. Slowly rotate to your right, hold this position for a two count, and return to center

4. Repeat to the left

5. Move smoothly, and maintain control

SQUATS

Squats activate all the major muscles and joints of the lower body including the ankles, knees and hips.

1. Begin with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width.

2. Push your hips back while maintaining a flat back.

3. Lower your hips as if sitting down, and keep your knees from traveling forward of your toes.

4. Once you reach a comfortable seated position, stand up, pushing your hips forward.

Tip: Keep your heels on the floor at all times. Do squats only in calm seas.

WALL PUSH-UPS

Push-ups are excellent for activating the major muscles of the upper body.

1. Stand facing a wall or a solid object at chest height.

2. Extend your hands straight toward the wall with your palms flat and fingers facing up.

3. Lower your chest toward the wall, hold this position for a two count, and slowly push away.

4 Perform 10-15 repetitions

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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BIPOLAR DISORDER AND DIVING

Q | I am a dive instructor but have not dived for five years. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Can I dive safely with the medicine I take, or will it be dangerous even if I dive in shallow water?

Generally speaking, both bipolar I and bipolar II disorders are considered relative contraindications to diving, meaning that people with this disorder need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for their fitness to dive Many divers have found ways to manage their condition and enjoy diving, but each person should discuss the possible implications of diving with their physicians DAN medics are available to consult with your healthcare providers

Some severe symptoms of bipolar disorder may be a contraindication to diving, and we recommend avoiding diving while in either a manic or depressive state Manic episodes bring the potential for bad decision-making and engaging in risky behaviours Depressive episodes can cloud our judgment and produce

circumstances that may leave us prone to accidents or injury

There has been little research into the effects of barometric pressure on specific medications In general, we are most concerned about the underlying conditions the drugs are treating and the potential side effects of those drugs Lithium is a common medication used to treat these disorders, but its use comes with significant concerns Lithium can become toxic if a person is dehydrated or if sodium levels drop Diving is a diuretic, which can complicate the situation

The side effects of some drugs can alter a person’s mental capacity or make them drowsy, neither of which is compatible with diving Some medication side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, blurred vision, and headaches can mimic decompression sickness (DCS) symptoms and complicate a DCS diagnosis

Ben Strelnick, NREMT, W-EMT

Q | I had difficulty breathing during a dive and was in respiratory distress when I got back on the boat. I was later diagnosed with immersion pulmonary oedema (IPE). How can I prevent IPE from happening again?

Pulmonary oedema is believed to be a manifestation of relative pulmonary capillary hypertension, which means increased pressure in the capillaries relative to the pressure in the alveoli This condition causes fluid to leak from the capillaries into the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs It inhibits your body from necessary gas exchange, causing you to feel like you’re drowning

Immersion in water causes a fluid shift from the extremities to the core circulation Normal physiology can deal with reasonable volume shifts, but factors may arise that prevent the system from handling the additional fluid as needed and can cause pulmonary oedema These factors, for example, can be issues involving the heart chambers, valves, hypertension, pulmonary conditions, overhydration, constrictive gear, negative airway pressures (eg, from a poorly tuned regulator), or excessive effort Several of these factors are usually present to cause IPE

Water immersion always comes with some risks, but we can help mitigate these risks by hydrating appropriately (but not too much), ensuring the gear fits well It is serviced by getting regular checkups and having fitnessto-dive examinations before diving when your health status changes

Leandra Lynn, NREMT

Q | I’m a volunteer diver at my local aquarium. The last time I was diving, I experienced severe pain in my lower right molar. The pain was relieved during the second dive but returned when I surfaced. I called DAN, and the medic referred me to my dentist, who discovered an old filling in that tooth had fallen out. I had it replaced, and I’m back diving again. Could my dive have contributed to my filling falling out?

Dental barotrauma (tooth squeeze), clinically referred to as barodontalgia, occurs when compressed gas is trapped in a susceptible tooth that has an air space that does not equalize effectively Trapped gas behaves according to Boyle’s Law and can result in tooth fracture and/or gum damage

Lana P Sorrell, MBA, EMT, DMT

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Michael Clarke, Group Director, Watersport & Marine Division, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, PADI® Course Director, explains why he chooses DAN

Petar Denoble, MD, DSc, has dedicated his career to exploring and solving practical issues in dive medicine Born in Croatia, he learned to swim early and spent much of his free time freediving and fishing in the Adriatic Sea Denoble graduated from the Zagreb University School of Medicine and then joined the Yugoslav Navy to be involved in diving medicine

How did you start working at DAN?

At 27 years old, I interviewed for a residency in internal medicine and learned about the Naval Diving Institute of the former Yugoslav Navy I was impressed with the hyperbaric department, their advanced equipment, and what they were doing I joined the Navy not out of enthusiasm for the military but because I wanted to follow the path of dive medicine

For three years, I provided medical care, taught the physiology and medicine of diving, spent many days and nights at sea watching the

PETAR DENOBLE RESEARCHER PROFILE

SOLVING PRACTICAL ISSUES FOR DIVERS

BY FRAUKE TILLMANS, PHD, & RHIANNON BRENNNER

Photos Courtesy Petar Denoble

While watching combat divers’ strenuous training, which not all candidates could complete, I started thinking about measuring the physiological cost of their activities and specific predictors of the suitability of candidates When I transferred to a hyperbaric department and started my naval and dive medicine residency, I was involved with various practical research and the treatment of injured divers Most cases were recreational divers with severe forms of decompression sickness (DCS) Observing frequent residual disability in severely injured divers furthered my interest in preventing dive injuries

I joined DAN in late 1991, thanks to Peter Bennett, and worked under Richard Vann, who was faculty at the Duke Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology and the part-time director of research at DAN While DAN had been conducting research at that point, most of it in the FG Hall Environmental Laboratory at Duke, I became the first full-time DAN researcher in February 1992, marking the official beginning of the DAN research department

What project makes you most proud or the one you think about most fondly?

I like studies that aim to solve practical issues for divers, so I am especially fond of two DAN projects: the Dive Injury and Fatality Database and Project Dive Exploration

You may think that after centuries of diving, we would know everything about what dive injuries can look like, but that’s not the case Our mental model of decompression illness is quite simplified Even artificial intelligence (AI) would have difficulties diagnosing DCS in real time because of the gaps in our knowledge. Working on a qualitative and quantitative description of DCS, we help improve our diagnostic abilities.

It’s also important to know how exposure affects the outcome. You’ll hear divers claim

that because they didn’t breach standards set by decompression tables or their dive computer, their symptoms couldn’t be DCS, but that isn’t true We know that there is a continuum of DCS risk from minimal to fatal The risk is more predictable in severe decompression exposure than in relatively innocuous diving, like recreational diving should be Yet we’ve witnessed that even in recreational diving, DCS can be unpredictably severe

We started Project Dive Exploration (PDE) in 1995 to collect data about how recreational divers dive and how often they get DCS PDE was effectively managed with the help of many volunteers and the diving industry Dive computer manufacturers were kind enough to modify their software so we could retrieve their data It was important to have precise information about a dive exposure to relate that to the outcomes We previously had only hearsay and unverified reports of what dive caused what injury Now we could get real, objective data and measurement of dive exposures

Dive computers were new on the market, so we needed tools to examine the data they could collect At that time, DAN did not have the funds to hire IT professionals, so it fell upon me to build an application to help download dive profiles, collect post-dive reports, and combine them with predive information I knew a bit of English but nothing about programming, so I received some tips from a knowledgeable friend and taught myself the rest It was tedious work, especially debugging It was never something I really liked, but it was an important part of the job

Despite all the difficulties, we learned many things. We confirmed that DCS is quite rare in recreational diving and established a baseline of incidence. We also confirmed that the exposure–outcome relationship is highly variable and that we would need more research to identify the drivers of that variability.

What is the role of collaborators and volunteers at DAN?

We’ve always relied on volunteers Establishing a highly skilled lab with high capabilities to study multiple fields is hard Labs are usually specialized, but we don’t focus on only one issue or topic at DAN We’re looking at the needs of divers in a broad sense From doctors and physiologists to engineers and IT specialists, we need to collaborate with experts in various fields of research that align with our interests We often are not the researchers ourselves we’re the coordinator or encouragers of studies

In a small organization such as DAN, we must pick our fights and choose what we can do I mostly worked on monitoring injuries and fatalities trying to learn what issues need attention, engagement, and research We would also run some studies that encompassed “orphan” issues that nobody except for DAN could address at that time

For example, the Flying After Diving research was a vast and expensive experimental study With DAN’s support under Richard Vann, the participation of the entire Duke lab, and volunteer divers, the study lasted for years Ultimately, we developed and published results that improved our knowledge of the risks of flying after diving and DCS prevention

What are the most effective risk-mitigation strategies for scuba divers?

Scuba diving was demystified long ago, and to a certain extent, that was a mistake What surprised me most during my time at DAN was how often divers get away with unsafe acts. I hesitate to say that because people might think they can get away with being unsafe when they are doing well-documented things to put them at risk.

Data like that doesn’t indicate an unseen force watching out for drunkards and divers. Instead,

it’s further proof of the Swiss cheese model of accidents Unsafe acts create holes in your dive plan, and it only takes those holes to align once to cause a devastating accident The nature of these accidents makes it difficult for divers to grasp that they must always be on guard from unsafe acts

That being said, I do not advocate raising participation barriers and restrictions The DAN Research department and I have seen more dive injuries than anybody else, but the data show that scuba is generally a safe activity To make it safer, we must not let individual divers be careless; we must teach them The only safe divers are the ones who are aware of the risks

Predive checklists are an effective riskmitigation tool with measured efficacy, but they are not a cure for everything Riskmitigation strategies should be customized for the type of dive activities and the diver profiles DAN does this by providing lifelong learning resources for recreational and technical divers

How else can we prevent dive fatalities?

By staying healthy and being aware of your limitations I stopped diving in the 1980s back in Croatia I had an episode of severe arrhythmia that scared me While I admired and loved diving as a young man, I didn’t dare much to go underwater after that

I once met a diver who had some serious heart arrhythmia issues she was banned from diving, and her physician labelled her as unfit to dive Disregarding this, she bought a fullface mask so that, theoretically, if she passed out underwater, she would not drown Her dive buddy was her husband, and he was always well-informed of her condition and location. They continued to dive conservatively and never had any issues.

In most situations, people can find a way, but they must be aware of their conditions and risks to take proper risk-mitigation measures.

People need to be honest with themselves You can’t just pretend that you don’t have health issues when you do It’s human to have your health naturally decline

What does the future of diving research look like?

We need to learn more about what constitutes individual variability Because nitrogen bubbles have a role in DCS, at least in describing the severity of decompression stress, I would like DAN’s New Bubble Study on bubble variability within and between divers to be expanded I hope the data that Frauke Tillmans and her team are collecting will help establish new methodologies and tools, and we may eventually be able to get to customized decompression procedures

We also need researchers You will not find anything new in AI It can summarize what is out there, but we, as researchers, must provide new information and take our research in new directions AI can be a helpful tool; it can help you extract or analyze information from massive databases, but it will not generate or create new science

The value of these new tools is that they can help you be more precise, more consistent, or faster while doing things They can increase the impact of research, but researchers still have to lead the way We can all appreciate technology it can help a lot but it’s still up to us to develop new ideas and use the tools correctly

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PROGRAM MANAGER NATASHA PINDRAL

SHARKWISE RESEARCHER

RESEARCH PROFILE|TEXT&PHOTOSBYNICOLENEOLCKERS

Her scuba diving career started because her older sister wanted to do something fun yet extreme “She had to have her baby sister tag along While doing the open water course, we bonded quite a bit Once I breathed underwater, I knew this would be what I wanted to do And, of course, I have really cool parents who supported me all the way”

Natasha Pindral is the Intern Program manager of the SharkWise Project Based in Umkomaas, KwaZulu Natal, on the east coast of South Africa The project was established to support the fieldwork of marine biology students from South African Universities, and it is based in the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected

“When I first dived with sharks, I was in heaven and knew that I wanted to continue working with sharks, said Natasha

She participated in various internship programs working with sharks and is currently in the unique position to lead the program with SharkWise Projects

Her original plan was to become a game ranger to do anything with animals, to be in the bush or rescue the rhinos or elephants This drastically changed once she started scuba diving “I wanted to be in the ocean to explore and decided to study Marine Biology at UCT”

Natasha wanted to combine Marine biology with oceanography but opted to combine Marine Biology with applied science This included more of the conservation side of biology and teaches real-life examples of conservation in action “That is what I really enjoy”

While diving, she was drawn to all the little underwater creatures and had a really cool dive buddy while diving in False Bay

“Maryna Nezar introduced me to the amazing seven gills cow sharks in False Bay, Western Cape I was in absolute awe, said Natasha At that stage, she was allowed to do an internship with the South African Shark Conservancy Handling sharks, tagging them and

researching them truly got me invested in them

She completed a research project on cow sharks to complete her Honours degree “I then nagged/begged Dr Sara Andreotti for a job on one of her projects”

About the SharkWise project

The internship program has two sections At first, the interns learn how to collect the data in the field, and how to process the data Then they are taught how to manage this data for the project’s research purposes “If you take thousands of photos, you need to be able to use the data (of shark dorsal fins) to create an orderly database, Pindral said

At SharkWise Project, we teach the interns how to collect the data and sort and then order the data for research purposes This involves separating the good images/data from the unusable images and uploading these into the

database we manage To gather the data or imaging, we do 12 research dives in a month – 6 shark-specific and 6 reef-based dives

We have several dedicated shark and reef projects During the internship, the attendees are taught hands-on marine biology skills “During your studies, you will have very limited hands-on experience in gathering data or how to handle equipment in the field etc

The SharkFin ID program requires us to collect clear, sharp images of the dorsal fin of sharks

The trailing edge of a shark’s dorsal fin usually has notches; every shark has a different notch pattern The notch patterns serve as a fingerprint, and different individuals have different notch patterns

That way, we can distinguish them over time as individuals This way of identifying specific animals is also used with whales and dolphins, but this is the first study done on black-tipped sharks Over a two-year period, we have ID-ed

over 100 individual black-tipped sharks, and we continue to find newcomers all the time

Natasha also said they plan to expand the project to include the population of Zambezi Shark (Bull Sharks)

Over a two-year period, we have ID-ed over 100 individual black-tipped sharks, and we continue to find newcomers all the time

Natasha also said they plan to expand the project to include the population of Zambezi Shark (Bull Sharks) Once they have more data on the local Bull shark (Zambezi Shark), they will continue to add them to their study database

Using dorsal fin imaging, we can see if the fin is a reliable way to identify sharks over time But if the fin changes due to damage or injuries, the genetic samples will complement the ID process Through genetics, marine scientists can also determine if the population is healthy and if the sharks on the Shoal have a different gene pool from those found elsewhere

The genetics won’t change over ten years, but the dorsal fin might get a new notch “We have found sharks with new notches These images are then used to update the specific shark’s file/data Most of the notches stay the same, and we can match the ‘new’ fin to a file on the database We can tell if it is a different/new shark”

What else would you like to implement while leading the project? We don’t know much about the oceanic black tip or bull sharks

Our research here enabled us to identify how many individuals return year after year to the same Marine protected area, and we can use this information to support the need to keep the area protected.

By diving with sharks, we can already change people’s perspectives of these animals even if we know little about their ways.

By introducing the interns to the field work we can influence the next generation of marine biologists to take responsibility and to protect the sharks There is so much more we can do to protect these animals and to ensure their conservation for future generations

The SharkWise project

The SharkWise Project Internship is based in Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and is aimed at young students wanting hands-on experience in marine biology, focusing on shark research Interns will be assisting with the current postgraduate research through:

Genetic sampling

Shark fin photo identification

Shark spot pattern identification

Underwater photogrammetry

Reef biodiversity assessment

The internship has a fixed monthly cost for boat logistics, dives, accommodation and transport

The program includes:

Marine biology fieldwork training

Lectures and mentorship provided by Dr Sara Andreotti

12 dives per month in the Aliwal Shoal MPA, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Diving training

Equipment care

More than anything, the project also needs funding to provide scholarships for students that would like to attend but, unfortunately, do not have the means to do so For facilitating the donation process, we established a nonprofit organization called SCAR. Funding will cover the accommodation, living expenses, boat fees, supplies and equipment for the recipient of the scholarship. For more information and to support, please contact Dr Sara Andreotti to see how you can assist in this regard.

LEARNING FROM SUCCESS LEARNING FROM MISTAKES

BYGARETHLOCK

NOT AS EASY AS WE THINK RISK MITIGATION

Every dive provides an opportunity to learn and improve Often, we think that learning will happen when we have something ‘bad’ happen on the dive, looking back to see what went wrong, and then not do ‘that thing’, so the next time, the ‘bad thing’ won’t happen, and we will have a successful dive

For example, if a diver ends a dive with a volume of gas much lower than planned, there can be many reasons for this Often, a solution provided is along the lines of “I must pay more attention to my gas consumption” without understanding several factors that have contributed to this outcome The outcome is seductive because it is obvious and tangible –we accept the simple solution and move on However, consider the following questions that might unearth the factors that could have contributed to the low gas situation:

Why couldn’t I monitor my gas as regularly as I should have been done? A check every 5 mins should show how the gas is being consumed compared to an expected consumption rate Therefore, rather than considering ‘loss of situation awareness’, I should have considered where my attention was pointing What assumptions did I make regarding the amount of gas I’d consume on the dive? Depth Workload Cylinder size Environmental conditions (current, temperature, drysuit/wetsuit, serviceable equipment not leaking gas) Were these valid assumptions? If not, why not? What did I get ‘wrong’? Was there something I could have done to validate my assumptions?

What happened on the dive that meant the gas consumption was higher than expected? Was I deeper than planned? Was the level of effort higher than normal? Was I using a new piece of equipment? Did I extend the dive time beyond the planned because something else was going on?

happened during the dive This means we should complete a debrief even when everything goes to plan This should be done for many reasons:

If we only debrief a dive when something goes wrong, then if we perceive nothing went wrong, there isn’t a point in running a debrief, which means we quickly fall out of the habit of doing one, and so we don’t run a debrief

A ‘successful’ dive can often hide issues that show we are drifting from standards A near-miss is often seen as a successful outcome, and so we don’t reflect on how the situation developed in the manner it did This means we can be susceptible to the normalisation of deviance (or normalisation of risk), where we don’t realise how far we are drifting from our standards or training Asking whether we were lucky or good and then digging into how we perceived this can help unearth issues

A debrief can be comprehensive, like the one I have produced and can be downloaded for free from here (wwwthehumandivercom/debrief), or we can take a couple of simple approaches that focus on the individual or the task:

Individual focus: One thing I do well? One thing I need to do more of? One thing I need to do less of? This sort of debrief is ideal between a pair of divers or between instructor and student Suppose this is going to take place between instructor and student In that case, the instructor should initiate the request to generate psychological safety; if it is full of platitudes, they should dig deeper.

Task focus: What did we do well? Why did it go well? What do we need to improve? How will we do that? The most important questions are: why did it go well, and how will we improve? Observations are easy; change isn’t!!

It is important that we reflect on what

It is important that when a debrief is run; we focus on the specific details so that learning can happen For example, “The team communication was good” could be a positive feedback piece Still, this general statement doesn’t help us replicate the positive outcome because this outcome will be associated with effective skills or behaviours A much better response would be, “When we checked understanding at the end of the debrief, we used “Tell me what you’re expecting to see”, an open question, which highlighted some gaps in the knowledge within the team A closed question like “Did everyone understand that?” wouldn’t have likely exposed that gap”

Learning from mistakes can be socially awkward too There are often social pressures that prevent us from talking about the issues we faced on the dive, and so “What happens underwater stays underwater ” Initial research by the author has shown that divers will share stories within a closed group but not wider because there isn’t a high level of trust that the stories will be used for positive purposes

Rather there is a perception that someone will be made fun of for making an ‘obvious’ mistake or behaviour If it were that ‘obvious’, don’t you think the individuals involved would have noticed it? Shifting this approach requires developing a psychologically-safe environment and a Just Culture Details about these concepts can be found here (Psych Safety for Dummies, Just Culture for Dummies)

Unfortunately, our ability to learn is impacted by cognitive biases which shut the learning opportunities down:

Outcome bias We look at the quality of the outcome rather than the quality of the decision-making before the outcome We can have a ‘good outcome’ without realising there was a train wreck behind us

Fundamental Attribution Error or Bias This is where we focus on the individual’s dispositional factors (how we perceive them to be as a person) rather than the situational factors (what was going on around them at the time, ie, the context)

Our behaviour is influenced and shaped by our context

considered weak signals by the divers in the incident or accident

These biases are normal and expected But that doesn’t mean we have to fall foul of them Reflect on your own behaviours when reviewing an incident report or social media post

SUMMARY

Learning happens when we do something, reflect on it, put some changes in place that should address the gap in our previous performance, and then try it out the next time to see what happens And then, we reflect on that action to see if the change made a difference This process requires effort, and because improvements often take time, we

them

What solves most problems is an approach that involves reflecting on the decisions and actions on the dive and how it made sense to do what was done This is not easy No one likes to think that they aren’t very good at something We must also recognise that there are no magic bullets to improving our performance on a dive Trim, buoyancy, gas consumption, propulsion, situation awareness, leadership, communications, photography, videography, and line-laying in a cave/wreck all require practice combined with critical feedback and reflection Sharing mistakes (and successes) is essential if we are to improve We will never make all the mistakes ourselves, so why not learn from others, looking for similarities, not differences, when accounts are told?

A valve-to-cylinder mismatch recently resulted in a deadly outcome in Europe This issue is preventable with formal, function-specific training and a basic understanding of scuba tank valves and cylinder threads

Why does this happen?

In the US, the most common parallel cylinder neck thread today is the ¾-inch National Pipe Straight Mechanical (NPSM) with 14 threads per inch (TPI) The most common metric cylinder neck thread is the M25 x 2 – ISO with 127 TPI, which is often erroneously called the metric equivalent to a ¾-inch NPSM

While a valve with a M25 thread may initially appear to fit a ¾-inch NPSM cylinder neck, it will necessitate more force to tighten and likely not seal correctly, requiring significant overtightening to achieve a seal This can have and has had disastrous consequences To further complicate matters, an M25 threaded valve will also appear to fit a ¾-inch British Standard Pipe (BSP) cylinder, but only after damaging the threads

MISMATCHED SCUBA VALVES TO CYLINDER OUTLETS

RISK MITIGATION

TEXT BY MARK A. GRESHAM & FRANCOIS BURMAN, PR. ENG., MSC

How did we get here?

Prior to 1958, the majority of US scuba cylinders were ½-inch National Gas Tapered (NGT) threads A gradual transitioning to the parallel ¾-inch NPSM for scuba followed and around 1970 was accepted as the standard In 2006 the US government accepted International Standards Organization (ISO) cylinders for use in the United States and its territories ISO metric threaded cylinders must have the outlet thread stamped on the crown (eg, M25 x 2)

The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) recommends that cylinders certified to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) specification be stamped with a CGA code, an often omitted or misunderstood recommendation The CGA stamp marking for the ¾-inch NPSM thread is SP12 The CGA equivalent for the ISO M25 x 2 thread is 25P After 2009 CGA has required cylinder valves to also be stamped with the same marking

A prudent scuba technician would use a thread gauge or thread checker to verify threads when no markings are present

Outcome

Due to the wide acceptance of ISO metric cylinders, there has been an increase in mismatched valve-to-cylinder connections An M25 x 2 valve will start to thread into a ¾-inch NPSM about three to five threads and then begin to bind Inexperienced technicians might assume this is normal and use a wrench to continue installing the valve, thus crossthreading it The difference in thread design of the metric valve causes cross-threading into the US threaded cylinder outlet with potentially catastrophic consequences

Essential Guidance

One should never force an O-ring sealed parallel threaded valve into a cylinder Hand tightening is all that is needed to install the

valve, whether US or metric, to where the valve is touching the top face of the cylinder After hand installation of the valve, one must apply torque to compress the O-ring, ensure a robust seal, and prevent inadvertent loosening

Torque is a unit of measure defined as pound feet force (lbf∙ft) or Newton meters (N·m) The torque specification for scuba cylinders is usually 50 lbf∙ft or 675 N∙m

A prudent scuba technician should attend formal training to better understand all aspects of cylinder and valve connections and the tools used to ensure that the threads are correct as well as to ensure an understanding of threads, O-rings, lubricants, and torque specifications

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Richie Kohler, Professional diver, shipwreck researcher, and film-maker, explains why he chooses DAN.

LIABILITY IN CONTEXT

RISK MITIGATION

TEXT BY GORDON YUILL

The standards of care and legal principles can vary from country to country, including the context of liability and professional responsibilities If you are operating in a jurisdiction outside of South Africa, it is advisable to seek advice from professionals familiar with the laws and regulations of that particular jurisdiction In the context of South African common law, three distinct standards of care can apply to different situations: due care, professional care, and business care Here's an explanation of each:

DUE CARE

Due care is the standard of care expected from an ordinary, reasonable person in similar circumstances It is a general standard that applies to individuals who are not professionals or business owners The focus is on whether the defendant's conduct fell below what an average person would do in a similar situation

Based on this description, if an individual, while engaging in a casual dive in their private capacity, causes a loss or injury to another

person or their belongings due to negligence, their personal liability insurance would typically have an obligation to defend them and settle the liability as per the terms of the policy contract

Personal liability insurance is designed to cover incidents in an individual's life, including nonprofessional or non-business activities It aims to protect insured individuals from claims made against them for accidental bodily injury or property damage caused to others, provided that the incident falls within the scope of the policy terms and conditions

Therefore, if a lawsuit arises due to negligence during a casual dive, personal liability insurance may cover the legal defence costs and potential damages awarded to the injured party, subject to the specific terms and limits of the policy

PROFESSIONAL CARE

Professional care refers to the higher standard of care expected from professionals with

specialised knowledge or skills in a particular field This standard applies to professions such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, dive masters, instructors, and skippers Professionals are expected to adhere to a standard of care commensurate with their expertise and qualifications This standard requires them to exercise the skill, knowledge, and care that would reasonably be expected from a competent professional in the same field

When determining whether a professional's conduct fell below the expected standard, factors such as industry practices, professional guidelines, and the situation's specific circumstances are considered The focus is on evaluating whether the professional acted in a manner that a reasonably competent professional in the same field would have acted under similar circumstances

Suppose a professional's actions are found to have fallen below the standard of care expected from their professional peers In that case, they may be deemed negligent, which can potentially lead to legal liability if it results in harm, injury, or financial losses to a client or third party

It's important for professionals in the diving industry, such as dive masters, instructors, and skippers, to understand and adhere to the professional standards and guidelines specific to their roles This includes maintaining the necessary certifications, staying updated with industry best practices, and continuously enhancing their skills and knowledge

Additionally, professionals in the diving industry should consider obtaining professional liability insurance (also known as professional indemnity insurance) to protect themselves against claims arising from alleged professional negligence or service errors. This insurance can help cover legal defence costs, settlements, or judgments arising from such claims. Unfortunately, professional indemnity insurance is not readily available in certain geographical jurisdictions.

In the South African context, it’s not available locally, and it is essential for professionals in the diving industry to carefully consider other risk management strategies to protect themselves against claims arising from professional negligence or errors

Here are some alternative risk management measures that professionals in the diving industry can consider:

Implement thorough safety protocols and procedures: Establish comprehensive safety protocols and procedures in line with industry best practices Regularly review and update these protocols to ensure they are up to date and reflect the latest safety standards Obtain appropriate certifications and training:

Ensure that all dive professionals within your organisation possess the necessary certifications and qualifications Ongoing training and education can help maintain a high level of expertise and stay updated on industry developments

Use well-drafted contracts and waivers: Have clear and comprehensive contracts and waivers that outline the terms and conditions of the services provided, including any limitations of liability or assumption of risk Consult with legal professionals to ensure these documents are legally sound and provide appropriate protection

Maintain meticulous records: Keep detailed records of all activities, including client information, dive logs, training records, and safety measures implemented Accurate and comprehensive records can be crucial in a dispute or claim. Seek legal advice: Consult with legal professionals experienced in the dive or marine industry to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. They can guide risk management strategies specific to your circumstances.

BUSINESS CARE

Business care is a standard specifically applicable to business owners or operators It recognises that individuals engaged in commercial activities may have specialised knowledge or expertise related to their business Business owners are expected to exercise a reasonable degree of skill, knowledge, and care that a person conducting that type of business would possess The focus is on whether the defendant's conduct fell below what a reasonably competent businessperson would do in similar circumstances

In South Africa, several types of liability policies are available to businesses Here are some of the common liability policies you may come across:

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

Public liability insurance protects businesses and individuals from claims made by third parties for bodily injury, property damage, or financial losses due to the insured's business activities It covers legal defence costs, settlements, or judgments awarded to the claimant Public liability insurance is crucial for businesses that interact with the public

PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE:

Product liability insurance is essential for businesses involved in manufacturing, distributing, or selling products It covers claims arising from injuries, illnesses, or property damage caused by a faulty product Product liability insurance covers legal costs, settlements, or judgments and helps protect businesses from financial losses resulting from such claims.

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (D&O) LIABILITY INSURANCE

D&O liability insurance protects directors and officers of companies against claims made against them for alleged wrongful acts, errors,

or omissions committed in their roles It covers legal defence costs, settlements, or judgments awarded to the claimant D&O liability insurance is crucial for companies to attract and retain qualified directors and officers, as it provides financial protection for their personal assets

EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY INSURANCE

Workman’s compensation is a statutory requirement for businesses with employees in South Africa It covers employee claims for work-related injuries, illnesses, or occupational diseases Outside of the South African context, Employers' liability insurance covers legal costs, settlements, or judgments, ensuring that employers can meet their legal obligations towards their employees

CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE

With the increasing risks of cyber threats and data breaches, cyber liability insurance has become essential for businesses It covers the financial losses, legal expenses, and liability arising from cyber-attacks, data breaches, or other cyber incidents Cyber liability insurance helps businesses mitigate the financial and reputational risks associated with cyber threats

It's important to note that the availability and specific terms of these liability policies may vary among insurance providers It's advisable to consult with an insurance specialist or broker to determine the most suitable liability coverage for your specific needs and industry

Please remember that this information is a general overview, and it's always recommended to review the policy terms and conditions of specific insurance providers to understand the coverage provided by each policy.

If you have any further questions you can contact the DAN legal team via email at mail@dansa.org.

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Pros Choose DAN

Trusted When It Matters Most

Ivana Inglesina & Victoria Cole, PADI® Platinum Course Directors, Pro Dive Vibes, Curacao, explain why they choose DAN.

CAPE Nudibranchs

Nature has always played an integral role in my life growing up. Time spent in nature fostered a deep appreciation for all of its forms. My father introduced me to an entirely new dimension of nature In 2014, he suggested we try a Discover Scuba experience together, envisioning it as another bonding adventure

This sparked an immediate fascination with the underwater landscape and propelled us to complete our Open Water Diver certification As we immersed ourselves in the Cape Town dive community, our shared passion led us to explore another avenue of underwater exploration - freediving These experiences paved the way for the years ahead

My interest in the underwater world continued when I pursued a Marine Biology and Oceanography degree On my very first day, I stumbled upon the university’s dive club This vibrant community of like-minded students are eager to dive at any and every opportunity, even if that means diving in terrible visibility In the ensuing years, I led the club’s freediving portfolio

It was an incredible role to have I had the opportunity to introduce students to a whole new underwater discipline It brought me so much joy to see them experience the same excitement I had when I first discovered scuba and freediving

As my passion for diving did my desire to capture witnessing. I jumped bandwagon. In search o to photograph, I found the whimsical world of n became a treasure hunt, an adventure fueled by finding a new species to capture

My diving took on a newfound purpose as my lens captured their vibrant hues, intricate patterns, and delicate sizes

My identity as a diver took hold; it began to manifest in the form of t-shirts, books and a plethora of dive stickers decorating my laptop, bottles, and car However, amidst the array of dive-themed stickers, there was one glaring omission - a nudibranch sticker

How could it be that these mesmerizing creatures, which are the object of fascination for many divers, were nowhere to be found on a sticker?

I enthusiastically embarked on a mission to find a nudibranch sticker, but my searches yielded no results Fueled by my determined and creative nature, I created one of my own

Armed with art supplies and a reference photo, I began drawing my first nudibranch sticker What I thought would be a fairly simple project was more challenging than I expected Feeling somewhat disappointed with my artistic skillset, I pinned my drawing on my wall, where it sat for several weeks, reminding me of my lost nudibranch sticker dream

Determined not to admit defeat, I decided to seek help from an expert to bring my failed nudibranch design to life Turning my idea into a reality came at a cost - several hundred rands to be exact, which seemed a lot for what I thought would be a little side-project of mine, destined for display on my possessions only

Yet my eagerness to possess a nudibranch sticker outweighed any financial concerns I believed in my little sticker so much so that I suspected I could sell a few to make up for the money I had spent

With the first 25 stickers freshly printed, I excitedly announced to the world that Cape Nudibranchs had been born. To my genuine surprise, the response was overwhelmingthey sold like hotcakes! I soon discovered that I wasn't the only one out there looking to showcase my madness for nudibranchs

The success of my initial sticker design took me by surprise, and as the stickers sold out and I doubled my investment, I knew I had stumbled upon something special Fired up by the support and demand, I continued to print and sell my first design through Instagram while simultaneously investing in new designs With each launch of a new sticker design, my small business flourished

What started with just one design quickly expanded to a collection of 14 beautifully illustrated nudibranch stickers, with many more in the pipeline

As word of my vibrant creations spread, I received messages from fellow nudibranch lovers across the country, all eager to get their hands on some stickers

This newfound momentum inspired me to take the next huge step I reached out to some of my favourite dive centres to see if they would be interested in stocking my stickers

To my delight, the response was positive, and today, Cape Nudibranchs stickers can be found in more than 10 dive stores around the country What began as a simple passion project has blossomed into a thriving business, uniting divers and nature lovers alike in their love for these captivating sea creatures

Looking back at the start of my diving journey, I never could have fathomed that it would guide me through university and bring me lifelong friendships It continues to be a source of bonding with my father, and I now have a side hustle within the diving community

I frequently have pinch-me moments when I spot my nudibranch stickers on cars or receive pictures from friends who spot them out and about The reach of my little business has exceeded my wildest dreams, with people from places as far as Hawaii, Bali, and Australia reaching out to show me their treasured stickers

Beyond the joy of seeing my stickers travel the globe, this venture has supported me with incredible opportunities to travel and explore nudibranchs in other regions

I am eternally grateful to each person who has supported my business and shared my enthusiasm for these nudibranchs Your encouragement has empowered me to turn my ideas into reality

Pros Choose DAN

Trusted When It Matters Most

Tec Clark, Associate Director, Scuba Diving Nova Southeastern University, explains why he chooses DAN.

REVIEW FROM

A DAN MEMBER

SHANI SHEPHERD

Living and diving in a very remote area of Mozambique is challenging, to say the least, and the knowledge that accidents can and do happen can be scary. So, the decision to become DAN members was easy for us. Their helpful, friendly staff guided us to choose the best DAN package available for our specific needs. Knowing help is just a phone call away is a comfort well worth it.

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

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

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

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?

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?

PARTING SHOT

OFEK LIEPAZ

My underwater photography journey began during my divemaster training in 2020 when I was drawn to False Bay's smaller critters. I started using a cheap action camera and quickly got frustrated by the blurry and barely recognisable macro photos I was getting. This frustration sparked an obsessive desire to get better photos, which has only grown over the last 3 years I tend to favour the smaller, more elusive species with my photography, and spending my dives looking for them makes the whole experience much more rewarding! On top of that, underwater macro photography opens up a whole new world within the already foreign underwater environment, and being able to capture and share this has given my diving an entirely different meaning This parting shot is, without a doubt, my favourite capture of one of Cape Town's most common nudibranch species - the Cape Silvertip (Janolus capensis) The photo was taken at Castor Rock (near Roman Rock Lighthouse in Simon's Town), using a Canon G16, Fantasea FG16 Housing, 2 x Inon Z240 strobes, and an Orcatorch D900v as a focus light. It was one of those rare instances where everything fell into place I found a perfectly positioned subject, my camera settings and strobe positioning dialled in, and all I had to do was move my camera into position and press the shutter button! Connect with Ofek: Insta: @underwater ofek

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