Dive Times December 2012

Dive Times

Issue 54 December 2012

THE DIVE TIMES News from below the surface at Dive Otago

Kia Ora, Welcome to Dive Otago’s final newsletter for 2012. The busy, silly season has arrived!

Water and air temperatures are up and dive opportunities abound. Thank you to all our customers and students for your custom this year and we’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and all good things for 2013. Safe diving over summer and remember to always check the conditions thoroughly, Begin With Review And Friend and please glance your eye over our safe boating information in the back.

Cheers Dave and Mary

Dive Otago celebrating getting 1000 likes on Facebook! We have always envisaged creating an active dive community that connects and shares all the wonderful experiences we have underwater. Getting likes isn’t a popularity contest but rather recognition that the community is connected and engaged because of this awesome activity which we think is pretty cool!

Short Courses

By Emma Young

New Certifications!

Congratulations to the follow studnets on their recent certifications!

Milton Primary - Discover Scuba!

Have a Go

By Emma Young

Discover Scuba Diving Well done to the Discover Scuba Diving participants from the past few months.

We have had students from Otago Girls High School and Milton Primary School as well as teachers from Kings High School who combined their session with a first aid course for an exciting and productive day out of the classroom New Discover Scuba Schedule We now have sessions scheduled on either a Thursday, Friday and most Saturdays. Contact reception for the dates.

O TA G O

PADI Open Water Diver Course Cohen Stewart, Tim Smith, Sanna Eriksson, Jaz Morris, Daniel Hampton, Morgan Hampton, Sandy Webb and Josephine Greer.

PADI Advanced Open Water Course October On this course we had the wonderful students Marco, Elliot, Dylan and Tyson.

The first day we were diving at Aramoana where we successfully completed their three dives; Navigation, Naturalist and Wreck. We had 5 metres viz on the first two dives but with tide and weather changes this dropped considerably. We still saw a lot of marine life around the

Advanced Open Water Divers Marco Billia, Elliot Hancox, Dylan Jory and Tyson Adams.

Short Courses

Changes to the PADI Open Water Diver Schedule In 2013 we have made some changes to the PADI Open Water Course Schedule.

Every third month starting in January, we are running them over a week Monday to Friday 6-9 then Saturday and Sunday 9-5. Then the other two months we are running them over two weekends and a couple of evenings

PADI Open Water Diver Course 14 - 20th January 9 - 17th February PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course 23rd - 24th February

Dive Times

Issue 54 December 2012

wreck of the Mokoia, including a large octopus which divers in front of my buddy group missed but we enjoyed its movements after them.

The second day on the boat was an awesome Dunedin day.

We dived at the end of the mole for our deep dive where once again viz was great, with about 8-10 metres! We enjoyed the wreck of the Moana and the large sponges that inhabit it.

On our second dive we dove Harington Point. At the beginning of the dive I enjoyed the sight of a rather large male Sealion!

No one else in the group saw him underwater. Garrath our skipper thought it was two sealions from the boat, but was actually one and the largest he has ever seen.

Great drift diving around the Point, finishing off viewing the small Greenbone darting in amongst the kelp. It was a great weekend of diving with some fantastic students who all completed the course and gained their Advanced Certifications.

School Programme STAR Open Water Course These holidays we have loads of students from all over Otago and Southland completing their Open Water Training!

We have students from Catlins Area School, Gore High School, South Otago High School, Otago Boys’ High School and Wakatipu High School in the first week, and John McGlashan College, Columba College, Dunstan High School, South Otago High School, Otago Boys’ High School, Roxburgh Area School and Taieri College in the second week.

A big congratulations to Jordon Dickson, Timothy Ollerenshaw, Shanna Moore, Jack Nicoll, Scott Donaldosn, Daniel Gruppelaar, Brad Morrow, Anna Lee, Dayna Tan, Joel Hillary, Duncan Lindsay, Jayden Mee, Sean Driver, Hannes Geissler, Kristina McMillan, Rebecca Paterson, Rowan Parker, Tom Fraser and Caitlin Buist.

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A fantastic bunch of students who took to the water like fish.

A lot of determination to get through some of the skills, but all the students prevailed and became certified open water divers.

Trips Spearfishing Trip Report 10-11-12

By Adam Illingworth We set off bright and early, in no time the boat was floating at the Moeraki Boat Ramp. It was loaded with 7 sharp guns, 7 floats and lines, and 7 keen spearos. We hammered down and headed for a shallow rocky kelp covered piece of the coast to warm up and target some Butterfish and any Moki swimming by.

Trips Schedule Spearfishing Boat Trip Day Trip 22nd December Milford Sound 4 Days 1-4th February 2013 Northern New Zealand 8 Days 18 - 25th March 2013 Solomon Islands 11 Days 14th - 25th June 2013 Call or email Emma for more information info@diveotago.co.nz

We found a nice sheltered area with no water movement. The visibility was only a couple of meters but the team made do with what they were given. After just over an hour the team came aboard and landed nearly a dozen of both Butterfish and Moki, with the two biggest fish shot here. Ben Davidson pulled in a 51cm butterfish weighing 2kg and Joe Graham speared a 63cm Moki weighing in at 3.5kg, which we immediately nicknamed ‘The Cow’.

After hydrating and many bovine related jokes we headed out to Fish Reef for some open water dives to target some schools of Moki and any trumpeter or cod hanging about. The viz was better out here averaging around 8m and another half dozen sizeable Moki were later pulled onto the boat. With everyone on board we roared back into the ramp, pulled the boat from the water and got changed. After a nibble and some tall div-

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Dive Times

Issue 54 December 2012

Dive Times

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MILFORD SOUND 1 February to 4 February 2013

World class diving in our own backyard!

There is something very majestic about diving in Milford Sound. Our transport will drive you over one of the most beautiful roads in the world, over a mountain pass and through a tunnel. As our boat takes off, you look out at arguably one of the most picturesque views in the world.

You will dive through a layer of blurry fresh water, which is stained with tannins from the forest trees, and when you reach the clear salt water huge trees of rarely seen black coral greet you, as well as an abundance of various marine life. When you exit the water, giant waterfalls surround the boat. This really is a trip you will remember for a lifetime!

If you are not a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver yet, why not complete a few of your dives for this course in this amazing location. If you sign up for your course in conjunction with this trip we will discount your course by $150 to only $295.

Includes: • 2 days diving off our boat Sea Horse, • Three nights accommodation at Milford Sound Lodge • Free Transport ex Dunedin • All Air Supplied, Discounted Hire Rates Price excludes meals, travel insurance. A deposit of $150 secures your spot on the trip. Weekly payment can be made via direct deposit. Final Payment needs to be made by 1st February 2013.

TRIP PRICE

$699 inc GST Deposit $150

MILFORD SOUND Our Personal Ratings

Big Fish Action Crayfish Colorful Fish Soft Corals UW Photography Drop off Shark Action Macro Life Wreck Diving Remoteness of Dive sites

Avg Visibility 15-30 m Avg Water . 12-16°C

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Issue 54 December 2012

ing tales, we set off home for some Kaimoana for dinner!

This was our first spearfishing trip and benchmarks were set for our new Dive Otago Spearfishing Records for the following two species: • Blue Moki – 3.5kg by Joe Graham • Butterfish/Greenbone – 2kg by Ben Davidson The challenge has been set, you need to come along on one of our spearfishing day trips to see if your name can be added to our record holders list and replace one of the benchmarks set by these.

Our next trip is scheduled for the 22nd of December. Also keep an eye out on our Facebook page for any Day trips we may fit in when the weather is looking fine.

Dive Travel Conference

By Emma Young On Monday the 19th of November, I headed to Auckland for a meeting with Dive, Fish, Snow Travel and also The Solomon Island Visitor Bureau who had an evening prepared on the floating pavilion at the Viaduct. In typical travel fashion I arrived late at my first meeting with an aeroplane mechanical problem delaying a flight for an hour and then I was navigating the taxi driver to my meeting destination. All good, still had a smile and very sleepy tired eyes from my early start.

So I learnt a lot about how airlines, hotels and tour operators operate in our industry. A lot of wee tips for travelling came to light, as well as promotional material on the locations. (Keep an eye out for a Solomon Islands presentation evening early next year!). I learnt a lot

about what each island offers for divers, non diving spouse/partners and dive travel with families of all aged children.

One of the most important features is what we and our travel agent can do to cater for your needs and what you want to get out of your holiday.

buddy and join us for club dive days!

The second part of my day was on the floating pavilion with some people from the Solomon Island community. We had the Pan Flute band performing and they were amazing. Wonderful musicians.

We spent a lot of time around different operators from lodges, trekking tourist and dive operators. One thing I noted about all the people is that they are so gracious and passionate about their Island and business. All of the operators were part of a family grown business and it makes me really think about the tours we intend to do on our trip in June next year. I intend to support these local/family businesses. In summary it is a developing country with a lot of history. The islands are just magical both land and underwater. There are a lot of options for divers and their underwater tours and a lot of options for non-diving partners to tour and look around.

Dive Charter Discounts (The club will get groups together and charter the boat at a discounted rate)

I am super excited about the trip and hope you can join me in June. For a full itinerary please contact me. info@diveotago.co.nz

Dive Club Get diving regularly - We organise everything - You just turn up!

Join our Facebook Group or email database and keep updated with what’s going on in the dive community, find a dive

Membership $75 for 12 months OR $50 for 6 months Subsidised Shore Dives ($10 per tank) Dive Shop VIP ($20 voucher for every $500 you spend instore)

Club Dives These will be run as often as the weather allows. We will try to get out at least once a month. It’s really up to the group so if you’re keen we’ll do the organising and all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the scenery.

Transport (Carpool from Dive Otago) Gear can be hired at a reduced rate of $30 on a first in, first served basis (usually $100) Meet at Dive Otago at 8:30 sharp.

Club Schedule Club Dive Day Trip 9th December Club Dive Day Trip 19th January Club Dive Day Trip 23rd February Call or email Emma for more information info@diveotago.co.nz

Left: The Pan Piper show put on by the Solomon Island Visitor Bureau during the recent travel conference Emma Young attended. Just a touch of what we will see on our trip to Solomon Islands in June next year. Right: Where you will be staying if you’re lucky enough to go on this amazing trip.

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Issue 54 December 2012

Dive Times

Dive Otago would like to congratulate the

CLASS OF 2012 Kurt Molloy, Jake Shearstone, Steve Tennant, Sabino Tills, Lucca Sidey, Dylan Jackson, Molly Christmas, Slade Butler, Tom Holding, Teresa Amende, Sami Clayton, Mikaela Mason, Kelly Boal, Kevin Molony, Matt Flanagan, Jake McEaneay and Bernard Lloyd

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Issue 54 December 2012

Career Courses

National Certificate in Diving (Foundation)

Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction:

This week for the first time in a long time we had an all-female course start! Yes that’s right, 4 girls have joined us for the next 12 weeks to learn to dive & spend the summer gaining their PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, First Aid and Rescue diver certifications. Already this week they have been snorkelling and skin diving up at Karitane and completed a discover scuba session in our pool. All going well they will finish in February next year with a minimum of 40 dives under their belts and have had a brilliant summer diving Otago’s amazing dive sites

Summer School

February Group During the last few weeks the Diploma students have been working really hard to complete their PADI Instructor Development Course and prepare for their big PADI Instructor Examination.

They all completed this exam on the 12th – 14th November and the PADI Examiners had nothing but great feedback on the high level of this year’s students.

After a great night out celebrating the students are now back in class putting together their dive CV and resume so they can start applying for work. The next few weeks of course will be mainly spent diving to complete their PADI Speciality Instructor qualification. Graduation plans are in full swing and everyone’s on track to graduate on December 6th with their Diploma as well as their National Certificate in Medic First Aid Instruction.

All 17 of these students have been an absolute pleasure to have on board this year and I would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best for a successful future in the dive industry from all the staff at Dive Otago.

Career Courses

Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction 18th February 2013

National Certificate in Diving Foundation (Full-Time) 18th February 2013

Career Student’s Report

National Certificate in Diving Foundation (Part-Time) 14th March 2013

After being pushed hard through IDC I was really nervous about going to IE. We turned up to the hotel for IE orientation expecting a stern examiner but instead there was bright, cheerful Tim, who instead put us all at ease telling jokes and talking about all the common misconceptions that everyone has about the all-important IE and even telling us to relax. As if.

Taking Applications Now! Call or email Jen for more information gopro@diveotago.co.nz

August Group The August Diploma students are in week 5 of their Divemaster training and so far they are showing great improvement at each stage of assessment. They are getting their heads around dive theory including physics, physiology, decompression, environment and equipment and will be sitting their exams before Christmas. They have been having some cool dives lately and on seeing a pod of dolphins from the Mole including a mother and calf earlier this week decided to explore the other side of the Mole where they encountered some new marine life including 2 pipe fish and lots of little squid out on the sand.

Summer School Pupils at Karitane enjoying the sun.

Rosina Scott-Fyfe, Bethany Craig, Larissa Muir, Mariana Pagan Photo: Garrath McArley

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L-R: Rosina Scott-Fyfe, Bethany Craig, Larissa Muir, Mariana Pagan

Kevin Molony Dive Instructor graduate 2012

We sat through orientation and received the schedule for the next two days, looks of dread on people’s faces that had CESA for any presentation and laughs from people who didn’t. Then the dreaded theory exam came.

General passes all-round so we all set off for a long night of preparing presentations.

Turning up at Moana Pool the next morning we met the other examiner George, who looked like he lived and breathed PADI and even wore his PADI cap in the pool. Our confined water presentations went smoothly with a full pass rate. Then back up to the hotel for our knowledge development presentations, having to improvise after leaving my slate at home still got through it. Another set of passes and we all left to think over

Photo: Adam Illingworth

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Dive Times

Graduate Stories Scott Keenen In 2011 and 2012 Scott Keenan completed a National Certificate in Diving Foundation and Leadership at Dive Otago on a Part-Time basis while simultaneously completing a Diploma in Photography at Aoraki Polytechnic. Now a qualified PADI Divemaster, he has not only opened himself up to the professional world of diving but has also added another string to his bow in the photography world. A few weeks ago Scott did a photoshoot in the Dive Otago pool and come up with some amazing results. Be sure to check out the rest of his imagery at http://scottkeenanphotography.tumblr.com/.

This is what he had to say about this latest shoot.

“This photo was part of a project I am undertaking at Aoraki Polytech as part of my Diploma in Digital Photography. I collaborated with a makeup artistry student from Aoraki - Tammuz Downie. Our aim was to produce creative/fashion orientated photos to be used in our portfolios. Through working with Tammuz, I have had the opportunity to work on a number of great commercial projects including catalogues for The Cuckoo's Nest and The Costume Box.�

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ENROLLING NOW FOR

2013

FEBRUARY Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction

Photography Tips by Tracey Channon Tip #4 White Balance and Ambient Light So as divers most of you will know that the light is absorbed as we go deeper underwater, reds disappear first so on and so on until eventually everything looks kind of blue. If you don’t want your photos to come out all monotone as well; white balancing can help bring the colour back. When you are white balancing a photo, you won’t be using a flash (internal or external) this means the ambient light from the sun will produce a more even lighting of the photo – this is fantastic for large subjects – schools of fish etc.

There are a few options to bring back the colour in your photos:

1 2

Use the automatic white balance setting on your camera, if you don’t have an underwater white balance setting choose the cloudy day setting (cloudy setting is better in deeper water, underwater better in shallower water) Use the manual white balance setting (this is the best option) – you will have to take a photo of something white, so have your white dive slate or something similar with you. This will tell the camera what colour white is and it will automatically adjust the colours accordingly. This technique works best in shallower water (10-15m), deeper than this the effect with be less noticeable.

3

Shoot in RAW. If your camera is capable shoot in RAW. This means you don’t need to custom white balance underwater and then you will do all your white balancing in your raw post-processing program.

Don’t forget that whatever way you are white balancing if you decide to use a flash (internal or external) switch your camera back to auto, otherwise your photo will be very red.

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next day’s open water presentations.

Exciting New Computers In store Divethe Times Meeting at Dive Otago the next morning you could see the Oceanic Pro Plus 2.1 computer nervousness in people’s faces, two more tests and we would The Oceanic Pro Plus 2.1 is a top of the line, “air-integrated”, be instructors. Everyone rushed to the van after being told Stecomputer console that is ideal for every diver. “You can’t find ve would be driving the Prado but we all made it safely to the a more user-friendly and easy-to-use data cruncher than the mighty Wellers Rock. After having to wait for a stranded tourist liberal-leaning Pro Plus 2.1” (scubadiving.com). It features the campervan to move we got started. All went smoothly in the largest display available, making it easy to see and understand water even with some confusion from people who didn’t listen at a glance. Being “air-integrated” it also to briefings but passes all-round. Then the monitors your air consumption rate and last test: the rescue. With no doubt in our decompression status to determine your minds we all flew through. All the tensions Dive Time Remaining based on the most released we couldn’t hide the Cheshire cat limiting factor. grins on our faces. A debriefing from the examiners and off we went, Dive Otago’s $949 on its own or $2499 in a package Feb Dips Instructors of 2012. We couldn’t with BCD, REG, OCTI MONDAY - SATURDAY have done it if it wasn’t for our beloved in8:30 - 5:30 Oceanic Datamask structors at Dive Otago Jen, Trace, Adam, Ever thought of scuba diving where you Gaz and Chris.

25th December- Closed don’t have to worry about finding your 26th December- Closed gauge console or having it catch on 27th December- 8.30-5.30 kelp? We can help – The Oceanic Data28th December- 8.30-5.30 mask has arrived.

29th December- 8.30-5.30 Shop News It features a miniature LCD screen which 30th December- Closed

Shop Hours

Equipment News

allows you to keep your eyes focused on Thanks to the nice sunny weather, the 31st December- 8.30-5.30 the dive while reviewing, in the blink of last couple of weeks have picked up for 1st January- Closed an eye, critical dive data including curthe shop. It’s that time of year when you 2nd January- Closed rent depth, elapsed dive time, cylinder go to get your gear out from the storage 3rd of January onwards- normal pressure and dive time remaining. The room only to find you forgot to replace the hours resume.

Digital Optic System provides a clear, mask you had lost or the wetsuit you have Call or email Celine for more highly magnified image of the LCD had for years has slightly “shrunk”. We information which is viewable regardless of environhave gear arriving daily and we are excited celine@diveotago.co.nz mental conditions. Great for Freediving to announce the arrival of our new Oceas well. anic hardware and software range (including two-piece wetsuits, boots, gloves, fins $2,799 on its own$3,999 in a package and masks) which is competitively priced with BCD, REG, OCTI and includes dive gear for the novice and experienced diver Gift Ideas This Christmas! alike.

Are you stuck for ideas this Christmas? Look no further! We Why Own Your Own Hardware? have gift suggestions for all age groups of divers and snorkelWe believe that owning your own hardware will make your div- lers: ing experience much more enjoyable and you will simply want • Stocking fillers: Boots, gloves, knives, spares kits to go out and dive more. Here at Dive Otago we have hard• Discover Scuba Session Voucher $25 ware to suit everybody’s needs, from basic analogue gauges • Dive Otago Gift Voucher - $ unlimited and BCDs, to computers that incorporate dive profiles and Enriched Air diving and entry level to top of the line BCD’s . See Tank Fills it, touch it, try it out in our heated on site pool.

Need your tanks filled these holidays? As is gets to the busy period we recommend you drop your tanks in sooner rather than later to get them serviced and /or filled in time for your dive trip!

Give the gift to of diving to a loved one this Christmas!

Open Water Starter Pack - $200 or Full Open Water Course - $595

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Issue 54 December 2012

O TA G O

Treat yourself and your loved ones at Dive Otago this Christmas

DIVE COMPUTERS PRO PLUS 2

DATAMASK™

Military Special Forces won’t get in the water without it. Featuring an advanced air-integrated dive computer – in your mask!

• •

In-mask Digital Optic System provides a clear, highly magnified image of the LCD. Allows “Hands-Free Diving” for greater convenience, enjoyment and safety during the dive

Our Price

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$2799

The Pro Plus 2 is air-integrated, constantly monitoring your cylinder pressure and comparing it with your personal air consumption rate and decompression status to deliver your personal Dive Time Remaining based on the most limiting factor.

• • •

Patented Air Time Remaining Algorithm Safety stop prompt Diver-Replaceable Batteries

Our Price

$949

COBRA 3

This compact air integrated computer has it all without overwhelming you with tools you’ll never need or use. One of the Cobra 3’s bragging rights is the 3-D compass, which will quickly become your new best friend • Tiltable electronic 3D compass to keep you on course • User-friendly design featuring easy-to-read matrix display and simplified four-button operation • Three dive modes and gasswitching capability for a range of dive situations

Our Price

$2622

Dive Times

SCUBA PACKAGES

Dive Times

Aqualung Package

Oceanic package

This is the staff pick if you are after the ultimate kit. This equipment is top of the line, light, durable and packs a whole lot of features that simply make your dive world a better place.

• • •

Issue 54 December 2012

This Oceanic package covers all bases of quality and affordability.

Tried and tested by our staff you won’t be disappointed.

Sea Quest Balance BCD Suunto Cobra 3 Computer Aqualaung Mikron Regulator and Octopus

Package price

$5099

• • •

Oceanic Probe HLC BCD ProPlus 2 Computer Delta 4 Regulator and Second Air Octopus

Package price

Analouge Package

Entry Level Oceanic/ Aeris no frills package. Quality gear with full warranties, set up and ready to go diving!

• • •

$2499

Aries BCD Oceanic depth gauge consonle A2 Regulator and Second Air Octopus

Package price

$899

SNORKELLING SETS Mask and Snorkel Sets

Mask, Snorkel and Fin Sets

Snorkelling/Diving Set Up

We now have a range of mask and snorkel sets the perfect little gift for yourself or your spares bag!

Adults, Youth and Junior mask, fin and snorkel sets perfect for the bach or tropical holiday!

Quality, tough Oceanic product that is made to last in our tough southern conditions.

Sets from $59

Sets from $69

Sets from $199

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SAFE BOATING THIS SUMMER Marine Weather

cast.Coastal and local marine weather forecasts consist of the following parts:

Sea – a description of the waves formed by the local wind.

Many fatal boating accidents occur in bad weather. If in doubt, don’t go out.

Warnings

Swell – caused by longer waves that come from the ocean. Swells increase in height when they reach shallow water.

Plan ahead - use the 5 day marine forecast. Always check the weather before you go out boating. Weather conditions can make the difference between an enjoyable day out and a dangerous, perhaps tragic trip. Remember that the weather can change suddenly and without warning. At the first sight of worsening weather head for shelter. Use the 5-day outlook to plan ahead.

Marine forecasts are almost always accurate when predicting major weather events, such as gales. They can be less accurate when predicting local changes of conditions, so you should always be prepared for the unexpected.

When the wind starts to blow, the water becomes very rough, very quickly, especially on lakes and rivers. Forecasts are only the best prediction at any given time.

Make sure you always use a marine weather forecast. Land and general forecasts do not take into account wind speed over water, which is double that over the land, or the size of waves. If you are planning ahead or intend to be away for a day or two, obtain a long range weather fore-

These are issued for gales, storms or squalls anywhere on the New Zealand coast. A strong wind advisory is issued in recreational areas if the wind is expected to be over 25 knots (about 40km/hr).

Situation A description of the position and movements of highs, lows and frontal systems expected to affect the New Zealand coast within the next 36 hours. It also names those areas affected by warnings.

Recreational Areas Most boating areas are covered by the recreational marine forecast.

Endorsed by the National Pleasure Boat Safety Forum

Wind And Tide When the wind is opposing the tide, expect a much rougher sea. When the wind is with the tide, expect a calmer sea.

Nowcasting

Forecast Details A description, covering the next 24 hours of expected average conditions over open water.

The two most convenient sources of 5-day marine forecasts are VHF radio and telephone

Wind – direction, such as north-west, is the direction the wind is expected to come from. Speed is given in knots, and 1 knot is approximately 2km/hr. This is an average speed, so always expect that gusts may be 50% higher. Also allow for funnelling between headlands, causing the wind speed to double.

VHF radio – Maritime NZ Maritime Radio provides forecasts which are announced on Channel 16 at 0533, 0733, 1033, 1333, 1733 and 2133 hours

1 Lifejackets – useless unless worn

2 Marine weather – check

GIVE WAY

outlook – all marine forecasts are for up to 48 hours, with the outlook for a further 3 days.

Details of current wind strength and direction are available on VHF Channel 20, 21, 22, 23 In most areas.

BOAT SAFELY – KNOW THE RULES Vessels overtaking: Every overtaking boat gives way (includes sailing vessels).

Visibility – given when visibility is expected to be less than 6 miles (10km).

MetPhone – dial 0900 999 + 69 for Chalmers, 70 for Foveaux, 71 for Puysegur or 72 for Milford Other sources of marine forecasts include: • • •

before you decide to go out

Power vessels head on: Both alter to starboard (right).

GIVE WAY

GIVE WAY

Power vessels crossing: Power boats give way to others on their starboard side.

GIVE

WAY

3 Emergency communications – have two types that work when wet

4 Avoid alcohol 5 Skippers – know your limits; you are responsible

Maximum speed: • Give way boats should cross behind.

• Sailing vessels have different rules.

BE A RESPONSIBLE SKIPPER DO A DAY SKIPPER COURSE

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• Within 200m of shore or dive flag.

• Within 50m of all boats or swimmers.

• • •

Local Coastguard stations on VHF radio On the internet: www.metservice.co.nz Local newspapers, but remember they can be published many hours earlier, making them out of date local radio stations, especially in summer On National Radio at 0500 hours Private coastal radio stations and fishermen’s radio.

This information and more can be found on the maritime nz website or by downloading the safe boating guide http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/ Publications-and-forms/Recreational-boating/Safe-Boating-an-essential-guide-2011.pdf

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Dive Times

Recent News From Facebook

Adam Illingworth made the cover!

Little do most people know but Adam has a bit of a competitive streak and much to the horror or all the people who have to listen to him all day long he has finally cracked the big time in his quest for underwater photographic domination, and made the cover of the latest Dive New Zealand magazine! But really, great work Adam.

The new Dive New Zealand goes on sale this week so make sure you grab yourself a copy for some great reading over summer.

Great conditions, The vis has been good around 5-6m we’ve made the most of it while the February Diploma students have been completing their Padi Speciality Instructor certifications. We’ve had the Seahorse out dropping drift divers on the Otakou Wall, seen a Sevengill shark at Wellers rock, had dolphins swimming close by in the harbour, living the dream!

Photo: Adam Illingworth

The winner is......

Last month we held a competition on Facebook to win an ISaw Camera and the lucky winner was Matt Carter!

We still have these great wee cameras in stock and they retail for only $299. They aren’t just for diving either. They are perfect for any adventure sport including surfing and Mountain Biking!

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Happy 60th Dave Watson!

Also a big congratulations on receiving an Award from PADI for Outstanding Contribution to the Dive Industry

Well Done old fella from all the crew!