Quest volume 23, No. 2 May 2022

Quest The Journal of Global Underwater Explorers

Vol. 23, No. 2 – May 2022

PHOTO GRAPH ER PORTF OLIO: ORTWI N KHA N

THE KERMADEC ISLANDS

Exploring the remote archipelago – the Galapagos of New Zealand

THE GUE VALVE DRILL

CORAL SOUL

More than just rotating the valves, but what can you learn from it?

Saving precious cold-water corals in southern Spain

A SOLID PLATFORM

CAVE DIVING HISTORY

The setup and rationale behind the backplate, harness, and wing

What attracted the pioneers to venture into the unknown?

EDUCATION · CONSERVATION · EXPLORATION · COMMUNITY

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Ten thousand hours

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n his bestselling book Outliers – The Story of Success (2008), the English/Canadian journalist Malcolm Gladwell introduced the ”tenthousand-hour rule”. The idea was based on a paper published in American Scientist, where the authors Herbert Simon and William Chase concluded that 10,000 hours of intense practice and preparation appeared to be the minimum for chess players to reach Grand Master level.

Gladwell took this a step further to include any human endeavor. It takes time to be good at something—at anything. And even the most talented need to practice a lot.

Just to put it into perspective, 10,000 hours is the equivalent of 417 days. Or, if you practice three hours a day, you need 3,333 days or nine years to reach the 10,000 hours.

The 10,000 hours principle is often applied to music or sports, where mastery is achieved by repetition and intense focus.

Spending 10,000 hours underwater is tall order for most divers. But let us say that planning, preparing equipment, taking courses, reading books about diving, participating in briefings and debriefings, attending talks and conferences, editing underwater photos and videos, or even having a post-dive beer with the team also counts. And let´s not get too hung up on the actual number, but just accept that diving is exactly like any other human activity. To get good at it, you must practice. And even if less than 10,000 hours can probably do it, it is crucial to adopt the mindset that you are practicing and improving your skillset every time you are engaged in any diving activity. That means diving often and diving with a purpose.

This mindset is baked into the GUE concept from the beginning. All GUE divers are being held to high standards and demanding benchmarks, that are impossible to meet without practice and focused effort.

The two-part structure of the Fundamentals course is a good example. This allows students

to take the first part and then go and practice until they feel ready for the second part.

The 25 experience dives requirement between courses also stimulates a culture of learning and practice. The demand that instructors must be active and dive on a high level outside their teaching routine also sets a good example.

The commercial certifying agencies have gone in the opposite direction. They are constantly looking for ways to make diving courses faster, more accessible, and less demanding, thus conveying that diving is easy and does not require any effort. That is a failing strategy and many entry level students walks away feeling unsure about their abilities.

Being really good at something is a strong and satisfying sensation, especially if you know that you have worked hard for it. So even if 10,000 hours under water is hard to achieve, strive to dive as much possible. You will get better and have fun while improving your skills.

Dive safe and have fun!

Jesper Kjøller Editor-in-Chief jk@gue.com May 2022 · Quest

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Quest IN THIS ISSUE The Journal of Global Underwater Explorers

Vol. 23, No. 2 · May 2022

Editor-in-chief // Jesper Kjøller

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Editorial panel // Michael Menduno

Design and layout // Jesper Kjøller

Copy editing

// Pat Jablonski // Kady Smith // Nic Haylett // Catherine Taber-Olensky

THE GUE VALVE DRILL

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PORTFOLIO // ORTWIN KHAN

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BACKPLATE, HARNESS, AND WING

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CORAL SOUL

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THE BIRTH OF CAVE DIVING

Photographers

// Annika Andresen // Kirill Egorov // Jesper Kjøller // Julian Műhlenhaus // Ortwin Khan // Andy Wheeler // Michael Lewington // Javier Sánchez // Martin Colognoli // Mauro Cardarelli // Guy Bryant // David Rhea Quest is published quarterly by Global Underwater Explorers 18487 High Springs Main Street, High Springs, Florida 32643 www.GUE.com Follow Quest on Facebook www.facebook.com/QuestJournal

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Exploring The Kermadec Islands—New Zealand’s Galapagos. This tiny outcrop of islands, surrounded by a vast ocean, hosts an internationally significant terrestrial nature preserve—scientifically identified as one of Earth’s most intact marine ecosystems.

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Writers

// Annika Andresen // Sven Nelles // Kirill Egorov // Dan MacKay // Jesper Kjøller // Marina Palacios // Daniel Schelvis //Jarrod Jablonski // Daniel Riordan // Fred Devos // Todd Kincaid // Chris le Maillot

A PRISTINE PLACE

Initially, many students mistakenly believe the goal of the valve drill is to perform it fast. When they can reduce the time, they think the skill is mastered. But speed is probably the least important aspect of the drill. GUE Instructor Sven Nelles takes you through the steps of this core skill and explains the importance of having the right priorities.

His aim is always to show the sea life as pristine and undisturbed as possible, but first and foremost, his images tell a story. While the actual photographic situation might be quite different from the story seen by the beholder, he believes that this makes underwater photography so challenging and thrilling.

Unless you learned to dive with GUE from the beginning, you probably began with a jacket-style BCD and later transitioned into the GUE rig. Let’s review the rationale behind the switch to a backplate platform and discuss the proper setup of the system.

While little is known about deep-dwelling cold-water corals, it is fortunate that a dedicated group of Spanish divers is doing groundbreaking work to create awareness and preserve the largely unknown and fragile coral species Dendrophyllia ramea.

Cave diving has been an excellent laboratory for developing equipment and procedures for safe exploration of the underground. But how did it start, who were the early pioneers of the sport, and what attracted them to venture into the unknown?

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A PRISTIN

—Exploring The Kermadec Islands – New Zealand’s G TEXT ANNIKA ANDRESEN PHOTOS ANNIKA ANDRESEN, ANDY WHEELER, SEACOLOGY NZ & MICHAEL LEWINGTON

Located halfway between Aotearoa, (New Zealand), and Tonga lies a chain of volcanic islands that formed on the subducting boundary of the Kermadec Trench. This tiny outcrop of islands, surrounded by a vast ocean, hosts an internationally significant terrestrial nature preserve—scientifically identified as one of the most intact marine ecosystems on Earth.

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NE PLACE PHOTO ANNIKA ANDRESEN

Galapagos

After the long voyage, approaching the remote islands feels like arriving at Jurassic Park.

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PHOTO MICHAEL LEWINGTON

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remember reading New Zealand Dive Magazine as I was growing up. The cover of one issue featured a spotted black grouper as big as the diver, and a four-page spread featured diving in the subtropical waters of Rangitāhua, the Māori name for the Kermadecs. At first, I didn’t believe it was real! Twelve-year-old me couldn’t comprehend a fish larger than a diver, or even diving in such a remote place. But it stuck in my mind that one day, I wanted to see it for myself.

The Kermadec region has never been connected to a larger landmass. In its isolation, it has evolved a unique subtropical and temperate biodiversity, both above and below the waterline. The islands have had marine reserve status since 1990, and they extend 12 nautical miles from land.

In the surrounding reefs, large predatory fishes are abundant—notably, Galapagos sharks, spotted black grouper, and kingfish. Between late August and early November, a significant proportion of the Pacific humpback whale population migrate south through the archipelago and use the main island, Raoul Island, as a pit stop on their way to feed in Antarctica.

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The area has evolved a unique subtropical and temperate biodiversity in its isolation, both above and below the waterline.

Expedition territory

Due to its remoteness, Rangitāhua is a notoriously difficult place to visit. Out of the way of international shipping channels, only the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and scientific research vessels regularly venture to these islands. And when I say regular, I mean only a couple of times a year at best—more people have summited Mount Everest than have set foot on Raoul Island!

For Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, these islands are a relevant and powerful part of their history as a migrating stepping stone from the Pacific Islands.

For divers, the Kermadec Islands are a dream diving location. However, outside of New Zealand, they are almost unheard of. Their location serves as both a hindrance and a saving grace because they are too remote to experience large-scale effects of human impact, but they are also very difficult to access. There are no permanent residents in the area, and very few helicopters can travel this far. This means that if a medevac is required, the aircraft would have to stop for fuel dumps on isolated rocks along the way. This is serious expedition territory!

PHOTO TOMASZ PHOTO STACHURA ANDY WHEELER

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This means that if a medevac is required, the aircraft would have to stop for fuel dumps on isolated rocks along the way. This is serious expedition territory!

With its helipad and decompression chamber, The Dapple is the perfect expedition vessel for the exploration of remote areas.

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A school of blue knifefish (Labracoglossa nitida).

This is a native spieces in theese waters.

Joint Research

I first attempted to voyage to these islands early in 2021 with a group of students and teachers along with the RNZN as part of BLAKE Expeditions. Our trip was cancelled at 9 pm the night before we were to leave due to a sudden lockdown in Auckland. Later that year, I was offered an opportunity to work for Inkfish, a newly established organization that works across a fleet of vessels, utilizing their resources to support marine projects around the world.

While Inkfish’s vessels were situated in New Zealand, we reached out for critical research projects we could support. We were introduced to Te Mana o Rangitāhua, a joint research program led by Ngāti Kuri, the Māori iwi (indigenous tribe) in the northernmost peninsula of Aotearoa, and Auckland Museum, which is focused on Rangitāhua (the Kermadec Islands).

This research program aims to transform environmental well-being practices for Aotearoa through indigenous practices of reconnecting, reidentifying, and restorying within a subtropical island ecosystem that is an indicator for 10

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climate change. This program reflects both the cultural and scientific strengths of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

First Glimpse

On December 14, 2021, two vessels, Dapple and The Beast, departed for Rangitāhua as Inkfish’s first expedition. Ngāti Kuri and the scientific team were on board The Beast, and Dapple provided a unique platform for scientific research, diving remotely, and exploration. Inkfish is working in partnership with Ngāti Kuri, Auckland Museum, the University of Auckland, Massey University, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), and the University of Waikato to identify signs of ecosystem change and to develop methods of ensuring the long-term well-being of Rangitāhua’s ecosystems.

Thirty-six hours later, we arrived at the first set of islands in the Kermadec chain—Curtis and Cheeseman Islands. Appearing from the morning mist stood two imposing volcanic islands with thousands of sea birds circling above and low clouds lifting slowly. It is a scene to be imagined

PHOTO MICHAEL LEWINGTON

in a Jurassic Park movie. As we ventured closer, the islands started to reveal the details of their sulphur-stained rocks.

Arriving before The Beast, Dapple anchored in Stella Passage between Curtis Island and Cheeseman Island while the scientific dive team deployed data loggers at L’Esperance Rock, south of Curtis Island. During this time, we had an opportunity to get our first glimpse of what it was like beneath the surface.

I joined submersible pilots Marc and Matt and videographer Lewy to scope out a snorkeling site for the crew. The water shone bright blue as we edged closer to the cliff face. Tucking in out of the swell, we were dropped over a boulder outcrop that was visible from the surface. With a rush of adrenaline, I opened my eyes to the clearest water I have ever seen. A couple of Galapagos sharks, also surprised by our visit, darted off into the blue.

I was very familiar with from New Zealand as well as new, brightly colored tropical fish.

It was like swimming in an aquarium. I was smiling so much that water kept seeping into my mask. A pod of huge oceanic bottlenose dolphins local to the region eagerly joined us, riding the bow back to Dapple after we had finished our snorkel.

Back on board Dapple, the crew pointed out a hammerhead shark that had been cruising at the stern and several bait balls bubbling at the surface in the distance. Everywhere you looked, it was full of life! Our first taste of what the next two weeks would be like.

As we continued to travel up the island chain, we encountered Macauley Island. It is the second-largest island, and what is visible above the water is only the top five percent of an enormous submerged volcano with a 10 km/6 mi long caldera.

Aquarium

Strange Intruders

Looking closer at the fish occupying the reef, there was a strange mix of species—some

After sailing for almost two days, we finally made it to our destination: Raoul Island, the larg-

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Annika snorkeling in the clear water with two other expedition members, submersible pilots Marc and Matt.

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Rolling backwards off the tender, a whole new world revealed itself. The gin-clear visibility extended beyond the reef 40 m/130 ft below as we descended down the wall.

PHOTO MICHAEL LEWINGTON 12

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est island in the chain. It is the uplifted portion of two giant caldera volcanoes and is still an active volcano today.

After anchoring in the clear waters of Boat Cove (southwestern bay at Raoul), more than thirty Galapagos sharks immediately began curiously swimming beside the vessel. With much anticipation, we got ready for our first dive.

Rolling backwards off the tender, a whole new world revealed itself. The gin-clear visibility extended beyond the reef 40 m/130 ft below as we descended down the wall.

The average water temperature is between 17°C/62°F and 23°C/73°F, which allows small colonies of coral with turfing algae on the same reefs. Gold-ribbon grouper, rarely seen in New Zealand, were abundant and often shared a crack with toadstool grouper or yellow-banded perch. The distinctive maroon and white stripes of a lionfish would appear under the ledges.

Schools of blue maomao and demoiselles buffered the reef as kingfish and northern kahawai patrolled the perimeter. The only thing that didn’t fit a typical New Zealand underwater scene was the Galapagos sharks constantly present in numbers seen nowhere else. A couple of these sharks came in to inspect us more closely and must have been a little confused by the strange intruders in their domain.

Reef Hierarchy

The more I observed this ecosystem, the clearer the hierarchy of the reef became. The spotted black grouper was the most dominant species, each claiming its own distinct territory. Second in line was the yellow-tail kingfish, reaching up to 1.7 m/5.5 ft in length. Small schools of fish parted ways as the kingfish cruised through the reefs. And last was the Galapagos sharks, which could be described as the puppy dogs of the reef. As highly curious top apex predators, they reflect a thriving, healthy ecosystem. This represented what all our oceans used to look like.

Among the most famous inhabitants of the Kermadecs are the giant limpets, which live in the shallow intertidal and subtidal areas. They are among the largest of their kind in the world, reaching lengths up to 12 cm/4.7 in. We conducted drone photogrammetry on the intertidal

zone to estimate population numbers, and I was surprised by how easily we could spot them from the aerial photos.

Over the two weeks, we completed 102 individual scuba dives, six submersible dives, and spent over 29 hours underwater. The scientific work included plankton tows, night lighting to collect larval fish, photogrammetry of reef structure, seaweed, and kina collections to identify key indicator species, CTD drops (measuring conductivity, temperature, depths, sunlight, turbidity, and salinity of the ocean), eDNA sampling (collecting environmental DNA so scientists can see all the species present from that area), glider deployment to measure oceanographic properties, and SMURF (standard monitoring unit for the recruitment of reef fishes) deployment to see what larval fish were settling on the reef.

Most of our diving at Raoul Island was split between three locations: Boat Cove, Denham Bay, and the Meyer Islands.

From 3 m/10 ft, sloping down to over 20 m/65 ft of sandy bottom, Boat Cove was dotted with small rocks and boulders. Along the eastern edge develops a wall which descends out to a point. The surrounding cliffs offer partial protection to vessels on an otherwise exposed rocky coastline. The calmer conditions allowed all the smaller fish, such as the bright yellow and blue Kermadec demoiselle and the New Zealand two-spot demoiselle, to happily dance above the reef. The perfect dive location for all abilities.

Denham Bay stretches along the entire west coast of Raoul Island and is the edge of a giant submerged caldera. In the bay, the water is often discolored, and visibility drops to 10 m/33 ft due to volcanic activity towards the center of the bay. Along the cliff edge is a shallow reef of large boulders where the scientific divers deployed loggers.

Unusual Behavior

Toward the end of our first dive, I observed some unusual behavior: a couple of Galapagos sharks were swimming mid-water and immediately shot down to the reef, close to the bottom.

At the same time, three kingfish came out of nowhere and swam close to our group of four.

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The hammerhead cruising at the stern of the boat gave the first taste of what the next two weeks would be like.

We were in 10 m/33 ft of water. On my periphery, I noticed a large, dark shape swimming beside us. It circled 90 degrees before turning straight toward our group! I signaled to the group to come down onto the sand and tuck in behind some (relatively small) rocks. The girth of this shark was massive! I have previously dived with great white sharks in South Australia and originally identified this shape as a curious white. Satellite tags have revealed that great white sharks pass along the volcanic chain on what seems to be an annual migration between the cool southern waters of New Zealand and a variety of tropical destinations.

As the shark came closer, she turned to expose her beautiful stripes, revealing her identity. She checked us out a couple of times before disappearing again into the gloom. Analyzing the GoPro footage afterwards, we could estimate she was a 3 m/10 ft tiger shark. The unexpected encounter was a true highlight of the expedition for me.

New Zealand’s Galapagos

The Meyer Islands are off the northeast corner of Raoul and are the most northern islands in New Zealand waters. They have remained free of introduced mammals and act as sanctuaries for the abundant birdlife. The sound resonating from the islands was incredible. Three frigate birds (or, as I like to call them, aerial pirates) roamed high, waiting for the perfect opportunity to divebomb other seabirds, robbing them of their food. It was fascinating to watch their spectacular maneuvers to get other seabirds to drop or regurgitate their food.

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PHOTO ANDY WHEELER

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As the shark came closer, she turned to expose her beautiful stripes, revealing her identity. She checked us out a couple of times before disappearing again into the gloom.

Below the surface, these islands turned into long finger reefs, creating gullies with distinct cracks, crevices, and caves constantly being sculpted in the exposed location. These inlets in the rocks provide areas of shelter and beautiful soft coral gardens. With 100 m/328 ft dropoffs, we launched Dapple’s Triton 3300/3 MKI submersible to descend on the edge of the reef.

Within seconds, more than sixty Galapagos sharks were swimming around the complete 360-degree glass sphere! It was described as “unbelievable!”, by submersible pilot Matt, who nicknamed the Kermadec Islands “New Zealand’s Galapagos.”

Before heading north, the crew had been researching the Kermadec Islands and had heard of a surf break that not many people get to surf.

In the last few days of the expedition, the swell was just right, and the crew had a plan. A tender loaded up with surfboards headed around the island to surf the extremely rare, unsurfed waves of Raoul.

Their zinc-painted faces came back beaming after being able to do something they never imagined was possible—the same feeling I had each time I completed a dive.

The striped boarfish (Evistias acutirostris) are frequently encountered in pairs.

PHOTO SEACOLOGY NZ PHOTO MICHAEL LEWINGTON

Expedition divers collect eDNA samples so the scientists can see all the species present from that area.

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PHOTO ANNIKA ANDRESEN

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It is our hope that this expedition is the first of many voyages to the Kermadec Islands as part of the Te Mana o Rangitāhua five-year program.

Among the toys on board the Dapple is a Triton 3300/3 MKI submersible with space for a pilot and two passengers.

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Privilege

As we drew near the end of the expedition, there was a great sense of achievement. We had completed all our objectives, deployed all the data loggers, successfully retrieved the ocean glider, and recorded new species. The trip concluded with a victorious last evening spent together on The Beast and Ngāti Kuri kindly gifting Inkfish a beautiful carved kauri (natural hardwood in NZ) whale tail to express their gratitude for making this expedition possible.

It is our hope that this expedition is the first of many voyages to the Kermadec Islands as part of the Te Mana o Rangitāhua five-year program. The main purpose was for Ngāti Kuri to reconnect to the Kermadecs and start a baseline survey upon which the scientists can build over the next five years.

This was also the first project undertaken by Inkfish.

Using this expedition, we wanted to test the concept of using vessels in the fleet to act as a platform to conduct projects around the world.

In building this relationship with Ngāti Kuri and the Auckland Museum, we are aiming to return within the five years to continue to support this program and grow together in this space.

Before I knew it, we were returning back to the port in Auckland after two weeks away. The Kermadec Islands are little volcanic outposts in the middle of a huge ocean, an important waypoint for ocean travelers, a rare speck of land for seabirds, and a meeting place between currents—together creating unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It was a privilege to experience these islands, a reference library for the near-magical symbiosis of an ecosystem in balance and a precedent of what Inkfish wants to support and protect in future projects worldwide.

Annika (far left) with the rest of the expedition leaders.

Annika Andresen

Annika Andresen is the inaugural GUE NextGen Scholar and based in New Zealand. Annika has been diving since she was as tall as a diving cylinder and has just completed GUE Technical Diver 1. She has worked as a dive instructor for Dive Tutukaka, leading hundreds of dives around the Poor Knights Islands. In 2019, Annika was recognized by the New Zealand Women

of Influence awards, winning the Youth category for her work around the marine environment. Her passion is the ocean and sharing this with as many people as possible.

www.annikaandresen.com

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THE GUE VA – MUCH MORE THAN JUST ROTATING VALVES

Initially, many students mistakenly believe the goal of the valve drill is to perform it as fast as possible. After a little practice, they are able to reduce the time it takes to go through the sequence, and they believe the skill is mastered. After all, they quickly rotated all the valves in the correct order. Job done, right? But speed is probably the least important aspect of the drill. GUE Instructor Sven Nelles takes you through the steps of this core skill and explains the importance of having the right priorities.

TEXT SVEN NELLES PHOTOS JESPER KJØLLER 18

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ALVE DRILL PHOTO JESPER KJØLLER

When performing a valve drill, it can be broken into three steps. The third step is rotating the left-post valve with the light in a temporary hold.

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The team should remain stationary to give the active diver a solid reference and let them know if they are out of position.

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hy does GUE emphasize the valve drill on almost all courses? If you are a recreational diver and not interested in diving into a cave or exploring a deeper wreck, or if you are using only a single tank, you might think that the drill is unnecessary. So, what’s the point of all this valve drilling?

First and foremost, the valve drill is included in GUE courses to help you learn about and understand the function and operation of the valves. In particular, it is intended to teach you that diving with double tanks is not necessarily safer than diving with a single tank, because, apart from the larger gas supply, doubles offer no further safety unless you are able to operate the valves.

Secondarily—and probably more importantly—the valve drill forces the student to be aware of a long list of important factors, such as the fit of the equipment, the position of the body, and the management of gas in their drysuit. It also causes task-loading for the diver, a distraction if you will. This increase in task-loading challenges the diver performing the skill to be cognizant of stability, trim, buoyancy, position, team, and environment. The diver must be able to prioritize the importance of these factors, and it becomes very apparent if the diver runs out of capacity to manage these aspects during the drill.

Team skill

Divers should be able to operate the valves slowly and in a controlled manner while main20

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taining awareness of their position in relation to the team and the surroundings. This awareness is made easier if the entire team adopts the mindset that the valve drill is a team skill, not an individual skill. The diver performing the skill needs support from the team; the team supports the active diver by providing feedback, positional reference, and encouragement. During this time, the team is also practicing important skills; if they are not dialed-in with their positioning techniques, trim, stability, and communication skills, they will struggle to support the active diver.

Often, out of courtesy, the team provides more space to the active diver by moving away from the start position because the active diver is not stable and tends to move during the performance of the skill. However, the best support in this case is the exact opposite behavior. The team should remain stationary to give the active diver a solid reference and let them know if they are out of position.

If you ever, in a real-life situation, lose an ascent line or a cave line because you are not stable and you are unaware of your surroundings, you will be quickly and brutally reminded why it is crucial to remain stationary and to keep an eye on your reference and the team.

Variations of the valve drill

The valve drill is introduced in the Recreational Diver 1 and GUE Fundamentals courses and is also practiced during GUE cave and tech courses. In a recreational setting, where a direct ascent to the surface in case of an emergency is possible, the valve drill prepares the diver to

PHOTO JESPER KJØLLER

Valve drills practiced during the Fundamentals course prepare the diver for more realistic problem solving in tech and cave courses.

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complete a shutdown and end the dive in the case of a leaking system. They will develop the muscle memory and awareness to deal with the failure, and they will dive with the confidence of knowing that they can manage a bubbling or leaking system.

During cave and tech courses, where a direct ascent is often not an option, the capacity developed during initial training will help the student deal with scenarios where the instructor simulates real-life failures. The focus here is still on the team, communication, awareness, and stability—not speed.

Another case would be a regulator free-flow.

After getting a regulator from a teammate, the diver can close their own valve and defuse the situation by shutting down.

Double-tank valve drill

Divers with double tanks can and should perform the full valve drill, and the drill is the same for GUE Fundamentals-Rec and Tech passes.

Again, it could be argued that if a diver is within recreational limits, it is not necessary to be proficient in a full valve drill. After all, it is possible to initiate gas sharing and perform a controlled ascent when in doubt. However, the goal of GUE Single-tank valve drill training is to give the student the best training It is not possible to perform a full valve drill possible, and since Rec passes can be upgraded when diving a single tank. This is because a to Tech passes, it makes sense to introduce the diver with a single tank often only has one full procedure to all double-tank divers. All divers valve outlet (unless using a Y- or H-valve), and in doubles should be able to control, understand, they will be out of gas if the only valve outlet and operate their equipment no matter the certifiis closed. Even if the diver has an independent cation level. second outlet on the tank, it is not possible to The distinction between a Rec and Tech do a full valve drill; first, because there is no pass-level valve drill lies in the efficiency and the isolator, and second, because it is not meaning- fluidity of the performance. You can obtain a Rec ful to practice a procedure that cannot be stan- pass even if you are struggling a little and the perdardized. For this reason, the single-tank valve formance is not as smooth as it could be. Maybe drill is limited to a flow check. The flow check the diver needs to interrupt the drill to reposition is a check of the correct valve position. This or to shake the tension out of their arm, or their check is also performed in a horizontal posivariance in buoyancy is not within the Tech pass tion with the same communication as the valve limit but is acceptable for a Rec pass. drill. In principle, the procedure is similar to the For a Tech pass, the execution must be reflow check performed during the GUE EDGE laxed and comfortable. The performance should pre-dive sequence. But why do valve drills with exhibit all the important characteristics of a single tanks at all? After all, in the case of an fluent valve drill: correct sequence, stability, poequipment failure depleting the gas supply, sitioning, drysuit management, trim, buoyancy, the diver can simply ascend to the surface as and line and team awareness. there will usually not be any significant decomRight is right, right? pression obligation. Maybe it would be better The valve drill itself can be subdivided into to initiate gas sharing (S-drill) and conduct a smaller parts to make it easier to perform while controlled ascent while sharing gas. still maintaining focus on all the other aspects Nevertheless, it is helpful to have dealt with previously mentioned, and it will help to gain the valve operation and to make sure that the muscle memory through repetitive training. The diver can access the valves. There are many sequence can be divided into three parts: examples of divers jumping into the water with valves closed. If the diver is not able to 1. Right post – primary regulator reach the valves and a dive buddy is not around 2. Center post – isolation valve who quickly grasps the situation and provides 3. Left post – backup regulator assistance, we can all imagine how ugly such a situation could turn out.

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PHOTO JESPER KJØLLER

Purging the backup regulator before the drill is important to ensure functionality when shutting down the primary.

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PHOTO JESPER KJØLLER

Looking up will accomplish two things: eye contact with the team and bigger range of motion in the shoulder.

UNDERSTANDING THE MANIFOLD

ILLUSTRATION GUE ARCHIVE

The primary regulator on the long hose is attached to the right post, and the backup regulator is attached to the left post. When only the right valve is closed, all the gas in both tanks is still available to the diver; only the primary regulator and anything else connected to the first stage is offline. The left side behaves identically. When only this valve is closed, the entire gas volume is also available, and again, only items connected to this first stage would no longer function.

If you close the isolator, the total amount of gas is divided between the two tanks. If the outer valves are open, everything connected to them will still work, but each cylinder will have a different pressure because there is no longer an open isolator allowing balance between the two cylinders.

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Bring the material of the undergarment into the upper body area to increase mobility.

Stretch immediately after descending or before entering the water to allow the layers of the undergarment to move freely.

Memorize and visualize the correct sequence.

Divide the drill into four distinct phases. Think: Right, stop. Center, stop. Left, stop. Flow check.

Take your time to find balance, trim, and stability.

Remain stationary and keep an eye on the line and team.

Lean slightly forward to make gravity push your tanks closer to your head.

Make sure your harness is correctly configured.

Use the back of your head to push your hand closer to the isolator valve.

Maintain trim and body tension.

Keep your head up—you will have bigger range of motion in the shoulders.

Maintain eye contact with the team for feedback.

Perform the skill slowly.

When reaching back with one arm, stretch the opposite arm forward to maintain balance.

Communicate clearly.

Stop and reposition if you lose your place.

Keep your fins horizontal for better stability.

Make your body long—avoid crouching into a ball.

Avoid too much or too little gas in your drysuit.

If you have poor mobility in your upper body, practicing yoga or performing stretching exercises does wonders.

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The exact procedure for performing a valve students for more realistic failure scenarios drill is specified in the GUE SOP. With double created by the instructor during tech and cave tanks, the procedure always begins with the left courses. hand purging the backup regulator to ensure Team failure function. Then the diver begins on the primary As mentioned earlier, a valve drill is about side—the right post. Why the right and not the much more than just closing and reopening left? Well, they will often switch from their long valves and occasionally purging regulators. hose (primary) to their backup, but almost never What is often forgotten is that the team plays switch from the backup to the primary. Either an important role. The team must ensure that their own long hose does not work and is therethe diver performing the valve drill does not fore clipped away, or it is being donated to a make mistakes that teammate. could end in an out-ofThere is no disagreeThe team members not gas situation. The team ment that an isolator performing the skill should should be prepared to malfunction could result donate gas if necessary in a loss of gas and is follow the performing diver’s and provide reference therefore more serious every step and provide and feedback; they have than a valve failure. So instant feedback if they see a significant impact on why begin with the right any mistakes. the success of the valve post and not the isoladrill and should never tor? just be waiting until it When assessing a is their turn. If the active diver gets away with gas loss situation, if the right post is closed mistakes such as forgetting to purge the backand the bubbles stop, it means the correct up regulator before the drill or neglecting to valve has been chosen. That is important to end the procedure with a flow check, the entire know. But, if the isolator is closed first, no team has failed, not just the active diver. The further information can be attained, and another valve needs to be closed in order to learn team members not performing the skill should follow the performing diver’s every step closely anything.

Therefore, to find out whether it is necessary and provide instant feedback if they see any to close the isolator or not, logical narrowing is mistakes.

The valve drill is a much more complex skill necessary. If the bubbles continue, the second than one might think at first glance. It comstep is always to close the isolator. bines many important diving skills into one Another argument for going for the right process and it prepares the diver for more post first is that the right regulator is the most advanced training. You could even argue that likely to fail. It is in use, but the left is idle. the rotation of the valves is the least important Even if there is a logic behind the sequence, part of the valve drill.  the purpose of the drill is also to prepare the

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Sven Nelles is an avid cave and wreck diver based in Cologne, Germany. He is a full-time GUE instructor teaching the Recreational, Foundational, Cave, and Technical curricula. Besides traveling the world to dive, teach, and participate in GUE projects, Sven actively supports 26

Quest · May 2022

the GUE community in Germany. He organizes events regularly in which he shares his knowledge, experience, and passion for diving. www.frogkick.de

GUE TECH 1 A GIANT LEAP FORWARD Read m the GUE ore about Tec and see h 1 course schedul ed classes o n www.gu e.com

THE GUE TECHNICAL DIVER LEVEL 1 COURSE

• Cultivates, integrates, and expands essential skills required for safe technical diving • Teaches you how to prevent, identify, and resolve problems • Addresses the potential failures associated with twinsets • Introduces accelerated decompression strategies, single-stage diving, and the use of helium to minimize narcosis

ORTWIN KHAN DOCTOR DIVE A

n entry-level dive course during a vacation in Mauritius was the unsuspecting catalyst to uncover the hidden artist in Dr. Ortwin Khan. In 1998, the German cardiologist began a life-changing journey into the colorful beauty of the elegant underwater realm that had captured his imagination. This fascination led him to want more time in this incredible environment. Class after class, his diving skills improved, and with each step, his camera equipment also grew more extensive and more sophisticated.

When Dr. Khan began his dive photography adventure, he took pictures only in open water, but following a few cavern dives in southern France and Mexico, he then participated in several cave courses, which led to trimix diving, opening new possibilities of exciting motifs.

Ortwin’s primary interest is always to present his subjects in the right light. Using multiple flashes and video lights is one method of showing the beauty of caves and wrecks. On the other hand, he also sometimes reduces the lights to an absolute minimum or uses available light combined with different light sources. Light techniques refined during his cave photography soon found their way into his wildlife photography in open water.

Dr. Ortwin Khan’s aim is always to show environments and sea life as pristine and undisturbed as possible, but first and foremost, his images tell a story. While the actual photographic situation might be quite different from the story as seen by the beholder, he believes that this is what makes underwater photography so challenging and thrilling. To Dr. Khan, every photo should spark new ideas and expose new views of the world.

www.youpic.com

TITLE The Mask LOCATION Truk Lagoon CAMERA Nikon D850 LENS Nikonos 13 RS f2.8 EXPOSURE 1/50, f27, ISO 800 FLASH 2 x Seacam Seaflash 150D COMMENTS Japanese gas mask at the Kiyosumi Maru 28

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TITLE Night Hunt LOCATION Gangga Island, Indonesia CAMERA Nikon D850 LENS Nikkor 105, f2.8 EXPOSURE 1/250, f19, ISO 800 FLASH 2 x SeaCam Seaflash 160 COMMENTS Hunter and prey during a night dive May 2022 · Quest

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TITLE School of Barracuda LOCATION Malpelo Island, Colombia CAMERA Nikon D850 LENS Nikonos 13 RS f2.8 EXPOSURE1/90, f11, ISO 400 FLASH 2 x SeaCam Seaflash 150D COMMENTS School of barracuda

TITLE Way In LOCATION Cenote Eden, Mexico CAMERA Nikon D850 LENS Nikonos 13 RS f2.8 EXPOSURE 1/125, f4,8, ISO 3200 FLASH 2 x SeaCam Seaflash 150D COMMENTS Sidemount diver beginning a cave dive

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TITLE Skeleton LOCATION Bangka Island, Indonesia CAMERA Nikon D850 LENS Nikkor 105, f2.8 EXPOSURE 1/180, f16, ISO 800 FLASH 2 x SeaCam Seaflash 160 COMMENTS Juvenile unicornfish during a blackwater dive

TITLE Light Curtain LOCATION Cenote Eden, Mexico CAMERA Nikon D850 LENS Nikonos 13 RS f2.8 EXPOSURE 1/90, f5,6, ISO 1600 FLASH 2 x SeaCam Seaflash 150D COMMENTS Daylight zone of the cave

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TITLE Push-up LOCATION Tiger Beach, Bahamas CAMERA Nikon D800E LENS Nikonos 13 RS, f2.8 EXPOSURE 1/90, f16, ISO 200 FLASH 2 x SeaCam Seaflash 150D COMMENTS Tiger shark and diver

TITLE Out of the Light LOCATION Wreck of a Do 25 in Norway CAMERA Nikon D850 LENS Nikonos 13 RS f2.8 EXPOSURE 1/90, f 11, ISO 800 FLASH 2 x SeaCam Seaflash 150D COMMENTS Diver and wreck of a German Do 24

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TITLE The Machine Telegraph LOCATION Fujikawa Maru, Truk Lagoon CAMERA Nikon D850 LENS Nikonos 13 RS f2.8 EXPOSURE 1/90, f8,0, ISO 800 FLASH 2 x SeaCam Seaflash 150D COMMENTS Night dive at the wreck

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– Essentials of the GUE equipment configuration

BACKPLATE, HARNESS & WING THIS ARTICLE SERIES IS BASED ON THE GUE PUBLICATION DRESS FOR SUCCESS BY DAN MACKAY. ADDITIONAL TEXT BY JESPER KJØLLER // PHOTOS JESPER KJØLLER & JULIAN MÜHLENHAUS

More than any other equipment category, a diver’s chosen buoyancy system tends to separate traditional recreational divers from GUE divers. Unless you learned to dive with GUE from the beginning, you probably began with a jacket-style BCD and later transitioned into the GUE rig. Let’s review the rationale behind the switch to a backplate platform.

T

he backplate-based system grows with the diver. The same backplate and harness can be used for any type of diving— drysuit or wetsuit, single cylinder, twinsets with or without single or multiple stages, CCR, or sidemount. The only thing that needs to change is the style, size, and lift capacity of the wing.

After maybe 100 or 200 dives, the webbing is worn out and needs to be replaced, but the backplate is virtually indestructible and can last an entire dive career.

The backplate serves as a base on which to attach the equipment. Traditionally, the backplate was made from steel or aluminum, but there are now composite options available as 34

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well. Backplates have a pair of holes set with a vertical separation of 28 cm/11 in., as this matches the generally accepted standard used with mounting bolts on twin tanks. A single tank adapter (STA) usually follows this same standard so that divers can use the same backplate and easily switch from single to double tanks.

Most backplates are similar in size, which works for most individuals, but smaller-sized backplates (still with the same hole spacing) can be helpful for smaller divers.

Backplates are fitted to the diver with a continuous webbing harness and a crotch strap fixed to the bottom of the plate. The harness section fits across the shoulders and tightens at the waist band. There are no buckles on the harness or quick releases on the shoulder straps. Quick releases of any form should not be

PHOTO JULIAN MÜHLENHAUS

The backplate, harness, and wing can support every imaginable type of backmount diving, from entry-level to the most advanced.

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incorporated into the harness, as they constitute an unnecessary failure point. It is believed by some that it is easier to doff the system with quick releases. This is not the case, as a few minutes of practice using the correct technique easily solves this problem. Remember that an old DIR adage says that we should never compensate for poor skills with equipment.

The truth is that buckles break, and they will invariably fail at the least convenient time, often when standing up just prior to getting in the water or, worse yet, at depth.

Lord of the D-rings

The stiffness and frictional resistance of the webbing is important. If the webbing is too flexible, it is hard to get in and out of the harness; if it is too stiff, it will become uncomfortable over an extended period in the water. Similarly, if the webbing has a low-friction surface, the D-rings and attachments are more likely to slide.

A common mistake that some divers make when adjusting backplates is to make them too tight. Fitting a backplate is much

easier for divers to accomplish if someone assists them. Additionally, in order to ensure the proper fit, divers should be wearing the exposure suit that they will be using with the plate, including all undergarments. Switching suits, for example from wet to dry, may require adjusting the harness.

Time spent by divers with a GUE instructor going through the fitting and sizing process is time well spent, as it will facilitate efficiency and capability in a number of necessary endeavors.

Correctly sizing the webbing is vital to divers’ ability to maintain trim and body position, as well as to reach and manipulate their cylinder valve(s), for example.

There are five D-rings on the webbing, held in place with triglides—one D-ring set at each shoulder, one D-ring set on the left hip, and two D-rings on the crotch strap. When setting the position of the shoulder D-rings, divers should be able to clip onto these rings without bending the wrist or needing to search up and down the shoulder straps. Often divers set the position too low, which results in difficulty clipping and could also cause environmental damage due to low hanging equipment.

The left hip D-ring should be placed approximately on the centerline of the body (drawn from armpit to ankle bone) on the waist strap.

The waist is then fastened with a buckle (as found on most weight belts). This buckle is fitted to the left side of the harness but positioned to be just to the right of center.

The crotch strap D-rings should be placed with the front D-ring making a reasonably-sized loop at the front of the strap through which to pass the harness buckle, and the rear D-ring about a hand’s width below the bottom of the backplate.

On the left-hand side of the waistband is a short, blunt-ended knife in a webbing sheath.

This should be easily accessible with either hand.

Aluminum backplates are great for traveling. The rubber bands under the shoulder D-rings are for retaining backup lights.

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A diver that switches between single and doubletank diving needs two different sized wings.

PHOTO TOMASZ STACHURA

Wing

There are several wings available in the marA traditional jacket-style buoyancy compensaketplace today. One of the common questions tor (BC) has several issues. One of the main that new divers ask regarding the purchase of a problems relates to wing is “Can I buy a wing wrap-around buoyancy, that will suffice for both Time spent with a GUE which often provides lift single tank and double in the wrong place, pushinstructor going through the tank use?” This is a reaing divers’ legs down sonable question, as the fitting and sizing process and making it difficult economically minded diver is time well spent, as it will to maintain a horizontal is merely attempting to facilitate efficiency and posture. These traditional purchase a multi-function capability in a number of style BCs were originally device that will work for designed to float divers’ different applications and necessary endeavors. faces up on the surface; save some money. Sadly, however, this is not the the answer is no. The wing position that divers should adopt while underneeds to be matched in size and shape to the water. To remedy this, cave divers have long cylinders that are being used. Because it is a reused a “wing” style BC. This is a buoyancy cell movable and replaceable part, it is easy to swap that is mounted between the backplate and the between different cylinder configurations with cylinder(s). minimal changes to divers’ procedures.

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PHOTOS JESPER KJØLLER

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The weight of gas contained in a single cylinder is around 3 kg/6 lb, so from the start of the dive to the end of the dive, the diver will become 3 kg/6 lb lighter. This means that at the start of the dive, the wing will need to contain 3 liters/0.1 ft3 of gas to offset the gas lost through breathing. Additionally, the wing needs to offset any compression of an exposure suit at depth. While fully submerged, this is all the gas that is needed in the wing; however, to allow divers to be comfortably buoyant on the surface with their heads out of the water, there needs to be approximately 15 to 20 kg/35 to 45 lb of lift.

For double tanks, a wing with 20 to 30 kg/45 to 65 lb of lift is considered optimum. The wing should be able to float the entire scuba set if it is taken off at the surface.

Shape, as well as lift capacity, must be considered. The difficulty is that, compared to a set of doubles, a single tank has a very narrow profile and is configured to sit centered squarely on the back. A wing that is designed to properly support a single tank is intrinsically narrow due to the shape of the tank it is designed to support.

Attempting to use this wing with a set of doubles will cause a very dangerous situation in which the wing is not able to inflate properly. Conversely, a wing that is designed to support doubles is far too wide for a single and will wrap around the tank, causing an equally dangerous situation of loss of buoyancy as well as trapped air.

Size matters

Some divers think that having a larger wing can only be a good thing, but this notion is wrong and could be dangerous. There are many reasons to use a wing that is big enough but not oversized. First, an overly large wing will add drag and encourage gas trapping as well as causing instability in divers. Also, a free-flowing wing inflator will fill an oversized wing with substantial positive lift making it much harder to

resist being pulled to the surface. Gas trapped in the folds of an oversized wing is difficult to remove, leading divers to add additional weight merely to offset the unnecessary buoyancy.

This additional weight causes even more issues, as a larger volume of gas needs to be added during descent and released during ascent, complicating both procedures and wasting valuable breathing gas.

A low-pressure inflator hose is connected from a first-stage regulator to the BC’s inflator mechanism. The inflator is also fitted to the end of a flexible corrugated hose, which inflates the wing. This inflator can also be used to dump gas out of the wing if the diver is in a head-up position; however, the BC rear dump is preferred, as it allows divers to remain horizontal while venting excess gas. The corrugated hose length should not be overly long but should allow the diver to both orally inflate the wing and to dump gas out of the wing with control. If the hose is too long, the inflator will dangle below the diver and can lead to entanglement or environmental damage.

The corrugated inflation hose should be of the non-pull dump variety. It should be long enough to cross over the diver’s left shoulder and position the inflator valve just below the left chest D-ring.

In addition to the inflator hose, there should be one additional exhaust valve fitted to the wing. This acts as both a dump (when divers are horizontal) and an overpressure relief valve that serves to protect the wing from damage during ascent. This exhaust valve is fitted to the lower left side of the wing on the side facing the diver. The exact positioning of this valve is important to allow for easy and controlled release of gas. This placement also allows a diver to properly control the buoyancy of another diver in distress, such as an unconscious diver.

A single-tank wing is too narrow to support doubles and a doubletank wing is too wide for single-tank use.

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HOW TO A FIT A BACKPLATE While you are fully suited, including the undergarment you’ll be diving with:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

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Loosen straps so that you can don the backplate.

Position the backplate vertically centered on the spine so the top of the plate is just under the large vertebra at the base of the neck. Check that you can reach the top of the backplate behind your neck.

Tighten the shoulder straps uniformly so that they are snug.

To check for tightness, you should be able to slide two fingers easily under the strap.

To position the shoulder D-rings, use your finger to locate the slight hollow below the collarbone and above the pectoral muscle. The triglide that secures the D-ring should be located here. This positions the D-ring so that it is not too high and yet not low enough that it gets trapped while reaching across your chest. To check the fit, close your eyes and try to touch the D-ring with your arm held parallel to the ground as in the illustration. Your thumb should hit the D-ring.

Adjust the waistband so that it is snug (not too tight) just below your navel.

The buckle should be on the right side of the navel. Make sure that you place your knife pocket on the waistband on the left-hand side prior to attaching the buckle.

Thread the crotch strap through the front D-ring when not in use.

Thread the buckle end of the waistband through the crotch strap and check for fit. The crotch strap should be snug, but not tight, and hold the waistband down centered just below the belly button. Adjust as necessary.

The accessory D-ring on the back of the crotch strap should be adjusted so the triglide securing it to the webbing is even with the base of the tanks being worn, to allow for easy accessibility.

If using a surface marker buoy (SMB) stowed in a storage pack, the tail of the SMB should be clipped onto this D-ring.

Do not trim off any excess webbing until a final fit is achieved.

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5

4

2 PHOTOS JESPER KJØLLER

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PHOTO JAVIER SÁNCHEZ

Tropical reefs close to the equator are not the only locales where beautiful corals can be found. Many are unaware that certain species of stony coral thrive at great depths in temperate waters in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. While little is known about these exquisite, deep-dwelling coldwater corals, it is fortunate that a dedicated group of Spanish divers is doing groundbreaking work to create awareness and preserve the largely unknown and fragile coral species Dendrophyllia ramea.

TEXT MARINA PALACIOS & DANIEL SCHELVIS PHOTOS JAVIER SÁNCHEZ, MARTIN COLOGNOLI & MAURO CARDARELLI

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CORAL SOUL – A CORAL RECOVERY ASSOCIATION IN SPAIN

Dendrophyllia ramea is an Atlantic-Mediterranean species with white tentacles and pale orange polyps.

They form large colonies exceeding 100 cm in height.

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A project diver from Coral Soul inspects one of the Dendrophyllia colonies.

T

he Deep Coral Restoration of the Punta de La Mona area offer a unique Project (D.C.R.P.) in Punta de la opportunity to study this coral because the Mona, La Herradura (Granada), Dendrophyllia ramea are able to live between Spain, was developed as a Cor- 30 and 50 m/100 and 164 ft of depth, which al Soul project. The project’s is a much more accessible depth for scientific aim is to recover and conserve action. We know this population of D. ramea a special conservation area forms the basis of the precious ecosystem of (ES6140016), including the Punta de la Mona Punta de la Mona; therefore, the survival and cliffs and seabed, Community Interest Habitat health of all species in the area depend directly (HIC 1170), both of which are included within on the health of this particular coral, and we the Natura 2000 Network. The project is ecolog- are now working to prove it scientifically. ically vital, not only because the area houses a rich biodiversity of species and habitats, but be- Serious danger Despite the ecological value of the area and its cause the unique environmental characteristics of the area cause the underwater populations to richness in biodiversity, the Punta de la Mona Protected Area is in serious danger due to develop in distinctive ways—in size and abunhuman action. While it is identified as a special dance—making this an exceptional ecosystem. protection area, it is not physically guarded, nor The area is home to one of the most signifis it surveyed by any public entity. Hundreds of icant Dendrophyllia ramea coral populations in fishing lines, nets, pots, ropes, tires, and endthe Mediterranean Sea. This coral is an emless waste clutter the bottom, cover the reef, blematic species within Mediterranean corals, and threaten the survival of corals and all other although it is almost totally unknown due to species. These remnants, also referred to as its scarcity and deep distribution—normally residue, not only affect Dendrophyllia ramea corliving between 50 and 140 m/164 and 460 ft. al colonies, but also a wide variety of species, Dendrophyllia ramea is listed as “vulnerable to such as Axinella polypoiextinction” by the Red des, Cladocora caespitosa, Book of Andalusian Pinna rudis, Eunicella sp., Invertebrates, included Hundreds of fishing lines, Leptogorgia sp., and many in Appendix II of the nets, pots, ropes, tires, and others, upon which recovCITES Convention, and endless waste clutter the ery efforts will also be listed as “vulnerable” bottom, cover the reef, and focused. by the International threaten the survival of Abandoned fishing gear Union for the Concontinues to trap species. servation of Nature corals and all other species.

The lines and ropes fall on (IUCN) on its Red List sessile species, completeof Threatened Species ly covering them, suffocating them, and causin the Mediterranean. However, this species is ing them to die. In contact with the corals, the so under-studied that not nearly enough inforwaste causes friction, which makes the living mation is available for it to be included in the tissue vulnerable to microbial infections, coloNational Catalogue of Endangered Species. nization by parasites, or dying as a direct result Because of its low abundance as well as of the constant friction produced by waves and difficult access, a scientific basis to justify its currents. This debris also plugs, strangles, enprotection is lacking. The unique conditions

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PHOTO JAVIER SÁNCHEZ

tangles, and fractures Dendrophyllia and other species of coral colonies. These fragments— many of great size and age—fall to the bottom where they are isolated, buried, and die due to stress and starvation. We are facing the decline and probable extinction of a population containing centennial specimens that have faced countless years of habitat degradation, mostly by the carelessness of man.

ness, and enhancement of the area) and new techniques to increase resilience of the area, the creation of nurseries for corals and reef repopulation.

These actions are designed to achieve the recovery of biodiversity, the improvement of the quality of the ecosystem, the conservation of the reef, and the restoration of health of all the species that inhabit this priority habitat.

Project goals

Investigations and collaborations

The main objective of Coral Soul is the restoration and protection of the seabed and reefs in the Punta de la Mona area, based on accelerated recovery of the deep reef through shock absorbing measures (including waste removal, reef sanitation, integrated programs for aware-

The first step in the recovery of an ecosystem is to study the area and its species, to assess the scope of the impact upon it, and finally to propose solutions. Due to insufficient knowledge of the area and a lack of environmental and population data of Dendrophyllia ramea, Coral Soul, May 2022 · Quest

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PHOTO JAVIER SÁNCHEZ

All repopulated corals are monitored, included in a database, and their evolution is closely studied.

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thanks to a collaboration with the universities of Seville and Cádiz, began a series of investigations whose goal was to increase knowledge about and awareness of this ecosystem. In parallel, we continue reiterating the need for active, official protection of the area to achieve conservation of the species since, as will be seen below, the development of fishing activity and the development of the benthic populations are not compatible.

The research area covers 2,340 m2/25,000 ft2.

These studies have characterized the genetics of the population and have revealed that the area has more than a thousand corals. Sadly, 75% of these corals suffer damage such as fractures and/or entanglement with debris. The population parameters and the type of damage have been studied at different depths; being the area with the greatest coverage of corals and also the one with the greatest accumulation of waste makes the damage to the population much more serious. It is estimated that a Dendrophyllia ramea grows 1 cm/0.4 in per year, and we are finding completely dead coral

fragments with a length of 70 cm/27 in, which implies 70 years of coral growth. Unfortunately, we are facing the disappearance of a centuries-old species, which emphasizes the urgent need to act.

Due to the high degradation of the ecosystem, its fragility, and the large presence of threatened species in the area, a plan has been defined that guarantees a low-impact operation on the environment.

Reef recovery plan

The recovery of deep reefs is a totally unknown world, and this is the first time a recovery program has been created for this area and for this species. Once we had information about the distribution, abundance, coverage, and genetics of the coral populations, as well as the magnitude of the impact, protocols were created and restoration techniques were developed.

Similarly, we want to emphasize the complexity of the techniques and the operational difficulty of deep reef recovery programs, since they employ a highly prepared team (both laboratory

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The corals are situated in deep water over a large area, so trimix, deco cylinders, and scooters are necessary tools. and divers); expensive means (technical diving equipment, support vessels, bottom gases such as trimix, and decompression gases); and very demanding techniques (technical cleaning of cold-water corals never before described).

A proper diver training program is fundamental, not only for rescue and restoration techniques, but also in technical diving procedures.

This is where GUE plays a very big role in this project, and it is crucial to have a GUE instructor within the association.

Step 1: Reef sectorization. Taking into account the level of degradation in the area, the difficulty of the operational depth, and the need to monitor all actions, the regeneration of the reef is being carried out by sectors.

The entire area is included to ensure the recovery of all species that live in the Punta de la Mona reef. Each sector is designated according to cartography, bathymetry, and the species distribution. The treatments to be applied, however, are mainly defined by the type of impact, the species affected, and their status. All actions carried out in the sectors are monitored and included in the databases corresponding to the action.

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Step 2: Reef sanitation. Once the sectors in which we are going to work have been defined, we begin with sanitation of the reef. This process combines different techniques to increase the resilience of the ecosystem and improve recovery in the shortest possible time. As we have seen, the ability of marine ecosystems to regenerate is surprisingly efficient; however, due to the significant degradation of this habitat caused by the residue’s long residence time—a fishing line takes 600 years to degrade—and the species’ slow growth rate, it is necessary to take effective measures to increase the likelihood of success.

Due to the high degradation of the ecosystem, its fragility, and the large number of species threatened in the area, a plan has been defined that guarantees a low-impact operation. The process includes determining the location of waste (residue) and documenting it to plan extraction using the least intrusive method, preparation of the residues, liberation of species that are entangled in or growing on them, extraction of the residue, and re-floatation for subsequent drying and analysis. After the waste has been extracted, broken coral is collected for restoration and/or repopulation.

PHOTO JAVIER SÁNCHEZ

PHOTO MARTIN COLOGNOLI

Coral reefs are an essential part of the biosystem, and swallowtail seaperch (Anthias anthias) are thriving.

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PHOTO MAURO CARDARELLI

Pre-dive briefings to assign clear roles are necessary for both efficiency and safety.

Warning signs are put in place to keep passing divers away from the fragile coral nursery.

PHOTO JAVIER SÁNCHEZ 50

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Step 3: Coral fragment recovery and repopulation. When a coral breaks, it falls to the bottom, buries itself, and slowly dies. In addition, a wound zone is created both in the colony and in the broken fragment. This area is vulnerable to disease and colonization by opportunistic organisms (epibionts), which will cause it to slowly die. That is why recovering the fragments (broken coral) is so important; it stops the death of the coral. The specimens that do not present tissue necrosis are repopulated directly to the seabed.

The fragments in the worst condition are taken to coral nurseries—artificial structures that provide a safe habitat—where they undergo sanitation treatments to help with recovery.

Once the coral is healthy and fully recovered, it is repopulated back into the seabed using non-intrusive repopulation techniques.

Step 4: Monitoring and follow-up. All repopulated corals are monitored, included in a database, and have an all-round follow-up in which their evolution is studied. Some of them also undergo a long-term biometric study.

Awareness and divulgation plan

As Jacques Cousteau said, “people protect what they love,” and that is why this part of the project is so important. In order to achieve effective protection of the area and the conservation of species, the population must be made aware of the great wealth and value of Punta de la Mona, as well as the problem that exists in the area. They also need to be made part of the solution.

That is why this project has the help and involvement of dozens of volunteers, a university internship program, and a divulgation program in schools, institutes, universities, and the general public.

To date, the project has involved more than 400 people, including 50 volunteer divers in about 350 dives, with about 15 people at a time on most dives. We have recovered 178 Dendrophyllia ramea corals and re-floated 576 kg/1,270 lb of waste.

Together, we will save the corals.

PROFILE // CORAL SOUL Coral Soul is a nonprofit association created specifically to save coral reefs damaged by human action. The organization works on the investigation and restoration of reefs that are threatened, always acting with scientific rigor.

Coral Soul is made up of a multidisciplinary team of marine scientists and technical divers.

The association is formed by ten people, of which there are two GUE divers and one GUE instructor. Consequently, GUE procedures and philosophy are well-rooted in the projects.

The actions are carried out by volunteer divers external to the association that work tenaciously under the association’s supervision.

“We feel a deep passion for the sea. This energy is contagious and transmitted throughout.

We think globally and act locally; our solutions are realistic, where our day-to-day results are the best example,” says Marina Palacios, Project Director.

Coral Soul works side by side with Coral Guardian, a French nonprofit association created in 2012 to protect and restore coral ecosystems around the world, involving local communities for their own benefit.

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– CAVE DIVING HISTORY

PHOTO KIRILL EGOROV

THE BIRTH OF CAVE DIVING

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Modern cave diving is characterized by technological advances such as rebreathers, high capacity batteries for lights, and scooters.

TEXT FROM THE GUE PUBLICATION DEEP INTO CAVE DIVING WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM KIRILL EGOROV, JARROD JABLONSKI, DANIEL RIORDAN, FRED DEVOS, TODD KINCAID & CHRIS LE MAILLOT PHOTOS KIRILL EGOROV, WKPP, GUE ARCHIVE, GUY BRYANT & DAVID RHEA

Cave diving has been an excellent laboratory for developing equipment and procedures for safe exploration of the underground. But how did it start, who were the early pioneers of the sport, and what attracted them to venture into the unknown?

H

uman history is full of legends and folklore, yet few places on earth captivate the mind as thoroughly as the dark recesses of a cave.

If the aquatic world has the power to intrigue the curious, then the subterranean world has the power to enthrall imaginations everywhere. The early days of cave diving were closely linked to dry cave exploration and efforts to push beyond the water-filled portion of dry caves.

These water-filled sections, or sumps, did not easily stop the early dry cavers. Attempts to get beyond sumps began as early as 1777, with breath-hold diving being the only means of overcoming water-filled obstacles. In 1922, French diver Norbert Casteret was the first to successfully traverse two sumps in the Grotte de Montespan in the Pyrenees. With matches and a candle tucked optimistically into his bathing cap, the 25-year-old Frenchman groped blindly in complete darkness until he happened into another air-filled section of cave. Casteret’s daring foray into what was previously an unknown world marked the beginning of many bold attempts to explore this new and exciting frontier.

The Fleuss unit

With a good number of daring young individuals eagerly available, all that remained for cave diving to come into its own was a small boost from technology. As early as 1880, events called upon Alexander Lambert for the daring and Henry Fleuss for the technology. During the construction of a tunnel linking London to South Wales, miners intersected a spring and, as a result, accidentally flooded more than a mile of passage.

To drain the tunnel, it was necessary for a diver to descend 9 m/30 ft into the flooded passage, negotiate nearly 300 m/1,000 ft of debris-laden tunnel, pass through a large steel door, and manipulate two valves. Furthermore, the dive had to be done in absolute darkness, as underwater lights were not yet available.

Lambert’s first attempt was conducted in the traditional deep-sea dress of the day; its extreme weight and cumbersome breathing hose proved to be his undoing, however, and he failed.

Fleuss, known to have a self-contained, experimental diving dress, was then called in to assist in the effort. The Fleuss unit supplied the diver with 100 percent oxygen, which was breathed through the nose. The diver’s exhalation was then routed to a chemical scrubber, which washed out the accumulating carbon dioxide.

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The Fleuss unit was the first self-contained breathing apparatus and and an early version of the rebreather.

discovered independence. In 1946, Cousteau and his divers attempted to explore the famous inland cave Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

The dive itself nearly cost Cousteau his life, as he was besieged by a number of problems. Poor planning, ineffective communication, narcosis, and carbon monoxide poisoning were but some of the many difficulties he encountered. Cousteau recounted his experience in the inland cave as the “worst experience to befall us in five thousand dives.” The divers narrowly escaped with their lives. Nonetheless, this attempt marked a significant date in the history of cave diving: The Aqua-Lung and the freedom it allowed opened new avenues of exploration, and cave diving was off to an auspicious start.

Oxygen was then added to the loop to replenish the metabolized portion.

The Fleuss apparatus had undergone very little testing and had never been used in more than 6 m/20 ft of water. Even so, Fleuss made an attempt. Sadly, the deep mud and heavy debris were more than he could manage, and he returned unsuccessful. After some encouragement, and armed with the experimental unit, Lambert agreed to a second attempt. After two dives and nearly three hours of blind work, Lambert successfully realized his objective. His daring effort not only demonstrated the success of the Fleuss unit but also forever established the viability of the independent diver.

Cousteau’s Aqua-Lung

Over the next several years, many variations of scuba were developed, but it was Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his newly developed Aqua-Lung that would make scuba prominent.

Cousteau’s revolutionary It would also be Cousteau who would Scaphandre Autonome or Aqua-Lung was developed illustrate both the in 1943 and patented possibilities and the dangers of this newly after World War II. 54

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Growth of cave diving

Concurrently, around the world, divers were undertaking daring explorations using equipment that had been modified to suit their needs. Most

of this early cave Cave diving pioneer diving involved dry Sheck Exley introduced caves, as diving was safer procedures and employed specificalprinciples after analyzing ly to get teams past cave diving accidents. water-filled areas (sumps). In the United States, however, the Aqua-Lung offered divers the first real opportunity to explore the vast interior of the country’s many spring-fed caves.

With nearly perfect conditions, Florida’s more than 10,000 springs provided an ideal setting for the cultivation of techniques that would forever change the face of cave diving. Generally excellent visibility, warm water, and nearly year-round access rapidly made Florida the premier cave diving location in the world.

The first cave dive in the U.S. took place as early as 1950. There are numerous theories as to where this first cave dive took place; however, it is certain that Wakulla Springs was the site of the first notable cave diving exploration effort in the U.S. Located near Tallahassee, Florida, Wakulla Springs’ sheer immensity is breathtaking. Its coliseum-sized chambers and plunging depths have enthralled all who have ventured there. During a string of more than 100 dives, a group of divers from Florida State University soon established Wakulla as one of the top dive sites in the world. Divers Garry Salsman and Wally Jenkins immediately proclaimed Wakulla Springs to be the world’s longest and deepest cave. Adding to the success of their record-breaking dives, the group discovered the spring to be full of the bones of many different creatures. Included among these impressive fossil collections were the skeletal remains of several large mastodons. These early cave diving ventures set the tone, and an insatiable curiosity led thousands of divers to challenge the vast expanse of this labyrinthine space.

The fever expands

The fact that no formal training in the use of scuba existed did not deter the earliest cave divers. In 1953, the Florida Speleological Society (a branch of the National Speleological Society) established the first cave diving training program.

This program began teaching cave diving tech-

PHOTO GUE ARCHIVE

niques several years before the genesis of early open water agencies, such as the L.A. County scuba program, and well before agencies such as PADI took shape. The 1950s saw roughly 3,000 divers per year venturing into the caverns and caves of Florida. During this time, early cave divers explored roughly 1,524 m/5,000 ft of cave passage. Certainly, only the lengthiest treatment of cave diving’s rich history could ever hope to credit all of these early intrepid explorers. This account is intended as only a very brief highlight.

The 1960s saw a significant rise in exploration, with roughly 9 km/30,000 ft of new cave territory explored. This period also saw the

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Left to right: Dan Lenihan, Paul DeLoach, and Sheck Exley. now-popular caves Madison Blue Springs, Peacock Springs, and Hornsby Spring in North Central Florida assume world-record stature for their expansive passages. Equipment changes were rather slow to evolve, but important advances took place with the emergence of submersible pressure gauges and single-hose regulators.

This was also the time when Frank Martz began producing the first reliable underwater lighting, and when pioneer Sheck Exley established the Rule of Thirds. This gas rule mandated that divers could use only one-third of their available gas for penetration, requiring them to reserve the remaining two-thirds for exiting and emergencies. Though this rule met with early resistance, eventually the viability of being able to share air from maximum penetration gained widespread acceptance and was established as the recognized standard.

The evolution of cave exploration

The 1970s were described by a Skin Diver magazine editorial as the “Great Cave Rush 56

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PHOTO GUY BRYANT

of the Seventies.” This growth in cave diving popularity saw the total explored passage blossom to roughly 51,816 m/170,000 ft, much of it involving the pioneering work of Exley.

With vigorous exploration came several equipment improvements. It was during this time that high-volume steel 104s were first used for cave diving, buoyancy compensator vests with power inflators replaced plastic milk jugs, the Goodman-style handle on the light head allowed hands-free operation with an improved design, and the high-pressure manifold (for connecting double tanks) was refined from an early George Benjamin model.

The elongated second-stage hose was also born at this time. Exley was one of the earliest to recognize the advantages of breathing the long hose as a primary. His 1972 assertion that divers should breathe this long hose because the “...airless partner should get the best regulator as quickly as possible” spawned more than 20 years of a sometimes ferocious debate.

During the 80s and 90s, the challenges of the Woodville Karst Plain cave system pushed the explorers to develop safer techniques and procedures.

Armed and ready

Improvements in available technology, coupled with divers’ eagerness to use it, led to an explosion in cave activity. Divers began using scooters and staging tanks, and they also began mapping caves. The tremendous fervor with which these early explorations were undertaken is testified to by the frequency with which early records were set and broken. The penetration record alone was set and reset no less than 15 times during the 1970s, with the longest penetration of the 1970s being a 1,623 m/5,326 ft dive by Lewis Henkel and Dave Manor. This growth in activity also led to an increase in fatalities and to the need for better diver training. The National Association for Cave Diving (NACD) was formed in 1969, and the Cave Diving Section (CDS) of the NSS was formed in 1973. The 1980s were a rich and competitive time for cave diving, as cave explorers around the world overcame the initial learning curve. Exploration in 1980 saw the world’s longest cave dive leap from

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WKPP

“

By far the most common cause of fatality during this period was the widespread practice of deep air diving, which to this day continues to be responsible for unnecessary fatalities.

the 1979 record of 1,623 m/5,326 ft in Manatee Springs (Henkel, Manor) to 1,782 m/5,847 ft in Big Dismal (Clark Pitcairn, Mary Ellen Eckhoff, Exley), then to nearly 2,377 m/7,800 ft in Manatee Springs (Bill Main, Bill Gavin), then again to 3,061 m/10,044 ft in Chip’s Hole (Exley). Improvements in equipment and techniques also encouraged divers to extend deep cave exploration. Dale Sweet’s 1980 record of 110 m/360 ft in Diepolder Sink was eclipsed less than ten years later by Exley’s 264 m/867 ft dive in Mante, Mexico.

With these efforts, particularly those involving deep cave exploration, came an increase in fatalities. Deep cave exploration was especially problematic during this time, since the use of mixed gas was as yet unrefined; even Exley would perish during the course of refining these practices. By far the most common cause of fatality during this period was the widespread practice of deep air diving, which to this day continues to be responsible for unnecessary fatalities.

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L to R: Bill Gavin, Parker Turner, Bill Main, and Lamar English proudly display the University of Florida’s certificates of accomplishment after the worldrecord Sullivan traverse.

Insurmountable obstacles

Perhaps the most complex form of cave diving, deep cave diving, developed rapidly during the 1980s. These long-penetration deep cave dives tended to rapidly reduce the cast of capable explorers. Early in 1980, Main and Gavin met and formed an alliance that would forever change cave diving. This duo then joined forces with cave explorer Lamar English and began extensive exploration of the Tallahassee region; their efforts would refine the art of deep cave penetration. The quick-and-lean method of cave diving initiated by these early explorers was subsequently advanced by Jarrod Jablonski and George Irvine and eventually emerged into a diving philosophy known as “Doing it Right” (DIR). Incorporating the use of the long hose primary, the group developed many time-efficient techniques and became known as much for their ardent dedication to refinement as for the remarkable dives they undertook. By 1986, they had explored thousands of feet of passage in deep caves that included Wakulla Springs, Sally Ward Spring, Cheryl Sink, Big and Little Dismal, Sullivan Sink, and Indian Springs.

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PHOTO DAVID RHEA

The year 1987 marked one of the most widely publicized events in cave diving: the Wakulla Project. Following the earlier exploration of Main, Gavin, and English, the Wakulla Project generated publicity that amplified the world’s awareness of deep cave exploration. It was during this project that Bill Stone gained recognition for his evolving mixed-gas rebreather.

However, Stone’s redundant closed-circuit system did not factor in the project’s exploration efforts, though he did manage a 24-hour exposure in the Wakulla basin while testing his rebreather design. More than ten years later, Stone was still trying to create a viable design. These attempts, as well as the normal evolution of diving equipment, have triggered an extended debate surrounding the use and misuse of technology, particularly in complex diving arenas.

The changing landscape

One year later, the Woodville Karst Plain Project (WKPP) had grown larger and had captured the world record for the longest traverse (2,673 m/8,770 ft by Main, Gavin, English, Parker Turner). The group worked on further refining

Jarrod Jablonski setting up the Halcyon PVRBASC, nicknamed “The Fridge”. This unit was a predecessor to the RB80.

their practices and soon found that great penetrations at depth could be accomplished with a high degree of efficiency and in relative safety. The next several years found the WKPP pushing the limits of open-circuit scuba well beyond what conventional wisdom deemed possible. Today, the group has explored thousands of feet of caves around the world, including the longest cave in North America (Manatee Springs: 3,366 m/11,044 ft; Kincaid, Jablonski), the longest open-circuit penetration at depth (Wakulla Springs: 3,169 m/10,400 ft at 91 m/300 ft Jablonski, Irvine, Brent Scarabin), the world’s longest open-circuit penetration (Chip’s Hole: 4,663 m/15,300 ft; Scarabin, Rick Sankey), the world’s longest traverse (Cheryl/Dismal: 3,779 m/12,400 ft at an average of 61 m/200 ft; Jablonski, Irvine, Ted Cole), and the world’s longest penetration at depth (Wakulla Springs: 5,499 m/18,040 ft at 91 m/300 ft; Jablonski, Irvine).

With the introduction of the Halcyon RB80 passive semi-closed rebreather, the WKPP further expanded their exploration efforts, and that resulted in the connection of Leon Sinks

PHOTO GUE ARCHIVE

and Wakulla Cave Systems in 2007 (Jablonski, Casey McKinlay).

Starting in 2007, another Florida-based exploration group, Karst Underwater Research (KUR), began exploring the Weeki Wachee cave system, which became Florida’s deepest explored cave system, with a maximum depth exceeding 124 m/407 ft. KUR is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of karst aquifers and the quality of their water. The organization conducts scientific research and dye trace studies.

In September 2014, KUR connected Weeki Wachee and Twin Dees cave systems (Brett Hemphill, Andrew Pitkin).

In 2013 and 2014, KUR members explored Phantom Spring in Texas, reaching a depth of 141 m/465 ft.

A new force in cave diving

In addition to leading the way in long-range, deep cave exploration, the WKPP has also helped to shape the future of cave diving technology by designing their own long-range underwater scooter, by successfully developing a May 2022 · Quest

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new generation of rebreathers, and by creating Few projects have seen such a vast array of innovations in lighting and video technology. individuals combining their diverse talents in the These advances, among others, have not only pursuit of cave exploration. helped to refine the practice of cave diving, but What the future holds have also served to legitimize the undertaking Less than 50 short years have passed since of robust exploration. Though it is premature the first intrepid diver observed the splendor to assess the history of cave diving while it is of this mysterious underground world. Since still in its infancy, and dozens of explorers and then, many extraordinary people have reached decades of time must pass before these and beyond themselves to accomplish amazing other events can be placed in their proper hisfeats. By subjecting themselves to both great torical perspective, it is clear that two principal forces have played a critical role in the growth of risk as well as personal sacrifice, these individuals continue to push the long-range cave exploration. The limits of human endurance. first is Exley, whose monumental From its As technological knowledge dives set the tone for aggressive increases, so does the promdiving that will forever mark the beginnings more ise of greater things to come. power of individual effort. The than 40 years ago, Open-circuit scuba, while second is the team of Irvine the rebreather undergoing few significant and Jablonski, who persistently is now making changes during the last 20 pushed what were thought to be its way to center years, continues to amaze impossible limits. In contrast to Exley, Irvine and Jablonski repstage and promises with its hidden potential.

Though this somewhat primresent the power of team diving, to be a significant itive equipment is still capaendorsing a systematic approach part of the future ble of continuing achieveto diving that promotes success of diving. ment, it is nonetheless within any diving application. inevitable that now-amazing Operating sometimes alone, but preferably with the support of a large contingent penetrations will be eclipsed by even greater of divers, Irvine and Jablonski have demonstrat- ones yet to come. With technology continuing to advance, the future undoubtedly promises ed the viability of DIR for extreme cave diving. fascinating possibilities for cave diving. From International cave diving its beginnings more than 40 years ago, the reMany exciting dives have taken place around breather is now making its way to center stage the world. Some of these were tied to dry cave and promises to be a significant part of the exploration, in places like Cocklebiddy, Australia, future of diving. Also, improvements in battery for example, where more than 4,572 m/15,000 ft technology will augment the capabilities of of passage was explored (Hugh Morrison, Ron diver propulsion vehicles, underwater mapping Allum, Peter Rogers). Several noteworthy dives devices, and lighting technology. Computer were also undertaken by French diver Oliver Istechnology will certainly also advance many ler, who penetrated more than 3,962 m/13,000 ft areas of this increasingly complex sport. In the in Doux de Coly in 1993. Yet, by far the most ex- end, however, it is the mystery of the cave itself pansive caves in the world have proven to reside that will determine what progress will be made. in the Yucatan Peninsula. With many thousands History has consistently illustrated that regardof feet of explored passage, this area is home less of the adversity these explorers encounter, to several vast subterranean cave systems. The they—as a group—eventually manage to overshallow depths and warm waters of the Yucatan come every obstacle in their path as they go caves have greatly facilitated cave exploration. where no one has gone before.

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Next time: GUE diving and equipment methodology 60

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GUE PREMIUM DIVE CENTERS Deep Dive Dubai – Dubai, UAE  www.deepdivedubai.com

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Scuba Academie – Vinkeveen, Netherlands  www.scuba-academie.nl

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Tech Korea – Incheon, South Korea ENSION

THIRD

IV I

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LU

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TU

 www.thirddimensiondiving.com

IM

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Third Dimension Diving – Tulum, Q. Roo, Mexico

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M, M É X

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Zero Gravity – Quintana Roo, Mexico  www.zerogravity.com.mx

2022

PREMIUM DIVE CENTER

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GUE DIVE CENTERS Acuatic Tulum Dive Center – Tulum, Mexico  www.acuatictulum.com

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KrakenDive – Tossa de Mar, Spain  www.krakendive.com

Krnicadive – Krnica, Croatia  www.krnicadive.com

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Moby Tek Dive Centre – Pahang, Malaysia  www.moby-tek.com

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Red Sea Explorers – Hurghada, Egypt  www.redseaexplorers.com

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Tech Asia – Puerto Galera, Philippines  www.techasia.ph

Werner Lau Sinai Divers Tek – Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt  www.wernerlautek.com

GUE DIVE CENTERS DIVE CENTER 2022 May 2022 · Quest

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