Summer’s here, which means temperature no longer limits how we enjoy water. Visibility is another story, especially in lakes, but either way it’s so much fun and so interesting.
This issue discusses equipment in more detail. Some of this equipment we tested ourselves as the editorial team. We encourage you to take part in any related events. It’s always easier to buy or entirely abandon the idea of buying something that’s been in your dreams for several nights ;)
I’d like to encourage you to read my interview about the new 4baltic Association. It’s also the second time in 3 years that we are writing about the German quarry Hemmoor and also the first time when we investigated and tried to answer the question “Where do mermaids come from?”.
Avid travelers can read about El Hierro, Bali and Egypt. This last destination is seen from the perspective of a safari in the Golden Triangle, with a closing remark that sometimes you can’t see everything you planned to see. Which is fine, in the end, as there’s always a reason to come back and try again.
And finally, the thing that starts this issue. Our cover.
The majestic manta ray was captured by Karola Takes Photos and Laura Kazi shared her thoughts of these animals that establish a relationship with humans.
Go take a dive, enjoy water and nature in its summer entourage. Plan your diving trips and go sightseeing while diving. Close to home and away. The world is a beautiful place, don’t turn a blind eye to its beauty.
PLANET EARTH
Eye to eye with the giant. Manta rays Eiders. Soft-feathered divers
Diving safari in the red sea. "Golden Triangle"
4baltic. Four for Baltic Conversation with Tomek Ramutkowski Mermaiding. Mermaid Academy Diver Rescue. How to effectively provide first aid
Reddo Translations Sp. z o.o. Lawyer Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak
WOJCIECH ZGOŁA
He often repeats that he travels by diving and that is his motto. In 1985 he obtained a yacht sailor's license, and only in 2006 began to dive. In the following years he improved his skills by obtaining the Dive Master degree. He completed nearly 650 dives in various climatic conditions. Since 2007, he has been taking photographs underwater, and since 2008 he has also been filming. As an independent journalist, he published dozens of articles, mainly in journals dedicated to diving, but not only. Co-author of photo exhibitions in Poland and abroad. He is passionate about and propagator of diving. Since 2008 he has been running his own website www.dive-adventure.eu. On the basis of extensive experience, in August 2018 he created the new Perfect Diver Magazine
”My passion, work and life are under water.” He has been diving since 2009. Since 2008, he's walking in caves. Underwater archeologist by education. He participated in numerous projects in Poland and abroad. He has been engaged in professional diving since 2011. In 2013 he obtained the qualifications of a 2nd class diver. Has experience in underwater work both at sea and inland. Since 2013 he has been diving in caves, especially in the mountains, and since 2014 he is a diving instructor CMAS M1. In June 2020, he obtained a doctoral degree in underwater archeology.
An IT specialist by profession, but a flesh and blood salesman who is not afraid of any job. Diving has always been my big dream. At the beginning it was supposed to be a challenge, a short episode but it turned out to be a passion for the end of the world and one day longer. Under water I react and rest. As a Divemaster, sidemount Razor diver, and recently also a photographer, I realize my dreams by admiring and immortalizing the beauty of the underwater world. "Passion breeds professionalism, professionalism gives quality, and quality is a luxury in life. Nowadays, especially..."
That's my name and I come from Poznań. I have been associated with water practically from birth and with diving since I learned to walk. My grandfather instilled my passion for the underwater world, a CMAS*** instructor taking me to the lakes at any free time. I obtained my first qualifications in 1996. A year later I went to Croatia and literally went crazy at the sight of blue water, octopus and colorful fish;) I bought my first underwater camera – Olympus 5060 and started the adventure with underwater photography. I acquired my diving experience in the Canary Islands, Sardinia, Norway, Maldives and in Polish lakes. I am currently a Padi and ESA instructor, I train diving enthusiasts in Europe and pass my passion on to others.
I invite all lovers of the underwater world and photography to Beediver (FB) – see you soon.
MATEUSZ POPEK
BARTOSZ PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI
HUBERT REISS
Has more than 8000 dives on his account. He has been diving for over 30 years, including over 20 years as a technical diver. He is a professional with great theoretical and practical knowledge. He is an instructor of many federations: GUE Instructor Mentor, CMAS**, IANTD nTMX, IDCS PADI, EFR, TMX Gas Blender. He participated in many diving projects and conferences as a leader, explorer, originator or lecturer. These included the Britannic Expedition 2016, Morpheus Cave Scientific Project on Croatia caves, GROM Expedition in Narvik, Tuna Mine Deep Dive, Glavas Cave in Croatia, NOA-MARINE. Professionally, he is a technical director at TecLine in Scubatech, and a director of training at TecLine Academy.
Karolina Sztaba, and professionally Karola Takes Photos, is a photographer by education and passion. She is currently working at the Trawangan Dive Center on a tiny island in Indonesia – Gili Trawangan, where she moved to live four years ago. She photographs above and below the water. In addition, she creates photographic projects against littering the oceans and polluting our planet with plastic ("Trapped", "Trashion"). She cooperates with NBO organizations dealing with environmental protection and actively participates in pro-ecological actions (coral protection, coral planting, cleaning the world, protection of endangered species). She is also the official photographer of Ocean Mimic – a brand that creates swimwear and surfwear from rubbish collected on the beaches of Bali. She cooperated with many brands of diving equipment for which she created advertising campaigns. In 2019, she became the ambassador of the Polish company Tecline. She has been a technical diver for two years.
A graduate of Geography faculty at the University of Wrocław and an incurable optimist… with a permanent smile on her lips! It was probably Destiny that led her to Activtour… and she's been here on permanent basis. She passionately fulfils the dreams of many, organizing diving trips around the world, and she has already been diving for more than half of her life. Each year she explores a different ‘piece of the ocean’, pinning another pin to her diving world map. In winter she changes fins into her beloved skis and gets away into the Alps. A recipe for life? ”The only a dead trunk flows with the current – the explorer's canoe flows up the river!” anna@activtour.pl activtour.pl; travel.activtour.pl; 2bieguny.com
Polish photographer, winner of awards and distinctions in world underwater photography competitions, has already dived all over the world: with sharks and whales in South Africa, with orcs behind the Arctic Circle, on Galapagos with hundreds of hammerhead sharks and humpback whales in the Tonga Islands. He participates in specialist photographic workshops. He has been diving for 27 years, he started at the age of 12 – as soon as it was formally possible. He was the first in the world to use the Hasselblad X1d-50c camera for underwater macro photography. Recently, in the remote Chincorro archipelago on the border between Mexico and Belize, he did it again, taking a successful attempt to photograph the eye of a crocodile with a macro lens with an additional magnifying lens, which is the world's largest photo of the crocodile's eye living in the wild (in terms of pixel count, print size, quality).
A traveller and a photographer of wild nature. A graduate of journalism and a lover of good literature. She lives in harmony with nature, promotes a healthy lifestyle: she is a yogini and a vegetarian. Also engaged in ecological projects. Sharks and their protection are especially close to her heart. She writes about the subject in numerous articles and on her blog www.divingandtravel.pl. She began her adventure with diving fifteen years ago by total coincidence. Today she is a Divemaster, she visited over 60 countries and dived on 5 continents. She invites us for a joint journey with the travel agency www.dive-away.pl, of which she is a co-founder.
"Wet photos" – He has photographed since he remembers. After several years of experience as a diver, he wanted to keep memories of underwater dives. He bought his first compact camera with an underwater housing. Over time, however, the desire to have the best photo began to dominate, which was not quite possible with the compact he used. That's why he switched to the Olympus PEN E-PL 5 reflex camera, which allows the use of several different lenses. He uses a combination of underwater flashes and lights. He focuses on wildlife photography, not arrangement. He photographs in fresh domestic waters as well as in the seas and oceans of the world.
He has already won numerous awards at Czech and foreign photography competitions. More photos can be found on his website, where you can also buy them not only as photos, but also as photos printed on canvas or on another medium. www.mokrefotky.cz www.facebook.com/MichalCernyPhotography www.instagram.com/michalcerny_photography/
WOJCIECH A. FILIP
SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ
ANNA SOŁODUCHA
KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS
MICHAL ČERNÝ
JAKUB DEGEE
A graduate of two Poznan universities, the Academy of Physical Education (coaching specialization – handball) and the University of A.Mickiewicz, Faculty of Biology (specialty of experimental biology). He connected his professional life with this first university trying to influence the direction of development of future professionals on the one hand, and on the other planning and implementing research, pushing laboriously in the right direction of the stroller called science. In his free time he spends his time actively – his main passions are sailing (sea helmsman), skiing (downhill skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle, recreational diving and many other activities, as well as photography, mainly nature.
Since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming a marine biologist and I managed to fulfill that dream. I did a degree in oceanography, where I recently started my doctoral studies. My diving adventure began when I was 12 years old. I love observing the underwater life up close and I try to show other divers how fascinating the underwater, Baltic creatures are.
”I can't imagine living without water, where in a free body I experience freedom of the spirit.”
• founder of the first freediving and swimming school in Poland – FREEBODY,
• Apnea Academia International and PADI Master Freediver freediving instructor,
• world record holder in freediving (DYN 253 m),
• record holder and Polish champion, member of the national team in freediving 2013–2019,
• winner of the World Championships in freediving 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018,
• multimedalist of the Polish Championships and a member of the national team in swimming in the years 1998–2003,
• passionate about freediving and swimming.
A traveler, photographer and the underwater world filmmaker, an Asian cuisine enthusiast and a PADI diving instructor. He visited over 70 countries and dived on 5 continents (the other two are planned for next year's expeditions). For several years he has also been an instructor and trainer of the unmanned aircraft flights. A co-author of a travel agency for divers www.dive-away.pl. He documents his expeditions with photos and descriptions of his journeys on his blog www.divingandtravel.pl
Laura Kazimierska is currently working as PADI Course Director at TrawanganDive Center on the Indonesian island of Gili Trawangan. Founder of the Divemastergilis portal. www.divemastergilis.com @divemastergilis For over 7 years she has lived and discovered the underwater world of Indonesia. She is not only an avid technical diver, but also the face of the Planet Heroes platform and the ambassador of the Ocean Mimic brand. She actively contributes to the promotion of the protection of corals and the natural environment of fish and marine animals by taking part in scientific projects, campaigns against ocean littering and cooperating with NGOs in Indonesia.
@laura_kazi
Regional Manager Divers Alert Network Polska, diving and first aid instructor, technical diver and cave diver. In love with all flooded, dark, cold, tight places and invariably from the beginning of the diving route – in the Baltic. Implementing the DAN mission, he conducts a series of lectures ”Dive safely” and Diving Safety Laboratory, so field research of divers for scientific purposes.
IRENA KOSOWSKA
AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA
AGNIESZKA KALSKA
WOJCIECH JAROSZ
LAURA KAZIMIERSKA
ADRIAN JURIEWICZ
My name is Aleš Koštomaj. I'm from Slovenia (Europe). I was born 1978 (43 years old) in city Celje. From what I can remember I loved snorkeling and freediving. I studied at the Faculty of Sports in Ljubljana, where I became more professionally acquainted with freediving. At first I was active in spearfishing (between 2001 and 2009), and then for a few years I completely focused on freediving. Between 2009 and 2016, I trained and competed in freediving. My biggest success is a 3rd place in CWT (AIDA international world) in Croatia (Lopar, 2011). In 2017, I received my master’s degree from the Faculty of Sports and became a master of science in freediving. Since 2017, I no longer compete but I love discovering the underwater world with an underwater camera in freediving and I also do researches with top Slovenian freedivers (Samo Jeranko, Andrej Ropret, Jure Daić...). So far, I have the highest scientific education in freediving in Slovenia (Mag. Aleš Koštomaj).
The author is biologist by profession, involved in cancer research at the Czech Academy of Sciences in Brno. His profession enabled him to travel around the globe and to visit places which are also regarded as the best dive sites. Underwater photography became a part of his life since he dove the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. His ”pet“ is Canon 80D (Ikelite housing, ”fish eye“, 60 mm and 100mm macro lenses, Subsee diopters and snoot RETRA), as well as the Photoshop editing software. He received an “Honorary Mention” on one of the most the prestigious underwater photo contest, Ocean Art 2020 (Underwater Art). Some of his underwater photos are processed by creative tools, by combination of underwater photography and digital software to create captivating – sometime even surrealist – images.
His photos are regularly published in scuba diving magazines and presented at exhibitions. He believes that exhibiting of underwater photos to the public could increase social awareness towards marine conservation. More underwater photos, as well as information about the author, are to be found on his website http://michalstros.cz
Diver TMX Instructor MSTD PADI Master IDF instructor, and this year also a Technical Instructor.
In 2015, I opened a diving club, which in 2016 turned into a diving school under the same name "Octopus". Together with friends, we came up with the name when we were returning by bus from diving in Tyrol. It has stayed that way, and the friends with whom we continue to dive a lot were also positively crazy. We try to infect our passion for diving. The school's headquarters and office are in Hamburg, and we have a branch in Hemmoor.
A doctor of philosophy by education, a byzantologist, for ten years with great passion a technical and cave diver, a passionate underwater archaeologist.
Every day, she advises companies on how to create their business image, also deals with public relation and brand promotion. She constantly tries to acquire knowledge, train and dive as often as possible – live consciously with care for the balance of body and spirit. Favorite waters are Polish diving sites, Ohrid Lake in Macedonia, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
AGNIESZKA BLANDZI
MARIUSZ BEBEL (Morox)
ALEŠ KOŠTOMAJ
MICHAL ŠTROS
Eye to eye with the giant
Text LAURA KAZIMIERSKA
Photos KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS
MANTA RAYS
They have been traversing our oceans for over five million years. They delight divers with their intelligence and grace. Manta, relatives of sharks, feed on plankton and are also among the largest rays in the world. My meeting with Manta on Komodo was almost a spiritual experience. I have seen them in other parts of Indonesia before, like Nusa Penida, but I have never been so close to them alone. At my fingertips, they presented their spotted bellies to me, they danced effortlessly on strong currents while we held tight to the ground, hiding behind the rocks of the coral reef to keep us from being blown away. I made eye contact with one of them and felt myself melt from the inside out. It was something incredibly mystical. We stared at each other for a few seconds, then suddenly it swam away, only to return to the same place in a moment and watch me a little more. I was tied to the hook that divers once used in the strong Komodo currents, and in all this excitement, I raised my hands as if I was going to fly and began to move gently from side to side. Imagine my surprise when I saw that a stingray levitating next to me began to copy my movements. Maybe it was a coincidence, although I got the impression that it knew exactly what was going on, and that it did not fear my presence and decided to have a little fun.
Manta in literal translation means a cape or blanket. Indeed, they are floating magic carpets undulating in the currents of the sea. They captivate, surprise and hypnotize anyone who comes underwater with them.
The largest Manta recorded by scientists comes from the Oceanic Manta Ray, its "wingspan" is over 9 meters. Just to compare, the two-story building is about 8.3 meters high.
Among the species, there are individuals with a unique coloration. The ones that are mostly black are called by divers Ninja Mantas. White manta rays, the so-called albinos, appear very seldom. To see one white manta while diving is like winning the lottery.
facts
Manta rays are extremely intelligent creatures that form strong social bonds. Divers often report unique interactions with these sea creatures. You can enjoy them by diving in the Maldives, Mexico, Indonesia, Hawaii and many other tropical destinations.
Manta rays are an endangered species due to the huge demand for their bronchial rake, which is used in natural Chinese medicine. It happens that they accidentally fall prey to fishing nets intended for catching other fish. Due to the enormous pollution of the oceans, they are increasingly swallowing toxic micro-plastic, which, together with plankton, ends up in their digestive system.
Despite the fact that they have been with us for millions of years, scientists are constantly discovering new facts about their behaviour, life cycle and migration. This knowledge contributes to the geographically defined protection of the species. And it is definitely worth protecting them. Not only because of their extraordinary nature, but also for the economy. It is estimated that the income from the living Manta rays is estimated to be around $ 1 million in diving tourism, while a dead Manta only costs $ 500.
Each manta has a unique pattern of spots on its ventral surface that remains largely unchanged throughout life. Spots unique to an individual facilitate the identification of migrating rays. And they travel quite a lot, sometimes over 200 kilometers.
Thanks to a project led by the Manta Trust organization (www. mantatrust.org), you have the chance to submit photos of mantas as seen anywhere in the world and contribute to the research and conservation efforts of this amazing species. You can also get information about the manta ray you have encountered, and if it is not already in the database, register the new manta and give it a name.
How to select a wetsuit?
TECLINE PROTERM
wetsuit for instructors and advanced recreational divers
How is it that a wetsuit stays “warm”?
How to select a wetsuit appropriate for the intense diving an instructor has to do?
Which features of the suit will allow it to be used with a harness and plate?
Warm wetsuit
Great thermal comfort is only guaranteed by a wetsuit that fits closely to the diver’s body
in several key areas:
● around the wrists
● near the feet at the ankles
● around the diver’s neck
How is it that the suit is warm?
Water enters between the diver’s body and the suit, where it is warmed through contact with the diver’s body.
The suit will seem warm when little water gets inside, but more importantly, when the water heated by the body does not leak out.
This is first ensured by special ”smart neoprene” that fits snugly to the diver’s body when it is 5 or 7 mm thick, while the plush layer on the side will keep the heated water warm for longer.
Photo Bartek Trzciński
Another equally important feature is to ensure that the end parts of the sleeves and legs of the suit fit tightly around the body, equipped with the so-called “seals” (double sleeves and legs).
Additionally, the suit should be equipped with a flap sealing the main zipper, which should prevent water from flowing freely into the suit while diving.
Instructors and advanced recreational divers select their suits by checking if they fit the body closely at the:
● wrists
● ankles
● neck
An important feature of the suit is its cross main zipper with a special seal.
How can you regulate thermal comfort in a wetsuit?
You can use the zippers at your wrists, an kles and neck.
High quality suits are sealed tightly in these areas with smooth neoprene. If such areas are additionally sealed with a short zipper, the water heat ed by the diver’s body warmth will be unable to leak through the suit, keeping you warm for longer.
If you use the suit in tropical water or you are too hot, you can unzip the additional sealing zip pers partially or completely.
To decrease thermal com fort, start with the zip pers at the ankles, then at the wrists and finally those at the neck.
Main suit zipper – vertical or cross?
A cross zipper is pressed tighter to the diver’s body by their rig (plate or jacket), which makes it much more leak-tight as compared to a vertical zipper.
Because the vertical zipper runs along the spine, it remains loose for the entire time of diving, particularly at the lumbar spine. Therefore, it is easier for cold water to get between the diver’s body and the suit.
Frequent use of zippers requires those most durable and resistant to intensive use under any conditions. Japanese YKK zippers provide such parameters.
Additionally, thermal comfort may be regulated by choosing between 5 and 7 mm neoprene suits. If you intend to dive in cold water, you’ll want to consider using an additional insulation vest that you wear on the suit, which is equipped with a warm integrated hood.
Vests are also made of 5 mm or 7 mm neoprene, which allows you to configure your suit according to your individual needs, e.g. 7 mm suit + 5 mm vest.
A vest with an additionally sealed main zipper and a hood with a special labyrinth valve can be used separately from the suit when diving in a swimming pool or in tropical water.
You should definitely consider supplementing your Proterm suit with neoprene boots, gloves and the additional Proterm hood made of the same SMART NEOPRENE as the main suit.
Selecting the cut and durability of the suit to match the special needs of instructors and advanced recreational divers.
Instructors present their skills to student divers on training platforms on numerous occasions. Proterm was additionally equipped with Kevlar reinforcement on the knees and lower legs, which does not restrain movement,
so that dozens of diving sessions will not damage the suit, ensuring high work comfort. When diving in a Proterm wetsuit, divers who use technical configurations can safely use every type of harness. Proterm suit shoulders were reinforced with Kevlar to increase the comfort of a diver using heavier equipment, and to endure putting on and taking off of your “DIR” type harnesses repeatedly.
The sleeves and the sideline of the suit were modified to facilitate reaching over your head to operate the twinset valves. The leg shape sets the diver’s legs in a slightly bent position, supporting good trim and movement techniques that require moving fins away from the silty bed.
Proterm seams that allow to move freely were also secured with additional patches.
In short, a wetsuit should have the following features:
● flexible and closely-fitting neoprene;
● as tight as possible legs at the ankles and sleeves at the wrists;
● additional zippers allowing to adjust fit and comfort in water.
Selecting a wetsuit – mistakes you can make
● trying on a dry suit at the store (this way, the suit will always seem to be very warm)
● avoiding suits that are tighter at the wrists and feet (putting on and taking off the suit very easily means low thermal comfort in the water)
● not testing before you buy (entering the water with the suit on may be crucial for your decision, e.g. it might turn out that a well-fitted 5 mm wetsuit may be warm enough for your needs).
Important note for advanced divers who use wetsuits and “jet” fins. Even the highest quality neoprene that the suit is made of compresses when underwater.
Typical “jet” fins make the diver’s legs fall ever more as the depth increases (neoprene buoyancy decreases and the fins have negative buoyancy).
As a result, you might encounter problems when diving in places with silty bed or, for instance, in the caves in Mexico, where wetsuits are commonly used. Tecline Lightjet fins might be the solution – they were developed for divers who use various effective movement techniques when wearing a wetsuit. They have positive buoyancy and help the diver maintain a good trim in a wetsuit.
The perfect solution is to TEST the TECLINE PROTERM SUIT and PROTERM INSULATION VESTS while using the LIGHTJET FINS
Test suits and fins are available at all Tecline stores and at the Tecline Academy.
Photos
Miłosz Stępkowski
Photo Bartek Trzciński
BALI under the microscope
Text and photos MICHAL ŠTROS
Bali is an island of gods and demons, a paradise for those eager for extraordinary adventures. It acts upon all your senses: with its rice terraces saturated with green, smiling people, fascinating music of the gamelan – traditional xylophones, the ponds in temple gardens covered with lotus flowers, traditional Balinese cuisine and perfect diving conditions.
Last fall, after a longer break, I returned to the Indonesian island of Bali. Unlike the last time, during this visit I focused more on diving than on sightseeing in this lovely place full of temples and smiling people. And although the main purpose of my visit was underwater macro photography, I just could not miss the chance to take a wide-angle camera for a couple of dives. One of the most famous ship wreck in the world, the USAT Liberty, was a compelling temptation.
USAT LIBERTY
USAT Liberty was an American Navy ship that was hit by a Japanese submarine torpedo in the Lombok Strait on the way back to the Philippines during the World War II. Severely damaged, the ship could not be towed to Singaraja in the north of Bali, so she anchored off Tulamben. The next chapter of USAT Liberty’s story began in 1963, when a lava flow from a massive eruption of the nearby Agung volcano pushed the anchored ship about 30 meters off the coast, where she lies until today. The wreck lies at 5–30 meters, it is completely covered with a layer of soft and hard coral, here and there also covered with majestic sponges. USAT Liberty is inhabited by countless species of sea creatures, including turtles, ribbontail rays, fish from the Serranide family and enormous schools of bumphead parrotfish. It is best to begin diving at the wreck short before dawn or just after dusk. Many divers and photographers come to Bali just to dive in locations for macro photography lovers, as
BALI
Borneo Sumatra Celebes Papua Java
well as to see and capture the smallest sea creatures. Thus, underwater macro photography is becoming a global phenomenon, attracting divers from around the world.
BALI – A PARADISE FOR MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Macro photography locations at Pemuteran, Tulamben and Padang Bai are without exaggeration one of the most beautiful diving sites inhabited by the smallest “beauties and beasts” on our planet. Whereas the seabed at Tulamben and Pemuteran is covered with
black volcanic sand, the sand near Padang Bai is mostly white. For those of you who are used to embarking on a comfortable boat before diving, I have bad news: here almost all dives are done from the shore. The good news is that, for a small charge, you can have your heavy equipment carried to the beach. To my great surprise, the equipment was carried mostly by petite women from nearby villages, and some were even able to carry two cylinders at the same time. A dollar for having your diving gear carried might not seem a lot, but for the local people it provides material and, above all, regular income.
An absolute phenomenon among Balinese macro photography sites is Seraya Secret which – in terms of the number and the diversity of small sea creatures – can only be outperformed by the Lembeh Strait in northern Sulawesi (Indonesia) and, to some extent, locations in the Philippines (Anilao and Dumaguete). When diving in Seraya Secret, you can spend hours on exploring its seabed, covered with black volcanic sand, looking for little living creatures. If you find a good local guide, with a bit of luck you will see not only a swarm of small animals but also a pygmy seahorse, rare specimens of octopuses or a harlequin shrimp (lat. Hymenocera picta).
JETTY AT THE PADANG BAI
You may be wondering, why am I dedicating a separate paragraph to a single location in Bali, which at first sight does not look like typical diving sites in turquoise waters, with white or dark sand, amazingly colored coral reefs and loads of tropical fish. Indeed, the Jetty location at Padang Bai is different from other places for macro photography lovers and I must admit that when I snorkeled there for the first time years ago, it seemed rather obnoxious at the water surface. Originally, Jetty was intended as a port for large tourist ships, with massive piles dug into the sandy sea bed. However, the bed turned out to be so unstable that the idea never came into being. Currently, only fishermen moor here, so at the sea bed you can see lots of nets, hooks, and fish skeletons. The water here is muddy and dark, the waves at the bottom toss you around, although it does not make such an awful impression on the sandy bottom as the one made on the surface; this is a very odd and mysterious place. You might be asking yourselves why this particular location should be so fascinating from the point of view of underwater macro photography? Well, the answer is simple: due to the diversity of sea creatures inhabiting this
place. From the long list of species inhabiting Jetty, let me mention at least the nudibranch sea slugs in all colors, shapes and sizes; Flabellina; ghost pipefish; broadnosed pipefish; frogfish; reef stonefish and scorpionfish.
SLEEPING BEAUTIES – SHRIMPS
In Tulamben and its surroundings (Seraya Secret, Melasti, Amed, Coral Garden and Drop-off locations), you may see small shrimps and crabs who have perfectly adapted to living on a sandy sea bed or reefs. Harlequin, which can probably only be found in Bali at Seraya Secret, is without a doubt the most beautiful of all shrimps. Yet appearances can be deceptive: despite its beauty, harlequin is a ferocious predator. It feeds exclusively on starfish and even a significantly larger crown-ofthorns cannot be sure to survive an encounter with harlequin. The effectiveness of harlequin’s strategy is due to the fact that they attack a starfish in pairs, whereby each shrimp employs a different hunting method. The captured starfish is then being eaten alive by the two shrimps, which may take many weeks.
You may also spot tiny Thor amboinensis shrimps hidden in anemones. They are sometimes called sexy shrimps due to their characteristic movements similar to belly dance.
Besides shrimps, macro photography sites also feature many species of crabs in different sizes. Among the smallest, there is Lauriea siagiani or hairy squad lobster. Its body is almost completely transparent and covered with white hair, hiding shiny violet spots. Crabs are very shy and usually hide from curious divers and photographers in cavities of sponges (lat. Xestospongia). Others, e.g. porcelain anemone crab (lat. Neopetrolisthes ohshimai) hide in anemones.
NUDIBRANCH – VIVID COLORS OF A MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY SITE
When diving, it is rather hard to miss nudibranch slugs due to their sharp colors. With their diversity and number, you can be sure to meet new species during each dive. At the Seraya Secret location, I had my first chance to photograph a Doto greenamyeri nudibranch, a species only discovered recently, which was 1.5 cm large. It looks like a donut, and hence its name: donut nudibranch. Its body looks like consisting of six donuts one next to another and at first sight, it is difficult to tell the head from the tail. It exclusively inhabits hydrozoans (phylum Cnidaria) whom they eat, by the way.
For capturing nudibranch slugs and other species in macro photography sites, a camera with APS-C, 100 mm macro lens and maybe dioptric lenses (e.g. Subsee). For artistic underwater photography, I strongly recommend a snoot. This is a special attachment to the external flash, a set of lenses, to reduce the flash beam and reduces the distracting background (more on this technique in Perfect Diver 3/2021).
Not all beauties and beasts in macro photography locations are small; some of them are 10 and more centimeters long, like e.g. leaf scorpionfish (lat. Taenianotus triacanthus). Its body is almost flat, it moves very gently, imitating a dried leaf plunging on a wave. Conscious of its perfect camouflage, it is not rushing anywhere – just waiting for the prey to come closer.
PEACOCK MANTIS SHRIMP – A STARTLING INHABITANT OF MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
Among other living creatures found in locations for macro photography lovers, one should surely mention mantis shrimps, with a body length of 10–20 cm; it is every diver’s dream to spot one. The most awe-inspiring mantis shrimp, the peacock mantis shrimp (lat. Odontodactylus scyllarus) can usually be seen only when it leaves its hiding place. Its hunting method
requires utmost precision. Its perfect spatial orientation and absolutely exceptional color vision is very helpful. The blue eyes of the mantis shrimp move independently all the time, and their complex build and the capability to distinguish different wave lengths of colors outperform even the human eye. Mantis shrimps are sometimes called shrimp assassins. They can crush its prey with one punch of the front extremities shot at the speed of 23 meters per second. If they are capable of crushing a crab or a shrimp, they can easily break a diver’s fingers. So it is best to keep away from it. There is nothing like a good piece of advice but under water, in the rush of taking pictures and admiring their incredible colors, I tend to forget it in a second.
TRADITIONAL SEA SALT MANUFACTURING
After diving, I spent two more days visiting places I had not been able to see during my last travel to Bali. Among others, I visited small salt-producing homesteads in Ameda and Kusamba (near Padang Bai). Reportedly, Bali inhabitants have been producing salt for a thousand years but with time, there are less and less families ready to commit themselves to this hard and not very lucrative work. Everyday routine begins
by drawing sea water into buckets, filtering it in bamboo funnels filled with clay and pouring them into larger containers sunk in the ground, where the water partially evaporates in the sunlight. The resulting brine is re-filtered and poured into coconut shell halves – troughs from where the remaining water evaporates and the crystal salt dries. Average salt output in such family steadings amounts to about five buckets in two days, and taking into consideration the price – half a dollar per kilogram of salt – it only allows for a modest living.
A FEW FINAL WORDS
Diving in Bali provides endless occasions to experience real adventure – surrounded by those tiniest creatures, as well as gracefully passing devilfish and gigantic sunfish emerging from the depths of the ocean. Marvelous landscapes, smiling and friendly people, traditional Balinese culture, the diversity of temples, perfect diving sites and loads of uncommon attractions are truly entrancing. That is why it is so easy to fall in love with Bali forever.
El Hierro
A GREAT GIFT FOR DIVERS
Text AGNIESZKA BLANDZI
Photos KRZYSZTOF FLIS
We landed on El Hierro 40 minutes late. Not much, but when you know that the whole team is waiting for us at the dive base to go diving, it is a lot. And we still had to drive from the north of the island to its southern point, to La Restinga, known primarily for its incredibly attractive dive sites. The road was about 40 km long and the drive was going to take almost an hour. Why? We were about to find out.
We flew to El Hierro, the westernmost island of the Canary Islands, from Tenerife. The trip with the local airlines Binter Canarias takes 40 minutes and costs just 30 euros for locals.
Unfortunately, a ticket for tourists is much more expensive, but as everywhere you may "hunt” for last minute tickets and you will probably buy something for less than 80 euros. You can also take a 3-hour ferry trip, but unfortunately, in our case, the time of the arrival from Poland ruled this possibility out. The first impression, of course, as in the whole Canaries is that it is windy and hot. It was the strong winds and a weather front full of clouds and fog moving through Tenerife that caused our flight delay. El Hierro welcomed us with turquoise skies, but the wind was getting even stronger. We anxiously watched the white crests of waves rushing across the Atlantic, wondering how our dive would be like. At the airport, most passengers lined up for the Cicar (Canary Islands Car) rental car office, a necessity here to get around between towns. After a while we started the journey through the very mountainous and undulating interior. In places the landscape resembled Scotland due to green hills, low walls separating fields, sheep, brown and black, curious cows. After studying the map for a while, I realised that the hills are actually dormant volcanoes, of which there are more than 500 on the island, and as many as 200 underwater. Some of them slowed down our journey. The map with the marked volcanoes indicated that we passed
"only" 17 of them. Along the way, we encountered a local variation of the Battle of the Wall described by Fredro in the book "The Revenge". On El Hierro there is, of course, a dispute over a volcano, between brothers quarrelling over land. As a result, the H-400 volcano was decorated with a neat wall, because it belongs to two families. It is such a local peculiarity. Despite the hurry we had on our way to La Restinga, we could not ignore the amazing spectacle of nature called here the "sea of clouds". As we climbed slowly up the winding roads of the Valvedere mountain range, this sea of clouds suddenly appeared at our feet, full of golden and silver reflections, completely covering the ground. It was just amazing.
The closer we got to the southern part of the island, the more it felt like being at the end of the world. Behind us remained the wonderful green hills of El Pinar covered with pine forests. Here we entered another sea, this time of solidified lava. From now on we were accompanied by brown and black lava waves frozen in a sudden jump, a strong salty wind and wonderful sunshine. The southernmost point of the island is the headland with the harbour and fishing village of La Restinga. However, among the pictograms on the map, diving is marked as the first and primary attraction of this place. And this is indeed the case. La Restinga has the atmosphere so favoured by divers of a huge dive base. Along the quay, every dozen meters or so, diving bases invite you, guesthouses are accompanied by the names of diving clubs, in the surrounding pubs and cafés we meet our boat-diving companions. In the
morning, through the window of my room, I watched boats with divers setting sail, during the day we met people in diving suits and wet suits, and in the evening, from the windows, we saw the light of torches in the waters of the harbour basin. Let us add that this pool is home to three turtles, too lazy to forage in the ocean. And you do not have to dive to see them, as they often swim on the surface of the water when they get curious. The well-maintained harbour basin, with good infrastructure and a gentle descent, also serves as a training area for beginner divers; you can control balance here, do a "check dive", or just swim with turtles. The harbour waters are crystal clear, surrounded by picturesque high black cliffs,
El Bajon
with small beaches. It is simply a dream place to relax before and after diving.
We rushed into our base in the centre of La Restinga out of breath, but everyone was waiting for us. Most of the dive centres here are really well set up. They consist of an office and training area situated above the street line, and a second area below the street line with dive equipment, a compressor room, elegant changing rooms, showers and a few pools for rinsing the equipment. Divers are attracted here by conditions that every one of us dreams of, especially those tired of the Polish long winters and cold springs. The water temperature in May is about 20°C and does not change regardless of the depth. No wonder that the tradition of diving is very long here. The dive base Centro de Buceo El Hierro, with which we went underwater, was established in 1978, and its owner, Iñaki Cayón Casla, continues to show divers the delights of the undersea. The base has 12 and 15-litre steel cylinders available, with two or one valve, and offers nitrox or air. Departures from the harbour are usually organised twice a day, before noon. Most of the local dive bases are only 300–500 metres from the quay, with accommodation, cafés and shops also within easy reach.
Our journey from the dive base to the jetty also took just 5 minutes, the equipment was efficiently loaded and here we were in the boat, jumping over the waves, in the gush of sea water on our way to El Salto dive site. Our initial fears about the foaming waters of the ocean proved to be unnecessary. Poseidon took care of us and prepared a special place for diving enthusiasts. Around la Restinga extends the "Mar de las Calmas" (sea of calmness). From the cape to the lighthouse Faro de Orchilla we can see the calm waters of the Atlantic, free from large waves. It looks amazing, and gives divers as many as 40 kilometres of relatively calm waters. Even in strong winds, diving in the bays along the coast is very comfortable and incredibly spectacular. The abundance of magnificent sea creatures is further guaranteed here by the Reserva Marina, which covers the area of the underwater volcanic zone. Thanks to these conditions, the area around La Restinga is considered to be the best diving site in the Canary Islands. What is more, the Open Foto Sub, a world-famous festival of underwater photography, also takes place here. Although we have dived many times in the Atlantic, the few dive sites (and there are more than 40 available places) that we had the opportunity to see gave us a striking impression. We reached the El Salto dive
Baja del Camello
El Desierto
El Salto
El Salto
site after a 5 minute swim. On the boat we had the company of divers from Germany, France and Spain dressed in wet suits with hoods. You can see that the special difficulty of diving in sea water was not something surprising to them. Despite the waves and surface current we entered and went out of the boat without any problems. However, we quickly realised our mistake: we could have put on dry suits but without thermal insulation, our thermal underwear was enough. The water was 20 degrees, regardless of the depth, and the surface temperature, despite the cooling wind, was 30 degrees. El Salto delighted us with over 60 metres of visibility and schools of fish. We admired gold, silver and red fish, purple moray eels with white teeth wriggling among the rocks, black stingrays several metres long tiny colourful snails, curious moustached shrimps and huge crawfish. But this was only a foretaste of the next dive along the walls of the volcano El Bajón, considered to be the most spectacular spot among the 40 diving spots. It is located about 2 minutes by boat from the harbour. Due to the light current bringing food and oxygen, it is a favourite spot for fish and for divers, who feel here like in a giant aquarium, with equally giant fish. You swim along the walls of the volcano, and then pass through the crater to circumnavigate the volcano again. You can admire green-brown, monumental walls with visible lava lines, a perfectly visible depth of almost 100 metres, dark
blue water illuminated by the sun. Schools of fish resembling tunas, groups of barracudas, all this together, for some people it was breath-taking, and for others it was the reason why their breath accelerated, as they were so impressed by the view. As if these attractions were not enough, in the next, side-byside sites of Baja del Camello and El Desierto, we were greeted by huge, over-metre-high groupers, called here “el mero”. They were headed by their leader, a massive specimen who decided to see who was visiting them. It tried to bite our Spanish instructor, who wanted to "give it a kiss"; it pulled the filter off our photographer’s camera and looked at me suspiciously. You can see that it is a great fish with character. It is no wonder that the symbol of La Restinga is the 40-year-old grouper
El Bajon
El Bajon
“el pancho” that was immortalised with a statue. Its age was measured thanks to the fact that it gained 1 kg a year, and when it died it weighed 40 kg.
Both of these dive sites Baja del Camello and El Desierto are also known for the youngest underwater volcano, which erupted in 2011. It first spewed ash making the ocean a grey slurry and then exploded with geysers of hot water that was incredibly turquoise in colour for days, captured in many photos. But no worries, the volcano did not erupt suddenly. For days the inhabitants of El Hierro felt a slight trembling of the ground under their feet, as the moving river of lava sought its outlet, only to find it right in the area of La Restinga.
More than 150,000 years ago, the sea of lava solidified here in the form of monumental cliffs that defended the island from the waves of the Atlantic
El Bajon
El Bajon
Ocean. The extraordinary black beaches contrast fantastically with the white and emerald waters, and the steep coastline with its monumentality will make you dizzy. So also the boat trip to the diving site provides a wonderful experience.
It is definitely worth spending at least one day exploring the island, to see the Meridian – the meridian labelled 0 degrees, visit the cultural centre El Julan, where Berber settlers called Bimbaches left their traces, their magical water tree El Garoé, admire the incredible views, especially in La Peña, where you can enjoy the panorama of the valley El Golfo, look at the reserve El Sabinar with juniper trees, which under the influence of the wind have taken amazing, bent shapes. And of course to taste the local cuisine, which in addition to seafood is also famous for “la quesadilla herreña” – cheesecake baked on the basis of goat cheese. Delicious.
We will return to El Hiero to show it to our friends and together we will dive into the sea of clouds, walk through the sea of lava and dive into the sea of calmness.
BUT BARE KEEPS YOU WARM ON EVERY DIVE.
El Bajon
Baja del Camello
Diving safari in the red sea "GOLDEN TRIANGLE"
Text SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ
Photos ADRIAN JURIEWICZ
We live in the same world, but it is our interaction with this world that determines how we will live in it. I have been practicing gratitude for over a year now, I did it before too, but not with the intensity and faith in my heart that I do it with now. Since gratitude has become my mantra, meditation and an indispensable part of everyday life, miracles have started to happen in my life ...
Silently, with a cup of delicious morning coffee in my hand, I climb the wooden stairs to the sundeck, which offers a beautiful view of the red sea, low colourful buildings and a grand mosque in the harbour. I am accompanied by blissful silence broken occasionally by the sound of birds flying by and gentle waves hitting the side of the boat. This is my moment of solitude, in which I sink completely and feel indescribable gratitude, looking at the beautiful world around me. I am thankful to be here and to be able to experience this extraordinary
adventure with a group of wonderful people, friends who join me after a while to admire the sunrise together.
Yesterday we landed at the Hurghada airport in eastern Egypt in the early afternoon, it took us about fifteen minutes by bus to get to the port. On a wooden, slightly wobbly gangplank we boarded a beautiful boat named Sea Serpent Grand, which that day was sailing on a seven-day cruise in the Red Sea. The dive safari itinerary was "The Golden Triangle" due to the three incredibly beautiful sites we were going to dive at – the Brothers Islands, Daedalus and Elphinstone Reefs.
The daily schedule during the diving safari is predetermined and everyone follows it, unless something unexpected happens that makes it change (e.g. bad weather or very strong currents, which make it impossible to dive at the planned site). Each day we get up at 6:00 a.m., although some, like me, wake up at 4:50 a.m. Then at 6:30 there is a briefing (discussion of
Expressing gratitude in words is polite and pleasant, playing gratitude is generous and noble, but experiencing gratitude is a touch of heaven.
Johannes A. Gaertner
the dive site), and at 7:00 the first dive begins. After an hour of diving, we return to the boat, have breakfast, rest and at 10:30 we listen to a briefing again, so that we can dive again half an hour later. After returning to the boat, we rest, have lunch and at 2:30 p.m. we gather for another briefing so that we go underwater half an hour later for the third dive. After an hour of diving, we rest, eat some snacks like fruit and antipasti, and then at 6:30 p.m. we gather for a briefing to start the fourth night dive at 7:00 p.m. After an hour of diving we return to the boat to have a delicious dinner and to relax.
I get up because I know that in
If I stayed
We leave the harbour early in the morning, the sea is very calm, and the air temperature is over 35°C. Our diving equipment is already prepared and ready for us to put it on and jump into the water. We swim about two hours to the first dive site Panorama Reef, where we do a check dive. The
place is exceptionally charming, there are no currents and the sandy bottom is overgrown with beautiful coral gardens, in which various colourful fish find shelter, as well as moray eels, scorpionfish and many other species of sea creatures. For a moment, a large eagle ray appears on the horizon and swims away unhurriedly into the depths. At this location we also stay for a night dive, which turns out to be a beautiful experience: we see cuttlefish, Spanish dancer, stingrays, nudibranchs and many other beautiful creatures that become active after sunset.
We sail all night to the Brothers Islands. The sea is calm, and the hum of the engine and the gentle rocking make us fall asleep like children in our cabins. The next day I wake up before dawn at 4:40 a.m. I would love to stay in bed and sleep an hour longer. I get up because I know that in a moment the Red Sea will be flooded by the golden orange glow of the sun entering the sky. If I stayed in bed, I would miss out on this beautiful spectacle. It is only when we go beyond our comfort zone, overcome our weaknesses, laziness, fears and dare to fight for our dreams, that we experience the beauty of this world (we are rewarded with a unique sunrise or a magical dive with sharks).
Two stone islands Little Brother and Big Brother emerge from the sea bathed in the orangish glow of the rising sun.
a moment the Red Sea will be flooded by the golden orange glow of the sun entering the sky.
in bed, I would miss out on this beautiful spectacle.
I couldn't have dreamed up a more beautiful gift in the morning than this incredible spectacle in the sky.
"Big Brother", whose shape resembles a submarine, stands out from its smaller brother thanks to its beautiful English-built lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1884 until today. Right at the foot of the island at a depth of about 25 metres (it descends to 80 metres) lies the beautiful wreck of the transport ship Numidia, which fell into the reef and sank on 29 February 1901. 120 years after the sinking of the ship, its remains look spectacular. The metal structure is overgrown with phenomenal coral gardens and inhabited by countless species of sea creatures. A few decades later, not far from the wreck of the Numidia, in 1957, another wreck rested, named the Aida, which came to the island with supplies for the lighthouse keepers and encountered stormy weather, during which it hit the reef and its hull broke into two parts. Today we can see her remains at about 28 metres (down to 52 metres). The Aida is a beautiful wreck, but it exudes a penetrating darkness that is difficult to express in words... It is very austere and dark, and its entirety seems to be shrouded in mist... "Big Brother" is not only two beautiful shipwrecks, but also beautiful coral gardens, which cover the
southern stone underwater wall. Here we also meet beautiful white tip and black tip reef sharks.
"Little Brother", on the other hand, consists mainly of the eastern and western walls, which are overgrown with gorgonian forests that look spectacular against the stone background. When we take our eyes off the enormous walls, we can see schools of barracudas and tuna in the blue depths. To dive off the coast of the two islands we use a zodiac, to which we come back after our dive. Certain safety procedures must be followed due to the presence of sharks such as longimanus. They are considered dangerous to humans, as occasional attacks occur. This is mostly due to risky behaviour of people who in order to entertain tourists attract the sharks by throwing, for example, pieces of chicken into the water. These sharks began to more boldly approach boats and divers, especially those emerging towards the surface. For the safety of divers, certain safety rules have been introduced, which every diver should strictly follow. After finishing the dive and during the safety stop at 5 meters, divers ascend in pairs along the rope attached to the signal buoy. Once a pair ascends to a zodiac, then two more divers can ascend until the entire group of divers is on the boat.
When we take our eyes off the enormous walls, we can see schools of barracudas and tuna in the blue depths.
During a safety stop at about 5 metres, suddenly a large shadow appears in the distance and unhurriedly approaches us. It is a hammerhead shark with all its curiosity, swimming slowly, majestically, with the rays of the morning sun reflecting on its skin.
Our dive guide has shown us a video he had taken with his GoPro camera a few months earlier, when two tourists, after completing a safety stop, reached the zodiac, and a longimanus emerged from the abyss just behind them and began circling them dangerously. The dive guide began banging his carabiner against his cylinder to distract the shark. He adopted an upright position and did not let the shark out of his sight. Fortunately, all ended well, and everyone made it back to the boat safely. This does not change the fact that during each dive you need to take special precautions (such as swimming in a group, and when a shark appears, you should stay upright and observe the individual).
On the boat in addition to our group there are several other participants of the cruise, of different nationalities. We form two separate teams; one team is from Poland and the other is called International. One day we dive first, the next day we dive as the second ones. There is also a couple of older Americans who have stayed for another dive safari and have their own private dive guide.
To Daedalus Reef, which lies in the middle of the Red Sea and is a tiny island with a beautiful lighthouse in the middle, we sail about 10 hours. After a morning briefing, we board
a zodiac and set sail for our first dive in this extraordinary place. We jump into the water with negative buoyancy and try to swim as fast as possible to the slope of the vertically falling stone wall covered with soft and hard corals. Usually in this place there are very strong currents, but not this time, the sea is very calm not only on the surface but also underwater. We dive to about 30 metres in search of sharks, and one species in particular: the hammerhead shark. They usually appear when there are strong currents, so the chances of meeting them today are slim. After 35 minutes of searching we swim closer to the beautiful reef and slowly start to surface, losing hope for an encounter with sharks. During a safety stop at about 5 metres, suddenly a large shadow appears in the distance and unhurriedly approaches us. It is a hammerhead shark with all its curiosity, swimming slowly, majestically, with the rays of the morning sun reflecting on its skin. I start shouting out of joy into my regulator, giving thanks for this extraordinary gift we have been given by the sea.
On our second dive in the same spot, just after we had taken a zodiac off the boat, our dive guide noticed a small bird in the water that was terribly tired and did not have the strength to make it to the island. We fished it out, saving its
life. When we made sure the bird was safe on the boat we went for a dive, halfway there the engine on the zodiac stopped working. Our little captain was doing his best to start the machine, but every attempt to nourish the engine failed. The heat was pouring from the sky and we slowly started to drift. We decided to jump out of the zodiac where we were. We jumped into the water with negative buoyancy, and after a while a hammerhead shark came up to us from the blue abyss, followed by another and another. Sometimes it is not worth fighting with fate, but surrender to what it brings, and it turns out that a situation that at first seemed uncomfortable became the best possible one. The international group that dived second that day did not encounter a single shark.
During the third dive on Daedalus Reef we swam to the western wall, where between 5 and 10 meters there are impressive colonies of anemones, which
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When we came out of the water, another surprise awaited us, a herd of bottlenose dolphins swam up to our zodiac. They stayed so close that they were within arm's reach.
are inhabited by clownfish. Nowhere else in the world have I seen such a concentration of these fish and such a beautiful coral reef, which I can compare to the one on Raja Ampat. It was not only the anemones that enchanted me, but also the hammerhead sharks that swam past from time to time and the schools of tuna and barracuda. This extraordinary day could only be crowned by a magical sunset, which we admired together from the boat.
We arrived at Elphinstone Reef at dawn after a short morning briefing. This site is famous for its very strong currents, but also for its rich underwater life, beautiful coral gardens and large sea creatures such as grey reef sharks and longimanus sharks. On our first dive at Elphinstone, the current is minimal. We were even more surprised when a hammerhead came by and we were able to see it up close, there was also a school of tuna. In the middle of the dive we were joined by a large napoleon, which obviously wanted us to give it something to eat. Some DMs take hard boiled eggs with them underwater and feed fish with them. The napoleon that swam with us until the end of the dive, was obviously hoping for a little something. When we came out of the water, another surprise awaited us, a herd of bottlenose dolphins swam up to our zodiac. They stayed so close that they were within arm's reach.
That day we did two more dives on Elphinstone Reef, and the next day we were supposed to dive on the Salem Express wreck. Unfortunately, our plans needed to be changed. One of the participants of the diving safari, an American from the international group, after leaving the last dive suddenly felt unwell and fell on the deck of the boat, unable to get up. The crew reacted immediately, gave the man oxygen, checked his computer and placed him in a safe position. There were no typical signs of decompression sickness on his body
The crew immediately responded with oxygen, checked the man's computer and placed him in a safe position. Unfortunately, the man's condition was not improving, so the boat captain decided to immediately return to the port in Hurghada. In hospital it turned out that the American had suffered a pressure injury and had to undergo several sessions in a hyperbaric chamber. According to the American's computer, each of the dives was carried out correctly.
We made our next dives off the coast of Giftun Island, thus ending the safari adventure. Maybe we did not manage to see the wreck of the Salem Express, but we experienced the presence of sharks, dolphins and other creatures that inhabit the Red Sea, and most importantly the American survived...
4baltic
FOUR FOR BALTIC
Wojciech Zgoła: Have you ever seen Perfect Diver Magazine?
Tomek Ramutkowski: Honestly?
Yes...
You know, I must have seen it. The format and visual form seem familiar to me.
Great. Here's the latest printed edition, and you can look at it in your free time. Thanks, I will do so.
How many years have you been diving?
Around 15 years, I think. Yes, it's been a while. And I dive quite intensively. My first instructor course I took with the late Robert Klein, but before that, I had spent seasons in Jastarnia, active-
My conversation with Tomek Ramutkowski, originator and founder of the 4baltic Association
ly participating in training. Since the very beginning I leaned towards the wrecks and technical dives. I wasn't interested in recreation.
But, you know, everyone starts with recreation. Sure, I did such dives for a few years, until my first tech course, advanced nitrox. However, most of them were training and skill dives.
Many divers are now on the verge of recreational and technical diving.
Exactly. I have a lot of trainees who are already doing advanced nitrox, one stage, you know, for a gentle start. No one has to go down 100 m deep right away.
It shouldn't even be that everyone descends 100 meters. Sure, no. But see, from the commercial point of view there is a lot of pressure from instructors and trainees too, to do quick courses, cave or technical diving courses...
Do you happen to dive not in the Baltic Sea? (laughs) ...of course, although I must admit that I enter the lakes rather reluctantly. I only dive in lakes when I do it with the trainees.
Because you have to...
Because I have to, yes. The point is that the lake offers more predictable conditions and a relatively shallow depth, which is important in the case of skill dives.
But Attersee or Garda are ok?
Yes, these are OK. Although recently I got hooked on macro-photography. During my last stay in Croatia, I was able to "sit" for hours with a rebreather on my back and look for objects to photograph. I was able to spend 2 or 3 hours with snails. A beautiful thing, but it was also in the sea :)
I see. Now, where did you get the idea for 4baltic association? Was it a sudden idea or did it develop slowly, gaining maturity?
4baltic was an idea that was in my head for a long time. From the very beginning of my diving adventure, I have been diving on wrecks. Over the years and hundreds of hours under water, you can see a drastic change in what's under the water. How much cod is there on wrecks (and how much of it was earlier), and why it is not there actually. The flounders are in a deplorable condition. Skinny, haggard, with some spots. You can see to the condition of the water itself: farmers fertilise their fields, and everything flows down into the Bay and into the sea with the rains.
There is also more and more talk about the penetration of chemical compounds from the sunken chemical weapons from WWII to the Baltic environment.
Some also believe that the wrecks themselves are not good for the environment. And I personally regret the fact that, for example, Franken was closed to divers. As the 4baltic Association, we will strive to make it possible to dive on it. A gentleman or a lady from the Maritime Office will not go there and verify the condition of this wreck, and we, as divers, can go down to the wreck and make, for example, photographic or film documentation of the state of Franken. Thanks to us, the the Office can be kept up to date.
Tell me more about this Association.
Well, as I am a local, I live and dive here, as I said a moment ago, the desire to do something grew in me. I didn't want to just watch, but take things into my own hands. I prefer to create reality than to be just a passive observer. But what tipped the scales? Well, the fact that all the associations that I knocked to with the desire to cooperate, did not want to cooperate. They are rather closed, hermetic. That's why I thought – let's do something on our own. Most of the "founding fathers" of 4baltic are my trainees at various levels of training, close acquaintances and friends.
How many people make 4baltic?
We got together and created this Association in 8 people.
How has it been received by the environment? To what extent does the claim of a few people "we support 4baltic"
It is the size of five zlotys and has been living in our waters for several dozen years. The American Crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisi) has a breeding season which will last until the end of August.
translate into real help and commitment?
The response from the community exceeded my wildest expectations. Some of it is probably just idle talk, but some people took it seriously and hopefully something will come of it. We want to cooperate with various groups, not only divers, but also those practising other sports, e.g. kitesurfing. We will be happy to work with all of them.
And what are the main goals of 4baltic?
We are doing everything that can be done for the Baltic Sea. The name 4baltic has 4 hidden pillars. These are: broadly understood environmental protection, the second is the search and identification of wrecks, the third is to raise the awareness of divers and the entire society about the ecosystem and what resources we have. The fourth goal or pillar is the integration of our environment.
dation on a permanent basis since last year and one of the finals this year will be conducted under water.
Great. We want to talk to our local authorities and organise some local events. Of course, we'll let you know.
So, how can we help as PD?
And this is the number 4 (four) in the name?
Yes, this is this number four: for Baltic and 4 pillars, 4 main goals.
Great idea.
Thanks (laughter)
I am curious to see what goals will be realised later in reality, because it is not going to be easy. Well, that's the way it is, even if you want to cooperate with people, there are always some obstacles. But that is precisely the task for our Association. Because together we can do more.
If, for example, you are planning to clean the bottom of the Baltic Sea in some part of the sea, let me know. Perfect Diver has been cooperating with the Nasza Ziemia Foun-
TOMEK RAMUTKOWSKI
He has been fascinated with the underwater world from an early age. Even as a little boy, with an old type mask, he was looking at underwater creatures. However, he waited until 2007 for his first breath from the diving regulator. And that's when it all started!:)
Currently, he has a history of several thousand dives in various places around the world, although it is quality, not quantity, that is key to him. He dives mainly technically, on wrecks and in caves. For several years he has been fascinated by closed-circuit diving.
It is already great that information about 4baltic will appear in your newspaper, that there has been a response from you and that more people will find out about our initiative. This makes me believe that there are people with whom we can go further. Do more. In general, anyone can join the association, but from the formal point of view, it is the case that a given candidate must be approved by two members of the 4baltic Association and it is then voted on. We also want such a candidate to write a cover letter or meet with us to see what they would like to contribute to the association as our members.
Tomek, thank you very much for the meeting and that you found time to come to Łeba and talk about the Baltic Sea and about 4baltic. We will stay in touch and at your disposal.
Thanks too. I am very pleased to meet you and to talk to you.
From the beginning of his diving journey, he has been associated with Baltic wrecks, where he dives long and deep. It is also there that he trains his trainees most often, placing great emphasis on the high level of their training.
Tomek is an Instructor Trainer, rebreather, technical and wreck instructor in several training organisations. For over 10 years, he has been sharing his knowledge with others.
He often takes a break from technical wreck or cave dives in favour of shallower dives, in search of an animal to 'shoot'. With a camera, of course!:)
It is the camera that has recently become a permanent part of his inventory, and the welfare of fauna and flora is crucial for him. Therefore, he actively works to protect wildlife.
Founder and President of the 4baltic Association, owner at Deepbusters and originator of Wreckbusters.
In 1989, I became a huge fan of this lake. As a newly trained police diver, I entered the area without permission through an opening in the fence and stood speechless in front of the lake, which shimmered in the most beautiful shades of blue and turquoise. I absolutely had to dive there! The very next day I made my first dive in Kreidesee lake, and up to now there have been countless subsequent ones. I dare say I was infected with the 'Hemmoor virus', which I still successfully spread among many new divers today.
Holger Schmoldt Owner of Kreidesee Hemmoor
HEMMOOR
Hamburg
Berlin
Those who practice scuba diving will, sooner or later, come across the Kreidesee diving centre in Hemmoor, Lower Saxony, which has already been voted several times the best diving centre in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In the years 1862–1976, chalk was mined here for the production of cement and a pit was dug, which within six years after turning off the pumps filled with crystal clear spring water. Thus, in 1982, Kreidesee lake was created. In 1986, the factory was demolished and the lake was to be converted into a red mud dump.
HOWEVER, SOMETHING DIFFERENT HAPPENED
The lake still exists today and houses many abandoned opencast mine artefacts that now allow divers and Kreidesee visitors to experience the era that had passed. Artefacts from recent times, such as free-floating aircraft, trucks, caravans, cars and ships are also valuable diving targets. You can often find there trout and salmon from fish farming.
There is no classic roping there (maybe except for the roping from the exit No. 4 to the truck), and only the more important attractions are marked with buoys. It is best to dive with a compass, but the number of characteristic points
under the water is so large that we are able to explain to everyone how to get to individual attractions without using navigation devices.
Due to the specific climate, the quarry never freezes.
WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU. BE OUR GUEST!
Kreidesee lake covers an area of 33 hectares and is 60 meters deep. During longer periods of good weather, visibility can increase up to 25 meters, thus ensuring an optimal three-dimensional space. This attracts around 30,000 divers annually, also from neighbouring countries.
An excellent diving infrastructure has been created around the lake: the largest and fastest cylinder filling station in Europe, favourable descents and access to water, some also for the disabled, over 30 Scandinavian cottages and summer apartments, as well as a campsite directly by the lake.
Unfortunately, the attractiveness of the dive site requires you to book accommodation well in advance.
Rafał Grazewicz took some of the photos during common dives.
CN Octopus Hamburg/Hemmoor
Mermaiding
MERMAID ACADEMY
Text EDITORIAL OFFICE
According to legend, the home of the mermaids, beautiful fish-tailed women, was an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sailors were to see them there and hear their beautiful, seductive singing. Modern mermaids no longer sing, but you don't have to travel far to meet them. Thanks to the Mermaid Academy, they also came to Poland.
Mermaiding, as mermaid tail diving is called, was born nearly 10 years ago. Fashion for this sport has already taken over Western Europe, the United States and many Asian countries. Mermaiding appeared in Poland 3 years ago thanks to the Mermaid Academy in Warsaw.
– When I first saw Mermaids in Italy, where I was working as a diving instructor, I laughed. But when I put the tail on myself and tried it, I fell in love with it. Freedom, joy, humour are all that is hidden in this women's sport – says Magdalena Gębicka, mermaiding instructor, founder of the Mermaid Academy.
Photo Akademia Syren
However, mermaiding is not only a sport for women, there are men who try their hand at mermaid-tail swimming. Interestingly, according to Greek mythology, they are called Tritons (half human, half fish).
It is the tail that distinguishes mermaids from freedivers. Many people wonder what it really hides inside. In a fantastically colourful material, the shape of which depends only on our imagination, a traditional monofin is often hidden. And this is the true underwater propeller. As in any sport, there are different types of monofins, ranging from hardness to size or method of donning. In mermaiding, however, neither speed nor depth matters, but the grace with which the mermaid moves underwater. And this, among other things, what you can learn on the mermaid course.
– We run courses in accordance with the guidelines of the SSI diving federation. I am very happy that we have managed to develop this field. People from all over Poland come to our courses, because we also train instructors – explains Magdalena Gębicka. – Thanks to this, you can find a mermaid school in almost every major city in the country – she adds.
Mermaid tail diving is great fun. It is a sport for both children and adults. Therefore, it is a perfect idea to spend time with your child. It is fantastic fun for our kids, and for busy mums – a way to relax and exercise. Swimming in the mer-
maid's tail fantastically sculpts the muscles of the abdomen and buttocks. Besides, for many adult women it is also a childhood dream come true.
– As it turned out, for many of our students it is also the first step towards freediving. Many of the women who came to us fell in love with apnea diving and after the mermaiding course they decided to take another training. The mermaid course classes can be compared to basic freediving training, because we teach basic movements under water or breathing exercises. It's just that we use a monofin dressed in a beautiful tail – explains Magdalena Gębicka.
Many of the women who came to us fell in love with apnea diving and after the mermaiding course they decided to take another training.
Photo Konwentphoto Deepspot
Photo Konwentphoto Deepspot
AS IN EVERY FIELD, ALSO IN THIS ONE WE HAVE SEVERAL LEVELS
Try Mermaid SSI – discover mermaid tail swimming
This is a course for those who want to try this sport, see if it is for them. During such classes, the instructor conducts a short introductory lesson on swimming equipment and techniques, and then during the pool classes with the trainees, they carry out basic exercises. Minimum age 6 years.
Mermaid Explorers SSI – a course for the younger mermaid
The Mermaid Explorers course is aimed at the youngest water lovers. You only need to be 6 years old and know how to swim (the ability to swim a minimum distance of 12 meters is required). During classes with the Mermaid SSI instructor, we provide not only a lot of new skills, but also a lot of fun. Children learn to swim in a mermaid's tail, perform simple acrobatics under water and learn the basic issues related to safe diving and apnea swimming. All this is full of fun and full of colours, because the classes are conducted in mermaid tails from the very first meeting.
Mermaid SSI – mermaid course
SSI Mermaid programs are making an astonishing career around the world! Swimming in the mermaid's tail is a great form of activity for adults and thanks to it we can improve our condition and take care of our figure. Such swimming involves more the muscles of the legs, abdomen, buttocks and back.
During the course, we learn the proper movement in a monofin, work with the breath, and relaxation techniques. The mermaid course consists of a theoretical and practical part and ends with an exam. All SSI Mermaid learning materials are available in Polish!
Ocean Mermaid SSI – Advanced Course
This course is aimed at mermaids who want to develop their skills. Ocean Mermaid is a training course designed for mermaids who are already Mermaid certified and want to go beyond the limits. Open water swimming brings new skills. Training is conducted outdoors or in the Deepspot.
Photo Studio Zahora
Photo Studio Zahora
Diver Rescue
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY PROVIDE FIRST AID
Anyone who begins their adventure with such a hobby as diving, from the very first day of the course must follow the safety rules and remember them so that they know how to help themselves or, if necessary, the other divers.
Of course, nobody talks about being a hero, it is more about logical and consistent actions in order to help or minimise the risk, from emergency procedures regarding hardware problems to possible physical problems we or our partners can have.
It is worth mentioning here the EFR, DAN and Polish Red Cross first aid courses. As the editor of Perfect Diver, we are convinced that it is an absolute prerequisite to dive consciously and safely!
This time I would like to introduce you to the equipment that you can use yourself until the arrival of the emergency services. One of the more and more frequently found in diving bases, apart from the oxygen set, first aid kit and a precise evacuation plan, is... the AED set (Automated External Defibrillator). It is compact and small, which makes it easy to carry.
We can see it on a daily basis in offices, swimming pools, in medical clinics, as well as in public transport or transport in general. It is placed in a visible and marked place in a special "capsule" on the wall. Instructions for use should be at hand near the AED.
Thanks to the courtesy of a friendly fire brigade, we had the opportunity to undergo training with the use of such a device and to compare the way AEDs from three manufacturers work. A small red case the size of a thicker book with a life-saving device inside… such a paradox.
After opening the case, we can see the device with electrodes for adults already installed in the device, additional electrodes for children, scissors for possible cutting of clothes
Text and photos HUBERT REISS
and a disposable razor. The device's battery life is a minimum of 200 defibrillations or 4 hours of operation, and the battery life is up to 4 years. The weight is only 1.5 kg, and the memory allows you to record the data of the first 15 minutes of the ECG as well as events and decisions made as a result of the analysis of the patient's condition during the entire incident.
The equipment is designed so that even a person without medical training can provide help. Of course, in the light of the law, there is no unambiguous normative interpretation explaining whether specialised training is required to use an AED. Regulations in various legal systems range from the requirement of special training to the view that modern AEDs are devices that are very easy to use, and additionally voiceguide the rescuer through the entire resuscitation algorithm, and therefore should be available to every witness of the incident. However, in times of growing indifference, it is much better to, at least, try to provide first aid and be a good Samaritan
A lot of people are probably wondering why separate electrodes for children are provided and what for a key to change the mode is – to change the mode to a paediatric one? For two reasons:
1. the electrodes are smaller than the adult version, although each manufacturer may have a different solution
2. for resuscitation of children, the lower voltage of the AED is provided (children 50J/adults 150J).
Below there is a table with the classification of electrodes depending on the age of the victim
1–8 children's size an attachment reducing energy level up to 1 yearnot recommendednot recommended
The device comes with a step-by-step pictorial guide on how to proceed and use the AED correctly. Of course, all these points are also communicated by voice during the resuscitation procedure.
Not every diver is a rescuer, although everyone should know the principles of first aid. For me personally, the Rescue Diver course was really helpful and allowed me to plan my dives even more precisely so as to avoid emergencies and threats. It is a big responsibility but also a comfort that we know how to react at a particular moment.
A good practice when organising a diving trip in a group or with a partner is to equip yourself with an individual medical
totally different from the basic car set
On every trip, be it Polish open waters or salty or sweet warm waters abroad, it's good to have:
from diving perspective
` several sets of disposable gloves, e.g. latex (our safety is the most important)
` a resuscitation mask covering the mouth and nose
` several thermal blankets / space blankets
` gel for burns
` cold and hot chemical compress (overheating / hypothermia)
` rehydrating measures
` measures against diarrhea and seasickness
and other equipment – sticking plasters for dressing larger skin cuts, triangular bandage, stiffening splint, scissors, razor, tweezers, 20 ml syringe – for washing wounds, waste bag, a set of sterile bandages of various widths, elastic bandage, disinfecting wipes, disposable mask for mouthto-mouth resuscitation, a long strip of plaster cut to size, dressing patches and sterile saline.
Ready-made sets of "diving" first aid kits and oxygen sets are available on the market. Preceded by an appropriate course, they are an invaluable source of help in the field for the diver and/or rescuer until transport to the hospital or medical services are provided. Useful, but not required, is the Triage kit for segregating the injured – it allows you to determine the condition of the injured in a larger group in terms of the priority of providing help.
Although diving locally in the rushes at a shallow depth is very pleasant and allows you to discover virgin places full of life and clear water, you should always remember to properly prepare and secure such a trip from a medical point of view. Choosing dive bases that are properly equipped is the first step in planning a safe trip
Uncle Hubert and the entire editorial team of Perfect Diver know what they say and always promote safety;)
Static apnoea
RESEARCH ON ATHLETES
ABSTRACT
In a previous issue of Perfect Diver Magazine, we introduced you the performance factors in static apnea. In this one, we will introduce you the details of the research on athletes. In the next issue of Perfect Diver Magazine, we will present the results of the research on athletes.
The main purpose of the research involving eight Slovenian men divers on the breath, was to compare the effects of static apnoea after inhalation and after exhalation carried out in water and on land. The divers that were measured have been in the regular training process for many years, and they are considered to be excellent breath-hold divers at national and world levels. Each diver performed static apnoeas in water, two maximum static apnoeas done after breathing in and two after breathing out. And then each diver did the same on land. We measured the following variables: the time duration of each apnoea, the beginning of a spontaneous contraction of the respiratory muscles, the heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and blood saturation with oxygen.
INTRODUCTION
The main element of competitive forms of breath-hold diving are individual dives, which are measured in depth, distance, and duration. Breath-hold diving competitions are held in several disciplines and according to well-defined rules set by two international diving federations (AIDA and CMAS).
Depth competitions are held in seas or lakes. Distance and duration competitions are held in swimming pools. Depth, distance, and duration of a dive depend on various limiting factors. An exercise regimen is essential to achieve and exceed ever-improving results. The effects of a proper exercise regimen are reflected in achieving greater depth (in all depth disciplines), distance (in all distance disciplines), and duration of the dive (in static apnoea). With practice, therefore, a diver adapts to certain extreme circumstances. How this is done, however, is an important question. Of all the forms of diving, static apnoea is the most suitable for research, as during apnoea (in water and on land) a diver remains completely motionless.
SUBJECT MATTER AND ITS DRAWBACKS
Breath-hold divers’ trainings consist of different practice types, or forms of exercises, which are performed according to the season and available conditions which enable their execution. The main goal of most breath-hold divers is deep diving, which is only possible in seas or lakes. Due to logistical and weather conditions, divers practice in swimming pools during most of the season. In the preparation period they mainly perform swimming exercises of various intensity, which are consequently upgraded by practicing static apnoea after inhalation and after exhalation, as well as practicing dynamic apnoea with or without fins. Static apnoea and both forms of dynamic apnoeas are practiced in the form of a series which consist of
Measurement of static apnoea in water
Text and photos ALEŠ KOŠTOMAJ
shorter or longer apnoeas with shorter or longer breaks in between. In doing so, divers follow the principle of adapting to the characteristically low levels of O2 in the body during apnoea by performing long apnoeas with long breaks between them. This is called an O2 workout. Series of shorter apnoeas with shorter breaks in-between, however, represent a CO2 workout. With this workout, divers reduce the need to inhale, or to some extent even adapt to such a need. In summer months, breathhold divers supplement their exercises with deeper dives in seas and lakes, where they gradually adapt to the increasing water pressure. In doing that, their lungs and ears are particularly strained. Throughout the whole season, divers can make their practice more interesting in various ways, for example by playing underwater rugby or hockey in swimming pools, or by underwater fishing in the sea.
The training regimen in one competitive season consists of different combinations of the previously mentioned training types. They are largely based on expertise which is gained from divers’ individual experiences and from knowledge of general training principles. Unfortunately, there have been very few clear and scientifically confirmed data in the field of diving practices so far. The main reason for this is probably the inability of the current measurement technology for monitoring the changes in the body of a diver in such extreme conditions (during deep dives) as is high water pressure and the aquatic environment itself. In swimming pool disciplines, the measuring is less demanding because there is no water pressure. Due to the movement of the body and the aquatic environment itself, the measurements are more demanding in both dynamic apnoeas than in static apnoea, in which the body is completely motionless. Static apnoea with its characteristics, therefore, allows us to perform measurements in the most reliable way.
The greater the volume of the last inhale, the longer the apnoea, and vice versa. Practicing apnoea after exhalation al-
lows breath-hold divers a more rational approach to training for apnoea duration.
Apnoea after exhalation is shorter. Changes happen faster. Therefore, it is not necessary to dive very deep to achieve similar effects in ear equalization as in apnoea after inhalation. In apnoea after inhalation there is a risk of developing decompression sickness. In apnoea after exhalation in deep diving, this probability is very small.
In apnoea after exhalation, the diving reflex is also more intense. Training static apnoea after exhalation is practiced with different lung volumes. Smaller lung volumes are thought to have a greater effect on bradycardia, i.e. slow heart rate.
Breath-hold divers practice static apnoea in water and also on land. Any form of practicing apnoea with a submerged face, i.e. with the mouth and nose immersed into water, can be life-threatening due to the possibility of drowning, therefore, the presence of a safety diver is essential. Practicing apnoea on land in the supine position is the only safe form when exercising alone. It is important to lie on a comfortable surface with a slightly raised torso and head, and without a nose clip. Only in this case, the body will save itself and will be able to start breathing after the loss of consciousness because there is an unobstructed passage of air through the mouth and nose. All other apnoea training positions on land (sitting, standing, running, walking, cycling…) without safety measures can be dangerous in case of loss of consciousness. There are no significant differences between the duration of apnoea when performed in water or on land. Given that all apnoea competitions are always in water, it would be interesting to compare static apnoea performed in water and on land.
The main purpose of this study is, therefore, to compare the effects of static apnoea after inhalation and after exhalation when performed in water and on land.
Measurement of static apnoea on land
METHODS
subjects
The study involved 8 Slovenian male breath-hold divers (age: 37 ± 8, body height: 182 ± 8 cm, body weight: 82 ± 8 kg, the best personal static apnoea result in water after packing: 402 ± 60 s). All subjects have been in a regular training process for many years and are considered excellent breath-hold divers both at a national and international level.
description of measurements
The measurements took place in the swimming pool at the Faculty of Sports in Ljubljana (Slovenia). They were divided into two parts (in water and on land). Each subject performed two maximal static apnoeas after inhalation (hereafter apnoea after inhalation) and two maximal static apnoeas after exhalation (hereafter apnoea after exhalation) in water. Subjects repeated the same protocol on land. The order of individual apnoeas (after inhalation, after exhalation, in water, and on land) was random and different for different subjects.
The warm-up protocol was the same when the measurement was performed in water and on land. Before the first apnoea, the subjects had five minutes to warm up. There were three-minute breaks between individual apnoeas. No restrictions were imposed for the warm-up or breath-up before and between apnoeas, with the exception of hyperventilation which was prohibited. Everyone was able to use their own technique. However, the last inhalation before apnoea and the last exhalation before apnoea were prescribed. The last inhalation before apnoea after inhalation was maximal, but without packing.
The last exhalation before apnoea after exhalation was maximal, with the subjects trying to empty all the air from the lungs.
In water, the subjects wore neoprene suits, as the water temperature was 27.5° C and the air temperature 29.5° C. The subjects lay in a prone position on the water surface with their face submerged underwater so that their mouths and noses were immersed in water. On their faces, the subjects wore only a nose clip. Diving mask, swimming goggles, and underwater lenses were not allowed.
On land, the subjects were dressed in swimsuits. Measurements were performed on the pool platform. They lay in a supine position on a comfortable surface with their torso and head slightly raised. On their face they only had a nose clip.
During each apnoea, subjects signaled the start of spontaneous contraction of their respiratory muscles by raising their hand. When the subjects were no longer able to hold their breath, they ended the apnoea.
The following variables were measured for all apnoeas: duration of individual apnoea (EA – end of apnoea), onset of spontaneous contraction of respiratory muscles (CP – contraction point), heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP).
All subjects and all apnoeas were recorded with a video camera. The video camera also recorded all subjects’ signals (a sign for CP and EA), the electronic stopwatch for CP and EA timekeeping, and the HR and SaO2 measuring device.
Each subject performed two maximal apnoeas after inhalation and two maximal apnoeas after exhalation in water and on land. The longer apnoea of each was chosen for further analysis.
The subjects placed a heart rate monitor under a neoprene suit directly on their bare skin on the chest. HR was measured with a Polar heart rate monitor, in water and on land, continuously every five seconds before, during, and after each apnoea. HR is shown as a number of heart beats per minute (1/min). HR was also measured with two pulse oximeters as a control
The warm-up protocol before static apnoea in water
The warm-up protocol before static apnoea on land
measurement. HR was analyzed at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% of the final time duration in all eight subjects.
For all apnoeas in water and on land, SaO2 was measured continuously with two devices, before, during and after apnoea. We used two pulse oximeters. Both forceps with pulse oximetry sensors were attached to the index finger and the ring finger of the subject’s right hand. SaO2 was analyzed at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% of the final time duration in all eight subjects.
Blood pressure was measured in water and on land, while resting a minute before the onset of apnoea and every minute of the duration of individual apnoea. We measured it on the subject’s left hand with a blood pressure monitor. Systolic and diastolic BP values were analyzed at 0%, 40%, and 90% of the final duration of measurement.
data processing
Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS statistical program. After calculating the descriptive statistics, the data were analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) analysis of variance for repeated measurements and post hoc analysis with the Bonferroni test. All data will be presented with tables and charts in the next issue of the magazine.
RESOURCES
For readers interested in additional references please contact me through email.
Every mission. In every condition. Zeagle has your back. www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl
Measurement of spirometry
WHY DIVE PRISM 2 Nick Hollis explains
The PRISM 2 is a simple and reliable rebreather that can be used for all types of diving from the shallowest photography dives to the deepest exploration dives. P2 owners are the silent stormtroopers of the underwater world.
On a recent liveaboard trip (pre-Covid) there were a number of rebreathers from different manufacturers and a few PRISM 2’s on board. The divers on the trip saw that the PRISM 2 was one of the few that performed consistently and reliability and that those P2 divers didn’t miss a dive.
WHY DIVE THE PRISM 2 REBREATHER?
Why? Overall, the PRISM 2 is a simple unit, built from durable materials that require fewer parts than most. These design features of the P2 add to its ease of service and reliability. Traveling divers of all levels have learned to keep a “Save-a-Dive” kit with them and that’s true for P2 divers as well. However, P2 divers typically don’t have to have more than a spare oxygen sensor, wiring harness, O-ring or breathing hose available, as it’s uncommon to need a replacement outside of an annual service.
PRISM 2 REBREATHER
Most CCRs today use a tried-and-true design of machining parts from Delrin or metals such as Aluminum and Stainless. This permits smaller manufacturers to have a consistent quality of product with minimum production quantities. While these other units perform OK, the results of this production method are time-consuming and result in bulky parts of no significant strength or durability benefit.
Alternatively, the PRISM 2 uses a combination of injection molded plastics in the core of the unit. This manufacturing process lowers the cost of replacement parts, ensures part consistency and has the ability to use materials not available in smaller manufacturing processes.
PRISM 2 ADVANTAGES
The big advantage to the P2’s design and manufacturing is that it’s incredibly compact and lightweight, making it very easy to travel with. In fact, the P2 head and electronics can easily be packed into a carry on.
Another cool feature is the P2’s clear-bucket design that no other rebreather incorporates. This allows your buddy to identify a critical leak during the initial safety checks before it becomes a major problem. The Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) cover also protects from interference with overhead environments and drops from the local dive site bench. It also, notably, doubles as a stormtrooper helmet.
But do all the features of the PRISM’s lightweight and compact design benefits also translate to durability? Let’s dive into the details.
The PRISM is constructed of Advanced High Impact ABS in the breathing loop, Zytel Nylon in the head and basket, and Isoplast Urethane for the bucket. These materials were chosen for their extreme temperature resistance, high tensile strength, and are chemically resistant to degradation in the most extreme conditions.
These materials were chosen during the engineering and design of the P2 because they’re as strong (or stronger) than what other manufacturers use and strong enough to replace metals in load-bearing applications. Plus, they’re more resistant to cold water brittleness and deformation and have better insulating properties.
For example: The Scrubber Bucket of Isoplast Urethane and the Scrubber basket made from Zytel Nylon are; 2x strong as Delrin; 3x Stronger than aluminum; 1/3 Lighter than aluminum; and they
don’t corrode. (Wait until you see what salt water and water that has sorb dust in it does to that aluminum bucket of the other guys.) Finally, there is no off-gassing of harmful formaldehyde chemicals into your loop!
The bottom line? Considering the advanced manufacturing materials and processes that are available today and used in the manufacturing of the P2, why would anyone want to continue to use outdated, heavy and cumbersome materials in their dive equipment?
The added weight and bulk of other rebreathers have an effect on your comfort, swimming effort and breathing efficiency underwater that are absent while diving a PRISM 2. With the PRISM 2’s design and engineering, the diver greatly benefits by having years of reliable worry-free diving without limits.
Safe diving!
Nick Hollis
Hollis gear stands up to any condition. So, how deep will you go?
Eiders
Text and photos WOJCIECH JAROSZ
The heroes of this article are great at diving. They dive not only to enjoy the direct contact with the underwater world, dear Readers, but also for some more down-to-earth reasons.
They usually descend to a few, or more rarely, several meters in order to pick something from the underwater "buffet".
Most often, eider eat mussels (e.g. cockles, blue mussels), crustaceans, including crabs (e.g. Carcinus meanas called also a shore crab), cephalopods, starfish, jellyfish and, rarely, even fish. Interestingly, they swallow whole mussels, from crabs
they remove the claws and legs, and then swallow along with the shell. What next? By studying the anatomy of the bird's digestive system, we will see that members of avifauna have a gizzard (also called 'gastric mill') just behind the glandular stomach. In this organ, the shells and carapaces of invertebrates are crushed, which are later of course removed outside. Some birds help their stomach muscles to grind down food by swallowing, for example, pebbles. For example an ostrich can accommodate even a kilogram of such material!
Speaking of weight: it helps the birds to dive more effectively. It is also worth mentioning at this point that eiders are the largest European diving ducks. Apart from their size, they are distinguished by beautiful feathering, but as it often happens with birds, this applies only to males and only during the mating season. Contrasting and chic combination of white and black in a unique arrangement, a bit of subtle green and a hint of pink – these are the eider colours. Plus yellow beak reaching
Due to their large mass, eider can have a heavy take-off, but in flight they can be very fast
the forehead and the stylish outfit is ready, not only for the evening out. Females, juveniles and males outside the mating season are simply brown. When placed next to a fully coloured male, they look like representatives of another species.
Due to the considerable weight, eiders take off not really lightly, but when they accelerate, they can fly at speeds of over 100 km/h! What is unusual for these ducks is that these birds interlace the phases of active flight with phases of gliding. They lose their ability to fly during moulting, but at some pint the feathers must be replaced with new ones. When they regain the ability to fly with the new feathers, they begin to move to places where it will be possible to start looking for a partner with whom they will try to conceive little ducklings.
Every year, eider females return to the places where they were born (in ecology there is a term for this – philopatry).
Males, on the other hand, wander wherever their bird fancy takes them (although not so completely because they are limited by their geographic range), changing their brooding places. Usually the opposite is true for birds – males attach themselves to a specific area and defend it against competitors. In the end, the eider chevalier will always find a 'petticoat" in due time, fight for her, fulfill his obligation to pass genes (it is male mobility
that ensures free flow and the necessary mixing of genes in the population), and then… leave. Yes, female eiders take care of the brood on their own, and to make it a bit easier, they often create large "bird kindergartens". In such kindergartens, ducklings, sometimes several dozen of them, are taken care of by a few females who support each other and share their duties. A beautiful example of female solidarity in nature, isn't it? However, there is no point in assigning eider ladies any particularly high motives, because such an arrangement simply turned out to be profitable in evolutionary terms. However, from a human point of view, it is impossible to underestimate the involvement of bird mums in raising subsequent generations of suppliers of the warmest down on Earth. Exactly – undoubtedly, eider feathers are so dear to mankind because of their down. And they are mainly females who nibble the down from their breasts to wrap it around the eggs they lay. After the brood is finished, such down is carefully selected from the nests to the last feather by specialised collectors, because it is of great value. After all, the most exclusive quilts and eiderdowns filled with eider feathers cost a fortune! Interestingly, using the attachment of females to the same places, in Iceland, for example, specially protected zones are created, where eiders reproduce every year and
Two pairs, ready to start breeding
breed providing, in return for protection, the desired feathers. The unparalleled properties of their down are reflected in the Latin name of the species, because Somateria mollissima can be translated as ' the softest wool'. Besides, in Polish language the eider is known under the name which translated into English would be 'soft-feathered bird'. The term eider itself comes from Germanic languages and also means duck down – so everything revolves around thermally perfect feathers. Duck, goose or synthetic down can not match the eider down with unsurpassed insulating properties. If it hadn't been so little accessible and thus extremely expensive...
The eider's breeding season is also associated with another curiosity related to the slimming of bird mums. It is not a voluntary starvation in order to improve one's image, but a breeding strategy whose main goal is to take care of the fate of one's own children. During the less than a month of incubation period, females use only the previously accumulated fat reserves, so as not to waste time for feeding and not to leave the eggs unattended for this time – with at the most a few sips of water every few days. Unfortunately, adipose tissue has the property that apart from accumulating spare materials, it binds large amounts of impurities. In the 1960s, the Wadden
Sea experienced a severe decline in the eider population due to the high mortality caused by pesticides flowing down the Elbe, Weser and Ems. These toxins eventually found their way to the organisms of birds and their fatty tissue through all the links in the food chain. The females using it, while incubating their eggs, were poisoned by substances released with the fat. Today, the whole area of high natural value is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are several world biosphere reserves and national parks. This allows us to hope that eiders and other birds, as well as non-bird organisms, will be safe in the future in the largest system of flats and tidal shallows in the world, and where the Baltic eiders winter. Finishing the breeding strand, I would like to mention that the females fiercely defend the nest and only leave it as a last resort. When they are forced to do so because of an approaching predator, they resort to a radical weapon used in the fight against the invader – they spray it with semi-liquid excrements with a highly unpleasant odour. As observations show, this is a factor that discourages most of the wide range of eider egg amateurs from eating them.
Where should we look for eider? They are northern birds and sea birds ('sea birds' to such extent that they even drink
Kindergarteners (several month old ducklings) under the care of a female
salty sea water!). We can meet eider on the southern Baltic Sea, but only in winter – then they often visit the vicinity of ports accompanied by other sea ducks. Breeding takes place on our coast sporadically. On the other hand, the central and northern Baltic, the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and basically all the northern coasts of Eurasia and North America are places where you can meet these birds. The other two species of the genus Somateria, i.e. the king eider (S. spectabilis) and the spectacled eider (S. fischeri), visit Europe less frequently and are found in the far north, the latter in the Bering Sea. So, during trips to cooler seas, stay alert and watch carefully what birds jump up in front of the bow of your boats – maybe they will be beautiful eiders? That's what I wish our Dear Readers!
Sexual dimorphism visible during the mating season makes it impossible to confuse females with males
Eider are happy to visit harbours, where they can be observed without going far into sea
Useful tips and tricks for beginner technical divers
Text WOJCIECH A. FILIP
Wait...
I am a recreational diver, what now? Is this article not for me ?
It is definitely for you. Only a small part of diving knowledge and experience come from participation in courses. What builds your confidence and ensures safety underwater is arduous training and participation in interesting dives that let you verify and use your skills.
Doing one course a year is already a lot. In the meantime, join a group of more experienced divers that take part in interesting events.
Listen, watch and ask – learn how to dive from divers! Avoid instructors that claim they don’t have any time to dive because they provide frequent training.
Don’t know where to look for them? Ask in Ghost Diving or Ghost Diving Poland (if you are in Poland).
Attend a training for Ghost Diving groups that dynamically protect underwater life.
Check what skills you should improve and practice them at every available opportunity
Photo Fabrizio Tosoni
ACADEMY
Who is a technical diver?
A technical diver uses different types of equipment and gases to spend as much time as possible underwater at a specified depth and then decompress as fast as possible, while ensuring their safety.
Who is a beginner technical diver?
A beginner technical diver has basic knowledge about using a complex (technical) gear configuration and starts to decompress faster* by using decompression gases without helium. Such a person usually dives at 40–60 m, using a twinset and one or two stage cylinders. Bottom time usually does not exceed 30 minutes.
From time to time, I will write articles for Perfect Diver that will allow me to interact with my readers. I hope it will be interesting for you
In this article, I included a number of tips for beginner technical divers. Each tip has a number. You can write to the Perfect Diver’s editorial team, indicating the number of the issue that interests you the most. The issues that garners the most votes will be further described in a separate article.
Technical divers use trimix – a mixture of oxygen, helium and nitrogen (three gases that gave raise to the mixture’s name) – as their basic gas. Faster decompression, also called accelerated decompression, is possible due to replacing helium in the breathing gas with a higher oxygen fraction.
(More information on decompression is available in Perfect Diver no. 5 and no. 6)
Photo Mariusz Czajka
Let’s start!
When reading individual tips, remember that they are not ordered by subject.
To avoid boredom, you may read a tip and discuss it with your team when travelling to a diving site – I highly recommend it. Also ask your instructor’s opinion. Always expect a clear and logical answer and try to come to such conclusions on your own.
1. Position of regulators between the twinset valves
Arrange first stage regulators diagonally so that they form a “V”. If necessary, arrange hoses to fit this configuration. If you are using a first stage regulator that allow for using the 5th port – do it by inserting the inflator LP hose into the right regulator and the second stage regulator LP hose into the left one. Why is such a configuration better than regulators placed horizontally?
It will improve the position of your head, allow you to use less gas, improve buoyancy control, improve your technique for moving forwards and backwards, make it easier to use stage cylinders, reduce narcosis, improve spatial orientation and increase safety during rescue.
Photo Łukasz Oganowski
2. Crotch strap length
Adjust the crotch strap so that it is as short as possible and forms a “Y” with the waist strap instead of a “T”. Why is such a configuration better than a waist strap ending at your abdomen?
All issues related to technical diving may be explained in simple terms. Complicating matters tend to make such type of diving dangerous. When asking an experiences colleague or instructor for their help, always expect a logical answer that is easily comprehensible. Technical diving training entails multiple repetitions of procedures and learning diving tactics. It also includes the necessary theory.
It allows for entering the water from up high with heavy gear, without the danger of hitting your head on the valves; makes it possible to penetrate wrecks and caves in a vertical position upside down; makes it easier to use a DPV; significantly improves position when there is a high wave on the surface and has all the benefits listed in number 1.
3. If you have a vision impairment, do not look for a mask with corrective lenses.
Buy two masks that fit your face the best (ensure perfect tightness with minimal buckle strain) and then take them to an optometrist and request that they fit in corrective lenses of an appropriate size and strength.
Why it is better than having a mask with corrective lenses? Your mask will have the lens perfectly matched to your needs – even if you have a complex vision impairment, you can choose a mask that fits you best instead of having your choice limited to the so-called optical masks; what is more, the mask will not leak.
4. Attach the long hose snap bolt to the primary regulator right behind the metal fitting
Use a 2 mm core line, soaking it in a warm water before fastening it. Remember to place the primary second stage regulator only in one of the two places: your mouth or the right d-ring.
Why attaching the snap bolt this way is important?
You will be able to remove the regulator from your mouth and clip it into the d-ring with the same movement, without using your other hand (grab the hose behind the can with your ring finger and pinky and use the rest of your fingers to operate the snap bolt); when a line is fastened when wet, it does not glide across the hose, which means that the snap bolt will always be right where you need it. Check whether you use one or both hands to stow your primary regulator. If you need both hands, it could mean that your snap bolt or right d-ring are incorrectly placed.
5. Prepare and secure a back-up mask in your right pocket.
The masks you use should be the same (do not use your old mask as a back up). Always protect your back up mask against fogging and clip it to a rubber loop in your right pocket with a doubleender.
Why is this way better than other solutions?
When you need to change your mask, you will put on a mask identical to the one you are using instead of an old one and it will be protected against fogging. Also, your right pocket will be easily accessible, as there is no stage cylinder above it – when you are on a DPV, it is much easier to remove your mask from this pocket, while signaling a problem with a flashlight held in your left hand.
6. Equip you drysuit with a p-valve.
If you are a woman, familiarize yourself with a She-p; men use an external catheter with glue along its entire length. The P-valve system allows you to urinate underwater. It is safe and comfortable and has been used by men and women for many years. The part permanently attached to the drysuit is the same for men and women. Differences lie in the parts that go on your body.
Why do I need a P-valve?
One of the greatest dangers for technical divers is DCS (decompression sickness) caused by dehydration. A recreational diver should drink a lot of water for several days before a planned dive. A technical diver usually drinks a lot of water the entire day. Additionally, you will be able to have a cup of coffee in the air-hole right before immersion, without worrying what to do when you need to pee...
Note!
Drinking a lot of water right before diving will have a small impact on hydration, but will only make you need to go to the toilet – you will not be able to hydrate before diving that way.
7. A stage cylinder harness is not meant
for carrying.
One of the most common causes of DCS and subclinical DCS is the diver’s poor hydration.
The harness is used to securely fasten a stage cylinder so that the cylinder valve knobs do not drop and pressure gauges are always visible, without the need to turn the cylinder.
A stage cylinder harness includes two snap bolts, a band secured below the middle of the cylinder and a line threaded through a rigid rubber hose. The regulator hose is stabilized by two rubber flat bands meant to prevent the hose from protruding. The diameter of the rubber hose to which a harness is fastened is selected based on diving conditions. The colder the water, the larger the hose diameter. This hose allow you to easily pull back rubber bands stabilizing the regulator, using thick dry gloves.
The line should be soaked before a harness is put on the cylinder. When mounted in the valve seat axis, it enables you to always see your pressure gauge and regulator. This is because a cylinder does not rotate axially. Stage cylinders are carried by the valve.
Why carrying a cylinder by its harness is not a good idea?
It happens that inexperienced divers use the harness to carry stage cylinders, thinking that it is means as a convenient handle (it happens that a non-technical diver helps a diver to carry their gear). It causes the slack that results in the cylinder
Source www.she-p.com
turning with the valve and regulator going down when clipped to the diver’s harness. Such a position makes it impossible to quickly use the valve. When you have two stage cylinders, the valve of the cylinder placed closer to you body is hard to access. When diving in wrecks or caves, this may result in a guideline getting broken, sand getting in your second stage regulator or the regulator becoming damaged. Additionally, monitoring a pressure gauge will require rotating the cylinder each time. A loose harness caused by carrying the stage cylinder incorrectly may pose a danger to divers using DPVs – it is easy to overlook a regulator hanging below a diver. When a cylinder is correctly positioned, such a regulator may be constantly monitored.
8. Position the separator knob towards the rear (in the opposite direction that the regulators are facing)
Earlier I recommended to position first stage regulators to form a “V”. Read and try to understand the idea behind such a configuration. If the separator knob is positioned towards your head, it will result in the consequences described in item 1. Position them in the opposite direction than your head, preferably at an angle of 30–45 degrees. Why is it preferable to having the knob positioned towards your head?
Breathing control is crucial in diving. When you head is blocked in a slightly downward position, it significantly limits your actions. Additionally, when you want to operate a valve arranged this way, you need to lower your head and try to fit your hand with a glove ring between your head and the regulators. If a valve is facing the other way, you do not have to look for it: lower your head slightly, without losing eye contact with your team. Put your forearm behind your head, without searching for a valve. Raise your head high and breathe normally, pressing your forearm with your head. Close your hand – it will clench around a valve
Note!
In 2x15, 2x18 and 2x20 liter twin sets, arranging the knob to face your head does not change its position due to the larger cylinder diameter. In such sets, the separator knob should be positioned towards your head.
9. Change the computer and compass mounting kits to bungee mounts
Use a dedicated casing, use the openings in your casing or come up with your own way. Change all rubber bands to double bungee mounts.
Why is bungee better that the original dive computer band?
The position of your hands underwater does not always make it easy to monitor instruments. Find the most comfortable position and look at your right hand, where a computer should be placed, and a left one, where you will place the compass. Try not to raise/turn your arms to read the instrument and instead, move the instruments so that you may always see the readings. Arranging your instruments quickly and in a convenient way is difficult, when they are fastened by a rubber band. Bungee mounts allow you to fasten your computer in any place and move it to a different place quickly and, importantly, at any time during your dive, without paying it much attention.
If you are unsure about such a solution, practice pulling an unresponsive diver from water. Holding a diver from behind, you hold his regulator in his mouth with your right hand and move your computer upwards towards your elbow. With a bungee mount you will do it almost instinctively. With a superband you will need “a little” more time.
10. How large should my argon cylinder be?
As small as possible – e.g. 0.85 L. Such a cylinder is enough for diving at 90–120 m.
Why the cylinder should be this small? Isn’t it better to use a 4 L cylinder?
I used a 0.85 L cylinder for diving the HMHS Britannic wreck at 120 m. Larger cylinder volumes are needed for dives requiring you to change the depth several times, which mean that you inflate you suit several times as well. It typically happens in certain caves. In open water, we strive to keep our diving profile U-shaped. That means that we descend, spend time at the bottom and ascend. In such a case, gas from an argon cylinder is only used during the descent phase.
It is worth remembering that additional weight and volume make your configuration less comfortable and increases its weight unnecessarily. Additionally, if you plan to penetrate wrecks, a large argon cylinder does not work in your favor.
Note!
In diving, and especially technical diving, a suit is not used as the primary source of buoyancy. The device used to control buoyancy is your wing. If your doubts about the argon cylinder size are related to the fact that you control your buoyancy with a drysuit, take the opportunity to practice another method – the faster you do it, the better your results will be
Technical diving is a great way to see more underwater world.
It requires specific training and preparation. It provides you with an opportunity to see what few can see. You learn techniques and use equipment in a maximally informed way. Such an approach allows you to spend time underwater safely.
If any of the issues I mentioned interested you or raised your doubts – write to Perfect Diver and indicate which issue from today’s article you would like to read more about. ...perhaps you do not want to wait for a next issue of the magazine?
If so, you’re welcome to visit the Tecline Academy – set up a meeting for yourself and your team
https://teclinediving.eu/tecline-academy/#/
Photo Mariusz Czajka
HAYNE MIST
As the editorial staff of Perfect Diver, we really like testing new products... And probably most readers would have in mind diving news and technologically advanced equipment This time, however, we decided to test a product available in the optical industry, dedicated to fogging goggles. A small, 15 ml bottle with atomiser to solve the problem of fogging mask...? Anyone who has bought a new diving mask or swimming/ freediving goggles has struggled with the annoying fogging of mask or goggles. There are many ways to solve the problem: spit, burn with a lighter, or maybe pour dishwashing liquid... there is also a candle and a whole lot of other ideas.
However, the Hayne company, which has been present on the optical market for 12 years, is constantly developing its offer and expanding its range in line with the trends prevailing on the optical market. Every day, they supply entities from the optic and ophthalmic industry with high-class equipment, tools and accessories in this field. We were interested in HAYNE MIST Anti-Fog Lens Cleaner. The product can be purchased in optical stores for about PLN 30. The price for 15 ml may seem too high... but since in the covid-19 pandemic this product is a salvation for everyone
wearing a mask and glasses, it is worth taking a closer look at it
We decided to carry out our test in the natural environment of divers, that is… yes, yes, under the water;) For this occasion we went to the Via Sport ‘Kopers’ diving base in Jaworzno. To make the test reliable, we chose masks from different manufacturers. Two models, freshly unpacked. According to the instructions for use of Hayne Mist (it is on the packaging), we applied the preparation to the masks from the inside, waited a few minutes and wiped the glass with a dry cloth. Each of us was very curious if this product would fulfil its function.
We made 3 dives at different depths in the temperature of 13°C to 19°C. The masks with the applied preparation worked perfectly. Despite the fact, that the mask of one of the divers was leaking (he felt like having a beard ), the fogging effect was not affected. The temperature difference also did not reveal the negative characteristics of the product. The preparation is very efficient, and its application is sufficient for several dives, eliminating the anxiety whether we will be able to see an excavator, catfish or other underwater attraction.
As an editorial office, we can recommend this product, the use of which guarantees clear and vivid underwater views, with a clear conscience!
