Perfect Diver Magazine 29 issue

Wojciech Zgoła Editor-in-Chief

Scandals, politics, phone calls, news, thousands of stimuli all around.

Fortunately, we have diving! We have life-giving water into which we can enter or jump and cut ourselves off from the outside land world in a second.

Those who have never dived – should try it – diving incredibly clams you down and lets your mind find peace.

In the meantime, I invite you to dive with us virtually with the next issue of Perfect Diver Magazine.

What have we prepared this time? Of course, a mixture of different materials. The issue opens Laura's view of the Maldives from the point of view of a resident, not a safari participant. Travel broadens the mind and Ania Metrycka (just married) – shows where Wadi Lahami came from. Who discovered it and what we can experience in this part – a gem – of the Egyptian Red Sea.

Przemysław Zyber takes us to the underwater Kowary town and Piotr Kopeć dives on the wreck of the island of Rhodes. We also have a piece of archaeology from Turkey in the material by Szymon Mosakowski and a Plymouth diving spot.

This time we got deeper into the essence of diving, knowledge about diving, training and passions. Michał Czerniak is considering partner diving. How

is it, is it better to dive always and everywhere with one known dive partner? Can we rely on a random partner? Is there a golden recipe for this?

Dobrochna Didłuch shows that it is possible to instill in children the love for aquatic environment from a very young age. Actually, then a child does not need to be instilled with it, because the baby comes out of the aquatic environment of the mother's womb. Such family outings to the pool for small and then older children can become iconic. It will be natural for a young person to enter the world of the diving community.

Diving into yourself. What does it mean? Check out what Dominik Dopierała wrote about it. And if you are already an experienced diver with some baggage of experience, check out the tips of Dominika Aleksanderek and Piotr Stós (great cover – it's his job) on how to choose a diving safari route.

Finally, I go back a bit to the underwater world and how it can affect our lives. What will you say to Aldona Dreger's article "Slow dive – slow life"?

In addition, there is something about heating in diving and about nets off the coast of Lampedusa, as well as dolphins and the premiere of the film REIWA and the Fulmars.

Enjoy your reading!

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Publisher PERFECT DIVER WOJCIECH ZGOŁA ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com

ISSN 2545-3319

editor in chief photographer

world geography & travels

underwater archaeology

advertisement english language translators legal care graphic design and composition

Wojciech Zgoła

Karolina Sztaba

Anna Sołoducha

Szymon Mosakowski reklama@perfectdiver.com

Agnieszka Gumiela-Pająkowska Arleta Kaźmierczak

Reddo Translations Sp. z o.o. Piotr Witek

Lawyer Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak

the magazine was folded with typefaces

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printing Wieland Drukarnia Cyfrowa, Poznań, www.wieland.com.pl

distribution dive centers, online store preorder@perfectdiver.com

cover photo Piotr Stós place Komodo, Indonesia model Yellow boxfish Ostracion cubicus

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The Editorial Office does not return unsolicited materials, is not responsible for the content of advertisements and reserves the right to shorten, edit, title the submitted texts and select illustrative materials. Reprinting of articles or parts thereof, copying only with the consent of the Editorial Board. Editors are not responsible for the form and content of advertisements.

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Passionate about diving and pure nature. He likes to say that he travels by diving. He learned to swim when he was less than 6 years old. At the age of 15, he obtained a yacht sailor's license and has been diving since 2006. He has completed over 800 dives in various regions of the world. He wrote and published many articles.

Co-author of photo exhibitions. An advocate of leaving the place of residence clean and unblemished. Diving promoter. Since 2008 he has been running his own website www.dive-adventure.eu. Based on extensive experience, in 2018 he created the new Perfect Diver Magazine, which has been successfully published regularly every two months in Polish and English for over 4 years.

A graduate of geography at the University of Wrocław, an incorrigible optimist... permanently with a smile on her lips  I have been diving since 2002, which is more than half of my life  I started diving in Polish waters, to which I willingly return during the year – and it gives me great pleasure! :) I must have come to Activtour by destiny and I have stayed here for good... for over 10 years! I am passionate about fulfilling people's dreams by preparing diving trips around the world!  Personally – I fly and dive in different seas and seas whenever I can, because it is one of the loves of my life  Since the beginning of the existence of the PD magazine, I have been transferring my memories of diving trips to paper, sharing my passion with others and I can't stop writing ;) 2023 permanently in the PD editorial office – hoping to bring her some "fresh blood" ;) A diving dream come true: Galapagos! Still ahead of me… Antarctica! If I don't dive, I choose skiing, tennis or strong rock sounds! ;) The motto that I really like is: "Be realistic – start dreaming"! :) anna@activtour.pl; www.activtour.pl;

KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS

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 NGO 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.

Graduate of Underwater Archeology at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, with a bachelor's degree. A scuba diver who has been expanding his underwater archaeological and recreational experiences for 3 years. A lover of photography, nature and basketball.

ANNA METRYCKA

WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

SZYMON MOSAKOWSKI

WOJCIECH A. FILIP

He has been diving for 35 years. He has spent more than 16,000 hours underwater, most of them diving technically. He has been an instructor and mentor instructor for many organizations including CMAS, GUE, IANTD, PADI. He co-created the training programs for some of them. He is a professional with vast knowledge and practical experience. He has participated in many diving projects as a leader, explorer, initiator or speaker. He was the first Pole to dive the HMHS Britannic wreck (117m). He was the first to explore the deep part of the Glavas Cave (118m). He made a series of dives documenting the wreck of ORP GROM (110m). He has documented deep (100-120m) parts of flooded mines. He is the creator and designer of many equipment solutions to improve diving safety.

Technical Director at Tecline, where, among other things, he manages the Tecline Academy a research and training facility. Author of several hundred articles on diving and books on diagnosis and repair of diving equipment.

He dives in rivers, lakes, caves, seas and oceans all over the world.

PADI diving instructor and videographer. She spends most of his time in the water documenting a fascinating underwater world. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in the field of Fashion Design in Łódź and Film studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, trained as a tailor, and with a love of nature and a large dose of adrenaline. She loves everything related to water. Her diving adventure began with a backpacking trip in 2016. During her stay in Thailand she dived for the first time and from then on she got hooked on at this sport. Spending the last years and most of her days under water, teaching and showing the beauty of the underwater world in Asia, she believes that diving means unity – unity with own mind, nature and unusual creatures.

@waterographyk

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.blog.dive-away.pl. She began her adventure with diving fifteen years ago by total coincidence. Today she is a diving instructor, 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.

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

A diver since 2007. I always choose holiday destinations by asking myself: okay, but is there anywhere to dive?. Underwater photography is still new to me, but with each dive I learn something new.

"From the moment of birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders [...], but he only has to dive under the surface of the water and becomes free" –

J.Y.Cousteau

Belgium Military, underwater cave explorer and active technical/ cave/ rebreather diving instructor for IANTD. He started his diving career in Egypt on vacation, and his passion continues. Kurt is also the founder and CEO of Descent Technical Diving. He dives on several CCRs such as AP, SF2, Divesoft Liberty SM. Kurt is involved in the creation of the document about the new salt mine in Belgium (Laplet). This project was featured in the news on Nationale TV.

Privately, Kurt's true passion is deep cave diving. His wife (Caroline) shares her husband's passions and also dives in caves. In his free time, he visits Belgian slate mines, and when he is not exploring, he takes his camera to document the dives.

SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ

LAURA KAZIMIERSKA

KLAUDYNA BRZOSTOWSKA

KURT STORMS

ŁUKASZ METRYCKI

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.

Zoopsychologist, researcher and expert in dolphin behavior, committed to the idea of protecting dolphins and fighting against keeping them in dolphinariums. Passionate about Red Sea and underwater encounters with large pelagic predators. Member of the Dolphinaria-Free Europe Coalition, volunteer of the Tethys Research Institute and Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, collaborator of Marine Connection. For over 15 years, he has been participating in research on wild dolphin populations, auditing dolphinariums, and monitoring the quality of whale watching cruises. As the head of the "Free & Safe" project (formerly "NO! for a dolphinarium"), he prevents keeping dolphins in captivity, promotes ethical whale & dolphin watching, trains divers in responsible swimming with wild dolphins, and popularizes knowledge about dolphin therapy that is passed over in silence or hidden by profit-making centers. on this form of animal therapy.

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.

For Tomek, diving has always been his greatest passion. He started his adventure at the age of 14, developing into a recreational and technical diving instructor, a first aid instructor and a diving industry technician. Currently, he runs the 5* COMPASS DIVERS Pobiedziska Diving Center near Poznań, where he passes his knowledge and skills to beginners and advanced divers, which gives him great joy and satisfaction from being part of their underwater adventure...

Enthusiastic diver, scientist, and wildlife conservationist. Isadora is researching the biological significance on shipwrecks for marine ecosystems. Driven by curiosity, she wants to learn about nature, as well as “how to become a better diver”. Being still in the beginnings of her diving-career she is enjoying the path of overcoming obstacles by learning from more experienced divers, using adequate configuration and practicing. @isa_diving_nature

Aquarius by birth. Underwater photography enthusiast.

Sailor, lover of underwater archeology and wreck diving. TDI SDI diving instructor. Professionally, he builds housing estates and holiday homes. Partner of the diving school: https://wewelldiving.pl

http://www.deepdivingslesin.pl/

TOMASZ KULCZYŃSKI

ISADORA ABUTER GREBE

JACEK TWARDOWSKI

AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA

JAKUB BANASIAK WOJCIECH JAROSZ

A multi-task unit: she combines passion for literature, skiing, diving and psychology. In Nautica since the Big Bang. In the company, she deals with everything, and in addition, she is a diving guide, an expert on human needs – that is, the head of marketing, she initiates and leads long-distance expeditions. He still thinks that Croatia is the most beautiful in the world. Works at Nautica Safari.

nautica.pl

Dominika.Aleksanderek@nautica.pl

Photographer, biologist, storyteller, SSI Instructor Trainer. He considers it his duty to teach diving at every level. Since the dawn of time, he has been associated with Nautica with an inseparable umbilical cord of co-ownership. He nests on the Croatian island of Vis, on safari boats in Egypt and where under water it is beautiful as the world long and wide. He works at Nautica Safari.

nautica.pl

Piotr.Stos@nautica.pl

My adventure with photography began long before I started diving. From the very first dive I dreamed that I would be accompanied by a camera. As I became more adept at diving, my photography gear evolved as well. From a simple gopro camera through a compact and SLR camera to a full-frame mirrorless camera. Now I can't imagine diving without a camera. I have the impression that underwater photography gives meaning to my diving. www.facebook.com/przemyslaw.zyber www.instagram.com/przemyslaw_ zyber/ www.deep-art.pl

He has been diving forever, he does not remember his first dives. The only thing he remembers is that diving has always been his passion. He spent his entire childhood on Polish lakes, which he still prefers to distant destinations. With great success, he turned his passion into a way of life and business.

Curiosity of the world and constant striving for perfection are the main features that definitely hinder him in life. Professional diving instructor, photographer, filmmaker. Creator of the DECO Diving Center, PADI Course Director, TecTrimix Instructor Trainer TECREC.

A graduate of the Poznań University of Technology, financier, the auditor. A diver fascinated by theory diving –physics and physiology. In love passionate about history in underwater archaeology Ancient Rome, active Centurion in the group reconstructionist Bellator Societas (Rome I century BC). He dreams of attending at least once underwater archaeological research a then describe everything in a series of columns.

It can be found as often as under water in Japan, whose culture and history he has been fascinated by nearly three decades.

...better known as Wąski. Professionally, the main health and safety specialist, fire protection inspector and first aid instructor. Privately, husband and father of his daughter. A member of the Bellator Societas, where he is called St. Marcin, because every year he plays the character during the name day of the street on November 11 in Poznań. Of course, for many years an avid diver. He loves technical diving, especially those on wrecks and everything related to activity above and below water :)

Zodiac Libra. Enthusiast of a healthy lifestyle, fond of active leisure. Lover of the underwater world and underwater photography. HR employee, and after hours SDI diving instructor, Vital Mentor, Diet coach. Thanks to her passion for psychology, working with people and the ability to listen, she knows that everything starts in the head. He highly values the ability to communicate without words underwater. Water helped her discover completely unknown mobility possibilities, and overcoming her own limitations, as well as learning something new in the natural environment, in the context of communing with nature, helped her rebuild her mental condition.

Author of the website: https://aldonadreger.pl and https://wellbeingproject.pl Partner of the diving school: https://wewelldiving.pl

„Kindness” entire adult life, as her friends call her, is professionally related to diving. She has been diving every day for over ten years as a professional PADI diving instructor, working and running diving centers in Egypt. Extremely meticulous and pedantic about safety. Specializes in training children, teenagers and women. It's impossible to miss her because she dresses her pink lifestyle in this color underwater. An accountant by education and second profession, in private she is the mother of two "terrorists". Co-owner of the DECO Diving Center.

DOMINIKA ALEKSANDEREK PRZEMYSŁAW ZYBER DOMINIK DOPIERAŁA PIOTR STÓS

ALDONA DREGER

MICHAŁ CZERNIAK PIOTR KOPEĆ DOBROCHNA DIDŁUCH

MALDIVES

IT IS WORTH GETTING OFF THE TRACK SOMETIMES

Text Laura Kazimierska

Photo Nicolas Descriaux

Avast archipelago of small islands, scattered on atolls with names that are difficult to pronounce. A paradise for divers, influencers and all those who love millions of shades of blue, gold and green, because this is the mix of colours nature offers on each island. Most, just a few metres above sea level, are struggling with the consequences of climate change and rising water levels. Some say that in 50-100 years most of the country will be under water. So it is rather worth visiting now if you want to enjoy the coral reefs, as the beautiful ones are diminishing every year.

I had never heard of Rasdhoo Atoll. I thought: "ah sure it's cool, but nothing special". I had heard of the nearby Ari Atoll and whale sharks, of course, or Baa and its manta rays, Fuvahmulah and tiger sharks too. So imagine my surprise when on my first dive, one where I was supposed to learn about navigation etc. everywhere I looked were sharks, stingrays, turtles, tuna, schools of blue triggerfish, common jacks and barracuda. I couldn't believe how carelessly grey reef sharks patrolled the reef and swam up to divers at arm's length without feeling threatened. I high-fived myself underwater, as my contract is for a year (with the possibility of extension), which gives me the opportunity to visit this underwater El Dorado for another 365 days!

Rasdhoo atoll is located an hour and a half by speedboat from Male, or about half an hour by seaplane. For those who

appreciate convenience, I recommend the plane. The views are breathtaking.

It is a small atoll from which five islets emerge. "My" Kuramathi is the largest, and Kuramathi Resort is one of the first resorts in the Maldives. Kuramathi is ideal for those who appreciate space and convenience. As one of the larger islands, it offers walking paths among the greenery, a botanical trail, a jogging path, and plenty of other activities besides snorkelling. Nearby you'll find the local island of Rasdhoo, further north another resort on Veligandu (currently under redevelopment), and in between, the tiny uninhabited Madivaru and Madivaru Finolhu. It is from these that the popular dive site derives its name, as just offshore, a wall of coral-covered reef stretches below the surface of the water.

Going to the Maldives, as usual, my research was pretty poor. I typically make life decisions on the spur of the moment thinking: “somehow it will work out”, and it always does. After all, everyone knows the Maldives.

Photo Phillippe Renaud

Photo Phillippe Renaud

Some people call this place Hammerhead Point, due to the fact that years ago, sizable groups of hammerhead sharks could be seen here at sunrise. Today, these sharks occasionally appear on the reef, but this is a very rare occurrence. Nevertheless, the underwater world of Madivaru will satisfy even the most fussy divers. The moment we let the air out of our jacket, the purple-brown surgeonfish are waiting to meet us. These outright love our bubbles so much that they accompany us overhead as we dive. They rub against them and sometimes gently bite our hair to release more. Huge boulders covered in hard coral surrounded by striped sweetlips that pose gracefully for the

camera. The seven to 12 metre shallow plateau turns into a vertical wall descending to over 80 metres, so it's worth looking out into the blue as you'll often find spotted eagle rays, a school of spadefishes or tunas there. We continue on towards the 'balcony', which is a vantage point for grey reef sharks and anything else that comes up from the depths to clean or feed. Madivaru will provide excitement and it is worth going there for more than one dive. With the changing current you can observe other species. Sharks, for example, prefer the "right shoulder current", and to see schools of eagle rays it is better to dive the "left shoulder current". I could dive there every day and never get bored.

Photo Nicolas Descriaux

Photo Nicolas Descriaux

Photo Nicolas Descriaux

Another not-to-miss spot is the Manta Block dive site. In high season, i.e. from November to April, the twelve-metre-long coral blocks are transformed into spa for stingrays, i.e. a cleaning station. Divers can gently settle their fins on the sand while admiring the dance of these magical creatures. This is a great opportunity to identify manta rays. The lucky ones can even find a new individual and give it a name. To help with this comes the Manta Trust and their huge database. Through their website or email, you can attach a belly photo and identify a stingray swimming overhead. If it is not yet in the database, congratulations! You can give it a name and monitor where it travels. The Maldives is the place with the largest population of manta rays in the world. Usually we see the reef ones, although occasionally you will encounter oceanic manta rays, much larger and all the more breathtaking.

Right after Madivaru, my favourite place is the North Channel. The currents are sometimes much stronger here, resulting in a landscape scarce in corals. Here you can admire a white underwater desert, interspersed with dunes, covered with boulders and hard coral. Shoals of barracuda and other perciformes congregate on underwater hills where the current splits and flashes further into the sea depths. You will often encounter hunting

The moment we let the air out of our jacket, the purple-brown surgeonfish are waiting to meet us. These outright love our bubbles so much that they accompany us overhead as we dive. They rub against them and sometimes gently bite our hair to release more.

tunas, clusters of eagle rays, grey reef sharks and nurse sharks resting under boulders.

Another spot worth visiting is Rasdhoo Channel. It's a thrilling drift dive where you move along with the current from one small tila (underwater island) to another. Here you will pass points called 'cleaning stations' where silvertip sharks, grey reef sharks, tunas, and others give their bodies and teeth a routine grooming. This site is for advanced and nitrox-certified divers, as the admirable tilas are found below 20 meters deep.

Those who like macro and photography will also find something wonderful. It is often possible to capture all sorts of crabs, shrimp, ribbon eels, octopuses, mantis shrimp, ghost

Photo Phillippe Renaud

Photo Phillippe Renaud

pipefish, and representatives of the ray-finned fish with a very original appearance.

In the Maldives, even House Reef can provide plenty of excitement. Shoals of tropical fish, dolphins, rays and sharks. For those who like unusual specimens, all sorts of individuals from the ray-finned fish, lionfish, stonefish and comets hide between the hard coral as if playing hide and seek with us. Reef sharks, turtles and clownfish are not disturbed by the presence of snorkellers and divers beginning their underwater adventure here.

Diving with Rasdhoo Divers Kuramathi is a truly VIP experience. The dive equipment 'magically' arrives on the boat prepared before each dive. The only thing left to do is to check that everything works. For those who do not have their own equipment, the centre offers SCUBA PRO equipment. Jackets and regulators are checked frequently, so you don’t have to worry about "small bubbles no troubles". The dive boats are spacious and modern, with a toilet on board. For those who prefer not to do it a wetsuit (like me, for example), this is salvation. There's a towel after every dive too, also fabulous. Especially for those cooler days in the rainy season, of which there are rather few here.

The dive centre at Kuramathi also offers a half-day safari to the North of Ari Atoll, where you can visit famous dive sites such as Fish Head, Maya Tila, and Bathala Tila. There, the underwater world offers an explosion of species from schools of fish so densely packed that you can get lost in them, to clusters of sharks and huge hunting tuna. In between dives, you have the chance to snorkel with manta rays or jump onto a golden shoal slightly above sea level.

The Maldives, however, has its dark side. The pampered beaches, where mangroves have been stripped away for the price of access to the sea and a paradisiacal view, and the charming houses on the water contribute significantly to the loss of coral. The pursuit of money, politics, lack of a sustainable plan for land use and a focus on rapid development comes at a price. In addition, coral reefs in the Maldives, as in many other places around the world, are under severe stress from rising water temperatures. Those who have been coming here for years have seen the change in local reefs and realise how vulnerable this ecosystem is.

Kuramathi resort and the Eco Centre, headed by marine biologist Sarah, motivate guests and staff with projects to restore

Photo Nicolas Descriaux

coral reefs, monitor coral bleaching, and involve the local community, especially kids from nearby islands in various initiatives.

Despite the fact that the coral is slowly degrading, Rasdhoo atoll is still a fantastic place to dive. The variety of sea creatures will leave you enthralled and enchanted long after your dream holiday.

After five months, diving in the Maldives continues to delight and surprise me. I finally had the opportunity to meet a smooth hammerhead, also one dream ticked off. Being underwater, you can feel the energy of the ocean. Everywhere I look there is action. Something is chasing something, something is cleaning somewhere. Everyone has their place, everyone is busy being themselves. Everything has a meaning and a reason to be.

Rasdhoo Dive Centre is part of the Kuramathi Resort. For more information, email diveschool@kuramathi.com or write directly to Laura at @laura_kazi_diving

Photo Phillippe Renaud

WADI LAHAMI

393 km from Hurghada, 180 km from Marsa Alam, and 10 km south of Hamata, you will find the last bastion of civilization before the Sudanese border. This is a special place, which, thanks to its location and diving concept, attracts people from all over the world.

It's a place where time stands still, and the beauty of nature transports us to a different dimension, far from the urban hustle and bustle of the modern world...

In the 1980s, diving had already become very popular thanks to Jacques Yves Cousteau. In 1989, a small group of diving friends from Egypt decided to venture south in the country to explore the unfamiliar reefs of the Red Sea. One of the divers – Hossam Helmy (whose father was then the head of the coast guard) made agreements with the army that allowed them to access areas officially occupied by soldiers. The divers started moving from bay to bay in a jeep roughly every 3 days, carrying only a compressor, a portable kitchen, and tents. Besides enjoying diving, they explored and mapped all the coastal reefs as well as those farther from the shore. After some time, they managed to obtain permission to have more people, and word spread rapidly about the divers exploring the southern part of the Red Sea! Divers mostly flew in from Europe and joined the explorers at the

Text Anna Metrycka

…WADI LAHAMI…

Photo Red Sea Diving Safari

bay they had reached. Together, they mapped the entire marine area from El Quseir to Ras Banas. After a while, the southern part of Egypt began to open up to civilians, so the divers decided that it was necessary to establish specific locations for guests to visit. Based on their experience and mapping all the bays and reefs, they decided to create 3 villages: Marsa Shagra, Marsa Nakari, and Wadi Lahami. Shagra was chosen due to its proximity to the Elphinstone Resort and the Abu Dabbab Beach, as well as an incredible house reef that could be reached from the shore. Nakari could boast its close proximity to the Dolphinhouse, as well as a beautiful, enormous house reef. The last "gem" in the crown is Wadi Lahami. Discovered, found, and founded by Ross – an Australian, a true sea wolf, the captain of a ship, who dived with Hossam on all the reefs near Marsa Shagra and Marsa Nakari searching for something new. At the end of the 90s, he drove

almost to Sudan, to the virgin south of Egypt. He saw a magical place there called the Fury Shoal. It is an enormous system of coral reefs, which thanks to mangroves is surrealistically green. Ross spent four months exploring every spot, every crevice, reef, and cave. That's how Wadi Lahami was born in 1999.

Wadi is a perfect place for anyone seeking fascinating and vibrant reefs while also needing privacy, seclusion, and closeness with nature. Accommodation in the eco-camp is available in standard tents, royal tents, or deluxe villas, for a maximum of 100 people. Standard tents are the most budget-friendly lodging option. Two single beds, shelves for clothing and personal items, access to electricity, and a fan will satisfy the requirements of those who will spend their entire day diving. Royal tents are the most popular form of accommodation. Built from sailcloth, measuring 5 x 5 meters, they immerse

Photo Red Sea Diving Safari

Photo Red Sea Diving Safari

Photo Red Sea Diving Safari

you in the atmosphere of The Arabian Nights. Spacious and equipped with 2 single beds or 1 double bed, cabinets, poufs, tables, and a refrigerator, royal tents are a good choice for both divers and non-divers. Deluxe villas, on the other hand, are large, comfortable, brick cottages with their own bathrooms, air conditioning, and a dressing table. This is the most "luxurious" accommodation option. However, if someone loves the sound

of the sea, the breeze, and the scent of the desert with a sky full of stars, they should not hesitate to stay in a royal tent. All types of accommodation have access to electricity, and their furnishings largely utilise natural materials. Here, everything is "eco-friendly"!

Within the camp, there is a 5-star PADI diving centre, a restaurant serving meals, a restroom building, and a diving shelter.

Photo Łukasz Metrycki

Photo Łukasz Metrycki

Photo Konrad Malek

The diving shelter includes equipment storage lockers, outdoor showers, racks for wetsuits and dive boots, freshwater rinse pools for equipment, water dispensers, dive briefing boards, and information on the marine life you can encounter on specific reefs.

Wadi Lahami is situated by a natural bay with a sandy bottom, surrounded by a reef known as Torfa. The diving program is based on 4 dives per day using zodiacs: two morning dives from a RIB on the famous Fury Shoals reef system during the day, an unguided afternoon dive on one of the closer reefs, and a night dive on the house reef. During a week-long stay, you'll do a comparable number of dives to a diving safari, with over 30 dive sites available!

The Fury Shoals reef system is one of the best-preserved reef systems in Egypt. Abu Galawa Kebir/Soraya, Claudia, Bloomen, Lahami South, Stairway to Heaven, Malahi, Angel... are just a few excellent dive sites in the vicinity of Wadi Lahami. Incredible coral gardens, cave systems, colourful pinnacles, and pristine locations with a school of over 60 dolphins are attracting more and more divers eager for beautiful dives. This is where you can witness what Egyptian reefs looked like over 20 years ago. The reefs in this region are shallow and sheltered, making them ideal for divers of all levels, as well as snorkelers and freedivers.

The diving region is divided into three zones: A, B, and C. In zone B, in places located up to a maximum of 23 kilometres from the base, diving starts early in the morning. The places are extraordinary. Abu Galawa Soraya and Abu Galawa Kebir are excellent diving spots. "Galawa" means "pool," and "Abu" means "father," so a large reef with many pools inside is called the "father of pools." Next to the beautiful reef, at a depth of 16 meters, lies the wreck of a ship that sank in the 1980s. The hull and stern are intact, and it's teeming with glassfish inside! Abu Galawa Kebir is located south of Soraya, and its main attraction is a tugboat that sank in 1945. Both places are a visual paradise with beautiful, untouched corals and a variety of colourful fish. Iron Garden... fishermen and Bedouins call this reef "Gamila," which in Arabic means "Beautiful." A channel from the northeast part of the reef leads to a pool whose bottom, water, and corals have a rusty-brown colour. This is due to the sinking of a ship in this place in 1906. The colour of iron gave the name to this dive site, which is abundant in large hard corals and giant pinnacles.

Claudia is the most beautiful cave system in the Fury Shoal reef system in the far south. The depth inside the cave’s ranges from 8-10 meters, and around the reef, it reaches about 20 meters. The cave consists of two main chambers/rooms – one on the north side and one on the south side. They are connected

Photo Adam Kellermann

by smaller chambers through which you swim during the entire dive, averaging about 60 minutes. Periodically, you emerge outside, facing whole mountains of coral! The channels you swim through have openings and crevices in their upper parts, making light play a prominent role. Sunbeams descend from the sky, creating a mysterious and magical atmosphere, sometimes resembling a disco. The impression? Mind-blowing. However, it's easy to get lost here, navigating through the corridors. Fortunately, when surfacing on one side or the other, you always find an exit.

Blooman is an underwater coral garden, where you can find almost all types of Red Sea corals. It's truly a place worth visiting. Angel, as the name suggests, is truly heavenly. Stretching from northeast to southwest, it's perhaps the most beautiful coral garden you can see in the Red Sea. There, you don't swim along just one reef; all types of corals surround you from every side. It's hard to describe how beautiful this diving is... plus, there are plenty of clownfish. Malahi means "playground." It's actually the "sister" of Claudia. Diving here is beautiful. Abundant, pristine corals, and another network of caves, channels, and openings, although not as intricate as Claudia. It's breathtaking...

Satayah Reef (Dolphin Reef) is a world-famous reef measuring 5 kilometres in length, located less than an hour on a zodiac ride from Wadi Lahami. This diving spot is regularly visited by spinner dolphins, which use these shallow lagoons as a safe,

sheltered place to rest during the day. Often, during snorkelling, you encounter a group of around 80-100 dolphins! Such experiences stay with you forever...

Lahami South is where the pinnacles of hard corals grow, forming incredible underwater peaks. Here, you'll see examples of the best and most beautiful soft corals in the south. Add to that the fascinating black corals, drop-offs, and white tip sharks hidden under rocks. The entire landscape of this place is called "Stairway to Heaven" by local divers...

The underwater fauna and flora in the Wadi Lahami area are truly captivating. The reefs look like they're straight out of dive magazines—real, colourful, untouched by humans. During diving in Wadi Lahami, you have the chance to encounter a guitar shark, a dugong (sea cow), whitetip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasses, and octopuses. Observant divers might spot a stonefish, stingray, or moray eel sitting on the seabed. Turtles, shrimps, lobsters, and Spanish dancers are regulars during night dives. At Fury Shoals, you're likely to see scorpionfish, tunas, mackerels, triggerfish, barracudas, white tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, panther torpedo rays, groupers, batfish, Arabian angelfish, longnose hawk fish, maiden gobies, cube boxfish, scribbled filefish, giant trevally, bluefin trevally, snappers, goatfish, and parrotfish. All of this in a unique and unparalleled diving atmosphere...

Wadi Lahami is also a dream spot for kite surfers, a wellequipped base, equipment rental, and a bar with ice-cold

Photo Łukasz Metrycki

beer ;) Wadi Lahami also encompasses one of the largest mangrove forests, which is one of the reasons why this bay is a protected area, one of the largest in the Middle East. The area covered by mangroves is also a habitat for many bird species, both wading and coastal, which nest in the mangrove swamps. It's common to see nesting ospreys, herons, spoon-billed sandpipers, as well as smaller birds like swallows, wagtails, and kingfishers. Herons, gulls, terns, and magnificent falcons are also widespread here.

If you're looking for a place based on sustainable development, where ecol ogy takes precedence (the camp is powered by solar panels), and diving takes place in the most pristine dive spots, this place is for you. Eat-Sleep-Dive. And all around you is nothing but the sea, mountains, desert, and stars...

True love is the one that awakens souls, pushes us towards betterment, ignites a fire in our hearts, and sows peace in our souls... This is the best per sonification of Wadi Lahami, simply put.

PS. The Australian mentioned in the article, Ross, who discovered this place in 1999, still lives there to this day… ��

Photo Konrad Malek

Photo Łukasz Metrycki

NOT ONLY COLOSSUS

COLOSSUS, FAMOUS IN ANTIQUITY, AND NOWADAYS BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, WHERE THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS COME, ARE UNDOUBTED ADVANTAGES OF THE BEAUTIFUL GREEK ISLAND OF RHODES. AFTER THIS YEAR'S HOLIDAYS, IT HAS ALSO BECOME A PLACE FOR ME THAT I CAN RECOMMEND TO AMATEURS OF UNDERWATER ADVENTURES.

SUMMER IS COMING

The long-awaited vacation finally arrived. I wanted to spend it with my family, with my loved ones, but at the same time I dreamed of a journey into the unknown. Together with my wife, we decided that this year, in the last week of August, we will go to the Greek island of Rhodes.

Apparently, I also had some influence on that "joint decision"... In any case, this trip was supposed to be entirely devoted to hotel entertainment and visiting the island, without any follies, although I did not really reject the thought that maybe I would be able to look into the depths of the sea there.

Text Piotr Kopeć (Wąski) Photos Lepia Dive Centre, NarcosePictures

Many divers I talked to about Rhodes claimed that there is nothing interesting underwater. For this reason, I somehow did not particularly engage in searching the Internet for information that could make the diver's heart beat faster. This state lasted for a few months, until the day before our departure for vacation. Then, in the intervals between looking for things that could be useful to us and packing more shorts, I decided to type the following in the browser: "Where to dive in Rhodes?". To my surprise, it turned out that Greece is not so barren when it comes to diving attractions. I found many interesting places, mainly caverns but as a wreck diving enthusiast I could not pass indifferently over the slogan "Plimmiri wreck – Giannoula K.".

I'M GOING TO DIVE!

After I had read that, I quickly searched for five diving bases in Rhodes and immediately wrote to them asking about the possibility of diving in their diving sites during my stay on the island. The first to respond was the five-star Lepia Dive Centre. To my surprise, the answer was formulated in the form of a question: "Sure, we can arrange a dive, but tell me what your diving rank is, when was the last time you dived, and how many dives you have logged in." My thirteen years of experience in this sport meant that I earned several certificates and saved logs, which

Giannoula K. is a cargo ship with a length of 110 meters, built in the Netherlands in 1953. Over the years, it changed its owners. In 1981, due to bad weather conditions, it sank in Plimmiri Bay off the coast of Rhodes (35.92014, 27.85914). The maximum depth at which the wreck rests is 22 meters, while its mast reaches almost the surface of the water.

were enough to qualify me as a participant of such an expedition. The next three centres directed me to the above-mentioned one, and the last one offered a much higher price – but I will come back to this at the end.

After talking with my family, we made another "joint decision" that I would devote one day to diving. From the faces of my loved ones one could read "genuine joy", but I appeased them with promises and my journey into the unknown began to take shape. As there were only a few hours left until departure, I quickly unpacked half of my suitcase to stuff diving equipment into it. I regretted running out of space for the wing and fins.

ALL THE BEST

When we got to our destination, as previously agreed, the diving centre took care of the transfer from the hotel. At the appointed time, the "diver-bus" arrived at the designated place. Going to the bay of Plimmiri, we picked up three other divers on the way, including two Poles. We also entered the headquarters of our diving centre, from where together with their staff we set off to our destination. The road was quiet, though sometimes depressing, as the view of mountainous areas consumed by this year's fires sent shivers down your spine. After reaching the bay, it turned out that the necessary diving equipment was already waiting for us in special, described by name, mesh bags. All participants were divided into four diving groups, each of 4–5 people and led by a guide assigned to it. To my delight, I dived with a couple of very friendly compatriots, who – delighted with this place – came here for the eleventh time, over several years. Our guide was a charming dive master Janie from the United States. The entire staff of the centre did everything to make the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant – to this day I wonder if it was because of this article that the owner assigned me everything the best he had at stock ;)

WE SAILED TOWARDS THE WRECK

Then quickly everything fell into place. Discussing the dive, putting on the equipment and after a while we were sitting in the

RIB, which quickly, in five minutes, transported us just above the wreck. One flip backwards and we were in the water, which was twenty-eight degrees Celsius. While still on the surface, I dipped my head and looking down I went speechless: the visage was such that I immediately saw the greater part of the six hundred-foot ship resting on the sandy bottom.

The first of the two dives consisted of circumnavigating the wreck. I admired its external parts, huge hull, masts and equipment scattered nearby. Everything was preserved in excellent condition. After about fifty minutes, we returned to the RIB and then to the shore to change the cylinders and take a forty-minute break.

The second dive promised to be even more exciting and indeed it was, because we penetrated the interior of the ship. We sailed through the captain's bridge, corridors stretching along the side, the hold, as well as the engine room. Although the dive took place inside the wreck, it was not very demanding. At each stage, sunlight reached the interior and only sometimes Janie the guide pointed out more interesting details of the unit's equipment with her flashlight.

During both dives I also focused on fauna and flora, which for obvious reasons are far from what we can see, for example, in Egypt. However, there is no shortage of life here either. We saw many fish and other animals (excuse me, I will not give you names here, because Nemo was not among them...), I was amazed by the common lionfish that we

...I was amazed by the common lionfish that we encountered at every stage of the dive. I learned that apparently sometimes in the area you can come across stingrays and even dolphins. The shipwreck is overgrown with many colourful "creatures", in their structure resembling a miniature reef.

encountered at every stage of the dive. I learned that apparently sometimes in the area you can come across stingrays and even dolphins. The shipwreck is overgrown with many colourful "creatures", in their structure resembling a miniature reef.

PLEASANT SURPRISE

After successful dives, we returned to the headquarters of the diving centre to settle accounts with the owner. Here was my next positive surprise. While still in Poland, we set the price – including two dives, equipment rental, and transfer from the hotel and back (about 150 km) – at 100 euros. Another diving base, which I mentioned above, offered the same for 140 euros. However, the owner of the centre, whose services we used, said that I only rented a jacket and fins, and therefore counted me 90 euros. I got photos for free.

If you are wondering if you can dive in Greece and if you will find something interesting underwater, I assure you that definitely yes! I can recommend Rhodes with a clear conscience – you will spend great moments on this island, and the diving centre will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

PLYMOUTH DIVING IN GREAT BRITAIN

WELCOME TO ANOTHER ARTICLE IN THE SERIES ABOUT THE MOST INTERESTING DIVING SPOTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. SO FAR, I'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE ONLY ABOUT INLAND DIVING SITES, KNOWN AS QUARRIES.

TODAY, I'M TAKING YOU TO THE SOUTH COST SPECIFICALLY TO THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.

Diving in quarries or lakes, generally in inland waters, is quite fascinating. However, in my humble opinion, diving in seas and oceans is what divers enjoy the most. I believe that if we have limited time (unfortunately, it's common in the modern world), a Saturday trip to a nearby quarry is a great choice. Although it's the same quarry with the same attractions, it's always time spent underwater.

We have the opportunity to practice and refresh our diving skills, spend time with fellow divers, and make new friends. Diving trips like a weekend by the sea or a week in an exotic location are the essence of diving.

Plymouth can confidently be classified as an attractive and diverse destination on the UK diving map. Planning a trip here should be done in advance. During the summer months, there is quite a demand, which may lead to difficulties in choosing and booking boats. Nevertheless, local boat operators try to meet expectations and offer access to a variety of vessels, ranging from smaller ribs to larger boats equipped with lifts specifically for dive teams.

Accommodation can be a problematic issue. Remember that the South is England's holiday capital, often referred to as the English Riviera. Finding accommodation during the season

Text and photos Tomasz Kulczyński

can be a real challenge, as I experienced firsthand when I had to camp during one of my trips. At that time, it didn't pose any problem for me.

After a brief introduction, let's get to the most important part. Diving in Plymouth mainly revolves around wrecks, but you can also see a lot while shore diving. Of course, you need to search a bit, as many creatures living here have acquired camouflage skills. An experienced diver's watchful eye will surely encounter interesting specimens of rich fauna and flora. I'd like to mention that even in the summer months, diving in just a wetsuit is not advisable (and this applies to the whole of Great Britain). Even a thick 7mm wetsuit with insulation won't provide comfortable diving.

When planning a dive, you absolutely must consider the tides. These aren't small 20 cm differences. The fluctuations between high and low tides are very drastic. During high tide, boats lazily float on the water, while during low tide, they stand, or rather lie on the sand, tilted to one side. By the way, here's a helpful tip: when the boats hanging on anchors face the sea, it's low tide. When they face the shore, it's high tide.

Returning to the topic, tides can be the cause of quite a few complications. Problems can arise, such as returning to the shore or rapidly deteriorating visibility. Therefore, it's very important that we have experience in what we're doing. In case of any doubts, all information regarding tides is available at every dive centre, on boats, apps, the internet, etc. Trust me, the whole process here happens so quickly that within 30 minutes, the

water covers a stretch of beach that's several hundred meters long. I myself witnessed a Coast Guard helicopter coming to the aid of people trapped under cliffs.

Shore diving can be done on the day of arrival or departure. However, the wrecks of Plymouth are the main attraction. In reality, it's all about diving on wrecks that can only be reached by boat. There are two ways to do this. One is a fast RIB, a large inflatable boat with a powerful engine. You'll quickly reach the

wreck, but the journey involves gripping a line tightly to overcome waves and perform manoeuvres. Putting on your equipment is also quite a challenge, and getting back into the boat can be problematic for many.

On the other hand, there are regular boats, like many of you have seen in ports or in pictures. This is a much more diver-friendly mode of transport. It may be slower, but you can

get dressed comfortably on the bench. Most of these boats are equipped with lifts. You just need to stand on the platform, which will raise you onto the deck or lower you into the water. You can warm up or have a hot drink in the messa.

Typically, during a cruise with such a vessel, two dives are conducted during the day without returning to the port. There is time between dives for a warm meal and coffee.

Speaking of the wrecks – HMS SCILLA is one of the most well-known and visited wrecks in Plymouth. It was sunk in 2004, so it's relatively recent as far as wrecks go. The frigate has been specially prepared for us – the potential hazards have been eliminated. Every entrance has an exit – you can't get stuck. However, remember that it's still a wreck, and despite its preparation, we must remain vigilant. Scilla lies at a depth of 24 meters, making it easily accessible, and its overall length is 113 meters. And believe me, it's impressive. I remember a situation in which a couple of novice wreck divers were involved. As they descended along the descent line, the outline of the majestic ship Scilla slowly emerged. The diving couple, who saw the silhouette of the grand ship, simply got scared and panicked. It wasn't very deep, but to this day, I remember the shout into the regulator, signalling the end of the dive and the start of the ascent procedure. It's very hard to describe it for someone who doesn't dive, but I'll try: we see the wreck from a completely different perspective than what we're used to observing when watching ships in the harbour. In

HMS Scylla

Photo Hannah Hawke, Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Scylla_; https://www.flickr.com/ photos/112922914@N02/18176508430/

a way, we descend from above onto the wreck, which emerges from the abyss and finally "reveals itself" in all its grandeur. This is coupled with all the aspects of wreck diving – darkness, cold, and often depth. Believe me, it's an experience that can really frighten some people. Of course, there is a substantial group of enthusiasts who want to repeat the excitement of wreck exploration. Scilla is definitely one of those wrecks that provide those emotions. If anyone has the opportunity to dive on it, I highly recommend it. The wreck is about 40 minutes away from the shore.

JAMES EAGAN LAYNE is also one of the most well-known and recognisable dive wrecks in Plymouth. It is a transport ship from the Liberty fleet that was sunk in 1945 by the German submarine U-1195. It rests at depths ranging from 10 meters to 24 meters, making it super accessible to divers. Its total length is 130 meters. This wreck is completely different from the Scilla. Diving on both of these wrecks in one day can provide entirely contrasting experiences. Here, we don't have the effect of cold steel that I mentioned above. The wreck, or rather what remains of it, is covered in a kind of reef with scattered remnants. You can see that time has taken its toll. Various marine organisms have adapted this wreck as their home. I was greatly impressed by the life on this wreck, which is why I recommend it to less experienced divers. Another observation regarding the wreck is the very crowded conditions. Underwater, there were three more groups of relatively inexperienced divers. Someone had already dived before us, which affected visibility, leaving much to be desired.

In summary – Plymouth has always been at the top of my list of diving destinations. I always eagerly returned there, and I was never disappointed. There are plenty of wrecks, but I limited myself to describing two of them. Even in the worst weather, a skipper will always find a sheltered place to dive without wind interference. However, remember that Plymouth is a highly sought-after place. During the summer months, finding a boat and accommodation can be a challenge. It's a place for the whole family, and believe me, even if you dive for a week, your family will have plenty to do. During one expedition, you won't be able to see even a fraction of the wrecks available there. The good news is that they are suitable for divers at all levels of training, as depths range from 7 meters to deep, decompression, and technical diving. Plymouth is a place you come back to many times, and there's always a new gem to discover.

James Eagan Layne

Photo Hannah Hawke, Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_James_Eagan_Layne#/media/; https://www.flickr.com/photos/112922914@N02/14698846069/

MEET HOLLIS

Interview with NICK HOLLIS

Wojciech Zgoła: How long had you been a diver when the idea of creating what became the Hollis brand and then Hollis Rebreathers was born?

Nick Hollis: My father Bob Hollis is synonymous with the sport of scuba diving, technical diving, and he always had a passion for exploring. That passion has been passed on to my siblings and I as we grew up in the business, learning from our father. Naturally when asked to start the Hollis brand together in 2007, I dropped everything and have been enjoying it ever since. Our goal was to create a new standard in technical product design, quality and support.

WZ: What was the main motivation for starting the company?

NH: Before starting Hollis, the passion for technical diving was there with my family having been involved in early shipwreck exploration, design contracts for the US military, and highly specialized underwater instrumentation. At the time, technical diving products were stale, designs were lacking, so we saw a huge opportunity to really deliver an amazing solution. However, our recreational brand Oceanic was not the right fit for such a niche market. This is where the iconic Hollis logo turned from just an exciting idea, into a BIG leap forward for a new brand.

WZ: What were the beginnings, with which product or products did youstart at the very beginning?

NH: Early days started with a few key products we are most known for today! Like the iconic M-1 mask, the best single dive mask ever produced. The F-1 Fin, which added a whole new style and performance to what is available from other companies. Backplates and Wings, using cutting edge designs and materials Hollis has always been known for. And lastly Regulators, which at the time pulling from 40 years of experience developing life support under Oceanic. We focused that knowledge on creating a platform for the technical diver instead, and with an entirely new look.

WZ: Functionality and diving comfort are key elements in divingequipment. What steps do you take to ensure that Hollis products are not only modern, but also extremely functional?

NH: Our designs are born from the needs of explorers. We are intensely focused on how to improve the user experience studying where designs are falling short. That in addition to original designs and our iconic black and red style, it’s obvious that when customers see the unmistakable Hollis logo, they know they can trust it is not just another copy.

WZ: ow does Hollis approach maintaining the high quality of its products?

NH: Huish Outdoors and Hollis Rebreathers use ISO manu-

Interviewed by Wojciech Zgoła

facturing processes and have full control over every step of material sourcing, design, production, and quality control in our own factories. Not many in the technical world can make that statement. But it’s what is necessary to ensure the best product for our customers.

WZ: Can you give an example of a specific product that has been designedwith exceptional quality and functionality in mind? What features of thisproduct underline these values?

NH: An example of our design philosophy is the Prism 2 rebreather. Unique designs have always been important to our products, and the P2 is no exception. It just looks awesome. However rather than following the crowd machining in small batches with common materials, the Prism 2 uses a combination of injection molded plastics in the core of the unit. This process lowers the cost of replacements parts, ensures part consistency and part availability locally, and improves unit performance. This allows a design with less parts, making it more reliable and better for our customer’s long-term needs. Something that could not have been done with common materials or manufacturing practices.

WZ: Does Hollis have any principles or philosophy that guide the design of new products? How do these principles translate into the final effect for users?

NH: Hollis and Hollis Rebreathers have strict criteria for whether new concepts or ideas make it to market. Before starting the design and test phase, we ask ourselves what does it solve, why is it special and how does it improve the consumer experience? This way we can ensure a great experience for our customers.

WZ: Sure thing. And does Hollis conduct research (tests) on products beforethey are launched on the market? How do you do it?

NH: Our test team includes explorers and dive professionals, chosen to test in the most demanding environments all over the world. Before reaching potential customers, we test, refine and test more, and in some cases redesign completely, until the product has exceeded our expectations. We are relentless in the pursuit of perfection.

WZ: In today's competitive dive market, what do you think makes the Hollisbrand different? What unique features or approach are there to attractcustomers?

What are you betting on?

NH: We stand out in the crowd. Our brand is original, and our products are trusted in the most extreme environments. By exceeding the highest standards, we know our products will outperform for anyone, anywhere.

WZ: Do you personally test your products? Do you find time to dive or isit also one of your duties, so you can dive during working hours?

NH: I have the excitement and privilege of testing all of the products we put out. It’s one of the most enjoyable parts of my job and most rewarding when I know it improved someone’s underwater experience.

WZ: Are you currently working on something new, surprising and optimizing diving?

NH: We are always working on something new! I can’t share all the details but hope to show everyone something exciting soon.

WZ: Finally, do you have a dream related to diving, maybe a dive site or a special underwater encounter?

NH: I have a dream of growing gills like a fish. It would mean no more Hollis gear is needed, but I’m fine with that! www.hollis.com www.hollisrebreathers.com

CAPE GELIDONYA ANCIENT MARINE SECRETS:

HIDDEN IN THE DEPTHS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA, TREASURES OF HISTORY ARE STILL WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED.

ONE SUCH TREASURE IS THE WRECK OF CAPE GELIDONYA. IT IS A WRECK DATING FROM THE LATE BRONZE AGE, AROUND 1200 BC. IT PRESENTS A VIVID PICTURE OF THE MARITIME CULTURE OF THE TIME.

The wreck itself is located near the cape of the same name, off the coast of south-eastern Turkey. Around 1200 BC, a merchant ship probably smashed a section of its hull into the rocks just below the water's surface, near the north-eastern side of Devecitasi Adasi, the largest of the cape's islands. It eventually settled on its stern resting on a large boulder about 50 metres to the north. The discovery of the wreck took place in 1954, when Kemal Aras, a sponge fisherman from Bodrum, came across the main concentration of cargo once on board the ship,

at a depth of about 28 metres. He told American journalist and amateur archaeologist Peter Throckmorton, who was cataloguing ancient shipwrecks along Turkey's southwest coast, about this fact. Throckmorton found the site five years later in 1959 and, realising that the historical value of the vessel was immense, contacted the University Museum of the University of Pennsylvania with a request to organise an excavation of the wreck. As early as 1960, the first underwater excavation ever conducted, conducted according to land excavation standards and the first directed by an underwater archaeologist, began. That archaeologist was none other than George Bass, then a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.

The ship has been classified as Canaanite or Phoenician, but there is speculation that the vessel may also have originated from Cyprus. The wreck measures approximately 15 metres in length and was constructed using joints that showcase the advanced engineering skills of its time.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Cape Gelidonya wreck is its cargo. The ship was loaded with a range of valuable goods, including copper bars, tin, ceramics and even food. However, the majority of the cargo consisted of bronze tool-making materials, including old bronze tools for recycling, as well

Text Szymon Mosakowski Photos Mateusz Popek, Szymon Mosakowski

as copper and tin ingots. The discovery of Bronze Age tools on the wreck, as well as a large, flat, fine-grained stone that may have been used as an anvil, suggests that the vessel may have belonged to a craftsman or merchant.

The presence of copper ingots on the wreck was particularly instructive for researchers. These ingots, thought to have originated in Cyprus, shed light on the extensive trade routes that linked distant civilisations. The wreck from Cape Gelidonya is a testament to the interconnectedness of ancient cultures. Through meticulous analysis of the wreck and its artefacts, archaeologists have pieced together a narrative of what happened on that day more than three thousand years ago. The ship likely met its end due to a combination of factors, including rough seas, navigational challenges and even piracy. Every ceramic fragment, every copper ingot and every amphora shard serves as a clue in this ongoing detective story.

The preservation of the Cape Gelidonya wreck is of paramount importance. Techniques such as underwater archaeology and state-of-the-art preservation methods ensure that this ancient time capsule remains intact for future generations. With advances in technology, who knows what further revelations may be uncovered from this submerged relic of history?

The wreck of Cape Gelidonya is a poignant reminder of the endless march of time and the indomitable spirit of exploration that defines humanity. This sunken relic offers a glimpse into the lives and aspirations of ancient sailors. As researchers delve into its mysteries, the story of this shipwreck continues to evolve, weaving new threads into the tapestry of our collective past.

KOWARY

An old uranium mine – once mysterious –turned into a tourist attraction today. An interesting dive site. But is it for everyone?

Let me take you on a tour, sharing the report from my first dive in the Podgórze mine.

A LITTLE HISTORY TO BEGIN WITH

Our story begins sometime in the 12th century, when one Laurentius Angelus came to today’s Kowary, discovered iron deposits and began extraction of ores in Lower Silesia.

The most important part of this story, of course, is mining uranium ore. However, before anyone cared about uranium, the Germans,living in the area of the Sudeten Mountains, mostly extracted iron ore. The largest German iron ore mine

Text and photos Przemysław Zyber

FREEDOM (“Bergfreiheit”) is founded. The uranium ores discovered there were treated as waste and they were stored in warehouses.

Just after the war, when the Red Army moved to Oranienburg – a town situated between Dresden and Berlin, they found barrels filled with uranium ore labeled “Schmiedeberg” (German for Kowary) and the Freedom mine plans. Then the Soviets learned about uranium in Kowary. They arrived in Kowary, took what,

they found in the warehouses along with the maps and a large amount of uranium. On 15 September 1947 the Soviets signed an agreement with the Polish government regarding the prospecting for and extraction of uranium ore. Uranium extraction at the Freedom mine began and eight prospecting and extraction groups were created to comb through the entire Lowe Silesia (mostly the Sudeten Mountains) searching for uranium.

In 1958, due to the depletion of deposits, the uranium industry was set to be liquidated, but this is not the end of the uranium story. Management came up with an innovative, genius idea to produce uranium concentrate at a large industrial scale.

In the late 60’s, the Medical Academy in Wrocław and Wrocław University of Science and Technology took interest in Podgórze mine. The discovery of medical properties of radium led to the creation of the Radon Inhalation Room in the former Podgórze mine, which operated from 1974 to 1989. According to the year-books of the State Hygiene Institute, around 36 thousand patients visited. They used the inhalation room and beneficial properties of radon (a noble gas present near uranium ores). Ailments such as hypertension, bronchial asthma, cardiac diseases, impotence of men were cured here. Also rheumatism and fresh fractures were mended along with overall vitality improvement.

Today, some of the former uranium mine pits are used as a tourist attraction. Some are also made available for divers.

When Damian Małas and Dawid Strączek reached out to me with an intention of diving in the uranium mine, I started to look for information regarding the mine in Kowary and for its photographs. It turned out that there were very few photographs of the place. I didn’t know what to expect, but I still enthusiastically agreed to take part in the shared adventure.

LET’S GET STARTED:)

It was a sunny, albeit a rather cool day. We packed our gear in a car and set off.

The trip through the Table Mountains, as usual, provided breathtaking vistas.

We've arrived. :) We were kindly greeted by the caretaker of the place: Paweł Mysliński.

He promptly attached a trailer to a tractor and, after having our diving gear packed on it, we set off to the dark tunnels of Podgórze mine.

Unlit, dark corridors run deep within the bowels of the mountain. We reached our destination and we went to see the place where we were going to descend into the water.

And there was a surprise waiting for us.

The opening is just two square meters large, and it is an old shaft used to transport the ore to the surface.

My first thought was: how can I get in the water with all my gear, holding a sizable camera in my hand? Then I thought: well, I’ll manage somehow!

As we were changing into our drysuits and undersuits we could see our breaths in the cold air. It was chilly, damp and pitch black on top of that, which contributed to the tension significantly.

The dive was supposed to be rather lengthy but pretty shallow, as the corridor we were going to follow was just at 30 meters. My buddies went with twinsets + stages, while I, as usual, decided to go sidemount.

I prepared triox (a mix of helium and nitrox) in my SM cylinders and 3 cylinders with decompression gases. Five tanks altogether – How could I fit in there? I started to doubt once

more, but my buddies were willing to help me with the assembly – Thanks, guys!

GOING DOWN

Until the 30th meter I was forced to stay upright due to the lack of room to trim and having so much gear on me.

Finally, I’m getting there, phew! :) Before me there was a long corridor filled with crystal clear water.

I swam in. I waited for my partners, and in the meantime I turned my camera and the lights on, I looked back towards the shaft and I got ready to take some pictures. Suddenly the visibility got much worse, and there was some kind of suspension floating around. It was bacteria that create colonies and grow fast and in abundance under the right conditions. And though I was suspended motionless, far from both the ceiling and the floor, the slightest shiver would cause the visibility to worsen.

I could see the lights carried by my buddies in the shaft. So I thought to myself: Nice that they are here, but as far as taking pictures goes, the location is already busted.

Very carefully, we swam into the corridor. We knew that the slightest motion could muddy the water even further. We moved gently and with great precision. I would turn around from time

to time looking for good photo opportunities. On the way we had to squeeze through narrow sections – what was left of the dams. These places are significantly narrower than the corridors, and the amount of gear I carried quite often made it a challenge for me to squeeze through.

These narrow sections are the most beautiful, when it comes to taking photos, so I did my best not to disrupt visibility, as I was swimming first.

After we’d passed the third narrowing, I decided it was time to go back. The very thought of squeezing through the narrowing again with limited visibility (after the group had swum through) made me a little uneasy.

On our way back there was no opportunity to take any pictures – the visibility was not good enough. To my relief, we returned to the shaft no problem. As my deco is the shortest, I swam in to the shaft first, and started to ascend. At the 20th meter I reached for nitrox 50. All of a sudden I felt like I was swimming in a pot of boiling water. My buddies, also diving OC, swam into the shaft. The bubbles they exhale, as they go up and decompress, make my situation hellish. The shaft is narrow, so I can’t escape. In my next decompression stops I stick close the walls, so that my partners’ bubbles don’t push me up to the

surface. I stop for longer and longer every three meters, as the procedure requires. At the 6th meter I switch to oxygen. Phew... Just 20 more minutes and my suffering will end.

I brace myself against each wall and I reach 3rd meter and I count the seconds till the end.

My computer glows green: you are clear to go. I ascend!

With great joy I try to go up the final three meters, but all of a sudden I feel I can’t! The rope got tangled into my fin strap. Yes, that’s exactly what I needed!

In the “boiling” water, unable to bend and reach the fin, packed like a mule and holding the camera, I have the feeling that I won’t manage.

I will have to wait for my buddies. Luckily, I my next attempt to untangle the rope was successful, and with the great relief I emerge above the surface. One last thing is to drag myself onto the bank. Getting out of the tiny hole while rather tired was also quite a challenge, but I will spare you the details.

I GOT OUT AND LIVED!

After I got out, I made a solemn promise to myself never to go back there again, (even though there were two more dives planned!). The combination of exhaustion and extreme emo-

tions I felt during the dive (it was both beautiful and scary!) lead me to promising myself not to go back! I went there, I saw it, it’s enough!

Damian and David are hanging in their deco – I have some time to compose myself. I browse my photos. When they finally emerge, I say that the photographic material is great (hoping, they also wouldn’t want to go down for the second time).

We start talking about the dive. Emotions slowly subside. After the fact I learn that it is the hardest diving spot in Poland. That’s why there are so few photos of it. Some experienced divers are said to give up after reaching 3 meters.

And I was there! I saw... That’s it, I’m going back there again! The second dive is much calmer, more predictable. I know what to expect. However, I must admit this diving spot is...

NOT FOR EVERYONE!

The diving spot in the Podgórze mine is a place for licensed cave divers with per-

fect underwater movement technique. One wrong motion with your fin can turn crystal-clear water into a zero visibility sludge. Exploration takes place in many corridors at the levels of 30 m, 70 m, 110 m, 150 m. A probe located the bottom at 244 m. While the mine’s maps show that the largest depth was once at 540 m. It’s the deepest water body available for diving in Poland!

Thanks to you, guys that I had a pleasure of diving there with you! Thanks for the modelling and for excellent communication.

BRIDGING

HISTORICAL RESTORATION AND MARINE CONSERVATION

Combining

History with Conservation? Healthy Seas, Ghost Diving and the Society for Documentation of Submerged Sites (SDSS) bridged historical restoration with marine conservation in June 2023, when technical and experienced divers set onboard for an 8-day expedition to remote locations, far away from shore in the open sea.

THE TARGET: ships sunk during WWII in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy’s Lampedusa Island and Tunisia.

During World War II, the Central Mediterranean Sea served as a significant battleground where the naval and air forces of Italy-German and the British Commonwealth engaged in an intense conflict. This three-year-long struggle was primarily focused on safeguarding their respective sea routes and disrupting those of their rivals.

Specifically, the Italian Navy faced the challenging responsibility of supplying the Italian-German Armies engaged in North African desert warfare. The British forces aimed to impede enemy

maritime traffic, dismantle Axis supply lines at sea, and provide support to the strategic island base of Malta.

Ghost Diving, led by Ben Oortwijn and Pascal van Erp, alongside a team of dedicated volunteer divers, played a key role in this project. Their mission was to remove ghost nets entangled in the wrecks, blocking entrances and endangering marine life on several WWII ships lying at various depths, ranging from 42 up to 62 meters. A perfect cooperation: Ghost Divers clearing the structures from ghost nets, enabling Mario Areana and his SDSS team to document the historic wrecks from the Mediterranean Convoy Battle.

Text Isadora Abuter Grebe

Photo Derk Remmers

The expedition posed considerable challenges, from logistics to the intricacies of diving in remote locations and was carried out on a fishing vessel. The choice of a fishing vessel was not arbitrary but was born out of necessity. The wrecks' coordinates remain exclusive to this group, either discovered through years of exploration or shared by local fishermen.

MARINE SYMPHONY

The Mediterranean Sea hosts a complex relationship between its physical aspects and marine life, particularly in the Sicily Channel and Tunisia Plateau. This ecosystem, rich in marine biology and ecology, is greatly impacted by oceanic currents, topographical features, and hydrodynamic processes.

Photo Derk Remmers

Photo Derk Remmers

Diver Mario Arena

Sleeping place on the boat

Divers

Ben Oortwijn & Pascal van Erp

Photo Derk Remmers

Photo Derk Remmers Fishing vessel

Photo Carlino Photo

Photo Derk Remmers

These waters are a hotspot for biodiversity hosting iconic species like the vulnerable Mediterranean fin whales and common bottlenose dolphins. The underwater terrain of the Sicily Channel and Tunisia Plateau is formed by topography and currents, creating features like troughs (gently sloping depression in the ocean floor) and seamounts (an underwater mountain or hill that rises significantly above the surrounding ocean floor but does not reach the surface of the water). These

dynamics lead to nutrient-rich zones, supporting diverse coral communities, including deep-sea coral mounds. Not only the natural environment in this area, but also the sunken ships create unique marine ecosystems, acting as reefs and sanctuaries. However, these wrecks often entangle with fishing nets. Initiatives like Ghost Diving and Healthy Seas focus on removing harmful ghost gear, preventing its occurrence, and educating the public.

Photo Derk Remmers

Photo Derk Remmers

Photo Derk Remmers

Photo Derk Remmers

Photo Derk Remmers

Photo Derk Remmers

Ghost Diving, SDSS and Healthy Seas carried out the expedition on some significant shipwrecks, each with its own narrative of the past. Among them was an unknown shipwreck, still containing numerous aerial bombs and vehicles within its hull. The volunteers managed to retrieve several nets, one of them

colossal and believed to have its origin in Egypt, unveiling a refurbished habitat for marine organisms while making it at the same time more accessible for documentation and exploration. Reflecting on this collaborative venture, Mario Arena, the founder of SDSS, stated, “Since 2007 when our team began exploring the wrecks at this location, we are continuously running into fishing nets. The collaboration with Healthy Seas and Ghost Diving is allowing us to make progress in our historical discoveries.

The divers encountered ghost nets on all shipwrecks. Although they recovered a significant amount of them, there are still nets to be retrieved, and Healthy Seas, together with Ghost Diving and SDSS is already working on the next mission between Lampedusa Island and Tunisia.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE NETS THAT WERE RETRIEVED?

One of the main pillars of the work at Healthy Seas is to introduce “end-of-life” nets into the circular economy. That is why, whenever possible, nets are given new life. To align with the responsible management of resources, the massive Egypt net retrieved during the mission will be transformed into new fishing nets, which will be given to fishermen on Lampedusa. Other nets retrieved by Ghost Diving and Healthy Seas are regenerated together with other nylon waste into ECONYL® yarn. This yarn finds applications in the fashion and interior sectors.

Photo Derk Remmers

Photo Artemis

Photo Mariusz Czajka

IT DEPENDS

HOW TO CHOOSE A DIVING SAFARI

The underwater world is a place of mystery and wonder, and one of the places that provides an extraordinary experience is the Red Sea. Despite its proximity to Europe and the large number of divers, it is still considered an interesting and intriguing place for diving.

Warm, clear water, sunlit corridors of reefs, wrecks, coral in all colours of the rainbow, turtles, stingrays, and sharks. Paradise! It's only a four-hour flight away. The companies organising dives in the area present ten different routes with many additional options to choose from. It is worth knowing which sites are the most interesting. Especially, if you do not intend to go on safari more than once a year.

So, what in the Red Sea is to die for? When and where to go? The expert answer is – it depends ;)

For it to be perfect, a lot of components must come together: the weather, the boat, the matching of the dive sites to the participants' diving levels, the right route, a proven crew. And then there are the animals, but, as we all know, it's not a zoo.

Above all, however, it must be ensured that the mix of safari participants, pulsating with their own biosphere, forms a harmonious, competent diving team with a positive attitude. And the team is usually 30 people! There is usually such a good atmosphere on safari that even extreme introverts crawl on board. The atmosphere is influenced by the leader guiding the trip, so you just have to choose him carefully. But what about the rest of the factors?

WEATHER. We have long given up the pipe dream that it is predictable. In December, the sea was completely calm and the water was 28°C; in May, we had to escape from the deck due to hail; and we experienced a real storm in the most pop-

Text Dominika Aleksanderek Photos Piotr Stós

ular safari month, October. Typically, divers are most likely to go between April and June, then between September and December (let's face it, November in Poland is not cool...), but recently there has been an increased trend of holiday family trips in July and August.

ROUTES. For beginners, we recommend the easier routes: Fury Shoal or Far South. These are shallow, colourful dives, without major currents, but with plenty of 'corridor' reefs, considered the most beautiful in the Red Sea – Claudia and Malahi reefs are the highlights of these routes. Often, especially on the July safaris, children from the age of 12 take part. Playing games on the boat, snorkelling with dolphins, swimming on colourful inflatables, and of course the diving itself, is pure fun for them! In some locations (Brothers Islands, St Johns), the speciality of 'deep diving' will come in handy. For technical divers, we offer wreck safaris and the "Top of the North" route. It can have several variations. Mostly after a check dive at Gota Abu Ramada and an afternoon and night dive at Small Giftun, we sail to Brothers and then to Ras Mohammed Park and on to the Thistlegorm wreck. After crossing the Gubal Strait, we head to the Abu Nuhas reef wrecks and 2 reefs near Hurghada. A total of six days at sea, almost 250 miles of sailing and 19 dives (including two night dives). Fans of desolate places we recommend the route to Zabarghad. The cruise is long, but the reward for the hardship of the

journey is a perfectly healthy reef, meandering passages and a multitude of fish swimming along the walls. For those who prefer diverse sites we recommend Brothers Islands + Fury Shoals. This safari skilfully combines shallow and deep dives, and reefs with wrecks. The icing on the safari cake are the photography safaris. On them you can learn to take photographs or improve your underwater photography skills, and mention must be made of the excellent material that each participant brings back from the trip!

BOATS. They are quite like a floating dive base crossed with a hotel, restaurant and sunbathing terrace – in a way, a beach. There are various boats – luxurious, with a jacuzzi (after soaking in sea water four times a day, it is unlikely anyone uses it, except to rinse their equipment) and quite average, comfortable but quite modest. This of course has to do with size, equipment and price. Each type of boat has its passionate supporters. The designs of the last 15 years have been large and wide steel boats, typically 40-42 metres long, about 9 metres wide. They are very stable and even rock in a passenger-friendly way, even for those who declare themselves seasick. It is best to choose a company that has a range of boats already verified by many years of cooperation and renews its fleet from time to time. These boats age quite quickly, so the dive company has to keep an eye on refurbishments,

repairs and also interior design, so that our European sense of aesthetics is not immediately struck with a multitude of colours and textures at the outset.

DIVE SITES. Compiling such a list is an enormously difficult task, and we hope that this subjective description captures the diversity of dive sites.

YOLANDA REEF

Dive site located on the Sinai Peninsula. A reef that offers everything from a vertical wall plunging into the depths, through coral gardens, to the remnants of cargo from a wreck carrying plumbing fixture at several metres. The wreck itself, under the influence of strong currents, has slid about 100 metres into the sea. The currents at this site are a real rollercoaster, often having different directions. They can push divers lazily at the beginning of a dive and turn into a strong downwelling halfway through. Fortunately, the currents attract the most marine life! Shoals of orbicular batfish and tuna are a normal sight, and there are also chances for big game. At low air consumption, the nearby garden of anemones inhabited by clownfish can be included in the attractions.

Diving type: drift

Difficulty: medium/hard

BROTHERS ISLANDS

These two rocky islets in the middle of the Red Sea hardly need to be introduced to divers. The Brothers Islands are famous as an encounter site for sharks – including whitetip sharks and hammerheads, although turtles and manta rays can also be spotted here. The shallow plateau at the northern ends of the islands are the most visited parts of the reef. Huge table corals and hundreds of fish await divers hungry for picturesque views. Deeper down the reef is also beautiful – lots of soft corals and gorgonian corals. Best of all, the reefs are in very good condition. Only safari boats arrive here, and recently the law has banned overnight mooring. Fans of wreck diving will visit Aida and Numidia. Be warned, conditions can sometimes be challenging due to high surf and strong currents. Diving type: drift

Difficulty: hard

UM EL KHARARIM

This reef in the far south, which is part of St. John's Reef, is, according to the translation from Arabic, the Mother of Holes. The name reflects well the nature of the site. It is a unique maze of coral formations, full of caves, caverns and tunnels. The maximum depth is only 18-20 metres, allowing you to explore the various nooks and crannies for a long time. Before entering the depths of the reef, strain your eyes – behind the corners of the

reef, in shaded depressions and on sand patches, interesting sea creatures may be waiting. This is the perfect place to observe lionfish, nudibranch snails, scorpionfish, pipefish and many other creatures camouflaging in the calm waters. Photographers will face a big dilemma – whether to look for wide-angle shots of rays of light against the backdrop of coral caves, or to 'hunt' for small animals with a macro lens.

Diving type: from an anchored boat

Difficulty: easy

THOMAS REEF

All four reefs between Sinai and the island of Tiran are very attractive, but it is Thomas Reef that deserves a special mention. This site is appreciated by recreational and technical divers. The biggest attraction for the latter is the Canyon, a cleft starting at the edge of a plateau located at 30 metres. The depth at the bottom of the canyon reaches as much as 70 metres, which makes it possible to plan advanced technical dives in beautiful scenery. The shallower part of Thomas Reef is a picturesque garden of soft and gorgonian corals. Encounters with tuna, barracuda and turtles are not uncommon here, and from the deck of a boat you can spot dolphins often seen in the Tiran area. Especially off the western side of the reef, beware of currents that carry divers away from the sheltered southern side of the reef.

Diving type: drift

Difficulty: medium/hard

ELPHINSTONE REEF

This three hundred metre long reef is the biggest diving attraction of the Marsa Alam area. It is primarily known for its encounters with a variety of shark species, including hammerheads, whitetip sharks and reef sharks, but tiger sharks and whale sharks can also be found here. This lonely reef rising from the sea depths is swept by strong currents, usually from a northerly direction. This guarantees an abundance of corals, especially soft corals. Below the end of the plateau, crowning the southern side of the reef, is an attraction for technical divers – an arch between 52 and 60 metres.

Diving type: drift

Difficulty: hard

CLAUDIA REEF

Claudia Reef, externally full of brain corals, visited by napoleonfish and turtles, hides its true beauty in the interior. The central part of the reef is an underwater tangle of corridors and small grottoes where light enters through holes in the ceiling. The caverns can be explored at a depth of between 4 and 7 metres. They are spacious enough that they can be explored in groups

of several people. This is one place that does not lose its appeal, even after many visits. And if you leave the interior of the reef for the blue-green garden full of brain corals and have a little more air left, you must be tempted to swim through the wide corridor between the two parts of Claudia, where you will come across a large group of clownfish in orange anemones, growing on several terraced shelves, one above the other. Be warned, there are currents around the reef and you need to take this into account when planning your dive.

Diving type: from an anchored boat

Difficulty: easy

DAEDALUS REEF

Located literally in the middle of the open sea, about 48 nautical miles from Marsa Alam, a lone spire rises 30 metres above the surface of the water. It is a lighthouse on the 400-metre long and 100-metre wide Daedalus Reef. The strong and unpredictable currents crashing against the north side of this underwater formation split in different directions. They make it an excellent place for shark watching. Dives with hammerhead sharks are particularly famous – if you are lucky enough, you can see

dozens of them here! Daedalus is in excellent condition at the same time. The representation of corals, both hard and soft, is overabundant. In addition to sharks, encounters with tuna, barracuda, orcas and turtles can be expected. A real treat awaits experienced technical divers in the depths – the wreck of the steamer Zealot, resting between 75 and 110 metres.

Diving type: drift

Difficulty: hard

SATAYA

The other name for this reef is Dolphin House. And for a reason! On the south side of this dive site is a huge, shallow plateau. Dolphins have taken a liking to it; dozens, sometimes hundreds of individuals! This site offers an almost 100 percent guarantee of meeting these friendly marine mammals. Watching dolphins in the water is a pleasure – they are curious and interested in the presence of humans. Snorkelling with these intelligent animals is the best idea, as they are scared off by the bubbles exhaled by divers.

Diving type: drift/snorkelling

Difficulty: easy

SMALL GIFTUN

This small island, on which the police station is located, has two faces for divers. By day, it is the most beautiful garden of yellow gorgonian corals in the Hurghada area. The impressive corals grow to enormous sizes here, and you glide past them in the light current as you dive. A little further on, a plateau begins where you can look out for macro life. However, Small Giftun is truly amazing at night. The reef next to this islet is famous for its giant moray eels. On a single night dive, you can encounter several to a dozen of them, each of considerable size. In addition to the moray eels, the night dive will be enhanced by lionfish hunting for small fish and the chance

to meet one of the world's most beautiful nudibranch snails, the Spanish dancer.

Diving type: day – drift, night – from an anchored boat

Difficulty: easy/medium

To get the perfect itinerary, get advice from someone at the safari company before you go. Then you are sure to find a great team, a good boat and an exciting surprise underwater. It is worth betting on reliable organisers who have all the necessary insurance, experience and care about the technical condition of their boats, ensuring the comfort and safety of participants. Enjoy your dive!

DOLPHINS DIE IN SILENCE

In the Faroe Islands, the slaughter of pilotwhales and white-sided dolphins is coming to an end, in which from several hundred to 2,000 animals are killed every year. In Japan, the infamous Taiji began a period of dolphin hunting, claiming several hundred victims each time. Both horrific massacres have been publicised, monitored, and documented for years. However, few people realize that every year, much closer to us, a several times greater tragedy of dolphins plays out silently, in which dolphins die by the thousands suffocating in fishing nets.

Text and photos JAKUB BANASIAK

In the photo Striped dolphins

Every year from January to March on the west coast of France, large trawlers and fishing vessels kill an average of at least 6,000 dolphins. According to the Pelagis Observatory based in La Rochelle, the number could be as high as 10,000. Ships catch mainly sea bass there, but dolphins, which usually hunt next to schools of perch, fall into the net as bycatch. Most dolphins die in nets, and some are deliberately murdered on ships. Dolphins, feeding next to schools of sea bass, are caught in fishing nets that automatically catch everything in their path. Then comes a painful death as the trapped dolphins suffocate, entangled in fishing gear. Dolphins pulled alive onto trawlers usually die as a result of injuries inflicted by fishermen on board of the vessel. The corpses, regularly washed up on French beaches, have broken bones, broken tails and fins, and deep wounds from the net lines cutting into their tissues. Dolphins, entangled in nets, tried with all their might to float to the surface to breathe, regardless of how much the fishlines and nets crippled their bodies.

What is happening in the Bay of Biscay is probably the largest, cyclical slaughter of dolphins on our planet!

"Bycatch" is in this case an inconspicuous term used to describe the deaths of thousands of dolphins caught in fishing gear along the French coast – a slaughter that takes place in complete and closely guarded secrecy. Although the law requires fishermen to report dolphins accidentally caught in their catches, in practice the state has not designated any regulatory authority to receive such data. This vacuum makes it impossible to monitor marine mammal mortality caused by trawlers. NGOs estimate that fishermen report only 7-8% of dolphin bycatch. In addition, no resources are allocated to the implementation of more selective fishing techniques, even though such funds exist. It is estimated that in the winter of 2018-2019, 11 300 common dolphins died as a result of fishing activities in the Bay of Biscay alone.

These facts are carefully hidden from the public. Very few people, even in France, are aware of the scale of the problem. The fisheries lobby is very strong here and is doing its best

to keep this slaughter secret and to prevent the law from being changed. Besides, the law is of little use. Intentionally catching dolphins as a protected species is a crime. But the so-called "accidental bycatch" is no longer a violation of the law. However, fishermen know perfectly well that during their fishing, by-catches of dolphins will take place on a massive scale. So it is difficult to say that we are dealing with "accidental bycatch", since dolphins are caught in the net very often and in large numbers!

Photo Mat Mat, Dead dolphin on the French coast

Photo Mat Mat, Dead dolphin on the French coast

Common dolphins

Common dolphins

Sea Shepherd France, which estimates that the true dolphin mortality rate off the west coast could be as high as 11,000 per year out of a population of 180,000 to 200,000 individuals, has been conducting Operation Dolphin Bycatch for the second year in a row to track and monitor fishing boats in the area. Its team films dolphins caught in nets and what happens aboard trawlers to raise public awareness of the massacre. It is also about showing the absurdity of the claim that bycatch is accidental and unintentional.

Lamya Essemlali, head of Sea Shepherd France, points out, that even if dolphins survive capture; fishermen do not always release them back into the water. "Some fishermen even tear them apart and gut them, trying to sink them so that the corpses don't end up on the beach," she said. "That's one way to make the evidence disappear."

The Age of Union, which works closely with Sea Shepherd, made a documentary last year called "CAUGHT" featuring the crew of the partnership M/Y Age of Union and their frontline activities to end dolphin bycatch and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing on the French Atlantic coast. Such films have a chance to make a wide audience and consumers aware of what is really happening on the seas and how big a problem predatory fishing is.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which coordinates studies of the marine environment of the Northeast Atlantic, has also called on the French government to order the suspension of certain non-selective fishing practices – something that fishermen strongly oppose. As usual, it's about money. Already in February 2018, marine NGOs began collecting signatures for a pan-European petition demanding action to prevent the deaths of thousands of dolphins dying in fishing nets in the Bay of Biscay.

Activist organizations have been trying to put pressure on France all the time. In 2019, a group of NGOs — Sea Shepherd France, France Nature Environment (FNE) and Defence of Aquatic Environment (DMA) — filed a complaint against the French government asking it to take action to protect common dolphins. In 2022, the European Commission has also requested France to prevent by-catches of dolphins and other protected species after the country failed to respond to Formal Callof 2020.

In 2022, this petition was forwarded to Patrick Child, Deputy Director-General for the Environment at the European Commission, Eric Banel, French Director of Sea Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Hugo Morán, Spanish Secretary of State for the Environment, with more than half a million signatures. European citizens have made it very clear that they expect immediate action from the governments of both countries to prevent these

mass deaths. The European Commission also plays a key role here – it must continue to take legal action to ensure that EU law is respected.

On behalf of citizens, environmental groups called on the governments of France and Spain to urgently adopt appropriate measures to prevent the unnecessary death of captured dolphins.

Sea Shepherd – Dolphin Bycatch action logo

Advertisement of the CAUGHT movie

The main culprit was seen in France, but Cecilia del Castillo, fisheries policy specialist at Ecologistas en Acción in Spain, pointed out that "the Spanish government has not proposed or implemented any sufficient measures to prevent by-catches of protected species such as the common dolphin or the porpoise. Moreover, the national by-catch plan, just approved by the Spanish Government, lacks any plan to ensure that by-catch is reduced."

It was important for the European Commission to also come under as much pressure as possible. Like other cetaceans, dolphins are strictly protected in EU waters under the Habitats Directive. Union Member States are required to put in place measures to prevent the unwanted catch of these species in their fisheries. However, not enough measures have been put in place to prevent by-catches and dolphin deaths, despite a problem that has persisted for decades. The French and Spanish governments persistently violated their legal obligation to protect dolphins, prompting the European Commission to launch proceedings in this case. But France and Spain continued to refuse to temporarily close the fisheries responsible for the surge in incidental dolphin catches and ignored scientific advice on fishing methods.

Things accelerated in the spring of 2023. Earlier this year, the French Stranding Network (RNE) revealed that between December 1, 2022 and February 15, 2023, nearly 400 small cetaceans were washed ashore along the country's west coast. Scientists at the Pelagis Observatory, which coordinates RNE, reported that 90% of them were common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), and most of them show signs of injuries caused by fishing gear.

March 20 France's highest administrative court, the Council of State, gave the government six months to close areas to fisheries at certain times of the year to limit dolphin deaths on France's Atlantic coast.

In a joint statement, NGOs called the Council's decision a "historic victory". It is certainly an important success. Any form of pressure on governments and the EU is important. Each such event also helps to publicise this huge tragedy of animals.

The only question is whether the law and welfare of animals and the marine ecosystem will ultimately prevail, or politics, the fishing industry lobby and money.

Already in a 2016 report signed by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Pélagis and the University of La Rochelle, it was clearly stated that dolphin mortality caused by fishing vessels threatens the survival of the French population in the medium term. Marine mammals are particularly vulnerable, as they have low fertility rates and high sensitivity to chemical and plastic pollution, and face food shortages due to overfishing. If we want to continue to meet dolphins off the coast of France, concrete, uncompromising measures must be taken immediately to protect them.

Time and French beaches will soon show whether 2023 is indeed a good year for dolphins from the Bay of Biscay.

Petition poster – 500 000 petitions

COTTAGE ON GŁĘBOKIE LAKE

Cottage on Głębokie Lake (Poland). With its own pier and terrace, with its own descent to clean water. With accommodation for 4 people, with a fully equipped kitchen, with its own bathroom and air conditioner.

No unauthorized persons allowed to enter.

The natural surroundings of Głębokie Lake, the sound of the gentle wind, the surface of the lake that will lull you to sleep. It's at your fingertips, just tap a few numbers on your smartphone screen, agree on a date and price and you've got IT!

And if you dive, you also have the Diving Center Extreme Diving Base at your disposal, which you can use freely. Additionally, a kayak or a water bicycle are included in the rental price.

"To live not to die"!

We (Perfect Diver Editors) liked it very much. We asked about dates for 2024... Some have already disappeared. Hurry up and book now because they disappear!

Photo Przemysław Zyber

Photo Przemysław Zyber

Photo Przemysław Zyber

Photo Brunon Waligóra

Photo Brunon Waligóra

IS IT A HOBBY FOR CHILDREN?

Who needs a hobby? Not everyone has a hobby, but having at least one is extremely important, no matter whether you’re a child or an adult child. They let you grow, stimulate your brain to work and give you enjoyment.

With hobbies, life is more interesting, and the time spent on them makes it easier to deal with problems and helps you put some distance between the world and you. In adult life, our hobbies often take second place to other matters, and the time spent on them is limited. But imagine –what if you could share your interests with your child and spend your priceless bonding time doing things that are attractive for the both of you?

Recreational diving is the perfect hobby for physical conditioning, which is what every parent wants for their children. Contact with water and exercise improve your physical fitness, instill good habits and, consequently, ensure your good health. During courses and diving expeditions, you obtain very broad specialist knowledge and the manner of obtaining it ensures that it stays with you for a long time. Diving encompasses many fields and elements that may attract you and your child. Interestingly, what interests you and your child may be the same or completely different, but diving will always be the intersection. Underwater

photography goes hand in hand with fascination with underwater flora and fauna and has a great deal to offer. There is a multitude of underwater models that you don't even know that exist until you see them, so everyone quickly takes a shine to fish identification. When I worked in Egypt, I prepared a group for snorkeling and showed them a catalogue of the most common species that may be seen at the site. Everyone who looked at it was rather dubious that all of that may be seen. When we got out of the water, I only heard questions like “What is the name of that fish?” and what can be seen at the next site. When we were returning to the harbor, I already had many little experts on board. When people are so captivated, they are easy to persuade and teach to care about the environment. Nowadays, protecting our planet is ever so important. If we teach children to do that from a young age, it will become second nature to them in future.

Divers know that a swimming pool is the beginning. Depending on the age of your sprog, you start introducing them to the ABC set (diving mask, snorkel and fins) or start the first diving course.

If you are a diver already, at this stage, you cheer on your child, congratulate them on their progress and support them. But if you do not have a diving certificate yet, I encourage you to start a course together with your child. Apart from praising the virtues of diving, you gain another important link with your child – you become diving partners. At the beginning, you share the pains and gains of learning and build trust by doing your buddy check each time before entering the water. Before you know it, you have a partner to share your emotions, experiences and goal with. Diving is not only a sport and leisure, but also environmental protection, coral reef protection, knowledge and empathy.

From my observations, the rat race starts as early as in kindergarten. September, the first parent meeting, when we received the basic timetable for our children and the list of extra classes that the child naturally should take part in. The whole nine yards: ballet, theater, football, music class with elements of rhythm, martial arts and, of course, foreign languages. The lists were quickly filled with the names of children and there was no shortage of arguments between parents, good advice and experiences exchanged. At first, I panicked: MY three-year old fell behind! Most children have been taking English classes and pursuing other developmental activities for a year already, while we have only been going to the playground and taking swimming classes. I got sucked into organizing our timetables – who is to pick up whom, where to take them, for how long

Our choice of water activity for children from a young age was natural and obvious. Without water, divers wither away. But you do not have to be a diver to bring your child, or even an infant, to the swimming pool.

they need to wait... It was soon apparent that we do not have time for playground any more, on Saturdays we get up as early as during the week, and we can only chat with our child on the way to or from classes. When we no longer had time for swimming, we said ENOUGH!!! This madness had to stop. After all, MY three-year old has only just started speaking Polish and still not everyone understood them :)

Our choice of water activity for children from a young age was natural and obvious. Without water, divers wither away. But you do not have to be a diver to bring your child, or even an infant, to the swimming pool. I took my son with me to a swimming pool when he was two months old. It was the first time that I took such a small child swimming and after that, I encouraged everyone who had a child to do the same. For the first few months, I went to an aquapark, as it had a paddling pool – a child zone and the water was much warmer than in the swimming pool (approx. 29°C). Until my son started to sit on his own, I tried to visit the swimming pool in the morning and during the week, as we had peace and quiet. We splashed

water when we wanted to do it and we were not being splashed on accident by someone else. Being in the water quickly became natural for the child and he felt so at ease that lying, splashing and blowing bubbles underwater was no longer exciting; that is when we started to bring a bag of water toys with us. At this stage, I definitely recommend the morning hours, as it is not an easy task to deal with a myriad of toys when there are more children or play with only one ball or a rubber duck. You need to remember that thermal regulation is different in children than in adults, especially when it comes to infants. To be safe, you should not stay in the swimming pool with your child for longer than 30 minutes. I also noticed that water in the paddling pool was getting too warm after some time and at the beginning, we went to the big pool (but not the swimming one) before going to the locker room to cool down and reduce the thermal shock, as the locker room was usually much colder. With each passing month, we slowly moved to the bigger and colder pool. We did not feel the need to take part in a baby swimming class, but if you do not feel at ease in the water or if you fear for the safety of your child or just do not know what to do with such a small baby in the pool, you may make use of the aquapark’s offer and use the services of a professional, to ensure that you and your baby are comfortable. A baby bag is fairly large even when you do not go to the pool, but still three swim diapers will be necessary – it’s better to have your own than be forced to ask. Also, you need some ready-to-serve drinks (water, milk) and, in the case of an older child, some food. Even sitting in the water makes us tired

and dehydrated and after swimming, a baby diver will demand their due quickly and loudly.

During the holiday season, when the weather gets warm, we are drawn to water. We may take our children not only to the sea or the lake, but everywhere where there is water and a lifeguard – safety first! If you instill this rule in your child, there’s a chance that they won’t jump into the water from a tree in their teenage years. Another matter is a drinkable water. When in water, we also get dehydrated. Sun protection – a hat, cream or swimming shirts. It is a good solution, when a baby is constantly splashing in the water and you are not sure whether you need to put more cream on them or wait some more. I often chose a thin neoprene wetsuit. With each year, the selection becomes wider and these are no longer available only from a sporting-goods store, but you can find them even in discount shops, such as Biedronka or Lidl. The wetsuit’s greatest attribute is its buoyancy. A teenage swimmer will be reluctant to wear a life jacket, but they won’t have similar reservations with a wetsuit.

The holidays is also a good moment for getting your baby accustomed to water. The first water programs for children can be started when the child is five year old, but you need to remember that this is a minimum age. Each child is different and as parents, you know your kid best. A golden rule applies here – do not force things. If a child is drawn to water, the matter is clear, and if the little one does not know yet, whether they want to do it or not, it is worth a try. If it turns out that its is too early for that, you should wait and try again later, but your child may surprise you

and prove to be 100% ready and you will have another swimmer in the family. You may teach your baby how to swim on their own, but I recommend to use the services of a professional instructor. You child does not have any methods to deal with them and before they learn how to manipulate their instructor, they will have learned how to swim. Additionally, you’re giving your child the chance to learn the correct technique without your mannerisms; you will have that chance as well – after all, soon you will swim together and no one forbids you from learning from your child.

The Discover Snorkeling Padi program is meant for the youngest participants, but parents are also encouraged to take part. The swimming lessons with the use of the ABC set (diving mask, snorkel and fins) and learning how to care for the equipment so that the glasses do not fog up and the mask do not leak, is a very good preparation, for example, before holidays. I witnessed many times how parents on the ship put new snorkeling equipment on their child for the second time, as the first time they put it on in the shop or at home. Unfortunately, joy and excitement quickly gave way to anger and irritation. Younger children discarded their fins immediately after entering the water. If they never wore them in the water, then the fins are simply inconvenient. The next to go was the snorkel, because either the mouthpiece did not fit or the child could not get used to it in the sea, when the waves and the lack of ground under their feet were disconcerting enough. Who didn’t swim with their child and, wanting to show them something interesting, put a mask on their face, while the child took a breath, put their head underwater for a short while and hang on their parent? Some lucky sods experience all the snorkeling pitfalls mentioned above and, as a bonus, the water is leaking into their mask, which, naturally, fogs up. All of this can be easily avoided. Before your trip, sign your kid up for a swimming class with an instructor, adjust and prepare the equipment and, last but not least, get your kid accustomed to water.

Equipment plays an important role in swimming comfortably. When choosing equipment for young children, you must pick elements designed for children or in mini size. Swimming goggles must be made form a soft silicone and, preferably,

should resemble a mask without a nose, when the glasses are above the eyebrow arch – they are simply more comfortable for children. This also applies to the mask – size matched to a small face and soft silicon are the way to go. The snorkel should have valves, as it will make it easier to remove water, and the mouthpiece must be small. When the mouthpiece is too large, the rest of the equipment, no matter how perfectly fitted, will not be any good, as your child will not be able to put it in their mouth. Water may leak from the side and even if your child can deal with it, they will feel a great deal of discomfort or even pain from clenching their jaws so as to keep the mouthpiece in their mouth, and how are they supposed to care about watching fish? Fins should fit the foot and, of course, their color should match the rest of the equipment. Never forget about safety –even the best swimmer should wear a buoyancy aid – a life jacket or a wetsuit. Now you are ready to lie on the water and admire the underwater world from a better perspective than from your TV and while holding the hand of your loved one.

The next article will feature more advanced material –deep-diving sprogs. I will help you choose an activity that will be interesting for you, full of action and fun in the pool, and I will say a few words on how to start the diving adventure.

CHOOSING A DIVING BUDDY

MUCH HAS ALREADY BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT THE BUDDY DIVING SYSTEM. TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS FOCUS ON THE BUDDY SYSTEM FROM THE VERY BEGINNING WHEN TEACHING DIVING GREENHORNS. ON ITS WEBSITE, DAN ALSO STRESSES THE GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF A BUDDY IN DIVING.

This article is not going to tell you how to choose your diving buddy and what traits they should have, as I am not a psychologist. I also don't want to discuss whether the 1 + 1 system is perfect for recreational diving, while three autonomous divers acting as a group are required for technical dives. I would rather like to make everyone aware how important a diving buddy is, how much you can learn from them, how much you can achieve together and how you can... make a true friend in time.

When starting your diving adventure, it’s natural to look for better divers than you. Their presence makes you feel safer underwater, as you know that they will provide help at any time and guide you out of any tough situation. For such dives, the beginner is the one who benefits the most, as the experienced diver uses a lot of their energy to ensure their buddy’s safety, often at the cost of abandoning their own, ambitious diving plans. Such symbiosis is good, provided that it’s short-term. The less experienced diver gains a huge chunk of knowledge while swim-

IS HARDER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK!

Text and photos Michał Czerniak RED

ming next to their more experienced friend, however, they often become dependent on them, which impedes their development. If the dominating buddy in a diving team plans the dives, is the only one responsible for tracking depth, gas and diving time, is the only one who navigates underwater using a compass and is the only one to perform the more challenging elements under the water, this means that the buddy system doesn’t exist. The system turns into a master–apprentice relation, which isn’t bad in itself, but it doesn’t constitute a model buddy system in which both parties can rely on their buddy’s help. DAN studies show that inexperienced divers are not able to adequately respond and provide help in a real emergency. This might result from their learned dependency on their better buddy.

The solution is to find a new buddy with equal skills and to share the task between you in a way that would enable both parties to develop their skills and competences, as well as creates a mutual responsibility for the team.

I am a great advocate for the buddy system. Swimming in a duet is not only safer, but also more fun. With a buddy, you can rely on their support and emergency gas. Two buddies also see more than a solo diver. An additional pair of eyes is invaluable not only for tracking safety, but also for the exploration of the underwater world.

However, finding the right diving buddy is not as simple as you might think. On land, where the risk associated with drinking lemonade together is a lot lower than the risk associated with diving together, you need time to determine whether you feel comfortable in somebody’s company and whether drinking this lemonade together wasn’t a waste of time. If your companion is a poor choice, the level of potential risk associated with your mistake is negligible. Things are completely different when it comes to choosing your diving buddy. Sometimes, you “re-

ceive” the latter by surprise on the dive boat or on the day before diving, during a get-together evening in a hotel in Egypt. How do you approach such a buddy relationship? What do you know about the person you’re going to dive with in just a moment? Do you know their actual skills, strengths and weaknesses? Do you feel comfortable knowing that, in a moment, your buddy will be responsible for helping you underwater if things get as complicated as they can get underwater?

You do not always have the comfort of having your usual diving buddy by your side. However, I would like to stress that at least I always try to do this, at any cost, because the benefits from such an arrangement cannot be overestimated.

I wouldn’t want to be accused of attempting to promote our duet here. However, I would like to show why having a permanent, trusted diving buddy is a great joy and translates into a high level of safety. Why you can go deeper and do more with a proven buddy...

With Wąski, we’ve known each other for years. Before we became diving buddies, we had praised the glory of the Roman weapons together in a reenactment group recreating Caesar’s legions. We have participated in numerous reenactments of battles and skirmishes. I stood next to Wąski, shield to shield, during one of our skirmishes with the Germanic tribe of Allobroges. Our eyes were focused on the horde of raging barbarians charging towards us. As an encouragement, I said: “Wąski, I got used to you.” Afterwards, when the dust settled over the battlefield, Wąski came to me and said that it was the best complement he had ever heard from another guy.

We’ve been diving together as a buddy team ever since.

We get to know each other better every day. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and, in a blink of an eye, we can tell if the other one is in a good or bad mood today. Needles to say how much it affects our safety underwater. We’ve strived to acquire the same qualifications, learned the same chunks of knowledge and set shared diver development goals (specializations). We trust each other without limits – we’re not ashamed to say “I’m afraid”, which resulted in determining our shared diving limits, within which each of us feels comfortable and safe. Swimming together a lot has allowed us to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses and form our tandem in such a way that we supplement each other. We do not use energy to search for each other underwater – we’ve always had established who’s swimming on the left and who’s on the right, so even when we’re rapidly changing the direction (while using scooters), we return to our formation within a second. We have also developed ways to continuously inform each other that we’re present, which eliminates the need to turn your head towards

your buddy – this can be uncomfortable with a technical setup.

While swimming together, we have developed our specific system of diving signs with a significantly larger coverage than the standard set. However, you don’t need any extensive underwater communication when you know your buddy and you can predict with 99% certainty what they will want to communicate to you in a moment. We know each other’s setup perfectly and try to ensure that the gear we both use isn’t different in any other respect than its color – this allowed us to optimize our underwater emergency gear use process. We have mutually adjusted our diving and swimming speeds to match, which makes our SAC rates almost identical. It is comfortable to swim in a team with identical assessment of the individual risks and response to them. We could see it for ourselves several times.

One winter, we decided to dive in one of the water bodies in the Greater Poland Voivodeship. The freezing cold caused the lake to become covered with ice and only a small strip of water along the pier being free. We determined the return azimuth on the compass, assuming that if we swam straight and turned back after 150 meters, swimming in the opposite direction, we would arrive at our starting spot, where the water surface wasn’t frozen. After 50 minutes underwater, we started to ascend, certain that we reached the right spot. To our surprise, instead of the desired air hole, a thick layer of ice appeared over our heads. It was too thick to break through, which we ascertained a few moments later. Today, we know that, in the same moment, each of us thought that you have to be insane to make such a dive and get yourself in such serious trouble. However, there was no time to cry over spilt milk. At this moment, we started the calmest and, at the same time, the most effective cooperation that has ever happened to us. We consistently executed the plan of saving our bacon, which brought the expected result after many minutes. The diver’s problems usually start on land, as the old saying goes. This was also the case for us, because going under the ice without any protection and, in addition, with one damaged compass was suicide. We are fully aware of this. Today we draw positive conclusions from this situation – it was a testing ground and a mutual trial of personalities for us. We verified how we behave at the time of danger. We ascertained that the integrity of our team isn’t compromised and our actions are coherent and free of the situational pressure, as well as that we simply can rely on each other.

We have had several similar tests, although, fortunately, our problems have not been of our own design. When one of our regulators froze at 40 meters at Honoratka, with the air bubbles shooting from the regulator, tearing the divers mask from his face, fast and efficient assistance from the other one ensured an efficient and safe ascent of the entire team. In such a situation, your buddy’s presence alone makes you feel comfortable – even more, when you’re aware that you buddy perfectly knows what to do if the situation starts to turn dire.

Diving is a wonderful hobby and exploring the underwater world is sometimes similar to conquering outer space. We flirt with risk, accept it and try to minimize it with our every action. A trusted and reliable buddy with the appropriate knowledge and skills is a real treasure and a guarantee that you will enjoy many more safe dives together.

These are the adventures we wish for ourselves and for you with whole our hearts! Be safe!

PS. When I sent this text to Wąski, he called me right back and said: “you have to add that, after your death, a good buddy will not let your wife sell your diving gear for the price you told her you bought it for!” Sorry for this joke, which we still find very funny despite how old it is.

DIVING DEEP INTO... YOURSELF

Water is not our natural habitat. During our first diving lesson, we break down a barrier within ourselves. A natural fear that lies somewhere deep within us. We take our first steps timidly, we are clumsy and we move in a strange unnatural way. There is a lot going on.

It's like when you drive a car for the first time. The instructor tells you to shift gears, press the pedals, look in the mirrors and look ahead, turn the steering wheel and then there are the indicators... and what else?! You start tentatively, move into city traffic, shyly operate the gas...

Don't wave your arms, inflate your jacket, straighten your legs at the knees, breathe calmly, equalize the pressure in your ears... and what else?

You swim, you float, you fly, you made it, oh no, oops, you're on the surface, some invisible hand has brazenly pulled you to the surface. You're underwater again, you're flying again.

The beginnings in diving, as in most sports requiring motor coordination, are not always the easiest. Getting your first diving certification is a major event. When you sign up for a basic scuba diving course, the depth to which it entitles you is huge for you. It doesn't tell you anything, around 20 metres seems terribly deep. But you work hard in the pools, gaining skills and confidence. You go to the open water and there everything you've learnt in the pool... well the open water is not the pool. Your instructor tells you that there will be no hard wall or bottom, that the rope will only be for lowering and not for hanging on. You meet your forgotten companion again. Your fear. You fear what it will be like, your heart speeds up as you put your head under the water and... you see nothing. They told you there would be a little worse visibility but you see nothing. You nervously kick your legs and suddenly the cloud that has shrouded you in mist descends, you swim out and the water is nice. You see fish, plants, again you are reminded of the skills you have already learnt, your heart slows down. You start to enjoy the dive. You exemplarily fulfil the tasks imposed on you by your instructor, and at the end of that weekend you get your first, dreamed and desired diving certificate. From now on, the world is yours. Sure enough, if conditions allowed it, your instructor has dived with you to the maximum depth on your certificate.

Text and photos Dominik Dopierała CN Deco

You get home, you get to work and you want to proudly say that you have just passed your first diving certificate. I might be wrong but one of the first three questions you will be asked is: How deep did you dive? With a sigh you answer that only 18 metres, but your instructor dived to xxx deep – here you enter his deepest dive. You know it because you asked him this question yourself.

As the excitement settles and you begin to plan your career and your first post-course trip, an interesting observation occurs to you. Apart from the first 5 metres, where you balanced the pressure in your ears relatively often, you didn't really see the differences between 7 and 9 metres. 12 and 15 were identical. The 18 m, after thinking about it for a while, was the same as the 12 m. I'm qualified for 18 m, how about putting my hand under the platform and catching 20 when no one is looking? I managed 20.7 m and the partner didn't even notice. Then let's try 24 m, 30 m, 35 m, 40 m, why not 45 m – I'll be in Croatia, Egypt (choose one) then I'll do 50, 60 m. On group dives you'll be putting your hand in the silt, under the platform, in the lowest place just to be "deepest".

Can anyone prevent you from diving deep? I sincerely doubt it.

In this article I'm not going to convince you that it's worth doing an advanced programme and raising your qualifications to 30 m, nor am I going to convince you to do deep programmes up to 40 m. I realise that you are a busy person, the world we live in is rushing and you need to keep up. That you probably already have travel plans. You want to get a lot from diving. Manta rays, sharks, dolphins... the list goes on.

Someone writing the programmes in all the federations made a mistake and entered the wrong numbers. There should have been 40 meters right away. You already have 6 dives in your account and you think that all these courses and specialisations were invented just to extract money from you. And I have to give you credit. You will figure out how to do certain things yourself. Each new skill will take you 10, maybe 15, max 20 dives. Instead of 2-4 dives on a specialised course.

I have had one of the highest continuing education rates over the years. I teach as a professional diving instructor ALL specialisations in my federation. Even the seemingly most ridiculous ones. I set my students very high goals at the very beginning of their career. I don't sell them one course but fifteen. I prepare them comprehensively before I release them into the world. Do I make money from this? YES. But I am not ashamed of my 'product'. My diver is comprehensively prepared before they leave the 'nest'.

Very often I talk to people who have gone to the other side of the world and come back disappointed. The dives were poor, they saw nothing, they paid bucket loads of money for the trip and feel cheated. I am always amused by their disappointment. It stems from a misunderstanding of how dive centres around the world work. They operate in the same way as YOU.

Do you have a garden? No? How about a friend with a garden? A beautiful well-kept one, with beautiful grass, flowers, trees. Do you have such a garden? I'd like to organise a children's party in it for one of my sons. You know, we'll have inflatables on the grass and a water slide on that red tree, we'll hang a piñata in

the middle, the kids will play musical chairs, it's gonna be great. We'll invite the whole kindergarten. You can imagine what the garden will look like if I let 30 preschoolers into it.

This is what the most beautiful reef in Raja Ampat will look like when you let 30 preschoolers onto it. With one clumsy kick they will knock down coral that has been growing for 50 years. This is why no self-respecting dive centre in the world will take a preschooler to the best reef. You'll go to the other side of the world with a basic certificate and watch the sand behind the toilet. You have to prove with your diving and certifications that you are worth taking to the best sites.

You can't see the difference between the depths. You are too inexperienced to see it. You have too little knowledge. And I don't mean to insult you, it is impossible in a short training course (yes the basic programme in any federation was the ONLY short training course) to teach you a whole range of different skills. It didn't matter how good a student you were, or how good your instructor was. The programme didn't provide for that. Did you notice the difference between your first dive on the programme and your last? It was ONLY four dives. Do you know what a good instructor can do with you for four training dives? At any level?

Very often we talk about various diving parameters without realising the meaning of the digits. These digits have supposedly been discussed but our perception has not registered the values and we do not fully understand them. 3 metres is a shallow depth but stand on a balcony on the first floor and look down. Would you jump down? 18 metres, a balcony on the 6th floor. 30 metres is already a 10-storey block of flats and add another 3 to 4 storeys to reach 40 metres (for simplicity's sake I have assumed a storey of 3 metres).

Still think that's not much? Stretch out 40 metres of line on the ground and take a walk along it. But wait, do you remember what the ascent speed is? The one recommended by the publisher of the tables you dive according to or the manufacturer of your computer? You don't know, didn't you learn it during your deep dives? Didn't read the instructions of your computer or don't have one? I will hint to you at this stage that this speed is about 10 m/s. Is that fast or slow? We'll check right away! No problem,

I'm sure you have a stopwatch on your phone. You won't take it underwater but for this experiment it will do. Position yourself at one end of the measured distance and press start. From this point you have 4 minutes (240 seconds) to cover this distance. I'll repeat the question. Is 10 m/s fast or slow?

Are you sure that, without specialised training with an experienced instructor, you are able to maintain such an ascent speed, making an emergency ascent from 30 – 40m. Control your buoyancy all the way and finish such a dive with a safety stop at 5 m?

As a reminder, I will tell you what recreational diving is. For your knowledge, feel free to quote me, spread the word – I didn't invent it, it is public knowledge. Recreational diving is diving between 1 and 30 m, in exceptional situations 40 m within the no-decompression limits without going into decompression. It is a dive that you can stop at any time and make an emergency ascent at any point during that dive. Of course, it is recommended to end it with a safety stop (3 minutes at 5 m). But it is assumed that if you were to miss such a stop, nothing should happen to you. This dive also assumes duplication of many elements but not, as in technical diving, on yourself but on your partner. Diving as a pair is the basic premise, plus a 50 bar reserve in you and your partner with whom you can share the obligatory octopus. Your partner is also a spare brain, computer, compass and anything else you take with you together and know how to use.

But the main thing is that you can surface at any time. I won't write you here what the no-decompression limits are for 18, 30 and 40 metres. I'm sure you remember or know how to look it up quickly in your chart or computer. And I am sure you remember that the deeper you go, the shorter these limits become, and radically so.

Of course, there are ways to extend them safely and still use the assumptions of recreational diving. But that's a story for two more articles.

You think this is already a lot about depth. In fact, we haven't even started. Have you heard of nitrogen narcosis, the martini effect? Many beginner divers don't have it. Or at least that's what they claim. With sensation it's a bit like a Wednesday night football game with your mates. You have a beer or two, the match is exciting. By the break it's three beers apiece. You finish the match in high spirits. Your team wins and with a score of six beers each you finish the match. You look at yourself and your friends and think that they are definitely not drunk, much less you. And the wife of one of them walks in and sees the truth –which is a bunch of drunks. It's exactly the same with nitrogen narcosis. You look at yourself and your partner, and you think the problem doesn't concern you. You need an outsider to be able to assess this. And show you how much this problem affects you.

All the physics of diving starts to matter when diving deep. Colour fading, compression and expansion of gases. The use of special equipment, the positioning of that equipment, balance and buoyancy. Deep dives are not forgiving of mistakes. Using a regulator and adjusting it consciously.

Gas management. You probably know that the deeper you dive the faster you deplete the gas from your cylinder. At a depth of 40 m you use five times as much gas per breath as at the surface. The ability to manage your gas is absolutely essential for deeper dives. Without it, you will run out of gas before you reach your limits.

What I have written so far is not a deep dive training, it is more of a message about the issues that this type of diving touches upon. Only a professional dive instructor is in a position to assess you and your skills and give you the knowledge and skill set you need to make such dives safely. I have deliberately not touched on all the issues, as my aim is to make you think. About yourself, your partner, your loved ones, your family. I care about you diving safely and always returning to the surface. And that requires responsible dives especially deep dives.

I recommend you do a deep dive course under the guidance of an experienced instructor. You will be surprised how much you will learn during this programme. How exciting the dives will be. And even if you have done "deep" dives before, how these dives can be different. How many things you take care of already at the planning stage of such a dive. It's sure to be an interesting adventure.

In the next article in the series I will try to convince you of, as I have heard many times, the funniest course. Peak Performance Buoyancy.

SLOW DIVE – SLOW LIFE

The city of Pasym, located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, just two and a half hours from Warsaw.

It is a charming place with a rich history and picturesque surroundings. It is known for its beautiful lakes and surrounding  forests.

Pasym attracts lovers of nature and peace. In the centre of the city dominates the gothic evangelical church while on the other side there is the Catholic church, which a frequent sight in Masuria. Beside it, there are a beautiful neo-gothic town hall and charming tenement houses, creating an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and tranquillity.

It's a place where the rhythm of the day is determined by nature and its natural cycle. What strikes us is the silence and all-encompassing peace.

At first you think "ghost town", but after a few days of stay, this place draws us in and sort of begins to affect us in an incredibly strange way. It is only after a few days of irritation that

I begin to notice the subtly vibrant life. Morning contemplation of Lake Kalwa, a rally of drakes on the pier. Going to the bakery in the morning, I look into the windows, trying to see what all these people living here are doing, but all I see is a big dignified cat sitting on the windowsill staring at me motionless with its big, bright eyes. Afternoons are quite sleepy, you can hear only the cries of birds from the bushes and rushes and in the evening the contemplation of the sunset – the orange sky over the mill complex, as if the apocalypse was about to come. This orange sky aroused in me a feeling of admiration every time, which was a bit frightening and at the same time filled me with peace.

This is how Agnieszka, a psychotherapist cooperating with our school, saw the city.

The surrounding nearby lakes enchant us with their diversity, both in terms of the coastline and nature under the surface of the water. Although they are located close to each other, they are so different.

In Poland there is a very strong sailing myth, followed by diving myth. It is seen as a separate lifestyle even, associated with active recreation, as well as being in a group, shaping young characters. The lake symbolizes health and strength ensuing from nature, peace, but also wildness. We invite you to places where we like to dive and, for a moment, to blend in with the slow mode.

Text Aldona Dreger, Agnieszka Romańczuk Photos Jacek Twardowski

Within the city of Pasym there is one of the cleanest lakes in Poland – Lake Leleskie. The lake is adjacent to the national road No. 53, between Szczytno and Olsztyn. The lake itself can be reached by numerous dirt roads leading away from the road and from the villages of Leleszki and Elganowo.

Lake Leleskie is distinguished by beautiful underwater meadows, sometimes covered with clouds of hydrogen sulphide, which creates an amazing effect of diving in the clouds. There you can meet many fish such as vendace, roach, bream, perch, pike and eel.

These meadows can be admired while moving along the shore, from pier to pier. These are dives at small depths, just for the sheer pleasure.

The most beautiful dive sites on the lake are the following, in subjective order: first, the Gulf of Gedajno, also called Galinda, which is a wild dive, away from the city and any buildings. A beautiful place by the water and under the water you will find a beautiful and diverse underwater meadow. Freshwater sponges grow on the fallen trees, and among the branches there are a lot of fish, the water is clear and the depth is up to 6 m. Night dives are beautiful here, completely different from those in daylight, because we can see more than during a day dive. We start noticing things we illuminate with our flashlights. In this small field of view, we concentrate on a small space, as if through a magnifying glass, on sleeping fish, suspended motionlessly, on the moon visible from under the vault of water, sometimes on drops of water falling into the lake when it rains.

The second place worth recommending is the headland, near which, at a depth of 13 m, the sunken Landrover is a shelter for burbots.

The seasons in the lakes are different than on the surface. Here, in December, it is still autumn under the ice while on the surface it is already winter. Then, when it is spring on the surface, here in the depths of the lake it is still winter. And when we have summer, it is spring under the water.

Diverse shape of the bottom and beautiful underwater meadow are the undoubted advantages of this place.

Easy access to the water is provided by the entrance from the rural beach, where we will find several platforms for exercise. For those who like the depths, Elganowo is a great place as the bottom descends quickly up to 50 meters.

Next, there is Lake Łęsk located in very nice climates and winding like a river. It is interesting in terms of diving. First, there is a cool, beautiful littoral zone, from 5 m to 15 meters deep with milky, poor visibility and at 15 m you enter crystal clear water. It is cold and dark, below the thermocline. You look around, slow down and you find yourself in a different world. You can't experience it in the sea. We dive here at any time of the year. We experience time travel, we go backwards. The seasons in the lakes are different than on the surface. Here, in December, it is still autumn under the ice while on the surface it is already winter. Then, when it is spring on the surface, here in the depths of the lake it is still winter. And when we have summer, it is spring under the water. So when someone asks me whether to choose the reef in the tropics or Lake Leleskie, I definitely choose Le-

leskie. There are also good conditions for learning to dive. On Kalwa are great conditions for learning how to navigate. It is good to do here the dive intro. It's an amazing feeling when you look at people who are experiencing this for the first time. They are delighted with what they can see.

SLOW LIFE – ADVANTAGES OF SLOWING DOWN

Slow life is a philosophy of life that encourages us to counteract overstimulation with information, accumulation of obligations and excessive pace of everyday functioning. Its foundation is the idea of enjoying small, everyday activities and immersing yourself in moments, instead of constantly chasing after new tasks. Slowing down the pace of life can bring many benefits for our mental and physical health.

STRESS REDUCTION

In diving, just being underwater reduces stress. I do not mean the stress of going underwater for the first time. This time is associated rather with excitement and thrill, and usually after passing this initial stage, it passes. It's more about the moment of conscious diving. For me, learning something new in the natural environment, while communing with nature, helped me to rebuild my mental condition – says Aldona, an instructor at the WeWell Diving school.

I noticed that by diving every weekend I strengthened my mindfulness so much that after some time I stopped paying at-

tention to some stressful situations on which I had no influence. I was able to switch off for a moment, and be here and now, despite all the hustle and bustle going on around. This is practically the only place where we allow ourselves to leave the phone out of sight with impunity, put unfinished tasks on the desk, without constantly thinking about them and making ourselves feel guilty because of our imperfections, or hundreds of emails waiting for a response. From that moment on, I decided that spending time underwater serves me and I want to do it more often. True underwater mindfulness.

With each subsequent descent under the water, I was curious about the underwater world, but also about the reactions of my own body. I was relaxed by focusing my eyes on my own breathing, on the shimmering bubbles coming out of the diving regulator. I played with it. This way I was slowing down my breath, that is, I was withdrawing the body from the fight-or-flight mode switched on under a great stress, and entered into a phase of calm and peace. Taking into account that we teach on our courses how to regulate buoyancy with breathing, we can say that we teach much more: that it is not the organism that directs us, but we dictate to the organism what is good.

GREATER AWARENESS

What is the difference between diving in the lake compared to diving in other water reservoirs and does it matter where you dive? "People chasing the realisation of their ambitions, in

the pursuit of accumulation of material goods, for balance seek the contrast between acceleration and deceleration. That's what you can find here. This small town has become a synonym of something beautiful" – says Polish well-known painter and amateur diver, professor and lecturer of the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts Wojciech Cieśniewski. For me, diving was a metaphysical experience and adventure. I entered the underwater world. I saw Masuria, which I had known since birth, from the perspective of the surface of the water. I saw my landscapes from the perspective of the deep water, from the perspective of 5, 10, 15 meters. When I started diving here, I felt that in this condensed water matter my movements were different, slow and calm. This was reflected in my painting. This transposition of the aquatic environment causes me to express myself differently with paint, I paint slowly, with brush strokes. These are the translations of diving into my art" – continues Professor Wojciech Cieśniewski.

IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS

A slower pace of life allows us to better pay attention to our relationships with family, friends and partner. This builds stronger bonds and creates valuable memories.

Passion is an activity performed for relaxation, in free time, it is active rest. If we work mentally, as a hobby we usually choose physical effort for balance. There are many new topics to talk about at social gatherings and creativity is awakened.

CREATIVITY AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Slowing down can be conducive to the development of creativity. Having more time for ourselves, we can discover new passions and interests.

Jacek Twardowski, an instructor diving in the surrounding lakes: "The best thing we do here is doing nothing but diving. Beautiful lakes, and each of them is different. Kalwa. The lake is opaque with visibility at 2-3 meters. Lake Leleskie, clean, very deep, a lot of coves and beautiful underwater meadows. This feeling of levitation over underwater meadows is priceless. Hanging here in the water, you just lie there and watch. You levitate. We often go on Masurian safaris here. We go with equipment and dive in any place convenient to enter."

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HURRY WHEN DIVING?

Water forces you to be slow. The density of water causes that the resistance it puts on the body is much greater than the resistance of air. Movement in the water is slowed down. Water significantly inhibits the transmission of sound. The combination of these physical properties of water and the effect it has on the senses makes movement under water slow. The slower the better and more enjoyable. This self-command comes by itself: it is enough to be and life happens by itself. Hanging in the water and slowing down in a natural way. As we come to the surface it cannot be translated into our life in the real world. "In the real world, I was forgetful. I can't go under the water unprepared. When diving, I intuitively slow down and prepare better. Now in real life I don't like to hurry. I don't clog my calendar. Sometimes there are situations

when it is inevitable, we are pushed by deadlines or a hundred of phone calls. Now, forgetting incidents happen less often to me. I can also listen to people better. I learned this mindfulness while diving. Diving gives me a reset, it allows me to slow down. And at the same time, it teaches me attentive and unhurried activity" – says Jacek.

YOU CAN FALL IN LOVE WITH SLOW LIFE AND SLOW DIVE

Slow life is a counterweight to the modern pace of life. Slow living is not synonymous with laziness and doing nothing. Slow life gives us a chance to appreciate moments that usually pass unnoticed. By introducing elements of slow life to our everyday life, we can gain peace, greater satisfaction and better relations with the environment. Diving fits this perfectly. I will say more, it can teach us slow life. Slow by nature, diving can be compared to delving into your thoughts. In quiet depths, where peace prevails, while diving we find harmony of movements and feel the underwater beauty. Inner peace, flourishing in the heart, priceless fortune. Slow down the step, slow down the movement. So slow life mixes with slow dive through waves of harmony, when we find meaning in silence. Immerse yourself into it.

DANCING WITH WAVES

Text and photos WOJCIECH JAROSZ

Watching fulmars soar just above the waves of the stormy ocean is an extraordinary experience. It is an experience available only to the chosen ones – for those who happen to be on the rough sea.

The keen minds of the seafarers do not believe their eyes when the fulmars with the grace of prima ballerinas of the world's best ballets glide at the surface, almost brushing the water, disappearing into the valley of the next wave, only to slip effortlessly over the ridge of the next water mountain in a moment. Even the most insidious wave is not able to surprise these excellent gliders. You do not have to be particularly sensitive to the charms of wildlife to admire this spectacle. It seems that the hardy hearts of sailors, seamen and other watermen

watching these birds soften a bit, captivated by their lightness, gracefulness and aerial craftsmanship.

The wings of fulmars, like these of its cousins from the Procellariidae family (as these are birds not afraid of bad weather at sea!) in the order of "tubenoses" (procellariiformes) (about these tubes a little later), are narrow and quite long. On the one hand, this involves the need for fast flight, but it also gives the possibility of effective gliding using ascending currents. How does this relate to manoeuvring between sea waves? Above the front of the wave, the air rises, the stronger the higher the wave, which is ensured by the wear instinctively used by the fulmars. When the sea is calm, the wind does not blow, they can fly actively, flapping their wings. It also happens that, like their distant relatives, albatrosses, they sit on the water and wait for the wind to blow and the sea to rock. Both in flight and on the water, fulmars look like gulls to an untrained observer. The colours roughly match, and so does the environment, but they are completely different birds. Fulmars generally soar, seagulls less – this is easy to observe even from

very far away. When the bird is a bit closer, it is worth taking a look at the end of the wings – black tips of remiges are often present in gulls (how much black is a matter of species). When the bird is very close, you should look at its beak. And here we will return to the taxonomic name of the order Tubenoses. The nostrils of these birds have the form of tubes located on the upper part of the beak. With these tubes, due to the presence of salt glands there, birds get rid of excess salt. As extremely marine animals, they absorb large amounts of salt along with food, which for physiological reasons they have to get rid of. In the nasal tubes there are also olfactory fields lined with specialised epithelium. This indicates the use of smell when searching for food, which increases the chances of finding something to eat faster. Speaking of smell, it's worth mentioning how fulmars... Smell. So they don't smell because they stink. The perception of the attractiveness of different scents is probably a matter of taste, but the species name of fulmar leaves no illusions that it is about pleasant sensations for the human nose. In the Viking language (Old Norse or Old Icelandic), the term

In the Viking language (...), the term fulmar means a smelly seagull. Indeed, birds and their nests are accompanied by an intense smell, but you have to be really close to feel it.

fulmar means a smelly seagull. Indeed, birds and their nests are accompanied by an intense smell, but you have to be really close to feel it. Were the Vikings close to these birds? Of course! Not only them, but many of their descendants and other islanders who used birds and their eggs as relatively easily available food, which was not easy to find on the islands of the far north. So amateurs of feathered food climbed the cliffs on which fulmars nest and packed what they could into pockets, bags, or just in pockets (in some places this procedure is practised even today). Of course, they did not go unnoticed by the birds that tried to defend themselves. Some shearwaters, including fulmars, have evolved a way

(...) fulmars most often return every year to the same places, or even to the same nests. There they form the same couples every year and for many years they try to "raise" subsequent generations. There is a wellknown example of a couple returning to the same nest invariably for 25 years!

to deter enemies and invaders, as a response to skua attacks, which not only make life difficult for fulmars. This method consists in violently spitting out a smelly, oily liquid towards the attacker. Fulmars produce oil in the stomachs, which, in addition to the aforementioned defensive function, is a source of energy during long flights and other periods without food – e.g. on the nest, and in the case of a chick while waiting for the parents to return from the hunt. This wait can sometimes be prolonged when they have gone to distant fisheries. To eat, fulmars look for various marine organisms, which they usually pick up from the surface (they dive rather rarely and no deeper than a few meters), usually landing on the water near potential morsels. In the diet of these birds there are primarily fish, cephalopods, molluscs, crustaceans, both alive and dead. They are very eager to use carrion, as well as fish waste

thrown from fishing boats. It has even been hypothesized that the range of fulmar is expanding to the south precisely because of the possibility of feeding near fishing boats and floating fish and seafood processing plants. Originally, fulmars were associated with the definitely northern regions of our planet. It is not without reason that in the Latin species name there is a reference to ice (Fulmarus glacialis). Both Atlantic and Pacific populations generally preferred cool waters, located in a zone of drifting ice. Today, fulmars are also found off the coast of Western Europe, and even occasionally on the Baltic Sea. Only in Poland they do not want to be met somehow. So far, only a few fulmar records have been recorded in history, but all observations have been made of... dead birds. As one of the authors writing about these animals put it, fulmar is in our country a zombie bird.

Outside the open sea, it is easiest to meet fulmars where their colonies are located. Then they can be observed without any problems from the shore, which should give hope of meeting the fulmar to bird lovers suffering from seasickness without accompanying discomfort. Fulmars are birds that like the company of their tribesmen, which also translates into frequent visits to the colony by immature birds that have not yet established nests. This further increases the number of birds that are easier to look at. Sometimes, you can meet juvenile

fulmars in such a strange place as an asphalt road. This is because young birds, which leaving their nests and are not yet able to fly, jump from the ledges directly into the sea, but also into rivers, which they can easily swim into the sea. In the bird's eyes, man-made roads seem to be similar to rivers, and this is the solution to the riddle of young fulmars sitting in the middle of the road. Such sightings were reported, for example, in the vicinity of Vik in Iceland, where these birds willingly breed on the famous local cliffs. It is worth adding here that fulmars most often return every year to the same places, or even to the same nests. There they form the same couples every year and for

many years they try to "raise" subsequent generations. There is a well-known example of a couple returning to the same nest invariably for 25 years! Fulmars, in fact, are quite long-lived birds. They reach sexual maturity at the earliest at the age of six, and sometimes they do not start breeding for the first time until the age of twelve.

I wish you successful meetings with fulmars. Not necessarily only in the distant Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland or Svalbard. Who knows, maybe someone reading this text will be the first to spot a live fulmar on our coast? That's what I wish you, so be vigilant when looking at seagull-like birds!

ELECTRIC DECOMPRESSION

(impressions and thoughts of a practitioner)

HAVE YOU EVER FELT COLD UNDER WATER?

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW TO CHANGE THIS?

F or me, decompression is a routine part of every dive. It’s usually the longest static part, and if I consider that most of my

dives happen in the temperatures below 10 degrees, then my association with the end of a dive is rather “cool”. ��

I would like to have this article rely on my own feelings and the experience that I got after 90 dives to an average depth of 100 meters. Don’t be confused by the fact that I am writing about deep diving, as this concerns every diver considering the use of a heating system.

Text Wojciech A. Filip Photos Tecline Academy

Photo Santi Diving Equipment

Decompression and body temperature changes are an important and also very individual topics. If you are sure that during the decompression you can increase your body temperature in a stable way, you can make the desaturation process more effective.

The problem is: how to be sure of this? �� This is why we have to ask ourselves a question: Is our heating system and its power supply efficient enough so that we do not come across any surprises in our heating plan?

What should be taken into consideration, or where does the malfunction happen most frequently?

undersuit/vest/heating system that the diver is wearing the system’s power supply (battery/batteries, wires, and connection method – usually it is a wet E/O connector) optional temperature adjustment (heating system regulator)

HOW TO PLAN DECOMPRESSION WHILE KEEPING IN MIND THE RISK OF HEATING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION? ARE THERE ANY WAYS TO CALCULATE DECOMPRESSION TIME BASED ON INCREASING/DECREASING THE TEMPERATURE?

My 1st rule.

If I have any doubts about my heating system’s efficiency, I give up on using it.

My 2nd rule.

Your heating system cannot be the only (basic) way for maintaining right temperature. In other words, my underwear, undersuit and reindeer socks should provide me sufficient thermal comfort, so that I can dive in a safe way, and even conduct a complex rescue operation, if needed.

While during short decompression (up to 30 min) dives the heating system malfunction may increase the risk of decompres-

HOW TO PLAN YOUR DECO?

ARE THERE ANY WAYS TO CALCULATE DECOMPRESSION TIME BASED ON INCREASING/ DECREASING THE TEMPERATURE?

Divers who use various high-end dive computers would most likely say that their devices asses water temperature and adjust the calculated decompression time accordingly. Will this do?

Well, it might, but the saturation and desaturation rate depends on our tissue’s temperature, which does not always correspond with the water temperature that the dive computer’s sensor is measuring.

sion sickness (DCS), then the same problem when deco after a long bottom time can pose a real DCS threat.

In the case of such profiles, a heating system malfunction after the bottom time phase can be compared to failing to decrease ascent speed to 1.5 m/min during the deep decompression phase.

Can this comparison be understood that after a 120 m dive with a bottom time of 30 minutes a diver that would not slow down between the depth of 57 and 36 m, could get DCS?

I don’t know (never got it myself), in my opinion it is a very individual thing. I have done dozen of such dives while being in perfect health, well-hydrated, and minimizing breathing resistances, all without any obvious symptoms of DCS – but slowing down to 1.5 m/min had always made me feel better, especially in cold water.

FOUR PRINCIPLES OF HEATING SYSTEM USAGE DURING DIVES (CAN BE APPLIED TO EVERY TYPE OF DIVING)

1. If we are warm when diving and during deco – we are very happy and increasing the temperature while in deco will escalate our happiness even further thanks to more effective decompression ☺

2. If we are cold when diving and during deco – we are not so happy, but it is still okay (got to be a fan of cold climate)

3. If we are cold when diving and warm during deco – we are happy, but not “crazy happy”

SHORT EXPLANATION ABOUT TEMPERATURES

The lower the temperature, the more eager the gases are to dissolve in our tissues. They are happy to leave when our tissues have a temperature that is same as when saturating, and if it is higher, they are even more willing to leave.

Now, let’s go back to the 4 principles of heating system usage and figure out why it is safer to do a completely cool dive instead of one with an unstable heating system.

IS IT OKAY TO REDUCE DECO TIME IF WE GRADUALLY INCREASE OUR BODY TEMPERATURE?

If you know how to do it and you have a power reserve and heating – then yes you can try such a move, but I do not know any paper that would provide specific principles. Among the divers I know who quite often do dives exceeding 240 minutes, such principles are very individual and the approach is conservative – better not to use the heating system at all.

SHOULD ONE EXTEND DECO TIME AFTER A HEATING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION?

If the malfunction has occurred while ascending, then definitely yes. So far, my coldest deco was during several hours of ascent from more then 100 m in 4°C water that was gradually penetrating into my suit. Up to 4.5 m, I felt colder and colder. At 4.5 m we had a relatively dry habitat. I didn't know how much longer the decompression should take, so we spent an additional hour on oxygen and everything went well.

OPTIMAL HEATING PLAN ACCORDING TO WAF

Steady heating throughout the whole dive without waiting for

4. If we are warm when diving and cold during deco – well it is awful (it is not how our dives are supposed to end).

Photo Isadora Abuter Grebe

first symptoms of hypothermia (then it’s too late). I would consider increasing the temperature slightly before the effects of vasoconstriction kick off (narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from vessel muscular wall contraction; increased blood pressure is the consequence. – ed.), but you will only feel the most noticeable effects of blood vessels constriction in places where their size is the smallest (periphery) and your body will quickly react the temperature increase in a particular way.

If you’re only using a vest for warmth, then the entire surface of your hands and legs will quickly feel cold (sometimes it even feels like the water is entering your suit). If you use a full heating undersuit then your hands will get cold, along with your legs from the knees down. In that case, I assume that the feeling of peripheral cold is connected to blood vessels constriction and a consequence of that could be compromised decompression.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH THIS?

1. If possible, I use a full heating undersuit instead of a vest plus heating gloves, which I wear over thin merino wool gloves. I am also very careful to keep my feet in few layers of loose socks. I use bigger size shoes/gloves, so that 2–3 pairs of insulating socks/under gloves (each with a bigger size then the previous one) could fit inside.

If you plan on wearing 2 or 3 pairs of socks or gloves, then each should be 2 sizes bigger then the previous one, and shoes and dry gloves must provide enough space for free movement of the insulated hands and feet.

If you will use 3 pairs of socks and gloves, all in the same size, then you will get cold much faster, and heating will not help you much.

2. I turn on the heating at the beginning of a dive or just before the end of the first bottom time half (always when in thermal comfort phase), and do not turn it off until the very end. After excluding higher helium fraction from the breathing gas I leave the heating unchanged; same once I stop breathing helium entirely. Not until I reach 21 m, where I slightly increase the heating temperature compared to the bottom phase, however I keep it on the same level (that is, with 3 heating levels at my disposal, I switch from 1st to the 2nd one).

3. I increase the temperature at 6 m when vasoconstriction symptoms intensify (blood vessels constriction as a result of oxygen use) and I do not decrease it during the gas break (a significant, temporary oxygen fraction decrease that can be achieved by switching to a different gas, e.g. bottom gas; it is

done to achieve blood vessels widening, namely vasodilation), so the scorching continues up until equipment removal on the surface.

Unfortunately, I do not know why sometimes hypothermia related to blood vessels constriction begins much earlier in my case with identical profiles (second phase of deco at medium depth) and at other time only in the final phase.

WHAT TECHNICAL PRECAUTIONS DO I TAKE IN CASE OF HEATING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION?

For difficult dives I usually wore a heating vest and full heating undersuit + heating gloves. Each element was powered independently with a possibility to turn them on/off automatically (wet E/O connector).

The primary power supply source is a 30 Ah battery with 3 levels of heating regulation. My power reserve is an “electricity tank” which is a revamped diving scooter with a 70 Ah battery set, that can be used simultaneously by two divers.

10 years ago I would write that you should wrap yourself up in resistance wire for every dive and heat whenever possible.

THINGS WORTH READING

Once, I had a very interesting dive that inspired me to reflect on dives in cold water with electric decompression “acceleration”/ intense heating.

Baltic sea in the winter, nearly 70 m depth. Total dive time: less then 120 min. Temperature 5°C.

I wore a heating undersuit + heating gloves, all the rest as usual. I had turned on the heating even before I entered the water and set it to level 1 (on a 3-level scale). I assessed my thermal comfort as at least good. I was warm and had a great dive. Towards the end of first part of deco I increased the temperature to the 2nd level and soon felt warmth, especially on my hands. During oxygen deco I switched to the 3rd level and again I felt a bit warmer. We finished the dive and with a smile on my face I started sharing my impressions on how nice it is to have a well functioning heating system.

We started to take off our equipment. I unzipped my suit and... it turned out that I had forgotten to plug the undersuit and gloves to the power supply before a dive.

Dive safe!

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