diving
No. 3
1(3)/2019
Price 14,90 â‚Ź Tax included
freediving
passion
knowledge
last
Maya bastion Sharks from Fiji Dive on Um El Faroud wreck
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Photo: MICHAL SEVECEK
the foreword
Wojciech Zgoła
Editor-in-Chief
Dear reader, in the issue you are just reading (because I believe that at least some of you are reading, not only leafing through) we publish a dozen different articles accompanied by great photos. The first one concerns spectacular discoveries on a global scale. A group of Polish archaeologists, in agreement with the Guatemala authorities, flew to Central America to explore the region of the last Mayan bastion. Among the team was also our editorial colleague, Mateusz Popek. The underwater archaeologists dived in Lake Petén Itzá, and at its bottom they found well over 800 artefacts, including a mask and an obsidian knife. Amazing… Arousing curiosity and imagination… A story worth reading, I do recommend it. Staying in the climate of archaeology, it is worth noting that in Italy, between the towns of Baiae and Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples, today there is a sunken city. It is available to recreational divers and it is extremely interesting because we can see there lots of monuments dating back to the time before Christ. The text was written by Marcin Trzcinski and his photographs are included. We also have some amazing destinations for you on the world map. The kingdom of sharks in Fiji in a very well written account of Sylwia Kosmalska-Juriewicz and the amazing and unique Lembeh Strait in Indonesia, which is the dream of all the fanatics of macro photography. With this article Klaudyna Brzostowska made her debut, and her text was enriched with always very good photographs of Jakub Degee. We have of course a lot more. There is the whole truth about dolphins and important information for freedivers. There are caves and wrecks. For naturalists, we have a fish from the Baltic Sea and everything about herons. At the end, a few words from DAN in the text #whywedoit and two new reports from nice events. I also remind you that the electronic version of the magazine is free, so I encourage you to support us with any amount of donation: PayPal.Me/perfectdiver I cordially invite you to read, and wish you a safe dive in the Perfect Diver magazine.
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
3
ta b l e o f co n t e n t s
travels 10 Last Maya Bastion 20 Archaeological Park Baiae 32 Fiji, kingdom of sharks 40 Lembeh Island 52 Toyapakeh Nusa Penida, Indonesia
from a freediver's perspective 60
10
A freediver's suitcase
caves 64 A magical region in France
wrecks 70
Plan your Um El Faroud diving in Malta
planet earth 56
Escape from „Alcatraz�
78
A sexy diver, is it possible?
80
Not so scary as it seems
knowledge 90 #whywedoit
4
32
nature 82
Publisher perfect diver wojciech zgoła
Heron, the waterside gentility
ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com ISsN 254-3319
editor in chief columnist underwater archeology freediving photographer english language translators
Wojciech Zgoła Irena Kosowska Mateusz Popek Agnieszka Kalska Jakub Degee Agnieszka Gumiela-Pająkowska Arleta Kaźmierczak
legal care graphic design and composition
Lawyer Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak
the magazine was folded with typefaces
Montserrat (Julieta Ulanovsky)
82
Open Sans (Ascender Fonts) Spectral (Production Type) printing
Wieland Drukarnia Cyfrowa, Poznań, www.wieland.com.pl
distribution
events 94 100
dive centers, online store
preorder@perfectdiver.com
Diving Festival of Power 3rd Warsaw Seminar on Underwater Archaeology
cover photo
Jakub Degee model
Short-tailed pipefish (Microphis brachyurus) place
Lembeh
www.perfectdiver.com
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.
94
If you like this issue, donate any amount! Donation is voluntary. PayPal.Me/perfectdiver perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
5
e d i to r i a l t e a m
Wojciech Zgoła
irena kosowska
jakub degee
He often repeats that he travels by diving
Regional Manager Divers Alert Network Pols-
Polish photographer, winner of awards
and that is his motto. In 1985 he obtained
ka, diving and first aid instructor, technical
and distinctions in world underwater pho-
a yacht sailor's license, and only in 2006
diver and cave diver. In love with all flood-
tography competitions, has already dived
began to dive. In the following years he
ed, dark, cold, tight places and invariably
all over the world: with sharks and whales
improved his skills by obtaining the Dive
from the beginning of the diving route – in
in South Africa, with orcs behind the Arctic
Master degree. He completed nearly 650
the Baltic. Implementing the DAN mission,
Circle, on Galapagos with hundreds of ham-
dives in various climatic conditions. Since
he conducts a series of lectures "Dive safe-
merhead sharks and humpback whales
2007, he has been taking photographs un-
ly" and Diving Safety Laboratory, so field
in the Tonga Islands. He participates in
derwater, and since 2008 he has also been
research of divers for scientific purposes.
specialist photographic workshops. He
filming. As an independent journalist, he
has been diving for 27 years, he started at
published dozens of articles, mainly in
the age of 12 – as soon as it was formally
journals dedicated to diving, but not only.
possible. He was the first in the world to
Co-author of photo exhibitions in Poland
use the Hasselblad X1d-50c camera for un-
and abroad. He is passionate about and
derwater macro photography. Recently, in
propagator of diving.
the remote Chincorro archipelago on the
Since 2008 he has been running his own
border between Mexico and Belize, he did
website www.dive-adventure.eu. On the
it again, taking a successful attempt to pho-
basis of extensive experience, in August
tograph the eye of a crocodile with a mac-
2018 he created the new Perfect Diver
ro lens with an additional magnifying lens,
Magazine.
which is the world's largest photo of the crocodile's eye living in the wild (in terms of pixel count, print size, quality).
Mateusz Popek
Agnieszka kalska
"My passion, work and life are under water."
"I can not imagine life without water, where
He has been diving since 2009. Since 2008,
I experience freedom of the spirit in my free
he's walking in caves. Underwater archeol-
body."
ogist by education. He participated in nu-
●● founder of the first freediving and swim-
merous projects in Poland and abroad. He
ming school in Poland – FREEBODY,
has been engaged in professional diving
●● freediving instructor Apnea Academy In-
since 2011. In 2013 he obtained the qualifi-
ternational and PADI Master Freediver,
cations of a 2nd class diver. Has experience
●● record holder and multiple medalist of
in underwater work both at sea and inland.
the Polish Championships, member of the
Since 2013 he has been diving in caves, es-
national team in freediving 2013–2018,
pecially in the mountains, and since 2014
●● finalist of the Freediving World Cham-
he is a diving instructor CMAS M1.
pionships 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018, ●● a Polish national championship champion and a member of the national team in swimming in 1998–2003, ●● passionate about freediving and swimming.
o u r au t h o r s
agata turowicz
robert Ławrynowicz
jakub cieślak
Since I was a child, I had dreamed of be-
A traveler, an enthusiast of diving and un-
Diving instructor, author of the blog about
coming a marine biologist and I managed
derwater photography who has dived on
diving, social activist. He has been diving
to fulfill that dream. I did a degree in ocean-
five continents and the remaining ones are
for almost twenty years, mainly in Poland,
ography, where I recently started my doc-
on his bucket list. He always repeats: "The
has been a trainer for six years and also
toral studies. My diving adventure began
best is still ahead of us" and looks ahead
a member of the Group Exploring Diving
when I was 12 years old. I love observing
with optimism.
Sites near to Warsaw – a group promoting diving and protection of the water world.
the underwater life up close and I try to show other divers how fascinating the underwater, Baltic creatures are.
sylwia kosmalska-juriewicz
małgorzata mileszczyk
marcin trzciński
Dreams of close and distant trips have ac-
Underwater archaeologist and cultural an-
A graduate of the University of Warsaw. An
companied me since my childhood years…
thropologist at the University of Warsaw.
underwater photographer and filmmaker,
The desire to see the world was so great
Participant and coordinator of numerous
has been diving since 1995. A co-operator
that I changed the corporate office for the
underwater archaeological expeditions,
at the Department of Underwater Arche-
freedom which me travelling, sightseeing
both seaborne and inland. Loves to put
ology at the University of Warsaw. He pub-
and diving in the most remote parts of
a lot of effort in popularization. Participant
lishes in diving magazines in Poland and
the world.
of many noteworthy conferences, since
abroad. The owner of the FotoPodwodna
The reports from my trips are on the
2014 organizer of the Warsaw Seminar on
company which is the Polish representa-
divingandtravel.pl blog, and I invite you
Underwater Archaeology. Author and editor
tive of Ikelite, Nauticam, Inon, ScubaLamp-
for a joint trip with the Dive-away.pl travel
of many articles in the field of underwater
companies.
agency of which I am a co-founder.
archaeology (e.g. the monograph Just Add
www.fotopodwodna.pl
Water. Underwater Research at the University
m.trzcinski@fotopodwodna.pl
of Warsaw). Vegetarian and enthusiast of all living creatures.
margita "Mermaid" Ślizowska NAUI dive instructor, first emergency aid EFR and DAN oxygen first aid instructor. An actress and a vocalist. In everyday life she combines the passions for her jobs with the mission of helping people in different ways in many, seemingly distant fields. Recently, she was strongly involved in the co-creation of the Dive for Life project for clean seas and oceans. The owner of the Xdivers.pl diving school. Trymix and cave diver. Her greatest underwater love are the caves. And the diving priority – safety. "There is nothing in the world more supple or delicate than water; and yet there is nothing that exceeds it as far as toughness and force are concerned…" Lao-tse, Chinese tao master
o u r au t h o r s
jakub Banasiak
hubert borg
Marianne Aalders
Diver from 2008. Passionate of the Red
The owner of Seashell Diving Centre in Mal-
Being a PADI and SSI Instructor she is
Sea and pelagic ocean predators. Devoted
ta, has been diving for the past 20 years
travelleling, living and teaching since over
to the idea of protecting dolphins, sharks
and teaching divers of all levels from his
10 years through Asia. The last 5 years
and whales. He dives mainly where you can
own base in Mellieha Bay. Hubert is an SSI
based on Nusa Lembongan/Bali she is
meet these animals and monitor the level
and PADI Tec Trimix Instructor and regu-
running Dive in Culture together with her
of their well-being. Member of Dolphinar-
larly enjoys the best deep wrecks of Malta.
german partner, 2 laptops, 2 smartphones
ia-Free Europe Coalition, volunteer at Tethys
In 2012 Hubert has helped to set up and
and a reliable team of local balinese part-
Research Institute and Cetacean Research &
hosted the first SSI Service Centre in Malta,
ners. Staying away from normal "package
Rescue Unit, associate of Marine Connection.
giving the way to this new for Malta diving
bookings" they create a unique concept of
For 10 years he has been involved in re-
agency at that time. Hubert's diving cen-
individual travel.
search on wild dolphin populations and au-
tre is one of the few in the Maltese islands
Dive in the culture of Bali with diving, re-
dits dolphinariums. Together with the team
continually offering comprehensive diving
laxing, road trips, culture, nature treks,
"NO! For the Dolphinarium" he prevents dol-
services for those who would like to experi-
canyoning and remote camping. You state
phins from captivity and promotes knowl-
ence some of the worlds top diving.
what you want and specially what you
edge about dolphin therapy unsaid or
don't want and get a ready-made selection
concealed by centers which make money
of offers in the mailbox in the evening or at
on this form of animal therapy.
the weekend, where you can then browse in peace.
wojciech jarosz
Audrey Cudel
klaudyna brzostowska
A graduate of two Poznan universities, the
Technical Diving Instructor and renowned
A graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts
Academy of Physical Education (coaching
Underwater Photographer whose style is
in the field of Fashion Design in Łódź
specialization – handball) and the Univer-
famous within the Technical Diving commu-
and Film Studies at the Adam Mickiewicz
sity of A. Mickiewicz, Faculty of Biology
nity. She is specialised in Sidemount, Tech-
University in Poznań. A seamstress by
(specialty of experimental biology). He con-
nical Sidemount & Cave Diving Training. She
profession, a passionate lover of natural
nected his professional life with this first
is based in Gozo but operates worldwide
beauty and a high doses of adrenaline.
university trying to influence the direction
both for training and exploration purpose.
Her adventure with diving tourism began
of development of future professionals on
Beyond her adaptive teaching recognition
from a backpacking trip around the world.
the one hand, and on the other planning
and her dedication to making each student
During her stay in Thailand she dived for
and implementing research, pushing labo-
a better diver, she is a passionate under-
the first time and from then on she got
riously in the right direction of the stroller
water photographer complementing each
hooked on at this sport. Spending the last
called science. In his free time he spends
training and diving session with numerous
years and most of her days under water,
his time actively – his main passions are
shots which became famous within the div-
teaching and showing the beauty of the
sailing (sea helmsman), skiing (downhill
ing industry and through social medias. Her
underwater world in Asia, she believes
skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle, rec-
work has been published in various mag-
that diving means unity – unity with own
reational diving and many other activities,
azines, Diving agencies websites, training
mind, nature and unusual creatures. Cur-
as well as photography, mainly nature.
materials & dive shows.
rently, a diving instructor and 1/4 of the female Activtour crew. With great commitment, she prepares amazing diving trips to the parts of the world close to her heart. www.activtour.pl, klaudyna@activtour.pl
Enjoy diving with peace of mind, worldwide, all year round
DIVING SAFETY SINCE1983 PHOTO BY MARCELLO DI FRANCESCO
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Exclusive access to Diving Insurance Plans
Medical Advice & Specialist Referrals
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DANEUROPE.ORG
t r av e l s
Last Maya Bastion Text Mateusz popek Photos Petén Itzá Project – Underwater Archaeological Expedition to Guatemala
A morning on Flores Island. The air temperature will soon rise to over forty degrees Celsius. The scuba tank burns your hands, and the thirty-degree water does not bring relief. In the air you can smell the jungle stretching on the other side of the lake but there is something else…
10
T
his smell comes from other times, from anoth-
a few hours away, so we have some time to con-
er world. It is the scent of the mystery left here
template the beautiful lake.
by the Maya, and we are about to break into their underground world to learn about these secrets.
The city of Flores was built on the ruins of Maya Nojpetén. When the Spanish dominance already
Our expedition started about a week ago. After
covered the greater part of Mesoamerica, the Maya
overcoming an infinite number of administrative
bravely resisted and defended the independence
problems, travelling the ocean and a long journey
of the capital located on Petén Itzá Lake – their last
to the city of Flores lying on an island on Lake Petén
bastion. However, even this place was not saved
Itzá, we are finally there. This is a charming, colonial
from the devastating power of the conquistadors.
town with countless bars, hotels and hostels, where
In 1697 (as many as 172 years from the beginning
backpackers from all over the world rest before
of the conquest), the Spaniards led by Martín de
moving on. The goal of our expedition is almost at
Ursú y Arizmendi set up camp on one of the shores
our fingertips. Actually, you just need to cross the
of the lake. Preparing for the battle, they built
street to stand on the shore of the lake, the bottom
a ship, which was to facilitate their landing on the
of which we wish to penetrate, looking for the Maya
island. On March 13th, the conquistadors set off to-
secrets. Although our goal is so close, we cannot
wards Nojpetén. When their passage was blocked
start work, because the compressor that was sup-
by the flotilla of the Maya boats, the commander
posed to serve us from the first day of the project
of the Spaniards began a speech that was aimed
got stuck in the Guatemalan Customs Chamber
to force the defenders to surrender on supposed-
and we cannot get it back. There is hope, however,
ly peaceful conditions. At one point, the defend-
because the local firefighters have promised that
ers of the Nojpetén fortress could not bear it any
they would find a way to recharge our scuba tanks
longer and shot arrows at the Spanish ship. Two
and bring them to us in the evening, which is still
European soldiers were injured. One of them fired
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
11
12
a musket in revenge. A chain reaction was started
is how they call their local boats, has a roof that
and the slaughter of the natives could no longer
at least protects us from the relentlessly burning
be stopped. The conquistadors occupied the city in
sun. When everyone is ready we set off towards
a few hours and thus finished their conquest with-
the planned area of the lake. The day before, the
out losing a single soldier of the Spanish garrison.
whole team gathered in the base to choose places that we would explore. It turned out to be the north
In the Maya culture, water has always been of great
side of Flores Island.
importance and associated with the world of the dead. The Mayan glyph och ha' means "enter the
The first divers enter the water. After the jump we
water" which symbolically refers to death. Cenotes
are surprised by the high temperature of the wa-
were gates to the underworld in which sacrifices
ter. The thirty-degree water does not cool down
were made, including the human ones. Water in the
even below twenty meters. Unfortunately, only the
culture of Maya appeared in every aspect of life and
temperature is tropical, because the transparency
was extremely important… My reflexions on history
is more like in a European lake and does not ex-
and culture are interrupted by the entrance of smil-
ceed two meters. From the very edge of the lake,
ing firefighters who are coming with good news.
the bottom is strewn with stones, which end some-
The scuba tanks are full. Tomorrow we can dive.
where around ten meters and there, less than a minute after the immersion, the divers team
We start the morning activities by packing the
encounters the first artefact. The buoy emerges
equipment on our boat, which is controlled by
from the water causing anxiety among the sur-
experienced and smiling Pedro. His lancha, this
face crew. Have they come across some historical
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
13
14
travels
graphed. The number of objects we have extracted
Each dive brings new discoveries and buoys shoot like crazy from underwater. The bottom of the lake is strewn with Mayan relics.
forces us to work on documentation almost every day until late at night. Having done the work, we can choose another area for exploration… The team working on this project consists of underwater archeologists and Mayanists from leading Polish universities, as well as excellent divers – enthusiasts. Everyone is equally committed to the success of the expedition. Although there are only
objects so quickly or has something happened?
six of us, the work goes smoothly. Everyone has an
To everyone's delight, after a while, two divers
assigned task that he or she carefully carries out. In
emerge, bringing out a huge vessel. We just need
addition to the diving itself, there are plenty of other
one shot from the GPS so that the first Maya ar-
duties to fulfill. Supplying, transporting scuba tanks
tefact could be documented. But there is more.
to and from firefighters, documenting, photograph-
Each dive brings new discoveries and buoys shoot
ing, drying the equipment. We spend the whole day
like crazy from underwater. The bottom of the lake
working and only after dark, when the temperature
is strewn with Mayan relics. None of us has seen
drops significantly, we can sit on the terrace in our
anything like this…
favourite restaurant with refreshing drinks.
We end the work day in the base, where the ar-
However, not every day is a success story, there
tefacts should be washed, inventoried and photo-
are also days when we go in the water and find
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
15
16
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
17
Thinking that this could be a Spanish cannonball,
An underwater archeologist must show some kind of intuition, because the shape protruding from the bottom, which
he got down to extracting it with a great deal of excitement. However, in the course of this operation some gases were released from the bottom, hitting him in the face and raising pressure. What a big surprise it was when the "cannonball" turned out to be the shell of a dead turtle, and the bub-
at first glance does not
bles were the gases resulting from the decompo-
resemble anything, can
sition of its body. However, this did not stop us
be something special.
from further searching. An underwater archeologist must show some kind of intuition, because the shape protruding from
18
nothing. There are also days when we are shiver-
the bottom, which at first glance does not resemble
ing underwater. Local lancheros (helmsmen and
anything, can be something special. This was the
boat owners) warn us that you can meet a croco-
case when one of the crew members saw a slight-
dile in this lake. We try not to think about it while
ly rounded shape at the bottom, giving no clue
diving, hoping that we will be unattractive to this
what it was in reality. After unveiling the top layer
reptile. Emotions are elevated while searching
of stones, a round outline of a vessel appeared.
for objects in deep mud. You never know what
Similar to what we got every day a dime a dozen.
a diver's hand will encounter and what the ob-
However, the removal of further layers of sand and
ject will be extracted from. During such a search,
stones uncovered three small bowls, inserted into
one of the divers hit a round object sunk in silt.
one another. After placing them in the basket for
a d v e r t i s eme n t
the artefacts, it turned out that under them were two delicate, beautifully made bowls, on three legs. The biggest surprise though was the obsidian knife between them. A cry of joy scared the nearby crabs. After extracting such an object, it was necessary to check what else was inside of those vessels. Delicate examination of several hours allowed us to find there fragments of obsidian, burnt wood or shells with an opening, things that probably used to be beautiful jewelry. What was that find? We can assume that it was an offering for one of the Maya gods. The bowls with the content and the blade were probably closed and placed together in a net, so we found them in one place. For which god was this sacrifice? What was the intention of the givers? We will probably never find out. Our expedition lasted a month. During this period, we made dozens of dives, finding more than 800 artefacts. They were found not only around Flores Island once inhabited by the Maya, but also around two other smaller islands. It turned out that the lake has an amazing archaeological potential. Everything points to the fact that it was extremely important for the Maya who lived there, and we only discovered the tip of the iceberg that is hidden at the bottom of this dark lake.
members of the team: Magdalena Krzemień, Sebastian Lambert, Iga Snopek, Małgorzata Mileszczyk, Jakub Maciejewski, Mateusz Popek
At the end – the whole team would like to thank the main sponsor, Sebastian Lambert and Ida Snopek, without whom this expedition would never have taken place.
t r av e l s
20
Archaeological Park
Baiae Text and photos Marcin Trzciński
This story began long, long ago – at a time when entire Gaul was covered by dense forests crossed only rarely by Roman roads. Aqueducts and amphitheatres were just beginning to be built and the glory of Rome was disturbed by only one small village. A small settlement in which the druid Panoramix mixed his secret potions, and Obelix with Asterix, in the breaks between sparrings with legionaries, stuffed themselves with roasted wild boars.
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
21
F
urther north, no one thought about Brexit yet,
of the fleet caused the rapid development of the
because the Brit-in project was just being im-
region, the construction of warehouses, cisterns,
plemented. In the east, however, due to partisan
docks and workshops. However, quite soon, that is
disputes, we had to wait more than a thousand
in 12 BC, the army left the region, making it avail-
years for the construction of Mirmiłowo to begin.
able for civilian purposes. The proximity of the
It was in those times, a little more to the south, that
port and the picturesque location of neighbouring
five years after the famous "Alea iacta est" (The die
towns, combined with the presence of warm ther-
is cast) Julius Caesar whispered "Et tu Brute contra
mal waters in the area, led in the following years
me?" (Even you, Brutus?), thus completing his col-
to the development of the region recognized as
lection of famous quotes and beginning a period
a "resort" for the well-known patrician families.
of successive internal wars within the borders of
On the slopes of the mountains, beautiful villas,
the Roman Empire.
bathhouses and numerous temples were created. Here stood the "second homes" of the gens Claudia
In 37 BC during the civil war between Octavian
and Piso (in later years, for conspiring against Nero,
Augustus and Sextus Pompey, the construction
their property was forfeited to the emperor), while
of a large port for the imperial war fleet began in
Cicero and Horace were known to visit.
the Bay of Naples. The work initiated by Marcus
22
Agrippa, Augustus' trusted friend, consisted of con-
In 39 AD, by order of emperor Caligula, to whom
necting with a navigable channel the lakes Avernus
a fortune teller predicted that "Caligula has no
and Lucrinus and the waters of the bay between
more chance of becoming emperor than of riding
the small towns of Baiae and Puteoli. The presence
a horse across the Bay of Baiae", an over two-mile
travels
long pontoon bridge was constructed across the
activity occurring in this part of the Mediterrane-
bay linking Baiae with Puteoli. And the emperor
an basin caused gradual slide of the tectonic plate
duly rode over the bridge on horseback… When on
deep into the sea, so that now the neighbourhood
July the 10th 138 AD the ailing emperor Hadrian was
of the former patrician villas is located about five
dying in Baiae, he could not suppose that the em-
metres below the surface of the water…
pire that was then at the height of its power would cease to exist within a few centuries… But it did.
Finally, it was going to begin! Eating a pizza in a bar
The fall of the Roman Empire, barbarian invasions
located on a beach, empty at this time of the year,
and the plundering of the area in the 8th century
I could not wait for the afternoon dive. The deeper
by a Muslim army, which after gaining control of
dives in the morning enabled me to "warm up" and
the Iberian Peninsula, Sicily and Sardinia launched
take a few photos. Now we were about to make
invasions on the mainland of the Apennine Penin-
much shallower dives, but in what a place! In the
sula, triggered the demise of the region. Tectonic
Underwater Archaeological Park of Baiae! In the
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
23
Tectonic activity occurring in this part of the Mediterranean basin caused (…) that now the neighbourhood of the former patrician villas is located about five metres below the surface of the water…
ter the morning dives). Brrr! Fortunately, we did not have to go far, so after two minutes we were at the foot of the rock, in the shadow of which we were to dive. I glanced down over the RIB's side, but the water was so muddy that even though the sunken villas were located at a depth of only five metres, nothing was visible. At the bottom it will certainly be better, I thought. So I slipped into the water and after getting the photo equipment, I began to descend towards the bottom. The water was cool and not very clear, but there was no need to panic. The visibility reached a few metres. After a while Kair, Wojtek and Adam arrived. We were all together and we could move on. In a broad line, a metre behind our guide, we moved towards the still invisible ruins. Invisible? I looked more closely at the small hill on the left. Its shape was too regular for Mother Nature to have created it. Undoubtedly, it was manmade and a few centuruins of a villa from 2,000 years ago! So what if the
ries ago it was the foundation of a house. Looking
water was not yet the best and the clouds were still
around, I noticed more and more fragments of the
obscuring the sun? In a few dozen minutes I was
old residence. We swam between two walls which
going to reach our destination and to "touch" his-
stood some five metres apart and once were prob-
tory again.
ably tall and ornate, but now they were rising only fifty centimetres above the bottom. Though… The
24
Kair confirmed that the most spectacular part of
situation clearly changed in the front. Because of
the excavations, ie. Ninfeo di Claudio, would be
the poor visibility, it seemed that the corridor we
the first place to go to. That was where there were
were in all of a sudden changed into a wide hall –
beautiful floors and sculptures that I had seen on
nymphaeum. On both sides there were statues of
the few pictures available on the net. It was so cool!
gods and members of the gens Claudia. I swam to
But first you had to pull on the wetsuit (still wet af-
the bottom, to the feet of the figure of Dionysius,
travels
the god of wine and grapevine. I waved at Kair so
us. The time was running out relentlessly, and our
that she would go around the figure from the back
weather window did not give us a chance for lengthy
and swim up to it from the left. She looked nice in
exploration of the excavations. Therefore, rushed by
the full-face mask she used for her frequent under-
our guide, I followed her towards the next rooms of
water work. A few camera flashes later I asked her
the villa. Stop! Kair turned cautiously over the grit-
to repeat the whole scene from the beginning with
ty, pebble-covered bottom, and began to brush the
the approach from the back. I wanted to be sure
outer layer with her hand. She stirred up so much
that at least a few photos will be ok.
mud that after a while there was almost nothing to see. But the gentle current began to move the cloud
Moving from figure to figure, I photographed with
obscuring the view somewhere to the side and,
passion. The king of Ithaca, Odysseus, and the statue
while initially vaguely, with every second I could see
of Antonia Minor, the mother of the emperor Claudi-
the exposed floor better. It was beautiful, made of
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
25
26
travels
tiny white pebbles. The fish attracted by the move-
back. But first you had to tidy up after yourself,
ment began to spin over the bottom, searching for
covering both floors.
food. I wanted to wait a bit longer, but Kair moved on, leaving the site unveiled. She gave us a sign that
That evening was very successful. Not only because
we would be back there in a moment.
of the fact that the diving put us in a great mood, but also the food served in the "Da Bernardo" trat-
She was right, we had to let this dust settle a little.
toria at via Montenuovo Licola Patria turned out to
Especially as we did not move far, only to the neigh-
be very tasty. The beginning was excellent, when
bouring room, not even using the door for this pur-
the owner of the restaurant, grim as a Neapolitan
pose, but by swimming over the wall. The bottom of
mafioso served us a platter of bruschetta wonder-
the room was covered with thick mats pressed by
fully smelling of garlic, olive oil and fresh tomatoes.
big stones. We removed a few and after uncover-
Such a starter "on the house". And then it was even
ing the material… I was speechless. A smooth floor
better. No wonder that when I finally found myself
was made of beautiful marble. Damaged, indeed, in
in bed, I could not sleep for a long time. Despite the
some places, by the passage of time and the action
fatigue, my full stomach (at Wojtek's insistence we
of water, but still preserved in a surprisingly good
finished the feast in an adjacent ice cream shop,
condition. Several more photos and we had to go
eating large portions of gellato) and the prospect
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27
The excavated sculptures are presented in a museum located in the castle towering over the bay. And in the water, exact replicas of the monuments were set up, made with
Villa Protorio. The port was relegated to the third place, and to the fourth the Smokey Reef, a geological phenomenon, a place where gases from the rocks of the tectonically active interior of the earth are released outside. Oh, such a natural jacuzzi.
the same technique, the
We set off and after a moment we were there.
same material and with
I jumped into the water first to check the dome
damage corresponding to the originals.
port that I installed in the morning on the wide-angle converter. It had fogged up the day before and I wondered if it would be better now. Unfortunately, it was not. Already at two metres deep, it began to fog up until it fogged up completely. Eh… I swam
of subsequent dives kept me awake. But in the end
to the bottom and having chosen a large mooring
I fell asleep…
stone for my workshop, I reached into the jacket for the hex key that I wisely had brought with me.
Sunshine! There was not much sunshine coming
I loosened the screws and then carefully, so as not
through the closed shutters, but enough to say that
to lose any, I started to take them out of the con-
the day was going to be great. Like a fish on the
verter case. Phew, ready. The only thing left to do
ice, I began to bustle around the room, preparing
was to remove the converter but it was stuck to the
the photo equipment for the tasks ahead. Finally,
port by water pressure. I wrestled with it for a mo-
after breakfast, we headed towards Centro Sub
ment, nervously glancing at the divers hovering
Campi Flegrei. Kair was already there, so we did
nearby. They were waiting for me, and I was taking
not hesitate to get our diving equipment out of the
their precious time. Well, that nonsense was point-
base building. I really felt like diving. The smooth
less. I swam upwards, pulling at the converter, and
sea and the clear sky made us feel optimistic. It
at the depth of two metres I finally succeeded. The
was definitely our day! The first place to see ac-
water poured into the dome, and I could separate it
cording to the plans of our guide was Portus Julius.
from the UWL-H100. I fell to the bottom, packed all
Founded in the thirties BC, the port was the result
the "toys" and we could move on. First, as we had
of the war led by the emperor Octavian Augustus
already agreed on the surface, we swam towards
against Sextus Pompey. At the request of Marcus
the floors. We were going to reveal the sculptures
Agrippa, Octavian's adviser, the lakes Avernus and
and wait for the water to clear.
Lucrinus were connected by a navigable channel,
28
and the huge naval base created in this way was
However, before we completed cleaning the sculp-
named after Julius Caesar. It was a nice plan, but
tures, Kair stopped above the floor and began to
I had to intervene. Especially after I learned that
search through it. I did not hurry, but it took far too
there would be a patch of bad weather in the af-
long. And in addition, Wojtek, who so far stayed in
ternoon. Portus Julius was incredibly interesting,
the back, lay down in front of her at the bottom and
but on the available pictures it did not look even
snapped pictures. What was going on? I descended
in a quarter so good as the flooded villas located
to them and I was surprised to see a small octo-
in the northern part of the gulf. It took a while be-
pus hidden under a stone. Well, yes. How silly of
fore the approved plan of diving (and the issued
me! Now I had to try hard to capture something in
permits) could be changed, but persistence some-
the shot, as Wojtek already took the best position
times pays off. According to the new plan, we were
for photos. Hugging to his side, I tried to capture
to start with Ninfeo di Claudio, seen yesterday, so
something. One close-up, another one. Okay, may-
that for a second dive we could swim to the nearby
be a wide angle? Both the octopus and Kair hanging
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
29
behind it? I screwed on a wide angle lens, which
found. Using the method from the first dive, we
I had taken off just a moment earlier, and put the
started unveiling them. In this case, however, what
camera to my eye. A trial photo to set the parame-
I saw was even more impressive. I looked at the
tres. I checked. It was ok, though the frame was
beautifully decorated floors, with mosaics arranged
too tight. I put the camera back to my eye again
in white and black stone. How beautiful it looked!
and this time framed the photo differently. Oh yes,
In fact, wherever I moved, something interesting
great! I started to press the shutter button when
appeared. A fragment of a cobbled street running
I saw a sudden movement in the viewfinder. The
between the villas, or a floor, or fragments of heat-
nervous cephalopod got fed up with us and took
ing systems in the bath.
off. And I was left without a photo. Eh… Well, It was time to move towards the sculptures waiting for us
The first finds in the Baiae region took place in
in the next room.
the 1950s. When a few years later, as a result of a storm, the front of Punta Epitaffio slipped into
30
Hopping into the water over Villa Protiro I was al-
the water, works were carried out, as a result of
ready cold. But it was here that the most beauti-
which the first of the statues,e.g. Odysseus, were
ful floors in the whole excavation site were to be
discovered. But it was not until the eighties that fur-
travels
ther works began, which resulted in finding more statues in the apse. The excavated sculptures are presented in a museum located in the castle towering over the bay. And in the water, exact replicas of the monuments were set up, made with the same technique, the same material and with damage corresponding to the originals. However, all other elements of the underwater landscape remained antique. Floors, buildings, heating systems, etc. That was all I knew about the underwater wonders of the Baiae Underwater Archaeological Park. And I saw little more. Just one extra afternoon dive in the already rough waters at Portus Julius. I was not able to convince myself to do the next one on the Smoky Reef. It was too choppy. Only Wojtek and Adam went there as I watched the RIB leap on the waves towards the centre of the bay. The sky was dangerous and steel-blue again. In a few hours it was sure going to rain… When we were leaving the hotel on Saturday morning, it was raining cats and dogs. Or even worse. The grey, autumn landscape outside the window was not what we wanted to see. Well, such a whim of nature. Of the planned sixteen dives, I only did six. There was not enough luck. But it was not all bad. After all, we had our own weather window. And we made the best of our time.
a d v e r t i s eme n t
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t r av e l s
32
Fiji
kingdom of sharks Text sylwia kosmalska-juriewicz
Photos Robert Ĺ awrynowicz
A Zen proverb says: "The paradise bird only lands on the hand that does not catch it". Be a good observer of the underwater world, watch carefully, enjoy what you see, learn and absorb as much as possible. Co-exist, but do not touch anything, and you will experience a lot more than you can imagine‌
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
33
I
am in a paradise in which not only do I recharge
a peculiar rhythm… the joy of every morning is giv-
my batteries, but also two spare power banks. Fiji
en to everyone, especially to the people of Fiji and
is the greenest, most remarkable and remote place
from the morning I hear the joyful word "BULA",
I have ever been to. A large area of the island is
which is our "hello", only in the local language. Lit-
occupied by evergreen tropical forests, which cre-
erally translated, it means "life".The natives use this
ate a unique microclimate here. Huge ferns sprout
greeting all day. The positive mood is imparted to
over the trees, and slender lianas hang free and
literally everyone, we also very quickly "go to the
entwine everything they encounter on their way.
light side of the Force" of Fiji and pay homage to the morning, saying the joyful word BULA.
Our hotel is located by the Pacific Ocean in the heart
34
of the paradise garden… one hour by bus from the
Every day after breakfast, a bus arrives and we
capital – Suva. Every day in the morning I run to the
drive to a diving center just twenty minutes from
ocean to admire the sunrise, a golden-red shield
the hotel. I love the moment when the car drives off
slowly emerging from the water and coloring it or-
the main asphalt road and starts slowly going into
ange. I love the peace of the morning, only birds
the tropical forest. The road is narrow, winding and
and the hum of palm leaves remind me that I am
bumpy, completely out of the comfort zone, but the
not alone here, that everything around me is alive
views… the views are indescribable. On the right
and that I am happy for the coming of a new day.
side there is a gorge, filled with trees to the horizon.
This is an extraordinary process that repeats itself
After rain, a small group of men cuts with machet-
from the beginning of the world and gives our life
es the plants that overgrow the narrow side roads
travels
at an incredibly fast rate. The expansion of green-
behave in the presence of sharks and who are the
ery in this area is almost unbelievable. Even the
people who care about our safety during the dive.
air here is different, moist and saturated with the scent of flowers, earth and forest. It is a pity that
In Fiji, around the island of Beqa, divers from all
I cannot lock it in a bottle and bring to my country.
over the world come in for one purpose, to dive with sharks of many species at the same time. The
Never before had I seen a diving center located in
population of these unusual creatures, unfortu-
such a paradisiacal place. The rainforest surrounds
nately, is decreasing day by day. The statistics are
us from all sides, colorful flowers and bushes are
alarming. According to American scientists, about
blooming everywhere, and white birds are circling
100 million of these creatures are killed annually
over our heads. The view is as from the best wildlife
by the hand of man.
film but seen with your own eyes. The main reason for the tragic tendency is the In the diving center we are greeted by Jane, the
Asian "delicacy", shark fin soup. Until a few years
manager and a diving instructor. We go inside, fill
ago, this dish was very expensive. It was served
in the necessary documents and are ready for the
only at sophisticated parties to sharpen the guests'
first descent into the water, encounter with sharks.
appetite. The situation changed dramatically when
Before this happens Jane invites us for a long brief-
the Chinese people began to get rich. Currently, the
ing, which aims to show us what the whole shark
shark fin soup is widely available and can be eaten
dive is about. What are the risks, how we should
in second-rate bars or restaurants.
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
35
When fishing for this predator, fishermen cut off
with wild, potentially dangerous predators. We dive
the main dorsal fin of the animal when the shark is
without cages and very close to sharks that can at-
still alive. They throw the rest of the body back into
tack us at any moment. The diving center has devel-
the sea, where the creature dies in terrible torment.
oped a number of procedures that should ensure our safety during a dive. The rules are changed and
The biggest paradox of this world is the fact that
modified on the basis of shark research and ob-
huge poverty affects people who live in the most
servations that are carried out on a regular basis.
heavenly places on earth, such as the Fiji Islands. It is the lack of prospects and hunger that drive peo-
Before dawn, two scuba divers sail to the place
ple to disastrous behavior. My friend, who for many
where they dive with sharks. They leave a basket
years has lived on one of the paradise islands, says:
full of fish heads and entrails, which are designed
"poor man, he is capable of everything, especially
to attract sharks from the whole area. Thanks to
the one who is hungry".
this, scientists can study the behavior of many species of sharks at the same time, and divers enjoy
Before the Shark Reef underwater reserve was cre-
their presence.
ated in this part of the world, many of Fiji's inhabitants were fishing sharks for profit, and now that
We sail to the dive spot for about thirty minutes
they have found employment in the broadly under-
in a speedboat. It is a beautiful sunny day, perfect
stood tourism industry, they take care of sharks,
for meeting sharks. The boat slows down in the
protect them and care for their safety.
middle of the ocean, the captain turns off the engines and announces that we have arrived. It is so
36
What is the idea of shark diving in the reserve?
quiet and peaceful, it is hard to believe that more
Above all, each of us must realize that we are diving
than one hundred sharks are underwater. I have
reef, we swim in the group, and one more thing,
It is so quiet and peaceful, it is hard to believe that more than one hundred sharks are underwater.
all the retro-reflecting elements of the diving suit are strictly forbidden". So why have I taken a pink mask and the fins of the same colour?! (In my thoughts I am punishing myself for my vanity.) Am I the only one who has dressed up for sharks
(…) I start to wonder
today? "Relax," Jane smiles as she sees conster-
what I am doing here.
nation on my face – this color is not one of the favourite colours of sharks, so you can easily wear fuchsia. And the last very important information, keep your hands close to the body during the dive.
always felt a great respect for the water and for all
This requirement was introduced after a shark bit
the creatures that live in it. Today, however, I feel
off a diver's hand when he was pointing at some-
everything with twice as much strength, fear mixed
thing with his finger".
with excitement and I start to wonder what I am doing here. Maybe I should focus more on yoga, it
We jump into the water in the middle of the ocean
is such a safe and peaceful activity, but I love the
and slowly descend to a rock ledge located a few
world and sharks so much…
meters below us. Suddenly I forget about my fear, yoga and other matters that were bothering my
"The whole group must follow the same dive
thoughts, when on the horizon the sharks well-
profile and bottom time" – Jane reminds us, thus
known to me appear: tawny nurse shark, whitetip
dispelling my yogi vision. "Please remember,"
reef shark, blacktip shark and sicklefin lemon
she adds, "that no one individually explores the
shark. Despite their impressive size, they turn out
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37
The number of sharks increases by the minute and
I can see him clearly, his spots, eyes and shiny skin, he flows right next to me, agile and classy, as if he was the king of this herd.
those that are considered very dangerous to humans are coming too. Paradoxically, it was them we wanted to see the most. Tiger sharks, grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks and bull sharks. I grit my teeth on the mouthpiece of the scuba regulator and close my eyes when the largest representative of the shark family, the five-meter tiger shark appears on the horizon. I can see him clearly, his spots, eyes and shiny skin, he flows right next to
to be gentle and completely uninterested in human
me, agile and classy, as if he was the king of this
presence. The latter stands out against the group,
herd. It is difficult to take my eyes off him, despite
because it has an incredible "smile", a sneering
the fact that a group of forty bull sharks, also of
smile, appreciated by the creators of children's
impressive size, is approaching. How could I think
tales, where it is usually cast in the role of a bad
about yoga even for a second? I would not trade
character. I had the pleasure of diving with these
this moment for the world.
sharks earlier in various places around the world,
38
but never with all of them together and in such
During our two-week stay in Fiji, we dived for four
a large number. Usually I could see only single in-
days with sharks, and the remaining dives were
dividuals or small groups of sharks.
done at nearby reefs. The visibility of water at the
travels
Kava ceremony During the traditional welcome ceremony in Fiji, a piper methysticum root broth is served, also known as kava. However, it has nothing to do with the well-known morning taste of espresso. To prepare a Fijian drink you need a plant root, which you have to grind to obtain a paste. Then you mix with the paste with crystal clear water in a special wooden vessel. A brown, slightly bitter drink with a relaxing turn of April and May exceeds 40 m, and the water
and euphoric effect is served to the participants
temperature varies between 26°C–28°C. During
of the ceremony in a coconut cup. The ritual
the dive we met impressive schools of fish, turtles,
ends with a dance together while
moray eels, stingrays and dolphins, which always
playing local music.
make me smile. Unprecedented. Only in this way I can define these
From the Editor
unusual, emotional encounters that teach humility and respect to all creatures on our planet. I feel great gratitude for the fact that I could meet amazing people, enthusiasts who love and protect sharks, who contribute to the fact that their population is growing from year to year.
The Republic of Fiji – an island state (over 800 islands and islets), located in the southwestern part of the Pacific, about 2800 km east of Australia and about 2000 km north of New Zealand. The islands are of volcanic origin and are surrounded by coral reefs. State capital – Suva. Tropical rainforest climate. Time zone UTC+12.
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Lembeh Island
Text Klaudyna Brzostowska
Photos jakub degee
The variety of diving destinations in Indonesia inspires those who have had the opportunity to see at least a bit of this country. Thousands of islands and an area of 93,000 km2 of inland waters provide a huge array of underwater experiences. There is one absolutely unique place that attracts lovers of marine fauna and flora as well as underwater photographers.
40
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41
A
small but irresistible strait in the heart of the
called 'dirty diving' (muck diving). However, nothing
Coral Triangle. The Lembeh Strait, since we are
is dirty there and the name just refers to the colour
talking about this spot, is a special place in terms
of the sand. While immersing you are looking at
of macro diving and muck diving (dirty diving). The
the grey and black bottom covered with kind of
one who has dived at least once there is bound to
poppy seeds and wondering what you are really
return there regularly.
doing there. After a while, you have no doubts. In front of your eyes appears the first strange crea-
The area around the Lembeh island has been
ture, after a while another, and you instantly get
known for many years to biologists and divers from
hooked on this type of diving. Muck diving is char-
all around the world, luring them with thousands
acterized by shallower submerging and spending
of unusual species of animals living in the local wa-
time on the sandy bottom, where you entertain
ters. It is considered the world centre of macro div-
yourself finding hidden strange creatures. Diving
ing, thus being the Mecca for photographers who
sites in the strait are mostly sand substrates with
want to capture the camouflage masters.
handfuls of scattered coral structures, sponges and sea anemones. It is thanks to the rich in nu-
42
According to the researchers of the underwater
trients volcanic waters that such lush marine life
fauna and flora, this area is characterized by the
developed here. Residents of the local waters per-
greatest biological diversity in the world and it was
fectly blend in the topography of the landscape.
found that it is in the Lembeh Strait that extremely
Some of them are ultra-predators, who, thanks to
rare colonies of marine animals live. The channel
dazzling colours and adaptive shape, have a guar-
separating Celebes from Lembeh island is full of
anteed high position in the food chain. The kalei-
places vibrant with life developed at the volcanic
doscope of the amazing creatures of this region is
bottom of the sea. Diving in this type of a bottom is
stunning – cuttlefish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs,
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43
Muck diving in Lembeh is a guarantee of a brilliant portfolio. It surprises with the unique multitude of species that are hard to find anywhere else.
What is worth noting, are the night dives available in the vicinity of the strait waters. Each diver in mystical concentration, in the beam of flashlight, can observe the wonders of nature. During the night muck dive we are witnessing the high activity of sea creatures. It is at night that you can find the Metasepia prefferi cuttlefish, which in a place named Jahir have their breeding place. Here they spawn in the shells of coconuts. Sometimes hatched young or freshly laid spawn can be observed. Another creature that uses the shell in an interesting way is octopus, specifically Amphioctopus marginatus. Commonly known as coconut octopus, it took a liking for the coconut shells as a mobile place of refuge in case of danger. An interesting thing to observe is the way this invertebrate moves with a shell. This sea creature travels using elongated tentacles, hiding the coconut shell under the trunk. This is the first recorded invertebrate using a tool in a planned way. The Lembeh Strait has been made famous as the world centre of extraordinary creatures and has been attracting renowned underwater photographers for over ten years. Due to its potential, around the strait have been developed facilities
44
cotyledons, Hippocampus bargibanti seahorses,
dedicated to divers and underwater photogra-
Metasepia pfefferi, young pinnate spadefish (Pl-
phers. Some of the centres offer training and reg-
atax pinnatus), ghost pipe fish (Solenostomus)
ular photography events. Compared to others, the
and various species of octopuses. Most of these
Lembeh Resort is particularly distinguished with
creatures can be admired already at the first dive.
a diving centre, a rental shop and photo and video
The essence of local dives is the chance of meeting
equipment service. It is here that conferences, pho-
unique species. In the Lembeh Strait, the guides
to workshops and meetings of enthusiasts from
ask very specific questions: What type of seahorses
all over the world take place. Grey and black sand
do you want to see? Have you seen the mimic octo-
is the perfect background for capturing creatures
pus yet?
living there. Muck diving in Lembeh is a guarantee
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46
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48
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49
riously or want to try their hand at taking pictures,
(…) warm waters, moderate currents and relatively shallow dives make it an ideal destination for both amateurs and professional photographers.
the Strait of Lembeh is unmatched. The adventure at Lembeh does not finish at muck and macro diving. Those looking for diversity will certainly not be disappointed by the rich structures of table corals, walls full of gorgonias and the Mawali wreck from the World War II. The wealth of the northern Sulawesi, however, offers much more than that. Not far away, to the west of the narrow strait, there is the Bunaken National Marine Park. It is an
of a brilliant portfolio. It surprises with the unique
ideal destination for lovers of steep walls of soft and
multitude of species that are hard to find any-
hard corals, strong currents and pelagic animals, in
where else. I mean such specimens as: Rhinopias
particular reef sharks and green sea turtles. Beyond
scorpionfish, mimic octopus and creatures of Hap-
the park's borders is the Bangka Island. It is a point
alochlaena type and Antennariidae family, pipefish
on the open sea that lures divers with a group of
or Ambon scorpionfish. In addition, warm waters,
spears reaching above the surface of the water.
moderate currents and relatively shallow dives
Around the spears a lot of schools of horse mack-
make it an ideal destination for both amateurs
erel, barracudas and Caesionidae can be observed.
and professional photographers. Each of us, after
50
dozens of diving hours, finds their own diving path.
For several years Indonesia, including the north of
For those who treat underwater photography se-
Celebes, has been extremely popular. However, it
a d v e r t i s eme n t
is this narrow and dark strait that particularly attracts enthusiasts of diving and sea creatures. It is not surprising, therefore, that after Lembeh experiences it is difficult to find a place that will satisfy the curiosity of muck- and macro-diving fans. Maybe it is worth coming back every now and then?
Jakub Degee – our editorial colleague at Perfect Diver, best known for shark photography, for which he won prizes in competitions in England and Germany, returns to the roots and invites to macrophotography workshops in Indonesia. Lembeh gives you the greatest opportunities to expand your portfolio thanks to the largest number of species, the most photographer-friendly substrate and small depths. Check out the Activtour.pl offer.
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Toyapakeh Nusa Penida indonesia
Text Marianne Aalders
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Photos juergen koch
W
hen people ask me what is my favorite dive
Or you are flying and looking at the general view,
site, I find it so hard to give just the one an-
or you are turning every stone, looking under all
swer. I live in Nusa Lembongan, a small island of
the overhangs to see what little stuff there is to be
the coast of Bali. Here the diving is amazing; every
discovered.
spot has its own beauty to offer and changes with every dive.
So if I would have to make a decision about the dive sites, it will be Toyapakeh. This dive site is just in
In the dry season we get cold currents (April
the mouth of the channel between the two islands
through to October) and warm water currents the
Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan. This also makes
rest of the year. This also brings in different fish
it sometimes impossible to dive as there can be
life! Sometimes we have very strong currents, then
some very scary, tricky currents. But when it is at
other times we have no currents at all which makes
its best, I want to have a holiday home there and
the way you are diving a dive site very different!
spend the weekend.
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There are impossible amounts of different corals and just way too many fish, not even to speak of all the small stuff hiding between the stunning coral. The coral is made out of both hard and soft corals;
Here the diving is amazing; every spot has its own beauty to offer and changes with every dive.
there are schools of small fish, but also the occasional big stuff surprising you! Still my heart skips a little beat when the conditions When I’m diving there and it is at its best, I’m al-
are good and we get to dive here!
ways disappointed when I need to go up because my customers are getting low on air! When you are
When you want to come and see for yourself! I’ll
passionate about diving, you just want to stay down
be happy to guide you to this amazing place and
there forever. I’ve dived this site so many times
let you have your own opinion about Toyapakeh
(think 5 years… maybe minimum 2 times a week).
dive site. a d v e r t i s eme n t
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
55
planet earth
Escape from „Alcatraz” Text and photos jakub banasiak
Dolphinarium owners fear like the plague the news and stories of dolphins, which despite their years spent in a dolphinarium, coped well in the ocean. Over the last few decades, the cases of dolphins taken from dolphinariums, prepared again for life in freedom and successfully restored to the environment have been described in detail. However, the most interesting and spectacular stories are of dolphins' escapes, where the animals themselves decided to abandon the allegedly good and friendly living conditions.
It
56
is worth recalling these stories, because the
cause they will only be dolphins born in captivity
spectre of another dolphinarium, or another
who do not know life in the sea and which cannot
prison for animals, is haunting Europe. The Hun-
be released. After all, they would not survive on
garian investor, the owner of the marine aquar-
their own, without human care… This is a very con-
ium “Tropicarium” in Budapest, wants to expand
venient argument, used in the dolphin business,
his tourist attraction with swimming pools with
also as an excuse for the reproduction of dolphins
dolphins. And like many other investors, he uses
in captivity. The cases of the return of enslaved dol-
the argument that animals will not be harmed, be-
phins to life in the sea put a lie to this argument.
And what is more, the stories about escaping dol-
One evening something unforeseen happened.
phins are so attractive to the media that they help
Without any help from outside, Bahama Mama
to publicise widely how things really are.
pushed through a loose part of the net and fled into the open sea. Everyone was convinced that
Particularly intriguing is the story of the escape
the bottlenose female would not be able to cope
from "dolphin Alcatraz" of a female bottlenose
on its own in the wild. And how amazed and de-
dolphin named Bahama Mama. This dolphin was
lighted the marine researchers Ken and Diane were
kept in a marine pen at Treasure Island. There were
when they met Bahama Mama, safe and sound,
a total of 9 dolphins, caught in local waters, to of-
with a group of dolphins six months after her es-
fer tourists the opportunity to swim with these sea
cape. There could be no mistake. Any doubts were
mammals. Bahama was separated from freedom
dispelled by the identification of the dorsal fin and
by a wire net (a double one in places), overgrown
by a short film shot by the scientists. The evidence
with algae and reaching to the bottom. The dol-
was so obvious that the dolphinarium owners did
phin spent there 17 years, repeatedly hearing the
not even try to argue against it.
sounds and calls of wild animals passing nearby. Sometimes, especially at night, the wild relatives
Even more important from the point of view of
swam very close to the fence. Ken Balcomb and
fighting the arguments of the bosses of the dolphin
his wife, marine biologist Diane Claridge, who had
business seems to be the story of another escape –
studied the bottlenose dolphin population in this
the dolphin female Anessa, which had never before
region in the Bahamas for over five years, often
experienced a life of freedom. Ken Balcomb wrote
observed such visits.
in his report: "Annessa, a bottlenose dolphin born
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
57
through the area after her escape: Hurricane Kat-
(…) it is not necessary to be born in the wild to know and feel that a dolphin's place is in the ocean and
rina (August 25) and Hurricane Rita (September 20). When this happened, Annessa was 11 years old. Long 11 years spent in captivity. Previously, she was described as timid and withdrawn. A reporter
not in a container of glass
from The Pittsburg Press reported on his visit to
and concrete or in a marine
the dolphinarium in 1990: "…About 5 other peo-
pen with humans.
ple stood in the waist-deep water, hoping to make friends with Nat or Annessa, a female dolphin who also lived in the centre. It soon became clear to us that Annessa was shy, swimming in the margins of
in captivity, kept at Dolphin Research Center in Flor-
the herd, even when her guardian Armando "Man-
ida Keys, disappeared and was declared missing
dy" Rodriguez threw fish snacks into the water and
during a hurricane in 1992. Annessa survived the
briskly clapped to encourage Annessa and Nata to
hurricane and was adopted by a herd of free living
stay close."
dolphins. She was then repeatedly seen – healthy and looking for food on her own."
The Dolphin Research Center is a dolphinarium operating under the guise of scientific research in
58
According to the Ceta Base data, Annessa escaped
Grassy Key, Florida. Here, in saltwater lagoons of
on August 23, 1992. The "perpetrator" of this event
90,000 square meters, 8 different dolphin encoun-
was Hurricane Andrew. The unusual thing is that
ters are organized daily, none of which is educa-
she survived two more hurricanes, which swept
tional or scientific-based. The Dolphin Research
planet earth
Center presents its dolphins on its website, with
nessa (NOA0004389) as a dolphin born in captivity,
only one mention of Annessa: "During a strong hur-
which has been successfully released. Annessa's
ricane, the safest option for our family of dolphins
example proves that it is not necessary to be born
can be an open ocean. They can look for shelter
in the wild to know and feel that a dolphin's place
in deeper waters away from the coastline, where
is in the ocean and not in a container of glass and
shards and strong waves can be extremely danger-
concrete or in a marine pen with humans.
ous. However, our dolphins are not familiar with the world outside their lagoons. They can easily lose their orientation and get lost. We found out about it the hard way, when our beloved Annessa went missing during Hurricane Andrew and never
References: CETA-BASE dolphin list Erin Elizabeth, How one captive-born dolphin escaped captivity and joined a wild pod?
came back. Images of our little girl who cannot find
Ken Balcomb, Cetacean Releases
her way home haunt me to this day. We need to
The United States Marine Mammal Inventory
find a way to ensure the dolphins are safe during the storm, so that we can quickly find them and bring them home when the storm is over." Contrary to the DRC's information, Ric O'Barry, a well-known dolphin welfare activist, and earlier a dolphin trainer, says the opposite: "Annessa is constantly seen between Key Largo and Tavernier." The United States Marine Mammal Inventory, on the basis of the available data, also recognizes An-
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59
from a freediver ' s perspective
A freediver's suitcase Text Agnieszka kalska
Photos piotr stĂłs
Freedivers are often said to be divers "without gear". Quite right, as they do not need any equipment to be able to dive. This does not mean, however, that we do not use any equipment‌
60
Photo Agnieszka Kalska
I
n comparison with scuba diving, the basic equip-
thermal shock. While diving using a buoy, we can
ment of a freediver includes very few elements,
also get rid of the fins and pull ourselves under-
namely: a mask and a tube, fins, a wet suit and
water using the rope or with the help of our own
weight belt with ballast. Anything else, including
hands and legs exercising breaststroke style. This
a diving computer, a buoy with a rope and a lan-
basic range of equipment, however, must be some-
yard or a knife and a torch are accessories that are
where close at hand in case of emergency or to
helpful and sometimes significantly increase safety,
attend another freediver.
but not always and not in every situation. It is in order to increase safety that freedivers use Freedivers aim to dive with as few gadgets as pos-
all this equipment. The diving computer will con-
sible. If we can, we choose the thinnest wetsuit –
firm the depth at which we are and will summa-
just enough not to get cold. That makes it possible
rize the diving time which helps to estimate the
to take a smaller amount of ballast, which we also
appropriate length of the surface interval and the
want to keep as low as possible, and gives comfort
appropriate moment of immersion of the diver's
and freedom while diving. If we dive using a rope,
attendant. A buoy and a rope with the lanyard are
we can leave the tube on the surface, and often
other elements that allows us to dive deeper and
even remove the mask and replace it with the nose
safer. However, none of the above elements will
clip, as the eyes can be closed during the entire im-
replace or provide such protection as attendance
mersion. Of course, provided that the thermocline
of a partner. So we should take a partner with us –
allows us to reveal the face and sinuses without
maybe not necessarily in the suitcase;)
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61
So what to pack into a suitcase for our freed-
without a protective layer of fabric, the chance
iving trip?
of tearing it during the whole trip is like 50:50; the glue doesen't weigh much, and the repair
●● a wet suit – our own or borrowed, but the right size – not to tight or too big, with a zipper
is very simple, so you can save a few coins in case of failure.
or hood that don't pinch us; a freediving suit will be the best, but only if it fits properly; the
What is not worth taking:
most comfortable is the one tailor-made, but you have to order one for at least 6 weeks before the trip,
●● ballast – if near the place we are going to is a diving centre, it is usually not worth carrying
●● fins – for the first training good, swimming
our own ballast, because it can cause various
pool fins are enough and easier to fit into
problems on the way; the belt itself is, how-
the suitcase; and when we dive deeper, it is
ever, light and made of rubber and as such
worth to chose longer, specialised freediving
is a much safer solution, so do not forget to
fins. They do make a difference – just how to
take it,
put them in a suitcase? I will write a few words about it below…
●● a buoy with a rope – if we are going to training with an instructor, he or she will take care
●● a mask and a tube – preferably your own and
of it, and if we are going with friends, let's
tested at least once at the swimming pool – to
think whether we will actually use it; if we
se if they fit, do not leak and whether the tube
plan to dive in places with beautiful reefs,
can be easily attached and detached,
caves and a long distance from the shore,
●● weight belt – made of rubber, special for
it may be worth focusing on recreational
freediving, because not all diving centres have
diving and take only a small inflatable signal
such to rent,
buoy; maybe there is an on-site diving cen-
●● a webcam or underwater camera – it's al-
tre that rents us in a buoy with a rope and
ways worth taking, but we must be prepared
a ballast – freediving is really quite popular
that we won't be able to take it with us into
in the world now,
water every time – this depends on the div-
●● a spare equipment – if we are travelling to
ing instructor, and sometimes on the weath-
places focused on diving tourism – it is very
er conditions,
likely that there is also a local store there, bet-
●● a cap – even if we are going to Egypt, be-
ter equipped than our "inland" stores; prices
sides a baseball cap we should also take also
are often also affordable and sometimes low-
a winter cap; why? Because it will warm our
er than in online stores with shipping costs
ears and sinuses, shielding us from the wind
included; so if we lose the tube or break the
and this will help to avoid the development
mask, we can buy a new one on the spot or
of infections of organs, which must be if full
rent it at the diving centre.
health to function efficiently during pressure equalization,
62
Everyone who dives regularly and travels a lot,
●● vitamin C – supports immunity in the first
probably has a lot of "airport" stories. I have al-
phases of infection and it is worth taking it
ready met with so many different situations that it
preventively during this trip,
is hard to say what is currently the rule. The most
●● a dive computer – if we have to take it; and if
common problem for a freediver is – what to do
not, then let's ask if someone from the team
with fins/a monofin? There is no answer to this,
takes one with them – one for a team is enough,
because there are many variables. From my own
●● neoprene glue – if we have a freediving wet-
experience I can just say: try to take with you on
suit, which is made of a delicate neoprene
plane, then we have the best chance that our be-
loved equipment will arrive in one piece with us to
Everyone who dives
the destination. You should be prepared, howev-
regularly and travels a
er, that at some point someone will not allow you to bring fins or a monofin aboard and you will be forced to give it to the baggage compartment. Pack the equipment so that it will be stiffened in some
lot, probably has a lot of "airport" stories. I have already met with so many
way. Even if we return the fins or the monofin at
different situations that
the very entrance to the plane, in some situations
it is hard to say what
we will see them only on the conveyor belt among
is currently the rule.
the registered luggage. It all depends on the airport from which we leave, and often even from the service stuff and also very
and check-in. We must be prepared for every situ-
much from the airlines. Different information may
ation, and this will save us stress, which is of course
appear at different stages of airport control points
highly unhelpful for freediving‌;)
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63
c av e s
a magical region in france Text irena kosowska
Photos Audrey Cudel
Lot and Dordogne are for us, divers, magical places in France, full of beautiful karst caves, hidden between mountains and picturesque villages, in the area of the Dordogne, Lot and Cele rivers.
64
T
his area is the cradle of French cave diving,
FONTAINE DE SAINT GEORGE
a paradise for cave divers. There are about 30
Montvalent, Lot
dive sites in this area, not always easily accessible, but certainly worth visiting.
The karst cave is located near the village of Montvalent. At the distance of about 10 meters from the
Among such a number of diving sites, each cave
entrance to the cave, the corridor takes the shape
diver will find something for themselves – from
of a low, but wide, steeply sloping passage. After
broad passages, huge corridors or wells, to tight,
reaching a depth of about 30 metres, the corridor
narrow passages and molings; from visibility com-
gets shallow and at the same time much wider. The
parable to that of the Red Sea to the vibe of omi-
ground in the cave is mostly sludgy, with rocks just
nous flooded mines or forts.
here and there.
To reach most places, we have to exercise patience
Geographic coordinates: N44,53367, E1,37137
and be fit. Not only is the way to water demanding, often requiring overcoming considerable distances
SOURCE DE LA FINOU
through fields, thickets, or dealing with dry parts
Montvalent, Lot
of caves and transporting equipment through low corridors at great distances, but also while diving
The karst is located on private premisses, and find-
we have to go fight the current of the stream or
ing it might pose some difficulties. A way through
swim towards the entrance up the river. In some
the dry bed of a stream leads us to the entrance
places, it's good to know the rope techniques – es-
lake. The lake is very small and shallow, and at its
pecially for transporting equipment.
bottom there is a small entrance to the cave. The
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
65
corridor falls steeply to the depth of about 30 me-
to use the rope techniques. The entrance to the
ters. To reach the main passage we have to over-
cave itself leads through a rather narrow gap in
come a narrowing. However, the passage itself is
the bottom of the well, and a wide passage starts
spacious and stretches horizontally at a maximum
at a depth of 12 meters. With each meter passed
depth of 33 meters.
the passage lowers and widens, and the meandering corridor gets shallow reaching a depth of about
FONTAINE DU TRUFFE
10 meters, just to drop down again to 30 meters.
Lacave, Lot Geographic coordinates: N44,29263 E1,51939 The entrance to the cave leads through a small lake, with a narrowing at the bottom, but it is possible for
The cave is located on private premisses and the
divers to pass through it with a gear on their back.
latest news is that diving there has been forbidden.
The cave has two siphons, both 12–14 meters deep. Fantastic visibility prevailing in a much tighter, sec-
GOUFFRE DE LANTOUY
ond siphon, often enables taking beautiful pictures.
Saint Jean de Laur, Lot
Geographic coordinates: N44,49495 E1,33042
A cave seemingly "easy", but sometimes very treacherous. The entrance is located in a small
SOURCE DE LANDENOUSE
lake at the depth of about 8 meters. The passage
Cadrieu, Lot
descends steeply, low and wide, and the silt-gravel floor causes quick loss of visibility when the wa-
66
The entrance at the outflow of the Landenouse
ter is stirred. Especially below the 25th meter we
stream is unusual, taking the form of a large rec-
encounter narrowings, with quicksand, where it's
tangular well. The descent down the ladder is about
very easy to lose visibility. The maximum depth of
5 meters and to lower the equipment it is good
the corridor is 50 meters, but it is necessary to be
caves
well prepared for diving due to frequently occur-
place of entering the water. The entrance to the
ring strong current or reverse current turbulence.
cave is large, as is the corridor for the first 150 meters. At 170th metre the cave diverges, the main
TROU MADAME
passage running straight leads to the deep part,
Cenevieres, Lot
while the main corridor stays shallow, at a depth of about 12 meters. In the main corridor, on 22nd me-
The direction towards the cave is marked on the
tre, we find a huge well, whose depth increases with
clearing – a large stone with an arrow and a path
each threshold reaching the corridor at the 50th
next to it. This path leads to the cave entrance. From
metre and extending to a depth of 80 meters. The
the stone you have to go through the forest and
shallower corridor ends with a vertical gap that con-
along the bottom of the stream some 200 m slightly
nects to the main passage at a depth of 24 meters.
upwards. A huge entrance of the cave will be visible. The beginning of the first siphon is at a distance
Geographic coordinates: N44,33713 E1,46327
of about 50 meters inside the cave. The corridor is wide but very low, so it causes some transport
GOUFFRE DE CABOUY
problems. The water is usually very transparent.
Rocamadour, Lot
The maximum depth of the cave is 17 meters. A large Caboua karst, in which a path to the water Geographic coordinates: N44,27120 E1,45110
leads through the bushes, is a heavily overgrown lake with steeply falling walls. The entrance to the
EMERGENCE DU RESSEL
cave is a huge opening at about 20th metre. The
Marcilhac-sur-Cele, Lot
passage descends steeply to a depth of about 33 meters; a big corridor with huge spaces gives
The opening of the cave is located at the bottom
the opportunity to admire huge boulders on the
of the river, about 50 meters up the river from the
floor. The average depth of the corridor is about
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
67
20 meters. About 900 meters from the entrance we
The location and logistics of dive sites is often not
reach the Gouffre de Poumayssen opening.
obvious, so it is best to go with a good, experienced guide for the first time.
GOUFFRE DE POUMAYSSEN
Rocamadour, Lot
It's a good idea to choose Gramat for the base, because most caves are located within a radius of
A path leading to a rock wall runs from the Cabouy
20–30 km from this place. There is no problem with
karst east. At the foot of this wall there is a small
access to equipment or gas filling.
lake. It's Poumayssen. The entrance lake is actually a hole in the ceiling of the cave. If we go down
Apart from diving, it is worth visiting other beautiful
from here, we will reach the Caboua karst. If we
places in the region, such as the town in the rock –
go up – we will see that the depth is a dozen or
Rocamadour, or taste French wine and cheese.
so meters, and the cave slowly gets deeper, up to about 20 meters. The passage will be still wide. The
Anyone who has dived once in the caves of the Lot
Cabouy/ Poumayssem system is at least 2 km long.
region will definitely want to return there.
Sources: https://cave-diving.pl/ http://www.lotcavediving.eu Andrew Ward, Underwater Guide to the Lot & Dordogne France
68
wrecks
70
Plan your Um El Faroud diving in Malta
Text and photos Hubert Borg
The Um El Faroud is one of the Mediterranean’s most popular wreck dives and one of the top 5 best selling dive sites in Malta. Awesome in size (10,000 tons!), yet accessible from the shore in most conditions. In 1998, it was sunk following a tragic accident during a refit that killed 9 dock workers. It now provides a challenging site in what has become one of Europe’s premier wreck diving locations.
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71
Wreck history
The diving community chose Wied iz-Zurrieq as the
Um El Faroud was built in 1969 at Smith Dock Com-
best site to accommodate this vessel. An impact
pany in Middlesborough (England) and was owned
assessment was carried out over the seabed, and
by the General National Maritime Transport Com-
the site was marked. On the 2nd of September
pany in Tripoli. It had been operating between It-
1998 Um El Faroud was towed out off the Grand
aly and Libya carrying refined fuel up to the 1st
Harbour towards its final destination. After the ship
of February 1995. On the 3rd of February 1995 it
was anchored on location, Um El Faroud sank after
was docked at Malta dry docks. Nine workers were
nearly a four-hour wait for the ship to fill up with
working on the Um El Faroud, when a massive ex-
sea water from 8 purposely fitted 4” sea valves. This
plosion late in the evening rocked three cities and
scene was witnessed by thousands of people.
cast Malta into mourning. The explosion is believed to have been caused by an accumulation of gas.
Wreck location
Today the Um El Faroud wreck can be found in
72
The vessel suffered structural deformation and
Wied iz-Zurrieq, near Qrendi. It is 110 metres long,
following inspection was considered a total write-
it weighs 10,000 tons, the beam is 15.50 metres and
off. It had been occupying this dock ever since the
the height of the vessel from the keel to the funnel
explosion until it was decided that the best option
top is approximately 22 metres with a maximum
to utilize its remaining value was to scuttle her as
depth of 36 meters. This site is dived most when
a diving attraction and to start her new life as an
other sites are dangerous, since it is sheltered by
artificial reef.
the valley of Wied iz-Zurrieq.
wrecks
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73
74
wrecks
Wreck diving
The wreck is dived mostly from shore, specifically from a small jetty just down from Wied iz-Zurrieq. Divers need to swim out about 150 m at a bearing of 240° whilst watching out for boat traffic. A sur-
For divers keen on wreck penetration the Um El Faroud offers
face swim can be very tiring here, so descending
a lot of passages with
down a few meters may be an easier option. This
relatively easy exits.
swim can considerably reduce available time to explore the wreck itself, so multiple dives, a twinset or enriched gas mix are advised, if you want to explore the wreck in its entirety.
exits. Such passages include the bridge hatches, cabins and galleys, hatches on the hull just below
The bearing will point you towards the stern of the
deck and for the more adventurous, stairs down to
wreck, which in good visibility can be an amazing
the engine room, a shaft that goes straight down
sight as it comes into view. The intact propeller and
from behind the chimney right to the engine room,
rudder can be found at a depth of 36 m and is an
and a passage from the engine room to a frontal
ideal photo opportunity, the deck level is around
compartment which leads above deck and out of
25 m and begins with the bridge superstructure.
the bridge front. The holds are easily accessible
For divers keen on wreck penetration the Um El
following the blast that wrenched open the deck
Faroud offers a lot of passages with relatively easy
when the vessel was still in the docks.
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75
As the ship is so big, you can easily lose track of time. Therefore, regular checks on your remaining deco time and air consumption are required!
Just forward of the bridge superstructure the wreck has split in half during November storms in 2006. This now makes the wreck a much more interesting dive, as it offers much easier access into the forward holds. The forward half is now twisted around 20° north towards the shore, and the area in between the two sections is prone to strong currents. Reaching the bow you'll find a raised deck with access into the bow, which can be exited by heading straight forward and vertically up a ladder shaft onto the bow deck, making a nice swim through. The bow itself has a large anchor winch and mooring bollards, another common photo spot for visiting divers. Divers might come across some squid and barracudas at the stern. The port side is usually teeming
76
a d v e r t i s eme n t
with large schools of sea breams, parrotfish and silversides. Sometimes one can come across the occasional scorpion fish, amberjack and tuna. The wreck can be entered fairly easily, but due to its size, this should be restricted only to divers with advanced wreck diving training. As the ship is so big, you can easily lose track of time. Therefore, regular checks on your remaining deco time and air consumption are required! After leaving the wreck you might come across some strong current opposite direction, so make sure you have enough air for your return to the shore.
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planet earth
a sexy diver, is it possible? Text Margita „Mermaid” Ślizowska Photos Wiktor zdrojewski
Diving and taking care of the looks? What does one thing have to do with the other?
I
s that what you think? Men, perhaps think exactly
Recently I heard a friend say with dismay: "And
this, but ladies… After all, nearly everyone wants
again, we put on those horrible clothes, in which
to look good and feel comfortable in pleasant mo-
you can't feel either slim or sexy." I looked at her
ments of one's life, right? So, if you think about
with curiosity and saw a nice, neat and… sexy girl.
it, taking into account aesthetics in diving makes
Absolute denial of what she had just mentioned.
a lot of sense. And it certainly is not pointless. The
After all, sexiness is not only a shapely figure of
widely understood "aesthetics" is not an obstacle
a fitness or crossfit fanatic. Sexiness comes mainly
compromising mastering our diving skills nor it re-
from our interior – no diving undersuit can spoil
duces our mental or physical ability underwater.
this "something". So, ladies and gentlemen, let's do
What's more, it can make us feel even more confi-
it. Do not let your being a scuba diver deprive you
dent while being a well-trained diver. Especially in
of your charm, aesthetic appearance and a sense
a situation when we are unexpectedly charmed by
of psychophysical comfort.
someone's joyous eyes. Or when we meet on land
78
someone, with whom we would like to get a closer
Here are a few short and practical tips on the sub-
and spend longer moment in our life…
ject to keep in mind… Nails. Clipped short and pro-
tected with conditioner or hybrid nail polish (for ladies). Hangnails. Greased – protected against cracking. Hair. Combed, stapled, with moisturized endings. Protected by a diving hood. Hands. Protected with diving gloves and after the dive moisturized with a hand cream. Face. Cleaned after diving and moisturized with cream. Body. Properly hydrated (isotonic drinks). Mask. Made of opaque silicone – concealing the physiological secretions from the nose and sinuses. There is also another subject I have to mention, unfortunately. It touches us not only in the context of diving – but also in public transport on hot days… Remember that diving underwear, warmers and socks should also be washed, dried and ventilated. The fact that this wardrobe serves us mostly underwater – does not exempt us from this obligation. Don’t let yourselves "change" over the weekend from elegant and well-groomed people into messy and smelly diving "beasts". Let the deodorant not be our abandoned friend of a previous weekday… Finally, half-joking and half-serious… Makeup. And why not? More than one woman feels uncomfort-
able with no makeup. Dear Ladies, scuba diving doesn't have to deprive us of this little luxury. But let's use waterproof products and put them in moderation. So that after getting out of water our make-up does not flow down with picturesque streaks from under the mask, turning into a "repellent"… How about permanent make-up…? To sum up: Dear diving Ladies and Gentlemen: even if you have planned your dive in the smallest details and performed it perfectly, you cannot predict one thing. You cannot predict the Amor's Arrow, which can be waiting for you under the shade of the equipment assembly table, when you pour talcum powder into the cuff, while you struggle putting on new fins with too-tight springs, or when you struggle trying to turn the neck seal in the dry suit. Make sure that your habits related to aesthetics and hygiene will not make you unpleasant surprises when a Beautiful Brunette gives you a dive computer you forgot from your dive box, or when the Handsome Blond will offer you to rinse the mask that you have just splashed… After all, everything can be done with class and grace. Especially if we have adopted some useful habits before…
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planet earth
Not so scary as it is seems Text Agata Turowicz
Photo Adam Deco
W
hile diving in the Baltic Sea, we most often
fish, attacking its victims unexpectedly. In the Baltic
admire sunken shipwrecks, but hardly any-
Sea it reaches a length of up to 30 cm, however,
one knows that a real monster hides in the wrecks
in the North Sea you can meet much larger indi-
or between stones: the shorthorn sculpin itself.
viduals, even up to one meter long. If you happen
Myoxocephalus Scorpius, as it is its Latin name, it is
to meet a fisherman who fished the sculpin out
a unique fish, beautiful in its ugliness. It is a cousin
of water, it is worth approaching and listening to
of a red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa), common
the sounds it produces. Some say that the charac-
in the Mediterranean Sea, and of a tassled scor-
teristic buzzing is aimed at scaring off a potential
pionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) inhabiting the
enemy. However, this is probably just a side effect
Red Sea.
of getting rid of excess air from the mouth through the gill covers (operculum).
The shorthorn sculpin is a predatory fish, with
80
a characteristic large head, on top and sides of
In spring, summer and autumn, the shorthorn
which are even sharp "horns". The body of this
sculpins have a grey-brown colour and hide in the
fish is covered with smooth skin without scales. It
apertures of the Baltic Sea bottom. In the winter,
lives at the bottom, surrounded by rocks, stones
however, the shorthorn sculpin becomes a real star
and underwater structures. It feeds on small fish,
of the underwater world, wandering to a depth of
crustaceans and molluscs. It is a very voracious
about 20–30 meters. In December its mating sea-
Photo SKNO
son begins meaning a real festival of colours. During spawning the belly and the lower part of the male's body takes on a very intense, orange colour that cannot be overlooked. This means that even untrained divers will certainly notice its presence. What is more, males of this species are extraordinary fathers. From the moment the spawn is laid, until the young hatch out, the male is guarding his offspring sitting motionless in the nest. This is the best moment for all divers to look at it carefully from all sides. Even a large number of air bubbles and close presence of a human being are not able to scare him away, thanks to which he becomes Photo SKNO
a grateful object for photographing. The next time you explore the Baltic wrecks, look around to see this amazing and unique fish.
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
81
n at u r e
Western reef heron 82
Heron
the Waterside Gentility
Text and photos wojciech jarosz
Everything herons do, they do with flair or even grace (though sometimes, seemingly, somewhat heavily), whether they hunt, rest or fly, slowly flapping their wings. The impression of gracefulness give them, primarily, their well-known, slim silhouettes (although there are also herons with a slightly more chunky built). Their gentility, however, should not be perceived as unequivocal with the lack of agility – when they find their prey, they attack instantly.
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
83
Grey heron
H
erons are birds naturally associated with
end of the nineteenth century, a group of women,
both, fresh- and seawater. Being ardent pis-
a United Kingdom citizens, recognized such use
civores, they look for food in water. They do not
of birds as unethical and established in their own
ignore other vertebrates (small mammals, birds,
circle that it could not continue. So they founded
amphibians and reptiles) or invertebrates (eg. ar-
an organization actively fighting the fashion for
thropods, molluscs), but fish is always their first
any ornaments derived from birds. This initiative
choice. Their love for fish meat (actually, not only
finally evolved (we are tempted to say "hatched")
meat, as herons swallow the whole fish, and what
into the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The
they cannot digest, they get rid of in the form
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, RSPB is
of pellets) does not make them popular among
one of the largest organizations of this kind in the
anglers, and certainly not among the owners of
world today. Fortunately, it turns out that the suf-
fishponds. Pescivorousness of herons, together
fering of the heron in the past times did not go into
with their not quite 100% hunting efficiency end-
vain – the birds living now on the Islands (and not
ing sometimes in lacerations of a would-be prey,
only there) can count on over a million members
has caused a conflict of interest, which resulted
of the society involved in their protection.
in significant declines in the number of many her-
84
on populations. In Poland, unfortunately, it is still
A heron can be easily distinguished from other
quite easy to get permission to hunt grey heron
wading long-legged birds by observing it during
(Ardea cinerea) within the fishponds. Historically,
flying. It is during the flight that these birds ar-
there was one more reason for shooting these
range their necks in a characteristic shape, unlike
birds. Their feathers were eagerly used to deco-
cranes or storks which fly fully erect, as if they swal-
rate garments, in particular women's hats. At the
lowed a broomstick. Herons lay their necks as if
nature
Little egret
they swallowed an eel at the most, which, by the
popcorn, but it happened also that herons lured
way, happens to them from time to time. It's as if
the fish using dragonflies they had caught, piec-
they folded their necks for the time of the journey.
es of sticks or even their own feathers. What adds
Should that suggest that they don't need such long
spice to these observations is the fact that they
necks? Quite to the contrary, they use this part of
were made in different parts of the world (both
the body efficiently while hunting. Instead of en-
Americas, Asia, the Pacific Islands), both for birds
gaging the whole body in the attack hitting the fish
in contact with a man and for birds living in natu-
under the surface of the water, they shoot only
ral ecosystems, where they could not see people
a sharp beak – like a chameleon its tongue. The
feeding ducks with bread. An interesting technique
folded neck straightens up like a spring, providing
is used by the little egret (Egretta Garzetta), which
high speed and precision throughout the opera-
uses its own toes to lure the fish. These toes are yel-
tion. During hunting, herons can patiently wait for
low, while the part called tarsometatarsus is black.
the most appropriate moment. Sometimes they
Perhaps, by natural selection, this feature has been
even use a bait, and this is a kind of behaviour
preserved in this species by favouring in the race
classified as “a use of tool�. The birds in certain
to transfer the genes these individuals with a more
situations, therefore, turn out to be quite bright
eye catching colours of their toes as being more
compared to other vertebrates, which should make
effective hunters. An extraordinary behaviour dur-
us think twice the next time we want to use the
ing hunting demonstrates the African black heron.
term "birdbrain" to summarize someone's lack of
It spreads the wings like an umbrella or a cloak to
intelligence. Representatives of at least nine spe-
create a shadow that attracts fish used to hide from
cies of herons were observed to use a bait during
attackers under the overhangs of banks or trees.
fishing. Sometimes these were pieces of bread or
For those with more imaginative mind, a hunting
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
85
The Ardeidae family (Ardeidae) belongs to the Pelecaniformes and consists of 62 species. In the past there were more families but five species are considered extinct.
black heron can also resemble a classic lampshade in the Batman's favourite colour, and for lovers of the adventures of Baltazar Gabka (a Polish cartoon) it looks like mysterious Don Pedro, a spy from The Raincoats Land. Herons hunt during the day, with the exception of the black-crowned night heron. These medium-sized herons with stocky bodies took their name from a crow-like croak on the one hand and from their nocturnal lifestyle on the other. The Latin generic name Nycticorax means the night crow, and the Polish name stems from the suspicion that throughout the day the bird remains hidden because it is blind. The night herons do fly off from their hiding places to the feeding grounds in the evening, but while feeding the nestlings they also look for food during the day. Night herons that seek food during the day can also be found in rainy weather. In the beliefs of the Slavs, due to their night activity, the night herons acted as guides between the worlds of the living and the dead – the so-called psychopomps, like Hermes in the Greek or Valkyries in the Norse mythology. The Ardeidae family (Ardeidae) belongs to the Pelecaniformes and consists of 62 species. In the past there were more families but five species are considered extinct. Morphological diversity is quite large, because the largest of the family, the Goliath heron (Ardea Goliath) has a mass of approx. 4–5 kg and wingspan up to 230 cm, while one of the smallest – the little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) weights only 60–150 g with the 40–60 cm wingspan. The little bittern can be found in Poland, and the Goliath heron lives by the Red Sea or in the West Africa. When it comes to the body built, an interesting example is certainly the boat-billed heron (CochleariGoliath heron
86
us Cochlearius). It is a Central- and South American
nature
Striated heron
heron resembling the silhouette of night herons
predators, including men. Most herons simply run
(medium-sized, shorter with quite thick neck),
away, but when they are driven into a corner, they
which is equipped with a beak of a unique shape.
can defend themselves. They use their beak as
In English, the name of this bird is a boat-billed
a dagger and try to stab the invader, most often
heron, which quiet well illustrates the shape of a
aiming at the eyes (so watch out!). There are more
flattened beak, the upper part of which looks like a
interesting facts about the built and behaviour of
boat with its keel turned upside down. Hunting for
herons. The great bittern (Botaurus stellaris), for ex-
small fish, amphibians and invertebrates among
ample, does not fold its neck during the flight, has
the adventitious roots and pneumatophores of
short legs and, what's more, gives a booming call
trees forming mangroves, the so-called boat-billed
in the reeds. The bittern’s calls are very character-
heron performs perfectly thanks to this very beak.
istic, because they resemble the sound of blowing
This bird is also characterized by quite unique, as
into an empty bottle and they do carry far away.
fore heron, behaviour. Defending its nest, the bird
The best imitation of the bittern sound is produced
becomes aggressive and actively fights against
by blowing at an angle, from under the upper lip,
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
87
Grey heron
like a duck. Its name is related to the characteristic
(…) when they are driven into a corner, they can defend themselves. They use their beak as a dagger
whistling. You could write a whole novel about the noises herons make, as there are far more of them than the mentioned above great bittern or whistling heron. I encourage you to visit the xeno-canto. org site, where fans of eavesdropping on birds post
and try to stab the invader,
their recordings. It is a real treasure trove of birds’
most often aiming at the
sounds from all over the world.
eyes (so watch out!).
In Poland and Central Europe, you can meet the grey heron, the, more and more often breeding here, white heron (Ardea alba), the night heron
88
into a half-liter glass bottle – which was tested by
(Nycticorax nycticorax), the great bittern and the
the author; sometimes it happened that the bit-
little bittern. With a bit of luck, in the season you
terns reacted to this kind of imitation. As a rule, it
can meet the purple heron (Ardea purpurea), the
is easier to hear the bittern than to see it, because
little egret and the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), al-
it is not very active during the day, and it has a
though these are just guests from the south. The
perfect camouflage – it's impossible to see it when
last of these species appreciates a lot the closeness
it stands among reeds with its beak raised up to
to large herbivores mammals, in the presence of
resemble the reed. The whistling heron (Syrigma
which it is easier to hunt for insects. At the mouth
sibilatrix), similarly to the great bittern, also has its
of the Rhône River in the south of France, on the
neck outstretched during flight. And as for a her-
Camargue backwaters, you can easily spot the cat-
on, it flies strangely, because it flaps its wings not
tle egret sitting on white horses. Look out for her-
with a slow dignity, but quickly and nervously, more
ons, they are beautiful birds!
Great egret
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
89
k n ow l e dg e
#whywedoit The deep blue attracts, calls and invites us to explore it, but the calling is different for each of us. Everyone feels and experiences it in a different way.
90
W
e are all unique in looking for the sense and
oceans… We can find among them diving instruc-
the reasons why we dive. That is why some
tors, freedivers, sculptors, doctors, glacier research-
time ago an idea for a campaign was born, in which
ers… and all of them have their own stories, the
divers can share their motivations and experienc-
paths they have gone to be where they are now. All
es – a DAN campaign called #whywedoit.
stories can be viewed at https://wwdi.daneurope.org/
In this movement, we celebrate and inspire divers
When I found out about the campaign, I asked my-
from around the world. #Whywedoit ambassadors
self why I actually dive. The first answers that came
talk about themselves, about their own experience of
to my mind may seem trivial – calmness, silence,
passion. They share achievements, the great and the
the beauty of nature, communing with the ocean…
small ones. They show us their everyday work, which
but when we want to get to the bottom, to the bot-
is their passion, or they rather show us their passion
tom of our own sense of passion, there is more
which is at the same time their work. DAN Europe
to it – in any case, there is more than the answers
with a camera is looking for answers to the question
given by any diver contain.
what "being a diver" means to different people, trying to get to the bottom of the search for the answer to
The path that I have gone is not a typical one. May-
the question: Why are we doing it? Diving is a beau-
be because I am a perfectionist, and I put my whole
tiful passion, and in the #whywedoit campaign, each
body into everything I do. It started by accident,
of us can share his or her own answer.
on a holiday intro, after which the instructor said – "You will come back here again". And I was back.
DAN #whywedoit ambassadors are very different
From that moment I have come back constantly
people – diving safely, loving water, caring for the
and to still new places, but also to the same and
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
91
92
wiedza
favourite ones, because underwater you can have your own piece of the ground. It started with trainings, many trainings, continuous improvement. I met many wonderful teachers on my way, and each of them opened my eyes to things I did not know yet. Recently, one of my instructors has called me a "cave cat" – I think that today it is the essence of what gives me the most joy. I started in the green of lakes, the incomparable emerald of the Baltic Sea, then I continued in the blue of the oceans ending in the depths of flooded mines and caves. Today, that is what I love most – closed space, rock drilled for hundreds of years by flowing water, showing its power most vividly. Constant dripping wears the stone, rivers dig out tunnels and cave corridors, some of which can be admired only by us – divers. Today, still going this way, I combine my passion with work. I take care of spreading the rules of safe diving, I try to be a divers' diver, an adviser for those who ask questions. I hope that together we will join the European movement #whywedoit – for each of us finds something different in diving.
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
93
events
Diving Festival of Power Text jakub cieślak
Photos anna bogacińska
At
the beginning there was just Tomek with one
going to touch it. After diving, you just drop equip-
brand of lighting and heating systems pow-
ment, hang up your suit and you can go for a deli-
ering, and an idea how to promote this brand. Div-
cious dinner right away. A perfect place.
ing Festival of Power. The event is another version,
94
extension or supplement to the Diving Farewell to
The first editions of the festival focused on one
Summer, a cyclical event organized by divers from
brand of equipment and were organised for clos-
Olsztyn. Everything, however, revolved around one
er and further acquaintances of the host, Tomek.
place – Kulki, and more specifically, the "Nemo in
These were rather low-key meetings based on sim-
Kulka" centre located at Łęsk Lake near Szczytno.
ple invitation: come to Kulka, let's dive together, test
A centre is hidden among trees, cut off from civili-
this equipment and have a drink in the evening. But
zation. Two steps to the lake and a beautiful view of
when Tomek started the subject with me, we were
the lake stretching from the panoramic windows of
talking about something a little more serious and
the dining room in the centre. So you can come in,
official. The elements of the Festival have evolved,
take your urban layer off yourself and along with
presentations, lectures and demonstrations have
the car keys throw it somewhere in a dark nook, as
been added, we started to invite interesting peo-
you are not going to use it all weekend. Everything
ple. Other suppliers of equipment to be tested ap-
you need is here or not far away. Diving equipment
peared. It started from the leading manufacturer of
is left under a tent and can stay there, no one is
dry suits, then more brands joined and finally the
event opened wide to the entire industry. The only criterion for selecting and inviting the supplier was a wide concept of power – the tested equipment should be "powered" – it has to be an electrically powered device: starting from diving computers, through powered heating sets, batteries for them and ending with lighting all sorts. Among the guests we had the pleasure of announcing people like Marcin Bramson, Kamil Iwankiewicz, Michał Kosut, Igor Nicolaos and Piotr Piórewicz. A very interesting formula was the discussion panel, in the first edition of which Kuba Janowicz and Piotr Piórewicz discussed the use of heating systems by recreation-
fact that suppliers participate on equal terms with
al divers. Concluding the fourth edition in 2017, we
divers-guests in the whole event organized for
were already planning another one feeling that we
the weekend, builds unique atmosphere. There
were going the right direction.
are many opportunities to talk with users, to integrate, build relationships, exchange opinions and
We opened the event on Friday. We did not plan any
comments on both sides. So the scooters, lighting
official events of that day – most guests left for the
and heating set off to work under water and the
festival after work, we expected them rather late
divers emptied the tables from the equipment to
in the evening. Late dinner and drinking a pint of
be tested.
beer together, or a cup of tasty mulled wine next to a fireplace radiating a pleasant warmth, was a per-
In the afternoon was time for lectures, presenta-
fect introduction to a charming weekend away from
tions and entertainment. The equipment of most
civilization. And as the guests were arriving until
divers was drying under the tents, the cylinders
midnight, conversations which seemed to have no
were being filled, the batteries were charging, and
end took place in the circles of friends forming here
the divers were resting. After dinner there was time
and there. In the morning, the next day the festival
to relax and to "feed" our souls.
began. Immediately after breakfast the equipment to be tested appeared in the main hall. Divers be-
The first speaker was fantastic Kamil Iwankiewicz.
gan to appear unhurriedly and select offers. What
An extraordinary character, a true volcano of en-
quickly caught my eye was a completely different
thusiasm and an incredibly interesting storyteller.
relationship between suppliers and divers. It's rath-
Once Kamil led a project "Crown of the Lakes of the
er elusive, but I got the impression that the very
Earth" (of which he was also the main performer),
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
95
assigned for this part. It was impossible to resist
Piotr showed us how to deal with many common problems using such specialized "service tools" as water, dishwashing liquid and vinegar.
the magic of his stories about places inaccessible to most mortals. We could also see that Kamil has a huge theoretical and practical knowledge, which allowed him to prepare well for diving at altitudes quite absurd from the point of view of the average recreational diver. The magnitude of challenges waiting for those who plan such diving is downright overwhelming, starting from such trifle as the
within which he had to dive in all the highest locat-
amount of ballast – three times greater than for
ed lakes on the entire globe. The project was inter-
the same suit used at "normal" heights – and how
rupted for personal reasons, but Kamil managed to
to transport it to the top. Those performing after
dive into several magical places and he has been
Kamil had a really tough task, but they got the best
talking about it for several years now. I myself had
out of it.
the pleasure of listening to Kamil for the first time
96
in Baltictech and I found that he is a gifted story-
Karolina Jakóbczak appeared on the stage. Karo-
teller, fantastically talking about the things he saw
lina is a deaf person. Of course, she is an active
and felt. I remember the first time I contacted him
diver with extensive experience. Karolina, how-
to ask if he would like to join the group of speakers
ever, is not a mute person, and additionally she
during our first event in Kulka. I was quite anxious
can read lip movements and is also a volcano of
and I expected everything, but not that Kamil would
positive energy. She introduced us into the world
get fired up for the idea in three seconds and ac-
of deaf divers with a sense of humour and zest,
cept my invitation without any special resistance.
showed how such diving looks from their point
During this edition of the festival, Kamil focused on
of view, how deaf people can enrich diving and
the issues of planning mountain dives. Although
how to approach diving with such people. Virtually
the topic was not easy and of course there were still
everyone had a great time during the lecture of
threads and photos from the presentation about
Karolina, who made the audience interact. I hope
the Crown of the Earth Lakes, neither me nor peo-
that I'm not betraying now Kamil by saying that
ple who had already listened to Kamil, were bored
he was still present on a considerable part of this
at the new presentation and it didn't bother anyone
presentation, which he liked so much that he
that Kamil exceeded significantly the time frame
stayed longer, though he had told me earlier he
przyroda
was supposed to run back home. Karolina showed
and distance towards everything. His task was
us how the rich sign language can improve the
to bring us a bit closer to the subject of servicing
way of communication underwater. What's more,
diving equipment with focus on a few specific de-
she corrected our erroneous assumption that sign
tails and elements of the diving equipment. A dry
language is an international language – it turns
suit, it would seem – virtually maintenance-free:
out that virtually every nation has its own sign
put on, take off, grease at the most a zipper and
language, hence it is not at all obvious that two
dry well. If something happens, take it to service
deaf divers from different parts of the world will
and that's it. And yet, it turned out that we can do
get along immediately during the dive. Neverthe-
a lot ourselves, and the best we can do is counter-
less, being a partner of a deaf person has many
acting various phenomena and processes that will
advantages. Deaf people are extremely sensitive
naturally lead to a failure. Piotr showed us how
to all visual stimuli and certainly faster spot a lot
to deal with many common problems using such
of curiosities that would usually be passed unno-
specialized "service tools" as water, dishwashing
ticed. At the end, Karolina introduced us to the ba-
liquid and vinegar. Well, it will also be useful to use
sic principles of communication with deaf people,
some simple dental tools stolen from a dentist's
which was rewarded with thunderous applause (of
office, but these can also be replaced by something
course in the sign version).
more common.
Immediately after Karolina, Piotr Piórewicz entered
The official part of the festival was finished. Piotr
the stage. Piotr comes from the Tri-City, so he is
was the last speaker, the time of dinner was ap-
a very experienced wreck diver, a diving instruc-
proaching, and then only the time for integration
tor, a specialist in servicing diving equipment and
and diving talks on different subjects was planned
a born storyteller with a great sense of humour
until late at night.
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
97
The crowning of the evening was the concert of
nent representatives of our diving world. I only al-
"Grom" i.e. Tomek Paciorek. Tomek performs
low myself here to thank Irena Stangierska, whose
mostly shanties, which might seem a strange
beautiful calendars went again to several happy
choice for a concert for divers. Tomek, however,
participants of our festival.
very quickly found a common language with the audience, skilfully choosing his repertoire, colour-
And just a brief summary. Despite the rather ex-
ing his concert with various anecdotes often as-
treme outdoor weather, the festival again excited
sociated with diving. It's enough to say that it was
tremendous interest. However, we have an appe-
very funny, hearty and loud evening. The most per-
tite for more. Hence the idea that the next edition
severant participants of Saturday's fun held Tomek
will take place earlier – in October. We would like to
up until late at night, snuggled down around the
have diving conditions allowing enjoying diving not
fireplace, falling into a nostalgic mood every now
only the hard-core maniacs, but also more mod-
and then.
erate recreational divers. Perhaps a milder aura will allow us to plan more outdoor events. I real-
98
And I could finish the report from the fifth Diving
ly would like the event to maintain its less formal
Festival Power, as the next morning before noon
formula and to be treated more as a form of inte-
was a repetition of the testing part, although the
gration of clubs, diving centres and independent
turnout among the divers was much lower (for
divers, on the occasion of which it is possible to test
reasons incomprehensible to me…), but I should
some equipment and listen to some interesting lec-
mention the awards that were funded by both, the
tures. I hope that this year we will meet in Kulka in
suppliers present at the festival, and other promi-
October to feel this power together.
events
3rd Warsaw Seminar on Underwater Archaeology 17th–18th January 2019, University of Warsaw
Text małgorzata mileszczyk
Photos magdalena sugalska
The life cycle of an archaeologist? Loads of paperwork, far less fieldwork, some analyses, and back to the office – both to work on further grant proposal and to conclude the season or project with the thesis, article or monograph. The latter might and should be interrupted by the participation in the very enjoyable social meetings. Those we call the conferences, basically to mislead ourselves.
100
Photo Jakub Stępnik
O
bviously, the conference does not happen in
stirred our imagination with the research pro-
the instant, it has to be prepared in detail by
ject as deep as 1000 meters, Professors Finn Ole
some poor guys called the Organization Commit-
Nielsen and M. Nicolas Caretta from the Bornholm
tee, thank you very much. Secondly, there is also
Archaeological Research Center of the Bornholm
a group of prominent and influential scholars, who
Museum, who have presented the secrets of the
agree to watch over the proper level of the pres-
Bornholm’s underwater heritage and, last but not
entations, papers and discussions (we would like to
least, the most experienced underwater archaeol-
extend our deepest gratitude to the best Scientific
ogist of eastern Europe – Professor Vladas Žulkus
Committee). Thirdly – and probably most impor-
from Klaipėda University, talking about the Lithu-
tantly – a conference needs keen Participants. Dar-
anian expeditions at the Baltic Sea. Our beloved
ing, skilful and… captivating. Stir, shake a bit… and
guests arrived from as far as Senegal and Taiwan,
we have a perfect recipe for a fruitful and inspiring
and as close as Szczecin, Gdańsk and Toruń. Euro-
time, during which the ideas are exchanged, ap-
pean underwater research was represented by the
plauded and criticized, the hypotheses discussed,
colleagues from Iceland, Greece, Montenegro, Italy,
the hard work rewarded.
Ukraine and Slovakia. The topics were organized in four panels, truly covering most continents!
What took place at the University of Warsaw this year was a top level experience, especially due
The conference was the third of the name, becom-
to our dear guests and great archaeologists. First
ing the biannual event in the field, the only one in
and foremost, the keynote speakers: Professor Iván
Poland reaching international level. It was a pleas-
Negueruela Martínez form the Museo Nacional de
ure receiving such celebrities and good friends in
Arqueología Subacuática in Cartagena, who has
Warsaw; we hope that all the Participants, including
perfectdiver No. 1(3)/2019
101
the audience, had a great time. Now it is time to get
„3rd Warsaw Seminar on Underwater Archaeol-
back to our studies so that the next volume of the
ogy” – the conference was possible due to the funding
excellent monograph (series “U” of “Światowit” pe-
from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Educa-
riodical) might be published, including the articles
tion (959/P-DUN/2018) as well as the Vice-Rector of the
of the Seminar speakers.
University of Warsaw and the Director of the Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw.
Hereby we are pleased to invite you to the 4th edition of the Seminar, which will take place in
It was patronaged by His Magnificence Rector of
Warsaw in January 2021! More information soon,
the University of Warsaw, Professor Marcin Pałys.
please follow us on Facebook (Archeologia Podwodna Underwater Expedition Instytut Archeologii
Head of Scientific Committee: dr hab. Bartosz
UW) and our website http://underwaterexpedition.
Kontny, prof. UW
uw.edu.pl/3rd-warsaw-seminar-on-underwater-archaeology/
Scientific Committee: dr hab. Radosław Karasiewicz-Szczypiorski, prof. dr hab. Iwona Modrze-
We are also most grateful to the Polish Chapter
wska-Pianetti, dr hab. Waldemar Ossowski, prof.
of The Explorers Club, which was of a great assis-
UG, dr hab. Andrzej Pydyn, prof. dr hab. Mari-
tance during the organizing process! Thank You,
usz Ziółkowski
and apologies for any inconvenience! Organizing
Aleksandra
Chołuj,
Małgorzata Mileszczyk, Magdalena Nowakowska,
Museum of Diving in Warsaw. Thank You, you are
Artur Brzóska
the best!
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Committee:
As always, we were supported by the one and only
Nurku!
Nie lekceważ bólu mięśni, stawów i kości.
Dla nas jesteś najważniejszy. Umów się na wizytę ze specjalistą 616 281 181
www.rehasport.pl