Perfect Diver Magazine 4 issue by perfectdiver

diving

No. 4

2(4)/2019

Price 14,90 â&#x201A;Ź Tax included

freediving

passion

knowledge

microplastic

What aÂ diver should know about it? The Cape Verde Islands Seals from Farne Islands

the foreword

Wojciech Zgoła

Editor-in-Chief

Before your eyes is a new issue of the Magazine. We have introduced new sections Tips & curiosities and Professional diving. Reliable knowledge, practice and minimisation of errors. Moreover, everything told with humor and in a bit cheeky manner. This is the plan. Will you like it? After all, we strive for perfection. We have new authors of texts and photos, who broaden our horizons and show things in a new light. This is because each of us is subjective and very often pays attention to something different. In this way we enrich one another. And that is what is all about. And another thing! As the first person I decided to publish the text of Magda Iwanek on microplastic. "It is estimated that 60–80% of the garbage in the sea is plastic". Did you know about that? More and more people think that we have crossed the invisible border and have so much trashed Planet Earth that it will not recover from this sate any more. I hope, however, that it will not happen. It is up to us and it is up to each of us individually. Our virtual journeys will also satisfy you. We are taking you to wonderful places. For me personally Croatian Lastovo is a discovery, it is described by Zbyszek Rogoziński. I had no idea it existed. From cold destinations come Farne Islands seals and, as Igor Bartoszewicz wrote, "there is a place in Ireland where there are some wrecks". In addition, there are two interviews. One is strictly about professional divers and I will add that it is good that the text and photos do not transmit smells. In my second editorial interview, I asked Bartek Grynda about his participation in the DAIMON project. "The main task was to determine the threats of sunken chemical and conventional weapons to the aquatic environment." Of course, we do not forget about freediving. In addition to Agnieszka Kalska's publication about her return from Israel, we also present an interesting perspective on a diver and freediver in one. The latter one is from DAN. Safety is above all else. I cordially and kindly invite you to read this issue. And the best review for our magazine will be you packing up and jumping into water, or being inspired to do a marvelous dive.

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

ta b l e o f co n t e n t s

planet earth 10

Microplastic. What a diver should know about it?

travels 14 Raja Ampat, paradise found 22 Komodo, diving where two oceans meet 34 The Cape Verde Islands. They say that they are happy and easygoing, but are they good for diving? 42 Lastovo, a forgotten island 54 Seals from Farne Islands

wrecks 60

Malin Head

caves 78

The Veneto Region

knowledge 86 Scuba diving and freediving on the same day

from a freediver's perspective 90

A return from diving, not always happy

our conversation 66 On the bottom of the North Sea

proffesional diving 96 Stinked challenge

archaeology 92

Underwater archeologist, scientist or treasure

Publisher perfect diver wojciech zgoła

hunter

ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com

nature 100 Plovers, sand trinkets

ISsN 254-3319

editor in chief

100

columnist underwater archeology freediving

100

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) Open Sans (Ascender Fonts) Spectral (Production Type) printing

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

distribution

dive centers, online store

preorder@perfectdiver.com

tips & curiosities 70

Sidemount – is it worth switching? And if yes how to begin?

105

Full face mask in diving

106

Why shouldn't we use hoses in different colours for gas determination?

cover photo

Grzegorz Świątnicki model

Sylwia mEWa Kutyła place

Mexico Casa Cenote

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.

If you like this issue, donate any amount! Donation is voluntary. PayPal.Me/perfectdiver perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

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

robert styła

wojciech a. filip

iwona mizdra

President of Ocean-Tech Sp. z o. o., IT NAUI,

Has more than 8000 dives on his account.

A traveller, a blogger and a recreational

wreck and cave diver. "Diving is not just

He has been diving for over 30 years, in-

diver with a 10-year work experience. Pas-

about equipment. It is also discovering se-

cluding over 20 years as a technical diver.

sionate about photography, people and

crets and an opportunity to reach places

He is a professional with great theoretical

the world. In diving, she is most fascinated

that an ordinary mortal has no chance to

and practical knowledge. He is an instruc-

by underwater life and relax for the soul

see. Over ten years ago, for this passion,

tor of many federations: GUE Instructor

and body. She dived in Cuba and Sri Lanka,

I abandoned the prospering business and

Mentor, CMAS**, IANTD nTMX, IDCS PADI,

Thailand, Egypt, Poland and Europe.

founded the company Ocean-Tech, which in

EFR, TMX Gas Blender. He participated in

Her life motto is A.C. Clarke's words "The

fact is an online store www.nurkowyswiat.pl"

many diving projects and conferences as

only way to discover the limits of the possi-

a leader, explorer, originator or lecturer.

ble is to go beyond them into the impossible"

These included the Britannic Expedition

and she persuades everybody always to

2016, Morpheus Cave Scientific Project on

act like this.

Croatia caves, GROM Expedition in Narvik, Tuna Mine Deep Dive, Glavas Cave in Croatia, NOA-MARINE. Professionally, he is a technical director at TecLine in Scubatech, and a director of training at TecLine Academy.

sylwia kosmalska-juriewicz

magdalena iwanek

cezary czaro abramowski

A traveller and a photographer of wild na-

An oceanographer by education, though

Technical and cave diver with 15 years of

ture. A graduate of journalism and a lover

currently bound to the sea by the heart,

experience, participant in many explora-

of good literature. She lives in harmony with

and not the profession. A co-founder of

tion projects in deep and cave diving. For

nature, promotes a healthy lifestyle: she is

the Polish Zero Waste Association, in which

more than 10 years, he has been training

a yogini and a vegetarian. Also engaged in

she and a group of enthusiasts work to

divers and instructors on all levels on

ecological projects. Sharks and their protec-

change awareness about the Earth's re-

open circuits. The owner of the first Polish

tion are especially close to her heart. She

sources promoting a waste-free lifestyle.

Academy of Technical and Cave Diving –

writes about the subject in numerous arti-

The love for the seas and oceans, together

DeepExplorers.pl. In free time enthusiasts

cles and on her blog www.divingandtravel.pl.

with the fight for a cleaner world, are two

of underwater photography on technical

She began her adventure with diving fifteen

important pillars of her life. A traveller,

and cave diving.

years ago by total coincidence. Today she is

diver and a yoga enthusiast. Diving has re-

a Divemaster, she visited over 60 countries

vealed a new space in her life. She spends

and dived on 5 continents. She invites us for

every free moment surrounded by water to

a joint journey with the travel agency www.

enjoy the pleasure and knowledge of this

dive-away.pl, of which she is a co-founder.

fascinating environment.

o u r au t h o r s

tomasz jeżewski Jeżu

igor bartoszewicz

marcin trzciński

He is an architect by profession and runs

I started a diving course in 1993 at the

A graduate of the University of Warsaw. An

his own architectural studio. Diving is his

SKORPENA University Diver Club in Olsz-

underwater photographer and filmmaker,

hobby, and his favorite occupation is to

tyn. As it used to be, the course lasted all

has been diving since 1995. A co-operator

infect divers with Razor and the GoSide-

winter, and during summer it was neces-

at the Department of Underwater Arche-

Mount philosophy. He is the 14th official

sary to "survive" a two-week diving camp.

ology at the University of Warsaw. He pub-

GoSideMount instructor in the world. As

In 1994, I got the degree of a CMAS diver.

lishes in diving magazines in Poland and

far as possible, he supports Krzysztof Star-

Then I went through almost all the levels

abroad. The owner of the FotoPodwodna

nawski in his dives in Europe. In addition to

of the club's career, until in 1999 I became

company which is the Polish representa-

infecting and training others, he continues

a diving instructor of the PADI federa-

tive of Ikelite, Nauticam, Inon, ScubaLamp-

to train himself. Since 2013, he visits his

tion. And it went on from that moment…,

companies.

instructor Steve Bogaerts every year and

I gained experience gaining knowledge

www.fotopodwodna.pl

trains himself in Razor's "hometown" envi-

and qualifications in various organisations.

m.trzcinski@fotopodwodna.pl

ronment – in the caves of Mexico.

Currently, I am a SSI instructor trainer, and since 2010 I have been the owner of the Center of Unusual Diving – CROCODILES in Olsztyn.

wojciech jarosz

Anna sołoducha

max valli

A graduate of two Poznan universities, the

A graduate of Geography faculty at the

My name is Max and along with Paola,

Academy of Physical Education (coaching

University of Wrocław and an incurable

I run Orange Shark H2O Dive Centre.

specialization – handball) and the Univer-

optimist… with a permanent smile on her

I started diving in 1985 and I fell in love

sity of A. Mickiewicz, Faculty of Biology

lips! It was probably Destiny that led her

with the underwater world. Year by year

(specialty of experimental biology). He con-

to Activtour… and she's been here on per-

my love grew more and more, truly an

nected his professional life with this first

manent basis. She passionately fulfils the

endless love for the water. I have dived in

university trying to influence the direction

dreams of many, organizing diving trips

rivers, thousands of times in lakes and the

of development of future professionals on

around the world, and she has already

sea. My passion is photos and videos and

the one hand, and on the other planning

been diving for more than half of her life.

deep diving but I even love to stay in shal-

and implementing research, pushing labo-

Each year she explores a different ‘piece of

low water, forever fascinated of this water

riously in the right direction of the stroller

the ocean’, pinning another pin to her div-

world. My favorite sea is the Mediterrane-

called science. In his free time he spends

ing world map. In winter she changes fins

an, where every dive is different. I like to

his time actively – his main passions are

into her beloved skis and gets away into

transmit my passion and knowledges to

sailing (sea helmsman), skiing (downhill

the Alps. A recipe for life? "The only a dead

everyone, in hopes that the world sees the

skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle, rec-

trunk flows with the current – the explorer's

beauty that I see. We also LOVE Bonnie

reational diving and many other activities,

canoe flows up the river!"

and she is our FAVOURITE daughter.

as well as photography, mainly nature.

www.activtour.pl anna@activtour.pl

grzegorz Świątnicki A graduate of Poznan University of Technology, a fan of diving and running. Professionally deals in the management of a production company. A self-taught photographer, he has been taking the camera under water for several years. He values simplicity, efficiency and safety, that's why he dives and trains based on the GoSideMount philosophy. Mexican caves are his favorite dive site. A passionate propagator of statements that "water is for fish" and "running is overrated".

zbigniew rogoziński A passionate and enthusiast of diving, he photographs amateurly and likes to know what he sees under the water, what are the names of the animals he calls and what stories hide the wrecks. He has been diving since 2009, getting the PADI Instructor Assistant degree, and in 2010 he and his friends opened a diving school and Wolsztyn Diving Club Bad Fish.

adrian juriewicz A traveler, photographer and the underwater world filmmaker, an Asian cuisine enthusiast and a PADI diving instructor. He visited over 70 countries and dived on 5 continents (the other two are planned for next year's expeditions). For several years he has also been an instructor and trainer of the unmanned aircraft flights. A co-author of a travel agency for divers www.dive-away.pl. He documents his expeditions with photos and descriptions of his journeys on his blog www.divingandtravel.pl

robert Ławrynowicz A traveler, an enthusiast of diving and underwater photography who has dived on five continents and the remaining ones are on his bucket list. He always repeats: "The best is still ahead of us" and looks ahead with optimism.

planet earth

MICROPLASTIC What a diver should know about it?

Text and photos Magdalena Iwanek (Polish Zero Waste Association)

Beautiful and rich coral reefs around the world, dolphins emanating with energy and freedom and other amazing creatures of the deep sea are just a few of many examples of wonders that for years have been attracting lovers of the oceans and diving. Currently, it is impossible to be passionate about seas and organisms living there without being aware of the pollution of their natural environment.

nformation about the microplastic and garbage

amounts to over 300 million tons per year, and on

floating on the surface of the sea attacks us from

average just about 30% is recycled. So what hap-

every direction, but do we know what exactly is go-

pens to the rest of the waste? This huge amount

ing on? Today I will try to answer some questions

of garbage is difficult to control and often gets into

about the plastic particles. What is microplastics,

the environment in an uncontrolled way. If it is not

where does it come from in the sea and what can

removed from the sea thanks to such actions as

we do to limit its spread on our planet?

The Ocean Clean Up (www.theoceancleanup.com), it will remain in the marine environment forever.

In the marine environment, waste of various origins

Plastic decomposes for a very long time. Some of

can be found: 80% of the solid pollutants originate

its types are biodegradable only after 1000 years,

from land (from rivers and coastal agglomerations),

which means that from the human life perspective

and about 18% from the maritime industry, such

they do not decompose. The only process that is

as fishing (abandoned or lost nets, ropes), or trade

noticeable to us is the defragmentation of plastic

and transport. It is estimated that 60-80% of the

into smaller particles. The rate of degradation de-

rubbish in the sea is plastic. This is not surprising,

pends on the type of material, oxygen availability,

since the global production of plastics currently

temperature and other external mechanical fac-

Philippines,

tors, such as sea waves, or the biological activity of

ter and other decorative elements. They may also

Siquijor island.

aquatic organisms.

be abrasive materials used both in industry (eg.

Beach away from

shipbuilding) and in the household as well as as

tourist traffic.

We divide plastics found in the sea into various

industrial granules. The second group are second-

February 2019.

fractions. Depending on the size, we call them

ary microplastics, i.e. those formed from the dis-

from the largest: macroplastic, mesoplastic, mi-

integration of larger objects: ragged plastic bags,

croplastic and nanoplastic. Today we will talk

broken boxes, lighters or toys. Degree and time

about microplastics, ie. particles often invisible

of decomposition depend on the susceptibility of

to the naked eye. Their size ranges from 1 Îźm

aÂ given material to external factors, both physical,

to 5 mm. They may be in the form of granules,

chemical and biological, as well as its exposure to

fibres or other non-symmetrical particles. Due

these factors. It is worth noting that this group

to the source of their origin, we can divide them

also includes microfibers, which are released into

into primary and secondary particles. Primary mi-

the water each time during washing clothes made

croplastics are those that were produced as tiny

of synthetic fabrics, both at home and in profes-

particles eg as exfoliants used in cosmetics: peels,

sional laundries. One fleece blouse that is made

shampoos, toothpastes, make-up cosmetics, glit-

in 100% of polyester (originating even from recy-

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Plastic and microplastic in marine environment Simplified scheme

1a)

1b)

1c)

Waste, plastic. Different sizes.

Direction of changes and processes.

1a) Sources of plastic in the seas and oceans.

1b) The phenomenon of

1c) Plastic/microblast particles get

fragmentation or division of

into the food chains of marine

large elements into smaller ones,

organisms and humans.

as a result of physical, chemical and biological processes.

Graphics Magdalena Iwanek

cled PET bottles) during one wash releases up to

Why is microplastic dangerous to us? In most cases,

1 million microfibres into water. Creators of the

we do not see it with the naked eye, so we cannot

project MERMAIDS Life+ project (http://life-mer-

control its release into the environment or further

maids.eu/en/), devoted to research on this issue,

spread. The research confirmed the presence of

say that in Europe alone up to 30,000 tones of

microplastics in plankton samples, marine sedi-

microfibres can get into the water every yeaer,

ments as well as in vertebrate and invertebrate’s

of which 40 tons goes to the Baltic Sea! Globally

bodies. The plastic particles consist of different

unnoticeable fibrils represent a huge problem for

types of materials, often containing additional

the marine ecosystem.

substances that improve its performance such as

Microplastic in cosmetics

stabilizers, pigments and buoyancy reducing agents or other fillers. They interact with chemical substances present in seawater. Some of these substances can be released into the aquatic environment and cause hormonal disturbances of animals living there. In addition, microplastics have a hydrophobic surface that facilitates the adsorption of various contaminants present in water, including pesticides and heavy metals. These substances, due to the fact that they dissolve in fats, can accumulate in the adipose tissue of marine organisms and move between the links of the food chain, showing increasing concentrations at each subsequent trophic level. On their surface forms a so-called biofilm – a thin coating consisting of bacteria or algae. For this reason, among other things, small sea animals confuse microplastics with nutritious organic matter suspended in water. Direct consumption of plastic has been demonstrated in more than 100 marine species. Equally often, these synthetic microparticles are eaten accidentally or are absorbed in a different way. Crabs have been seen to get plastic particles through the gills; plastic can also adhere to internal fragments of bodies or absorb into organisms through cell membranes. Unfortunately, it has been discovered that people are also exposed to eating plastic particles. Plastic particles were detected in samples of bottled water, beer, honey and, of course, in the seafood. Research on microplastic and its impact on our body is still ongoing. We do not have enough confirmed data on its exact contents in the sea bottom sediments or on the actual state of the digestive ducts of the sea fish. However, we do know for certain that this problem exists and we should do everything to prevent it. We do not know what the consequences of the release of such huge amounts of toxic particles will be to the environment. It's worth knowing more about this topic, because new publications from around the world appear every day. Take a look at the Coalition Clean Baltic website for the Plastic Free Baltic project https://ccb.se/plasticfreebaltic/, where you can find a list of cosmetics containing microplastics. What else could you do? Avoid using disposable, non-recyclable plastic and agents containing micro-plastic in their composition, which means you should also buy clothes from natural fabrics. Each of us should talk about this problem and present an active attitude, eg. by joining the beach cleaning actions. Divers are a community that, due to their love for water, are its natural ambassadors. We should strive to ensure that the reservoirs in which we dive remain in the best condition.

t r av e l s

Raja Ampat paradise found Text sylwia kosmalska-juriewicz

Photos Adrian juriewicz, robert Ĺ&#x201A;awrynowicz

The most metaphysical and moving beauty of this world comes from nature. Plato said: "If there is anything worth living for, it is to see beauty". Although it is difficult to describe and define beauty, IÂ always try to see it in every aspect of life, in all the places and people. 14

WAIGEO BATANTA KOFIAU

SALAWATI

NEW GUINEA

MISOOL

Borneo

Sumatra

Celebes

New Guinea

Java Bali

Timor

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

rainforests. The way to the top of the hill is long and tiring, but once we get there, we feel as if we touched the sky. The view we see will never be forgotten… tiny mountainous islands scattered across the ocean, surrounded by shallow lagoons in the most beautiful shades of blue and turquoise green. A captivating, almost unreal picture. Only Mother Nature could create something so moving. Life on the island of Yeben flows very slowly, and its rhythm is determined by the time of day. If I had two words to describe this amazing place, I would use the title of the movie "Cast Away" directed by Robert Zemeckis. The island is uninhabited, not counting a few tourists and employees of the ministry who came to Yeben. The only link between the island and the outside world is a wooden jetty that extends far into the sea. It is from here that we leave every day at dawn for diving. The bridge also gives "shelter" to numerous schools of fish: lutjanos, groupers or humphead wrasses, which are hidden in the shadow of sea grass from a large herd of black sharks. There are so many fish in the shallow lagoon that surrounds the island that it's hard to see the sandy bottom. It only appears when the shark cuts through the school, which then splits like a curtain. Photo Jarosław Więckowski

When I am here and see this extraordinary, rich

n the quest to see the most beautiful, most virgin

underwater world, I cannot believe that a few

and undiscovered diving areas, we arrived at Raja

years ago the population of sharks, mantas and

Ampat in West Papua. This region had long been on

other creatures inhabiting Raja Ampat was se-

our bucket list, but only now we have succeeded in

verely disturbed by the destructive activities of

realizing our dream… as there is proper time and

humans. How did it happen that it was possible

place for everything in our lives.

to protect this region of the world and restore its original beauty?

We live in an incredibly beautiful location on the

island of Yeben, located in the western part of

In 2002, this extraordinary land was inscribed on

Indonesian Papua. Six private, intimate villas are

the UNESCO World Heritage list. They called Raja

located on the northern coast of the island with

Ampat the "Mirror Ocean" because the waters

a stunning view of the ocean. A wooden, magenta

surrounding the islands are crystal clear and the

jetty, a beach covered with exotic shells and co-

nature is lively and uncontaminated. The richness

conut palm trees. It is hard to believe that only

of this region of the world constitute not gold bars,

15-minutes-ride by speed boat divides us from

but enormous schools of fish. Over 600 species of

the famous mountainous island of Pianemo, the

hard and soft coral reefs in the most beautiful col-

slopes of which are covered with emerald green

ours of the rainbow, flocks of sharks, manta rays

podróże

and countless other creatures that make up this world's largest biodiverse underwater land. When I first immersed myself in the warm waters surrounding the island of Yeben, I thought it was

They called Raja Ampat the "Mirror Ocean" because the waters surrounding the islands are crystal clear and the nature is lively and uncontaminated.

a dream or that I came to the underwater sky… in one moment the ocean flashed a million stars due to fluorescent plankton, and I found myself in the centre of the most beautiful spectacle in the world. Two enormous black and white manta rays danced over the reef, which seemed to extend indefinitely. These beautiful, gentle creatures have extraordinary power, they can make happiness fill every cell

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

podróże

of my body… peace, freedom, joy and agitation, all these feelings appear simultaneously. This is one of the most beautiful performances in the world of nature, which takes place in front of our eyes and brings hope. I think that's what the underwater world looked like in the times of Yacques-Yves Cousteau. A trip to Raja Ampat is a journey in time that each of us should take, virtually or physically, to understand what we will lose if we do not start to fight together for our planet. Raja Ampat is a paradise saved, thanks to extraordinary people who had the courage to speak on behalf of animals inhabiting both the Ocean and numerous islands, which together cover 46296 km² of land area. Mark Erdmann, a biologist from the NGO Conservation International, who focuses on saving and protecting nature, contributes a lot to protecting this region of the world. The main philosophy behind this organisation is the statement – "People need nature to live". Mark Erdmann is a real authority in the field of managing marine protected areas around Raja Ampat. He cooperates with local residents who had previously fished for sharks, and now are defenders who guard and protect their home together, because they understood that what they had done earlier was wrong and they have to fix it all. That is why education, which plays a key role here, is so important. For several years, Mark Erdman has been working with the Government of Indonesia. Together they have created a special protection system for Raja Ampat. Special water patrols were created consisting of local people specially trained for it, who patrol and protect the fisheries from poachers day and night. Thanks to systematic

An outstanding example of this is Shawn Heinrich,

practice, poaching in this region of the world de-

a filmmaker and photographer of the underwater

creased by 90%, and eco-tourism has flourished.

world. He spent over five years in Western Papua,

Currently, drones, which are more ecological than

tracking and fighting poachers who fished sharks

boats powered by combustion engines, are used

and manta rays in a savage way. One day dur-

to patrol larger areas.

ing the dive, Shawn saw a beautiful nurse shark which was barbarically deprived of its fins, due to

Young people want to learn and act to protect Raja

their culinary qualities. The animal was still alive

Ampat, an example that education and awareness,

when he came to him, it lay on the coral reef slow-

not only of local communities, can work wonders.

ly dying in agony. Shawn recorded this shocking

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podróże

Raja Ampat is a story how to make impossible come true. Thanks to the involvement of so many people, the number of turtles, sharks, manta, fish and other creatures inhabiting this extraordinary land has rebuilt and is still growing.

picture… he called the director of the WildAid organization, who cooperates with numerous celebrities from Asia and Europe who, through their image, could draw people's attention and dissuade them from buying products of wild nature. To this purpose, the organization uses broadly defined social media. The WildAid agency created a very emotional film (which can be seen on their website) showing the shot of a dying shark filmed by Shawn. It was broadcast in the best aerial time in all possible television stations. The film hit hundreds of millions of Chinese people. Thanks to this campaign and the support of the Chinese Government, the consumption of shark fin soup dropped by over 80%. Shown showed people a sad, terrifying story that moved their hearts and caused great emotions… they saw the suffering of a defenseless creature, and not a finished product on a plate. Raja Ampat is a story how to make impossible come true. Thanks to the involvement of so many people, the number of turtles, sharks, manta, fish and other creatures inhabiting this extraordinary land has rebuilt and is still growing. Nowhere else in the world can we meet such a biodiverse and rich life as we will experience in West Papua. It was here that I was diving over the most beautiful coral reefs in the world and met a carpet shark. Raja Ampat is an example that "impossible" does not exist. The season in West Papua continues throughout the year, but the best conditions for diving are from October to April. The currents are very strong, but where there are currents, there is life, large flocks of sharks, manta rays and spectacular schools of fish. When we discover such a place on Earth, we would like to stay there forever. But our journey is still going on, and who knows, maybe it is just the beginning.

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Komodo diving where two oceans meet

Text Anna SoĹ oducha

Photos edward wronka

Water is an extraordinary element. It delights, frightens, surprises, brings aÂ large dose of adrenaline, but also teaches humility.

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Borneo Sumatra

Celebes New Guinea Lombok

Java

Flores

Bali Sumbawa Sumba

Timor

Komodo National Park Sumbawa

Flores

Komodo Padar Rinca

emerged from the water,

Indonesia, an island country occupying an archi-

breaking the blue water sur-

pelago of 17,000 islands, of which every third is

face. Another amazing diving

uninhabited, is an increasingly popular destination

site,

for divers from around the world. It is estimated

currents, schools of fish, multi-

sometimes

pierced

that here, near the coast of the country that has

coloured corals and sea anemo-

a "reverse Polish flag", there is 15% of the whole

nes. Suddenly, I hear the voice of a guide calling us

coral reef of the world. No other country has such

to the boat. I have no idea where this rush comes

numerous, rich and diverse diving sites. There is

from. I have no idea… until the moment when I saw

no shortage of diving spots in Indonesia, but the

whirlpools approaching with incredible speed while

Komodo region is a special place. The archipelago

still getting bigger. In a fraction of a second they

of the Lesser Sunda Islands, to which the islands of

can pull us down to a depth of 30-40 m and they

Komodo, Flores and Rinca belong, form a latitudi-

certainly do not know pity… Scientists say that gi-

nally stretched chain, made up of about 40 islands.

ant oceanic whirls behave identically like cosmic

black holes. They discovered that whirling water

Together with a group of divers, under the flag of

molecules form a barrier that does not release an-

Activtour, we got off at the airport in Labuan Bajo –

ything that had entered inside – just like the photon

a town located on the island of Flores, at the begin-

sphere in space… Welcome to the only equatorial

ning of October 2018. The very journey from Poland

region on Earth where two oceans meet – the Pa-

or Europe is pleasant and not too bothersome. Most

cific with the Indian Ocean. Welcome to Komodo

often, UAE or Qatar airports are selected as trans-

National Park.

fer hubs, with a short wait for the next flight of 9–10

travels

hours before landing on one of the most popular In-

In the land of savannah, brown hills, hilly islands

donesian islands – Bali. We made it – we crossed the

and turquoise water, in the port of Labuan Bajo

equator! Already at the airport in Denpasar you can

life looks completely different than on colourful

feel how its inhabitants worship culture and religion!

Bali. Raw, rocky peaks, submerged underwater

Everywhere you can see the golden statues of Bud-

mountains make this extraordinary land look very

dha, Hindu idols, the multitude of flowers, garlands,

dignified. After leaving the plane, the first thing that

and the street roundabouts decorated with scenes

comes into view is a huge photo of the largest liz-

right out of the Greek or Roman mythology… And the

ard in the world – the Komodo dragon, the king of

splendour, as in the Baroque and Rococo times, but

this region. In the port town itself you can only see

certainly – it has its own charm! If you plan to stay on

poverty, littered streets and children sitting on the

Komodo, you should spend the night in nearby Kuta –

sidewalks, but with such smiles that even the most

a small town 5 km from the airport, and the next

frozen human heart will be stolen! :) "Liveaboard"

day – fly the best local airline – Garuda Indonesia, to

boats are moored a short distance from the ma-

the island of Flores. In Bali life is ruled by religion. The

rina, so we cross over to one of them on a small

rhythm is determined by full moons. Here you will

boat filled to the brim with our luggage. On Sinar

find traditional temples, see ceremonies taking place

Pagi, gracefully translated as Morning Dawn, we

almost daily and streets decorated with flowers, fruits

were welcomed by a crew of Flores residents, serv-

and rice. There is a reason why it is called the Island

ing us with a beautiful and delicious cocktail from

of the Gods. This is a typical picture of Bali. None of

the dragon fruit, famous in this region. It was only

us think about the huge contrast that will welcome us

a taste of what local cuisine specialties we would

the next day, on the wild island of Flores.

have a chance to try during our entire trip.

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and crustaceans, over 1000 species of fish, marine

Komodo National Park (…) has unbelievable diversity. There are over 260 species of corals, 70 species of sponges, molluscs, echinoderms

reptiles and mammals. It includes several dozen small islands, of which the most famous are Rinca, Komodo, and Padar. Over a hundred years ago, a British naturalist and discoverer Alfred Russel

and crustaceans, over 1000 species of

Wallace, arriving at these distant islands, estab-

fish, marine reptiles and mammals.

lished the existence of an invisible line that divides them. It is officially called the "Wallace Line" which separates Bali from Lombok, running through the Lombok Straits – the deepest sea trench of the

The beautiful, traditional Indonesian boat is built

region. The islands to the west of the line have

of irontree wood. Heavy and hard and not easy to

a tropical climate of southeast Asia, and those to

process, but it is durable and resistant to pests. The

the east resemble drier Australia. The location of

agile, cosy and very comfortable boat became our

Komodo National Park in the transition zone con-

home during an 8-day safari.

tributes to the species richness and biodiversity of the area. We are starting towards the so-called

Komodo National Park was created in 1980, and

North Komodo to see what is on the other side of

in 1991 was inscribed on the UNESCO World

the water…

Heritage List and to this day it has unbelievable

diversity. There are over 260 species of corals,

Banta Island is an ancient, uninhabited, partially

70 species of sponges, molluscs, echinoderms

submerged volcano on the north-west coast of

travels

Sumbawa, which is not part of Komodo National

Undoubtedly one of the most interesting dive sites

Park. This is one of the few places on Earth where

was the area around the island of Sangeang. There,

you can dive on a volcanic cone! The last eruption

we immersed ourselves in the shadow of an active

took place in 1957, but the substrate is still rich in

volcano, whose last explosion took place in 2014.

nutrients, which makes sea life flourish! Notewor-

Slopes covered with black, volcanic sand were

thy is the GPS point, which is pierced by strong cur-

pierced with a thousand of hydrothermal vents

rents, because it is one of the widest gaps between

that "bubble" geothermal water with sulphur. Wa-

the islands of the archipelago. The channel is filled

ter is heated by volcanic activity, even pushed out

with currents from the Flores Sea, which during our

of the earth's crust! It was a real dive performance!

immersion attracted flocks of barracudas, tunas

We lay on the hot sand, admiring the underwater

and Spanish mackerels!

Jacuzzi!:) The Hot Rock dive site is full of nudibranch snails, shrimps, colourful anthias, gorgonian fans,

Tatawa Besar is a place with one of the most amaz-

black corals, as well as a herd of garden eels, re-

ing Komodo coral gardens, worth more than just

sembling a rippling field of seagrass. You could not

one dive. Marine life concentrates at the depth be-

wish for more!

tween 5 to 18 meters. Hard and soft corals with mostly orange-red and light blue shades create

The top dive sites of North Komodo are definitely

such a high colour contrast that you certainly can-

Castle Rock and Crystal Rock. Here a special feast

not forget them. Boulders on the bottom, densely

awaits divers. The life of fish is simply stunning!

covered with sponges, hide scorpions, young bat-

We watch barracudas, snappers, jackfish, a few

fish, squid, nudibranch snails and morays.

specimens of white and black sharks, and most of

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Photo Nadya Kulagina

all – huge giant travellies, Castle Rock being their

the expectations of even the most demanding di-

real kingdom! The water is trembling, the travellies

vers! Batu Balong we repeated twice! The diving

are moving on the hunt. The underwater moun-

site is located between Tatawa Kecil and the island

tain is covered with table corals and small gorgo-

of Komodo. Immersion in this place brings you all

nian trees. The top of the rock, which is located at

the best – again huge schools of fish, incredibly

a depth of about 3–4 m, is an ideal refuge from

colourful corals, sponges, soft corals, sharks, giant

the current, a sort of fortress, hence the name

trevallies, tunas. The north-central part of the park

"Castle Rock". At about 15 meters there is a small

does not differ from the north. The rock growing in

hollow, where you can see huge schools of mack-

the middle of the channel has steeply falling walls

erel, hovering in the shape of a long band, creating

that are completely covered with coral which ad-

amazing tornadoes. Castle Rock is also inhabited

heres strongly to the rock due to strong currents,

by seahorses and batfish, and if you are lucky –

attacking alternately from the north and from the

you can spot bottlenose dolphins too. Diving on

south. Due to the topography of rocks and expo-

Crystal Rock looks very similar. Regardless of which

sure to strong currents, the reef has never been

channel the current carries you in, you can look

the object of interest of local fishermen, thanks to

at turtles, bumphead parrotfishes and sweetlips…

which its condition is perfect! In the lower parts, we encounter predators such as napoleons, grey

Some places on Earth can boast of the fact that

reef sharks, white-tailed sharks, and in shallower

they have more than one spectacular dive site

parts, colourful, small reef fish, hawksbill sea tur-

that is remembered for life. During the weekly

tles, sweetlips, shrimps or nudibranch snails. From

safari, every day, every dive was the fulfilment of

dawn to dusk, you can watch fish hunting and hid-

podróże

Photo Nadya Kulagina perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

ing from predators, laying eggs and keeping an

a good chance to meet these majestic creatures.

eye on them, feeding or fighting for survival. The

Lying on the bottom and watching the manta rays

great amount of the fish makes your eyes unable to

several times like flying kites, I dreamed that diving

keep up with the wild imagination. There are times

would never end…

when the current hits the rock and spreads on both sides – it creates two, very fast, whirling rivers! The

The stay on the boat was extraordinary. We relished

depth of blue surrounding us brought along with

every day. The cordiality, helpfulness and sincere

the current a herd of neon snappers, clouds of red-

smile of people from Flores Island gave a different

tooth triggerfishes, Spanish mackerels, barracudas

dimension to each day. There were moments of

and tunas crossing the abyss. With a tear in my eye,

silence, reflection and staring at the infinity of the

we finished diving here.

ocean, there was music, laughter and fun. There was even a morning when before diving we saw

The animation of nature in the waters surround-

water spurting from fountains… whales! For us – it

ing Komodo is indescribable. One of the reasons

was a real rarity.

that attracts divers here from around the world

are ocean manta rays, often with a span of 5 m!

Depending on the conditions at sea, we had the

We have the best chance of seeing these beautiful

opportunity to set foot on dry land several times.

giants from April to June, and then from October to

Hilly islands with steep slopes require a really good

November. At Komodo, we managed to see ocean

level of fitness. The place that will always remain in

manta rays, reef manta rays and a flock of giant

my memory is the island of Padar. Take your breath

devil rays! Karang Makassar, Banta Island, Manta

away… these are the words that say everything.

Alley are just some of the places where there is

That day we woke up quite a bit before dawn. We

Photo Nadya Kulagina

got into our diving boat and by the light of stars we moved towards the island. There was a magical atmosphere around us. The sound of waves and the moonlight… Suddenly, the spell breaks. At one

From dawn to dusk, you can watch fish hunting and hiding from predators, laying

moment, boats filled with tourists of Asian origin

eggs and keeping an eye on them, feeding

began to arrive. Is commerce inevitable even at the

or fighting for survival. The great amount

end of the world? A 40-minute trek to the top of

of the fish makes your eyes unable to

the island is ahead of us. You cannot do it without good sports or trekking shoes! The crowd moving

keep up with the wild imagination.

up nervously watched the watches to be sure they make it before the sun began to rise. At the top we found… fog. The grey sky, the sun hidden behind

least six pink beaches, which owe their name to the

the clouds… hmm… apparently after the fourth day

tiny remains of pink corals that settle on the sand.

of holidays, there is a crisis. Judging by the faces of

We were looking at our "Morning Dawn" in the light

my group, it was that moment. Fortunately, after

of the rising sun. For such views – it's worth diving

a dozen or so minutes, just before 6:00 am, a sur-

and going to such places!

realistic landscape appeared before our eyes. The island covered with savannah and bright green hills

It is also impossible not to mention that Komodo

with fairy-tale shapes was surrounded by three tur-

and Rinca are also houses for the largest lizard in

quoise bays with sand – each with a different col-

the world – the Komodo dragon, which reaches up

ouring – pearl white, black coal and a bright shade

to 3 m in length and even up to 100 kg in weight!

of pink. Within the park on Komodo, we can see at

The dragon from Komodo is an endemic species,

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which means that it is found only in one place in

Diving in the Komodo National Park is special,

the world. At first glance, it may seem that they are

and what is more – very diverse. Lovers of macro,

lazy and rather slow creatures, but nothing could

shallow muck dives, falling reefs and dark volcan-

be more wrong. The Komodo dragon, who is an

ic sand, underwater peaks and steep walls will all

efficient hunter, can reach 20 km/h. They are am-

find satisfaction here. The currents are strong,

bush reptiles, tearing out the softest parts of their

but they bring all that which is most amazing…

victim's body, usually the stomach, or mutilating

Sometimes they can take you away, sometimes

legs. Interestingly, their prey dies after being bitten

it happens that the divers spin like in a washing

due to the poison that is released from the glands

machine. In addition, there are icy sea drifts that

located in the lower jaw. This poison causes pa-

we experienced on our own skin. The temperature

ralysis, unbearable pain, uncontrolled blood loss

drop from 28 to 20 ° C is quite… shocking. The

and stopping of coagulation processes. Therefore,

strait between the islands of Rinca and Komodo

bitten victims quickly bleed out. If the wounded

forms a passage between the two oceans, the

prey can escape, it will probably catch pathogens

Indian Ocean to the south and the Pacific Ocean

in some waterhole, resulting in an infection. In both

(Flores Sea) to the north. Thanks to the constant

cases, death is almost certain. Unfortunately, dur-

mixing of warm tropical waters with colder ones,

ing our trip to the island of Rinca, the dragons were

Komodo has become a unique ecosystem with ex-

not ready for a meeting. Only a few of them lying in

tremely rich flora and fauna, thus becoming part

the shadow of the trees and the surrounding build-

of the Coral Triangle with the largest marine bio-

ings have made us believe that dragons really exist.

diversity in the world.

Photo Nadya Kulagina

After returning from Indonesia, I can say without hesitation that it is worth to take off red high heels and put on neoprene shoes. Just for a moment, to immerse yourself in the waters of Komodo National Park… the land of volcanoes, landscapes, and above all – breath-taking dives. This is clearly a place where time has stopped.

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The Cape Verde Islands they say that they are happy and easygoing, but are they good for diving? Text iwona mizdra

Photos cezary czaro abramowski

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Santo Antão São Vicente

Sal

Santa Luzia São Nicolau

Boa Vista

Santiago Brava

Maio

Fogo

which are located in the north, are the islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista. The latter are the islands of Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava and they lie in the south. Tourism in Cape Verde is developing mainly on

the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Each of these is-

e went to Cape Verde by recommendation of

lands has a lot to offer for tourists: beautiful sandy

friends – “It is one of the best diving places

beaches, exotic cuisine, colonial architecture, in-

in the world we have been to” – that is the opin-

teresting culture, beautiful nature, and above all,

ion we heard from them. The Cape Verde islands

ideal places for water sports – including diving. We

belong to the Republic of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde

chose the island of Sal, which is the best island for

in Portuguese). This island state was a Portuguese

exploring the beautiful fauna and flora of the un-

colony located in the central part of the Atlantic

derwater world.

about 450 km west of the Africa coast on the same latitude as Senegal.

Our hotel was located far from the centre but close to the diving base where we planned to dive. There

This archipelago consists of 10 main islands and

are several bases on the island, most of them in

16 islets. They are divided into two groups: the

Santa Maria. Diving prices are more or less like in

Barlavento and Sotavento Islands. The former,

the Caribbean. A package of 10 dives costs about

travels

300 €. We decided to dive with Cabo Verde Diving, a PADI 5* diving centre. The owner of the base was a PADI course director, so the service was professional and everything was on time. The guides were sometimes a bit overworked, but always with a sincere smile – "Hello, no stress!" – this is the motto of the inhabitants of Cabo Verde. Sal can be divided into two diving areas – Palmeira to the north and Murdeira to the south, including Santa Maria. Buses are available te get from bases to diving sites. The bases also offer transfer from the hotel to the base. We reached the port of Santa Maria by bus, and then we sailed to the sea in a RIB boat. In our diving base the dives took place all day – two in the morning and two in the afternoon, you could also dive from the shore, on the beach at the diving centre. There is a tropical climate on the Cape Verde Islands, which is why you can dive here all year long. In summer the air temperature is around 27–32°C, in winter 23–29°C. The temperature of crystal clear

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Sal Island is a fairly windy island, as I learned on the

…it certainly was one of the most difficult dives in my life. I have not seen such waves

first day, when there were huge waves and a very strong surface current in the ocean. Yes, it certainly was one of the most difficult dives in my life. I have not seen such waves even when diving in the Bal-

even when diving in the Baltic.

tic. For less experienced divers this can be quite an

For less experienced divers

extreme experience. In the summer however, the

this can be quite an extreme experience. In the summer

ocean is calm. This is the turtles' hatching period, that is why you can find them not only underwater, but also when laying eggs on the beach in the evening.

however, the ocean is calm. Sal Island also offers cave diving. May and June is the perfect time for fans of the beautiful play of lights in the rich in life caverns and caves (Buraco and Regona

water does not drop below 22°C in winter, and in

caves), which are located in the north of the island.

the summer months it is around 27°C. Under-

For lovers of wrecks, the island of Sal offers several

water, in September and October you can meet

sunken ships and fishing boats, including the wrecks

whales, sharks, humpback whales, barracudas,

of Boris (28 m) and S.Antao (12 m). Maybe they are

turtles, manta rays and schools of big fishes. The

not the large, deeply located wrecks to which we are

best chance of meeting these huge animals is from

accustomed in the Baltic Sea, but these few quite

mid-September to mid-October.

shallowly sunken shipwrecks are also impressive.

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And what are our personal feelings after ten days

My friend Czarek and I agree that we had not seen such lush underwater life before, despite having a lot of experience, and this is certainly something that distinguishes Cabo Verde from other dive sites in the world.

of diving in Cape Verde? Underwater there is everything one would expect: multicoloured corals, various rock formations, caves, wrecks, huge schools of large and medium-sized fish. There are numerous sharks, rays, Atlantic sailfish, tunas, morays, huge crabs, lobsters, snails and red scorpionfish. My friend Czarek and I agree that we had not seen such lush underwater life before, despite having a lot of experience, and this is certainly something

TRZY WYMIARY NURKOWANIA

___________

kursy jaskiniowe kursy techniczne kursy instruktorskie

that distinguishes Cabo Verde from other dive sites in the world. The coral reef is mainly aÂ group of hard corals, which reminded Czarek of the reef in Mexico, and myself of the one in Thailand. In comparison with the Red Sea, the reef here may seem rather modest, but it is definitely interesting and worth seeing. The Cape Verde Islands are an interesting alternative to Egypt and the Canary Islands, but for sure

Szkolimy na wszystkie poziomy na obiegach otwartych SDI/TDI/IANTD

this is not Sipadan or Galapagos. Are the Cape Verde Islands one of the best dive sites in the world? You need to find out for yourself.

Cezary Abramowski

www.DeepExplorers.pl +48 500 110 311 perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

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Lastovo

Lastovo a forgotten island

Text and photos zbigniew rogoziński

Croatia, to divers, is associated primarily with wrecks around the Istrian Peninsula and technical dives on Vis, the Kornati National Park or around the largest islands of Brač, Hvar and Pag. Few people remember a small island located 13 kilometres south of the Isle of Korčula. What is more, many do not even know about its existence.

Adriatic. Thanks to these undeniable advantages, from 2006 the archipelago has gained the status of a national park. The separation from the modern civilization has however its negative consequences. The lack of industry means that more and more people are leaving for the mainland to look for work, which means that the number of inhabitants of the island is constantly decreasing. Of those who have decided to stay, the majority are involved in the cultivation of olives and vines, or fishery. Because of the difficult access to the island, you can get to this lost paradise only by ferry or catamaran from Split, a town located 100 kilometres away. You can also reach it from the port Vela Luka on Korčula Island. The infrastructure here is not as extensive as in other parts of Croatia. However, it is worth to put in a little effort, force yourself to accept a few sacrifices and escape from the hustle and bustle of the modern world to get lost for a few days in this paradisiacal corner. After arriving on the island and disembarking the ferry, we have to get to Zaklopatica, a few kilometres away. This small fishing village, with less than 100 inhabitants, is located in a picturesque cove, separated from the open sea by a small island. In addition to a few places of accommodation and three restaurants, the only grocery store on the island is located in another town, two kilometres away. There is only one diving base "Ankora" run by the Frlan siblings and it is a base for diving in

the archipelago. he Lastovo archipelago, which covers a total of 46 islands and small rock islets with their

The base has a 12-person boat, by which within

beautiful coves and intimate beaches seems at

no more than half an hour we are able to reach

first glance no different from other islands on the

most of the destinations we are interested in. Dive

Adriatic. Until 1992, due to its military purpose,

sites around the island are a mixture of underwa-

Lastovo was inaccessible to foreign tourists, thus

ter vertical walls descending to a depth of up to

avoiding the turbulent changes of modern civiliza-

80 meters and underwater meadows and hills. All

tion. Thanks to the isolation of the island, its virgin

this with visibility of up to 40 meters. An addition-

nature with many species of plants and animals

al advantage is a huge biodiversity of underwater

already non-existent on land has survived. All this

fauna and flora. There are many species of fish,

is surrounded by azure waters, which are consid-

molluscs and crustaceans that we encounter on

ered among the richest in fish in the area of the

every dive. In addition, during a trip by boat, you

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can meet bottlenose dolphins crossing the azure

swimming along the wall, having it on the left, we

waters. During our first visit to Zaklopatica, from

find a short tunnel, after which we enter the can-

the terrace of our room we also saw a turtle feed-

yon dividing the island into two parts. Vertical walls,

ing in the waters of the bay. True, the guys from

crisscrossed with slits and cavities, descend to

the base stated that what we saw was rather the

a depth of 55 meters here. Strong currents flowing

effect of our earlier tasting of local drinks brewed

around the island make the place full of life. At the

in the process of fruit fermentation, but our version

foot of the canyon we can find pentagonal starfish-

is certainly more attractive.

es Guymer Asterina and a lot of lobsters for which the waters around Lastova are famous. The very

All of the above means that every dive in these wa-

name of the island comes from the Italian name for

ters leaves an unforgettable impression, but if you

these crustaceans. Along the vertical walls covered

would like to choose the best spots, Bijelac, Susac

with colourful sponges, sea anemones, and fans of

and Drasan would be among them.

gorgonians, there are swarms of sargos, saddled seabreams, common two-branded sea breams,

Bijelac is a small rocky island, which underwater

chromises and white cloud mountain minnows,

turns out to be two columns protruding from the

among which the wrasses and groupers flit. In the

bottom at a depth of 60 meters. Diving usually

dark recesses of the rock, phycis, congers, red scor-

starts on the northern side of the island, and then

pion fishes and Mediterranean morays are hiding.

travels

Sometimes schools of barracudas can be seen in the depths. The second place worth recommending is the is-

At the foot of the canyon we can find pentagonal starfishes

land of Susac, about 15 kilometres away from Las-

Guymer Asterina and a lot of

tovo. Unfortunately, due to the strong currents

lobsters for which the waters

and winds occurring between these islands, it is

around Lastova are famous.

not always possible to reach this place. However, if the conditions are favourable, there are two attractive dive sites waiting for the lucky ones. The first one is located at the foot of a vertical wall,

The very name of the island comes from the Italian name for these crustaceans.

at the top of which there is a nineteenth century lighthouse. The depth of the sea in this place is about 40 meters, and the dive itself takes place around a rocky spur separating a small bay from

can emerge in a natural lake within the island cre-

the open sea. During the second dive in a place

ated as a result of weathering rocks. Floating on

situated several dozens meters from the previous

the surface of the water, you have the impression

location, at a depth of about 15 meters, we found

that you are in a huge well. At the entrance to

the entrance to an underwater cave. After passing

the cave you can find shrimps, red scorpionfishes

the entrance and a several-meter long tunnel, you

and small nudibranches. On the nearby rocks you

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Planning the next dive trip to Croatia, it is worth taking a look at this distant and forgotten piece of land, surrounded by crystalline waters, because sooner or later the civilization will remember it and change it as has done with the rest

Oferta

of the Adriatic islands.

can often see large brown snails feeding on algae aplysia fasciata,

akcesoria pływackie

colloquially called mottled sea hares.

maski

Another place worth seeing is Drasan. This place is located on the

płetwy

northern coast of the island of Lastovo. The shallow, which during low tide is a threat to unwary sailors, offers to the people diving here a steel wreck, from which only the metal structure of the hull and a dozen of antique amphoras lying on the sandy bottom are left. Lovers of underwater fauna can find here red scorpionfishes and lizardfishes, while near the underwater rocks Mediterranean rainbow wrasses, anthiases, cuttlefish, hermit crabs and octopuses sneak around. It is also one of the few places in the Adriatic, where we will meet huge predatory snails Tonna galea. There are many more charming places around Lastovo, just to mention Struga, Tajan, Glavat, and due to the poor exploration of this reservoir, many beautiful places are probably still undiscovered. However, you do not have to swim far away from the diving base to experience fantastic diving. Just after sunset, enter the water from the wharf near the base and swim towards the bay that closes the island. From the open sea, the bottom here gradually descends to a depth of about 40 meters, and for amateurs of night diving there await among scattered rocks the ubiquitous lobsters, slipper lobsters,

jackety skafandry automaty oddechowe komputery nurkowe oświetlenie odzież z twoim napisem

crabs, shrimps, snails and, above all, octopuses coming out of hiding for the night hunt. Planning the next dive trip to Croatia, it is worth taking a look at this distant and forgotten piece of land, surrounded by crystalline waters, because sooner or later the civilization will remember it and change it as has done with the rest of the Adriatic islands.

TIGER GROUP Sklep Nurkowo-Pływacki

tel.kom. + 48 609 657 123 biuro@nurkowy-sklep.pl

www.nurkowy-sklep.pl

s po n s o r e d a r t i cl e

Malta, Gozo and Comino your mediterranean dream

Text Max Valli

Welcome to crystal clear waters bursting with life, rich in colourful culture and aÂ history that dates back to the dawn of civilisation. Not only can you explore the life above and below land, but travel back in time and experience the medieval heritage and the sunken ships of wars. Let us take aÂ quick trip to Malta...

Photo Ivana Orlovic, Blue Hole, Gozo

s po n s o r e d a r t i cl e

…Ah you have arrived! You step off of the plane and

vels, you will never run out or options. The Maltese

the comforting warmth of the air surrounds you. As

Archipelago is full of unforgettable underwater sce-

you look out of the window on your way to where

nes. There are more than 30 wrecks from 10 m all

you’re staying, you see trees and vivid flowers in full

the way to 100 m, drop off walls, wonderful caverns

bloom, rather sandy yellow ancient buildings and the

full of dancing light and the infamous Blue Hole on

stunning bay in the distance. You feel a sense of relief

Gozo will blow you away.

to be able to relax with the sound of distant waves crashing against the rocks, and a fresh open mind.

You like photography?

Think of Malta’s under-

water scene as your new natural studio, with the You reach your destination and after unpacking,

perfect lighting and surroundings for stunning

you excitedly head down to Orange Shark H2O Dive

shots and beautiful blue reflections. Are you an

to plan your week. As you get closer to the

experienced diver? Malta is giving access to divers

centre, you can already hear the sound of enthusia-

to reach new and unexplored wrecks and continue

stic divers talking about the underwater world and

to uncover the hidden truths below the cities on

carrying tanks ready to head towards the ocean.

land. It is a paradise for you tech divers.

Centre

The dive centre already feels like home as you chat with your new buddies and plan your dives. A coral

Maybe you are a beginner?

reef dive today, a shipwreck tomorrow…

are surrounded by a sense of community and

At every dive site you

trust, and build connections to last a lifetime. Beginner or experienced… it doesn’t matter. With

Your buddies make this an experience you will

breathtaking dives and endless choices for all le-

never forget.

Photo Marcello Di Francesco, Cirkewwa, Malta

Photo Ivana Orlovic, Tugboat Rozi, Cirkewwa

Photo Marcello di Francesco, MV Karwela, Gozo

Photo Ivana Orlovic, Um El Faroud

s po n s o r e d a r t i cl e

Alone or with family and friends ,

Malta is full

of places to visit and things to do. Maybe you visit the medieval city of Mdina where Game of Thrones was filmed. Experience Malta’s history by visiting the incredible Cathederals and Churches across the island. Try out a traditional Pastizzi. Take a trip out to the dreamy Blue Lagoon. Maybe you can just kick your feet up and relax by the sea with a drink and some music. All of that felt like a dream… right? It doesn’t have to be just a dream.

This is the reality of vi-

siting Malta and coming diving with us at Orange Shark. We are a family owned and run company operating a 5 star instructor development resort, offering diving services and courses from 1st time beginner try dives to instructor development courses. You’ll have the opportunity to dive all year round, from shore or on our fantastic diving boat “PAOLA ONE”. Max, Paola and all the staff are here to show you the best of the Maltese islands. We fill air, nitrox, trimix and can provide any kind of equipment, for rec and tech divers, including Suex DPVs. Photo Ivana Orlovic, Blue Hole, Gozo

Photo Alex Krotkov, Jaskinia Orange Shark, Santa Maria Caves, Comino

Photo Stefano Paganelli, Comino

It is our pleasure to welcome you to come and visit us. We would love to show you beneath the alluring depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Email us at info@orangeshark.eu to continue this dream…

t r av e l s

Seals from Farne Island Text and photos Marcin Trzciński

Outside the window there was a raging, stormy sea and a howling wind that was moving powerful foamy waves. The whole view was completed by the blowing rain that was hitting the windows. A great show of the power of nature, especially attractive since I was sitting in a warm, cozy living room, while another piece of birchwood was burning in the fireplace and the lightning breaking the darkness of the night could be admired safely from behind a wall size window.

Far

herefore, you might probably understand that

the boat with the name written

although I did not complain too much about

on the superstructure. There

a week's stay in Ireland, I chose a different place

was a high tide, so we did not

when it came to plan another trip to look for seals…

have to carry everything down

Farne Islands National Nature Reserve Edinburgh Glasgow

the stairs. Additionally, we had Tiny seahouses did not welcome us with too op-

for ourselves the whole boat,

timistic weather. Not that it was bad. The storm

because the rest of the divers

wandering through the North Sea ended three

waiting at the wharf went to

days ago and the next one was announced only

the swaying boat Glad Tidings VI, next to ours. Great!

for the next weekend. In spite of the clouds moving

Do not get me wrong – not that I was an antisocial

across the sky, from which it rained every minute,

and did not want to fraternise with English divers,

it seemed that it would be possible to dive. In ad-

but there were twenty of them on board. And there

dition, the breakfast lifted our spirits. We did not

were only six of us. And hence plenty of room for

have breakfast in the hotel, but on our way to the

spreading the toys. For a moment we tried to estab-

port we entered the Trotlers Family Bakers located

lish with Roger where we want to sail, until finally

in Main Street. It was more than just a bakery, be-

the vibrations of the hull made me realize that we

cause they also served breakfast, and a local variety

were moving. We quickly crossed the calm waters

of the Bavarian waitress from Octoberfest standing

protected by the breakwater of the small port and

behind the counter (you know, the one that can

I was already hoping for a quiet half-hour cruise,

carry eight pints of beer in each hand, and a dish

which would be a nice experience after a rich break-

of bratwursts on the bust) was doing her best to ex-

fast, when the first of the waves of the open sea hit

plain to us all the dishes from the menu written on

the hull. It seems that the post-storm waves have

the wall. However, before we managed to decide

not been extinguished enough to enable me to feel

on something, she was chased out by brown-haired

comfortable. Have I already mentioned that I hate

Ala. The explaining came to an end, and instead, on

waves? So does my inner ear. And as it soon turned

the table landed a little bit of everything that a stu-

out so did my breakfast…

dent from Wrocław, who was moonlighting there, deemed worthy of the Slavic palate. She considered

I finished setting up the equipment and without

a few dishes from the menu as inedible…

waiting for the rest of the team I jumped into the water. It was still swaying quite strongly and the last

Well fed and full of optimism, we headed towards

thing I wanted was to stay on board. But already at

the nearby small port. Bill Shields, the owner of the

four meters the water calmed down enough that

ships sailing to the islands, was not there, but Roger

I could catch my breath and start looking around.

was waiting in his place with a beaming smile. Some-

The visibility was not pampering us, but it was not

thing happened to his pronunciation because the

too bad, seven to eight meters. And besides, some-

words that he was throwing with the speed of a ma-

thing flashed in the front! When I was approaching

chine gun sounded like a gurgle of someone who

the island, I saw seals lying on the rocky shore, with

had a mouth full of stones or moss. Stones or moss

huge bodies heavy from summer feeding. It seems

immersed in a bucket full of water to make it worse.

that a few of them, apparently interested in our ar-

Perhaps the local slang that he used had a certain

rival, decided to check what was going on and were

impact on the difficulty in understanding him. How-

now looking at me from a safe distance. I felt a tug

ever, I understood that we were to board the boat

on my fin. I thought that Robert or Wojtek were

Glad Tidings VIII which was moored at the wharf.

already in the water, keen to tell me something. The

Roger's index finger was quite helpful, pointing at

tugging did not stop, so I reluctantly looked back to

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

It is a funny thing about these seals. While some

Here I was a curiosity to be

of them have courage on par with the gladiator

watched, not him. It swam

Russel Crowe, others have faint hearts and would

around me clearly confused, getting closer and closer. After

prefer to watch the course of the action from as far as the Earth's orbit. I was just chasing one of the representatives of the second kind, when

a while it was close enough

a large, at least two meter long individual blocked

that it almost touched me.

my way. For a second we were swimming towards a head-on-collision, but at the very last moment he turned left. Do not think that I stood up to the seal. The fact that I did not go sideways to avoid a col-

tell off the stalker who seemed to expect my help

lision was rather the result of my clumsiness un-

a few meters below the water's surface. The big

derwater (at least comparing to the fluidity of seal

eyes of the seal holding my fin in her mouth looked

movement) and the fact that I was just… stunned.

mischievously at me. Oh, no! Here I am, straining

I looked over my shoulder just to see that my oppo-

my eyes to spot something out of the moving

nent was right behind me, looking at me curiously.

shadows in front of me, and you behave like that?!

Here I was a curiosity to be watched, not him. It

Besides, several more were waiting behind her

swam around me clearly confused, getting closer

in the queue. In addition, one of them was swim-

and closer. After a while it was close enough that it

ming with… the camera? Hmm, after a closer look,

almost touched me. I put out my hand and when it

it was too much like Wojtek, who was completely

found itself again in front of me, I stroked its back.

unaware of having seals behind him.

It jumped away three meters like a lunatic. It stared

suspiciously from a safe distance for a few seconds,

again, turning over on its back and pulling his fin…

and I was sure that it would soon disappear in the

towards me! I took it carefully and shook it gently.

depths, when suddenly with a fast movement of its

It moved away again, but only to make a full circle

fins it shortened the distance between us. It swam

and appear on the left with a stretched-out "hand".

up a dozen centimeters and bent the back for an-

We were doing our high fives again and again, for

other portion of caresses. Well, I patted it again.

about five minutes, when Wojtek approached from

And once more. And another one, after each lap.

behind. I did not notice him (I do not have eyes on

It was like a domestic, fawning puppy, not a wild,

my the back, you know) but my new friend imme-

two-hundred-kilo animal. If so, I suppose I could

diately got stressed. It seems that playing in a tri-

teach it something more? When I again had it in

angle was too much even for a tough guy like him.

front of me, instead of moving my hand on its back,

It glanced uncertainly from a distance, then made

I grabbed it gently by the long fin armed with long

a decision and quickly turned away from us to dis-

claws and shook it lightly. He was stunned. But just

appear into the sea.

for a moment. In a fraction of a second, he broke away from me and again jumped back to a safe

Billy Shields' ships were really diver frendly. Es-

distance. We eyeballed each other for a moment.

pecially friendly was the wide and deeply sub-

I tried to get the most pleasant expression on my

merged elevator located on the stern. A brilliant

face. Something between Obelix asking for a mag-

invention. I entered it with all the equipment, and

ic drink and Leonard hoping for a first date with

then stood upright on the platform, which after

Penny. Although in a mask and with a regulator in

a moment of shaking moved up. Still dripping with

my mouth I was probably more like smiling Darth

water, I dragged myself on the boat's deck, and

Vader. Or maybe… My puppy was approaching

having put aside my camera I fell heavily on the

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

travels

nearest bench. The images from the just finished diving were whirling in my head. It is true that I should stop thinking about it till the evening and take care of the replacement of the cylinder for a new one, but everyone on the deck was buzzing with emotions. Apparently we were about to enter the water again, but first we wanted to get out of ourselves the experience of the last hour and a half. For Roger, the sight of crazy men dripping with water, gesturing and shouting at one another had to be an additional bonus in the routine of everyday work. Bamburgh Castle Inn's large windows faced the small port which was darkening in the evening light. The tide was out and a large part of the boat, instead of floating on the water, was tilted to the side on the slushy sand. But in the warm interior of the pub there was a quiet buzz of conversation over glasses of beer. Although our table was dominated by laptops whose screens were illuminating our faces with their pale light. It was no different at the two neighboring tables, because the Eng-

I thought about it, I understood those Englishmen

lish team that we met in the morning in the port

who voted for Brexit. Even though at home, they

were also frantically loading on their hard disks

clearly were second-class citizens.

the results of today's dives. We had to wait for the food for a while, although the friendly staff of two

A movie from our dives is available here: https://

Polish women not only suggested what we should

vimeo.com/256965926 and because it only takes

order, but also guaranteed priority service. When

4 minutes, you might want to watch it.

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

wrecks

Malin Head

Text igor bartoszewicz Photos barry Mcgill

y path to this place was long and it was only when I reached it that I realized that I had

wanted to go there for over 20 years. But let us

Just a place in Ireland where there

start from describing the conscious actions that led

are some wrecks. One can freely

me to dive at Malin Head.

say that fortunes were lost there, and in a sense, many continue to lose them there even today.

Around the years 2012–2013 we started planning a trip to Ireland. I remember that the price then was tremendous – 20 thousand zloty. As I recall, one of the Polish Tri-city diving centers organised a trip

how hard it was for him to understand that the PADI standard is training with recreational equipment, not with a twin tank. Changing fortunes led Dybik to Ireland and I found myself there too. In the autumn of 2015, Piotruś called me and asked if I wanted to go to Malin Head. And I did. The money was still big, but we decided to put aside a few hundred euros every month so that in August 2016 it would not "hurt" so much. And so we did, but it still "hurt". The trip was quite expensive. If someone wants to go and dive on an open circuit, it is very expensive. In total, a team of 7 people came from Poland, including two non-diving women. The rest – also Poles – came from Ireland. All equipped with rebreathers. The captain of the craft from which we could dive was very open with people and if he said he was leaving at 10.00 he would leave at 10.00 without waiting for latecomers for even half a minute. My first dive took place a day later than the rest of the team's, because the courier company failed to deliver, despite the fact that we had sent the equipment two weeks earlier (and we were still waiting for it 3 weeks after returning). Eventually however I went diving. I remember the first dive just to warm up. 70 meters. SS Justicia. Sunk on July 20, 1918, after two days of being hunted and fired at. On July 19th, the German submarine UB64 fired four torpedoes at Justicia despite the fact that she was escorted by destroyers. The ship did not sink at first. She continued sailing. The engines worked, and additionally she was taken in tow by the tugboat Sonia. Her escort took care of UB-64, there and it was that kind of money. Lots… The plan

but the submarine managed to escape. The next

was good and we even started the preparations,

day UB-124 hit SS Justicia with two torpedoes and

but unfortunately the trip did not happen.

after the evacuation of the crew the ship sank. Sixteen sailors died. UB-124 was not as lucky as UB-64

Then in Ireland appeared Piotruś, commonly

because the HMS Marne, HMS Milbrook and HMS

known as Dybik. Dybik had been diving for a while,

Pigeon first treated her with depth charges, and

he liked getting into various holes. He is currently

then finished her off on the surface.

diving on a closed circuit and even works as an instructor. We met in 2009 at an instructor course.

While entering the water there was a light wave, but

Piotruś became a PADI instructor and I remember

a "sea dog" like me was already feeling like vomit-

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

wrecks

ting. I succeeded though. I jumped into the water and we went down along the shot line. The water transparency was 20 meters and its temperature was some 14–15 degrees. At 30 meters I stopped and left a carabiner with my name and went further

It was magnificent, destroyed by rust. One hundred years spent underwater and the

down. After 45 meters, we began to see the outline

sea currents did their job, but

of the wreck. Wonderful. The skipper hit the target

it looked great in the light

and threw the rope very close to the most charac-

we cast on it. Particularly the

teristic place on SS Justicia, the bow. It was magnificent, destroyed by rust. One hundred years spent

anchor hanging on the side.

underwater and the sea currents did their job, but it looked great in the light we cast on it. Particularly the anchor hanging on the side. You can get inside

starting to rock. Yes, it was! Finally, we set off on the

the wreck. It is all ripped, but there are places that

return journey, which unfortunately "finished off"

you can penetrate.

almost everyone.

Can you find something interesting? I doubt it. The wreck is visited so often that you have to be lucky to find anything of interest. Seafood lovers will have something to do there. There are a lot of lobsters on the wreck, the size of a forearm, with claws larger than the hand of an adult male. In the nooks and crannies of the boat you can see lobster traps. They are in such places that they certainly were put there by divers, because it would not be possible to do it from the surface. Unfortunately, the traps were empty, maybe just had been set, but the lobsters were moving around here and there. It was time to emerge. At 30 meters I unhooked my carabiner and started ascending in order to do the decompression. There was plenty of space at the deco bar, enough for 10 divers, even if they were at the same depth. The last one to unhook his carabiner was obliged to release the deco bar from the line. Then we all started to drift. The guys on the boat quickly rolled up the main line and followed us all the time watching us. After some time, another shot line appeared next to our deco bar with a place to attach unnecessary stage tanks. In this way, at a depth of 6 meters, we hung with one oxygen stage tank and that is how we entered the boat. Of course there was an elevator. Before I left the elevator, I already had my fins removed. The service – full professionalism. A great dive. Now I could only wait for the rest. Only that the boat was

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Probably in the homes of professional divers

On the last day we dived on the SS Empire Heritage at the depth of 68 meters. This is a place where Sherman tanks lie scattered like lego blocks after children finished playing with them. The impression we got during the immersion was priceless.

who found them. With each passing day we spent more and more time on the bottom. It looked as if everybody had realised that every next day brought us closer to the end of the expedition and wanted to extend their stay as much as possible. On the last day we dived on the SS Empire Heritage at the depth of 68 meters. This is a place where Sherman tanks lie scattered like lego blocks after children finished

The next days looked very similar. We got up in

playing with them. The impression we got during

the morning, ate a big breakfast and rode to the

the immersion was priceless.

boat making sure we were not late. We dived,

we came back, we worked on the equipment.

If you have not been to Malin Head, go there. If

Then we drove to a nearby pub to eat something.

you think that it is big money, it means that you

Every day the dives were getting longer and more

still have a sense of the value of money, but in my

interesting. The smallest shipwreck we ever saw

opinion it is worth it. Remember also that when

was SS Laurentic which lies at a depth of 39 me-

you go there for the first time you will just do the

ters. She carried 43 tonnes of gold. Apparent-

classics, and then you will want to go deeper. So

ly two more tonnes are still there somewhere.

you must reckon with two trips.

XI Targi Nurkowe Podwodna Przygoda Warszawa

12–15.03.2020 Będzie będzie będzie

inaczej, ciekawie, pięknie.

ujcie Rezerw termin!

Fot. Wojciech Zgoła

www.podwodnaprzygoda.pl www.facebook.com/targinurkowe/

o u r co n v e r s at i o n

On the bottom of the North Sea Photos Bartłomiej grynda

Wojciech Zgoła is talking to Bartłomiej Grynda, the owner of the

were scientists from IOPAN, engineers from

GRALmarine company, a lover of wrecks, archaeology, an inventor

GRALmarine and one researcher from the Norwe-

of underwater vehicles, cameras and lighting.

gian University. The research was to be carried out at the exit of the Skagerrak Strait to the North Sea, in a place where, in 1945, ships filled with chemical weap-

Bartek, we talked previously about your

ons were sunk.

involvement in many water-related projects

It took us a few days to reach the position, and

in different regions of the world. You were

immediately after arriving we managed to lower

an active participant in the DAIMON project.

our camera to the bottom, at the depth of about

What project it was?

650 meters. We wanted to check how strong the

It was an international project in which the states

currents were at the bottom and what visibility

located over the Baltic Sea took part. The main

was there. We encountered quite unfavoura-

aim of the project was to determine the risk posed

ble conditions – a strong current and visibility

for the aquatic environment by chemical and con-

of 2–3 m. Each, even the slightest touch of the

ventional weapons sunk in the sea. The program

bottom with the camera caused a significant

has been financed by EU INTERREG for the Baltic

decrease in visibility.

Sea Region since 2014 and will finish in 2020.

When we finished the operation in the evening, we received a message about the upcoming

Who participated in the project? What did the

stormy weather. We only had a few hours on the

research involve?

next day to do research, and then we had to call

Apart from the experienced crew, on board there

at a port to wait for the storm to pass. Despite

difficult conditions, it was possible to leave GRALmarine ROV at the bottom, at the depth of

It was an international project in which the states

690 meters.

located over the Baltic Sea took part. The main

What did you see at the bottom? The vehicle filmed the bottom at a depth of approx. 590 meters. I was surprised by the abun-

aim of the project was to determine the risk posed for the aquatic environment by chemical and conventional weapons sunk in the sea.

dance of life at such a depth. Below 30–40 m it was pretty dark. It seemed that we would not encounter many organisms, however, on the screen we could observe many of them, such as shrimps,

one immersion, while we (GRALmarine) created

round crabs, as well as creatures unknown to

electric drives, a computer controlling sampling,

me, such as "tiddlywinks" jumping in the light of

power supply, monitoring with HD cameras

lamps. A big cod, swimming at the bottom, was

and lighting.

a surprise for us. Did the contact with chemical weapons pose These were just observations. How about the

a threat?

research of the bottom?

We didn't know to what degree the equipment,

We had to take samples at distances of 10, 50,

which had contact with the bottom contaminated

100, 150 and 250 meters from the wreck. For

with chemical weapons, especially mustard gas,

this purpose, we used the "lander" – a device

could be dangerous. For safety reasons, the ROV

constructed jointly by the Maritime Institute and

and "lander" were inspected with a detector of

GRALmarine. The Maritime Institute made a met-

contaminations at all times, and the operators

al structure with a turntable (carousel), which

were dressed in protective suits. Fortunately, the

could take 10 samples from the bottom during

detectors didn't detect any threat.

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

our conversation

I do not know if anyone in Poland has ever tested their equipment at a depth of almost 600 meters. We managed to do this. We have videos from this depth.

Does this mean that the bottom is not contaminated? To check this, the "lander" took many samples within a dozen meters from the wreck's position. Initial measurements did not show any pollution with mustard gas. Unfortunately, further measurements were thwarted by the weather. The waves prevented submersion of the equipment. Though the "lander" was lowered with a lift on a steel line (weighting about 400 kg), the optical fibre (thanks to which it was possible to control, and above all, observe the image from 4 HD cameras), did not withstand the pressure of the waves. After the fibre optic was damaged and in the absence of optimistic weather forecast, the captain decided to finish the expedition and go back. A long journey and little time for research. What is the balance of profits and losses? The main profit is gathering huge experience for further construction of submersible vehicles. I do not know if anyone in Poland has ever tested their equipment at a depth of almost 600 meters. We managed to do this. We have videos from this depth. ROV GRALmarine was designed and constructed especially for this trip. Its predecessor, which I lost in a fire, the conqueror of Hranice Abyss, gained a worthy successor. We are planning, maybe even this year, to try the equipment again in Hranice Abyss at a greater depth. Thank you very much for the interview and I wish you successes!

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

tips

& curiosities

Sidemount

is it worth switching? and if yes how to begin? Text Tomasz Jeżewski Jeżu

Photos Grzegorz świątnicki

The sidemount configuration has recently become popular. But let us not kid ourselves – it’s happening mainly due to the manufacturers of diving equipment. A new product emerged, there was a niche for it, so marketing and sales started. That's life…

Gozo 70

Mexico

The sidemount configuration has recently become popular. But let us not kid ourselves – it’s

waiting for and for which you are willing to save your hard earned money.

happening mainly due to the manufacturers of diving equipment. A new product emerged, there

Ready? So let's discuss with ourselves the fol-

was a niche for it, so marketing and sales started.

lowing points:

That's life… The same happened with certification agencies, they also reacted commercially.

1. Is your diving destination Number One a summer safari in Egypt? Do you go there once a year and dive

So now we have a package: both equipment and

on coral reefs or chase reef sharks? And perhaps

trainings are widely available. They are sometimes

you already have your favourite wet suit and recre-

better and sometimes worse, but their quality is

ational diving regulator in matching colours? In that

not the subject of this article.

case starting a new sidemount configuration means

OK, so what is this sidemount? And what is it need-

replacing your whole equipment (sometimes even

ed for? And is it worthwhile to bother with this setup

the mask too) and it involves significant costs. And

of underground origin? (maybe invented in hell? ;)

the training means additional costs too. Training is

And also, there are often questions whether this or that can be done using the sidemount.

always great, as it's worth developing and learning something new, but for that money you can go for

Let’s be honest, the truth is that there are dives

another safari in Egypt. And all your safaris can be

for which the sidemount is not at all the best

done without the sidemount! Diving with a single

(though it may sound to some divers like a heresy).

cylinder on your back is in no way worse!

Faced with the decision about further diving ed-

The best diver is not the person utilizing a tech-

ucation and buying diving equipment, you should

nical setup, with serious face. And with a look of an

first think about it yourself. And after that discuss

uncle who is looking down at colourful greenhorns,

it with someone who has more knowledge on the

who are not able to trim, keep order and who show

subject. You should ask yourself what dives are

with a thumb up (or even two thumbs) that the

your dream dives, which ones you are longing and

dive is great.

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Mexico

The best diver is the one who enjoys diving and

3. And maybe you can hear depths calling? May-

shares this joy with others. If there is a need, it can

be for you only deep dives are real dives? In the Big

even be colourful!;)

Blue or in your computer – depending on what you

So, if the above mentioned diving goal is yours, the sidemount is not necessary. You will definitely

usually look at;). Well, there are sidemount stages! (stages are ex-

do without sidemount! (though it is perfectly OK

tra cylinders, dangling here and there depending

to use one if you have it).

on the configuration).

2. Maybe the truth is that you like diving in black?

down? No, unfortunately it turns out that with side-

That you worship Gods of Perfect Buoyancy and

mount it's not that easy.

So maybe take as many, as possible and go

Trim? And that the biggest pleasure is hovering in midwater? And perhaps you already have a tech twin setup and you are very happy with it? If yes, you don't really need sidemount. Choosing it would

Surprised? Why not easy if there are Tec Side Mount training programs? The real questions are how deep you want to dive and what your goal is.

mean disloyalty to your beloved configuration, and

If you want to go down the line and tap the

maybe also to your friends. And additionally pain-

marker with the record depth (or the bottom) it is

ful costs – buying new and selling old equipment,

quite likely possible with trimix in sidemount cylin-

would of course mean a loss…

ders. But on your back you can carry two eighteens,

And to make it clear, I'm not joking here! If some-

or maybe even twenties, and at your sides not real-

one gets so much pleasure from the diving as such,

ly. Arguably you can dive with eight or ten cylinders,

let's show our support. Why change any configu-

and instead of two twenties take four elevenths. It

ration if the present one is so much fun! So if this

will give you even more trimix, so so far it seems

is your case the answer is sidemount is probably

great! But take into account HPNS, tunnel vision,

not for you.

trembling hands and narcosis. They may affect

OK, so far the result is 2:0!

your otherwise smooth and efficient (emergency)

jaskinie

Gruner See

operating of four bottom cylinders and their four

sidemount you can actually get through a small-

regulators, and travel and deco gases (probably

er porthole than wearing a cylinder on your back.

another four cylinders).

But buying the whole sidemount gear just for this?

Well, so after all in this case the sidemount is not the best choice. It's better to tap the depth marker

Again, it’s probably not the best idea. It is 4:0, and there is not even a break…

with the cylinders on your back (and if with trimix, then definitely with a closed circuit) – according to the philosophy of sidemount – the less the better. So it is 3:0.

5. Of course: caves! Tight, Dark. Cool cave equipment! You can undress and push forward forever! Discover the undiscovered. Hooray!

4. Wrecks! Exploration, penetration! From the bow

Well, it turns out that the sidemount is so cool

to the stern, inside of the bilges, along the keel. Or

that it will allow us to dive in the cave with ease at

along the diffusers. Between the layers of the hull of

a very large distance. Even to where we should not

the fuselage. Clamps, molings, calluses. A torn suit!

get at all. So far, that the equipment only will cope

Probably there have already dived the ones

with this, but not its owner. Tight, dark and far from

with twins, and maybe even with single backmount

home… too far to come back.

cylinder. But there always remains a window or

Of course, there are such caves in the world,

a porthole, through which you can squeeze – nec-

where it is recommended to dive – even from the

essarily putting the cylinders in front of you or even

very entrance – with the sidemount. There even are

removing them from the harness. It looks cool in

places where it is forbidden to dive in any configu-

the photos and under water the divers with cylin-

ration other than sidemount. Recommendations or

ders on their backs look with admiration (or sur-

prohibitions in such cases are connected with envi-

prise, but it does not actually matter).

ronmental protection – diving in a more extensive

Well, so theoretically you could buy all this

configuration may cause damage to the interior of

sidemount equipment and take a course how to

the cave. If you want to dive in such places often,

squeeze through portholes in wrecks. If this only

thn of course it is worth changing the configura-

gives you a real joy in diving then indeed, with the

tion. If once in a lifetime – it's better to change the

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Albania

regulators. If something happens with a regulator,

Sidemount – properly configured – makes you start to perceive diving differently. Suddenly, it turns out that you can do much more under water.

a valve, a pressure gauge or your brain, and suddenly there is nothing to breathe with, then – instead of calling a partner and asking him or her to share their yellow regulator – you start to breathe from our own second cylinder. And that's it. Easier. Quite stress free. Much safer. Even compared to the technical twin. Security increased. 5:1. In fact the security is doubled. For this reason it is

dive site – the fun is the same (or it can turn out

always worthwhile!

even bigger in larger caves), and the savings are

5:2!

significant. 5:0 until half-time.

Convenience. Of course you can take the sidemount into the water

Oops… so what's on with this sidemount?

"in parts". One cylinder to the water. The other cylin-

Well, it turns out that it is worthwhile!

der to the water. And finally you to the water. If there are any stairs along the way, or an escarpment, it's

To begin with the trite and obvious:

easier to carry everything separately than to lug all the load at once, like a Sherpa in the Himalayas.

Security.

5:3.

By its very nature, sidemount assumes the use of

And maybe somebody from the surface will pass it

two completely independent life support systems

to you prior to the dive and will take it ashore after

in extremely hostile environmental conditions –

the dive – super convenient!

that is, you have underwater two cylinders and two

5:4!

tips & curiosities

Furthermore there is additional comfort un-

distance from the entrance (there usually are

der water!

no anemones…).

Contrary to appearances and all expectations, it

5:7

turns out that these two cylinders with tangled hoses, dangling on the sides, are easier to use under

The unconventional and unobvious advantages of

water than a single cylinder on the back! :-O

the sidemount configuration are best reflected by

It is worthwhile! You must try it.

the change in the attitude of those divers who were

5:5!

sceptical about their first attempt of such a dive, and yet they tried it. Their eyes after surfacing say

And offbeat? Well, that's the essence of choos-

it all – even if the seriousness and the majesty of

ing this configuration!

the diver is still preserved on their faces. It is also then, that they often stop asking whether it

Freedom!

is possible to make a hundred in this configuration…

Sidemount – properly configured – makes you start

maybe even this hundred is no longer the goal.

to perceive diving differently. Suddenly, it turns out

And the new goal is diving itself!

that you can do much more under water. Hovering

5:8 – The end.

or moving in any position into any direction is not a problem, it even becomes obvious and ordinary! It turns out that you can begin to behave naturally

But, to make it happen as I wrote in the previous paragraph, you have to approach it accordingly.

in the environment you are visiting temporarily. You can start diving freely! Like fish!

And how to look for the right instructor?

5:6 Online there are perhaps as many diving trainApart from the relief associated with underwater

ing offers as the dating ones. Everybody is the best,

freedom, there comes also versatility. When you

some even are the best in both;)

switch to sidemount, you can dive in any environ-

So it's worth to bother a bit about it, to look and

ment. On the reef, to watch anemones or seahors-

ask around. First you have to ask yourself, what you

es at the depth of 5m and in caves at a 3-hour

need this sidemount for. Where and how do you

Steve Bogaerts in Poland

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Mexico

that there are maybe two divers in the world, who

…the basic rule when choosing one should be whether he/she develops theirs skills as a diver. Where and how often they train.

do not have anybody to be trained by (since they are the best). All the others who do not develop themselves are either not willing to do it, or follow the philosophy of reinventing the wheel… It is a waste of time. Once you find a candidate to become your Guru,

want to dive? Once you honestly answer these questions, you should

remember, do ask your instructor "why?". Ideally,

look for such an instructor, who not only dives like that on regular ba-

ask about everything. About the technique (why

sis, but also in conditions similar to the conditions of your dream dives.

should I bend my leg like this?), about the training

The same old rule applies, which applies to all other diving trainings.

(why do I need to know this?) and about the equip-

The basics are taught best not by a rebreather instructor, but by an "ordinary" instructor doing this every day and having the biggest experience in it. Similarly the best teacher of cave diving is not the one with

ment (why are there five wings to choose from?). If the answers satisfy you – then learn from such an Instructor! :-)

certificates confirming everything, but the one who lives next to a cave

Oh! One more thing – the fact that one has two

and dives actually only there, because to a lake or to the sea it is too far.

hundred films on YT or five hundred posts on FB

With the sidemount trainings you can also look for someone who

(and especially if one writes articles in dive mag-

deals mainly with the beginners – that is teaching diving with this con-

azines;-)) neither means that he or she knows the

figuration. And then you can train further with someone who performs

answers to your questions "why?", nor that he or

more advanced sidemount diving on a daily basis. With the later in-

she is a good instructor. You should always check if

structor you can sometimes get the proper training for beginners, but

such a person is good as a teacher.

doing advanced levels with the former one is at your own risk. It seems that in addition to the "live check" of the instructor, the

Wish you diving safely and with a smile!

basic rule when choosing one should be whether he/she develops

Jeżu

theirs skills as a diver. Where and how often they train. The truth is

A beginner lover of the sidemount

c av e s

The Veneto region Text irena kosowska

Photos BartĹ&#x201A;omiej Pitala

The Veneto region in Italy is aÂ must for every cave diver. Today we will bring you closer to the four most famous caves in this area.

Elefante Bianco Cave

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Fontanazzi Cave

When planning a dive in the Veneto region, it is

in Rosa, there is the only well-equipped dive shop

worth remembering that a special permit is needed

in the area: Blue Deep Shop. At Blue Deep Shop,

for cave diving – it is a formality dealt with elec-

we can refill with all the necessary gases (air, oxy-

tronically, but without permission you may not be

gen, helium) and we will complete the equipment

able to dive.

if something is missing. A very big surprise is the price of helium – probably the cheapest in Europe

Choosing to explore the caves of Veneto for a few

(spring 2019 – 0.03 cents/l)

days, it is worth picking Bassano del Grappa as

a starting point. The distance from Bassano to

When traveling to Italy for cave diving, it is worth

all the caves is more or less the same (although

remembering the difficult logistics of these trips.

in different directions), and it is here that we find

Long, steep, wet access to rising springs, hours

the best logistical facilities – a multitude of ho-

spent on transporting equipment – you will need

tels, guesthouses or agrotourism allow for a quite

good shoes, dry bags or large backpacks that

big choice of accommodation, supplemented by

can fit stage cylinders. It will be a good idea to

a large selection of shops, restaurants, pizzerias

get enough supplies of food and beverages – the

etc. In addition, beautiful views and walking paths

dives themselves are demanding, so after them it is

are also a reason to recommend this place. The

worth securing a portion of energy before we start

key fact is that just a few kilometers from Bassano,

to collect equipment.

caves

Milan

the Veneto region

Verona

Padua

Oliero Cave

LAGHETTO DI PONTE SUBIOLO (Elefante Bianco)

a depth of 70 m, and at a depth of about 80 m,

Valstagna, Veneto

there is another corridor, which exceeds a depth of 100 meters. However, if you do not want to ex-

The rising spring is located in Valstagna. The pas-

plore large depths, after leaving the passage, you

sageway to the dive site is unusual – we climb the

should see the upper parts of the cave, over the

stairs, quite a number of steps, pass residential

well there is a huge chamber, bristling with sharp,

buildings, pass through private vegetable gardens

beautiful rocks. Because of the sharp edges of the

and a small vineyard. The path along the edge of

rocks, it is difficult to install safety railing there. We

the cliff brings us to a steep slope, which leads us

should remember about good planning and gas

to the very shore of a charming lake. In this lake is

management, because the ceiling of the chamber

the entrance to the cave.

is at a depth of only about a dozen meters, but the only way back is through the aforementioned

Geographical coordinates of the car park:

passage, to which we must return to a depth of

45 52,15N 11 40,08E

50 meters.

The distance from the car park to the water is about

COVOL DEI SIORI (Grotte di Oliero), COVOL DEI VECI

100 meters, but the hardships of this route mean it

(Grotte di Oliero)

takes a dozen or so minutes one way. During one

Oliero, Veneto

of the trips after parking, we measured the distance with a pedometer. Carrying the equipment

Oliero Park is an attraction not only for us, cave di-

and returning the same route afer diving showed

vers, but also for tourists – hence it is very easy to

on the pedometer the total travelled distance of

find it in the town of the same name. A significant

2 kilometers (!).

obstacle is the need to obtain a permit for diving in the park beforehand, unfortunately it cannot

The entrance to the cave is located at a depth of

be done on the spot. The park charges admission

about 20 m – depending on the state of the wa-

fees, but employees are happy to show the way

ter, at the bottom of the lake. It is large and leads

to rising springs and instruct on how to move in

to quite a spacious, steep downward passage.

the area.

This passage after about 100 m leads to a huge well at a depth of 50 m. The well has a diame-

Geographical coordinates of the car park:

ter of a dozen or so meters and falls vertically to

45 50,47N 11 40,03E

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

In turn, Siori, whose entrance is at the bottom of the lake inside the cave, can be reached by boat in which park employees transport tourists. The passage is a dozen or so meters wide, but very low, sometimes only half a meter high. The cave is famous for very strong currents. The first 150 meters of the corridor leads us to a depth of about 20 meters, then it descends to 55 meters and through another gentler shallow water again leads us to 50 meters. The Veci and Siori cave systems are connected, however one dive in them as a whole requires special equipment (rebreathers, scooters). GROTTA DEI FONTANAZZI

Solagna, Veneto The cave is located in an unobvious place, it is very easy to miss it, even going along the road with the same name – Via Fontanazzi. There is no parking lot or any other place that allows you to safely set up the equipment. We have to park our car at the edge of the road and we go down the path that leads directly to the river flowing out of steep rocks – this is the entrance to Fontanazzi. Geographical coordinates of the parking place: 45 49,54N 11 42,04E.

Fontanazzi Cave

The logistics of Oliero Park, where there are two

This cave is not recommended for beginners due

diving caves – Veci and Siori – is certainly difficult.

to the clamps in its initial parts, the entrance it-

The distances from the car park to water are about

self is considered difficult. However, if we manage

600 and 300 meters respectively, however, going

to get through the entrance, many possibilities of

with the equipment on narrow steep paths, leading

exploration open up. In this cave more than two

uphill, downhill, is not a pleasant experience.

kilometers of corridors have been explored and depths exceeding 100 meters have been recorded.

The rising spring Veci is huge. The spacious cor-

ridor descends steeply to a depth of 55 meters.

www.speleologiaveneta.it

Swimming through the passage, we will change the

https://www.facebook.com/BlueDeepShop/

depth in the range of 40 to 60 meters.

www.cave-diving.pl

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

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Designing and subsequent modelling of BARE products is carried out using the advanced Gerber systems. Our projects are carried out in Canada by our team of designers, whilst the production process is carried out in a factory on Malta. Both branches of our company use the same IT platform, thanks to which we avoid even the smallest mistakes. BARE is an exclusive brand – to ensure optimal quality, the production of dry suits is supported by many technical departments. The quality and engineering departments support research, development and production to achieve the highest standards in the industry. The Department of Quality consists of a manager who runs a team of three inspectors. Before cutting the material, the system is set up and checked by suitably trained technicians. To ensure an optimal result, all machines are regularly calibrated.

All incoming materials are inspected by our qual-

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Scuba diving and freediving on the same day

With the growing popularity of such sport discipline as freediving, we ask ourselves about the safety of combining scuba diving using compressed gas and breath-hold dives on the same day.

Photo Kurt Arrigo for DAN

Photo Irena Stangierska for DAN

What are the DAN guidelines for combining these two sports on the same day? If you dive on a held breath before scuba diving

all, after scuba diving you are partially still satu-

The answer will depend on the intensity and depth

rated with inert gases, which you would normally

achieved in the freediving training. If you dive

take into consideration while planning another

a few times (2–3 times) on a held breath virtually

scuba diving. Freediving requires physical effort,

effortlessly and at small depths (12–15 meters),

which obviously affects the blood circulation in the

you can dive with compressed gas with no fear,

body, and as we know, after the dive, rest is rec-

taking 30 to 60 minutes of surface interval before

ommended to allow the desaturation of tissues.

starting the scuba dive. At the same time, if you

At the same time, while diving on a held breath

reach deeper depths and strain the body with a lot

in a relatively short time interval we compress

of effort, such as underwater crossbow hunts, you

gas bubbles already present in the bloodstream,

will need a much longer surface interval, though

which may pose a risk of these bubbles getting

we do not have enough data to give you precise

into the pulmonary filter and into the arterial cir-

time frame suggestions.

culation more quickly.

If you go scuba diving before diving on a held

It is also worth noting that freediving, like scuba

breath

diving, is a team sport and always requires some-

In the opposite situation, if you decide to practice

one else for security. Particularly after long, deep,

freediving on the same day after scuba diving, you

demanding dives on the held breath, there may

have to take into account other factors. First of

occur symptoms associated with the formation of

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

Photo Kurt Arrigo for DAN

bubbles similar to the symptoms of decompression

same day. Even a long surface interval between

sickness in scuba divers. This syndrome is referred

these dives does not eliminate the risk of overload-

to as Tarawana and can range from mild nausea,

ing the bloodstream with bubbles. Being conscious

dizziness or headache, to serious problems with

divers, simply avoid the risk.

eyes, hearing or speech or to unconsciousness, paralysis and, in the worst case, death.

To learn more and find answers to medical questions related to diving, visit www.daneurope.org and

And so…

www.alertdiver.eu

It should be emphasized that in any case, it is not good to burden the body with a large amount of in-

Source:

ert gas. Therefore, a more conservative recommen-

Detection of venous gas emboli after repetitive breath-hold dives:

dation will be not to combine freediving and scuba

case report – D. Cialoni et al., UHM 2016

diving on the same day, if the dives are long, deep

www.alertdiver.eu

and requiring a lot of effort. Of course, each dive and each body is different, but it's always worth being more careful than less. In conclusion, if you make repetitive dives on a held breath deeper than 15 meters, putting a lot of the effort, it is better not to go scuba diving on the

Enjoy diving with peace of mind, worldwide, all year round

DIVING SAFETY SINCE1983 PHOTO BY MARCELLO DI FRANCESCO

Worldwide 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Exclusive access to Diving Insurance Plans

Medical Advice & Specialist Referrals

Participation in Diving Medical Research Programs

First Aid Courses

DANEUROPE.ORG

from a freediver ' s perspective

A return from diving not always happy Text and photos Agnieszka kalska

In the last issue I wrote about what to pack in your suitcase for the journey and how legally “smuggle” it onto the plane. Here I'll mention situations that do not happen often, but for which you should be prepared.

ven if the journey to a dive site went smoothly

terview with a trained European who was supposed

one way, without additional charges or stress,

to detect any possible lies. For exactly 30 minutes

we cannot be sure that the return will be equal-

I watched my passport being handed over from one

ly successful.

guard to another who, being in no hurry, talked carelessly to each other. What, whom and how long

I really do not know the reason or do not even gu-

I was supposed to wait for was a pure mystery, and

ess why, but in touristic diving sites the staff at the

despite my freediving patience and completely clean

airport is not always friendly to foreign passengers,

conscience, the sense of irritation and anxiety gently

let alone divers. It would seem that they should care

began to grow inside me... and this was exactly the

for a tourist to be happy while leaving the place to

effect that guards wanted to achieve. When every-

come back there as soon as possible and ensure

one around was already questioned, it was the turn

work and money for people in the tourism industry.

to look for any "sins" I might have been guilty of.

However, I experienced a few situations so unple-

Listening to the questions: where I was, what I did,

asant that I even thought to choose a completely

whether I had friends among the Egyptians, whether

different destination next time. I have particularly

I kept in touch with them and what I did every day,

bad experience with the passport control on my

I felt as if I had done something against the law and

return from Eilat (Israel) – whoever tried to get

they already had evidence to prove that. Unfortu-

from there to Egypt, certainly knows what I mean.

nately for me, to the question whether I had been

In my case, stamps from various parts of the world

asked to transport anything I said that I had a laptop

in my passport, especially the one from the United

of a friend who had left the country the day before

Arab Emirates, were the reason to put my name on

and forgot to take it with her... An “alarm” switched

the "list of suspects". This meant waiting for an in-

on and the laptop was taken for a detailed control.

Apart from looking at it and scanning from any pos-

restingly dealing with the queue next to ours) entered into a deeper

sible angle, it was also also weighed and switched

polemic, which items can be transported in a suitcase in the price of

on... fortunately, there were no photos with local

luggage, and which cannot. He tried to prove to us that we had diving

guides on the desktop! When I finally went through

equipment (breathing apparatus or other diving stuff) and that we had

the whole process of personal verification, there was

to pay extra for it. When we showed that we didn't have any such things

still my luggage to be checked...

in our hand luggage or main baggage, he switched to a different strategy. He mentioned that the fins and masks were also sports equipment,

As usual, the suit and clothes pressed and packed

and an additional fee should have been paid. I was already extremely

to take a minimum volume, were separated by

amazed and finally asked – "And if I had jogging shoes in my luggage,

other items necessary for a freediver. Everything

should I also pay additionally for them?". The man finally gave up be-

fitted exactly to the shape of the suitcase and after

cause he sensed that he would not cheat us, but we understood that

opening it, the content almost popped out. It was

this practice had been exercised many times before.

nothing, I had time to pack the entire puzzle again. There was also a bag with a monofin and fins,

Remember that we must follow the instructions of the employees,

which, to put it mildly, dimensionally did not meet

but only if they are able to explain them and indicate the appropriate

my needs, and the protruding edges were additio-

regulations. Always ask for all possible solutions, and the service will

nally secured with foil, tape, a piece of key-leash

at least try to help you solve the problem.

and a padlock. Although there was nothing more inside but rubber and plastic, the whole content had to be unpacked so that the service staff could finger everything carefully. After the inspection the guard thanked me and left me with all the luggage to repack. Cool, after all, everybody loves doing it several few times. Finally just the check-in was awaiting me... No luck had I also this time. Just before my turn the power was cut off and the entire check-in management system went dead. After another dozen or so minutes, a "manual check-in" was started and everyone was put down on a paper list... Eventually, I got to the plane and landed safely in the destination country, but this trip was inscribed in my memory as a route that should be avoided or at least the one during which you should get properly prepared for psychological harassment. Will the direct return from Egypt be less stressful? Of course, if we prepare for it. Recently, on me way back with my students, we heard at the airport in Sharm el Sheikh that we had to pay € 35.00 for the diving equipment we had in our checked baggage. My amazement reached the point of disbelief. The gentleman from the service (inte-

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

a r c h a e o l og y

Underwater archeologist scientist or treasure hunter Text and photos Mateusz Popek

When we hear or read about people called underwater archeologists, we usually have the sea before our eyes... preferably the Caribbean Sea, warm, with azure water. A young, athletic, very tanned man wearing just shorts is standing on a slightly rusted ship getting ready to jump into the water. Underwater, a Spanish galleon full of secrets and gold coins awaits him.

ctually, this description is the first scene from the movie "Fool's gold" with Matthew McCo-

naughey. The description of this scene should be enriched with the beautiful blond-haired lady scientist who reads fluently in all the ancient languages of the world. All in all, Kate Hudson fits this role well. But does the work of an underwater archeologist really look like that? Are we more scientists or treasure hunters? My name is Mateusz and I have been an underwater archeologist for almost 9 years. The main character of the aforementioned movie and myself have only one thing in common – long blond hair. Except that mine is longer. When I tell newly met people what I do, I usually get a comment: "wooow, but you have great work, you probably travel a lot and search for wrecks". After a thousandth such comment I stopped verifying the interlocutors' ideas about my work. If they knew how wrong they were...

I hope that this text will give you some idea about underwater archeologists and what they really do. Let us start from the beginning, that is from what one must do to become the mythical underwater archeologist. First, archaeological studies should be completed. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. In Poland, the studies have two stages and you must obtain a master's degree and have twelve months of field practice to be allowed to begin practising your profession. Each country has its own law regulating who can conduct archaeological research. It would also be good to do a diving course during the studies. Usually, the day after its completion, students think that they have already become underwater archeologists. Life, however, verifies this quickly. In my and my colleagues' opinion, for a person to become really useful in a project, two to three months of practice during an underwater excavation are needed. Of course, it is very individual and some "get the idea" faster, others a bit slower. During the internships, such people learn to work in the field: searching, setting up excavations, exploration, documentation and many other tasks... and there are plenty of these skills to acquire. It can be assumed that after twelve months of decent practice and five years of study, such a person has the knowledge and skills to conduct underwater research. Now one can finally jump into the water and make great discoveries. But where? Wrecks in the sea

research is relatively expensive. Funds for research

or bridges and sediments in lakes are not found

projects are usually obtained from grants. There are

in every bay and at every promontory. Choosing

many European and national organisations where

a research problem is a long and intense office

you can apply for research funding. Usually it is done

and archival work. Sometimes we work on ran-

through a competition, that is, we fill in a form that

dom finds reported by divers or a company work-

usually contains the formal and descriptive parts

ing on a construction project, but usually we have

and the budget part. In the first part we write who

to spend a lot of time and browse through a lot of

we are and why it is worth giving us money, in the

books to choose an area where new archaeological

second we describe what we would like to do and

sites can be expected. This work is done during the

how we will do it, and in the third part, how much

long autumn and winter evenings.

money we need for it. Writing such a grant application often takes months, then we have to submit it to

Once a body of water is selected, is it time to jump in?

the appropriate unit, wait several months up to even

Absolutely not. Now the time has come for the most

a year and if we are better than our competitors, we

important factor, that is money, and underwater

will get money for research.

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

And now we can jump into the water without feel-

Usually, we work in conditions very different from the "Caribbean" ones. In the team, we even have a saying that the best archeology is in the water as dense as mud and as black as night, and this really works.

ing remorse that we are badly prepared. If we have some luck, we find an archaeological object very quickly. They can be wrecks, flooded settlements, bridges, aqueous sediments and any other objects which man has thrown into the water over the centuries. When we find something we need to explore it or simply dig it out. For this we need an ejector that we have to build ourselves, because it is impossible to buy one off the shelf. At least I did not

It is still not the moment yet when we can jump

find a store which would sell them. During the ex-

into the water. Nowadays archaeological research

ploration, we acquire artefacts. Each artefact must

is preceded by the so-called non-invasive prospec-

be documented, described, photographed and tak-

tion. It means that we hire a suitable company or

en into the inventory. There is a lot of paperwork

institution, which, using complicated devices such

that needs to be done right after a dive. We also

as a multi-beam echosounder, a side-scan sonar, or

make documentation of immovable objects in the

a bottom sediment profilograph, helps us to narrow

form of three-dimensional plans or models. Conse-

down our research or even find archaeological ob-

quently, an underwater archeologist should know

jects. After receiving the processed data, we dwell on

a little about geodesy, underwater photography

them and try to select places to search or research.

and the processing of point clouds. Usually, we work in conditions very different from the "Caribbean" ones. In the team, we even have a saying that the best archeology is in the water as dense as mud and as black as night, and this really works. Unfortunately, we do not have much choice of the place where we work and the water often has absolute zero visibility and sometimes it even smells of methane. To give you an idea, it is the smell of rotten eggs. The period of work in the field is usually from one to several months a year

archaeology

depending on the climate in which we work, how much money we have and what plan we want to do. When working in the field, we produce huge amounts of data and documentation, which should then be dealt with. When the season of field work is over and we have done our dozens and even hundreds of dives, after which even entering a bathtub feels repulsive, we can sit down to do another job or data analysis. After the season has ended we have a period in which we collect all the information we have acquired underwater, we draw conclusions and we recreate a fragment of the story we have taken up. We must enclose the results of these studies to the report in order to be able to settle the grant. It would be good to publish them in some scientific journal. If the discovery is in some way a "media topic", then information is given to the press and other media. That is why many very interesting discoveries emerge only in winter, because then archeologists know what they are dealing with. So again winter has come, we finished one project, we write an application for the next one, and we write articles so that we can again jump into the water in the next season. This short account intends to describe the work and life of an underwater archeologist. Of course, I have deliberately omitted many aspects of our work here. Getting into details would make the paragraphs grow into chapters, and the article would become a textbook for underwater archeology, and such books have already been written so there is no need to duplicate them. I hope that I showed that the life of an underwater archeologist is far from people's imaginations or even movies. Although I have not seen action like that in the movie "Fool's Gold", my work has allowed me to reach unusual places in the Baltic, the Mediterranean, South America or even in Poland and to get extraordinary satisfaction from the work itself and adventures we have had. In fact, an underwater archeologist is a scientist... maybe a bit rebellious, having something in common with an adventurer. But these are stories for a completely different article.

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

professional diving

stinked challenge

We start a series of articles about professional diving. That is diving with qualifications and a helmet. In these articles we will present consultations, discussions and experiences of industry companies that deal with it professionally.

Photos Robert Styła

Wojciech Zgoła in an informed interview with Grzegorz Gniwkiewicz, President of the Board of the limited liability company Frog.

Every now and then you talk about professional diving, but does such a profession exist? Maybe I will start in a bit formal way. Yes, in Poland we have such a profession, it is based on Article 19 (1) of Act of October 17, 2003 on underwater work, additionally it should be added that in our country it is a regulated profession1. According to the quoted provisions, we have four levels of qualifications that permit practising the profession of a diver, starting from the lowest they are: ●● a third class diver who is entitled to perform underwater work at small depths (up to 20 m); ●● a second class diver who is entitled to perform underwater work at small depths (up to 20 m); ●● a first class diver who is entitled to perform deep-sea underwater work and underwater work at medium and small depths; 1 A regulated profession is a set of professional activities whose performance depends on the fulfillment of the requirements set out in the regulations of a given EU Member State. Each EU Member State individually decides whether to regulate access to professions. Therefore, the same profession may be a regulated profession in one EU Member Sate, while in another Member States it will not be regulated (www.nawa.gov.pl)

s e c t i o n p atronage 96

Ocean-Tech Sp. z o.o.

Kaszubska Droga 13, 80-209 Chwaszczyno

●● a saturation diver who is entitled to perform

it is impossible to list them all here, for example

all types of underwater work without restric-

I can say that divers work in nuclear power plants,

tions.

sewage treatment plants and zoological gardens.

It is a difficult and demanding profession, very often confused with recreational scuba diving,

Are there women among professional divers?

and has nothing to do with recreation. It requires

I personally know four women, and I still know at

a multi-week training at each level of qualifications

least three who have completed training in Poland

that ends with a state examination before the

and have worked or are working in the profession.

Admissions Committee consisting of divers from the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Nav-

You have been involved in this profession for

igation. Additionally, a professional diver needs

over a dozen years and tasks you do as a pro-

to be in good physical health – which should be

fessional group are various, they are often

confirmed by a medical certificate of no contrain-

things that a common mortal, even a recre-

dications to carrying out underwater work.

ational diver, has no idea of. You mentioned sewage treatment plants. How is it to work

So an oyster fisherman is not a professional

"underwater" in this particular environment?

diver, is he? What does this man do?

For today, I am already more involved in the man-

No, he is absolutely not. However, the range of

agement of a company that performs underwa-

work that a professional diver performs in a hy-

ter work, I manage underwater work, I dive less

drostatic environment is very wide, for example,

and less – the nature of things. Speaking of the

making bottom reinforcements in port areas, un-

sewage treatment plant, very different tasks are

derwater welding, ultrasonic cutting, concreting,

done there. We make, for example, chemical and

underwater surveys of hydrotechnical construc-

mechanical anchor holes in concrete – that is, we

tions or vessels, ship repairs, removing materials

drill holes in concrete, in which we fit screws and

of post-war or military origin, supporting the

bolts for fixing technical devices necessary for

offshore industry at sea and many others that

the proper operation of the treatment plant. And

cannot be mentioned here. The places and work

divers do it in sewage with zero visibility.

in which divers can be found are so diverse that

As for the treatment of sludge from tanks, you

mail: info@ocean-tech.pl

on-line shop: www.sklep.ocean-tech.pl

have to get used to it, not only to specific odours,

sure injuries or decompression sickness, through

but above all to work in total darkness, forget the

injuries caused by underwater mechanical and

sense of sight and rely only on manual sensa-

thermal tools, being crushed by a ship, to such

tions, and information from the team located on

strange situations as being bitten by animals

the surface.

inhabiting water reservoirs. When working in biologically or chemically

It does not look like a nice and easy job...

contaminated reservoirs, we encounter other

This job is one constant challenge, requiring con-

threats – substances found in the environment in

centration, involvement, a bit of cunning and con-

which we perform work, the threat of poisoning,

fidence in the teammates who are on the surface

infection with viruses, bacteria, burns and others.

at every immersion. This profession cannot be

It all depends on the composition of the liquid in

practised if it is not your passion. Virtually every

which we work.

new task implies different problems to solve, another equipment, other hydrological conditions –

Is the equipment you are using suitable for

new planning, preparation, task execution and

further use after work?

termination of work, under constant pressure

The equipment we use is certified, approved

of the most important thing, that is the safety

by standards to work in a given contaminated

of a man underwater. It often happens that five,

environment. It allows complete isolation of the

six or more people on the water surface have to

diver from the aggressive hydrostatic environ-

assist one diver who is underwater.

ment in which he or she is located. It is reusable, provided that the procedures and technical

What are the dangers?

instructions regarding the use, decontamination

The hazards and risks in professional diving are

and disinfection as well as storage are observed.

strictly determined by the established occupa-

Of course, nothing is for ever and after a certain

tional hazards. As I have already mentioned

time you have to submit such equipment to

professional diving is a profession, and in every

inspection and service of authorised representa-

profession we have to do a risk assessment, as

tives of the manufacturers. During such a ser-

required by the Labor Code. Starting from the

vice, it may also happen that the further use of

most obvious ones, drowning, suffocation, pres-

the diving equipment will be halted or the cost

s e c t i o n p atronage 98

Ocean-Tech Sp. z o.o.

Kaszubska Droga 13, 80-209 Chwaszczyno

mail: info@ocean-tech.pl on-line shop: www.sklep.ocean-tech.pl

of repairs will be higher than the purchase of

work, the diving equipment we use and devices

a new equipment.

that support and secure the task we are supposed to do.

And what is the external security that you

In short, it looks like this (in the minimum ver-

have already mentioned?

sion): the underwater work supervisor watches

The minimum external protection is strictly

over everything, he or she has a diver working

defined in the Regulation of the Minister of Infra-

underwater, a safety diver, an operator of the

structure of May 19, 2004 on health and safety at

dive control panel and other people operating the

work in underwater work. Acting in accordance

technical devices of an underwater work base.

with the law, we can only increase our security

Depending on the type of work and technical

by extending what is required by law. A pro-

equipment, the base may include, for example,

fessional diver never does work alone, there is

a dive system operator (decompression cham-

always a team whose composition depends on

ber), a crane operator, people operating power or

the regulations, the depth at which we perform

hydraulic generators.

s po n s o r e d a r t i cl e

Firma Isotta na targach EUDI w Bolonii zaprezentowała

NOWĄ OBUDOWĘ do lustrzanek NIKON Z6 i Z7 Jak zawsze Włosi zadbali o szczegóły, które zostały dopracowane w najmniejszym stopniu. Obudowa wykonana z czerwonego, anodyzowanego aluminium, zaopatrzona we wszystkie potrzebne pokrętła i przyciski. Użyto podwójnych O-ringów do wszystkich przycisków i demontowanych elementów, które mają zapewnić maksymalny komfort pracy pod wodą oraz zabezpieczyć aparat przed zalaniem W obudowie zamontowano akustyczny i LED-owy czujnik wilgoci.

Przedstawiciel na Polskę: OCEAN-TECH Sp. z o.o.

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

n at u r e

Plovers sand trinkets

Text and photos wojciech jarosz short. And so are their necks; to be honest, plovers

Birds of a filigree body built, quickly moving their thin legs when they scamper smoothly, maybe even a little nervously, around the sand. They do it so briskly that

look as if they did not have a neck at all. Well, with the exception of only an Eurasian dotterel, a slightly larger plover visiting Poland during flights (although in the past it regularly hatched in our mountains, where it found conditions similar to the ones in the

it is difficult for a man to catch up with

northern tundra, where these birds usually hatch)

them – they easily get away from us.

which has the most distinct neck among the species of plovers found in Poland. As to the species and taxonomy of these birds, the plovers belong to

the subfamily Charadriinae, suborder Charadrii in

o wonder, since without any apparent ef-

the Charadriiformes order. The most common in

fort they make many paces in a second, and

Poland is the little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius),

their legs cease to be visible at all – they look as if

and the rarest, common ringed plover (Charadri-

they were moving several centimetres above the

us hiaticula). The former lives by rivers and water

ground. Plovers are also great aviators. The con-

reservoirs choosing sandy or gravel places, while

struction of their wings makes sudden returns of

the ring plover prefers sea banks or possibly larg-

180 degrees in the air a routine for these birds.

er rivers in the inland. On the coast it is possible

Plovers are small birds, not bigger than a starling,

rare occasions (so far only a few confirmed cases)

but with long legs characteristic of plovers. Bows

the greater sand plover (C. leschenaultii), and even

of plovers, in turn, unlike most of their cousins, are

less frequently the lesser sand plover (C. mongolus).

to meet a Kentish plover (C. alexandrinus) and on

100

In addition, you can meet a lot of other species of

in colouration (more often than not rather insignif-

this genus in the world. Let’s try to name them:

icant) between individual species. The multitude of

a New Zealand plover, a semipalmated plover,

species is also proof that plovers have successfully

a long-billed plover, a Wilson's plover, a killdeer,

adapted to different climatic conditions.

a pipping plover, a Madagascan plover, a Kittlitz's plover, the Saint Helena plover, a three-banded

They also adapted well to gaining food in their

plover, a Forbes's plover, a white-fronted plover,

habitats. The aforementioned short beaks of plov-

a snowy plover, a Javan plover, a red-capped plov-

ers are perfect for acquiring their favorite food.

er, a Malaysian plover, a chestnut-banded plover,

Between the grains of sand they can see (as their

a collared plover, a Puna plover, a two-banded

eyes are large) the smallest movement of their

plover, a double-banded plover, a Caspian plover,

prey meaning a quick end in the plover's stomach.

an oriental plover, a mountain plover and a Ru-

From the menu they choose most often insects,

fous-chested plover. In addition, in other genes

arachnids, shellfish, mollusks and the annelids.

we also have a hooded plover, a shore plover and

To get them, the plovers can even use a cunning

a black-fronted plover. Phew. And if we were to list

tactics of thumping. Then they stand on one leg

the sub-species ... we would get a real bird menag-

and jumping on it they disturb the invertebrates

erie. Many of the names indicate the origin of the

hidden in the ground which, trying to escape the

species (if the esteemed Reader managed to get

impending threat, become visible to the hunter.

through the list above), but regardless of whether

These birds, despite their long legs, do not often

we observe these birds in Indonesia, Patagonia, the

enter water looking for food. They rather search

Frisian Islands or Mikoszewo, we will always recog-

regions on the boarder of water, and sometimes

nize that they are just plovers – despite differences

even quite far away from the water, although they

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

101

each other and form a couple, after some time the

When an unwelcome guest approaches the nest or the young, the plover tries to focus the predator's attention on itself.

female lays eggs. There are usually 3-4 of them, which, given their size and weight, does not go with the size the female anyhow, as one egg can weigh a fifth of her body weight. Nature can be surprising.

It can then perform bizarre contortions

After laying all the eggs, the incubation begins, in

or more often simulate disabilities.

which, in case of plovers, both parents take part. The eggs are unusually well camouflaged thanks to a dotted pattern and the appropriate colour. The same will be with the young, which thanks to the

sometimes wander through muddy drifts during

masking colouration will have a chance to remain

low tide – then their long legs are useful not only

unnoticed by predators. Unfortunately, it is not al-

for running, but also for muddy crossings.

ways possible for the plover to avoid the drama of loosing a brood. Even if the young ones have

102

Plovers not only find food among sands and grav-

not yet hatched, the parents undertake desperate

els, but they also reproduce in places with such

attempts to save the eggs, also when, for example,

a substrate. Their nest is usually a small hole,

the wind covers the nest with sand. The birds were

sometimes padded with just a few blades of grass.

observed to press the eggs with their beak to their

The little ringed plover in an original way arranges

breasts and pull them behind themselves, moving

the future place of laying eggs by throwing these

backwards. When an unwelcome guest approaches

blades over itself with its back towards the nest.

the nest or the young, the plover tries to focus the

And it hits the target! If the plovers take a liking for

predator's attention on itself. It can then perform

nature

bizarre contortions or more often simulate disa-

way to look for another partner. It happens that the

bilities. It lowers one of the wings or pretends to

female does not get only to another part of beach

be lame and hobbles away from the nest, so that

or gravel, but flies several hundred kilometres

the threat will not affect the brood. When a plov-

away! Undertaking subsequent breeding trials with

er manages to pull the threat away, it simply flies

other males, which is a kind of polyandry (it will be

away. This type of behaviour is not unique among

a polygamy in human terms), concerns also other

birds nesting on earth. Like this behaves also, e.g.

species, such as the the mountain plover, which

a larger relative of plovers – a grey plover, but also

nests on the prairies and fields of North America,

many other species of Charadrii.

and not in the mountains, as suggested by its Latin (Charadrius montanus) or English (mountain plover)

In the case of the already mentioned cousin of the

name. To close the subject of sexual behaviours

little ringed plover and common ringed plover –

of plovers, it should be added that polygyny does

the Eurasian dotterel, the problems of breeding

happen (polygamy for Homo sapiens), and there-

are slightly different. Tu put it simply, everything is

fore we can say that plovers are both monogamous

turned upside down. First of all, females are more

and polygamous depending on the species and the

colourful than males. It is the "ladies" who are try-

prevailing conditions.

ing to get the attention of the "gentlemen" and encourage them to start a family. As soon as the eggs

Plovers are typical precocial species, which means

are laid, the female leaves the nest under the care

that in a short time after hatching the chicks make

of her partner (already an ex-at that moment). It is

independent attempts to look for food. They often

him who is responsible for the upbringing of the

stay for a few weeks under the care of their par-

descendants. And the female itself... sets off on her

ents to join a larger herd before departure. Inter-

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

103

Africa. There are also known settled populations

The greatest threat to virtually all species of plovers is the disappearance of their habitats. Human pressure is also often mentioned, mainly tourists who are looking for deserted beaches, river banks, etc.

from slightly warmer regions of Western Europe. Some plovers fly to northern Scandinavia, northern Russia, and even to Greenland and northern Canada. In this respect, they are also not unique among the Charadriiformes. The greatest threat to virtually all species of plovers is the disappearance of their habitats. Human pressure is also often mentioned, mainly tourists who are looking for deserted beaches, river banks, etc. Wandering around such areas, you should carefully peek under your feet. It is not easy to spot

104

estingly, during breeding, the plovers are territori-

the eggs or the nestling spreading on the ground

al and chase away their tribesmen. Such behavior

to avoid spotting. Fortunately, parents are most

vanishes after raising their chicks. A frequent view

often around and will try to prevent tragedy. The

at the beginning of migration flights are flocks of

problem may also pose a prolonged stay in the

plovers seeking food in groups, often in the com-

vicinity of the nest with eggs, especially in a warm

pany of other species of birds. Then it is easiest to

climate, when the lack of a brooding parent will

spot them, and flights in the case of Central Europe

result in not cooling down the egg, but in com-

usually last from March to May in one direction and

pletely the opposite phenomenon – eggs in such

from August to September in the other (although

a situation can simply fry in the sun. Look out for

it might take place sooner or later). Our plovers

the plovers over the water as they are animals of

spend winter everywhere from the British Isles to

an overwhelming beauty.

tips

& curiosities

Full face mask in diving Text robert styła

What exactly is a full face mask for diving?

Well, the simplest answer is the basic information

There are several professional models on the mar-

that such a mask has an integrated second stage.

ket that can meet the needs of both recreational

The second information about the mask is also im-

and technical divers. They differ in shape, second

portant. Namely, it completely separates a diver's

stage, material, etc. Choosing the right full face

face from external conditions.

mask depends on our preferences, diving conditions as well as financial means.

But how does it look in reality? Let's review most of the full face masks available.

In the following issues of the magazine I will

●● Guardiam made by OTS

present the most common and available masks:

●● Spectrum made by OTS ●● Divider made by Interspiro ●● M-48 MOD-1 made by Kirby Morgan ●● M-48 Supermask made by Kirby Morgan ●● Poseidon Atmosphere made by Poseidon ●● Neptun Space Extender made by Oceanreef

perfectdiver No. 2(4)/2019

105

tips

& curiosities

Why shouldn't we use hoses in different colours for gas determination? Text Wojtek A. Filip

If you use hoses in different colours to determine gases, then such system will stop working shortly after descending. It is dangerous to use coloured elements underwater as markings in critical procedures. The reason is the human eye colour perception changes with increasing depth.

The use of a coloured hose as a way to determine

When the gas change takes place in very limited

the type of gas can cause considerable doubt exac-

visibility, there is a high risk of making a serious

tly when you need to be sure that you have chosen

mistake, due to the reasons mentioned above.

the right gas. Changing gases underwater is These are the reasons why you

a procedure used by technical

should not use this solution:

divers. Like any other one, it

●● at a greater depth, the co-

should be the simplest possible

lours disappear, so when

and then it is the safest.

changing gas you always need an additional sour-

The gas change moment should

ce of light (apart from the

be based on the depth gauge

natural) to identify the co-

readings and the MOD mar-

lour, and your mainlight is

kings on the cylinder in which

not at hand,

you have previously analysed

●● if before diving the green hose fails and

the gas. The MOD marking is permanent, does not

you use the only spare you have, which is

change during the dive, and the white sticker with

for example blue, then you have an error in

black numbers is large, strongly contrasting and

colours,

visible to both you and your partner, in virtually

●● if on a boat you borrow a spare regulator from

any conditions.

someone, it can have a totally different colo●●

106

ur set,

There are also divers among us who do not distin-

if during a dive you change the regulators on

guish colours. It is worth using procedures that are

the cylinders, then you change the colours.

convenient and safe for all of us.

Nurku!

Nie lekceważ bólu mięśni, stawów i kości.

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