diving
No. 9 3(9)/2020
may/june
Price 7,90 â‚Ź Tax included
freediving
passion
knowledge
indonesia Togians, Gili Trawangan
Queen Anne's Revenge "Wieliczka" Salt Mine 1
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2
3 OPERATING MODES:
the foreword
Wojciech Zgoła
Editor-in-Chief
"Let's spend the time given to us to have the impression that it is flowing, not that it has sailed away." And the diver knows what it means to swim against the tide, in drift and peace. What do we have in the current issue for you? Just click and orient yourself. Indonesia is a huge country. There is a lot of salt water and islands in it. Two completely different looks and two completely different places of paradise. At least those who were there say so. Do you have your opinion? Have you ever been there? Maybe it's time for plans? Mateusz Popek believes that we should enrich the Magazine with the "reviews" heading. Very good idea. See what we have as our first review. Maybe you will write yours about the book you read? (Redakcja@perfectdiver.com) We support activities related to stopping illegal shark finning. We have strong text and photos, and finally QR codes to sign the appropriate petition, if you think it's worth it. We bring pike to you with Agata Turowicz's feather. This is an interesting animal that also flows into the Baltic Sea. I can't write about everything in the editorial, but at the end we have another article by Wojtek A. Filip about aspects related to the proper matching and use of diving equipment. What about this time? Check it out yourself! You click and dive virtually. Safe and interesting. We publish for you, your family and friends. Tell them about Perfect Diver Magazine. The online version is free, but you can help us by donating at least a symbolic zloty (1 euro) . Just click. I invite you cordially!
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
3
ta b l e o f co n t e n t s
10
travels 10
Togians. An almost undiscovered paradise
20
Gili Trawangan
archaeology 26
Queen Anne's Revenge
30
caves 30
"Wieliczka" Salt Mine
planet earth 36
A crocodile without legs
38
Tasza or how to meet a hare underwater
44
Do dolphins save people?
52
A world without sharks?
58
Omnipresent mallards
knowledge 48
EAP – Emergency Assistance Plan. Emergency plans – what is this for?
67
4
Review. Caverns Measureless to Man
46
Publisher perfect diver wojciech zgoła ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com
rookie's eye 64
ISsN 2545-3319
Wetsuit. Selecting the type and size
editor in chief columnist underwater archaeology freediving photographer publicist, photographer english language translators
Wojciech Zgoła Irena Kosowska Mateusz Popek Agnieszka Kalska Jakub Degee Bartosz Pszczółkowski Agnieszka Gumiela-Pająkowska Arleta Kaźmierczak Reddo Translations Sp. z o.o.
legal care graphic design and composition
Adwokat Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak
the magazine was folded with typefaces
Montserrat (Julieta Ulanovsky) Open Sans (Ascender Fonts) Spectral (Production Type)
64 printing
Wieland Drukarnia Cyfrowa, Poznań, www.wieland.com.pl
distribution
tips & curiosities 42
Elegant and practical, Oceanic dive computers
68
Diving setups, part 3. Harness adjustment
dive centers, online store
preorder@perfectdiver.com
68 cover photo
Marcin Trzciński place
"Wieliczka" Salt Mine
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. 3(9)/2020
5
e d i to r i a l t e a m
Wojciech Zgoła
irena kosowska
jakub degee
He often repeats that he travels by diving and that
Regional Manager Divers Alert Network Polska, div-
Polish photographer, winner of awards and dis-
is his motto. In 1985 he obtained a yacht sailor's
ing and first aid instructor, technical diver and
tinctions in world underwater photography com-
license, and only in 2006 began to dive. In the
cave diver. In love with all flooded, dark, cold,
petitions, has already dived all over the world:
following years he improved his skills by obtain-
tight places and invariably from the beginning
with sharks and whales in South Africa, with orcs
ing the Dive Master degree. He completed near-
of the diving route – in the Baltic. Implementing
behind the Arctic Circle, on Galapagos with hun-
ly 650 dives in various climatic conditions. Since
the DAN mission, he conducts a series of lectures
dreds of hammerhead sharks and humpback
2007, he has been taking photographs underwa-
”Dive safely” and Diving Safety Laboratory, so field
whales in the Tonga Islands. He participates in
ter, and since 2008 he has also been filming. As
research of divers for scientific purposes.
specialist photographic workshops. He has been
an independent journalist, he published dozens
diving for 27 years, he started at the age of 12 – as
of articles, mainly in journals dedicated to diving,
soon as it was formally possible. He was the first in
but not only. Co-author of photo exhibitions in
the world to use the Hasselblad X1d-50c camera
Poland and abroad. He is passionate about and
for underwater macro photography. Recently, in
propagator of diving.
the remote Chincorro archipelago on the border
Since 2008 he has been running his own website
between Mexico and Belize, he did it again, tak-
www.dive-adventure.eu. On the basis of extensive
ing a successful attempt to photograph the eye of
experience, in August 2018 he created the new
a crocodile with a macro lens with an additional
Perfect Diver Magazine.
magnifying lens, which is the world's largest photo of the crocodile's eye living in the wild (in terms of pixel count, print size, quality).
Mateusz Popek
Agnieszka kalska
Bartosz Pszczółkowski
”My passion, work and life are under water.” He has
”I can't imagine living without water, where in a free
That's my name and I come from Poznań. I have
been diving since 2009. Since 2008, he's walking
body I experience freedom of the spirit.”
in caves. Underwater archeologist by education. He participated in numerous projects in Poland and abroad. He has been engaged in professional diving since 2011. In 2013 he obtained the qualifications of a 2nd class diver. Has experience in underwater work both at sea and inland. Since
• founder of the first freediving and swimming school in Poland – FREEBODY, • Apnea Academia International and PADI Master Freediver freediving instructor, • world record holder in freediving (DYN 253 m),
been associated with water practically from birth and with diving since I learned to walk. My grandfather instilled my passion for the underwater world, a CMAS*** instructor taking me to the lakes at any free time. I obtained my first qualifications in 1996. A year later I went to Croatia and literally went crazy at the sight of blue wa-
2013 he has been diving in caves, especially in
• record holder and Polish champion, member
ter, octopus and colorful fish;) I bought my first
the mountains, and since 2014 he is a diving in-
of the national team in freediving 2013–2019,
underwater camera – Olympus 5060 and started
• winner of the World Championships in freed-
the adventure with underwater photography.
structor CMAS M1.
iving 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018,
I acquired my diving experience in the Canary
• multimedalist of the Polish Championships
Islands, Sardinia, Norway, Maldives and in Polish
and a member of the national team in swim-
lakes. I am currently a Padi and ESA instructor,
ming in the years 1998–2003,
I train diving enthusiasts in Europe and pass my
• passionate about freediving and swimming.
passion on to others. I invite all lovers of the underwater world and photography to Beediver (FB) – see you soon.
o u r au t h o r s
wojciech a. filip
robert styła
jakub banasiak
Has more than 8000 dives on his account. He has
President of Ocean-Tech Sp. z o. o., IT NAUI, wreck
Diver from 2008. Passionate of the Red Sea and
been diving for over 30 years, including over 20
and cave diver. ”Diving is not just about equip-
pelagic ocean predators. Devoted to the idea of
years as a technical diver. He is a professional
ment. It is also discovering secrets and an opportu-
protecting dolphins, sharks and whales. He dives
with great theoretical and practical knowledge.
nity to reach places that an ordinary mortal has no
mainly where you can meet these animals and
He is an instructor of many federations: GUE
chance to see. Over ten years ago, for this passion,
monitor the level of their well-being. Member of
Instructor Mentor, CMAS**, IANTD nTMX, IDCS
I abandoned the prospering business and founded
Dolphinaria-Free Europe Coalition, volunteer at
PADI, EFR, TMX Gas Blender. He participated in
the company Ocean-Tech, which in fact is an online
Tethys Research Institute and Cetacean Research &
many diving projects and conferences as a leader,
store www.nurkowyswiat.pl”
Rescue Unit, associate of Marine Connection. For
explorer, originator or lecturer. These included
10 years he has been involved in research on wild
the Britannic Expedition 2016, Morpheus Cave
dolphin populations and audits dolphinariums.
Scientific Project on Croatia caves, GROM Expe-
Together with the team ”NO! For the Dolphinarium”
dition in Narvik, Tuna Mine Deep Dive, Glavas
he prevents dolphins from captivity and promotes
Cave in Croatia, NOA-MARINE. Professionally, he
knowledge about dolphin therapy unsaid or con-
is a technical director at TecLine in Scubatech,
cealed by centers which make money on this form
and a director of training at TecLine Academy.
of animal therapy.
sylwia kosmalska-juriewicz
Adrian juriewicz
A traveller and a photographer of wild nature.
A traveler, photographer and the underwater
A graduate of journalism and a lover of good
world filmmaker, an Asian cuisine enthusiast
literature. She lives in harmony with nature,
and a PADI diving instructor. He visited over
promotes a healthy lifestyle: she is a yogini and
70 countries and dived on 5 continents (the
a vegetarian. Also engaged in ecological projects.
other two are planned for next year's expedi-
Sharks and their protection are especially close to
tions). For several years he has also been an
her heart. She writes about the subject in numer-
instructor and trainer of the unmanned aircraft
ous articles and on her blog www.divingandtravel.
flights. A co-author of a travel agency for divers
pl. She began her adventure with diving fifteen
www.dive-away.pl. He documents his expeditions
years ago by total coincidence. Today she is
with photos and descriptions of his journeys on
a Divemaster, she visited over 60 countries and
his blog www.divingandtravel.pl
dived on 5 continents. She invites us for a joint journey with the travel agency www.dive-away.pl, of which she is a co-founder.
o u r au t h o r s
margita ślizowska
Michal Černý
wojciech jarosz
aka "Mermaid". NAUI, EFR (premedical first aid)
"Wet photos" – He has photographed since he
A graduate of two Poznan universities, the Acad-
and DAN oxygen rescue instructor. Actress and
remembers. After several years of experience as
emy of Physical Education (coaching specializa-
singer. Versatile woman.
a diver, he wanted to keep memories of under-
tion – handball) and the University of A.Mickiew-
Diving is her passion and a way to help every
water dives. He bought his first compact camera
icz, Faculty of Biology (specialty of experimental
person with whom she works above and below
with an underwater housing. Over time, howev-
biology). He connected his professional life with
water. In her opinion, diving is not only exploring
er, the desire to have the best photo began to
this first university trying to influence the direc-
the underwater world. It is also getting to know
dominate, which was not quite possible with the
tion of development of future professionals on
and integrating with your own "I", building trust
compact he used. That's why he switched to the
the one hand, and on the other planning and
in yourself and a way to develop the skills neces-
Olympus PEN E-PL 5 reflex camera, which al-
implementing research, pushing laboriously in
sary to overcome all life problems. Specialist for
lows the use of several different lenses. He uses
the right direction of the stroller called science.
"difficult" students and children.
a combination of underwater flashes and lights.
In his free time he spends his time actively – his
Owner of XDIVERS – Your Diving School. Trimix,
He focuses on wildlife photography, not arrange-
main passions are sailing (sea helmsman), skiing
cave and gas blender diver. Her biggest underwa-
ment. He photographs in fresh domestic waters
(downhill skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle,
ter love are caves, and diving priority – SAFETY.
as well as in the seas and oceans of the world.
recreational diving and many other activities, as
margita@xdivers.pl
He has already won numerous awards at Czech
well as photography, mainly nature.
and foreign photography competitions. More photos can be found on his website, where you can also buy them not only as photos, but also as photos printed on canvas or on another medium. www.mokrefotky.cz https://www.facebook.com/MichalCernyPhotography https://www.instagram.com/michalcerny_photography/
marcin trzciński
agata turowicz
A graduate of the University of Warsaw. An
Since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming
underwater photographer and filmmaker, has
a marine biologist and I managed to fulfill that
been diving since 1995. A co-operator at the
dream. I did a degree in oceanography, where
Department of Underwater Archeology at the
I recently started my doctoral studies. My diving
University of Warsaw. He publishes in diving
adventure began when I was 12 years old. I love
magazines in Poland and abroad. The owner of
observing the underwater life up close and I try
the FotoPodwodna company which is the Polish
to show other divers how fascinating the under-
representative of Ikelite, Nauticam, Inon, ScubaL-
water, Baltic creatures are.
amp companies. www.fotopodwodna.pl, m.trzcinski@fotopodwodna.pl
t r av e l s
Togians an almost undiscovered paradise Text and photos Michal ČernÝ
10
travels
Una Una Waleakodi Malenge
Waleabahi
Togian Talatakoh Batudaka
celebes
W
hen we say Togian, probably not many people will know what we are talking about. When we say Su-
lawesi, most will probably know. When we answer Indonesia, almost everyone will know. Yes, the Togian Islands are part of the Indonesian Central Sulawesi, the island of Sulawesi. However, tourism and diving have not yet settled here on a massive scale, thanks to which there is wonderful peace. I dived in Togian three times, made about 80 dives, and I have never met any other diver here than our group. But this idyll will definitely not last forever... Geography The Togian Islands lie just below the equator in the Gulf of Tomini and are protected on three sides by the island of Sulawesi, making the sea very calm and the waves are rare.
route: by plane through Dubai to Jakarta (approx. 18 hours),
There are no periods of rain and drought. They are therefore
then a flight to Gorontal with a stop in Makassar (approx.
suitable for visits and diving at almost any time of the year.
5 hours), then a car ride to Marisa port (approx. 4 hours)
The archipelago consists of 7 larger islands (UnaUna (active
and finally a boat to Togian. You can use the public ferry,
volcano), Batuda, Togian, Talatakoh, Malenge, Waleakodi,
which runs about twice a week, but its timetable changes
Waleabahi) and 49 other smaller islands and islets. Only
very often. If you plan a trip several months in advance, you
about 25,000 people live here, mostly Muslims. Whole islands
can not rely on the timetable, it is better to rent a private
have been recognized as a nature reserve, but the locals do
boat (4–8 hours depending on the type and ship condition).
not look at it this way yet. Fishing is their main source of live-
If you add a few breaks between flights and accommodation
lihood and, unfortunately, you can still fish with dynamite (we
in Jakarta or Gorontal, these three days will come out.
heard it underwater several times), and even using cyanide.
In 2017, a new airport in Ampana was completed and launched, which will significantly shorten the trip to Togian,
Road
but so far only one airline flies here and only twice a week.
The main reason for the low number of divers and tour-
I admit, however, that the long journey is definitely worth the
ists is the transport accessibility of these islands. Traveling
peace and quiet that prevail on the islands and undisturbed
from Europe takes almost three days. We chose the following
diving, where you have your own coral reefs.
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
11
the next day a supply ship brings it to you. Meals are always cooked directly at the resort, and the food is more than great, everything is fresh. There is no centrally installed electricity. The resorts usually use generators and only for a few hours in the evening so that tourists can charge their cameras, lighting and hit their bungalows. There is no frozen food. Every morning, a boat leaves the resort and brings fresh fish or squid, which is processed and served immediately. As the appetizer you get vegetables and, of course, rice. Everything natural, without preservatives and other chemicals that we eat in Europe almost every day. Of course, there is also a lot of fresh fruit. If, for example, you fancy a coconut, you just ask a local and he climbs the palm for you and gets one. Always after returning home I remember this delicious food with a tear in my eye for a long time. On the islands, you won't find an ATM or payment terminal, so you need to get enough cash in the local currency (Indonesian Rupiah) earlier. It is worth remembering that dollars and euros cannot be exchanged here at all. There is no internet access and there is usually no signal for mobile phones, it is amazing relaxation when you use the phone only as an alarm clock throughout your stay and you do not mind the continuous "sound" of your own phone. Diving Togian is said to be the only place in the world where you can dive on the atoll and coral reef in one place. You don't often see big fish here, but there is definitely something to look at. The variety of species is unbelievable. Several endemic species have been discovered here. If you look closely, you will find several species of nudibranch during each dive. I personally saw at least 30 here. Of course, there is an inexhaustible number of small coral fish, many different species Accommodation There are no large hotels on the islands, you only live in
12
of stingrays, clowns. There are snappers, sea urchins, batfish, scrollfish, flatfish and other.
small resorts that are directly on the beach, so the environ-
We can also come across sea snakes and eels, and those
ment and views are like paradise. There are only 14 resorts
with trained eyesight will also find camouflaged flounder.
on all islands and more are being built. Diving centers are
From the holes in the cliff walls, various species of moray,
probably available only in four resorts. We used those on the
crawfish peep at us, and especially at night, many shrimp and
islands of Waleakodi, Malenge and UnaUna. Most resorts of-
crabs. Cephalopods are also widely represented here. Due to
fer modest accommodation, mainly in cabins for two, which
their lifestyle, it is best to watch them during night dives. The
are equipped with a bed with mosquito net, small wardrobe,
squid has found that the lights of our cameras dazzle small
"Turkish" toilet and "Indonesian" shower (large container
fish that can then be caught more easily. Large cuttlefish
with fresh water). The more luxurious bungalows have a Eu-
grow to considerable sizes, and I met a squid at homereef,
ropean toilet and a "normal" shower with flowing water. Do
the smallest and most venomous, ringed squid.
you need something more? In my opinion no. There are no
The reefs are covered with numerous soft and hard cor-
shops, restaurants or entertainment venues. If you want to
als, while table corals and gorgonias have a diameter of sev-
buy something, you usually order directly at the center, and
eral meters.
travels
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
13
Diving in the place where dynamite was used for fishing is also very interesting. Stripes of intouched reef alternate with strips of completely destroyed corals. Fortunately, we find new life in them. From the Waleakodi and Malenga islands, we often sail to one of the reefs, north of the islands. These reefs have no names but are simply numbered as reefs I-VI. Here there are both shallow coral gardens and steep walls falling to a depth of about 45 meters. Larger fish can be found here, especially blackfin sharks. From other animals we often encountered rays and venomous sea snakes. Diving on the island of UnaUna is also interesting. It is located a bit further from other islands. The most interesting is the place called Apollo. Barracuda accumulate here, forming a flock of several thousand and circling at a depth of 45 to 20 meters. Diving in this flock is one of my greatest diving experiences. How do the locals dive? They've been doing it for years, but a little differently than what we're used to. They have a small compressor placed on a wooden boat, a hose attached to it, which the diver
14
travels
attaches to the neck, and pushes the tip into the mouth. The
to the crew, which was taken about 1.5 hours after the emer-
air is saturated with vapors because it does not pass through
gency landing. At that time, the plane was still afloat.
any filters. Why are they diving like this? Of course, to earn.
After many years, you can still see which engine had
At a depth of 40 to 60 meters, they collect sea cucumbers,
a malfunction, because the propellers that were spinning
which then go through China to traders. None of the divers
broke off in contact with the water surface. The wreck is very
could tell me what the Chinese were doing with them. In fact,
well preserved, you can easily get to the hull, where some
they don't even care. It is important that they pay very well as
control rods are still extended and most of the clocks are
for local conditions. Such a diver is able to earn more during
located in the cockpit. There are also minuses. Unfortunately,
the day than others during the month. However, this work
the wreck lies near the mangroves, so visibility is usually not
is very dangerous, because from a depth of 40-60 meters
very good.
they go straight to the surface, without any decompression stops, and at this depth they are long. When they appear,
Jellyfish Lake
they do not feel very well, they usually have to go to sleep
The most famous sea lake with jellyfish is certainly in Pa-
for several hours. Some become paralyzed, while others pay
lau. As it turns out, it is not the only one! Another, less known,
the highest price.
is located in Togian. It was discovered only a few years ago, despite the fact that it is located just a few meters from the
B-24 Liberator
sea and one of the most beautiful beaches in Togian (Karina
If cliff diving is not enough and you like wrecks, you've
beach). Two species of jellyfish live here, with gold jellyfish
come to the right place. In the south of Togian Island, at
being more common. This is not a "jellyfish soup" as in Palau,
a depth of about 22 meters, lies the wreck of the B-24 Liber-
but still meeting them is an unforgettable experience.
ator, from World War II. The plane forcibly landed here after
Not only jellyfish live in the lake, there are also catfish,
the engine failure on May 3, 1945. Nothing serious happened
coilfish and igling. There is no possibility of scuba diving. Only
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
15
16
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
17
18
- 30% na wybrane bojki HALCYON
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snorkling without fins is allowed to avoid damaging the delicate jellyfish. The lake is still freely accessible (no fee). It is not known how long, because local authorities have invested and since last year two new piers have been built, one at the sea and one on the lake. An access road was invested and construction of the building started. In the future, you can probably expect that the entrance will be paid. On land On the island of Malenge you can visit the large bat cave, which is located a few hundred meters from the coast in the jungle. Everyone who returns from it smells “beautifully”. An interesting inhabitant of the islands is the palm crab, which is the largest ground crustacean, with a span of up to 2 meters. Because it has very tasty meat, it was often hunted. Today it is protected, and locals like to observe it from hidden. Locals can set up a hideout so you can see it, but you still need luck. A visit to the Gypsy sea settlement connected with the larger island by a 2.5 km bridge is also an experience. Originally it was entirely wooden. Apparently in 2014, when it was carrying the weight of a 100-kilo European, it could not bear it. Locals have found that wood is probably not the best material for tourism development. Thus, in the second half of 2014, local authorities built a new, mainly concrete bridge that could withstand the weight of "normal" people. Locals should be really grateful to me ;)
Donatello
nurkowanie | freediving.
Sprawdź pełną ofertę na: www.sklep.ocean-tech.pl
Ocean-Tech Sp. z o.o. Kaszubska Droga13 80-209 CHWASZCZYNO
t r av e l s
Gili Trawangan Text sylwia kosmalska-juriewicz
Photos Adrian juriewicz
What connects people around the world is the need to feel happiness and joy. Happiness is nothing but being grateful. A grateful man is one who loves life, appreciates and can enjoy small things.
"Feeling gratitude allows you to grow and develop. Gratitude brings joy and a smile in your life and the lives of those around you" – Eileen Caddy.
O
n April 5, I participated in a global meditation for healing our planet, animals and people. At the same
time, millions of people meditated all over the world. Collective meditations can do a lot good, as confirmed by scientists.
20
travels
Gili Air
Gili Trawangan
Gili Meno
Bali Lombok
meditation was not for me and I should come to terms with it. However, I remember exactly when everything changed and I finally reached a state of deep relaxation. It had nothing in common with the lotus position or stillness that I had tried to practice until then. It was the day I started diving... I did not immediately understand this, as a beginner diver I was more focused on myself and diving equipment than on what was happening around me and inside me. Over time, when I gained experience, the big blue consumed me completely and I do not mean deep depths because I am a recreational diver. It is under the water surface I understood what it means to control my own mind breathing and focusing on what is happening here and now. That feeling was so poignant and beautiful that I wanted to experience it also on the surface. My imagination helped me, thanks to it I was able to meditate at a place where I felt happy, once it was the tiny island of Yeben on Raja Ampat, and other times the ocean floor. I imagined that I was lying on the beach and around me there is a powerful silence, but not complete, because I heard the sounds of nature, birds and waves overflowing on the water surface. And although I felt what was happening around me, I was not in the center of events, I focused on my breath, I listened to its sound. Each of us is accustomed to acting, thinking and living on the run, but the essence of At the beginning, the meditation was very difficult for
man is not action but existence. The present moment is the
me, while others sat in a lotus position, focused on their
most important moment in our lives, we should enjoy it,
own breath, relaxed, I was lost somewhere in my mind and
each of the moments separately, as they flow through our
I looked surreptitiously at my watch... it was horrible, only
lives. We have to sit in a lotus position to start meditating.
two minutes passed. My thoughts run all the time instead of
We can comfortably sit down, lie on a mat, find the best
focusing on "here and now". I was thinking about a million
position and remain in it focusing on the sound of your own
things which sprang up like mushrooms in my head. I did not
breath...
understand how you can keep one position without moving
I am writing these words at the time when the world has
and "think" about nothing. At some point I even found that
been "stopped" for a moment, and so have been the people.
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
21
Our current, broadly understood possibilities of movement
ing on the place where I am at a given moment. Now I am
have been called into question. Something that was natural
on Gili where SUP yoga is very popular (yoga practiced on
so far, such as travelling by plane, has been taken away from
a paddleboard). Such yoga not only teaches discipline and
us .. at least for a while. We can… sit down and get angry at
strengthens the muscles in our body, but also improves con-
the situation or take advantage of this time as best we can.
centration, especially focuses our attention on maintaining
Memories – in the time of so many restrictions that have
balance, one uncoordinated movement and you fall into the
been imposed on us, are our window to the world. I recall
water – you start laughing and lose your strength to get back
those from the remotest corners of the world, from places
on the board... it is also great fun.
where I felt really happy.
it is larger than its two sister islands Gili Air and Gili Meno. It
is facing the rising sun, I feel warm sand under my feet and
is also the most popular one among tourists. You can get to
warm rays on my face. There is a smell of flowers, ocean and
the island on a fast boat, the journey from Bali takes 2.5 to
coffee in the air. It is a sign that the island also comes to life.
3 hours depending on the sea conditions. The eastern part
I look around and see people who like it as well. I have come
of the island is the most developed, there is a small port to
to the beach to watch the sunrise. Some meditate in a lotus
which boats with tourists and goods arrive. Almost all food
position, others look ahead and enjoy the present moment,
products and fresh water must be delivered to the island
yet others have just got up because they have slept on the
of Bali or Lobok, a 10-minute away off Gili. In the central
beach... This is what the life on the island of Gili Trawangan
part of the islands grow coconut palms, there also live local
looks like, on one of three small islets located on the Bali-
residents who sell coconut oils in small glass bottles, mostly
nese Sea in Indonesia.
in the used Red Bull ones. Today it is difficult to imagine, but
The morning rituals are extremely important to me, they bring into a new day. Of course, they change depend-
22
The island of Trawangan is only 3 km long and 2 km wide,
That is why today I am standing on a beach and my face
once the island was covered by a dense forest and deer lived here and took sea swims.
travels
The life of Gili Trwangan focuses on the beach, which is extremely beautiful, long, wide with white coral sand. This is where tourists gather and the best events take place. Along the shoreline are also most restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops to which we enter without shoes so as not to put sand inside. There is also a mosque from which several times a day you can hear prayers. A little further away are diving centers, more and less luxurious hotels and guest houses. The island is largely visited by backpackers, tempt-
that people returning from parties in the morning very often
ed by a "relaxed" climate. Local restaurants and bars not
get on bikes that are not theirs and they return to hotels.
only offer drinks and tasty meals, but also encourage you
The next day the owners of rental companies are looking for
to try local specialties: hallucinogenic mushrooms, which
bikes all over the island...
after ingestion can induce visual hallucinations and more.
Not only tourists feel good on Gili Trawangan, but also lo-
During walks on the beach you can come across tourists
cal cats. They are distinguished by a beautiful red color, but
dancing in the sea or on the sand, smiling at each other and
also unusual tails. They look like someone cut them, they are
immersed in their own world. Though the Indonesian drug
bent, twisted, short and stunted. Animals are born with such
laws are very strict and categorically forbid both possession
a genetic mutation. There are many cats on the island, most
and consumption of any stimulants, on the island you can
of them have houses and their carers, but there are also a lot
buy hallucinogenic mushrooms without a problem, there
of homeless animals. That
are widely available and advertised.
is why in 2013 a special or-
You can get around Gili Trawangan on foot, by bike or on
ganisation called Cats of Gili
horseback with a carriage named cidomo. The horses are
was established, whose job
small, they look like grown ponies. They pull the carriage
is to provide cats with med-
with extra kilos suitcases and tourists with great effort. No
ical care as well taking care
motor vehicles are allowed on the island. Bikes can be rent-
of their food. Cats lead an is-
ed anywhere in a better or worse condition, we will also get
land, lazy lifestyle, they rest
an anti-theft cable. And here a question immediately arises:
for hours on the beach in
Who would want to steal a bike on such a small island, which
the shade of trees, and in lo-
you can visit on a bike in less than two hours? It turns out
cal restaurants ask for food.
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
23
24
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Dives off the coast of the Gili Islands are not the most beautiful, many people can feel disappointed, after being tempted to dive by the beautiful views of the surface. Once nearby, the reefs were teeming with life, they were beautiful and colourful and healthy. Today, their fossilised remains are washed ashore. Climate warming, combined with the destructive activities of people have contributed to their dying. People hurted the reefs most when they tried to maximise their catches by using homemade bombs and the cyanide. These two methods not only killed fish, but also irreversibly damaged the coral reef and sea habitats. Today, this type of practice is prohibited, but unfortunately you cannot undo the events of the past. You can only try to fix what is destroyed, where possible. In 2020 the Organisation Gili Eco Trust was established, which aims to protect the coral reefs and marine life. From the moment the organisation was established, the situation began to improve slightly, first of all it focused on education, that is why the locals were involved to protect the marine habitats. The reef was planted. GET expanded its activities by many other projects, such as sustainable tourism, recycling, garbage selection, which began to bring noticeable results. Dives off the coast of the Gili Islands, despite the destroyed reefs, is still very popular among tourists. They usually choose one or two dive days. The diving season lasts almost all year. During diving you can come across a large group of turtles that swim near the shore in search of seagrass. On the island there is a warm, tropical climate with dry (May-October) and rainy season (November – April). Currently, the climate has changed all over the world, therefore I would not be attached to the above division. And although I imagined this place differently when it was only in the sphere of my dreams, I have fallen in love with it including all its imperfections.
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
25
a r c h a e o l og y
Queen Anne's Revenge
Text Mateusz Popek
Photos wikimedia commons open access
Model of the pirate ship Queen Anne's Revenge, NC Museum of History
A sunny day on the Caribbean Sea. An English ship pushed by the wind in the beautiful sun heads west. Seafarers' thoughts are already in port pubs where they will be able to drink their hard-earned money. This calm picture interrupts the appearance of a fast approaching ship on the horizon. The
"For Edw ard Tea ch, com monly c alled Ca ptain Te or Black ach beard – 100 pou for every nds; other co m m a n of a pira der te ship, pole or – 40 pou brig nds " – a fragme of the A nt ct to en courage the captu re and k illing of pirates 1718
captain pulls his pale face away from the telescope and one sentence comes out of his trembling lips: the black flag...
26
Pirate... no other word like that stim-
all. However, it's true... they existed. An-
tens of thousands of lives and stories.
ulates the imagination. Thousands of
cient chroniclers are already mention-
Which diver would not like to find the
books and movies have been created
ing pirates prowling the Mediterranean.
pirate wreck, discovering its history.
about pirates. They are so rooted in
Piracy is a very old profession that still
The most famous pirates were
art and pop culture that sometimes it
exists today. Lots of pirate ships sank
those prowling the Caribbean. Their
is hard to believe that they existed at
for thousands of years, and the sea took
adventures have inspired many stories.
archaeology
Blackbeard the Pirate, A General History of the Pirates, 1725 r.
Queen Anne's Revenge, 1735 r.
Among them, the celebrity Blackbeard
in his bootlegs. During the boarding,
He was equally aggressive at the bot-
was terrifying. He had a short but tur-
he put under his hat or, as some say,
tle and in battle. To which he actually
bulent career. But what does his char-
entangled in his beard lighted fuses,
went drunk and often stoned. He treat-
acter have to do with Queen Anna and
which gave him devilish tinsel by burn-
ed prisoners cruelly, often cutting their
archeology? Lots of. but let's start from
ing and smoking.
fingers with rings instead of taking them
the beginning...
Blackbeard was an admirer of wom-
off. He was so addicted to drugs that he
Blackbeard's story began in Bristol,
en. During his life he had 16 wives. His
once blocked the port of Charleston,
England, where Edward Teach was
first officer gave him weddings and
and as a ransom he demanded lauda-
born around 1675. As a young man,
divorces. He treated most of his wives
num, which he claimed helped him con-
he joined the pirate crew of Benjamin
brutally, sometimes giving away to his
trol his internal anger.
Horingold, with whom he learned the
companions. However, one of them
profession. Teach was a tall, big peas-
Anna Blythe, made a career with her
ant with a huge black beard, which
husband, learning pirate profession. As
he braided. It was thanks to it that he
a gift from her husband, she got a ship
received his nickname: Blackbeard.
and moved "on her own". Teach was
There are speculations that he was
a drunkard, and when he drank, he be-
sherry – 1 quarter
mentally ill which would explain certain
came very aggressive. Libations often
opium – 2 oz
behaviors, or maybe he was simply ec-
ended in gunfire and even death of its
saffron – 1 oz
centric. His clothes were very charac-
crew. Everyone was afraid of him and
cinnamon – 1 oz. powder
teristic. He carried three pairs of pistols
maybe that's why he was able to main-
cloves – 1 oz. powder
with him, and he had countless knives
tain discipline.
stir and cook slowly in a wa-
recipe for laudanum
ter bath for 2–3 days
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
27
The Capture of the Pirate Blackbeard 1718, Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1920
In 1997, scientists from North Carolina began regular excavations that lasted until 2015. During these years they have excavated hundreds of thousands of artifacts. Among others, 250,000 lead missiles, 24 guns and two anchors.
28
9 ships, but unfortunately ran aground
movement confirmed the pirates that
his ship blocking the port entrance. To
they had killed everyone. At this point,
reduce immersion, the crew threw out
English sailors jumped out from under
water and food, leaving behind loot.
the deck and defeated the pirates in
These actions were successful and the
a short but fierce battle. Blackbeard
ship managed to get into deep water
reportedly suffered 25 wounds before
and set off.
he fell. One of the Englishmen jumped
This impudent action caused a firm
to Teach and cut his throat, and Lieu-
reaction, and behind Blackbeard two
tenant Maynard shot the pirate in the
Royal Navy ships were sent under the
face. The head of one of the most fa-
command of Lieutenant Robert May-
mous pirates hung on the rei of an
nard. There was a clash in Beufort
English ship, and his body was thrown
Bay off the shores of North Carolina.
into the sea. And so ended the short,
In 1713, Edward Teach captured
Blackbeard who wanted to escape ran
but turbulent career of Blackbeard,
a 40-gun French ship, which he changed
aground again. Maynard decided not
who in only a few years robbed 50 ships
its name to Queen Anne’s Revenge.
to let him go and get the pirate at all
and dozens of coastal settlements. His
From then on, it was the flagship of
costs. He told the crew to throw sup-
life was so turbulent that he settled
his pirate fleet. Then, for the next five
plies overboard to reduce the draft and
permanently in pirate legends.
years, he terrorized the sea from North
get close to Queen Anne's Revenge.
It's November 21, 1996, almost
Carolina to Guyana, robbing and col-
Blackbeard's crew began with a cannon
278 years after Blackbeard's death, ar-
lecting tribute. In 1717, the port of Bath
salvo, which made huge losses to the
chaeologists search the shallows of Beu-
in North Carolina became Blackbeard's
English crew. Maynard hid his sailors
fort Bay. That day they manage to find
base. From there, pirates went out and
under the deck and ordered to get to
a cluster of very interesting concretions.
plundered expeditions. This year, at
the pirate ship. The English ship was
When the first underwater archaeolo-
the port of Charleston, he plundered
thrown with grenades and the lack of
gists descend to check what objects are
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Woodcut from 1734 depicting Blackbeard
TM
SPECJALNA OFERTA w SKLEPIE STACJONARNYM Blackbeard head bow, illustration from The Pirates Own Book, 1837
found, it turns out that the shapeless concretions contain cannons that lie on the wreckage of the ship. In 1997, scientists from North Carolina began regular excavations that lasted until 2015. During these years they have excavated hun-
na produkty SANTI
nurkowyswiat.pl
dreds of thousands of artifacts. Among others, 250,000 lead missiles, 24 guns and two anchors. In addition, the ship's bell and a lot of personal and everyday items. By analyzing these objects and where they were found, the researchers found that they had found the shipwreck of Queen Anne's Revenge, which was the scene of Blackbeard's last moments. The monuments went to the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, where they can be admired. In this way, Blackbeard's story came full circle. From England, across the Caribbean Sea, to the North Carolina Museum and on TV screens. He probably did not think that almost 300 years after his death they would tell about him that he would become one of the characters in the film Pirates of the Caribbean. Was that his goal? To be remembered? Or maybe he was driven by more hedonistic motives, like quick money, rum and women, and he went down in history quite by accident? Unfortunately, we will not know the answers to these questions, because only he could answer them.
OCEAN-TECH
Kaszubska Droga 13 80 -209 CHWASZCZYNO
c av e s
“Wieliczka” Salt Mine Text and photos Marcin Trzciński
30
caves
My April was somewhat different in terms of diving and I guess it was also the case with many of you. First, together with Mark Eyllatt, I went searching for the wreck of HMS Victoria* off the coast of Lebanon; then I joined Sheck Exley to start exploring the dark pits in Florida.** At least it wasn’t rocking that much there.
I was sure it wouldn’t, as Sheck hated the bobbing too. So when the telephone rang, I put my book away rather reluctantly. After all, how interesting could it be, since we’re all stuck at home? It was Wojtek, I mean the editor-in-chief, to remind me it’s time to submit something for the next issue. Right. I’ve been pondering this for some time now and since I knew a thing or two about underground caves, I somehow focused on this topic. And I came to the conclusion that
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
31
Wieliczka would be the most interesting one. No cave diving
colleagues displayed a more restrained and scientific ap-
there, that’s for sure. Come on – these were open waters,
proach. So, first things first – a decent breakfast. Scrambled
except that they were over 100 meters below ground. It
eggs, frankfurters, tomatoes with onion, pickled cucumbers
came up totally by chance, when, after giving an underwater
and almost fresh bread. Did I mention cottage cheese, egg
archeology class, a student, Maciek, approached me, offer-
spread and cold meat? Say what you want, we didn’t go
ing me to take part in diving in Wieliczka’s Komora Barącza
underground starving. But our overloaded bellies made it
(Barącz Chamber). Well, I took quite a while (some 2 sec-
a bit difficult to shovel the ton of equipment we had to take
onds) to think, so that it wouldn’t look like I cared so much,
down with us. Loading and unloading the elevators was not
and nodded restrainedly.
the real problem; but personating Merle Travis’s “Sixteen
The snow storm hit us already before Częstochowa, with
Tons” song protagonist by pulling the overloaded cart up
heavy snowflakes pouring from the heavens making the
the walkway, was far from fun. Only at the beginning did
drive almost impossible. Everyone and their grandmothers
our gasping and comments drown in the horrible creaks
were crawling at 30 km/h. It was only once we passed Cra-
of the overburdened axles. With every meter, our swear-
cow that the sky cleared enough that upon my arrival at the
ing combos grew more and more robust, up to the point
mine I was greeted by a beautiful white powder, sparkling in
where their floridness and expressiveness outperformed
the light of the lanterns, and ever lower temperatures. The
the cart’s noise.
rest of the team hadn’t arrived yet – they were still crawling through the barely passable roads.
32
Sitting at 101 meters below ground, the Barącza Chamber has a certain magic aura to it. Imagine a dark exploita-
From the morning on, I was squirming like a young terrier
tion hollow, illuminated by nothing except scarce floodlights,
in anticipation of the promised fun. Luckily, my more expert
with wooden balconies spanning up the walls, barely visible
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
33
34
in the darkness. The bottom of the chamber was filled with
I would probably do that too, if it hadn’t been for the next
light green water, glittering in the gleam of the floodlights.
school trip entering the cavern at that very moment. Making
Actually not water but rather a saturated saline solution,
a scene when the kids were watching was not my thing, so
unable to dissolve another grain of salt – not even a tiniest
I made my way towards the deeper waters, reeling around
one. As a consequence, evaporating water caused particles
like Bruce Willis saving the world with a last-ditch effort.
to precipitate and fall to the bottom of the lake, reminiscent
Only when I disappeared under the surface, was I able
of white “snow”. This also increased buoyancy spectacularly,
to catch a breath. I descended slowly along the vertical wall
which meant that we had to compensate for it with addition-
towards the perfectly visible lake bed five meters below,
al lead weights. Not an easy task in my case, as while gearing
watching the small hexagonal crystals that covered every
up I had to cram 47 kilograms somewhere! Once you try to
inch of rock. They were completely green and only after il-
stuff so many pieces of metal into your own gear – you’ll un-
luminating them with a powerful flashlight did they take on
derstand my problem. An even bigger problem was putting
an intense white color, looking eerily similar to gemstones.
the rig on and reaching the water. The descent led through
I stopped one meter above the bottom, staring at the salt
a small flap in a wooden platform, with three small and steep
deposits that took the most fantastical shapes and covered
stairs below leading to a stone and salt rock. First, we ap-
all the waste that had been thrown into the water over the
pointed a “volunteer” to storm that beachhead and then
decades. One has to say, nature did just fine with covering
we started throwing down all our previously collected load,
up mining anchors, rods, connection boxes, paving bricks
while listening to the noises made by Maciek, who tried to
and some other “contraptions” with a think cover of salt crys-
catch it all. Things were supposed to get easier after this...
tals. It looked like taken from a fairy tale and in a strange
well, they didn’t – after I put on the jacket with all the ad-
twist of fate I found myself in a true treasure trove. Literally,
ditional weight, I was ready to call the whole thing off. And
as salt lumps were covered with smaller and larger coins
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as far as the eye could see. Tens, hundreds, thousands... Some of these could still be used as currency and others were so eroded by salt and time that it was impossible to decipher their nominal value or country of origin. I swam around above the bottom for some time, taking in the remarkable sight of the underwater kingdom, and then Mariusz and me got down to work. The task was simple – pull out all this mess to the surface, leaving only the coins. The magic was gone in no time, like someone flipped a switch. Visibility dropped to zero and yanking four-meter anchors from the bed turned out to be much more difficult than we initially thought... * Mark Ellyat, Ocean Gladiator, Wielki Błękit, 2009 ** Sheck Exley, Caverns measureless to man, Mayfly, 2009
planet earth
A crocodile without legs Text agata turowicz
Photos wojciech zgoła
of food per kilogram of weight gain!
Most often it can be found between dense underwater thickets, motionless, perfectly hanging in the depths, seems to be invisible among the green-brown stalks
Thanks to the amazing jaw structure, in which there are several hundred small teeth and which is very large, pike can eat fish of their dimensions. In addition,
of narrow-leaved truncheons. Pike - because we're
all the teeth are arranged from the in-
talking about it - is waiting patiently in this way.
side, which means that the victims of pike have little chance of getting out of their jaws. The large snout and wolf ap-
36
Certainly most divers have already
Usually reaches a length of 1.5 meters
petite mean that cannibalism is very of-
met pike on their underwater road. It is
and a weight of 10 kg. Meeting a larger
ten observed in this species. No self-re-
a typically lake species, spending most
individual is a real feat. It is treated as
specting pike will despise a handsome
of its time in shallow waters hidden
a long-lived fish because it can survive
cousin of the same species.
among vegetation. Its specific coloration
up to 7 years.
By some people, pike is called a croc-
makes it often invisible. The light green
Pike are considered one of the most
odile without legs, because it spends all
color and dark spots on the body allow
voracious species of fish. It is said that
day calmly waiting for its prey. However,
it to blend into the underwater thickets.
adolescents need to eat up to 4 to 6 kg
when the prey appears on the horizon
planet earth
quickly and like a torpedo moves to at-
to come across these largest individuals
far the greatest. Interestingly, some-
tack. Just one wave of the tail fin allows
is to go on a night dive. Then the chanc-
times pikes also flow into the waters of
it to achieve acceleration of up to 50 m /
es of admiring this majestic fish are by
the Baltic Sea.
s2 ! Rapid pushing of water from the gill cavity also helps in achieving high speed in a short time. Pike can sometimes be very aggressive and not so difficult to provoke. An upset pike can start attacking everything within its reach. Sometimes he chases a diver who is too insistent. There are, however, days when pikes indulge in blissful laziness. Then instead of patiently waiting for the best victim, it is content with what is flowing past him. It is also a great opportunity for divers to be able to watch it carefully. The most active pikes can be found at dusk or dawn, so the best opportunity
37
planet earth
tasza Or how to meet a hare underwater Text and photos bartek pszczółkowski
Tasza – name:
38
Latin:
Cyclopterus Lumpus
English:
Lumpsucker/ Lump fish
German:
Seehase
Czech:
Hranáč šedý
French:
Lompe/ Lump
planet earth
D
iving in the cold waters of one of the largest, deepest
usually appear in spring in the shallows, between stones,
fiords in the world – Sognefjord – I met an amazing ani-
when lump fish comes from the depths of the open sea
mal. I do not know, hare or fish? Glued to the rock ground very
or ocean.
solidly, like a sucker, watching its spawn placed on the rock.
In this relationship, the male behaves amazingly. Brown
Lumpsucker or lump fish of the the Scorpaeniformes is
stained with a red and orange belly, it spends all his time
the only representative of the species Cyclopterus. It occurs
watching the eggs like a guard. He can hold on to the ground
in the North Atlantic, from the north coast of Portugal to
thanks to the flat structure of the abdomen and fins trans-
the White Sea, it can also be found in the Baltic. To be hon-
formed into a suction cup. Sometimes at low tide, there is so
est, I got a little scared of this animal, because while I was
little water that the male protects the roe with its own body,
passing by, the fish did not even move. The stocky body,
becoming a bite for birds and exposing itself to drying. Just
3 rows of appendages on each side of the body, replacing
wait for the tide. There are places in the world where the
the scales, give it a powerful look. It is not surprising that,
spawn of the sea hare, or lump fish, is a delicacy. Its meat is
although it is naturally ugly, you can observe in it a very in-
also edible, however, it is said that only the male one.
teresting behaviour.
The Danish "Limfjord" caviar is actually lump fish's roe
The female is usually greenish and larger than the male.
dyed black to resemble sturgeon caviar. In Norway, Great
It lays up to four hundred thousand eggs in packages. Eggs
Britain and Ireland, lump fish's eggs, just like the fish that
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
39
40
Feb. 13th
Feb. 24th
Feb. 28th
Mar. 3rd
Mar. 6th
Mar. 8th
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The Danish "Limfjord" caviar is actually lump fish's roe dyed black to resemble sturgeon caviar.
produces them, are underestimated and even treated by fishermen as useless in industry and gastronomy. Lump fish is friendly and often allows divers to get close, thanks to these features I was able to take a picture of one "daddy" while taking care of the eggs :) This fish is a popular and appreciated guest on salmon farms due to its weakness for salmon lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis, and this is a common parasite that is getting under many marine animals' skin, literally and figuratively. Sea fauna has always amazed me and aroused my interest. With every dive I try to observe the underwater environment because I know that it has many secrets waiting for me to discover it. Secrets like the lump fish described above, which I observed for two months, captuing the development of tadpoles in eggs. From the bubble on February 3 to the moving eyes almost ready to hatch. This is what I love the most in diving, the unknown that waits for me underwater and always surprises.
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
41
sponsored article
Elegant and practical
Photo Martin Strmiska
These are exactly the words to use when talking about Oceanic dive computers. why?
Mostly because they are simple to use and
erLog app (available in Polish) via the com-
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Once you’ve safely emerged from your
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42
The new model also sports the ever more
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their signature.
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But wait, there’s more! Oceanic’s proprietary Dual Algorithm™ technology lets you choose the decompression algorithm that best suits your diving needs without compromising safety. You can choose between Pelagic DSAT or Pelagic Z+. Did you know: When diving at higher altitudes, between 610 and 4200 meters, the computer automatically adjusts to these conditions.
You won’t believe how affordable this model is! Veo 4.0 comes in two colors and costs PLN 1375.00 Photo Martin Strmiska
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planet earth
Do dolphins save people? Text and photos jakub banasiak
44
planet earth
We want to believe that dolphins are people's friends, that we have our defenders in the big blue, and when they accompany us in water, nothing threatens us.
D
uring a diving trip to Socorro, after one of the morning
and sea predators. I wondered if there would be any interac-
dives, we took with us ABC equipment and went on a zo-
tion between the two species. Every now and then I looked
diac to search for humpback whales. We dreamed of meeting
towards the pontoon, because the sharks were coming more
face to face with humpbacks that were in the area with their
and more and despite everything I felt a little uncomfortable.
young. However, the whales clearly avoided us and kept in-
If anything bad happened... the nearest hospital is over four
creasing the distance. That is why, when bottlenose dolphins
hundred kilometers from here in the mainland of Mexico,
appeared nearby, I decided to jump into the water and swim
and no helicopter would make such a distance for a rescue
among these nice mammals. Colleagues on the zodiac sailed
mission... My imagination began to work at full speed, when
a few dozen meters away, trying to photograph humpback
in a moment all bottlenose dolphins swam away leaving me
whales and I could enjoy the presence of several social bot-
alone in the company of more and more interested and more
tlenose fish. The dolphins here are powerful, but at the same
numerous sharks. Fortunately, at the same time my zodiac
time calm and willing to interact with people. In a moment
friends came back for me...
there were also sharks – silky sharks. It got crowded in the
Every now and then in the media you can find a sto-
water. An amazing view and a treat for all diving enthusiasts
ry about how a dolphin saved a swimmer or surfer from
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
45
What do the facts say? Indeed, there have been occasions
It is difficult to assess the true nature of
when dolphins either chased away a shark that appeared
the behaviour of dolphins saving people,
near a swimmer or surfer, or accompanied a man in the wa-
especially since there are no film materials that would allow a more in-depth analysis of the situation, and the witnesses are survivors of trauma who brushed with death.
ter until the shark swam away. There have also been reports that dolphins pushed drowning people onto the surface. It has long been known that dolphins altruistically help each other, push the weakened member of the herd to the surface, just like they do with a newborn calf so that it can take a first breath on the surface. Perhaps it is instinctive for dolphins to see that a living being cannot cope with the surface and take a breath, and that she or he sinks. Pilot whales
46
a shark attack. It is difficult to determine how much truth is
and bottlenose show the push reaction to the surface of
in it, and how much of our wishful thinking, which results
even the dead bodies of tribesmen. These behaviours have
from anthropomorphism on the one hand, and from our
been well documented by scientists studying various species
fascination with dolphins on the other, and assigning su-
of dolphins and whales.
pernatural features to them for a long time. As humans, we
Sometimes the help response can be triggered only by
want to think that these intelligent and social animals treat
the outlines resembling a dolphin's limp body. For example,
us in a special way and we want to believe that we have our
in the Bay of Sudjuk in Russia, a bottlenose pushed a few
defenders in the ocean.
kilograms of carrion for several hours. He stopped this ac-
planet earth
tivity only when a boat appeared nearby. Researchers have
One of the most famous incidents was the case of Lisa
noted dolphins pushing dead turtles or even wood logs. At
Costello, who in 1992 was sailing among the pilot whales
one time in the California oceanarium, bottlenose fish for
near the Kealakekua Bay in Hawaii. She gently touched the
9 consecutive days "saved" a 1.5-meter shark almost by de-
male who was resting on the surface. The next moment, the
priving it of life in this way.
animal grabbed her leg and pulled her under the water. Over
It is difficult to assess the true nature of the behaviour
the next minutes, the mammal repeatedly grabbed her and
of dolphins saving people, especially since there are no film
released her for a moment, at some point diving with the
materials that would allow a more in-depth analysis of the
woman to a depth of several meters, keeping her foot in its
situation, and the witnesses are survivors of trauma who
teeth all the time. Lisa Costello barely survived the meeting.
brushed with death.
So maybe the assumption that humans and dolphins
Dolphins help not only people. On the island of Mar-
have a special bond and friendship is definitely exaggerated?
co, Florida, a group of dolphins came to the aid of a lost
Regardless of the above incidents, it is nice to believe that
Doberman who fell into the canal and could not get out.
we have our "guardian angels" in the ocean, who will help
Dolphins made so much noise that they attracted the at-
us in an extreme situation. People of the sea have always
tention of people living nearby, who then saved the dog. In
been accompanied by myths and legends :)
New Zealand, on the other hand, a lone Moko dolphin saved two dwarf sperm whales that were stuck on Mahia Beach. Bottlenose dolphins responded to the acoustic call of the sperm whales, approached the whales and led them 200 yards along the shoreline, between the shallows, through a channel into the open sea. Looking for the answer to the question of whether dolphins cling to people in a special way and want to protect them, it is worth asking another question: Were there cases when dolphins did not help people? Or maybe they even threatened their safety? Marine mammals researcher Toni Frohoff, the director of Terramar Research in California, described the incident in which dolphins with which she swam in the sea suddenly escaped when a shark appeared and left her alone. In turn, in 2007 a man who fell into the sea in the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea, was attacked by a group of bottlenose dolphins. He lost consciousness and almost drowned. There is no doubt that dolphins are interesting to people and seem to be looking for human contact. But should such social contacts be considered friendly? Of 29 well-researched lone dolphins with frequent contact with people, 13 of them showed "inappropriate, often aggressive, sexual behavior towards people." Many of these dolphins used to pull people into the sea, preventing them from returning to shore, and even pressing them to the bottom. Two-thirds of the 29 dolphins showed such dangerous behaviour towards people that they caused spleen ruptures, broken ribs, loss of consciousness, and in one case even the death of a tourist. In 1994, the Brazilian dolphin Tião managed to send 28 people to the hospital during its visits to the beach, before eventually killing the swimmer João Paulo Moreira (who was probably drunk and also aggressive towards Tião).
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
47
k n ow l e dg e
EAP – Emergency Assistance Plan Emergency plans - what is this for?
The Emergency Assistance Plan (EAP) or emergency plan is a prerequisite for successfully rescuing an injured diver. It includes immediate first aid on site and emergency treatment, as well as the fastest transport to the nearest and most appropriate medical facility. The responsibility for reacting to the EAP lies with the local dive operator.
48
A
s a diver, you can do a lot for your own safety, but
A safari on a boat, in the middle of the ocean, away
some things are out of your reach and you have to
from civilization, might seem so beautiful, but it can turn
rely on the dive operator. Therefore, it is important to pay
a terrible experience when there is no radio connection,
attention to the safety awareness of the dive operator,
mobile phones do not work, and the crew forgot satellite
dive center or dive boat owner, dive instructor, a captain
phones (or even first aid equipment). In this case, it is not
or other personnel. The choice of the place of rest can also
possible to obtain immediate assistance in the event of
be important. In a country where general safety standards
an emergency.
are poor, diving operations may also lack safety regulations and requirements.
Regardless of whether it is a diving activity on land or on a dive boat, everyone – including divers – should have
Safety deficiencies lurk everywhere and their conse-
access to information such as current phone numbers for
quences in diving are more serious than on land. A dive-
the nearest hyperbaric chamber, or contact numbers of
master leading a group of novices without computers to
diving medicine doctors of the nearest facility, ambulance
their limits; the owner of a dive boat without emergency
doctors and emergency services. Maintaining this informa-
equipment, such as an oxygen unit that is able to provide
tion (up-to-date) is extremely important because addresses,
100% medical oxygen for at least two divers and for a suf-
phone numbers, contact persons or access roads are often
ficient time; safari on board of a ship whose personnel are
changed. If one link is missing, the chain is broken.
not trained in first aid and emergency assistance; dive stores
The crew must know what to do in an emergency. The
that rent poorly maintained equipment with faulty valves or
fastest means of transport and logistics must be clear. In
missing O-rings, or that "forget" to replace the compressor
case the operator has several boats, each of them may have
filters: they all belong to the category of gross negligence.
its own EAP and a different one for the base on land.
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
49
To increase safety awareness and make diving even saf-
to know what to expect during it. AÂ good briefing contains
er, DAN has developed the DSP (Diving Safety Partner) pro-
details about navigation, currents, depth and duration of
gram. DSP consists of 3 levels, with the accompanying HIRA
diving, and certainly not just the marine life that you will
(Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment) module. This ini-
probably see.
tiative is specifically targeted at dive operators, helping them
The crew should inform divers, especially inexperienced
to identify and improve areas where they lack safety. Diving
ones, that freediving should not be performed after diving.
operations that meet all requirements gain visibility and are
Further deeper dives on the same day are also not recom-
recognised by the recreational divers community as well as,
mended due to the formation of nitrogen bubbles and an
most importantly, increase the number of customers.
increased risk of DCS.
Briefings and check-ins, information on entering and
Both professional and recreational divers caring for
exiting the water, safety stops, meeting points and proce-
safety before diving can benefit from the forward-looking
dures in the event of loss, as well as instructions and warn-
approach of operators because they will know what to do
ings regarding post-dive activities: these are all elements to
in an emergency or may even prevent it.
be considered. Pre-dive briefing is extremely important for divers to become aware of their readiness to undertake a dive and
50
Let's dive into wonderful adventures, always safe!
TY? KIEDY WYBIERZESZ AAA TY? KIEDY WYBIERZESZ ATY? TY?KIEDY KIEDYWYBIERZESZ WYBIERZESZ SIĘ NA SPACER? SIĘ NA SPACER? SIĘNA NASPACER? SPACER? SIĘ
Aktywność fizyczna poprawia kondycję. Aktywność fizyczna poprawia kondycję. Aktywność fizycznapoprawia poprawiakondycję. kondycję. Aktywność fizyczna Aktywność fizyczna poprawia kondycję. 78% POLAKÓW NIE JEST DOŚĆ
78% NIE JEST DOŚĆ 78%POLAKÓW POLAKÓWNIE NIEJEST JESTDOŚĆ DOŚĆ 78% POLAKÓW 78% POLAKÓW NIE JEST DOŚĆ AKTYWNYCH FIZYCZNIE* AKTYWNYCHFIZYCZNIE* FIZYCZNIE* AKTYWNYCH FIZYCZNIE* AKTYWNYCH AKTYWNYCH FIZYCZNIE*
Ύ t,K͘ <ĂŶƚŽƌ WƵďůŝĐ ŶĂ njůĞĐĞŶŝĞ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌƐƚǁĂ ^ƉŽƌƚƵ ŝ dƵƌLJƐƚLJŬŝ͕ ͣWŽnjŝŽŵ ĂŬƚLJǁŶŽƑĐŝ ĮnjLJĐnjŶĞũ WŽůĂŬſǁ ϮϬϭϴ͘͟ Ύ t,K͘ <ĂŶƚŽƌ WƵďůŝĐ ŶĂ njůĞĐĞŶŝĞ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌƐƚǁĂ ^ƉŽƌƚƵ ŝ dƵƌLJƐƚLJŬŝ͕ ͣWŽnjŝŽŵ ĂŬƚLJǁŶŽƑĐŝ ĮnjLJĐnjŶĞũ WŽůĂŬſǁ ϮϬϭϴ͘͟ Ύ t,K͘ <ĂŶƚŽƌ WƵďůŝĐ ŶĂ njůĞĐĞŶŝĞ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌƐƚǁĂ ^ƉŽƌƚƵ ŝ dƵƌLJƐƚLJŬŝ͕ ͣWŽnjŝŽŵ ĂŬƚLJǁŶŽƑĐŝ ĮnjLJĐnjŶĞũ WŽůĂŬſǁ ϮϬϭϴ͘͟ Ύ t,K͘ <ĂŶƚŽƌ WƵďůŝĐ ŶĂ njůĞĐĞŶŝĞ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌƐƚǁĂ ^ƉŽƌƚƵ ŝ dƵƌLJƐƚLJŬŝ͕ ͣWŽnjŝŽŵ ĂŬƚLJǁŶŽƑĐŝ ĮnjLJĐnjŶĞũ WŽůĂŬſǁ ϮϬϭϴ͘͟
www.rehasport.pl www.rehasport.pl www.rehasport.pl www.rehasport.pl www.rehasport.pl
Rehasport Ύ t,K͘ <ĂŶƚŽƌ WƵďůŝĐ ŶĂ njůĞĐĞŶŝĞ DŝŶŝƐƚĞƌƐƚǁĂ ^ƉŽƌƚƵ ŝ dƵƌLJƐƚLJŬŝ͕ ͣWŽnjŝŽŵ ĂŬƚLJǁŶŽƑĐŝ ĮnjLJĐnjŶĞũ WŽůĂŬſǁ ϮϬϭϴ͘͟ Rehasport Rehasport Rehasport tĂƌƐnjĂǁĂ͕ WŽnjŶĂŷ͕ 'ĚĂŷƐŬ͕ <ŽŶŝŶ tĂƌƐnjĂǁĂ͕ WŽnjŶĂŷ͕ 'ĚĂŷƐŬ͕ <ŽŶŝŶ tĂƌƐnjĂǁĂ͕ WŽnjŶĂŷ͕ 'ĚĂŷƐŬ͕ <ŽŶŝŶ tĂƌƐnjĂǁĂ͕ WŽnjŶĂŷ͕ 'ĚĂŷƐŬ͕ <ŽŶŝŶ
Rehasport tĂƌƐnjĂǁĂ͕ WŽnjŶĂŷ͕ 'ĚĂŷƐŬ͕ <ŽŶŝŶ
planet earth
A world without sharks? Dr. iris ziegler, sharkproject international
As EU citizens, can we actively contribute to preventing the next catastrophe that will hit our oceans and thus all humanity?
52
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
53
E
very year, between 63 and 273 million sharks are killed
Because many sharks are predators at the end of the food
in the world, and many species are increasingly threat-
chain, they play an important role in maintaining healthy
ened. In 2019, the United Nations Report on Biological Di-
and productive marine ecosystems. Our oceans are not
versity warned that more than 30% of all known species
only the main source of food and protein supply, but also
of sharks and rays are threatened with extinction over the
necessary for the global climate and oxygen production,
next decades!
because they store huge amounts of greenhouse gases
In 2020, 82 out of 494 assessed shark species were listed as endangered and included in the "Red List of Endangered Species" of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The rapid erosion of shark populations around the world has serious and irreversible consequences for our planet.
54
every day and are responsible for about 60% of global oxygen production. Globally, sharks have been targeted by man because of meat and liver oil. They die in large numbers as so-called "unwanted by-catches" in commercial fishing for tuna, swordfish and other seafood.
planet earth
the fact that fins can be sold at 25 times higher prices than shark meat and require a small storage area, only these are retained while the rest of the animal is thrown back into the sea. The animal sinks to the bottom because it can no longer swim and dies from suffocation or as a victim of other predators. It's a terrible waste of marine life. It contradicts credible resource assessments and effective shark conservation measures because neither the number of animals killed or species caught is reported for such IUU fishing (illegal, unreported and unmanaged). In this regard, many nations and some Regional Fisheries Organizations (RFMOs) have introduced laws to prevent this destructive but highly profitable practice of finning at sea, requiring all sharks to be landed with "fins naturally attached" to their bodies. Only then can authorities verify in the port that no finning has actually taken place and whether the number of fins on board really reflects the number of sharks caught by the vessel. This FNA policy is mandatory on board of all vessels flying the flag of the EU and in all European waters since 2013. This was a significant improvement over the previous regulation, but still allows the fins to be cut off in port and traded throughout Europe and the EU, thus meeting Asia's high demand for shark fin soup. Furthermore, maritime controls are performed too rarely and often almost impossible to carry out, which results in overall low oversight of enforcement even in EU waters. During sea transhipment of fins to other vessels, which are then unloaded in countries without FNA policy in force, e.g. Namibia, it also provides concealment to circumvent this regulation. Illegally obtained fins are difficult to identify, and species identification based on isolated fins often requires time-consuming and costly analysis. That is why trading in fins and endangered species is an However, the biggest threat to their survival is the prac-
easy and common practice.
tice of cutting off fins. The high value and huge gains of fins
In addition to being the main transit hub for fins from
are the main drivers of both targeted shark fishing and the
South America to Southeast Asia, we, Europeans and the EU,
reluctance of fishing fleets to switch to more selective fish-
are responsible for the gigantic ocean exploitation! The EU
ing gear or to free the lives of sharks caught as by-catches.
is a world leader in shark fishing with 112,000 metric tons
Indeed, the fins make huge profits on the market, while
(Mt) caught annually by Spain, Portugal and France together,
the meat of most sharks is almost worthless, unpalatable,
and therefore more than Indonesia, taking second place in
and even poses a threat to human health. Despite this, the
the global ranking.
practice of cutting off fins is still widespread, although officially banned in many areas. Finning means that the shark's pectoral fins, tail and dorsal fins are cut off at sea while the animal can still live. Due to
Most shark fins are exported to Asia and sold here at a high profit, and for example Spain is one of the leading suppliers of blue shark fins to Southeast Asia, with 3,490 million fins per year in 2000–2011.
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
55
Fins are mainly sold for shark fin soup, which is still a status symbol in Southeast Asia, and sold in restaurants for
for such a regulation by the EU parliament and ban the trade in fins in the EU!
90 euros per bowl. All in all, all initiatives to stop cutting fins and end the
The European Citizens' Initiative 'Stop Finning – Stop the
terrible exploitation of our oceans for a small, but very lucra-
Trade' began to collect signatures on February 1, 2020, de-
tive part of these animals will remain ineffective if we fail to
manding that the 'Naturally tied fins' regulation in the Euro-
stop trading fins! Imports, exports and transits can be much
pean Union be extended to the export, import and transit of
better controlled by trading companies and can be better
sharks and rays, thus prohibiting trade in fins.
enforced than all measures taken at sea. Therefore, stopping the trade in fins in the EU will be
EU citizens now have one year to collect the required
the most effective way to stop this cruel business in Eu-
million votes in support of the requested change requiring
rope and the EU and stop being its beneficiary. Many other
the termination of trade in shark fins in the European Union,
countries have actually introduced such trade bans: 14 US
including the import, export and transit of fins other than
states have already banned trade in fins, and in June 2019,
those naturally attached to the animal's body, "these citizens
Canada became the first G7 country to ban imports and
seek to strengthen the EU legal framework. If their efforts
exports of shark fins on its territory. Citizens in all parts of
are successful, the European Commission may then decide
the world are also increasingly demanding the end of such
to propose a new regulation to achieve this goal.
cruel and useless practices. That is why Europe must follow in their footsteps! And now all EU citizens can exercise their rights and vote
56
European citizens have the power to show the will of EU decision-makers to strengthen the protection of wildlife. At a time when the scientific community is regularly alerting to
planet earth
the rapid erosion of biodiversity and the dangers of climate change, we have no choice but to change our production and consumption patterns. It's high time to end the trade in shark fins in Europe! The Citizens' Initiative therefore calls on all EU citizens to be part of a growing community for a better future with healthy oceans and to sign the initiative on the EU website via this QR code link
https://eci.ec.europa.eu/012/public This initiative of EU citizens is supported by over 30 ecological NGOs, including SEA SHEPHERD, SHARKPROJECT, BLOOM, Blue Sharks, APECE, iSea, Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Global Shark Conservation Initiative (TGSCI), STOP FINNING, Sharks Mission France , Sharks Edu-
by 750. For Poland, for example, 38,250 votes are needed to
cational Institute (SEI), AktionsgemeinschaftArtenschutz
reach this threshold.
(AGA), Mundus maris, Gesellschaftzur Rettung der Del-
For more information about the citizens' initiative itself,
phine, Deutsche Meeresstiftung, Deutsche StiftungMeer-
more facts, and who is the initiator and supporter of this
esschutz (DSM), Shark Savers Germany, The Dolphins'
initiative, please visit
Voice, Pro WildST SS and many other associations VD .. organization joins. However, to succeed, the European Citizens' Initiative must bring together at least one million signatories and reach the threshold for at least seven Member States. These thresholds correspond to the number of Members of the European Parliament elected in each Member State multiplied
https://stop-finning.eu
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
57
planet earth
Omnipresent mallards Text and photos wojciech jarosz
Mallards can accelerate up to 90 km/h in flight!
I
n addition, their presence is common within the city, re-
They are almost everywhere! They swim in fresh and salt waters of the Northern Hemisphere, from Europe to Asia, from Scandinavia to North Africa. Mallards
gardless of whether it is the center of New York or a pond
in Milosna near Pasłęka. All this makes the mallard not only the most numerous duck, but also the most recognizable. It is impossible not to know the mallard!
can be found even in Greenland. They are also very
It is true that we do not always know that a mallard is
numerous in North America. To the antipodes,
the correct species name, but even if we hear the term “wild
Australia and New Zealand, where they are considered an invasive species, they were dragged by man.
duck”, we usually think about the mallard. Of course, there is a whole menagerie of wild ducks, or ducks living in the wild, but none of the species is so well known to humanity, especially to those who like to watch birds not only on a spit
58
planet earth
…we will meet them in fresh and salt waters. Both, in a natural and anthropogenic environment. Interestingly, those who chose to live close to people, e.g. in city parks, are practically not afraid of the representatives of the human race, while those living in more natural conditions are fearful and timid.
dealing with the study of relationships between organisms (individuals and populations) and between organisms and the environment. Only a small part of environmentalists' research concerns changes in the environment caused by human activities. From this perspective, the term "ecological toilet paper" (and almost everything has already been called "ecological") is not the best one, although it is probably already too late and ecology in the social sense of the term will remain equivalent to environmental protection. Anyway, even biologists will most likely have to endure such word clusters, risking at least a misunderstanding on their own when talking about "environmentally friendly" products instead of "organic products". I must be sincere, however, and add that there were many definitions of ecology in history – and thus some homework for you: check what is hidden under the term "ecology" in the encyclopedia – it can be Wikipedia, and for those who like contact with the printed word, check heavy volumes in hard cover. End of the digression. Returning to Eurobionts, or rather to mallards, the best proof of their broad tolerance of many environmental factors is their cosmopolitan nature. Also the fact that we will meet them in fresh and salt waters. Both, in a natural and anthropogenic environment. Interestingly, those who chose to live close to people, e.g. in city parks, are practically not afraid of the representatives of the human race, while those or in a stew. What distinguishes this species from others and
living in more natural conditions are fearful and timid. Quite
why are they so close to us? Why do we not see gadwalls,
often I had my heart in my mouth, when wandering through
teals, pintails or wigeons in our neighborhood as often?
the watery bushes, I did not notice well-masked mallards,
There are many factors behind the success of mallards in
and these suddenly starting to fly in a panic escape made
conquering the world. Since we can see them close to us, we
me feel a bit of their panic (fortunately only for a moment,
can certainly consider these ducks to be flexible in terms of
but usually adrenaline already managed to flow abundantly
selection of habitat and nesting sites. They are, as it is de-
to all recesses of my body). Such a little off-road wake-up,
fined in ecology, Eurobionts, that is organisms that tolerate
one could say.
a broader spectrum of environmental factors. Educational
To conquering water reservoirs almost all over the
digression: ecology is not the same as environmental protec-
world, also significantly contributed the breeding strategy
tion, ecology is an extremely broad field of natural sciences
of mallards. The female can lay up to 12 eggs, although it
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
59
The mating coloration of males makes it easy to distinguish them from females
60
happens that there are more in the nest, because some
number of mallard ducklings often decreases over time,
females lay eggs in the nests of their friends. The young
because the list of predators (basically from every cluster
appear after about 4 weeks and are immediately ready to
of vertebrates, including fish) hunting for them is long. If
follow their mother. Some of them must prove their mettle
a young duck survives its first season, it basically becomes
at the very beginning of their lives. Due to the poor avail-
a mature duck. Already in the second year of life, they may
ability of breeding places in cities, the mallards can lay eggs
start reproduction. Mating habits and breeding behaviours
in tree hollows, but also in the balcony flower boxes, not
of mallards judged from a human perspective seem a bit
necessarily selecting only the lowest floors of high blocks
brutal. Sexual assault is common. This violent copulation,
of flats. Regardless of the height, the young jump out of
which is accompanied by the use of force, can undoubtedly
the nest following their mother, but unlike in her case, in
be defined as rape. Well, a female attacked in matrimonial
the absence of developed wings, flapping their wings does
purposes by a hormone-driven male can even be drowned
not significantly slow down their fall (i.e. v = g×t, where
by the male – this is the dramatic power of the duck’s ecsta-
g=9.8 m/s2). At the most, only the webbing between the
sy. What adds piquancy to the whole thing is the fact that
digits of their feet, spread to the maximum, can slightly
the male's copulatory organ is surprisingly long, reaching
increase the air resistance when falling. They survive their
20 cm, and is ready to perform its role in the blink of an
first "flight", although they do not always have as pleasant
eye. In addition, it has the shape of a corkscrew... Females
a landing as their cousin, the common goldeneye. These
have evolved in such a way that their genital tract also has
ducks nest in hollows, but in the forests. So when they
a complicated structure, with numerous lateral "branches",
jump from a height of up to 20 m, they can count on soft
which are to be a trap for both the penis and the semen
litter that effectively cushions their landing. The large initial
(the unwanted one).
planet earth
The decoration of the female is a beautiful mirror on wings
When the libidinous males do not find females of their species, they don't get fussy. They start romancing with ducks of other species. The fruits of these romances, i.e. hybrids, often fertile, become a fauna puzzle for bird watching enthusiasts. This practice is so frequent that in
When the libidinous males do not find females of their species, they don't get fussy. They start romancing with ducks of
some bird guides you can find tips on how to recognize
other species. The fruits of these romances,
and distinguish more common mallard hybrids with ducks
i.e. hybrids, often fertile, become a fauna
of other species, including domestic duck. Such hybrids in the ornithological dialect are called "village leaders". In
puzzle for bird watching enthusiasts.
addition, one of the theories about the origin of the Polish name for mallards refers to the phenomenon of interspecies love (crossing).
desired by researchers. What's more, the event is celebrated
Closing the plot of the duck's passions and drives I will
every year in the aforementioned Nature Museum as the
add one more thing. In 1995, information run around the
Dead Duck Day (there is even a website dedicated to this
natural world about the first registered case of homosex-
story). I am afraid that after reading this text, you may never
ual necrophilia in mallards. In short: one drake ran away
look at the mallards the same way as before when you feed
from the other and crashed against the glass of the Rotter-
them (just not with bread!) the next time with children in
dam Nature Museum. It lost its life, but the male chasing
the park. To warm up the image of drakes, I will add that
didn't lose its desire for... dating. The rest can be imagined.
although males usually abandon females after laying eggs,
There was even a scientific publication on the subject, which
there are knightly individuals accompanying their chosen
earned its author the Ig Nobel Prize 2003, not necessarily
one also after the hatching of chicks.
perfectdiver No. 3(9)/2020
61
Mallard beak is a great working colander
Physiology allows ducks to swim in cold water and stand on ice without the risk of frostbite
62
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Mallards rest willingly hiding among the rushes
Twoje radio w trasie ...na nurkowanie
Mallards have one brood a year, and the female takes care of the chicks
Finally, some facts about the mallards. They obtain food, mainly plants, by collecting it from the water surface. They do not belong to eager divers, although they can dive, limiting themselves at most to immersing the head and neck, leaving the ramp raised above the water – just like e.g. swans do. The mallard can fly quite well. It can reach up to 90 km/h and usually does not rise too high. There was a meeting of a cruise plane with a mallard reported at the height of more than 6 thousand metres. However, it spends more time (except flights) on the water. Sometimes quite cold water, including ice. How is it that duck's legs are not freezing then? The secret lies in counter-current heat exchangers, which function not only in mallards, but in most birds, as well as fish. The thing is, the arteries and veins are located close to each other, so the warm arterial blood flowing to the feet heats the returning one. The temperature difference can sometimes be over 30 degrees. Encountering mallards – the ancestors of domestic ducks – by the water, remember to congratulate them on their evolutionary success!
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r oo k i e ' s e y e
Wetsuit Selecting the type and size
Text margita Ślizowska
Photos wiktor zdrojewski
Before you go for snorkeling, it is worth buying a neoprene wetsuit. Due to the variety of functions that a wetsuit fulfills - it might be useful to everyone.
1. A wetsuit provides thermal protection (as we get cold in water about 25 times faster)
stores you can find: a shorty (with short sleeves and legs), a vest (sleeveless vest protecting the chest), an overall
2. It protects against sunburn (back and shoulders)
(a wetsuit with long sleeves and legs), a neoprene jacket
3. It protects against abrasions (sharp coral reef, jellyfish)
(with a comfortable fastening at the front). All of them 1 mm
that heal for a long time and are painful 4. Provides better identification of a snorkeling person (colors) 5. It is a little source of buoyancy, because (in simplified terms) neoprene is actually air bubbles embedded in rubber and they are not compressed on the water surface.
to 2.5–3 mm thick. The one which I always strongly recommend is a "lycra costume" covering most of the body: the so-called skin. If someone gets cold quickly or intends to snorkel in very cold water – I recommend a diving wetsuit (3–7 mm), which can be applied in layers. To sum up, when choosing a wetsuit (snorkeling or diving) we should pay attention to: the thickness and elasticity of neoprene, the type of inner lining, cuffs, the way of joining
The wetsuit should be selected depending on its thickness and what it is supposed to cover. In popular sports
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layers, the method of fastening, strengthening, and above all – its proper fit.
rookie ' s eye
Sample wetsuit thicknesses vs water temperature ranges look like this: ●● Skin, 1.5-2 mm: very warm waters (water temperature above 28°C) e.g. Indonesia ●● 3 mm: warm water (water temperature above 25°C) e.g. Egypt in summer/early autumn
that have zips (at wrists, ankles, neck). When putting them on, they can be unzipped and fastened just before the dive – perfectly sealing the whole suit. The home-made method that facilitates pulling the legs and sleeves of a fitted foam is the method with the use of a plastic bag. We put a strong plastic bag on the foot (or hand) and put it in the leg (or
●● 5 mm: moderate waters (water temperature above
sleeve). After putting on the wetsuit, we hide the plastic
21°C) e.g. Croatia or small artificial reservoirs in Po-
bag into the diving bag to use it again (as we care about
land (summer)
the environment). The method of joining elements of the
●● 7 mm: cold water (water temperature around 10°C) e.g. the Baltic sea or mountain streams
wetsuit is important when putting on the wetsuit and while using it. The joints should be smooth, durable and tight (e.g. using the so-called glued and blindstitch [GBS]). As snorkel-
Wetsuits can be worn in layers (and this is what is recom-
ing and diving are activities performed in pairs – it doesn't
mended): you can combine thicknesses, put on insulation
matter if we choose the wetsuit with the zip on the front
layers. The most common set for diving is a wetsuit 5+5 mm,
or back. The partner's help in putting on and adjusting the
and for snorkeling 2/3 mm. For divers (or snorkelers) for very
wetsuit is always invaluable And one more word about
cold waters (below 8°C) I recommend semi-dry suits, and for
the reinforcements. It is worth choosing such wetsuits that
SCUBA divers – dry suits.
have external patches (on the knees), reinforcements on the
An important element of the wetsuit is its inner lining.
back (especially for SCUBA diving) and secured cuffs. These
It comes into contact with our skin first of all, but also the
elements (along with skillful use) significantly extend the life
material from which it is made (just like the elasticity of
of the wetsuit.
neoprene) can make it easier for us to put on the wetsuit.
When selecting the wetsuit, its size is the most important.
Another important element are cuffs. Not only can they im-
In order for it to fulfill all its functions, it must adhere to the
prove the process of putting on a wetsuit, but also ensure
body very closely. When trying the wetsuit on in the store,
its proper tightness. The most comfortable are those cuffs
it should be a bit tight. Don't worry if it presses a little (of
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course if you can breathe in it) – it will stretch and adjust in
(1–2 mm). The criterion for choosing a hood and gloves is
the water. But it still has to be tight enough to prevent water
similar to that for selecting the wetsuit.
from getting between the wetsuit and our body.
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After snorkeling, it is necessary to take off wet clothes
Let's not forget about protecting our heads e.g. from the
and, if we are cold, wipe dry. After prolonged contact with
sun (a hat, a scarf). I recommend a neoprene hood (separate
water, ears and sinuses get particularly vulnerable. You can
or integrated with a wetsuit or a vest) for people who quickly
take care of them by wiping them dry and putting on a thin
catch a cold or have problems with ears or sinuses. In a hood
cap with a wind-stopper, or a band. After use the wetsuit, like
1–2 mm thick, no special discomfort is felt, and the protec-
any ABC equipment, should be thoroughly rinsed. Especially
tion of the ears or sinuses is invaluable. In addition, the hood
if we snorkel in salt water. We should dry everything in
perfectly prevents unruly hair from tangling. If we want to
the shade. We store wetsuit well dried and loosely folded.
protect our hands against accidental abrasions (note: we do
Preferably in a breathable dustcover designed for storing
not touch the animals!), we can use thin neoprene gloves
wetsuits and complete ABC equipment.
k n ow l e dg e
Sheck Exley
Caverns Measureless to Man Published June 1st 1994 by Cave Books
When Jacques-Yves Cousteau sparked off what later be-
Have you ever wondered where the rule of thirds came
came known as scuba diving, the first diving movie was also
from? When Scheck was rescuing his friend, he realized they
made called Épaves (Shipwrecks). At the same time, togeth-
didn’t have enough gas to leave the cave. Why should you
er with his associate, Frédéric Dumas, they wrote the first
take two instruments with you? Have you ever tried to keep
book about diving, Le Monde du silence (The Silent World).
track of you decompression by doing all the calculations in
Thousands of authors have followed suit, creating books
your head? His book will provide answers to these questions
and films about diving. These works spanned a multitude of
and an extensive collection of such stories.
genres, from textbooks, through reports and biographies,
Aside from the really funny parts of this story, there are
to feature films and books, even from the fantasy genre. In
also a number of less merry recollections. Many of this ex-
some way, books and films have become an integral part of
traordinary man’s friends died while diving, sometimes with
the diving world. Because of this, I believe that Perfect Diver
him by their side. One such tragedy occurred during the
should start a dedicated section.
record-breaking scuba dive to 142 meters. From a group of
My collection of diving books includes almost 100 titles,
three people only Exley survived.
I borrowed and read 100 more and there are 1000 more that
Sheck died in 1994 while exploring the Zacatón cenote
I wish I had. I also watched dozens of films. This does not
in Mexico, trying to reach the depth of 275 meters. It was
prevent me from encouraging readers and authors to share
a tremendous loss for the diving world, but luckily, he man-
their reviews, as I’m sure you’ve read something I haven’t.
aged to tell his story.
Choosing the first book to review was a true challenge.
I recommend this book to every diver, regardless of
It should be a spectacular story, but also one that would be
whether you’re fresh from your open water course or an
accessible to most divers in the world. I decided to choose
advanced cave diver. There is something useful in there for
the autobiography of an extraordinary man who went down
everyone – entertainment, emotions, fantastic stories. But
in the history of diving. Sheck Exley’s autobiography entitled
if there is one thing that all of us should take from reading
Caverns Measureless to Man is definitely a source of inspira-
this, it’s an ocean of humility.
tion for many divers. Many of us would like to experience at
Because none of us are immortal, even if you’re the best.
least a small fragment of what this man has. The book was published in 1994. I own a very neat 2009
A quote from the book: “But before I started making my
Mayfly edition, which also contains traditional photographs
way back, I gazed for a few second into the unknown depths,
and maps. The book itself is Sheck Exley’s account of his
trying to imagine the magnitude and wonder of the measureless
journey through the world of diving. His recollection of his
cave. Perhaps it simply stretches into infinity.”
adventures, which basically inspired many diving procedures we use today, is provided in very accessible manner.
Mateusz Popek
r e v i e w
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tips
& curiosities ACADEMY
Diving Setups Part 3
Harness adjustment Text Wojciech A. Filip
You should be one with the tank on your back. It should only move when you do and exactly in the same direction.
CAUTION! Read the entire text before starting the adjustment – it contains important information that will help you through the process.
T
he simplest way to control your buoyancy is to control all equipment elements. If your tank is moving up and
down or sideways, it interferes buoyancy control and the diver’s position both under water and on the surface. Importantly, this also applies to a diver who needs emergency assistance. Rescue will be more efficient if the equipment stabilizes the diver in a predictable manner. Proper selection and subsequent adjustment of the way the tank is attached to the diver is crucial both for a beginner, allowing them to master buoyancy much more quickly, as well as for an experienced diver, who will receive a precise tool allowing them to achieve their diving objectives*. Your tank should be attached to the buoyancy system already when gearing up – this can typically be done almost perfectly in any system. This article describes how to adjust the buoyancy system to the diver so that it does not move on their back.
Background image www.pinterest.de
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tips & curiosities
ACADEMY
ADJUSTMENT and FITTING Adjustable harness In the previous part we learned that stabilizing the tank
Single-webbing harness (“DIR” harness)
on a diver may be problematic with a typical jacket (the larger the tank, the more difficult this becomes). The best fit is obtained by using a modular system
1. Put on your thickest undersuit and a drysuit or clothes of similar volume
– doesn’t matter if you’re really big, just slightly bigger or
2. Put on your plate with the harness
smaller, thin or really well-built, doesn’t matter if you’re
3. Set the length of the shoulder straps so that the waist
a woman or a man – there are usually no sizes in modular
straps are located in the upper hip area
systems and these are built to always allow for ideal fit. If
4. Set the crotch strap length
you are interested in the specifics of such a system, please
5. Put the left side of the waist strap through the loop in
read the previous issue of Perfect Diver.
the crotch strap and check whether the waist strap and the crotch strap create a “Y” shape 6. Put the buckle on the left side of the waist strap
If you’re a beginner diver, learn how to adjust your
7. Check and adjust the length of the shoulder straps
harness before you start using it. A single-webbing harness will instantly get your diving skills to the
re: 1. You can achieve the best harness fit by setting its length
higher level. Don’t put adjusting your equipment
when wearing your thickest suit and undersuit – you can also
off until you get more experienced – adjust your
use high-volume clothing similar to an undersuit.
harness and learn faster!
re: 2. Put on the plate with the harness – make sure the harness straps are not twisted. Harness adjustment Take as much time with the process as you need to make it right. Proper adjustment of the harness translates into: ●● your position underwater and ease of buoyancy control, ●● gas consumption and narcosis level, ●● teamwork, ●● easy use of a scooter, ●● being able to quickly adjust your harness to both a drysuit and thin neoprene in… 3 seconds, ●● your position on the surface with high waves, ●● gearing up and removing your rig under any conditions. Once you correctly adjust your harness, it will allow you to do anything while diving, without risking unpredictable behavior of the equipment.
Do you know that a well-adjusted single-webbing harness used with a drysuit may be re-adjusted for a thin wetsuit in less than 3 seconds? Images Łukasz Oganowski
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ACADEMY
re: 3. Make an initial shoulder straps length adjustment by
re: 5. Put the left side of the waist strap through the loop in
tightening or loosening the straps. Proper initial length ad-
the crotch strap and pull it towards your left hip. Make sure
justment is indicated by the location of waist straps exiting
that when you hold the left side of the waist strap over the
the plate. They should be located just above the hips.
right hip, it creates a “Y” shape with the crotch strap. If the shape rather resembles the letter “T” than “Y”, reduce the crotch strap length by a couple centimeters and try again. If the shape rather resembles the letter “V” than “Y”, increase the crotch strap length by a couple centimeters and try again.
Waist strap placement above the hips
Moving straps through slide buckles
re: 4. CROTCH STRAP – key fit factor for your harness. Position the crotch strap between your legs and check how high can you pull it up towards your navel. Tighten or loosen it as needed, so that it is as short as possible and at the same time may be operated with thick gloves. Adjust its length according to the description in item 5.
Passing the crotch strap through the slide buckle
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tips & curiosities
ACADEMY
re: 7. While still in a thick undersuit and a drysuit, fasten the harness tightly by moving the waist strap buckle to the right. Move your arms slowly upwards, until fully upright and slightly leaning backwards. In this position you should feel that you’re “filling” the harness in its top part, i.e. you can clearly feel the harness straps on your shoulders. If the shoulder straps restrict your movement while moving your arms up, extend them by a couple of centimeters and try again. If you re: 6. buckle – put the buckle around the right part of your
do not feel the pressure of shoulder straps on your shoulders
abdomen. Make sure the buckle is to the right of the crotch
once you’re fully erect and leaning backwards, shorten them
strap, and that it does not rest against your hip bone. Weave
by several centimeters and repeat the test.
the webbing through to secure the buckle.
Buckle placement on the diver’s right side
Straps blocking the arms
caution! Before you extend the shoulder straps, make sure that it is the underwear, undersuit or drysuit. To make sure which piece of your gear restricts your movement, remove your drysuit and undersuit. Check if you can raise your arms freely when wearing only your underwear, then while wearing underwear and the undersuit, and finally, wearing the whole kit along with the drysuit – you should replace the element that prevents you from moving with an appropriately selected one.
Page images Barłomiej Trzciński
harness that prevents you from raising your arms, not your
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ACADEMY
Comfort type adjustable harness allows you to adjust
●● Fastening this strap at the navel level presses the lum-
the length of the shoulder straps quickly, using a simple and
bar spine against the plate, which prevents you from
reliable adjustment system that is made of stainless steel
taking a comfortable, slightly curved position while un-
(adjustment works in a similar fashion as in diving jackets).
der water. Fastening the waist strap in such a manner
Initial adjustment is similar to that of a harness made of a single piece of webbing; the length of the shoulder straps is adjusted subsequently with the fast adjustment system.
may cause pain in the lumbar spine. ●● Fastening the waist strap at the navel level following initial adjustment prevents quick re-adjustment of the harness to match a a thin diving suit. Before you start adjusting the harness, soak it thoroughly in warm water and adjust all its parts while it is wet. This mainly applies to parts with slide buckles that allow harness length adjustment. It is much easier to move the harness through slide buckles when it is wet. The more rigid the harness is, the more important it becomes to soak it thoroughly for adjustment.
If you’re using a single-webbing harness, you should Appropriate straps length
know that webbing usually comes in several rigidity levels. The more rigid the webbing, the more convenient it is to use. Our impression is usually the opposite, but it is the soft webbing that digs into your shoulders most frequently. Rigid webbing, on the other hand, supports uniform distribution of equipment weight while carrying it around. Additionally, it is much easier to wear and remove a harness made of rigid webbing compared to a harness made of soft webbing, which tends to roll up and curl.
Straps too long
We usually use soft webbing for adjustable harnesses, Are we there yet? Almost – the notes below are just as important as the adjustment process itself – read
which might be blocked by rigid webbing.
them carefully and make sure you understood everything.
If you decide to change damaged webbing after many
Why should the waist strap hang loose, forming a “Y”
years of use or to replace it with another color or rigidity, the
– why not place it on the abdomen at the navel level? ●● Fastening the waist strap at the navel level makes breathing underwater more difficult.
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since it has to move easily through the adjustment system,
cost is low and usually does not exceed PLN 100. Go back to the “Diving Setups” part above to review the types of accessories you may use with your harness.
tips & curiosities
ACADEMY
Fast adjustment of a single-webbing harness from a cold-water kit (drysuit) to one for diving in tropical
Before you decide to cut off the excess harness, make
waters – thin, 2 mm wetsuit.
a few dives, reconfirm your harness fit and stability of
●● Put on the wetsuit or shirt that you are going to go div-
your equipment, both underwater and on the sur-
ing in. ●● Put on the harness that has been adjusted to your drysuit. ●● Tighten the waist strap so that its shape with the crotch strap is more a “T” than “Y”.
face. Check whether you are able to gear up and remove your rig on your own. You may also do a mock rescue, undressing yourself and the other diver. Once cut off, the webbing end should be burnt or hot pressed. Your best option however would be to wait for the next Perfect Diver issue – we will describe how to do this
Useful trick – how to grasp the crotch strap easily?
Harness adjusted for a thick undersuit
Push the crotch strap from behind…
…and grab it from the front Harness after tightening the waist strap
Do you have reduced mobility? Do you
and shoulder straps adjusted previously to the larger suit.
have an unusual body build?
It all takes up to three seconds – you can adjust such a har-
Don’t give up on diving.
ness more closely during your actual dive by shortening or
Check the your rig stability by selecting and prop-
extending the waist strap.
erly adjusting a comfort harness or a single-webbing harness.
caution!
Ask a specialist instructor from an organization that
This is only possible when the harness is neatly adjusted to
trains people with disabilities to help you with that.
a thicker drysuit.
Page images Barłomiej Trzciński
This way, you will “shorten” the length of the crotch strap
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ACADEMY
How to confirm a good harness fit in three steps? 1.
Check whether you are able to work with your crotch
• How to remove a single-webbing harness quickly during a high tide?
strap from the front in thick gloves?
Answers to these and other interesting questions will be
2.
Check whether the straps form a “Y”.
provided in “Diving Setups” part 4 in the upcoming Perfect
3.
Check the length of the shoulder straps.
Diver issue.
• What is the use of the individual harness D-rings?
Wishing all of you comfortable dives using modular systems,
• How to position them so that you can handle them intuitively
I’d like to encourage you to read the next Perfect Diver issue.
– without looking?
WAF.
Image Tomasz Płociński
Interested in the topic of adjusting your own equipment? Not sure if a harness is a good solution for you? You’ve got the equipment, but don’t know how to go about adjusting it? Book a free session and visit the Tecline Academy, where you’ll find all the skills and knowledge you need.
*in specific, narrow dive sites, a loosely fitted setup may prove to be more advantageous. It allows not only to move the tank around the diver, but also to disconnect it temporarily and swim with it in front of/behind the diver. This is the sidemount setup, where the tanks are placed alongside the diver.
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