Scuba Diver ANZ #44

TANTALISING THAILAND GUIDE TO THE DIVING HOTSPOTS OF ‘THE LAND OF SMILES’

GET INVOLVED

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE ON HOW ECO-TOURISM LETS DIVERS GIVE SOMETHING BACK

TECH: TRUK LAGOON

PART THREE OF OUR REPORT ON A WRECK MAPPING PROJECT

ADRIAN STACEY ENCOUNTERS TURTLES, RAYS, SHARKS AND LOTS OF BIRDS

RAPID BAY JETTY

MUSTARD’S MASTERCLASS ISSUE #44

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mark Evans Email: mark@scubadivermag.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER Matt Griffiths Email: matt@scubadivermag.com CONTRIBUTORS Nigel Marsh, Deborah Dickson-Smith, Lauren Sparks and Chelsea Haebich PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Ross Arnold Email: ross@scubadivermag.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Penney Evans Email: penney@scubadivermag.com

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTHEAST ASIA TEAM Adrian Stacey Editor (Australia and New Zealand) Tel: +61 422 611 238 Email: adrian@scubadivermag.com Don Silcock Senior Travel Editor www.indopacificimages.com

MAGAZINE To stock Scuba Diver in your centre, email: subscriptions@scubadivermag.com

PUBLISHERS Rork Media ANZ Pty Ltd 193 Latrobe Terrace, PADDINGTON, QLD 4064 Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers. Copyright for material published remains with Rork Media Limited. Use of material from Scuba Diver is strictly prohibited unless permission is given. All advertisements of which the creative content is in whole or in part the work of Rork Media Limited remain the copyright of Rork Media Limited.

is a registered trademark of Rork Media. ISSN 2515-9593

Times are changing and to keep the magazines free, we’re asking dive stores to cover their own postage costs. If you enjoy reading the magazine, think about helping out your centre with a small donation to help cover their costs. Your continued support is most appreciated.

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Good news for home and abroad

While COVID 19 has certainly not gone away, it does appear that we are learning to live with it. Australia, along with many other countries in the AsiaPacific region, have opened their borders to tourists and restrictions seem to become less and less prohibitive for travelling by the month. There is still a long way to go before we can get back to normal, but the signs are good and itchyfooted divers can once again do more than just dream about their next trip.

There is also more good news for the Australian dive industry, as the government has recently announced that it will be committing an extra $1billon dollars to the Great Barrier Reef. The majority of the funds will go to improving water quality, reef management and research. The government hopes the new funding will help protect more than 64,000 jobs and $6.4 billion in tourism dollars attached to the reef economy.

In this issue of the magazine, we begin with an article about my recent family holiday to Heron Island. Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, this tiny island is a nature lovers’ dream. From South Australia we have a great feature from Chelsea Haebich about the legendary Rapid Bay Jetty, a mecca for unusual critters, including leafy sea dragons.

Further afield, Deborah Dickson-Smith takes us on a journey though the stunning dive hotspots of Thailand, and Lauren Sparks provides a guide to marine conservation volunteering. The Tech section hosts the next instalment of the Truk Lagoon mapping project feature. The conservation section this month looks at the importance to the ocean of keeping our rivers clean. We have our regular columns from DAN, SSI, PADI and DivePlanit, plus we have more great tips in the photography section from the one and only Alex Mustard.

Adrian Stacey, Editor (Australia & New Zealand)

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TANTALISING THAILAND GUIDE TO THE DIVING HOTSPOTS OF ‘THE LAND OF SMILES’

GET INVOLVED

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE ON HOW ECO-TOURISM LETS DIVERS GIVE SOMETHING BACK

TECH: TRUK LAGOON

PART THREE OF OUR REPORT ON A WRECK MAPPING PROJECT

ADRIAN STACEY ENCOUNTERS TURTLES, RAYS, SHARKS AND LOTS OF BIRDS

RAPID BAY JETTY

MUSTARD’S MASTERCLASS ISSUE #44

PHOTOGRAPH © ADRIAN STACEY

Regular columns

Monthly features...

8 News round-up

20 Australia

The thresher sharks of Malapascua, new travel expert for Diveplanit, Endurance is found, an award for Carl Spencer, and the Philippines reopens its borders.

16 DAN Medical Q&A

The experts from Divers Alert Network offer some hints on the best ways to clean your scuba equipment.

44 Divers Alert Network

The DAN Asia-Pacific team look at the ways in which divers can attract the attention of their buddies and other divers.

74 Conservation Corner

Advice on how to help reduce rivers and waterways becoming polluted with manmade products.

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Heron Island is a nature lovers’ paradise, and because of its size, everything is just on your doorstep, sometimes literally.

Scuba Diver Australia and New Zealand Editor Adrian Stacey waxes lyrical about the island’s delights.

30 Thailand

Deborah Dickson-Smith embarks on a whistlestop tour of some of the diving hotspots in Thailand, from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

40 Mustard’s Masterclass

Underwater photography guru Alex Mustard explains how nailing down our diving skills is a core element for improving our underwater photography.

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...continued

Gear & testing

46 TECH: Truk Lagoon

66 What’s New

Third of a four-part series looking at photogrammetry on the iconic shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon.

52 Eco-tourism

Lauren Sparks offers an insider’s guide to volunteering on marine conservation projects, and explains what is available and what to expect, along with advice on finding – and funding – the ideal trip for you.

60 Australia

The Rapid Bay Jetty is one of the most-renowned dive sites in Australia, and for good reason, as Chelsea Haebich explains.

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Scuba Diver Editorial Director Mark Evans takes a look at new products heading for the market, including the Hollis line-up of new backplate-and-wings, the Mares EOS torch range, Tecline’s Frameless Super View mask, and the SeaLife Reefmaster RM-4K Pro 2000.

68 Test Extra

Scuba Diver Editorial Director Mark Evans rates and reviews the innovative new Fourth Element Scout mask, the progressive company’s first foray into diving hardwear.

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Each month, we bring together the latest industry news from the Asia-Pacific region, as well as all over our water planet. To find out the most up-to-date news and views, check out the website or follow us on our various social media @scubadivermag www.scubadivermag.com.au/news

THRESHER SHARK NUMBERS INCREASE AROUND MALAPASCUA

Thresher shark numbers have increased through lockdown – and the pandemic kickstarted a scholarship programme for local Divemasters

T

he tiny island of Malapascua in the Philippines is fringed with picture-perfect white sand beaches, palm trees and blue waters, but is most famous for its population of thresher sharks. Malapascua is the only place in the world where they can reliably be seen every day, and in normal times, divers flock from all around the world to dive with these majestic creatures. Of course, Covid put that all on hold, and the island once bustling with tourists has been deserted in recent times.

Thresher Shark Divers (TSD) is the premier PADI Dive Centre on Malapascua and the only Career Development Centre. When TSD first opened nearly 20 years ago, they would see one or two sharks in the morning, with about a 50% chance. But now, they often see ten or more and they are much more reliable. It is wonderful in these days of shark over-fishing to hear stories of shark numbers increasing, rather than the opposite.

TSD reopened as soon as it was allowed, to cater to the odd diver passing through. Ironically, but understandably, with few divers on the island, the shark dives have been incredible; with fewer divers in the water and less bubbles, they are less shy, and come in larger numbers and come much closer. For the last few months divers have even been granted visits from something we had only ever heard from fishermens’ tales - tiger sharks!

Toni Plaza is TSD’s Spanish PADI Course Director and he has been teaching for the last ten years all over the world until finally making his home in the Philippines. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a scuba diver and remembers watching documentaries about sharks on TV and falling in love with them. He dreamed that one day he would dive and interact with them.

So one of the reasons he choose to work with TSD was the opportunity to dive every day with these beautiful thresher sharks. Toni has now done many hundreds of dives on Monad Shoal with them - “Every time I see them it is like my first time, and the whoops and hollers and massive smiles of my divers seeing them for the first time is just an incredible feeling.”

Toni stayed on the island throughout the pandemic.

Although there was little work, he tried to make the most of his time there.

During the pandemic, there was only a small amount of work available for TSD’s staff and most of them had to go out fishing every day to survive and feed their families.

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MALDIVES

THE DIVER’S CHOICE FOR 30 YEARS

This situation was heart-breaking, and Andrea, the owner of TSD, pitched in to help with food and extra money, but there was only so much she could do for so many staff. They were very worried about how the staff would manage, but somehow they made it through, and as always with Filipinos, with lots of smiling and laughter along the way.

Toni and Andrea decided to do something more to help the local staff, and together with PADI, sponsored a scholarship programme. They took some of their most-promising members of staff, and trained them up from beginner to PADI Divemaster. When Toni first brought them in to propose the idea, it came as a complete surprise, and their faces lit up like a child on Christmas day. Growing up on such a tiny island, they have been in the water all their lives, and to become a DM is the ultimate dream of many locals - not only for the prestige and the fun job, but if they get a good position in a shop like TSD, it is very well paid, and they will be sure to improve the lives of their families immeasurably. Little wonder it is the goal of many, but way out of financial reach for most of them. But TSD has trained up a good number of staff on their scholarship programme, and it can work very well. Most of their staff are made up of DMs who came up through the ranks at TSD and are familiar faces to many customers having been around for many years. www.malapascua-diving.com

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Diveplanit Travel is kicking off 2022 with an explosion of new enquiries as the world starts to open up for international travel once again. Gearing up for expected extraordinary growth, the company has recruited senior dive travel consultant Jessica Chrimes. A passionate scuba diver, Jess has almost 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, across a variety of companies - most latterly focused on dive travel and group dive travel, managing travel arrangements for a wide portfolio of dive centres and dive clubs throughout Australia.

On accepting the position, Jess said: “I’m excited to be joining such a dynamic company and look forward to working with the Diveplanit team to help take their sustained growth to the next level.”

Diveplanit has come through two years of Covid border closures with a strong sales forecast for 2022 and 2023, thanks to adaptive and versatile business planning and a powerful marketing engine. According to Diveplanit Managing Director Simon Mallender: “We’ve worked hard over the past two years to maintain strong relationships with our client base, suppliers and marketing partners as well as investing time into new product development.

This has seen us through possibly the hardest two years our business has experienced, and we are now gearing up for a very busy year ahead!

“Jess is our first new appointment this year, and we are hopeful to announce more in the coming weeks and months.”

Diveplanit co-founder Deborah Dickson-Smith is delighted with Jess’s appointment, and said: “Jess brings a wealth of experience to our team and she’s also a lovely person that I have known personally for a few years. I’m really looking forward to working with her!” www.diveplanit.com

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ENDURANCE DISCOVERED ‘IN AMAZING CONDITION’

The Endurance22 Expedition, which has been employing state-of-the-art technology in the search for the fabled Endurance, has announced that Shackleton’s ship was discovered over the weekend of 5-6 March lying in over 3,000m of water and ‘in amazing condition’.

Sir Ernest Shackleton’s vessel has not been seen since it was crushed by the ice and sank in the Weddell Sea in 1915. Now, 100 years after the explorer’s death, his ship has been located – just four miles south of the position originally recorded by Captain Worsley as the crew abandoned the stricken vessel.

The Endurance is protected as a Historic Site and Monument under the Antarctic Treaty, ensuring that the wreck would not be touched or disturbed in any way while it is being filmed and surveyed.

Mensun Bound, Director of Exploration on the expedition, said: “We are overwhelmed by our good fortune in having located and captured images of Endurance. This is by far the finest wooden shipwreck I have ever seen. It is upright, well proud of the seabed, intact, and in a brilliant state of preservation. You can even see ‘Endurance’ arced across the stern, directly below the taffrail.

“This is a milestone in polar history. However, it is not all about the past; we are bringing the story of Shackleton and Endurance to new audiences, and to the next generation, who will be entrusted with the essential safeguarding of our polar regions and our planet. We hope our discovery will engage young people and inspire them with the pioneering spirit, courage and fortitude of those who sailed Endurance to Antarctica.

“We pay tribute to the navigational skills of Captain Frank Worsley, the Captain of the Endurance, whose detailed records were invaluable in our quest to locate the wreck.”

He added: “I would like to thank my colleagues of The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust for enabling this

extraordinary expedition to take place, as well as Saab for their technology, and the whole team of dedicated experts who have been involved in this monumental discovery.”

Dr John Shears, Expedition Leader, said: “The Endurance22 expedition has reached its goal. We have made polar history with the discovery of Endurance, and successfully completed the world’s most-challenging shipwreck search.

“In addition, we have undertaken important scientific research in a part of the world that directly affects the global climate and environment, and have conducted an unprecedented educational outreach programme, with live broadcasting from on board, allowing new generations from around the world to engage with Endurance22 and become inspired by the amazing stories of polar exploration, and what human beings can achieve and the obstacles they can overcome when they work together.”

Endurance22 documentary coming in the autumn Set to premiere this autumn as part of National Geographic’s Explorer series, this documentary will air globally on Nat Geo in 172 countries and 43 languages before it heads to Disney+.

E TRUST AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

PHOTOS © FALKLANDS MARITIME HERITAG

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PHILIPPINES REOPENS TO VACCINATED FOREIGN TOURISTS

The Philippines has started to accept fully-vaccinated foreign leisure travellers from visa-free countries, which is fantastic news for avid divers, as some of the world’s best diving will once again be available. Travellers will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure as well as self-monitor for symptoms for seven days after arrival.

Unvaccinated travellers will have to quarantine in a government facility, test negative for COVID-19 on the fifth day, and then quarantine at home until the 14th day, according to the embassy. Children under 18 are exempt from vaccination requirements.

Entry requirements

To enter the Philippines visitors must comply with ALL of the following: • Enter the country as a leisure tourist.

• Have six months validity on passport.

• Provide a return or outbound flight ticket.

• Travel on a passport from a visa-free country.

• Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

• On arrival into the Philippines, present a negative RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before arrival.

• Quarantine is not required for travellers who fulfill the conditions above.

CARL SPENCER AWARDED ‘TRIDENT IN MEMORIAM’

Carl Spencer was an experienced and well-respected technical diver who was involved in a plethora of projects and expeditions, including the Bluebird Project, X5, Carpathia, Titanic and Britannic. Sadly, Carl lost his life on 24 May 2009 on Britannic, and now he has been recognised by The International Academy of Underwater Sciences and Techniques for his diving career and achievements with the ‘Trident in Memoriam‘ award.

On Sunday 6 March, Carl’s family were presented with the ‘Trident’ in Memoriam‘ award on the Main Stage at the GO Diving Show at the NAEC Stoneleigh in the UK. Very few have been awarded this over the years, and the Spencer family want to continue encouraging youngsters to learn about the deep blue, so it was fitting this ceremony took place straight after a Youth Panel of teenage divers talking about what they love about scuba diving.

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PADI AND BLANCPAIN OCEAN-PROTECTION PARTNERSHIP

PADI and Swiss prestige watchmaker Blancpain are joining forces with the aim to fundamentally increase the number of marine protected areas (MPAs) around the globe over the coming decade. The organisations unveiled their collaborative partnership at the 9th Annual World Ocean Summit – the flagship event of the Economist Impact’s World Ocean Initiative, attended by the world’s top thought leaders from business, science, governmental and non-profit sectors – to tackle the greatest issues facing our blue planet.

“Blancpain and PADI have rich histories rooted in exploration and ocean conservation, inspiring both organisations to become powerful catalysts of planetary change,” says Drew Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of PADI Worldwide. “Protecting our oceans is not only core to our ethos, but critical for our very survival. The world must pull together to stem the urgent crisis in our ocean and we have an immense opportunity to bring about change. We’re proud to work alongside such a prominent partner who shares our optimistic outlook on the future and a deep commitment to further empowering our global community to seek adventure and save the ocean.”

Together, PADI and Blancpain will work with local communities across the globe to expedite the establishment of MPAs. At the heart of the multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative is the flagship citizen science programme, Adopt the Blue, in which 6,600 registered PADI dive centres and resorts will be activated to develop the largest network of marine protected areas on the planet, enabling millions of PADI recreational divers to proactively engage in marine conservation at every opportunity.

Another keystone of the partnership is the formation of the Blancpain/PADI Community Grant, which funds critical conservation efforts in local communities.

These grants will drive both ocean preservation as well as indigenous community support, serving as a force for good for both humanity and ocean.

“With our almost 70-year legacy of the Fifty Fathoms diving watch, Blancpain has developed not only a passion, but a deep commitment to our oceans,” says Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain. “We’re extremely proud of the role we’ve played in advancing global marine protection efforts and we are thrilled to be collaborating with PADI – and its community of divers – to bring about even more positive change.”

The successful implementation of marine protected areas is critical to the health of the world’s largest and most important ecosystem and has been proven to restore biodiversity, build resilience to climate change and reestablish vulnerable species’ populations.”

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Ask DAN

DAN medical specialists and researchers answer your dive medicine questions

Q: What’s the best way to clean scuba equipment?

A: The risk of acquiring a disease or infection from contaminated scuba equipment is low; however, there are many benefits to using clean, well-cared-for scuba equipment. Properly maintained dive gear can last longer and is less likely to malfunction and cause a dive accident.

Divers Alert Network encourages divers to review the manufacturer’s recommendations in addition to the following guidelines when cleaning and sanitising scuba equipment.

Regulators and mouthpieces Before rinsing a regulator, make sure the dust cap is clean, dry and secured over the first stage inlet. Submerge the regulator in fresh water for a short period and gently rotate any moving parts to ensure any salt residue is rinsed off or dissolves.

Allow the regulator to dry completely before storing.

As an extra precaution, use alcohol or antibacterial mouthwash to sanitise the second stage mouthpiece. Swab the mouthpiece first, then scrub gently using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Rinse thoroughly, taking care not to press the purge button.

Wetsuits, booties and gloves Unless you dive exclusively in freshwater, it’s important to rinse all neoprene items after every dive. Saltwater causes neoprene to degrade and lose its flexibility. All divers should clean and disinfect their wetsuits, boots and gloves periodically with a prolonged soak in warm water and wetsuit cleaner. Here are the basic steps: • Undo velcro and open all zippers • Submerge and gently massage items • Rinse thoroughly • Hang wetsuits on thick hangers to dry with zippers open • Store in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or near where a gasoline engine is operated • Always follow manufacturers’ recommendations • Use only cleaning products designed for scuba gear. Other cleaners can damage or degrade dive equipment Mask, fins and snorkel Rinse your mask, fins and snorkel after every use and allow them to dry completely before storing to avoid mildew growth. Use fresh, clean water and rotate any moving parts to remove salt, sand or other debris. Sanitise snorkel mouthpieces the same way you would regulator mouthpieces.

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Buoyancy Compensation Device (BCD) Rinse the exterior of the BCD thoroughly with clean, fresh water. Remove the weight pockets (if applicable) and rinse separately. It is also a good idea to rinse the inside of your BCD. Start by dumping any water that entered the bladder during the dive, then pour clean, fresh water into the bladder via the low-pressure inflator hose. Orally inflate the BCD and shake the water around the fully inflated bladder. Finally, invert the BCD so that the inflator hose is the lowest point, and dump out the excess water. After a thorough rinse, inflate the BCD about halfway. Allow it to dry completely before deflating it, then store it away from direct sunlight.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper maintenance, inspect your dive gear before every use, and get it serviced regularly. To learn more about equipment care, basic repairs and maintenance, take an equipment maintenance course.

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Monthly round-up of news from our SSI dive centres and professionals www.divessi.com

DISCOVER THE MARES HORIZON SCR

T

he decades of expertise behind Mares and rEvo rebreathers have combined to create a unique semi-closed rebreather (SCR) like no other, the Mares Horizon SCR. This revolutionary SCR rebreather is easy to use, natural to dive with, and designed with all levels of diver in mind. It has been developed to provide the utmost in dive security and it is an ideal SCR system to use during your rebreather training and beyond.

How does a rebreather work?

Rebreathers allow you to breathe your air repeatedly. Put simply, the air you exhale enters a rebreather system that absorbs the CO2 you have breathed out and replaces the O2 you have used during your last breath.

What are the advantages of the Mares Horizon rebreather?

Rebreathers have several sought-after advantages over open-circuit scuba apparatus, including a lack of bubbles and extended dive times. These advantages give you more time to explore the underwater world and allow you to get closer to marine life than ever before. The Mares Horizon SCR does not need dedicated cylinders and can be used with standard nitrox cylinders. It provides warm, moist breathing gas and the lightweight system is perfect for traveling. Mares and rEvo have left no stone unturned when they designed this fantastic system the ergonomic design of the Mares Horizon even improves your trim, position and comfort in the water.

Great reasons to join the SCR rebreather training program

• Enjoy extended dive times. The Mares Horizon SCR offers incredibly extended dive times compared to open-circuit dives, giving the diver more time to take in the wonderful underwater environment.

• Learn with a lightweight SCR system ideal for travel. This lightweight system is the ideal travel companion and does not require dedicated cylinders or weights. The unit’s simple logistics allow you to use standard nitrox cylinders that are easily obtained from most dive destinations.

• Build on your open-circuit knowledge step by step.

The Mares Horizon SCR diving training builds on your foundation of open-circuit and nitrox diving knowledge, so you can become a confident SCR diver and at a pace that works for you. The Horizon SCR controller also intuitively maintains an ideal nitrox mix, depending on your preferences.

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• Get closer to marine life than ever before. Why do we love the SCR rebreather training program? Because it is the start of your journey to get closer to marine life than ever before! We all know that fewer bubbles equal more closeup action and epic dives.

• Ditch the heavy gear and improve your trim. The Mares Horizon SCR has an ergonomic design that intuitively improves your trim position and comfort in the water.

Added to that, it provides warm and moist breathing gas, so you can get comfortable on every dive and discover the freedom of movement that rebreather diving brings.

Experience a new horizon – SSI SCR DIVING

Dive into the world of rebreather diving with the In this entry-level rebreather program, you will learn all you need to dive safely with the Mares Horizon rebreather up to 30 meters deep. It is the perfect introduction to rebreather diving, and you can start this certification online today. n Contact your SSI SCR training centre for more information on the Mares Horizon SCR programme or the TRY SCR program if you want to experience the benefits of diving with the SCR without committing to a full course.

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HORIZON

A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH

Heron

Island The island did not become inhabited until the early 20th century when a turtle cannery was established. The aim was to profit from the seasonal influx of green turtles, but the venture soon found it difficult to keep the business afloat.

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Turtles, rays, sharks and lots of birds Heron Island is a nature lovers’ paradise, and because of its size, everything is just on your doorstep, sometimes literally.

Adrian Stacey waxes lyrical about the island’s delights Photographs by Adrian Stacey & Aleksandr Jeldosev

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L

ocated on the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef is a tiny speck of land called Heron Island. Most of the island is covered in pisonia forest and nestled among the trees is the Heron Island Resort and a University of Queensland research station.

Perched on the top of the reef, the island is surrounded by shallow turquoise waters that eventually give way to the ocean’s deep blue, where the reef finally drops off. Measuring a mere 800 metres by 300 metres, this diminutive coral cay attracts a bewildering array of wildlife, both below and above the water.

Named after a bird, it is perhaps not surprising that Heron Island is home to a lot of birds. There are, of course, resident herons (eastern reef egrets), but the majority are wedge-tailed shearwaters (mutton birds) and black noddy terns. Over 200,000 of these very noisy winged creatures take over in the summer months, making nests in the trees, buildings, and even the sandy ground. The birds are everywhere. A cacophony of sound assaults the senses during the day, while at night the calls of the mutton birds are the stuff of nightmares. Some sound like a crying baby, while other calls sound like a ghost. I would not be surprised if Alfred Hitchcock drew inspiration for his famous horror film The Birds from the island. However, the creepy birds are soon forgotten after encountering the island’s other summertime visitors.

Stingray flypast Heron Island is a haven for birds

Turtle relaxing on the reef

Female green turtles will lay around 100 eggs per nest and will nest around every two weeks over the season

Vast swathes of hard corals

November to March is the spectacular turtle nesting season on Heron Island, with hatchlings beginning to emerge in early January. Hundreds of green turtles and the occasional loggerhead lumber up the beach every night at high tide to find a suitable place to make a nest. Female green turtles will lay around 100 eggs per nest and will nest around every two weeks over the season. While turtles are graceful and swift underwater, they are anything but on dry land.

The turtles choose to come ashore at night when it is cooler, and at high tide, so they do not have as far to travel up the beach to the edge of the forest where they make their nests. Most will complete their nesting under cover of darkness, but some can still be found still digging in the early hours of the morning after the sun has come up. The hatchlings also choose the night to make their mad dash for the ocean as there are fewer predators at this time, and their chances of survival are slightly higher.

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We came to the island with our two young boys, and seeing the turtles was definitely one of the highlights. It was also a brutal introduction to the harsh realities of the natural world and predation in particular. On the first morning, we were strolling along the beach and encountered a couple of baby turtles who had slept in. They both managed to make it to the ocean, egged on by my excited sons. However, soon after entering the water, the first turtle was taken by a blacktip reef shark, and then to my eldest’s abject horror, the remaining turtle was snapped up by a hungry seagull.

The following day, we rose before sunrise to see some of the females make their way back down the beach after a challenging evening of nest building. Fortunately, we also encountered another baby turtle and much to my son’s relief, this one avoided being eaten.

We also had the pleasure of running into some researchers from Queensland Parks, who were tagging, measuring and making notes about the turtles. They were only too happy to explain what they were doing and how best to interact with the turtles without disturbing them too Aerial shot of Heron Island

Heron Island corals are superb

much. Things like not touching them, staying behind them as they make their way down the beach, and not using phones or torches to watch them as this confuses the turtle and can cause them to head away from the water.

While the turtles are the stars of the show, Heron Island also offers a lot more than reptiles and birds. The diving is stunning, and the snorkelling is spectacular. The dive sites are mere minutes by boat from the jetty. The corals are in pristine condition, acres of hard corals stretch out for as far as the eye can see, a myriad of small reef fish inhabit this coral labyrinth and there is the reassuring popping sound of the snapping shrimp, which is a sign of a healthy and vibrant reef. As you would expect, there are plenty of turtles in the water, lots of schooling fish and the occasional shark. Heron Bommie is a particular favourite with the turtles, and this colourful cleaning station also attracts the occasional manta ray.

Turtle cruising past Heron Island

The corals are in pristine condition, acres of hard corals stretch out for as far as the eye can see, a myriad of small reef fish inhabit this coral labyrinth and there is the reassuring popping sound of the snapping shrimp, which is a sign of a healthy and vibrant reef 24

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Stingray

We only managed to get in a couple of dives during our visit, but we enjoyed plenty of snorkelling and the encounters with marine life just off the sandy white beaches that fringe the island was impressive to say the least. Blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, lemon sharks, feathertail rays and shovelnose rays all patrol the shallow waters. On one excursion at low tide, we encountered an epaulette shark awkwardly making its way across the reef. Another dip was rewarded with the spectacular sight of five or six large cow-nose rays cruising past. These encounters are commonplace throughout the day and at any location around Heron Island, but the best time to snorkel is most definitely at dawn, and the early start is well worth it.

On our last day, I left the rest of the family in bed and made my way through the pisonia forest to the southern tip of the island to a place called Shark Bay. Here I had a couple of brief encounters with large lemon sharks, some shovelnose rays and a couple of turtles that looked relieved to be back in the water. As the sun began to climb above the horizon, I snorkelled down the island’s western side, where I was joined by more turtles and plenty of schooling surgeonfish.

A deep channel at the northern tip of the island gives access to the dive boats and passenger ferry. Sitting on top of the reef towards the ocean end of this channel is the wreck of the HMAS Protector, which was a large flat iron gunboat commissioned in 1884. After a collision with a tugboat, it was abandoned, then in 1943, the vessel was towed to Heron Island to be used as a breakwater.

Now not much is left of the ship, and it is not safe to enter what remains, but this rusting hulk does attract a lot of marine life. Large schools of snapper, grunts and surgeonfish congregate around the submerged hull.

I swam over at least 20 feathertail stingrays as they zipped over the reef on which the Protector sits, and I was also treated to a fly-by from a fever of 15 or more whiptail rays. Plus, more turtles and a lone eagle ray.

Fish swirl around a shipwreck

Heron Island reefs are home to myriad fish species

Baby turtle heading for the open sea

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The island has no fresh water supply. A small desalination plant on the island uses reverse osmosis technology to supply water for human consumption. Similarly, two diesel generators (and some solar panels) supply electricity to the island.

Here I had a couple of brief encounters with large lemon sharks, some shovelnose rays and a couple of turtles that looked relieved to be back in the water I finished off my early morning snorkel around the jetty at the island end of the channel. Several blacktip reef sharks closely watched a school of juvenile barracuda. As this channel offers the only seabound access to the island, snorkelling is not permitted between 8am and 4.30pm, when there is a lot of boat activity in the area.

Heron Island is located around 72km off the coast of Queensland and is accessed by a passenger ferry that departs from Gladstone every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The trip takes around two hours, and leaves at 9.30am, so an overnight stay in Gladstone is a good option. The ferry returns to Gladstone with departing guests at around 3.30pm. The only other way to reach the island is via helicopter, but this is considerably more expensive. We did take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef during our stay, and although this was also not particularly cheap, it was a fantastic experience, and I would highly recommend it. Viewing the reef from the air is almost as spectacular as seeing it underwater. Heron Island is a nature lovers’ paradise, and because of its size, everything is just on your doorstep, sometimes literally. The diving is everything you would expect from the Great Barrier Reef, and the variety of marine life that inhabits the shallow waters surrounding this tiny little island is simply breathtaking. n

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THE POST-COVID WORLD PLANNING YOUR NEXT INTERNATIONAL DIVE TRIP…

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s the world finally opens, we had planned to use this column to focus on a different destination each month, with information on what you need to know before booking each place, but amazingly, it’s all happening much faster than we thought! So, here’s a roundup of a few of our favourite dive destinations that you can visit right now, and what you need to know before you book that trip. We also look at what countries might be opening soon.

Fiji

Fiji opened its borders to quarantine-free travel around the same time Australia allowed quarantine-free entry to Aussie residents – just in time for a Christmas dive holiday!

The rules have changed a bit since borders first opened, with paperwork and testing regimes becoming a little more relaxed. To enter Fiji, you’ll now need: • Certificate to show your vaccination status. In Australia these are called International COVID-19 Vax Certificate (ICVC).

• Travel insurance showing cover in the event of COVID-19 for self-isolation costs.

• PCR Negative Test result with the specimen collection date no more than 48 hours prior to your flight’s departure or RAT Test within 24 hours.

• A document showing CFC certified accommodation for at least the first three days.

Top Tip: Book your Fiji dive trip sooner rather than later – especially your flights and avoid school holidays.

Philippines

The Philippines opened rather suddenly last month, and happily the airlines have caught up with demand quickly, with regular, reasonably priced flights to Manila and beyond.

Here’s what you need to know: • Acceptable proof of vaccination • Negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours before the date and time of departure.

• Valid tickets for your return journey to your port of origin or next destination not later than 30 days from the date of arrival in the Philippines.

• Passports valid for a period of at least six months at the time of your arrival.

• Travel insurance for Covid-19 treatment costs, with a minimum coverage of USD35,000 for the duration of your stay in the Philippines.

Papua New Guinea

The opening of PNG’s international border caught us all (happily) by surprise last month on 16 Feb. Here’s what you’ll need: • Acceptable proof of vaccination.

• Negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure from port of origin.

• International visitors will also be tested on arrival at the airport.

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• A completed e-Health Declaration Form. www.pnghdf.info • If you have tested positive for Covid within the last three months, a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner from your country of departure, certifying that you are no longer infectious.

Top Tip: Insurance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Currently it is necessary to stay overnight in Port Moresby at the start and finish of your trip to PNG as there are no same day domestic flight connections.

How do I organise Covid tests overseas?

Most resorts and liveaboards can now organise this for you, but it is important to choose accommodation with a nurse or wellness ambassador on staff, or with easy access to a clinic.

Ask your travel agent for recommendations.

What happens if I catch Covid while overseas?

In some countries where vaccination rates are lower, this is still a risk, which is why travel insurance is mandatory in some destinations. The level of coverage needs to be adequate to cover your treatment should you become ill, and the cost of additional accommodation should you need to isolate. Ask your travel agent about the ‘escalation plan’ your chosen resort or liveaboard has in place, should one of their guests become ill – and make sure they have one! Some destinations have developed accreditation programs to ensure tourism operators have these plans in place, so visitors feel safer.

For example, choose any of Fiji’s Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) accredited hotels, or Thailand’s SHA++ accredited hotels, and you can be assured you’ll be well taken care of.

Where to next…?

A few regions in Indonesia, including Bali and North Sulawesi, are inviting international visitors to enter the country and isolate for five days at approved resorts, before they can wander around the resort, region, and country freely. Some resorts are well-geared up for this, allowing guests to dine a-la-carte on their veranda, book private time in the pool, and after five days - time to start diving.

While NOT official yet, it is rumoured the Indonesian government will soon relax the mandatory hotel quarantine from five days to three days for fully vaccinated visitors. If this program is successful, then they may lift the quarantine the following month. Vanuatu just announced a Three Phase plan to open to fully vaccinated visitors once they reach their own vaccination targets. Phase One will see them welcoming guests to Port Vila, with seven days hotel quarantine, Phase Two will see the Quarantine period reduce to three days, and at Phase Three, they will open the other provinces (including Espiritu Santo) to international visitors. n Visit Diveplanit.com for more information about these destinations, email us at enquire@diveplanit.com or call us on 1800 607 913.

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DIVING TH LAND OF SMILES D

iving in Thailand is diverse, catering to divers of all levels of experience. From the wonderful dive training centres at Koh Tao, to the pelagic action and vibrant reefs of the Surin and Similan Islands, there is something for everyone.

Some of the best diving in Thailand is on the more-remote northern reefs and islands of the Andaman Sea accessible by liveaboard, with many other great sites in the southern Andaman Sea accessible on day trips from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. On the other side of the Thai Peninsula, there is also great diving to be found in the Gulf of Thailand, accessible from Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Thailand has two dozen official Marine National Parks (MNP) in the Andaman Sea, and several distinct dive areas, the pinnacle of which, Richelieu Rock, is considered one of the best dive sites in the world. Richelieu Rock is in the Surin Islands MNP, in the northern Andaman Sea, north of the well-known Similan Islands MNP, and south of another great dive area – the Mergui Archipelago – within Myanmar’s waters, but accessed by Thailand liveaboards based in Ranong, north of Phuket.

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HE

Deborah Dickson-Smith embarks on a whistlestop tour of some of the diving hotspots in Thailand, from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand Photographs by Adrian Stacey, Marc Strickland, Deb Dickson-Smith, Pete McGee, Sea Bees & Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thailand encompasses 1,430 islands. Many of these are tourist hotspots, while others remain uninhabited. You might remember scenes shot on the gorgeous Thai islands from blockbusters such as The Beach and The Hangover Part II.

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Seahorse portrait

Anemonefish

Thailand has two dozen official Marine National Parks (MNP) in the Andaman Sea, and several distinct dive areas, the pinnacle of which, Richelieu Rock, is considered one of the best dive sites in the world Best time to dive

Most important to note when planning a dive trip to Thailand is that there are two distinct seasons. In the Andaman Sea, the dry season is from November to April, and the southwest monsoon season is from May to October, when many of the offshore marine parks are closed for the safety of visitors.

In the Gulf of Thailand, the most rain falls between September and December, making November and December the least desirable times to be diving.

The Andaman Sea

Jump off points to dive the Andaman Sea include Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong on the west coast of the Thai peninsula, with some liveaboards changing ports according to seasonal weather conditions. The remote and undisturbed location of the Similan and Surin Islands makes for a biodiverse ecosystem, home to everything from manta rays, whalesharks and tuna down to tiny macro-critters such as seahorse, ghost pipefish and harlequin shrimp.

The Smiling Seahorse liveaboard is based in the north in Ranong, running trips to the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar for some months of the year, and at other times runs trips from Khao Lak and Phuket to the Similan and Surin Islands Similarly, the Junk and the Phinisi liveaboards, traditional Phinisi-style schooners, operate from both Khao Lak and

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Phuket to the Similan and Surin Islands from October to May, and then from Phuket to the southern sites including Hin Daeng and Hin Muang from June to September.

Signature dive sites

Shark Point, Phuket – Protected as a marine sanctuary since 1992, the site boasts incredible biodiversity. The site is around a pinnacle, which is encrusted with vibrant hard and soft corals. Expect to see lionfish, moray eels, hordes of kaleidoscopic reef fish and leopard sharks resting on the sandy sea floor.

The reefs are healthy and full of life

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This submerged reef is famous for its fields of anemones, which cover the shallower areas

Thailand is home to over 16 shipwrecks that are open for scuba diving. The majority of these ships were intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs and dive locations.

These wrecks range from being beginner-friendly all the way up to certified technical diver.

Thailand’s topside is stunning too

Anemone Reef, Phuket – This submerged reef is famous for its fields of anemones, which cover the shallower areas of the reef. Leopard sharks are also found here together with massive schools of smaller fish, including fusiliers, snapper, butterflyfish, bannerfish, trumpet fish, sweetlips and triggerfish.

King Cruiser Wreck, Phuket – This passenger ferry sank in 1997 and now attracts hordes of schooling fish, including snapper and barracuda. Inside the wreck you’ll find nocturnal species that enjoy the shaded areas, including lionfish, moray eels, scorpionfish, spiny lobsters, and other crustaceans.

Hin Daeng (Red Rock) and Hin Muang (Purple Rock), Southern Andaman Sea – Hin Daeng is a tall pinnacle, encrusted in soft corals in various shades of red and is simply teeming with life. There are frequent sightings of mantas and the occasional whaleshark. At Hin Muang you’ll find Thailand’s highest vertical wall, adorned with vibrant purple soft corals. On one side, the submerged rock levels out at around 60m and the other disappears into the abyss.

Ko Ha (5 Islands), Southern Andaman Sea – This circle of islets is located 25km west of Ko Lanta and is stunning above and below water. Tall limestone karsts tower above you, and underwater, everything has a thick coating of vibrant soft corals as you weave through a series of caverns and swim-throughs. The largest, Twin Cathedrals, is two enormous caverns, one of which has an air bubble that extends 50 metres above water.

Hin Pusa (Elephant Head Rock), Similan Islands – This site gets its name from a rock that sticks out of the water and resembles a half-submerged elephant. Its huge granite boulders have created a myriad of amazing swim-throughs, tunnels and caverns. You will likely spot whitetip reef sharks and leopard sharks, and look in the sand for the purple fire gobies and the rare McCosker’s dwarf wrasse. A little shallower is the endemic Similan Islands jawfish.

Manta ray

Phuket surface intervals

Explore Phuket Old Town – Phuket Old Town is a pastelcoloured historic neighbourhood, the remnants of the island’s colonial past. Phuket used to have a thriving tin mining industry, so Sino-Portuguese, Chinese and Malay immigrants flocked here to make their fortune.

Kayak through Phang Nga Bay – Take a day trip to Phang Nga Bay, famous for the striking limestone island that featured in a James Bond film, and kayak the emerald waters dotted with limestone karst islands.

Visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary – Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is an ethical elephant sanctuary, where elephants roam around, bathe and socialise freely across 30 acres of lush, tropical land bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in North East Phuket.

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West of Eden, Similan Islands – In this garden of coral bommies, you’ll find angelfish and snapper in the shallows, look in the crevices for spiny lobster, anemones and moray eels. As you head deeper, passing enormous gorgonian fans, you’ll find mantis shrimps, ribbon eels and small banded pipefish.

Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands – Thailand’s most-famous dive site is a horse-shoe-shaped pinnacle covered in vibrant coral and marine life – it’s an underwater photographer’s dream.

You may find a tiger-tail seahorse, harlequin shrimp or ghost pipefish. You’ll often see resident pharaoh cuttlefish mating here, flickering as they change colour to impress their mate.

Above, barracuda hang in the currents and from mid-January to mid-March keep an eye on the blue for whalesharks.

The Gulf of Thailand

Koh Samui and nearby Koh Tao are in the Gulf of Thailand, on the east coast of the Thai Peninsula, and home to some of the best dive training centres in the world.

Diving here ranges from granite pinnacles and rocky seamounts to vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. On fringing reefs covered in black coral, barrel sponges, sea fans and vibrant soft corals and anemones, expect to see stingrays, eels, barracuda, and turtles. Keep your eyes out into the blue for whale sharks who frequent these waters.

Whalesharks cruise into the deeper pinnacles through all seasons but are most likely to appear in April-May when the plankton levels are higher.

Deck gun on a shipwreck

Huge gorgonian sea fans

Koh Samui surface intervals

Visit the Secret Buddha Garden – Set at the top of Pom Mountain, the Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden) is a sculpture park worth a visit. The garden was the beloved project of Khun Nim, a retired farmer who worked on it for 14 years until his death at the age of 91.

Take a Thai Cooking Class – Koh Samui has lots of cooking schools that offer full-day tours cooking classes, most of which include a tour of the local market followed by guided instructions for making classic dishes. The food you prepare yourself may be some of the best you eat in Thailand.

Cool Down at Na Muang Waterfalls – These two waterfalls are located a five-minute drive away from each other and they are both very picturesque. Na Muang Waterfall One is easy to access and it has a wide natural pool that is perfect for swimming. Getting to Waterfall Two requires a little climbing, but the view from the top is worth the effort.

Signature dive sites

Whaleshark

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Sail Rock (Hin Bai) – This 30m submerged pinnacle is thought by many to be the best dive site in the Gulf of Thailand and one of the best sites for whaleshark sightings.

With few other pinnacles nearby, Sail Rock is a fish magnet and the coral-encrusted pinnacle itself is a stunning sight.

It’s not just a site for big fish though, you’ll find a plethora of colourful smaller fish darting in and out of the reef, with currents bringing in hunting trevally and barracuda.

Angthong Marine Park – Made up of 42 limestone islands, Angthong has several sea caverns, swim-throughs, overhangs and sloping reefs. The marine reserve boasts incredible coral diversity, including abundant soft corals, barrel sponges and anemones, as well several types of black corals and sea fans. Marine life here is equally diverse, and you’ll likely spot large snapper, blue-spotted sting rays, schools of fusiliers and yellowtail barracuda.

Chumphon Pinnacle – This is one of Koh Tao’s mostfamous dive sites and is located within reach of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. The site features a series of stunning granite, coral-encrusted pinnacles which are home to batfish, giant grouper, trevally and giant schools of both barracuda and snapper. The reef tops are covered in

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Extraordinary Diving Experiences in Amazing Thailand WWW.AMAZINGTHAILAND.COM.AU

HUGTHAILAND

James Bond, anyone?

Koh Tao offers an abundance of marine life to see. If you prefer the small marine animals like Nudibranch and Shrimps or the larger pelagic’s, such as the mighty Whaleshark, there is an enormous diversity to keep you entertained during your dives around Koh Tao.

The site features a series of stunning granite, coral-encrusted pinnacles which are home to batfish, giant grouper, trevally and giant schools of both barracuda and snapper Idyllic Thai beach

anemones of all colours, branching corals, sea whips and barrel sponges, and in the blue, the occasional whaleshark.

South-West Pinnacle – This series of rock formations ranges in depth from 4m to 30m, with a seafloor carpeted with anemones in brilliant greens, pinks and blues. Leopard sharks and whalesharks are occasional visitors to the site, which is home to large schools of snapper, emperor and harlequin sweetlips, yellowtail barracuda and fusiliers.

Shark Island – This dive site is best known for its biodiversity. It features a wall, pinnacles, and a coral garden abundant with colourful soft corals. The range of marine life includes moray eels, angelfish, scorpionfish, pipefish, nudibranch, crustaceans, and an abundance of macro critters. At the drop-offs, you’ll often see passing pelagics such as whalesharks, reef sharks and leopard sharks.

Climate

It is warm in Thailand’s dive regions all year round with temperatures ranging between 25 – 34°C. Phuket’s weather is typically divided into two distinct seasons, dry and rainy, with transitional periods in between. The seasons are dictated by the tropical monsoon, which is characterised by prevailing winds that blow from the northeast for half the year, then reverse and blow from the southwest, producing a dry season and a wet season. n

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Test & Go

From 1 March 2022, Thailand has eased the entry rules under the Test & Go scheme, allowing travellers to arrive in the kingdom by air, land and water with the required prepaid accommodation reduced to one night and the COVID-19 tests revised to one RT-PCR and one self-ATK. The health insurance coverage has also been reduced to no less than US$20,000.

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THAILAND’S LUXURY LIVEABOARDS

The Phinisi

Smiling Seahorse

Marco Polo

The Junk

The Phinisi Liveaboard has three itineraries in Thailand and Myanmar: in the south: the islands of Koh Ha, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang; in the north: the Similan Islands and Surin Islands (and the infamous Richelieu Rock); and in Myanmar: the Mergui Archipelago. The Phinisi is a 34-metre custom built diving liveaboard yacht of traditional Indonesian gaft rigged Phinisi style with seven sails. She hosts 18 guests in 7 en-suited cabins.

Dive the spectacular dive sites of the Similan and Surin Islands, on 3-Day, 4-Day or 7-Day trips aboard the recently renovated Sea Bees Liveaboard Marco Polo. All cabins are airconditioned with ensuite. Departing Phuket’s Chalong Pier, these multi-day cruises visit sites including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, the Surin Islands, and worldfamous Richelieu Rock.

Based in Ranong with itineraries in Myanmar and Thailand, the MV Smiling Seahorse liveaboard visits some of the Andaman Sea’s least explored dive sites in air-conditioned comfort. Dive Thailand’s Similan and Surin Island and visit Myanmar’s Torres Islands or Burma Banks to sites that have rarely been dived before, including Western Rocky in Myanmar, a highlight of which is a tunnel that goes right through the island.

This 30-metre three-masted junk was built originally in 1962 as part of a small merchant fleet that traded up and down the coastline from Burma to Malaysia. In 1985, the vessel was completed restored and has been operating as a dive liveaboard since 1999. The food on The Junk deserves a special mention. Many of its diving guests claim it’s the best food they ever had on a diving liveaboard!

For more information on exploring Thailand above and below water, contact the team of experts at Diveplanit Travel diveplanit.com phone: 1800 607 913 email: enquire@diveplanit.com

YOU CAN ONLY DO AS A FREEDIVER

U

ntil science invents a way for humans to have gills, learning to freedive is the closest you can get to becoming a mermaid or merman. As a PADI Freediver, you can explore the underwater world with minimal equipment and enjoy longer, closer animal encounters.

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Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters

The noisy bubbles exhaled by scuba divers are scary to many underwater animals. Freedivers, on the other hand, are sleek, quiet, and more approachable.

2

Embark on a Journey of Inner Exploration

Freedivers learn to subdue their body’s natural urges while staying as relaxed as possible. As you develop your freediving skills, you’ll improve your physical and mental stamina in ways that may surprise you. You’ll also be able to apply the breathing techniques and mindfulness learnt as a freediver to handle stressful or uncomfortable situations.

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Defy Science

Physiology Professor Kevin Fong writes, “In the very early days of freediving, physiologists were pretty convinced that people couldn’t go beyond about 30m-40m… They said ‘your lungs are going to be crushed.’

But, of course, free divers(sic) decided to do it anyway – and they swam well past those theoretical limits… The depth records for human freediving now are quite absurd - not tens, but hundreds of metres.”

Freedivers unlock a hidden superpower of the human body – the Mammalian Diving Reflex. When your face touches the water, your body redirects blood to your vital organs and slows your heart rate. The human body also automatically creates a constant pressure in your chest cavity, so your organs aren’t crushed.

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Experience Underwater Freedom

Many freedivers have described the experience ‘like flying underwater’. You will experience the weightless feeling of scuba diving, without all the scuba gear restricting your movements and instead, you will have powerful freediving fins that allow you to glide, spin and somersault like a seal.

Learn to Freedive

The PADI Freediver course teaches you breath-holding techniques to gradually increase your time and depth.

During the PADI Freediver course, you’ll learn: • Basic static apnea (breathholds while floating) • Dynamic apnea (breathholds while swimming) • Free immersion (pulling yourself along a line) • Constant weight freediving (duck diving headfirst while following a line) You’ll practice diving to 10m-16m, learn about freediving equipment, important safety rules and buddy procedures.

If you enjoy freediving, you can pursue additional training.

• PADI Advanced Freediver – Expand your knowledge and skills in static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion and constant weight freediving. Explore down to 16m-24.

• PADI Master Freediver – Continue your knowledge and skill development in static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion and constant weight freediving. Increase your max depth to 24m-40m.

Ready to do things you never thought possible? Learn more about the PADI Freediver course and locate a PADI Freediver Centre on the website: www.padi.com n

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Explore the Underwater World on Your Own Terms Become a PADI Freediver ™ Learn More

© PADI 2022

Mustard’s MASTERCLASS Alex Mustard explains how nailing down our diving skills is a core element for improving our underwater photography Photographs courtesy of Alex Mustard / www.amustard.com

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t’s said that ‘the most important piece of photography equipment is the nut that holds the camera’. I know that you are all here for photo tips, camera techniques and hard-won insight, but before we get to that over the coming issues, the easiest way for many of us to rapidly improve our underwater images is to develop our diving skills.

Experienced photographers will already be thinking of skimming through this article. But I am not just speaking to new divers here. I know plenty of highly experienced, prize-winning photographers who would get far better images with more diving finesse. An underwater camera can be a terrible distraction and can cause us to lose sight of our buddy, our dive computer or the delicate marine life below our fins.

Being on top of our in-water skills ensures we’re as safe as possible too. Underwater we are the transport, tripod and hide for our camera and being stable in the water improves our framing, helps autofocus work better, stirs up less backscatter, and most noticeably keeps our subjects relaxed and close to our lenses. It’s win, win, win, win.

Many dive schools offer buoyancy classes, or if you’ve been out of the water for a while, plan a dive or two at the start of a trip without your camera to rebuild those skills. That said, I’d actively encourage you to train with camera in hand. There is no point developing perfect trim that is thrown totally off balance as soon as you handle a camera. Diving educators can preach pretty fanatically about the virtues of diving completely horizontally in the water. That’s fine for normal divers, but the best underwater compositions are unlikely to come when you are in that comfortable horizontal pose in the water. Practice and set up your weights to work as you are likely to shoot. An underwater photographer will regularly end up in all positions, including upside down to get the camera as low as possible, with legs above, away from the reef.

Getting close to subjects is essential for powerful underwater pictures. Slow, smooth and steady body movements and breathing are the key skills and

make a big difference to the quality of our marine life encounters. Learn to be sympathetic to wild subjects, don’t surprise them, instead exude non-threatening body language. Taking a few extra moments when stalking will usually greatly extend an encounter. Don’t swim straight at a subject. With a turtle, for example, we should track almost parallel to it, slowly closing the distance, staying low and minimising eye contact.

Once a creature is spooked, the chance of standout images is gone. Notoriously shy species like eagle rays and hammerheads usually require a different approach. If we spot them, we are better off hiding out of sight until they are very close, then popping up and grabbing our shot.

A golden rule of scuba diving is ‘don’t hold your breath’, however, most photographers quickly learn that controlling their breathing at peak moments is beneficial. The eruption of exhaled bubbles can scare subjects and will shake the camera when precisely framing a picture. Our own bubbles will also appear in upward-looking fisheye shots and they can even block the light from a strobe positioned above the camera.

The biggest watershed moment in the development of most underwater photographers is when they start to dive for their pictures, not just take photos while they dive. Photo dives tend to be most productive when we stay within our diving comfort zone, so we can give photography our undivided attention.

In short, this means that photographers often stay shallow. Of the eight UPY winners featured in last month’s Scuba Diver magazine, seven of them were taken shallower than safety stop depth.

Of course, we all have different comfort zones, and various types of dives we are most at ease doing.

So, there are no hard and fast rules about depths, temperatures, visibility, etc. You will know your own comfort limits and if you are planning a dive to push them, it is probably best to leave the camera behind, because at best the dive is likely to be unproductive for images. Another reason for staying shallow is time - time to experiment and time to improve an image.

Top notch diving skills are required when we close to subjects and the seabed

Underwater photography usually requires close manoeuvres, rewarding top diving skills

Use buoyancy arms so that your camera is comfortable to carry and use

A golden rule of scuba diving is ‘don’t hold your breath’, however, most photographers quickly learn that controlling their breathing at peak moments is beneficial Underwater photography is always against the clock. None of us gets to dive as much as we’d like, gets to stay as deep for as long as we’d like. It is a fundamental skill to use this time well. Remember that boat time is free time, it is time to get both our camera and our head ready. Dives tend to be most productive when we have a plan for the shots we want and optimise our camera gear accordingly.

Of course, we might get better opportunities once underwater, but trying to photograph everything we see is a sure-fire route to a lot of mediocre images.

The final, and most important, consideration is an ethical approach to fragile environments and our subjects. There are lots of valuable advice around, but most comes down to respecting marine life and its home. What’s critical is that we make this part of our diving, not just pay it lip-service. Ask yourself when was the last time you turned down a subject, such as a pygmy seahorse, because it was poorly positioned. Also do your photo sessions always end with the subject swimming away, or do you regularly leave that hawksbill turtle happily foraging on the reef when your photography is done. Being an ethical photographer is not measured in how much you rant on social media, but on how you actually behave when you are in the water. n

Macro photography rewards excellent in water skills for framing and focusing on subjects

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SOUND IN THE SILENCE

While divers may relish enjoying the peace and quiet of a dive, sometimes you need to make some noise to get the attention of your buddy, or errant student Photographs by Stephen Frink

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any divers slip below the surface to get away from the hustle, bustle and noise of everyday life. They enjoy the quiet serenity of being underwater and hearing only their bubbles.

As divers know, the most efficient way to communicate is with various hand signals that indicate ascent and descent, or are silent substitutes for speaking ‘OK’ or ‘something’s wrong’, for example.

The major drawback with hand signals or any visual communication system is that you must have line of sight to see what others are expressing to you. Audible communication and cues do not have that restriction. If we are in range, we can hear what is going on and don’t need something in our field of view to get our attention.

When we hear a sound on land, we can fairly accurately determine the location of its source relative to us and approximate its distance away. Sound waves hit one ear before they hit the other, and with that difference of just milliseconds, our ears and brain work together to triangulate the sound waves. Our brains then process that information to give us direction and distance.

Sound travels more than four times faster underwater than in air. Water is a denser medium than air, so its mechanical properties make sound waves propagate faster.

Our ears and brain aren’t used to processing the shorter duration between when each ear perceives the sound wave. So while we can still hear the sound, we have a more difficult time determining where and how far away that sound originated.

A tank banger is one of many ways to create audible cues and alert your buddy or other divers to a problem or hazard.

While many divers cherish the peace and quiet underwater, sometimes circumstances require us to get our buddy’s attention. You may want to show them something you found, or alert them to a hazard or another object of which they may not be aware. Sometimes you need to get someone else’s attention, such as a first-time student who is so enthralled with their new environment that they aren’t paying attention to the instructor.

An audible attention-getter can be as simple as making a fist with one hand and slapping it against the open palm of your other hand. The noise could be enough to get other divers’ attention. Audible signalling devices are also commercially available. A tank banger is a hard plastic ball you attach to your cylinder with a bungee or silicone strap,

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A tank banger is one of many ways to create audible cues and alert your buddy or other divers to a problem or hazard

much like a giant rubber band. You can grab the ball and release it to make a significant noise as it hits the cylinder.

Handheld noisemakers are small, sealed tubes, usually metal, with a hard object inside that rattles when you shake the tube. Another device attaches to your inflator hose between the hose and the inflator on your buoyancy compensator. It is sometimes called a ‘honker’ or ‘duck’ because it sounds like a loud duck when activated underwater. Divers can use other devices beyond these commonly used examples to get one someone’s attention.

Banging a weight or other heavy object against a boat hull is just one way the surface crew can signal divers to do something based on the briefing instructions.

Sometimes a dive operator needs a recall system to get the attention of all the divers in a group and to get them to the surface and back on the boat as quickly and safely as possible. The emergency could be due to an accident with another diver or a sudden and drastic change in weather.

Some dive boats have a sophisticated electronic recall

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A handheld noisemaker will help you get attention underwater

The operator can lower a submersible speaker into the water and activate it to generate a loud sound that alerts the divers to begin their ascent system. The operator can lower a submersible speaker into the water and activate it to generate a loud sound that alerts the divers to begin their ascent.

Some operators may have another system, such as banging a weight on the side of the boat or the ladder, while others will leave the propellers in neutral and rev the engine to generate enough noise to signal divers. The boat operator should brief their divers about the recall signal and the procedures to follow when hearing it.

Divers should always be alert to other audible cues Banging a weight or other heavy object against a boat hull is just one way the surface crew can signal divers to do something based on the briefing instructions

around them. While you may not be able to immediately determine the sound’s location or distance, once you are aware of an audible cue, you will know to look around, see what is going on and act accordingly.

Some common audible cues that divers may perceive are a diver yelling through their regulator or a sudden change in breathing patterns from a buddy behind you. Hearing an increase or decrease in respirations through the regulator may indicate a diver in distress.

Audible cues and signals can get your buddy’s attention, signal a group of divers or indicate a problem you can help address. Even though we may dive to escape the noise of everyday life, we need to pay attention to the sounds around us. Doing so could make your dive even more special because your buddy got your attention to see something remarkable - or you may even save a life.

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DAN EMERGENCY HOTLINE

In the event of a diving incident, we encourage all divers to call the DAN Hotline promptly for advice: • Within Australia: 1800 088 200 • Outside Australia: +1 919 684 9111 • Within Indonesia: 21 5085 8719

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Project Baseline Truk Lagoon One of the interesting topside excursions is a lighthouse, which the Japanese built during their occupation.

You will need a local guide to reach this abandoned artifact, rising several stories above the jungle, but the gorgeous views of the coastline will be worth the climb.

Marcus Blatchford continues his epic adventure on a mission to capture several of the iconic Truk Lagoon fleet via photogrammetry Photographs by Marcus Blatchford and Pete Mesley www.petemesley.com

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Three weeks later I had processed eight complete shipwrecks, three aircraft wrecks, one engine room and numerous smaller chunks of wreckage. So what’s next? Truk isn’t the only place to have wrecks falling to pieces, this is happening all over the world

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ith the trip now in full swing and Diver on the the trip doctor onsite – worldNippo Maru famous dive physician Dr Simon Mitchell - we were able to start hitting the deeper wrecks. First on the hit list with its huge iconic bow, mini tank and trucks on fore deck and artillery field guns on the aft deck was the mighty Nippo Maru. At this point, Pete still hadn’t managed to fire up his scooter so we carried on with the idea of me doing the ‘broad brush stroke’ and Pete aiming for the finer details.

The deeper water anchorage usually has better visibility than the more-sheltered shallow anchorages we had dived thus far and on this dive was no exception. With the far better visibility I was able to be further away from the wreck while scanning which means more area is captured in each image. With the limited bottom time I was able to make full use of the scooter’s faster speeds instead of pottering along at cruising speed as before. The visibility and faster scooter speeds meant that when I reached the line to ascend, I was pretty confident that I had scanned the entire wreck in a single dive, only a lot of processing time would tell.

The next morning I woke and looked at my laptop with both excitement and anxiety. Had the process completed?

Had the process worked? Not being able to hear the laptop cooling fans suggested that either the process was complete or there had been an error and processing has stopped. As I turned up the screen brightness, I was confronted with a beautiful point cloud of a complete shipwreck - it had worked! We had managed to scan the 140-metre-long, 6,000-ton monster in a single dive with just over an hour’s bottom time! With the hiccups with scooter endurance and lower than expected vis so far on the trip, to see this point cloud was the first complete success and a huge sigh of relief and moral boost. Once first blood had been drawn, the wreck models were coming in thick and fast.

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Three weeks later I had processed eight complete shipwrecks, three aircraft wrecks, one engine room and numerous smaller chunks of wreckage As the trip went on, Becky’s group had seen me lugging my camera/scooter combo onto and off boats each day, the questions were coming think and fast and I was invited to present a talk one evening in return for beer - in the interest of education, I gladly agreed to sample different beers and talk about the principles of photogrammetry and my journey through photogrammetry. Before long, time caught up with me and I had to return home where the real work would commence. Once home I was back with my powerful desktop computer and the processing began.

The Nippo Maru

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Three weeks later I had processed eight complete shipwrecks, three aircraft wrecks, one engine room and numerous smaller chunks of wreckage.

So what’s next? Truk isn’t the only place to have wrecks falling to pieces, this is happening all over the world. At TekDiveUSA, Pete spoke of the Truk Project and suggested the start of a world wreck baseline project, much of which could be carried out as ‘citizen science’. People all over the world scanning their own favourite wrecks and sharing to a database that will not only have the capacity to show changes in future scans, but also to keep our wrecks ‘mummified’ in the digital age for people to view, reference and enjoy long after the wrecks are gone.

The project is also assisting other projects such as an

Australian group interested in the oil contained in Pacific wrecks, the Major Projects Foundation, who track wreck degradation to hopefully prevent the huge amounts of oil contained within the wrecks from escaping. Such a release of the oil would have a huge impact on not only the local marine life but also the people whose life depend on the sea and its contents. n

The San Francisco Maru

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Guide to Marine Conservation volunteering

8 million metric tons of plastic waste are dumped into our oceans every year. This amount weighs 17.6 billion pounds, which is the same as nearly 57,000 blue whales.

If this continues, it’s been said that by 2050, ocean plastic will outweigh all of the ocean’s fish.

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Lauren Sparks offers an insider’s guide to volunteering on marine conservation projects, and explains what is available and what to expect, along with advice on finding – and funding – the ideal trip for you

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s explorers of the underwater world, divers find themselves in the unique position of being witness to changes in the marine environment and habitat loss. And the more we learn about how man is affecting the environment, the harder it becomes to justify another lavish dive trip. Fortunately, there is a way for divers to continue doing what they love, while reducing the impact of their travels.

Marine conservation volunteering holidays and internship opportunities are growing around the globe, and represent an unparalleled opportunity for anyone that loves the oceans to travel the world while giving back. We’ve put together a guide that covers all you need to know about marine conservation volunteering, including the types of opportunities available, what to expect from the experience, and tips on finding and funding your perfect trip.

What is marine conservation volunteering?

Marine conservation volunteer and internship opportunities are the ultimate way to combine travel with your passion for the ocean. As the name suggests, these projects allow people to volunteer their time and labour to help experienced researchers, conservationists and scientists with on-going research. By joining a marine conservation programme, everyday people can contribute to and advance the understanding and protection of the world’s oceans and marine life. And, as these projects are often based in beautiful parts of the world, it can also double up as the holiday of a lifetime.

Every project is different, depending on the location and the work being done. Whether you’re volunteering or doing an internship, there are many common reasons to join a marine conservation programme. From meeting new dive buddies or steering you through a change of career, to simply travelling the world in a more-sustainable way, joining a marine conservation project is the perfect way to enhance your next dive holiday.

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Types of marine conservation volunteering opportunities

There’s no one-size-fits-all description when it comes to marine conservation volunteering opportunities and, as projects are often run on very limited resources, you’ll often find you get involved in many different areas. But don’t worry, this just makes them all the more interesting.

Programmes vs expeditions

A programme is a long-term project with ongoing research that might offer flexible start dates and a steady-stream of volunteers, making it easy to tailor the duration of your stay to better fit your availability. An expedition, on the other hand, is generally a shorter project with specific research goals and a fixed duration. Expeditions can be either liveaboard or land-based with scheduled start and end dates.

Potential areas of research

Covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, and plunging to many kilometres in depth, it’s an understatement to say the marine environment is massive. Needless to say, the potential for research is nearly limitless. From marine ecological assessments, and megafauna conservation, marine debris and oceanography, the fields of study are varied and many conservation projects use multiple methodologies to achieve their conservation goals.

Tagging marine life is one of the most-exhilarating fields of marine research you can get involved in, and is critical to learning more about elusive migratory species Eco-tourism takes all shapes and forms

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Meet like-minded people!

Opportunistic sightings

Volunteers can learn new skills Give something back with your diving

Frequently used while studying marine mammals and other large marine species, opportunistic sightings are pretty much exactly what it sounds like. When certain species are encountered, often by chance, the sighting is recorded either in a logbook, by phoning a hotline, or through mobile applications like Whale Alert or Whale Report.

Image and video recording analysis

While technology has helped to advance many research processes, they still often require plenty of man-hours to extract the data. Analysis of images and camera recordings is a time-consuming yet vital process that is easily done online or in-house by volunteers.

Sample collecting

Collecting samples is one of the more-obvious tasks that can be done by volunteers and interns. Samples could include anything from sea water and sediment, to seagrass, algae and marine organisms - helping researchers study an almost endless list of topics.

Tagging

What sort of work will you be doing?

Run by passionate ocean-enthusiasts, most programmes will employ a variety of conservation techniques at their disposal - and you’ll have many different ways to get involved with and help protect the environments you love to dive. We’ve outlined a few of the ways you might get involved below.

Tagging marine life is one of the most-exhilarating fields of marine research you can get involved in, and is critical to learning more about elusive migratory species. The tags gather data such as location, depth and more, providing valuable insight into species behaviours and population health. During tagging projects, volunteers can get involved in many different ways, including helping to catch and release the animals.

Rubbish collection is a core part of many programmes

Field surveys

If your project involves field surveys, you’ll be getting out and in the thick of it, collecting data from different habitats such as coral reefs or mangroves. You’ll have a chance to get hands-on with a bunch of scientific monitoring equipment, including quadrats and transects while you observe, take notes, or photograph your surroundings and the species found within them.

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Restoration, replanting, and clean-ups

Reef restoration and coral replanting projects have become common in many dive destinations around the world. There are different techniques in use, but most involve collecting broken fragments and attaching them to an artificial reef.

Coral reef conservation volunteers and interns can easily learn the techniques needed to collect, attach, and even maintain these corals as they slowly develop towards a healthy reef.

How to find the right volunteer opportunity

With so many incredible marine conservation holiday opportunities out there, it can be hard to find the right one.

Figuring out what you are most interested in is often the best place to start. Perhaps you’re crazy about coral, or keen to do some shark spotting? Do your concerns revolve around ocean plastics, or do you want to engage people through education?

If you have one key research focus, you can’t wait to get your teeth into, then the location of the programme may not matter. But, if you’re all about the beaches, and want to work on your tan while giving back to the environment, then consider starting with your desired destination, and go from there. It’s also worth remembering that some volunteer holidays provide a certification or qualification at the end.

These certifications - or even just the experience - can be used to polish your resumé, or count towards university or college requirements. So find out what these requirements are, or what employers might be looking for, before starting your search.

The length of the programme is another key factor in choosing the perfect eco-volunteer trip. Two weeks is often the minimum, but in our opinion, it’s rarely enough. How many new jobs have you started, and been fully-trained, Collecting data on a reef dive

Expect to encounter magical marine life

Work side by side with scientists

within two weeks? Well, volunteering is very similar. As you’re starting a new role, allow yourself time to learn and get comfortable - that’s when the real fun starts.

Finally, you’ll want to take a careful look at what’s included as part of your internship or volunteer opportunity.

Make sure you understand what’s expected of you, the sorts of tasks you’ll be performing, and most of all, what you will and won’t have to pay for!

Why you should pay to volunteer in marine conservation

Whether you’re applying for a marine conservation volunteering holiday, or an ocean-based internship abroad, you’ll probably have to pay for the experience. This might sound unfair, but we all know diving and travel can be expensive and, unfortunately, that doesn’t change just because you’re doing it for a good cause. NGOs and nonprofits often work with very small budgets, and while they might receive grants and funding, they also rely on the physical and financial support of their volunteers. In any case, if you’re devoting your time and energy to a particular project, you’ll want as much of its funds spent on research and conservation as possible, right? So it makes sense to pay your way. And most organisations will happily give you a complete breakdown of how your programme fees are used.

Normally, travel, accommodation, food, and diving will

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Volunteers watching a nesting turtle

be your responsibility. While the cost might seem a little daunting, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. When compared to the cost of a regular dive trip particularly one that lasts a month or more - an internship or volunteer experience generally offers much more diving for a lot less money.

What to expect on a marine conservation volunteer programme

Once you’ve found the ideal volunteer holiday opportunity, and you’ve got a plan for how to fund it, you can start looking forward to the good time ahead. But, if you’ve never volunteered abroad before, it can be hard to picture what day-to-day life will be like. So let’s take a look at what you can expect.

Training

Much like embarking on a new career, your marine research internship or volunteer opportunity will inevitably involve some training. Dive courses may be on the cards, especially if you have limited prior experience, or if your role will require performing skilled tasks underwater. Activities such as attaching corals to substrate or photographing reefs using quadrats can require perfect buoyancy and composure beneath the waves.

You’ll also have to learn about the different methodologies and techniques you’ll be using, and how to log and analyse your results.

Food and accommodation Surveying a reef Measuring a whaleshark

We always recommend shared accommodation during your marine life volunteer programmes. Not only is it the ideal space to meet like-minded people, but you can also create invaluable connections if you’re embarking on a career in conservation. Try to go in with an open mind and you’ll get much more out of the experience - and that applies to food as well. If you’ve done any dive travel in the past, you’ll know one of the best things about heading to a new destination, aside from the diving, is sampling the local cuisine.

Time off

Photographing sharks

During your programme you’ll be expected to work hard, but you’ll have time to yourself as well. When you’re not working, you’re free to do as you please, so sit back, relax, and enjoy. Explore the local communities, learn about their lifestyles and cultures, or embark on land adventures such as hiking in search of native flora and fauna.

ZuBlu’s Ecoventures

The ocean contains more than 97% of the world’s water, covering around 71% of the planet. That means it’s hugely important that we take care of the ocean.

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It can be difficult to balance our passion for dive travel with a desire to live more sustainably. Luckily, ZuBlu’s Ecoventures puts the power of sustainable tourism in the hands of every diver, with a hand-picked selection of conservation holidays and marine research internships. Using the Ecoventure search tool, environmentally-conscious travellers can discover and book volunteer conservation opportunities from around the world.

What’s more, if you book a trip through ZuBlu they will donate a percentage of the cost back to your chosen Ecoventure. So you can continue supporting the organisation – and the environment – long after your volunteering holiday ends. n

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wave of excitement and stomach ‘butterflies’ with a feeling of weightlessness - those sensations hit you well before you are in the water diving the iconic site of Rapid Bay Jetty.

Those butterflies hit as you come over a particular crest along the road on the way down to the Jetty. Local divers know the crest in the road I’m talking about – it gets you every time! The same way the anticipation of diving this iconic site still does for me – every single dive.

In truth, the nervous energy always starts well before the dive for me. Early in the morning, coming over one of the last hills on the road to the Jetty, a spectacular panorama of St Vincent’s Gulf and surrounding hills unfolds in front of you. It’s an inspiring view, and a welcome site after the 90-minute drive from South Australia’s capital, Adelaide. Not long now, you will be diving the renowned Rapid Bay Jetty.

Rapid Bay Jetty has been rated as one of the top 50 dive sites ‘to do’ in Australia. A list many of us are working through as overseas travel uncertainty is set to continue for the foreseeable future. But what is it about this site that makes it so dive-able? Apart from being known as one of the sites to see leafy sea dragons, for me its history and structure has contributed to this accolade, and the reason you are unlikely to tire of this expansive site any time soon.

One of the most-popular dive sites in South Australia, Rapid Bay Jetty is, in fact, two jetties, and they run parallel to each other. From land the site is nestled between beautiful, secluded beaches and rugged cliffs. From the sea it’s located near the Rapid Head Sanctuary Zone and a part of the greater Encounter Marine network.

The original jetty’s construction was completed back in 1942 and was used to transport limestone from the open cut mine over-looking it, down onto the large ships that transported it to places like Whyalla and Port Kembla to be used as a component in steel fabrication. So, as a working industrial Jetty, its wooden construction was heavy and well- fortified to withstand the large ships docking back in its working days. The second Jetty is a much more modern steel and concrete construction and was opened to the public in 2009.

Despite its fortification the original Jetty has been closed for over a decade to all foot traffic as it is no longer safe or stable – a good call as in the last couple of years alone

large sections of the jetty have begun to collapse with a significant collapse occurring early January 2022, although it still has a long way to go before it is totally gone. This fated demise has been occurring since its construction and why I think of it as a wreck and reef dive as well as a beautiful Jetty dive. However, this decline of the Jetty is the very thing that gives this site its uniqueness and beauty.

Early in its life the jetty developed structural issues. Teredo Worm or ‘shipworm’ had begun to infest the pylons and caused them to weaken and decay – the fix to this was to encase the pylons in concrete collars, but over time they too have become unstable and cracked and fell to the seafloor, creating a reef structure and habitat.

The Rapid Bay Jetty is one of the most-renowned dive sites in Australia, and for good reason, as Chelsea Haebich explains Photographs by Chelsea Haebich

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Jetty At Rapid Bay, you’ll also find an important South Australian landmark - a boulder on which Colonel Light carved his initials after he first stepped ashore. It’s reported that he said “I have hardly seen a place I like better”.

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Blue-ringed octopus

The seaward facing ‘T’ section of the Jetty underwent a major reconstruction too, with the pylons of the dolphins at the end being replaced with steel – making it the part of the Jetty that will last the longest. These two elements – the broken concrete collars on the floor and the reinforcing steel pylons at the end of the Jetty - are what create the distinctive features and character of this site.

Diving this site is mostly straightforward but there are a few logistics to be aware of – firstly, it’s size. While there are two Jetties at this site, the newer one is mainly viewed by divers as an access point to the much-larger original Jetty.

However, getting your gear down it is another matter! On a hot 40-degree day it can be quite a slog, with seasoned local divers the envy of interstate visitors with their trolleys and purpose-built set-ups - the way to go if you can.

While growth and life has started to develop on the modern concrete pylons of the new Jetty, it’s the diving platform at the end that is the main attraction for divers as it places them within metres of the main arm of the old jetty.

After a long walk, having the comfort of a large, submerged purpose-built platform to do your final checks and collect your camera is bliss! Once these logistics have been traversed and you’re in the water, there is much to explore – far more than can be done in one or two dives to really do this site justice. I highly recommend giving this site a few days’ worth of diving, if time and budget allows.

The Cathederal columns have prolific marine growth

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Secondly – once in the water time, gas management and directional awareness is essential. At 400 metres long and 180 across the T section, it’s a big site! It’s easy to turn the dive for shore and travel back down the jetty only to run out of jetty – and discover you have, in fact, gone down one of the arms and further away from shore. Therefore, I recommend discovering the site over several dives, perhaps with a local guide, or even better from a boat.

Underwater Sports Diving Centre is one such dive shop that runs boat dives to this site. Booking onto a dive with them can save you the task of carrying your gear and swimming a long distance to the T section. They will put you right in the middle of the action and have a great reputation for leafy spotting. Beginning the dive, you can either surface swim across to the old Jetty and descend, using the pylons as a visual reference, or drop below the entry platform and use the star pickets to navigate across. Both very easy options. My preference is for dropping down and crossing. The stony bottom often harbors critters like blue ring octopus, pipefish and if your fortunate, sometimes even a leafy sea dragon or two.

Once across to the old Jetty, settled and orientated, the best way to continue is to slowly work your way down the Jetty. The obvious feature of this environment are the concrete castings that litter the floor directly under the Jetty. Also, as the Jetty sits unusually high out of the water it lets lots of light in and this has allowed a lot of competitive growth between species of kelp and

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Charismatic blenny poses for a portrait

Pack your macro lens!

Leafy seadragon

An artificial reef exists five kilometres (3.1 mi) north-northwest of Rapid Head (i.e. the headland at the west side of the bay). In 2002, HMAS Hobart, a decommissioned guided missile destroyer, was scuttled there in 30m of water to create a scuba diving site.

While growth and life has started to develop on the modern concrete pylons of the new Jetty, it’s the diving platform at the end that is the main attraction for divers algae to grow on the bottom surfaces and pylons – much more so than at sites like Edithburgh. Peering under the concave fragments of concrete you can find blue devils, giant cuttlefish, crays and eels. It’s not long before you begin to realize that there is so much more to this site than leafies!

Its structure is home to so much marine biodiversity.

For photographers there are abundant opportunities for macro shots with lots of nudibranch species, pipefish, sponges, snails, cryptic creatures and crustaceans to keep you occupied. Wide angle is not to be a missed opportunity here either. Lots of light enters this site – great for sunbeam shots between the pylons. A rainbow of colourful sponges jostle for space on the pylons and its always a pleasure to capture some of the iconic species of this site in wide habitat shots.

One notable creature to exploit the unique concrete features of this site is the photogenic southern blue devil.

In recent years they have returned in numbers to take up residency under the concave blocks – a perfect habitat.

Charismatic giant cuttlefish also favour these structures for a daytime lair. They can often be seen resting on their ‘doorstep’ watching reef life pass them by.

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Over the years I have seen many leafies at this site – from translucent juveniles, that disappear before your eyes in the kelp and brown algae, to large egg yolk yellow adults. I have even had the privilege to see five leafies congregating – so rare I was at a loss to make much of the behaviour.

The Jetty is often overlooked in favour of hunting for this elusive creature. They can be found at any time at almost any part of the Jetty with a few reliable places, including the surrounding grass beds. Word of mouth on the day from other divers or a guide is the best way to see one – or simply try your luck and enjoy everything else on offer until your ’moment’ happens.

Once you have explored these broken structures, you’ll reach the end of the Jetty, and you will discover the most iconic part of this large dive site. The T section is known affectionately by locals as the Aquarium or Gallery. Here, reaching the deepest part of the site at 10m, the metal pylons are spaced much closer together and block some of the available light and calm the waters. This creates the sensation of entering an underwater forest. Subsequently schooling fish seek refuge here. Yellowtails and large schools of old wives gather and contrast against the

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beautiful rainbow colours of the pylons and blue-green water. It really pays to look up at this site.

In the Aquarium is where the fish species numbers seem to peak. Floating motionless, watching, it feels like a fish metropolis has descended around you. I could watch for hours the social interactions, displays and territory disputes that go on in this crowded underwater world. That said, it is very easy to get lost and lose track of time – so I have one golden rule for this site. No matter what is going on I always turn my dive for shore at 100 bar.

This allows plenty of time to return and gives you some wiggle room to explore a little on the way back if the tides have picked up. Once you’re back at the new Jetty keep your eyes peeled for the Laurel and Hardy Show put on by the horned blennies jostling for occupancy of the highly sought-after barnacle shells on the pylons – a great way to blow off the last of your gas before exiting.

Tides at this site aren’t too much of an issue – but they must be respected. It’s always preferable to dive on the slack of the high or low tide when water movement is minimal. Not only is this a safer way to dive this site, but you will also have better interactions with wildlife as they too will be more relaxed and not battling the currents. Wind is more of a concern and the best conditions to look for are mild south easterlies and north easterlies.

Getting to Rapid Bay is straightforward. Locals – just pack your gear for the day, get an early start and get on down there for the best parking space. Those coming from interstate – do the same, but look for accommodation options available around Normanville and Carrickalinga or Second Valley. Options range from caravan parks and Air BNBs to whole houses for groups of travellers.

Accommodation further afield might be of benefit as well with McLaren Vale wine region a short drive from the area.

There are plenty of businesses to help with your stay as well – a well-stocked supermarket, bakeries, restaurants and cafes as well as a few breweries. My favourite!

Chelsea Haebich

Diver and cuttlefish encounter

The nearest dive shops are back in Adelaide so you will need to arrive with everything you need to dive – it’s a long drive back if you have forgotten something. That said if you are doing multiple days of diving and need to get tanks filled, Second Valley Air Fills is a much- welcomed recent business to set up on the Fleurieu. With the Bauer compressor they have a quick turnaround for fills and have a few spare items if needed. Peter Corrigan looks after this business. Contact him ahead of your trip either through Facebook or on 0499 229 053.

So, as you can see there are many reasons why this Jetty sits high on the best ‘to do’ sites in Australia. Apart from being nestled in the Fleurieu Peninsula - a beautiful part of the world, the Jetty itself offers such a variety of experiences for divers. Sure, there are plenty of good opportunities to see Leafy Sea Dragons – but beyond that the unique wildlife, colours and structure are well worth you spending some time planning your next trip down here for your next adventure. n

Chelsea is a South Australian based underwater photographer who is keenly passionate about what temperate water diving has to offer. As a PADI instructor and dive guide, Chelsea also spends her time guiding and helping others capture awardwinning images of South Australia’s unique underwater creatures.

More of her photography can be viewed here: 34south.com.au

The famed Rapid Bay Jetty

Want to come face to face with a Leafy Sea Dragon?

Personal Guided tours from single divers to large group bookings.

Advanced booking to see this unique South Australian creature essential.

We are proud to have the largest dive gear store in South Australia.

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Each issue, the Scuba Diver test team bring you the latest product and equipment releases from the dive industry. Cannot wait for the next edition? Keep up-to-date with all the latest gear news and reviews by heading over to the Scuba Diver YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/ScubaDiverMagazine

HOLLIS ST, ST ELITE AND DT BUOYANCY SYSTEMS | SRP: AUD$1,079.99-$1,289.99 Hollis is introducing three new buoyancy systems during Q1 2022, each designed to meet the needs of discerning recreational and technical divers.

At Hollis, the design team knows that the needs of each diver are a little different, so when it came to designing new buoyancy systems, they sought to create gear that would meet its user where they’re at as a diver. Whether the user is a single-tank diver, a twin-cylinder diver - diving in the Caribbean or locally in cold water – Hollis has tailored these systems to the type of diving they’ll be doing. There are three systems available: the ST System, ST Elite System, and DT System, with customisation options for each.

ST System (AUD$1,189.99)

The ST System is designed for minimalist-minded divers who prioritise streamlining their kit, for the ultimate in traditional simplicity. So if the diver is concerned about unnecessary bulk and pieces of equipment failing, the ST eliminates those factors. The foundation for the ST System starts with the new Hollis backplate 2.0 with geometry and material choices tailored to an individual’s style of diving.

The ST features a continuous-weave solo harness. It has no buckles that can fail, and no extra parts that aren’t needed. An ultra-streamlined single-tank ST wing rounds out the system with a perfect balance of horizontal trim and surface floatation. It’s all one simple, ultra-rugged design made for technical dive utility.

The ST comes pre-assembled from the factory and includes unique components depending on the user’s desired configuration. For warm water and travel destinations customers can choose the ST Travel System ($1,079.99), which includes the Aluminium backplate 2.0, Delrin cam bands and the Backplate backpad 2.0.

Two wing sizes are available. The ST22 provides 10kg of lift while the ST35 has 16kg. Those diving in colder waters may prefer the standard ST System, which includes the ST35 wing, Stainless Steel Backplate 2.0, Stainless Steel cam bands and the Backplate backpad 2.0. An optional weight system is sold separately.

ST Elite System (AUD$1,239.99)

Similar to the baseline ST, the ST Elite brings together the most popular Hollis single tank components into a single system. However, instead of the solo harness, Hollis has added the luxurious and adjustable Elite 2 harness, yielding a result similar to what you’d expect from a full-featured BCD. For divers coming from the recreational world of single tank diving using a traditional BCD, this gives the same

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harness style, but on a backplate for added stability. The ST Elite System also gives its owner a ton of options for customisation depending on their diving style, in case it changes over time. For warm water and travel destinations, an ST Elite Travel System ($1,189.99) is available which includes the ultra-streamlined ST22 wing, Aluminium backplate 2.0, Delrin cam bands and Backplate backpad 2.0.

Those diving in colder waters can choose the standard ST Elite, which includes an ST35 wing, Stainless backplate 2.0, Stainless cam bands and a Backplate backpad 2.0.

DT System (AUD$1,289.99)

For twinset diving, the Hollis DT System is minimal and simple, and designed for the rigorous demands of the discerning doubles diver. Made tough, it comes with all of the components for a backplate and wing kit in one, preassembled from the factory. The foundation for the DT system starts with Hollis’ new Stainless Steel Backplate 2.0, with geometry and material choices tailored to the user’s style of diving. The design team then added the continuousweave solo harness. This harness has no buckles that can fail, and no extra parts that the user won’t need.

Rounding out the DT system is the new DT50 doubles wing with 23kg of lift and, with a radical redesign, it’s ideal for various sized double cylinders and colder waters. The DT50 also promotes greater lift towards the diver’s hips for better horizontal trim. Alternatively, users can opt for the DT45 Dual wing offering 20kg of lift via its double bladder.

Lastly, the DT includes the new Backplate backpad 2.0, which is designed to pivot out of the way when installing kit on a set of doubles. Owners can add a set of cam bands to the DT for the occasional single tank dive. www.hollis.com

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MARES EOS TORCH RANGE | SRP: AUD$140-$650

Mares have always had a decent line-up of torches, and the new EOS range definitely ticks all the boxes regardless of whether you wanted a compact back-up torch or a morepowerful primary unit. The range runs from the EOS 10lr and EOS 10lrw back-up lights through the EOS 5, 10 and 15lrz units, to the range-topping EOS 32lrz. The EOS 10lr and 10lrw feature a 1,000 lumen CREE LED, a visual battery charge indicator, a rechargeable battery, four options (on, low, SOS, off) and come in a padded case. The lrw has a wider beam than the lr, making it particularly useful as a video light.

The EOS 5lrz, 10lrz and 15lrz all have a magnetic adjustable focus, which takes the beam from narrow to wide light. The 5lrz has a 520 lumen XP-G2 CREE LED, the 10lrz has a 1,100 lumen XML-2 CREE LED, and the 15lrz has three 1,580 lumen XP-G2 CREE LEDs. The top-of-the-line EOS 32lrz has an XHP50 LED and like its lrz brethren, it has a magnetic adjustable focus for the light beam. It has a max burntime of 135 minutes on full power. www.mares.com

TECLINE FRAMELESS SUPER VIEW MASK SRP: AUD$44.63 Tecline offer a range of frameless masks, but one of their latest is the Super View, which comes in a selection of colours, including black (and the all-black Military variant at £57.98), white, pink and a vibrant orange.

The Super View has a striking design, and looks especially good in the orange colourway. The silicone used for the skirt is soft and flexible, giving a comfortable fit on the face.

The strap is a straightforward tried-and-tested design, and Tecline opted for simple but effective stainless-steel buckles rather than some button-operated system. It is basic, but it works well. You can also choose to get the Super View in black with a yellow-tinted lens (£59.25) to add colour back into your dive. The Frameless Super View comes in a sturdy plastic storage box and is very keenly priced. www.teclinediving.eu

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SEALIFE REEFMASTER RM-4K PRO 2000 SRP: AUD$899

Capture vibrant 14mp still images and brilliant 4K video with an ultra-compact camera especially designed for the underwater environment - the ReefMaster RM-4K. Waterproof to 40m, the ReefMaster RM-4K underwater camera is a game changer in underwater imaging. The housing is robust and designed to be hand-held, tray mounted or worn on your head, mask or body. The ReefMaster Dive housing assures consistent waterproof performance with its Pressure-Lock sealing system.

The SeaLife RM-4K features brilliant 14mp still images and vivid 4K video in a incredibly small package that’s easy to hold and use alone, or with attached lights like the SeaLife Sea Dragon. The ultra-compact removable inner camera and a robust external housing that mounts easily to a light tray. The easy, four-button control system makes catching the action an effortless process. The ReefMaster offers WiFi sharing ability, so you can wirelessly preview, download and share pictures and videos to a smart phone or tablet with the free ReefMaster app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The ultra-compact ReefMaster RM-4K goes anywhere and is ready to capture your dive adventure.

The shape fits comfortably into your hand or mounts easily to a photo/video light like the Sea Dragon 2000F. With 4K video resolution, your videos will be ultra-sharp and rich in colour and the high performance 14mp image sensor will capture brilliant still images. Around the back there’s a high-res 5cm display for easy aiming and quick review.

The full Sealife range is exclusively distributed in Australia by underwater.com.au - dealer enquiries welcome. www.underwater.com.au

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Each issue, the Scuba Diver test team bring you the latest product and equipment releases from the dive industry. Cannot wait for the next edition? Keep up-to-date with all the latest gear news and reviews by heading over to the Scuba Diver YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/ScubaDiverMagazine

FOURTH ELEMENT SCOUT | SRP: AUD$149.90 How we perceive the underwater world is largely determined by what we see, and the mask we use is therefore the most-important piece of equipment for most, if not all, scuba divers. Diving in caves is a different experience from snorkelling in tropical seas. Likewise, diving in lower visibility, temperate waters is different from the near-unlimited visibility of some blue water locations.

Fourth Element’s lens system in the Scout dive mask - the company’s first foray into diving hardware - is designed to deliver an optimised experience for different conditions when diving, whether for underwater photographers looking to maximise the light transmission, or wreck divers needing to enhance their perception of dimly lit surroundings.

The Scout is a single-lens frameless mask that has an angled profile to maximise the field of view, and a soft silicon skirt for optimized comfort and fit. It also comes with an elastic strap made from recycled materials.

Building your Scout mask couldn’t be easier. Use the lens guide to choose the right lens to suit your dives, then use the online mask builder to preview and select the skirt and strap that creates the style you love.

There are four lens to choose from: Shield – Anti-UV and Anti-Glare Inspired by the gold visors of NASA astronauts, the Shield lens provides UV protection and reduces glare, making it fully suited to tropical and warmer water environments for shallower diving and snorkelling in bright conditions. UVA and UVB radiation is reflected by the lens, reducing the exposure of the eye to potentially harmful rays.

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Clarity – Pure clear lens Maximising the amount of transmitted light, without any tint from impurities in the glass, the Clarity is the ideal lens for night divers and photographers. It is also the perfect lens for teaching, allowing students and instructors to clearly see each other’s eyes. The Clarity lens is manufactured with the highest level of purity to deliver maximum visual acuity during a dive.

Contrast – Anti-UV Filtering out some of the mid-range wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum, the Contrast lens has a green appearance. Particularly when diving in temperate (green) waters, images seen through the lens show and increase in contrast, accentuating brighter and darker areas, increasing the perception of visual acuity. The Contrast lens provides full UVA and UVB protection from harmful ultraviolet.

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Enhance – Anti-UV, Anti-HEV Filtering ultraviolet and HEV (High Energy Visible) radiation, the Enhance lens is designed to protect the eye and enhance the visual experience. It is well known that UV has a damaging effect on the eye, but it has also been shown that HEV light can interfere with the lutein proteins in the eye and alter them, so filtering out this High Energy radiation can help to preserve optical health.

Then there is the mask strap to choose – there are various colour options of an elasticated strap that is made using rubber and recycled nylon, with clips made using recycled waste ABS plastic from the automotive industry. The clips have also been designed so that they will fit most mask buckles.

The Scout comes in a mask box that is designed to replace the plastic boxes that are supplied with so many masks. Low profile and protective, this case will protect the lens thanks to its cushioned half shell, without creating bulk, meaning it can fit in the foot pocket of most fins for convenient transport. www.fourthelement.com

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AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES

QUEENSLAND

DIVE EDEN

SOUTH WEST ROCKS DIVE CENTRE

LADY ELLIOT ISLAND ECO RESORT

t: 04 1002 6990 e: diveeden@gmail.com Guided dives of the wrecks, vibrant wharves and shoreline in Eden, Merimbula and Tathra. Scuba and Freediving courses are available. www.diveeden.com.au

t: +612 6566 6474 e: info@swrdive.com.au a: 98 Gregory Street, South West Rocks, NSW Australia’s best Shark and Cave dive. Family owned and operated for over 40 Years. swrdive.com.au

t: +61 7 5536 3644 e: reservations@ladyelliot.com.au a: Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef, QLD Lady Elliot Island ‘Home of the Manta Ray’ boasts 20 incredible dive sites and is renowned for amazing marine encounters. www.ladyelliot.com.au

DIVE IMPORTS AUSTRALIA t: (+61) 24 367 5512 e: info@diveimportsaustralia.com.au a: Shop 5/188 The Entrance Road Erina 2250 Central Coast NSW The Only PADI 5 STAR IDC Centre in Central Coast and Closest Dive Shop to dive ex HMAS Adelaide which located at Terrigal. www.diveimportsaustralia.com.au

FEET FIRST DIVE t: 02 4984 2092 e: enquiries@feetfirstdive.com.au a: 97 Stockton St, Nelson Bay, NSW, 2315 SDI/TDI SCUBA, Snorkelling, & Spearfishing Retail & Training Centre. Shore dives in marine sanctuary, grey nurse shark double boat dives. www.feetfirstdive.com.au

ST GEORGE UNDERWATER CENTRE t: 61 2 9502 2221 e: info@stgeorgeunderwater.com.au a: 1/148 Bellevue Parade, Carlton, NSW, 2218 We have been in the industry for over 62 years.

We are a TDI SDI 5 star training centre. We service, train and travel. www.stgeorgeunderwater.com.au

WINDANG DIVE & SPEARFISHING t: 02 4296 4215 e: info@windangdive.com.au a: Shop 1, 239 Windang Road, Windang, NSW, 2528 Scuba Diving Courses to Instructor. Spearfishing needs and servicing of all brands of scuba and spearfishing. www.windangdive.com.au

LETS GO ADVENTURES t: 02 4981 4331 e: fun@letsgoadventures.com.au a: Shop 8W, d’Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay, NSW, 2315 PADI facility Introductory dives through to Instructor Courses. Guided shore & boat trips for divers & snorkellers. Retail Sales & Servicing. www.letsgoadventures.com.au

OCEAN HUT FISHING AND DIVE t: 02 4476 2278 e: darryl@oceanhut.net a: 23 Graham Street, Narooma, NSW, 2546 We are a PADI retail outlet for most diver requirements including hire and air fills. www.compleatanglernarooma.com.au

SCUBA HAVEN t: 0407 457 542 e: info@scubahaven.com.au a: 20 Merrigal Rd, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444 SCUBA Diving Port Macquarie and Laurieton Areas. Offering Dive trips, Courses, Introductory dives, Sales and services. www.scubahaven.com.au

SCUBA WAREHOUSE t: 61 2 96891389 e: info@scubawarehouse.com.au a: 1/50 George Street, Clyde NSW 2142, Sydney We are a PADI 5-Star IDC centre that specialises in personal tuition courses and outfitting divers in all things scuba. www.scubawarehouse.com.au

SHELLHARBOUR SCUBA & PHOTOGRAPHY t: 02 4296 4266 e: info@shellharbourscuba.com.au a: 41 Addison Street, Shellharbour, NSW, 2529 Free guided shore diving at Bass Point reserve.

SDI/TDI scuba training. Dive photography & travel.

Retail Sales, hire & servicing. www.shellharbourscuba.com.au

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QUEENSLAND AQUA ADVENTURES PTY LTD t: 07 55917117 e: info@aquaadventures.com.au a: 95 Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215 Padi 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, oldest and most experienced operating dive company on the Gold Coast. www.aquaadventures.com.au

BLUE DIVE PORT DOUGLAS t: 0427 983 907 e: info@bluedive.com.au a: Port Douglas – Please call 0427 983 907.

Superb private guided dives on the best Agincourt Reefs. Private multi-day dive charters. www.bluedive.com.au

BUNDABERG AQUA SCUBA t: 07 4153 5761 e: Julian@aquascuba.com.au a: 17 Walla Street, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670 Bundaberg has world class wreck diving sites, access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the best coral reef shore diving in Queensland. www.aquascuba.com.au

KPT DIVING & MARINE SERVICES t: 07 4783 1519 e: info@yongaladive.com.au a: 36 Braby Street, Alva, QLD, 4807 We provide unique trips, including a beach launch & a fast, exhilarating ride to the dive site! www.yongaladive.com.au

MANTA LODGE AND SCUBA CENTRE t: 07 34098888 e: info@mantalodge.com.au a: 132 Dickson way, Point Lookout, QLD, 4183 Amazing diving all year round. Manta Rays, Sharks, turtles and whales along with a huge variety of marine life. www.mantalodge.com.au

PASSIONS OF PARADISE t: 07 4041 1600 e: Reservations@passions.com.au a: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, QLD Dive, snorkel and sail the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns onboard a sailing catamaran with locally owned Passions of Paradise. www.passions.com.au

SCUBA IQ t: +61 (0)404964878 e: info@scubaiq.com.au a: PO Box 588, Port Douglas, QLD 4877 PADI & TDI/SDI Dive operator. Courses for all levels – Guided Diving – Liveaboards to the Ribbon Reefs, Coral Sea + more. www.scubaiq.com.au

SCUBA WORLD t: 07 5444 8595 e: info@scubaworld.com.au a: 207 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba, 4557, QLD We create safe, comfortable, enthusiastic divers who always have a fun, personal and enjoyable experience at Scuba World. scubaworld.com.au

SUNREEF t: 07 5444 5656 e: info@sunreef.com.au a: 11-12/123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, QLD, 4557 World class dive sites & first class service. Dive the HMAS Brisbane Wreck, Stunning Flinders Reef or Swim With Whales! www.sunreef.com.au

TASMANIA EAGLEHAWK DIVE CENTRE t: 0417013518 e: info@eaglehawkdive.com.au a: 178 Pirates Bay Drive, Eaglehawk Neck, TAS, 7179 We have world-class temperate water diving, with sites suitable for divers with skill levels from novice to advanced technical. www.eaglehawkdive.com.au

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA RODNEY FOX SHARK EXPEDITIONS t: 08 8363 1788 e: expeditions@rodneyfox.com.au a: 107 Henley Beach Road, Mile End, SA, 5031 Great white sharks, SCUBA, Ocean Floor Cage, Surface Cage, Australian Sea Lions and our own wine all on the 32m liveaboard MV Rodney Fox! www.rodneyfox.com.au

SCUBA COURSES PTY LTD t: 0407 580 580 e: simon@scubacourses.com.au a: 1/83, Mount Barker Road, Stirling, SA 5152 PADI Dive Centre, Open Water through to Assistant Instructor courses, and specialties. Tank fills and shop. PADI MSDT, experienced instructors. www.scubacourses.com.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA BATAVIA COAST DIVE & WATERSPORTS t: 08 99214229 e: info@bcda.com.au a: Batavia Coast Dive, 118 Northwest Coastal HWY, Geraldton, WA 6530 We are a PADI 5 Star dive centre and THE local experts when it comes to oceanic adventures. www.bataviacoastdive.com.au

OCTOPUS GARDEN DIVE CHARTERS t: 0438925011 e: kimroyce@gateway.net.au a: Casuarina Boat Harbour, Bunbury, WA, 6230 Wreck & reef diving (small groups, min 2/max 11). Photographers paradise. Hire gear available.

Prolific fish life. 10-18 metres. www.octopusgardendivecharters.com.au

SOUTHCOAST DIVING SUPPLIES t: 08 98417176 e: whale@divealbany.com.au a: 84b Serpentine Road, Albany, WA, 6330 Diving Albany means diving anything from wrecks to reef, plunging drop offs to awesome canyons with unbelievable colours and fishlife. www.divealbany.com.au

VICTORIA ALL ABOUT SCUBA t: (03) 9939 4913 e: info@allaboutscuba.com.au a: Unit 17/30-34 Maffra Street, Coolaroo, Victoria, 3048 A fully equipped SCUBA service centre with a passion for servicing so we can safely explore the underwater world! www.allaboutscuba.com.au

DIVE GEAR AUSTRALIA t: 03 9702 3694 e: sales@divegearaustralia.com.au a: 11/53-57 Rimfire Drive, Hallam, Victoria, 3803 DGA is a PADI 5 star training dive store with a huge range of scuba diving, snorkelling and spearfishing gear. www.divegearaustralia.com.au

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VICTORIA EXTREME WATERSPORT t: 03 5982 3432 e: info@extremewatersport.com.au a: 621/1623 Point Nepean Rd, Capel Sound, VIC 3940 Full sales, equipment servicing, training, rental, and Air fill services available onsite. On the water of below it you can’t go past Extreme Watersport! www.extremewatersport.com.au

OCEANSUITS t: 03 9702 4993 e: sales@oceansuits.com.au a: Unit 3, 101 Wedgewood road, Hallam, Victoria, 3803 Australia’s foremost authority on wetsuits and drysuits. Manufacture custom wetsuits. Miraculous repairs service all brands, styles for over 30 years. www.oceansuits.com.au

OCEAN DIVERS t: 03 9579 2600 e: info@oceandivers.com.au a: 223a East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East Ocean Divers is a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Centre and a Scubapro Platinum Dealer. www.oceandivers.com.au

SCUBA CULTURE PTY LTD t: 03 9808 0033 e: info@scubaculture.com.au a: 117 Highbury Road, Burwood, Victoria 3125 Full service dive shop providing equipment sales, service, hire, training, dive club, dive travel and air/ nitrox fills. www.scubaculture.com.au

NEW ZEALAND AUCKLAND AQUATECH t: +64 2156 3563 e: servicing1@yahoo.com a: 4 WOULDBANK Way, Welcome Bay Aquatech is a scuba service centre. We service scuba regulators / full face masks / oxygen regulators. Underwater Scooters. www.aquatech.kiwi.nz

DIVE DOCTOR t: +09 530 8117 e: info@divedoctor.co.nz a: 20R Sylvia Park Rd, Mt Wellington.

(1 min off the M’way) Scuba servicing centre – all brands. Wide range of products and hard to find items instore and online. 300 Bar fills, NITROX, O2. Quality dive training. www.divedoctor.co.nz

DIVING ACADEMY LTD (AUCKLAND SCUBA) t: +64 9478 2814 e: info@aucklandscuba.co.nz a: 49B Arrenway Drive, Auckland 5* PADI centre, beginner to Instructor courses (student loan approved), quality equipment retail, rebreathers, scooters, dive trips, servicing, air fills. www.aucklandscuba.co.nz

AUCKLAND GLOBAL DIVE t: +64 9920 5200 e: info@globaldive.net a: 132 Beaumont Street, Westhaven, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand NZ’s Premium Dive Store. Leaders in Training, Servicing and Travel. Home of Fourth Element, OMS, Shearwater, XDeep, Light&Motion, DUI, Cinebags. www.globaldive.net

KIWI DIVERS NZ LTD t: 09 426 9834 e: info@kiwiscubadivers.co.nz a: 8 Keith Hay Court, Silverdale, Auckland, New Zealand Air, Nitrox & Trimix fills. SSI & TDI Rec, Tech & Rebreather courses. 2 dive boats. Brands: Hollis, Oceanic, Zeagle, Atomic, Bare/Stahlsac service centre. www.kiwiscubadivers.co.nz

WAIHEKE DIVE & SNORKEL t: +64 9217 4892 e: info@waihekedive.com a: 110 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland, NZ, 1081 NZ’s most fun little dive shop! We’re your choice for online retail, diving & snorkeling adventures – just 35 mins from Auckland CBD! www.waihekedive.com

CANTERBURY DIVE HQ CHRISTCHURCH t: +64 3379 5804 e: sales@divehqscuba.co.nz a: 103 Durham Street South, Sydenham, Christchurch South Island’s Premium Dive Centre, Specialists in Scuba Diving, Spearfishing & Freediving. Brands: Hollis, Oceanic, Atomic, Zeagle, Beuchat, Bare & Rob Allen. www.divehqscuba.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH GO DIVE PACIFIC t: 0274 344 874 e: info@godivepacific.nz a: 66 Wellington Street, Picton, Marlborough, New Zealand Dive one of the biggest cruise ship wrecks in the world, the Mikhail Lermontov, suitable for recreational to advanced technical divers. www.godivepacific.co.nz

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS NEXT ISSUE! Contact Adrian on WWW.SCUBADIVERMAG.COM.AU +61 422 611 238 or email adrian@scubadivermag.com

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NEW ZEALAND NORTHLAND DIVE NOW t: 09 438 1075 e: info@divenow.co.nz a: 41 Clyde St, Whangarei We’re Northland’s largest SCUBA, Spearfishing & Freedive retail store offering great deals on gear along with SCUBA and Freedive courses. www.divenow.co.nz

PAIHIA DIVE t: +64 9402 7551 e: info@divenz.com a: 7 Williams Rd, Paihia 0247, New Zealand We run daily trips to the Canterbury wreck, The Rainbow Warrior wreck and reef sites in the Bay of Islands. www.divenz.com

SUBAQUA DIVE CENTRE t: 09 988 9508 e: subaquadivecentrenz@gmail.com a: 108 Cameron Street, Whangarei, NZ Friendliest dive shop in town. Stocker of Hollis, Ratio Dive computers, Atomic Aquatics, Bare, Oceanic and Zeagle. www.facebook.com/subaquadivewhangarei

WAIKATO

SOUTHLAND

DIVE ZONE WHITIANGA

DESCEND NZ – MILFORD SOUND

t: +64 7867 1580 e: info@divethecoromandel.co.nz a: 10 Campbell Street, Whitianga 3510, New Zealand Dive charters, training, service and retail store.

Many and varied dive spots. Beautiful coastal town location. Offshore islands & Marine Reserve. www.divezonewhitianga.co.nz

t: +64 (0)27 337 2363 e: info@descend.co.nz a: Deepwater Basin Milford Sound – bookings essential Dive in the majestic and unique Milford Sound where deepwater species such as black coral live in diveable depths. www.descend.co.nz

TAURANGA

WELLINGTON

DIVE ZONE TAURANGA

DIVE WELLINGTON

t: 0064 7578 4050 e: info@divezonetauranga.co.nz a: 1213 Cameron Rd, Tauranga, New Zealand Join our friendly crew for a great day out exploring the dive sites of the Bay of Plenty, you will be well looked after onboard our comfortable Dive Boat Ruku Moana. www.divezonetauranga.co.nz

t: 04 939 3483 e: dive@divewellington.co.nz a: 432 The Esplanade Island Bay, Wellington, New Zealand Wellington’s Padi 5 Star Centre, right across the road from Taputeranga Marine Reserve.

Come and dive or snorkel with us. www.divewellington.co.nz

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JUST JETTIES

WHY VICTORIA’S PIERS ARE THE CHALLENGES OF A HAVEN FOR BOTH PHOTOGRAMMETRY WORLD’S BEST? TECH: SILENT DIVING DOES THE SS YONGALA DIVERS AND FISHWHY YOU SHOULD ON THE TRUK WRECKS DO A

GET INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT THAT IS HELPING SAVE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

DAN COLUMN

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY

CONSERVATION

ISSUE #41

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Gold Coast Dive Trips

Join the Adreno Gold Coast team on scuba diving trips that will blow your mind! The experienced team of passionate divers takes care of all the planning so you just need to book & show up.

WE’VE GOT TRIPS PLANNED TO:

STRADBROKE ISLAND

COOK ISLAND

WRECK OF THE MARIETTA DAL & SMITHS ROCK

GOTHAM CITY

FLINDERS REEF

CEMENTCO WRECK

FOR ALL UPCOMING TRIPS & COURSES, VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR VISIT US INSTORE AT 3- 9 RAWLINS ST, SOUTHPORT QLD 4215

FREEDIVING COURSE Learn to dive on one breath and move freely beneath the waves with Australia’s premier freediving training centre.

OUR LEVEL 1 FREEDIVING COURSE CONSISTS OF 3 MAIN COMPONENTS: 1) Knowledge development and theory 2) Pool sessions and training techniques 3) Open water sessions On completing the course, you will have the skills and knowledge to freedive to depths between 10 and 20 metres, in the most relaxed and safest manner possible.

Courses available from Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne megastores.

CONTACT TRAINING@ADRENO.COM.AU TO SECURE YOUR SPOT OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE VIA THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE.

A clean ocean requires clean rivers

I

t’s 2022 – and if you do not know the importance of changing behaviour towards ocean health and why it’s necessary yet, you may have been in hiding for the last few decades. The oceans are in dire distress overfishing, climate change, pollution, and the lack of education have all pushed our oceans to the brink of collapse.

But few people realise the importance rivers play in ocean health. A 2017 study found that around 90% of all the plastic in the world’s oceans flows through just ten rivers. Eight of those rivers were in Asia, and two in Africa.

They all run through highly populated areas, lacking effective waste collection, meaning trash often ends up in the river.

Raja Ampat is one of two locations in Indonesia that plan to create an effective waste management system. The lack of adequate waste management facilities is a consequence of Indonesia’s rapid modernisation and adoption of the consumer lifestyle - barely two generations ago, all waste generated in Indonesian society was biodegradable.

According to a recent clean-up effort from Thames21 – a group that organises clean-ups along the foreshore of the River Thames – wet wipes have become a current problem since it is often flushed down toilets. They are discharged into the river from the sewers after heavy rainfall. These wipes break down into smaller pieces of microplastics,

which ultimately end up in our oceans. Plastic takes centuries to break down, and instead of simply disappearing – it finds its way into the stomachs of marine life and seabirds. It is even finding its way into humans – a recent study found that globally, we are swallowing an average of 5g of plastic every week (although it cannot be proven that it all comes from the oceans).

Hints and advice

• Stay away from cosmetic products, such as face wash that contains microbeads.

• Do not flush the following down the toilet: Wet wipes, cigarette butts, gum, and dental floss.

• Dispose of your cigarette butts appropriately, and do not throw them on the streets where they can wash down the drains and end up in our rivers.

• Ensure your car does not leak oil, which can eventually wash down storm drains and end up in the watershed.

• Don’t flush any unused medicine down the toilet or wash medicinal liquids down the drain of your basin.

Do you have any other simple tips for ensuring we take care of our rivers and, ultimately, our oceans? Let us know on social media!

FACEBOOK: meridianadventuresdive INSTAGRAM: @meridian_adventure_dive

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