Press Release 07/12/04
Whale Shark Expedition 2005
Scuba World Safaris is working with researchers tagging Whale Sharks in Utila, Honduras next February. The Expedition is lead by Paul Shepherd an Underwater photographer and PADI Instructor.
We will be building a database of whale sharks that visit the area and can therefore learn more about the habits of these amazing creatures. The Database will include DNA samples and a photo library. Even if you are not an accomplished photographer you can help compile this. Paul is running a photography workshop whilst the researchers teach the members about the Whale Sharks.
The researchers will only be doing this for 6 weeks each year and we have 2 of those! This is also the first year of the project, so therefore the most interesting as all the Sharks will need to be tagged and recorded.
Utila is one of the smallest Bay Islands and is also one of the least developed. Staying in Deep Blue a small-secluded resort the whole expedition is geared to the diver and their experiences.
The coral spawning and egg laying of many fish draws the whale sharks to Utila each year. The researchers have planned the project for the best chance to see the Sharks. We are also operating a spotter plane to help locate the sharks so we can cover as many as possible.
The Expedition is limited to 10 spaces so don’t wait! Check out the website at www.scubaworldsafaris.com or email us at info@scubaworldsafaris.com
Rosie Webb, rosiewebb@ukdiving.co.uk, 7 December 2004
pls i want school visa to enter uk thanks peter
peter, ferdinand_6utd@yahoo.com, 6 December 2004
diving service" sterted recreation scuba dive at "saint martins island"
Bangladesh. This is first time opened recreation dive operchtunity in
Bangladesh. founder "Sufi Md Atiqur Rahman. Fax:88-2-9563583.
Sufi sufi Atiqur Rahman, divebangladesh@yahoo.com, 24
August 2004
This is nice option for me. "Oceanic scuba diving service" sterted
recreation scuba dive at "saint martins island" Bangladesh. This
is first time opened recreation dive operchtunity in Bangladesh.
founder "Sufi Md Atiqur Rahman. Fax:88-2-9563583.
Sufi sufi Atiqur Rahman, divebangladesh@yahoo.com, 24
August 2004
elisha , , 14 June 2004
I cxannot access your site about shark diving being banned in california
(farallons national marine sanctury). Please could you send it to me.???
thank you so much from cape town, South Africa.
Bernie Shelly, shelly@xsinet.co.za, 9 June 2004
Am urgently trying to contact Allan Woods who is opening a Dive Acadamy in
Blyth - Lost number - Please Help!
S Bransby, duneperfume@btinternet.com, 4
June 2004
Has anything been published here about the reorts on Sipadan being closed
down? See: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=26737
Richard Merritt, , 26 May 2004
Has anything been published here about the reorts on Sipadan being closed
down? See: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=26737
Richard Merritt, , 26 May 2004
Has anything been published here about the reorts on Sipadan being closed
down? See: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=26737
Richard Merritt, , 26 May 2004
mortgagee in possesssion signs up at Dorothea. NO Diving Allowed. we read
them on the way out
anonymous, nwsac.co.uk, 17 April
2004
For more information: Patric Douglas 415.235.9410 staff@absoluteadv.com
www.sharkdiver.com Absolute Adventures-Shark Diver Builds World’s Largest
Shark Cages Marine Researchers saw Great White Sharks off the coast of
California- this CEO saw an outstanding business opportunity. San
Francisco, CA – March 23, 2004 – For Chief Excitement Officer Patric
Douglas of Absolute Adventures-Shark Diver, taking clients cage diving
with Great White Sharks is the best day job ever, one that he won’t quit
anytime soon. The numerous Great White Sharks off the coast of Isla
Guadalupe in Mexico are fast moving, razor toothed predators. To interact
with these unique animals, some over 15 feet in length, Douglas and his
shark team spent 5 months building the world’s largest shark cages
totaling 100 square feet with a unique external floatation system that
provides a more comfortable, spacious and safe way for divers to come
nose-to-nose with Great White Sharks below the water’s surface. “Clients
come on our shark diving expeditions looking for their next thrill, but
they leave with a greater appreciation for the beauty and grace of Great
White Sharks,” said Douglas with an easy smile. “My biggest thrill is not
necessarily the cage diving – it’s watching people lives being
fundamentally changed by stretching their comfort boundaries, this is just
one of the unexpected by-products of our cage diving experience.” With the
all new and spacious shark diving cages, Douglas is able to give his
adventure-seeking clients, ranging in ages from 20-70 years, a safer view
of these magnificent animals up close and in person. His 5 day expeditions
include notable Great White Shark researchers who are studying the DNA and
migration patterns of these animals. Surprisingly, a number of divers are
solo females, including a mother of two sets of twins who booked an
expedition this season. What drives Douglas’s new business are referrals
from past clients and a growing global “hunger” for safe interactions with
the worlds top sea predator. Since 2000, Douglas and his company Absolute
Adventures-Shark Diver have offered Great White Shark cage diving, first
in the Farallon Islands near San Francisco and now at the acclaimed Isla
Guadalupe site. To help preserve the Farallon’s fragile shark population
located within a National Marine Sanctuary, Absolute Adventures-Shark
Diver ceased all cage diving there in the autumn of 2002 and began
focusing entirely on Mexico and several new destinations in 2004-5. In
fact, 2003 was a banner year for Douglas. Despite being in the middle of
the second Gulf War when most travel companies were at a virtual
standstill, he and his team successfully booked their entire 2003
expedition season at Isla Guadalupe with more than 145 excited divers in
record time. To book a Great White Shark cage diving adventure with Patric
Douglas and the crew of Absolute Adventures-Shark Diver, call 415.235.9410
or visit http://www.sharkdiver.com. About Patric Douglas Cleaning up after
his third hurricane in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Absolute Adventures–Shark
Diver’s Patric Douglas decided that there had to be a safer way to make a
living. He moved back to the west coast where he was quickly offered a job
working for a medical travel company escorting American doctors all over
the globe. Douglas then spent the next two years as one of the first
American tour guides back into Vietnam setting up a safe, unique travel
route throughout its remarkable historically rich country. While escorting
21-day tours through China, Bali, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and
Latin America, his easygoing leadership and good humor made for some
exciting moments on the road that would not have happened without him.
Mountain slides in Peru, saltwater crocodiles blocking the road in
Australia and even a Cyclone in New Zealand did not deter this imaginative
expedition guide from offering the best available to his risk-taking
international clients. Finding a safer way to make a living has now led
this adventure entrepreneur into the deep sea realm of the Great White
Shark. # # #
Staff, staff#absoluteadv.com, 23 March
2004
Well, what's happend to the web site for users to upload there own pages.
Been trying for 2 months to phone and email (NOT 1 REPLY) I guess I will
go elsewhere.
Peter Taylow, willucall@mailcity.com, 2
February 2004
j
j, j, 16 January 2004
is there any academy of DIVING IN MALAYSI
FATHI , fathi-elobeidi@maktoob.com,
16 December 2003
The swiss diveclub divezone.ch opened an online store for cool diver
Stuff. Let others know what's under this Tshirt. Be proud of saying that
there's a diver inside! Everything that lets a divers heart getting
higher. Even if you dive outside of Switzerland, you can wear this cool
stuff to protect the diver inside from the cold weather...
www.cafepress.com/diverinside
Flex, flexkeller@gmx.ch, 19
November 2003
Dive down to the Titanic... I wonder if you would let your web readers
know about Ghosts of the Abyss 3D, a brand new giant-screen film in the
IMAX Theatre-At-Bristol from 19 July. Ghosts of the Abyss takes you down
to the legendary Titanic to explore the ghostly ship inside and out, in
spectacular 3D. For more information visit
http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/IMAX/ghosts.htm
Susie Jones, groups@at-bristol.org.uk, 4
July 2003
this page sux
Who Wants Some ! ! !, im.not.a.diver@This.Sux, 10 June
2003
Stuart Bell (ex London Aquarium) was tragically killed yesterday in
Australia on his way to work at Australia Zoo, just outside Brisbane. He
was hit by a car whilst riding to work and died instantly and apparently
would not have had time to know what happened to him. He had just spent
some time in Cairns diving off the Great Barrier Reef which was something
he had always wanted to see. My thoughts are with all those who knew him.
Nicola Coster, clancoster@bigpond.com, 6 June
2003
I search a renseignement in accident dive ( one killed )in a channel
island ( a casquet on wreck 65 m )in may 2003. thanks
colleu, vcolleu@wanadoo.fr,
4 June 2003
Editor: You may not be aware that Paul Tzimoulis (Skin Diver Magazine) is
seriously ill. Attached is a News Release I wrote for the Academy of
Underwater Arts and Sciences that shares how divers can get involved in
showing our respect and appreciation for Paul. Also attached is a
biography I wrote about Paul from my book, Pioneers In Diving, and a photo
of Paul. If you know of anyone who would like to participate in this
program, have them contact me. I'm sure all your divers would like to know
about Paul's condition and how we can help him. Anything you can do to
spread the word would be greatly appreciated. According to his wife, Geri
Murphy, we don't have much time. If you have any question, please contact
me. Ed **************************************** Edward C. Cargile 2133
Sorrento Drive Oceanside, CA 92056, USA Phone/Fax: (760) 722-1205 Email:
ecargile@cox.net Program Manager, Engineer, Commercial Diver, Writer and
Underwater Photographer. Author of Pioneers In Diving.
*****************************************
Ed Cargile, ecargile@cox.net,
21 May 2003
GREAT WHITE SHARK DIVING IN NORTH AMERICA For many divers the opportunity
to safely view an apex predator at close range is the ultimate experience.
Sport divers have been traveling to South Australia and South Africa for
many years to see and film the great white shark. Although it has been
known for some time that there are many white sharks in California waters,
until recently no one has offered the experience to the public. Now divers
and shark enthusiasts can experience big sharks in North America —at
Guadalupe and the Farallon Islands. Guadalupe Island lies about 160 miles
offshore and 220 miles south of San Diego California. Cruising to
Guadalupe on San Diego's finest 95 foot long liveaboard, dive and fishing
vessel Searcher is a real pleasure. The Searcher is superior in all
aspects. Her size, speed, stability and amenities are unsurpassed. The
vessel is 95’ long and 24’ wide. Her fifteen private cabins and gourmet
dining puts the Searcher in a class all by herself. First Class. After
departing from Fishermens Landing in San Diego California the crossing
usually takes 20 to 22 hours. We generally fish along the way catching
good sized Albacore and Tuna. The island is remote, surrounded by deep
water, and is home to large numbers of Elephant seals, Guadalupe fur
seals, and California sea lions. Right off the islands shore is some of
the best tuna fishing anywhere. Yellow Fin Tuna weighing 60 to 100 pounds
are common. Typically, this is a five day trip, one day each way to and
from San Diego and three days at the island. At Guadalupe white sharks are
attracted to caged divers with the use of chum. Typically the sharks show
up shortly after the chumming begins and stick around for the remainder of
the day and into the night. Great White Adventures is the only outfit to
offer night dives with white sharks and this adds a whole new realm of
excitement to an already amazing experience . Guadalupe white sharks here
are generally sub-adults ranging in size, 10 to 14 feet, with the
occasional 16 footer. With visibility in the 70 to 100 foot range and
water temps near 70 F, this is the place to photograph white sharks. White
sharks at Guadalupe are mellow and cautious. They slowly investigate cages
and hang baits, and willingly pose for portraits. These are not the
monsters depicted in the movie “Jaws.” Rather, they exhibit a powerful
grace and beauty, and divers are amazed at their, strong, muscular bodies.
They never attack the cage as they do in the movies, and never did they
behave aggressively towards caged divers however they will occasionally
make investigative bites at the cages only as part of thier curious
disposition. The shark experience is quite different at the Farallons. The
Farallon Islands are a chain of small islets and assorted rocks about 30
miles west of San Francisco, where a number of BBC and National Geographic
films have been shot. In 1999 Captain Lawrence Groth of Great White
Adventures began offering cage diving trips there. It’s only an hour and a
half boat ride from the Bay Area, so there is no need for a live aboard
boat. A once in a lifetime experience can be had with only a day’s
investment. White sharks are not attracted by chumming at the Farallons,
rather ingenious homemade decoys that look like seals are used to lure
sharks to the cage. Visibility at the Farallons can be over 100 feet, but
it can also be less than 20. The sharks at the Farallons are big! The
smallest are around 13 feet long and the biggest was at least 19. Length
alone does not give you an idea of the size of these sharks, their girth
is much more impressive than length. Farallon sharks are fast and nervous.
They often exhibit a hit and run behavior, so unlike the mellow approach
at Guadalupe. Their boldness leads to spectacular encounters. These sharks
regularly attack decoys with such speed that the entire shark flies
completely out of the water. Occasionally divers get to view the attack
from below. Contrary to the description in the recent BBC video “Air
Jaws,” South Africa is not the only place where white sharks put on
spectacular aerial displays. At the Farallons, divers may be fortunate to
observe natural predation. Elephant seals come to the islands in the fall,
and the sharks are there waiting for them. It is difficult to describe the
extreme violence of a white shark attack. First you see a 600 pound
elephant seal catapulted from the water, then you see the blood slick,
then the birds move in, finally the shark returns to take huge bites out
of the carcass. As Captain Groth puts it, “It’s like a Marine Serengeti
out here. You experience the complete circle of life.” So now we do not
have to travel to Africa or Australia to get close to one of the ocean’s
apex predators. Get out there and see “the landlord” yourself, if you
dare. By Bruce Watkins For information or reservations contact: Great
White Adventures 2038 Pacific Ave. Alameda, Ca 94501 (510) 814-8256
www.greatwhiteadventures.com
Lawrence Groth, captgroth@alamedanet.net, 8 May
2003
Adam Hart-Davis is looking to hear divers’ stories... Adam Hart-Davis and
the team are looking for divers to appear in his primetime BBC2 series,
Science Shack – on an episode about living underwater. If you think you
can help with any of the following, contact scienceshack@screenhouse.co.uk
Have you ever been on a diving trip that turned into a survival trip? Have
you lived off the ocean? Do you use a harpoon gun? What ocean plant-life
can we eat? Have you got any suggestions for underwater hunting or perhaps
you know about fish ranching? Are you a professional diver who’s lived in
an underwater habitat? Have you (or anyone you know) stayed at the Jules
Undersea Lodge off the coast of the Florida Keys? See the Science Shack
website for more details at www.bbc.co.uk/scienceshack, or email us at
scienceshack@screenhouse.co.uk
Becky Opstad, scienceshack@screenhouse.co.uk,
3 March 2003
Divers beware. My buddy and I were at St. Catherines on Loch Fyne Scotland
today 2/2/2003. With intermittent blizzard conditions, we completed one
dive. We were contemplating going in for a second dive, but after careful
consideration we decided against this. Our reason being, that should
anything go wrong and we had to phone the coastguard for assistance, we
could be putting the helicopter crews at risk by having them fly in
atrocious weather conditions. We divers should not only be aware to the
risks we take, but also to the risks other people may have to take to
assist us should the worst happen. I would not like divers to come into
the same category as hill walkers and climbers, who continually put
emergency services at risk by their irresponsible actions.
Allan Woods, allanwoods@ntlworld.com, 2
February 2003
Dorathea quarry.talk about im alright jack,three 4x4's parked on the
pontoonand if that wasnt enough they left all their equipment lying on the
edge.Comon lads think of others and not just yourselves for a changeor as
i overheard their could be a nasty dent in your motor from a twinset.
C JONES , , 19 January 2003
Free Diving Association Mourns the Death of Audrey Mestre The
International Association of Free Divers (IAFD) has issued a statement
mourning the death of freediver Audrey Mestre who died in a freediving
accident on 12 October, 2-1/2 miles off the southeast coast of the
Dominican Republic. Mestre was attempting to officially break the world
freediving record with a dive of 170m (557.7 feet), a depth which she
achieved unofficially during a practice dive three days before. The cause
of the accident remains unknown at this time. Mestre was attempting to
break the record in the "No Limits" category which involves riding a
weighted sled down the length of a vinyl-coated stainless steel cable.She
is survived by her husband, freediver Francisco "Pipin" Ferreras of Miami.
"Audrey was a true pioneer who was extending our understanding of human
performance at extreme depths," said IAFD President, Carlos Serra. "We're
all in shock and extend our deepest sympathies to Pipin and to Audrey's
parents."
webmaster, , 17 October 2002
I wondered if you might be able to let your website readers know about the
following Time Team documentary: an underwater excavation. > >
October 28th, 9pm, Channel 4 > "The Wreck of the Colossus: A Time Team
Documentary". > > In 1798, HMS Colossus was wrecked off Samson on
the Isles of Scilly. Part of Nelson's fleet returning from the Battle of
the Nile, she struck rocks and sank, lying undiscvered until the 1970s. In
the 70s local diver Roland Morris found part of the wreck, along with
thousands of fragments of Etruscan pottery. The ship had been carrying Sir
William Hamilton's priceless collection of antiquities. Last year, local
diver Todd Stevens located another part of the wreck - hundreds of metres
away from the first site. He unearthed an enormous and elaborate stern
carving: one of the rarest and best preserved in the world. This year Time
Team returned to the Scillies to watch the excavation and raising of the
carving from the sea bed, and to plot a high tech 3 D survey of the debris
trail of canon, copper spikes and small finds, between the 2 wreck sites.
Shedding new light on the wrecking process of wooden ships, and with
footage of the remarkable carving, and underwater activities in ! > the
Scillies, the documentary re-tells the story of the Colossus, and how she
came to rest in the Scilly Isles. > > A must-see for all divers!
Sian Price, sianprice@timeteam.net, 11
October 2002
Farallons California Famed shark researchers Peter Pyle and Scott Anderson
are under an intense 3 month investigation from the Department of Fish and
Game for the alleged selling of access to the Gulf of the Farallons
islands to amateur shark enthusiasts from the U.K. from 2000 to now. Under
this illegal internet based scheme, they asked for and received $7500
Pounds per tourist per week or $11,740 U.S.D for exclusive access to this
protected Bio-Sphere Reserve, one of only 6 on the entire planet. None of
these monies collected were ever reported to the DFG nor did they actually
go towards "research" or any tax authorities. In fact exactly who received
the amounts and where they went is still a mystery that the DFG is
investigating. Access to the Farallons is very, very restrictive with
permits taking up to 6 months to process. Permits are only given to
researchers and support staff and each permit details sever restrictions
as to movement and individuals behaviors on the islands. Why then did
"researchers" decide to go ahead with this money based eco-tourism scheme?
Here is the original internet offer, if you dive in California, or care
about diving in California this is a pattern. Access to some and shrinking
dive sites and access to the rest of us. By the way these same
"researchers" are seeking 100 meter limitations on divers at the
Farallons, so divers will not disturb their "research" or is it divers
will be disturbing the British tourists who are paying $11,750 for
exclusive access. Care to comment on this? Send an email to Ed
Ueber-manager of the Farallons-ed.ueber@noaa.gov Dan Basta-Director of
NOAA Sanctuaries-dan.basta@noaa.gov Mike Weisse-Deputy Director of
Sanctuaries-michael.weise@noaa.gov The internet offer HELP SUPPORT
RESEARCH.... AND GET TO WATCH WHITE SHARKS AT THE FARALLONES THE Shark
Trust is please to announce a new co-operative scheme with the Point Reyes
Bird Observatory, in its continuing support for helping fund white shark
biological research in Californian waters. Following discussions at the
Shark Trust Conference in April this year, longstanding PRBO biologist
Peter Pyle - on behalf of the White Shark research team at the Farallon
Islands, California - has confirmed a once-in-a lifetime, exclusive offer
available to Shark Trust supporters only. In return for a sponsorship
payment of £7500 ($11,760 U.S) to the Shark Trust, which will be used to
purchase a satellite tag for local deployment on a Farallon white shark,
supporters are invited to join the research team on the Farallones for a
whole week. Both the Farallon Islands and the local white sharks are
strictly protected by state legislation and access onto Southeast Farallon
(SEFI) is equally very restrictive. This is likely, therefore, to provide
the only opportunity for amateur shark enthusiasts to visit this
world-famous site, which served as the primary filming location for the
Emmy-winning BBC/Nat.Geo wildlife special, 'Great White Shark' (1995).
Visitors will have the chance to see adult white sharks up to nearly 6
metres in length at arms length, feeding upon seals during the peak
autumnal season. The team at SEFI do not get in to the water in cages to
observe the sharks so please note: this is NOT a cage-viewing or other
contrived behavioural encounter opportunity intended for divers! All
observations are made from the small SEFI research boat or from on land.
Many of the sharks are familiar with the presence of the boat and often
circle it at close quarters (as has been shown in several TV
documentaries). Underwater video footage is obtained using underwater
'pole' cameras. Whilst on the island you will be responsible for
participating in the shark watch rosta operated from the lighthouse atop
the island. This involves scanning the waters around the island for shark
attacks or sightings. Shifts usually last two hours. If an attack occurs
during your shift and weather conditions permit, you will run down the
steep trail to the boat (the jog is an experience itself - look out for
the falcons!) and go out with the researchers in the boat to the attack
location. You may even help us tag the shark(s). If the weather is good
(ca. 65% of the time) you may also go out with us in the boat to put out
decoys and wait for potential attacks to take place. When the weather is
bad (ca. 35%) we will concentrate on sighting sharks from the shore and
surveying seal and sea lion rookeries for shark-bitten animals. There is
also an abundance of other wildlife on the island for you to view and
photograph during your visit. There will be 4-6 other people on the island
during your stay. This will include long-term interns helping PRBO with
the shark and bird research and up to one other supporter (such as
yourself). There is a very good chance that you will have a single room
during your visit although we can't absolutely guarantee this (especially
if two supporters come out at the same time). We may request that you
pitch-in by cooking during one night of your stay. The £7,500 includes
money to purchase one satellite tag and the time to download the data,
transportation between San Francisco and the Farallones, and all food
while you are on the island and a donation to The Shark Trust. It does
*NOT* include airfare, lodging in San Francisco, or transportation while
in and around San Francisco. PRBO can help provide information with
regards your accommodation and travel in San Francisco. You will also have
the opportunity to name the shark that is tagged with your tag, if it
doesn't already have a name! To confirm a place in this program, please
note that the Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI) Great White project require
your full £7,500 to be paid by 1 August in each respective year. First
come, first served! If you need to cancel your trip, please note monies
are non-refundable. You will, however, be able to come at another agreed
time (within 3 years of your initial proposed visit). Please note that all
visitors will be asked to sign a disclaimer document (in the event of an
accident). In order to get the most out of this opportunity and to help
ensure you become an integral member of the team on the island, please
note that ideally you will be: * Prepared to live and work in simple
'field' conditions * Prepared to 'join in' (as and when asked to do so) *
Relaxed in the company of others * Have some experience of small boats *
Have good 'sea legs' - i.e. not prone to seasickness! * Not be prone to
any panic attacks when (large)sharks get up close! SATELLITE TAGGING WHITE
SHARKS AT THE FARALLONES: The story so-far.... The funding PRBO is seeking
through the Shark Trust will enable SEFI to use the latest satellite
transmitter technology to investigate the occurrence patterns and
migratory routes of this keystone predator. The transmitters will be
attached near the Farallon Islands, where Peter Pyle and his team have an
on-going, long-term project investigating the predatory behavior of white
sharks. The project has resulted in many scientific publications, several
major wildlife documentaries, and countless popular articles and
television pieces. In 1994 it also directly led to a Bill being passed,
and which was made permanent in 1998, protecting white sharks in
California waters. Using the satellite tags, the project is now aiming to
move its investigations to a new level - the long-term movement patterns
of white sharks within and beyond California waters. While several studies
at Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI) have shed light on the life history of
seasonally resident white sharks off central California, virtually nothing
is known of their long range movement patterns or breeding biology. At
SEFI, white sharks occur in August-March (peaking in September-November)
but are absent (or virtually so) in April-July, and no data exist on where
these sharks go at this time. Distributions of captured and beachwashed
white sharks suggest that breeding adults travel into waters off Baja
California to pup in March-June, but these data may be biased by
ocean-current patterns, fishing effort, and changes in prey resources.
While white sharks are known to occur in various other remote places in
the Pacific (e.g., Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Hawaii), it
is not known if these populations are isolated from one another or if
long-distance migrations between these localities occur. We will learn a
great deal about the movement patterns of white sharks by determining
where they are from four to eight months after leaving SEFI waters in
fall, and what physical oceanographic parameters they have inhabited along
the way. As a pilot study, Pyle's team deployed two archival pop-up
transmitters onto white sharks on 19 and 30 October 1999, during the
course of the ongoing work at SEFI. The transmitters represent
state-of-the art tags developed for researching bluefin and other species
of tuna. The tags record and store data on water temperature, depth from
surface, and light volume. The combination of photosensor,
water-temperature, and depth data will allow scientists to determine daily
position of the sharks within 5 or 10 km. Once popped off, the
transmitters downloaded these data, along with exact position of pop-off,
via satellite to computers at Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove,
California. Both of the tagged sharks were males (as documented with video
after deployment), and the first shark had a California Fish and Game tag
in it as well, which had been attached near Ano Nuevo Island (Santa Cruz)
in 1997 (the first shark ever documented at both locations). Transmitters
were attached below the first dorsal fins (in the dorsal saddle
musculature) using an eight-foot dowel pole and titanium, billfish-tagging
spear tip. Numerous opportunities occur each season to apply tags during
predatory attacks, when up to ten sharks often swim parallel to and within
1 metre of the 17' SEFI research boat. Both tags successfully popped off
on the programmed dates, 2 and 25 November 1999, respectively. The first
tag popped up 3-4 nautical miles southwest of SEFI and the second tag
popped off close to Bird Rock near the tip of Tomales Point, northern
Marin County. The data from these two tags were successfully recovered
and, once analysed, will provide daily information on the location and
behavior of these two sharks during October-November 1999. In addition,
because white sharks (unlike tuna) will swim close to the water surface at
times, the light sensor data has proven very reliable for developing
algorithms to determine daily location of the sharks and other marine
species that will be tagged in the future. The data collected from the
satellite tags in 1999 will be of extreme interest, especially regarding
short-term movement patterns and water-mass preferences, but a sample of
just two tags will not be enough to fully answer the proposed questions at
the population level. Therefore, the researchers propose expanding the
project to include up to five tags per year during the 2000-2004 seasons
(September-November each year). In future years, researchers plan on
having the tags pop-up after longer intervals and may be able to put tags
on the same sharks in different years. They will thus be able to assess
inter annual variation in movement patterns, both at the individual and
the population levels. For those people who would like to stay with the
SEFI team for more than one week, please note they suggest you initially
come for one week and then discuss the potential for yourself to work with
the team for a longer period of time the following year. If this is of
potential interest to yourself, please note that the total annual
requirement for satellite tags for the next four seasons is £50,000 per
year, primarily for the tags and computer time to download the data. YOU
CAN HELP MAKE MORE OF THIS VITAL RESEARCH A REALITY. All visitors are
required to adopt a responsible attitude to the unique Farallones Wildife
Refuge and its varied fauna. Please don't come if you are seeking a
quasi-educational 'yahoo' experience rather than participating in bone
fide research. Residing in the old coastguard house on SEFI and at the
mercy of varied Pacific weather, the small team can often feel wholly
remote from the mainland and so this is no place for folk who quickly
crave all the 'home comforts'! Based on past data, Peter Pyle, Scot
Anderson and the research team anticipate seeing an average of 5.5
predatory attacks and a further 5 white shark sightings each week during
the period when supporter visits are planned. In addition and weather
permitting, the researchers will visit to close quarters and videotape
some 3 to 4 such attacks each week, using the small SEFI boat. Only a
handful of places are available over the next three years, with just one
free slot now remaining during the 2000 season:, for 4 - 11 November 2000.
In 2001, the dates are: * 28 September to 6 October * 6 October to 13
October * 3 November to 10 November * 10 November to 17 November Similar
weeks (Saturday to Saturday) are likely to become available in 2002-2003,
but early booking is recommended. There's plenty of time for the keen and
resourceful to begin fundraising for your satellite tag, but please note
that funds must be received by the Shark Trust by 1 August 2001 at the
latest. And remember: you MUST be a Shark Trust supporter to qualify. For
further guidance and information, contact Clive James at the Shark Trust
office, National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, England, U.K, by e-mail at:
enquiries@sharktrust.org Please note we have a follow up document
available providing all the info with regards travel, medical
requirements, US accomodation etc. Please also note that you can still
also support PRBO's white shark research at the Farallones by adopting one
of the local white sharks - please contact the Shark Trust office at the
e-mail address above for further details.
patric douglas, staff@absoluteadv.com, 18
September 2002
I don't know if the diving community at large are aware of an alarming
proposal that is being discussed at present. I received an email this
morning regarding the proposed move of the Portland Search & Resque
helicopter from Portland to Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire. There is a letter
set up on the following website which can be sent to the Prime Minister
opposing this proposal, it also gives more details about the helicopter,
Whiskey Bravo. http://www20.brinkster.com/whiskeybravo/ Lives will most
certainly be at risk if this proposal goes ahead, please would you
endeavour to pass this on to as many people as possible. Thank you.
Tracy L Walters (Mrs), tracy.walters@cornhill.co.uk,
4 July 2002
Hi I hope you will all look out for us from the 12th July 02. We are
Diving around Britain to raise money for the RNLI. We hope to complete the
trip in five days and 1600 miles. So keep an eye out for us. If you want
more info on dive sites and times or want to pledge money you can contact
The RNLI on 01473 822837 or me at DiveBritain02@hotmail.com. Dig deep
people, because we all could need them at sometime and these people are
out in all conditions! Cheers then and safe diving!
Tony, DiveBritain02@hotmail.com, 27
June 2002
Congratulations to Seascape Scuba for getting 5 Star rating, top job Dan
& Kerry and the nice bunch of instructers that are there
www.seascapescuba.com
Paul & John, paul@tritontek.com, 14 March 2002
Dorothea Quarry main entrance has been blocked as of the 6-1-02, the rear
entrance was open at 4pm today. Rob - South Wales Mixed Gas Group
rob, rob@swmg.co.uk, 6 January
2002
This site has just been added to the A-Zfind.com website directory. Other
diving site suggestions are welcome.
, , 6 January 2002
Octopus Divers now have a new web site at www.octopusdivers.org.uk
martin simpson, msimpson58@lineone.net, 5 January
2002
Hi all! Can Anyone pls let me know of any PADI Dive clubs within the B;ham
area . many thanks, I know its not news but if answered it will be good
news for myself!! pls mail me @ mailto:kitejumper@hotmail.com Thanks
again.
Tim, kitejumper@hotmail.com, 8 October
2001
Condolences go out to Jan Hesketh partner of Dave Ogden skipper of the
Harry Slater who sadly died of a heart attack on August 14th at the helm
of his beloved boat. This is a great loss to our branch, which we gained
freindship and some memorable diving around Mull and the Small Isles. Our
hearts go out to Jan from all your friends in every club and skippers of
many dive boats and fishing boats, I know he was well thought of in and
around the Oban area where he was based. A great loss From Terry Goldie
and all members at Long Eaton BSAC
Terry Goldie, terry.goldie@ntlworld.com, 15
August 2001
divers can win a free trip to Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean. Details at
www.jongbonaire.org
jane townsend, jtownsend@jongbonaire.org, 14
August 2001
Cardiff Dolphins has a new website that gives onfo on what we dive and
how. www.dolphinsacdivers.8k.com
Dolphin Committee, mr_diver@hotmail.com, 24 June
2001
Mark Andrews, one of the UK's leading Technical Divers, has a new dive
centre. The centre offers training from Open Water right up to Trimix, a
shop selling a range of technical diving equipment, full gas mixing
facilities and a very active dive club. For more information visit the
website at www.deep-thoughts.co.uk
Deep Thoughts, info@deep-thoughts.co.uk, 31
May 2001
dived the sister ship of the thistlegorm, it lies in the red sea too and
was only found a couple of years ago. the thing is that it still has all
the portholes in and only 35 meters to the deck, not something you see any
more is it?
darren, dhodges@alteredminds.com, 21
May 2001
There`s a new dive club started near Southampton dive`s will be mainly
hard boats & chartered ribs for more information call me on
01703733979 ask for kev.
Kev Mchugh, KEVINMCHUGH1@aol.com, 10 Feb
2001
still trying to figure out what the BSAC commitee is trying to do save it
flush it down the pan after all its a diving club and not a diving company
as basicly that is what it is all coming down to now, once upon a time we
could feel good about the type of training we hade to go through to get
our qualification now they dish them out with packets of Corn Flakes that
is basicly how easy it has become to get their qualifications soon all you
will have to do is fill out a form and they send it to you by mail
Peter Kelly , wrecker@ukonline.co.uk, 5 Feb
2001
Press Release
ASSET, IDEST and SITA join forces to Launch Dive Industry Maintenance
Standards.
The last 20 years has seen a growing tide of Health and Safety and
Consumer Legislation that affect the services that Dive Centre’s offer.
There are approximately 20 major pieces of legislation covering equipment
sales and servicing, cylinder testing, air filling, gas mixing and diver
training with others on the way. The continuing harmonisation of European
Standards and regulations makes it difficult even for large companies to
keep abreast of the many changes. In recent years the HSE have made it
clear that they are not satisfied with the standard of diving equipment
maintenance and gas production in the Recreational Diving Industry.
Initially, and to their credit, the HSE chose to encourage us as an
industry to put our own house in order. However three years have elapsed
and the HSE’s patience is limited. It was intimated that unless
significant numbers of Dive Centres join a self-regulating approval
scheme, the HSE would be obliged to use enforcement to affect change. When
compared with other technical trades, Diving Maintenance Technicians were
found to have insufficient training, had no formal qualifications and not
working to common standards. Health and Safety Law requires that diving
equipment is maintained by a competent person, but with no industry
standard, competence was both difficult to demonstrate and to judge. It
was clear that in order to promote confidence with the HSE and other
agencies and to cope with expected future legislation a comprehensive
solution would be required. ASSET In 1995, the Association of SCUBA
Service Engineers and Technicians (ASSET) began to develop a comprehensive
scheme that would address the HSE’s concerns whilst allowing our Industry
to be self-regulated. The essential elements of the ASSET scheme are as
follows: ð¨ Codes of Practice for the main technical activities of Air
Equipment Maintenance (CP1), Cylinder Testing (CP2), Nitrox Equipment
Maintenance and Conversion (CP3) and Breathing Gas Production (CP4). ð¨ A
maintenance and test station approval programme based on the Codes of
Practice. ð¨ Training courses that provide both theoretical and practical
training. ð¨ Certification standards from which Technician competence can
be judged. ð¨ Maintain a dialogue with the HSE throughout development. As
can be imagined a tremendous amount of work was required, but by March
1997 the scheme was sufficiently complete to be submitted to the HSE as a
proposal for a comprehensive Self-Regulating Scheme for the Diving
Industry. This proposal was well received. IDEST The Inspectorate for
Diving Equipment Servicing and Testing (IDEST) paved the way for standards
in diving equipment maintenance, since its inception, in1986 IDEST has
made a considerable contribution to the safety of divers. Today, there are
more than 60 IDEST Approved Cylinder Test Stations. IDEST has the
following aims and objectives: ð¨ To offer a quality scheme for the
inspection of centres that maintain sport diving equipment. ð¨ To
encourage all with responsibility for maintaining diving equipment to
achieve a high standard of quality and safety. ð¨ To inspect service
centres and test stations in accordance with Industry Standards. ð¨ To
carry out regular monitoring and re-inspection – to ensure that quality
and standards are maintained. ð¨ To provide expert advice to IDEST
Approved Centres and those seeking approval. Joining Forces The HSE who
have always recognised IDEST as a major contributor to diver safety,
having welcomed the ASSET scheme as a major step forward expressed concern
that the industry did not have a single voice in this area. Not only was
there the new ASSET scheme and an existing IDEST Cylinder Testing approval
programme, but also SITA had begun to develop technical guidance notes of
their own. Detailed discussions during 1997/98 between ASSET, IDEST and
SITA resulted in an agreement that defines the role(s) of each
organisation. Briefly, SITA will continue to represent the industry as a
whole. ASSET and IDEST have become independent divisions of SITA. ASSET
has responsibility for the development of Technical Standards and Codes of
Practice etc., and IDEST will expand its role as the industry’s
independent inspection body, implementing ASSET Standards. A joint
Technical Steering Group (TSG) comprising members from all three
organisations will prioritise and co-ordinate responses to new legislation
and standards. The first step has been for IDEST to adopt ASSET CP2
(Cylinder Testing). Since October 1998, all new IDEST Approved Test
Stations have been required to be equipped and working in accordance with
ASSET Code of Practice CP2. Existing IDEST Test Stations will change over
to compliance with ASSET CP2 in due course. ASSET Cylinder Testing
Standards have been written to minimise the effects of this changeover
upon those existing Test Stations. New Approval Scheme The arrangements
between IDEST and ASSET has the full approval of SITA, the major diving
agencies and their aims and objectives are acknowledged by the Health and
Safety Executive. The ASSET scheme provides integrated standards and
procedures for technician training and qualifications together with codes
of practice and centre approval procedures. In 1998, IDEST began to carry
out its inspections in accordance with ASSET Standards and Procedures.
Since February 1999, IDEST has been able to offer an approval for those
centres that service regulators in accordance with ASSET CP1. During 2000,
IDEST will able to offer an approval for those centres that service Oxygen
Enriched Air (Nitrox) equipment in accordance with ASSET CP3. In addition,
During 2000, an approval for Air and Nitrox production in accordance with
ASSET CP4 will also be available. The ASSET/IDEST Approval Scheme is
designed to ensure that a workshop is properly equipped and working to the
appropriate Standards. If properly equipped and suitably qualified staff
are employed, a Dive Centre will have little difficulty achieving
approval. Training for Technicians In order to ensure that Technicians
have received sound theoretical and practical training, a comprehensive
range training courses have been developed: ð¨ A comprehensive Dive
Industry Technicians Course (10 Days). ð¨ Nitrox Technician and Gas
Blending Course (1or 2 days). ð¨ Cylinder Testing Course (4 days). ð¨
Compressed Air Systems Management Course (2 days). ð¨ An NVQ in
Engineering Maintenance.
The Dive Industry Technicians Course has been available since 1993 and
over 300Technicians have been trained. All ASSET courses have been
developed by and are delivered by STATS Ltd., Lancaster. Membership and
Qualifications for Technicians ASSET has set Certification levels for its
Technician members; each technician is graded according to training and
experience. The main grades are Technician, Advanced Technician and
Cylinder Tester. ASSET Codes of Practice require the appropriate grade(s)
and qualifications to be held by those working in an IDEST Approved
maintenance or test station. Provision has also been made to certify
technicians with considerable practical experience. ASSET has more than
150 members. These qualifications provide the only framework through which
a Technician can demonstrate competence as require by Health and Safety
Law. Comment ASSET Chairman Chris Lee told BDI News “This is the most
important advance in technical standards in the UK Diving industry in the
last 10 years and is the most comprehensive undertaken anywhere in the
world. This scheme is essential to the future of maintenance in our
Industry. However the scheme will only work to the satisfaction of the HSE
if significant numbers of Dive Centres get behind the scheme and seek
approval”. Contact Addresses SCUBA Industries Trade Association (SITA) 29
Ravenswood Avenue, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0PN. Tel: 0181 777 6740. Fax:
0181 777 3349. e-mail pat@sita.co.uk for: ð¨ IDEST Approval enquiries. ð¨
Submission of annual renewal forms. ð¨ Copies of ASSET Codes of Practice,
Standards and Procedures. ð¨ General Enquiries. Association of SCUBA
Service Engineers and Technicians C/O 12 Coulston Road, Bowerham,
Lancaster, Lancashire. LA1 3AE. Tel/Fax: 01524 381831. e-mail
asset_tech@compuserve.com www.asset-international.org.uk for: ð¨ Advice on
technical issues, Standards and Procedures. ð¨ Technician training and
Qualifications. ð¨ ASSET Membership.
Stewart Meinert, asset_tech@compuserve.com, 8
Oct 99
At long last, after an eternity of planning, the UKs first man made
clearwater dive lake is going ahead. The Surrey Dive Lake will be a
guarenteed clearwater 24hour facility right in the heart of Surrey within
easy reach of Heathrow and the M25. Check these facts out: 150m wide, 27m
deep, choice of wrecks, 24 hour, 90 foot visibility all year round,
clubhouse, training courses for all levels, commercial dive training,
family facilities including childrens play and cctv in the lake. full
change facilities, observation tower, countryside location, BAR, dive
shop, servicing and equipment hire.
The facilities and quality of the Surrey Dive Lake will not be rivalled
and will form the best and safest dive facility currently available.
Public membership will be limited. Commercial sponsorship opportunities
will be made available and are being currently recieved.
If you would like more information on the Surrey Dive Lake contact
Derek Spicer at derekspicer@compuserve.com
Derek Spicer, derekspicer@compuserve.com,
14 Sep 99
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18th August 1999
******PRESS RELEASE ******
"First dive travel company to offer live web broadcast of tour."
……You’ve booked the ultimate dive trip , you’re travelling to the other
side of the world , a million miles away from friends and family and
calling home to say "all is well" will cost you an arm and a leg .
On September 9th ’99 Harris Holidays, H20 Frontiers have a guided dive
expedition to Truk and Bikini Atoll in Micronesia code-named "Operation
Cross-storm" and working with photo and web specialists Ocean Photography
will be offering a service unimaginable a few years ago :
Each day details of the trip and the daily itinerary will be uploaded
to the internet to a special "expedition website" enabling wives,
girlfriends and interested parties to review the daily happenings - any
response and questions about the trip can be made via online forms . They
will also be using the latest in digital imagery and uploading expedition
stills and underwater video to the site. As such you'll need to be "net
savvy" and have Quicktime and Shockwave Flash amongst your arsenal of web
plug-ins.
When travelling to such destinations as Micronesia where communications
are expensive and unreliable this method of communications is an ideal way
to not only , tell the folks back home that you are okay but for them to
actually download images of you in the middle of your vacation .
It makes the post-holiday video show a thing of the past ........
for live daily web updates and live questions about the trip bookmark
this site :
http://www.oceanphoto.net/
For more information contact :
Matt Harris Harris Holidays 67 Orsett Road Grays Essex RM17 5HJ UK
matt harris, matt@oceanphoto.net, 19 Aug 99
Brian Dilly, who was formerly with Dive Pembrokeshire, is now
disassociated with that company. For future diving he may be contacted on
01646 636684.
Brian Dilly, SEAPIEII@aol.com,
11 Aug 99
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