DIVE TRAVEL NEWS

LIME BAY SCALLOP DREDGING
Consultation is underway about use of heavy dredging gear to collect scallops in Lime Bay, off our South Coast. This affects the biodiversity of the area, scallop dredging destroys most of the seabed, and will make the area much less interesting for divers. The Wildlife Trust has a petition to sign at
www.joandjoe.com/cardsite/conservation/the_wildlife_trusts.php?section=environment:marine

The DEFRA statement is at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/lymebay-biodiversity/letter.htm
The consultation closes on 21 Dec 2007, get your comments in. It effects our marine environment.
CS
Thursday, November 29, 2007

MARINE BILL - MORE DELAY
The Queens speech announced a draft marine bill, effectively another consultation period. In 2005 a similar draft bill was announced in that years Queens speech, work has been done with proposals well developed and presented to government to produce a marine bill. Now this seems derailed back to near the starting point with this proposal for another draft, the 3rd.
CS
Thursday, November 08, 2007

NEW COURSE IN MARINE BIOLOGY
A new 6 month long internet based course for those more seriously interested in marine biology is being started in 2008 run by Newcastle University. But deadline for application is 30 November 2007 so if interested quickly go over to: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/marine/learning/delvedeeper/

The 6 modules will cover: tropical, polar and coastal seas, the open ocean, life cycles and behaviour of sea organisms - and the human impact on oceans. This will be internet based, but a short filed module will be at Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats, near Newcastle upon Tyne. Cost £485.
CS
Monday, November 05, 2007

THREAT OF TOURIST KIDNAP KENYA BEACHES
A warning that Western tourists might be at threat of kidnap by Somali Islamist militants on Kenya's Kiwayu Island tourist area and other beach sites on the northeast coast near Somalia. Kenya does have special anti-terrorism and tourism police units but security officials still warn that the tourist beaches are vulnerable to attack.
CS
Thursday, October 04, 2007

GALAPAGOS CLOSES TO MOST LIVEABOARDS
On July 9, the Galapagos National Park (GNP) immediately suspended dive operations in the area, affecting 15 liveaboards. Some have stopped running, others are only doing Southern itineraries and skipping Wolf and Darwin Islands. Only Peter Hughes' Sky Dancer and the Galapagos Aggressors I and II are still operating. The decision came a week after the United Nations placed the GNP on the list of World Heritage sites in danger from environmental threat and overuse. The liveaboards are negotiating with Ecuador's government to reopen dive operations. Divers worldwide are also putting on the pressure by protesting to the Ecuadorean ambassador in their country. An agreement may soon be worked out to let dive boats finish their 2007 trips and apply for dive permits in 2008. If you have booked a GNP dive trip, contact whomever you booked for more information.
AB
Monday, August 13, 2007

Grenada Named Wreck Diving Capital of the Caribbean!
With the latest sinking of MV Hildur, there are now 20 wrecks available for scuba divers in the island grouping of Grenada and Carriacou. These wrecks include the famous 600 foot Bianca C. In a variety of depths from 10m to 50m, Grenada's wrecks are accessible to all divers.

Look for special discounts and fantastic package deals from Dive Grenada for summer 2008.

AB

Thursday, August 09, 2007

DEVELOPMENT OF THE HMS RESOLUTION WRECK SITE
A wreck was discovered in Normans Bay, Pevensey, in 2005. Research suggests that the wreck is of the English 3rd Rate warship, Resolution, that foundered in the area in 1703, although another possible contender is a Dutch warship lost during the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690. The wreck is now protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973).

The website of the Resolution Project,that aims to identify the wreck and also has ambitious proposals for a Marine and Maritime Education Centre, is available at: Website

JG

Monday, July 23, 2007

JAPANESE MIDGET SUBMARINE WRECK IN AUSTRALIA
Three Japanese midget submarines raided Sydney Harbour in 1942. Two were destroyed in the Harbour but the fate of the third was unknown until last year when divers discovered the wreck off Sydney's northern beaches. Unfortunately, British divers will not be able to visit the site as it is now protected by law and is monitored with sonar buoys and photographic equipment.
JG
Monday, July 23, 2007

CAESARIA UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Caesaria, the City built by Herod on the Mediterranean that developed into a Crusader City, is now a major tourist attraction in Israel. Adding to the attraction of the area is the Caesaria Underwater Archaeological Park. Opened last year with 30 underwater stations over a 2000,000 square metre area, the Park has 4 routes, 2 for beginners and 2 for more advanced divers. The dives show highlights of the recently discovered ancient port that sank into the sea. Remains include jetties, a lighthouse, anchors, statues and wrecks.
JG
Monday, July 23, 2007

GALAPAGOS IS LIVEABOARD CHANGES
The UN's World Heritage Committee this week added the Galapagos Islands to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. It appears that the Galapagos National Park authority is now enforcing a ban on all but three liveaboard dive boats in the islands. The Aggressor and Peter Hughes boats are currently unaffected. If you are booking for the Galapagos check this out. It appears that they are the only three that were officially permitted to conduct SCUBA operations there. Rumour had it that all other liveaboards conducting SCUBA operations have been doing so on naturalist / snorkelling permits.

Cruse ship visits have gone up 150 percent in 15 years. All of this along with an influx of new residents who can clam fishing rights and poorly regulated illegal fishing are putting environmental pressures on the islands. Tourism and diving are the first to feel the pinch of new regulations.
cs
Monday, July 16, 2007

REVISED DEPTH RULES FOR CHILDREN IN THE BALEARICS
Rules for diving with children in the Balearics have previously been somewhat unclear. The situation has now, apparently, been regularised and children are restricted to these depths:
8 - 9 years old 6 metres
10 - 11 years old 12 metres
12 - 15 years old 21 metres
16 - 17 years old Depth rating assessed depending on experience and qualifications
JG
Wednesday, June 13, 2007

TURKISH ARTIFICIAL REEF
Two naval vessels have recently been sunk at Bodrum to form artificial reefs and to act as diving attractions. It is likely that further vessels and possibly aircraft will be sunk in this area. This is one example of the Turkish authorities desire to develop diving tourism around the country.
JG
Wednesday, June 13, 2007

ORCA Dive Club, Safaga - Breather Bash!

Orca Dive Club Safaga – ‘Breather Bash!

Orca Dive Club Safaga is now a BSAC Resort Centre and to celebrate we’ve decided to put together a special ‘Breather Bash for CCR divers exclusive to BSAC members.

The event will take place 10th-17th August 2007 at Orca Dive Club Safaga and we hope this will be the first of many such events.

Our great value inclusive package includes:

 5 days diving (2 dives per day)
 1 extra early morning and night dive
 Gases, absorbent and cylinder hire
 7 nights HB accommodation in double room
 Food and drinks on the boat
 Airport transfers and visa
 Marine park fees and taxes

Total cost: just 599 euros per person

Come and dive with us!

Limited places are available so please email Marc at Orca Dive Club Safaga to book your place or find out more:
info@orca-diveclub-safaga.com

Orca Dive Club Safaga has been in operation since 1995 and is well known for its excellence in technical diver training and Rebreather diving. Orca Dive Club Safaga is a dedicated rebreather facility with separate washing and storage facilities, and an almost unlimited supply of absorbent, spare parts and cylinders so you can concentrate on getting the most out of your diving. We also have 6 CCR units and 4 SCR units available for hire. Find out more at www.orca-diveclubs.com
AB


Wednesday, June 06, 2007

ORCA DIVE CLUBS NOW BSAC ACCREDITED
Orca Dive Club Safaga and Orca Dive Club Soma Bay are two of the most recent Red Sea dive centres to become BSAC accredited. Both centres have been awarded BSAC Resort Centre status, which means they actively welcome BSAC divers and recognise their skills and experience, enabling divers to dive to their grade.
Orca Dive Clubs, one of the longest established dive operators in Egypt operate seven dive centres covering the whole Red Sea region and a number of safari boats. The intention is to expand the BSAC accreditation at other Orca Dive Clubs and also to offer BSAC diver training in the near future.
Orca Dive Club Safaga has been in operation since 1995 and is well-known for its excellence in technical diver training and Rebreather diving. State of the art equipment and filling stations make this one of the premier technical facilities in the Red Sea. Orca Dive Club Safaga also offers a full programme of recreational diving and training. All divers benefit from the relaxed location, with its own private jetty, situated in the sheltered bay of Safaga. Free Nitrox is also offered as standard for suitably-qualified divers as it is at all Orca Dive Clubs in the region.
Orca Dive Clubs took over the management of the dive centre in the luxury resort of Soma Bay in March 2007. Orca Dive Club Soma Bay is one of the best-equipped dive centres in the Red Sea, offering an unrivalled mix of diving on the 1km house reef, as well as daily boat diving and diver training. Soma Bay is rapidly gaining a reputation as a diving destination ideally suited to those who also want to enjoy exclusive accommodation, golf and spa facilities, or travel with non-diving partners.
Both Orca Dive Club Safaga and Orca Dive Club Soma Bay offer access to the many unspoilt dive sites in the Safaga region – one of the best-kept secrets in the Red Sea. This area boasts some of the finest diving in the region and a unique combination of wrecks and reefs including the wreck of the Salem Express, and the spectacular wall dives of Panorama Reef and Abu Kefan.
To find out more about Orca Dive Clubs please visit www.orca-diveclubs.com
AB
Wednesday, June 06, 2007

ABU DABAB BAY CLOSURE TO BOATS
Orca Dive Club Abu Dabab
Statement on Abu Dabab Bay - 27.05.07
In co-operation with the Egyptian Government, Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) and the National Parks Authority, Orca Dive Club Abu Dabab is working together to establish a conservation program that will protect the dugong and turtle population of Abu Dabab Bay.
Following a decision, fully supported by all parties, and dive operators throughout the region, a zoning line has been placed to prevent motorized boats (daily and safari vessels) accessing the Bay until further notice. Mooring lines are also being removed to stop safari boats from using the Bay for overnight stays.
A sighting and mapping program is to be initiated to collect data about the resident dugong population, which is an endangered species. A public awareness campaign will run alongside these practical measures to educate and inform visitors to the Red Sea.
Access to the Bay from the shore is still permitted at this time although there will be limitations on the numbers of divers and snorkellers allowed in the water at any time.
The diving program for Orca Dive Club Abu Dabab is fully operational as before, although there may be some minor changes in the daily schedule from time to time.
For further information please contact Christof Clausen on +2 010 646 6632 or email christof.clausen@idc-et.com or Jane Rankin on +2 010 776 9568 or email jane.rankin@idc-et.com

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

THE GREAT TURTLE RACE - COSTA RICA TO GALAPAGOS
Eleven critically endangered leatherback turtles are "racing" from breading grounds in Costa Rica to feeding grounds in the Galapagos starting 16 April 2007 to finish on 29 April. You can cheer your favourite on at: www.GreatTurtleRace.com. The sponsored turtles will have satellite tags sending needed information to help in their conservation. You will be able to both see where they are and learn about hazards they face on this migration (including fishing lines, nets, and trawls; plastic bags and other marine debris.

The companies, and you?, sponsoring the "race" hope to increase public awareness and raise funds to help conservation of this endangered species. www.conservation.org, www.leatherback.org
CS
Tuesday, April 10, 2007

SOLOMON ISLANDS EARTHQUAKE
On Monday, 2 Ap 07, at 7.45am an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Reiter scale with its epic centre 80 miles south east of Gizo. Solomon Islands. Lives lost and damage done are still being assessed both from the quake itself and the resulting tsunami. The tectonic plate movement causing the quake also lifted the Island of Ranongga and surrounding coral 3 meters. At least some of the coral reefs are now above the water line, the island has been a divers paradise with some of the best reefs in the world.

Diving tourism has been one of the major sources of foreign exchange and the fish from the reefs have supplied much of the protein for the islanders. The harbour on the east side is now nearly dry. Historically this uplifting of tectonic plates and coral reefs has produced much of the limestone mountains and cliffs seen in many areas of the world, but locally its a disaster. Other areas of the Solomon Islands (areas of Gizo, Simbo, Ranogga, Shortlands, Munda, Noro, Vella la Vella, Kolombangarra and parts of the southern coast of Choiseul) have also been affected.
CS
Monday, April 09, 2007

RETURN OF VELVIA 50
Underwater photographers who shoot film (which can still be better than digital in some situations) might like to know that Fuji are ramping up production of this great film due to high demand.
CS
Saturday, March 24, 2007

BSAC TRAVEL CLUB GRENADA COMPETITION WINNER!
Dr Colin Clarke is the lucky winner of the Travel Club Grenada Competition!
The competition prize is a fantastic two week diving holiday for two people to Grenada and Carriacou courtesy of the Grenada Tourist Association, The Flamboyant Hotel, Dive Grenada, The Bel Air Gardens Cottage, Arawak Divers and Golden Caribbean.
Colin was presented with his prize at the London International Dive Show by Gillian Sodah of the Grenada Tourist Association and Alison Boler, BSAC Travel Club. He announced that despite appeals and inducements from diving club members and other work colleagues, he had decided that he would be sharing his prize with his partner, Melanie!
Congratulations to Colin and many thanks again to everyone at the Grenada Tourist Association for their generosity. If you would like be jetting off to some glamorous holiday location, just sign up to receive BSAC Traveller and be in with a chance to win!
AB
Monday, March 12, 2007

NEW WRECK COMING FOR BERMUDA
Bermuda, the small island nation often considered Caribbean is actually further north in the Atlantic is a bit of a wreck capital of the world. It has over 350 wrecks from the past 4 centuries, many of these divers visit. Most from natural sinking, but also a few have been purposely sunk. Coming this spring, April hopefully, another, the ferry "Sea Venture", is being prepared to add to this list. While it's only 75ft long it's got four levels and lots of interesting areas, cabins and stairs for divers to penetrate and explore. The plan is for it to be in an area protected from rough seas and not deep.
CS
Saturday, February 03, 2007

BA CHANGES POLICY ON DIVING BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
From 13 February 2007, all customers will be allowed to check in their respective free checked baggage allowance PLUS one additional item of sports equipment from the list below.
For Sporting goods items that weigh between 23kg - 45kg (50 - 99lbs) please notify at time of booking or at a minimum of 24 hours before departure. We will not accept oversized items exceeding 2.5m x 1.00m x 0.80m (98in x 39in x 31in).
This is the list entry for Diving Equipment:
Diving equipment kit
Diving equipment kit comprises of facemask, pair of fins, pressure gauge, regulator, safety vest, snorkel, tanks and weights belt, snorkel,
NB Sporting goods weighing over 23kg will require pre-notification. E.g. diving equipment up to a maximum weight of 45kgs and the cylinder must be empty to ensure safe handling
AB
Tuesday, January 02, 2007

News Archive - previously listed items.