Dive Bergen
Information for visitors

by Matt Duke

Contents:
Logistics and Planning
1.1 Information for Boat Owners
1.1.2 Berthing
1.1.3 Berthing prices
1.2 Information for visiting divers
1.2.1 Car parking
1.2.2 Tourist Information
Rules for Diving in Norway (Source: Norwegian Diving Federation, 2001)
2.1 Cylinder pressure testing
2.2 Military areas
2.3 Diving flags
2.4 Wreck diving
2.5 Lobsters
2.6 Confiscation of equipment
2.7 Harbour areas
Measures for Avoiding DCI
3.1 The funicular
3.2 Ulriken Cable Car
Decompression Emergenices
5.1 Contact Information
Cheap Places to Stay in Bergen
6.1 Guesthus Marken
6.2 YMCA Youth Hostel
Local Dive Stores
7.1 Nemo Classic Diving
Local Dive Services
8.1 Toskedal UV service

Logistics & Planning
Section 1.0
1.1 Information for Boat Owners
1.1.1 Harbourmaster Information.
Knowing what they are called in Norwegian:

The Norwegian for Harbourmaster is: Havnefogd
The office in which the work is known as: Havnekontor

Harbourmaster Contact details: Tel (0047) 55568950 CH12 on VHF on arrival

1.1.2 Berthing:
During the summer you can basically berth anywhere in the main harbour.

If there is space the Harbourmaster will try and berth you on the same side as the Ferry terminal.

Just up from the ferry terminal are the multicoloured shops and houses of the road "Bryggen" This is the most beautiful part of town, and gives excellent access to the Ferry. If your boat manages to moor close to the ferry terminal, your cars should be able to Pull over, drop your kit and then drive to a Car Park.

1.1.3 Berthing prices:
To stay for 3 nights will cost you: NOK400 (£31.70)

For each of the subsequent 1 night stays it will cost: NOK200 (£15.80)

1.2 Information for visiting divers
1.2.1 Car parking
The best place for the cars to be left is a Multi Story or (Parking Hus) above the Bus station. There is NO cheap long term parking in the town centre. It is the cheapest place for them to stay in town, and will cost 75NOK (£5.95) per 24 hours per car. A good plan would be to drop the gear off, then drive in convoy to the car park. It's then a cheap taxi ride back for the drivers to the Harbour.

The Car Park can be called directly on (0047) 55568870

1.2.2 Tourist Information:
Center of Bergen.
Vaagsallmenningen 1, Bergen.
Tel. (0047) 55 55 20 00
Website: www.bergen-guide.com
Opening hours 2003:
June, July and August Daily 8.30am-10pm
May and September Daily 9am-8pm
Rest of the year Mon-Sat 9am-4pm

Section 2.0 Rules for Diving in Norway: Source, Norwegian Diving Federation, 2001.
2.1 Cylinder pressure testing
Those who are professionally engaged in the filling of compressed air (employers in diving-firms, diving-schools, fire brigades etc.) are subject to regulations forbidding them to fill cylinders that have not been hydrostatic pressure tested within the latest two years. It is futile to try to entice such personnel to ignore these regulations.

2.2 Military areas
Generally speaking diving is fairly free in Norway, but in the vicinity of military installations diving will not be permitted. These areas are usually, but not always marked on maps, so we recommend foreign divers to consult the local police or military authorities in advance, to find out about possible restrictions.

2.3 Diving flags
In Norway the international flag "A" (white and blue split flag) is approved as an indication of a submerged diver. The boating activity makes it essential that divers mark their presence clearly.

2.4 Wreck diving
On account of our long traditions as a seafaring nation there are obviously many wrecks along our extensive coastline and in our long fjords. The imperative rule for wreck diving is: "Look but don''t touch!" Those who do not observe this rule will not only in many cases do irremediable harm to the wrecks, but in addition most certainly contribute substantially to the obstruction of future sport diving in Norway. For this reason we invite our guests to use their eyes, and, by all means, their cameras, but not to take anything along up or destroy anything they may see. This rule applies not only to a wreck, but also to any separate objects found under water. Should you find an old wreck (it could be the long sought "Spanish Armada"...), the correct procedure is to mark the spot and then report to the nearest police station or maritime museum. It should be sufficient to mention the discovery of the "Runde treasure", in which case the divers (two Swedes and one Norwegian) acted according to the rules.

2.5 Lobsters
The Norwegian authorities have passed a rule against fishing lobster by other means than the lobster pots that the regular fishermen use. It is therefore illegal for divers to take lobster with their hands or in similar ways. It is also illegal to catch fresh-water crayfish. Spear fishing is legal, but restricted. That is to say; it is illegal to use any type of artificial light, and to fish for salmon or trout. We emphasize also that spear guns, or harpoons, are considered to be weapons, and should be treated in such a manner, that is; loaded and used strictly under water. Divers are free to catch crabs, as long as they measure at least 13 (6 Inches) centimetres across the back.

2.6 Confiscation of equipment
Norwegian legislation provides the police and other official personnel with the right to carry out inspections and, if necessary, confiscation in cases where a diver has applied his or her equipment illegally. Not only objects unlawfully taken up may be confiscated, but also equipment that has been used for that purpose. The same applies where illegal fishing is concerned. Don't take the risk of having your embassy pay your fare home while your good equipment stays in this country.

2.7 Harbour areas
Special permission has to be obtained from the harbour authorities BEFORE attempting to dive in harbour areas.

Section 3.0 Simple measures for avoiding DCI
3.1 The funicular
The new funicular can get you from sea level to 1000 Feet in a matter of a few minutes. Please **DO NOT USE** this service directly after diving. We have already had a British spinal bend this year (July 2003) Do not be another casualty. It **really** cheeses the chamber off. (Especially when using the service after taking treatment for DCI!!)

3.2 Ulriken Cable Car
This service again takes you high up into the mountains (Approx 1000 Feet), but at a slightly slower speed.Please **DO NOT USE** this service directly after diving.

Section 5.0 Decompression Emergencies
5.1 Contact Information
In case of a decompression emergency, contact, or use the following 24hour emergency line:

Telephone number +47 55 32 30 03 or +47 55 32 33 20.

State your NAME and LOCATION, and Explain:

"THIS IS A DIVING EMERGENCY, I REQUIRE ASSISTANCE FROM A DIVING DOCTOR"

You will then be put through to the nearest "On Call" Diving Medic who will give you advice over the phone and help arrange treatment where required.

If in "Hordaland" district, you may also call the 113 emergency freephone number.

Section 6.0 Cheap places to stay in Bergen
6.1 Guesthus Marken
This place is in the town, and about 15 minutes walk from the ferry terminal. If you need to stay over for a night or two, I think this is a good value place to try. It has cooking facilities and excellent shower/bathrooms. If there are a group of you, you can book a dorm.

The details are as follows:
Address: Kong Oscarsgt 45, N-5017 Bergen
Tel: +47 55 31 44 04
Costs: Dorm bed NOK 160-185
Single room NOK 310
Double/twin room NOK 410
You would do well to find a cheaper place in a good area, so close to the centre of town.

6.2 YMCA: Bergen Vandrerhjem Montana
Its a longish way out of town, and would require a Bus to get there. I'm too lazy for such things myself, but I get quite a few requests for the YMCA, so here it is!

The details are as follows:
Address: Johan Blyttsvei 30, 5096 Bergen
Tel: + 47 55 20 80 70
Costs: From 135-400Kr depending on type of room.
I'll say one more time, this place is NOT in the town centre!

Section 7.0 Local Dive Stores
7.1 Nemo Classic Diving
Nemo is a large PADI dive school and dive shop about 20 minutes drive from Bergen, near Sandsli. They offer air and Nitrox fills, and have a fairly well stocked shop. They also stock neoprene gloves, hoods and mittens which are extremely good for Norsk diving conditions. Worth a visit just for that!

If at all possible bring spares with you from the UK. Taxes and other rules, mean that prices here can be up to 100% more expensive than the UK. But if it's your holiday and you need to hire/buy some kit, these guys can help. (I would advise you contact Toskedal UV service (8.2) first, as they can do great prices, but carry less stock.)

The details are as follows:
Address: Pb. 62, Sandsli, 5861 Bergen
Tel: +47 55 12 58 60
If you do visit, don't tell me that I didn't warn you about those Norwegian prices!

Section 8.0 Local Dive Service Centres
8.1 Toskedal UV service
If you are a Nitrox/Trimix or Rebreather diver, take down this company's details immediately. They are well stocked for Oxygen J cylinders, Sodalime, Nitrox analysers, sensors and other consumables, and they do great prices. If you take a compressor and have problems, Toskedal UV service also do repairs on most major types, and can normally hire a unit if they can't fix it quickly enough for your trip.

The details are as follows:
Address: Professor Hansteensgate 64 5006 BERGEN (This is just the postal address, not the workshop!)
Tel: +47 90 62 88 91
Email: Toskdal UV Service
If you get in a mess with your kit or you boat, this is a great outfit to call, if they can't fix it, I can guarantee that they will know someone who can. This is a key contact for expedition planners wanting to do more than pay for a week's diving with a charter boat.