Norway
Norway is a ruggedly beautiful country of mountains and fjords with a long coastline offering some of the cleanest and clearest waters in Europe. Currents from the North Atlantic carry nutrient rich water amongst the many islands, creating a varied and colourful underwater world.
Diving opportunities include wrecks and scenic walls as well as some fast drift diving. In the Lofoten Islands between October and January it is possible to dive with orcas.
Visibility is highly dependent on currents and algae blooms. Autumn visibility is typically the best at 8 - 10 metres, reaching 20 metres in very good conditions.
The flow of the Gulf Stream reaches Norway, creating warmer temperatures than might otherwise be expected. Nevertheless, dry suits are recommended although a 7/8 mm semi-dry suit may suffice in summer.
The rugged nature of the country means that divers may inadvertently ascend to altitude before or after diving. Take care to monitor height when on land and use either an appropriate computer or the BSAC level 1 - 4 tables.
RULES FOR DIVING IN NORWAY
(Instigated by the Norwegian Diving Federation, 2001)
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.
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 and foreign divers are recommended to consult the local police or military authorities in advance, to find out about possible restrictions
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.
Wreck Diving. There are many wrecks along the extensive coastline and in the 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, risk contributing to the obstruction of future sport diving in Norway. For this reason divers should not take anything 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.
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, and it is illegal to use any type of artificial light or to fish for salmon or trout. Spear guns and 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 centimetres (6 Inches) across the back.
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.
Harbour Areas. Special permission has to be obtained from the harbour authorities before attempting to dive in harbour areas.
NON DIVING ACTIVITIES
Norway offers many outdoor activities including hiking, climbing and canoeing as well as year - round winter sports.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Getting There:
International flights go to Oslo with other international airports at Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim.
Car ferries also link UK to Norway.
Visas:
UK passport holders do not require a visa for stays of less than 3 months.
Getting Around:
There are 50 domestic airports around the country, a necessity in a country where distances can be large and land travel is hampered by the terrain.
Norway has an extensive bus network and amore limited rail network.
Car rental companies operate at airports and city centres but hire rates can be high.
Climate:
Most visitors travel between May and September, avoiding the winter months which experience little sun. Summertime is characterised by warm sunny days, gentle breezes and occasional rain.
Costs:
Norway can be very expensive.
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BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
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Dive Bergen by Matt Duke
Cruising to Spitzbergen by Andy Watts
A Long Weekend in Norway by Richard Booth
Norwegian Nonsense by Scott Laddiman
Out of Bergen on Gaelic Rose by Alan Ewart
An Introduction to Diving Norway by Steve Parry
DiveGuide to Western Norway by Richard Scarsbrook
Wartime on ice
Killer application
Wheel of fortune
Diving Norway's Fjords
The sea trees of Trondheim
Ice Cold in Norway
Take My Fins and Pass the Pasta
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