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The first breath underwater changes something fundamental The noise of the surface disappears, replaced by the slow rhythm of bubbles and the gentle movement of the ocean around us. Fish move with effortless grace, kelp forests sway like underwater cathedrals, and for a moment we become visitors in a world that existed long before us.
That first dive rarely feels like the start of a responsibility It feels like the beginning of an adventure
But the longer we spend underwater, the more that perspective shifts
Divers are often the first witnesses to change in the ocean We notice when reefs flourish and when they struggle We see species that thrive and others that quietly disappear The ocean does not announce these changes loudly; it reveals them slowly, to those who return often enough to notice
Across Southern Africa’s coastline, the ocean continues to remind us how dynamic and fragile these ecosystems can be
In the kelp forests of the Western Cape, divers encounter shysharks resting beneath rocky ledges, perfectly adapted to the cool waters of the Benguela Current. These small endemic sharks are more than charming encounters; they are indicators of the health of a unique marine ecosystem that exists nowhere else on Earth.
Along the warmer waters of the east coast and beyond into Mozambique, divers increasingly find themselves part of something larger than recreation Scientific diving, citizen science programmes, and conservation initiatives are drawing divers into meaningful contributions to marine research and monitoring
In many places, the role of a diver is quietly evolving The modern diver is no longer just an observer
We document species through underwater photography. We contribute to megafauna identification databases We record sightings that help researchers track migrations, population shifts, and behavioural patterns Even something as simple as reporting a shark encounter or submitting a photograph of a manta ray can add another piece to a global scientific puzzle
This shift reflects a deeper understanding: the ocean needs witnesses
Not every diver will become a marine scientist, and that has never been the expectation But every diver carries something equally valuable presence When we enter the water with curiosity and respect, we begin to see the ocean not only as a place of exploration, but as a system that depends on careful stewardship Sometimes that stewardship is subtle
It is the diver who perfects buoyancy to avoid touching fragile coral. The photographer who chooses patience instead of disturbance. The dive guide who teaches new divers how to observe rather than interfere.
Small decisions accumulate into a culture of responsible diving And culture matters
Across Southern Africa and the broader Western Indian Ocean, a new generation of divers is emerging many of them local professionals who are redefining what leadership underwater looks like In Mozambique, for example, instructors and scientific divers are demonstrating how recreational diving can support research and conservation at the same time
Their work shows that the future of diving is not only about exploration, but also about participation Participation in science Participation in conservation Participation in protecting the places that inspire us
“From underwater adventure to ocean responsibility.”
DAN’s first aid courses are designed to provide divers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond in emergencies. From CPR and oxygen administration to neurological assessment and treating hazardous marine life injuries, these programs prepare people to provide care when it’s needed most Many people who complete a DAN course never expect to use their training outside the classroom, yet for countless divers these skills have proven essential
When DAN-trained divers put their skills into action, the organization honors their efforts with the DAN Provider Awards This recognition applauds recipients for their quick thinking, composure under pressure, and ability to effectively apply their knowledge in high-stakes situations
Whether they jump in to help with an emergency on a dive boat, at the local quarry, or even outside the realm of diving, these individuals show that DAN training can make a lifesaving difference anywhere Their decisive actions reflect the dedication to safety that DAN works to instill in the dive community.
If you know someone who has used their DAN training to help in an emergency, consider nominating them for a DAN Provider Award DAN hopes that highlighting these individuals will inspire all divers to stay prepared, practice their skills, and be ready to act when it matters most
“Ready When It Matters Most: Honouring the Divers Who Turn DAN Training into Lifesaving Action.”
When we pack for a trip, our minds are usually filled with checklists that include passports, boarding passes, medications, and an extra phone charger We rarely consider if we are prepared for the unexpected
Nobody likes to imagine a worst-case scenario, but one of the most responsible things we can do is to ensure that our estate and other life-planning documents are up to date before we travel. Some travelers may think that kind of planning is reserved for people of a certain age or those with complex financial situations, but it’s relevant for everyone
Travel carries uncertainties Flights get delayed, the weather can change our plans, and sometimes emergencies happen far from home Having the right documents in place not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that your wishes are respected and your family isn’t left scrambling in the middle of a crisis
Estate documents outline how you would like your personal affairs and assets handled, giving clarity and direction to loved ones at a time when decision-making can be difficult
Without these documents, families often face delays, legal hurdles, or unintended outcomes all of which are more complicated when an incident occurs abroad
Another often-overlooked step is naming a beneficiary on all of your travel, trip interruption, and accident insurance policies. It’s important to update your beneficiaries after life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Ensuring your policy clearly identifies who should receive benefits provides protection and avoids confusion, so the support you intended reaches the right person without delay
Life-planning documents, such as a living will or health care proxy, are equally important These plans detail your preferences for medical treatment if you can’t communicate, and they appoint someone to speak on your behalf This guidance can be invaluable in international medical systems that may differ from what you are used to It eliminates guesswork and helps medical professionals understand your preferences
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the first goby and I found at least ten more individuals on the same tree that I had not even noticed previously!
So overall, most of these species are fairly straightforward to identify with a basic knowledge of the host corals. However, I did encounter one slight snag. Both Bryaninops loki and Bryaninops tigris both find bushy black corals as an acceptable host. On the white bushy black coral tree mentioned above, I found two different-looking variations of goby Some looked like a typical tigris with a white body with stripes, and the others looked more like a typical reddish loki (Figure 10) Fair enough, I thought; it was a large coral, and perhaps both species were happy to coexist However after consulting with Dr Helen K Larson, the goby specialist who named both these species back in 1985, I was informed that current research
suggests that only one species can occur on one coral colony Either two colour variants of tigris were living on the same coral, or the current research is incorrect and they sometimes occur together. This will likely only get confirmed once specimens are collected to be examined in a lab.
I hope this article inspires divers to seek out these little fish and perhaps find a few more that have gone unnoticed right under our noses If anyone has photos of their own, they are welcome to contact me, and I will do my best to help you identify your gobies
D I V I N G A S A W A Y O F L I F E
Perhaps Maria’s greatest impact is educational Young Mozambican women and students now see someone who looks like them leading dives, conducting surveys and contributing to scientific publications. Representation matters especially in professional diving and marine science. Her message to aspiring divers is grounded and practical: progress takes time, skill comes from repetition, and confidence grows underwater as much as it does on land
For international divers, her story is equally important It demonstrates that supporting locally led dive operations strengthens conservation outcomes When Mozambican professionals lead exploration of Mozambican waters, the benefits remain
within the community economically, educationally and scientifically
At BCSS, recreational diving is not separated from conservation it supports it. Whether you are newly certified or an experienced diver seeking purposeful travel, diving alongside instructors like Maria offers a rare blend of adventure, safety, science and impact.
For DAN Alert Diver readers who believe that responsible diving can be a force for good, Maria’s journey is proof: the path from first swim lesson to scientific contributor is possible and it is happening right now in Mozambique’s blue frontier
When threatened, most sharks fight or flee, but shysharks do something completely different: they curl up into a doughnut shape, grasp their tails in their mouths and cover their eyes This endearing defensive behaviour has earned these small catsharks their common name and made them one of the most charming encounters a diver can have in South African waters
Shysharks are endemic to South Africa, and these slender, magnificently patterned members of the catshark family rarely exceed 60 centimetres in length and pose no threat to divers For visitors to South Africa's spectacular kelp forests and rocky reefs, encountering a shyshark represents more than just another species to observe these sharks are indicators of healthy reef ecosystems and ambassadors for the diverse endemic marine life that makes South African diving world-class.
Three species of endemic shyshark inhabit South African waters, each with distinctive markings The puffadder shyshark (Haploblepharus edwardsii) is most commonly encountered along the Cape Peninsula, displaying copper- or light-brown saddle-shaped markings edged with small white spots The dark shyshark (Haploblepharus pictus) features darker colouration with seven or eight saddles on a dark grey-brown background The brown shyshark (Haploblepharus fuscus), the least commonly seen, has more uniform brown colouration with indistinct saddles
Shysharks are benthic creatures, spending their days resting on the sea floor or tucked into crevices but as recent research reveals, there's much more happening during these rest periods than meets the eye
Recent research along the Cape Peninsula has uncovered fascinating insights into shyshark sleeping behaviour. A 2025 study tracking 358 individual sharks found that temperature plays a critical role in when these sharks choose to sleep. When water temperatures drop below 15°C, shysharks overwhelmingly prefer to rest, with swimming activity dramatically increasing only when temperatures rise above 16-17°C
This discovery has important species implications As cold-water specialists thriving in the chilly Benguela Current, shysharks may face significant challenges as climate change warms South African waters The research also revealed remarkable site fidelity shysharks return to the same sleeping spots repeatedly Sheltered locations like harbours or yacht clubs emerged as favoured sleeping sites, particularly for puffadder shysharks
Interestingly, unlike many marine creatures that synchronise behaviour with tides, shysharks march to their own rhythm The research found no significant relationship between sleep behaviour and tidal cycles,
suggesting these sharks are more influenced by temperature and habitat characteristics than by the pull of the moon
The Western Cape offers excellent opportunities for shyshark encounters, particularly in kelp forests and rocky reefs Key diving locations include the kelp beds of Simon's Town and Millers Point in False Bay, where puffadder shysharks are regularly seen
Divers most commonly encounter shysharks in the 10 to 30-meter depth range They favour areas with mixed substrate sandy patches interspersed with rocky reefs that provide both hunting grounds and shelter During the day, check under overhangs, in small caves, and in the darker recesses of kelp-covered reefs In summer, they're more frequently observed along the Atlantic coastline, whereas in winter many can be seen from Simons Town to Cape Point.
Beyond their signature defensive curl, shysharks are efficient nocturnal predators As darkness falls, they emerge to hunt small crustaceans particularly crabs and shrimp along with worms, small fish, and cephalopods During rest periods, shysharks utilise buccal pumping actively drawing water over their gills while stationary, allowing them to rest motionless on the seafloor while maintaining adequate oxygen levels Research suggests that sleeping sharks exhibit reduced metabolic rates, making sleep an important energyconservation strategy
Despite frequent daytime aggregations at popular sites, shysharks show a strong tendency toward solitary sleeping Approximately 75-85% of sleeping sharks rest alone, with groups rarely exceeding two or three individuals This suggests that the clusters divers encounter may reflect multiple individuals independently choosing the same high-quality resting spots rather than true social sleeping behaviour.
Encountering shysharks requires careful observation due to their cryptic colouration. Move slowly and scan under ledges, in cave entrances, and along reef bases Shysharks often rest partially hidden, with just their head or tail visible A good dive light is beneficial, as these sharks favour darker resting spots
When you spot a shyshark, approach slowly and deliberately Many shysharks, if approached carefully, remain in place, providing excellent opportunities for observation and photography If the shark curls into its defensive posture, maintain your distance and wait Often, after a few minutes, the shark will uncurl and resume normal resting
For photographers, shysharks present both challenges and opportunities Their preference for darker areas requires
adequate lighting, but their relatively docile nature allows for careful composition. These sharks are completely harmless to divers, with small mouths and no inclination to bite
Despite their hardy nature, shysharks face significant conservation challenges All three species are currently listed as endangered or near threatened by the IUCN, with populations showing concerning declines The primary threat comes from bycatch in commercial fishing operations demersal trawling and gillnet fisheries regularly catch shysharks incidentally, and many do not survive Their limited geographic range means fishing pressure can significantly impact overall populations
Habitat degradation also poses risks Coastal development, pollution, and climate change affect the kelp forests and rocky reefs where shysharks inhabit Perhaps most concerning is their slow reproductive rate shysharks produce relatively few offspring that take years to reach maturity, meaning depleted populations recover slowly, if at all.
Recent research on temperature behaviour raises new concerns As climate change warms South African waters, shysharks may face fundamental disruption to their rest and activity patterns. With swimming activity dramatically increasing above 16°C, these sharks may be forced to expend more energy in warmer waters, potentially affecting their ability to hunt efficiently, reproduce successfully, and maintain healthy populations, or shift their distribution to cooler, deeper waters, which poses threats to the kelp forest food webs
Marine Protected Areas along the South African coast provide a crucial refuge where fishing is restricted Research programs study shyshark ecology to inform management decisions, and citizen science initiatives encourage divers to report sightings, helping scientists track populations
The discovery that shyshark sleep is driven by cold water reveals how much we still have to learn about these enigmatic creatures In an era of rapid ocean change, understanding these fundamental behavioural patterns becomes critical for
These endemic sharks represent something unique to South African waters They're part of an ecosystem that includes Cape fur seals, critically endangered African penguins, and the incredible biodiversity of kelp forests. Protecting shysharks means protecting the entire community of species sharing their habitat.
Divers play a crucial role in conservation. Practice responsible diving that doesn't disturb resting sharks Report sightings to organisations like the Shark Spotters program or the South African Shark Conservancy Support MPAs and sustainable fishing practices Perhaps most importantly, serve as ambassadors every person who encounters a shyshark and shares that experience becomes an advocate for the protection of the species
Next time you're diving South Africa's magnificent kelp forests, take time to search for these timid treasures Look under ledges, peer into shadows, and move with patience The reward will be an encounter with one of the ocean's most endearing sharks a species that exists nowhere else, whose secrets we're only beginning to uncover, and which depends on our stewardship for
“Zavora: Where Citizen Meets Science.”
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Cold water diving whether on scuba or breath-hold offers a surprisingly rich set of physical, mental, and ecological benefits that give you a ‘boost’ long after you exit the water!
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Cardiovascular conditioning: Icy water immersion triggers vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) and increases cardiac output, giving your heart and circulatory system a genuine workout Over time, regular cold-water divers often develop improved cardiovascular efficiency
The mammalian dive reflex: Freediving in colder water strongly activates the dive reflex a hardwired physiological response that slows heart rate (bradycardia), shunts blood to the core (improving oxygen conservation). Colder water is the best for breath-hold physiology and dive reflex training.
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Metabolic boost: Your body burns significantly more calories maintaining your core temperature in icy water, activating brown adipose tissue (a specialised type of body fat that burns calories to generate heat). This drives your overall metabolic rate higher, and the benefit can persist for hours after a dive.
Immune system stimulation and hormonal response: Repeated exposure to cold water can lead to an increase in the production of white blood cells and an enhanced immune resilience This response is like the effect cold shower protocols have (see those popularised by Wim Hof) and is reputed to have an incredibly powerful boost to immune and hormonal stimuli Additionally, colder water possesses remarkable antiinflammatory properties
MENTAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Stress reduction and mindfulness: Both freediving and scuba demand total presentmoment focus In colder water, the sensory intensity heightens this effect, and any distractions are less likely because your body is fully engaged with the environment
Cold adaptation and mental toughness: Learning to relax in colder water rather than tense against it builds a form of psychological resilience that transfers well to high-pressure situations above the surface (and in our normal working environments).
Mood and endorphins: Chilly water immersion stimulates norepinephrine and endorphin release Frequently, cold-water divers report a profound euphoria and clarity post-dive (a ‘cold water high’).
Improved sleep: The deep physiological reset of cold immersion often leads to a noticeably better sleep quality, particularly after longer or more intense dive sessions.
ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS AND REWARDS
Rich marine life: Cold and temperate waters are often nutrient-rich upwelling zones, supporting extraordinary biodiversity Kelp forests, pelagic schooling fish, nudibranchs, seals, sharks, and cetaceans are frequently encountered in colder water
Exceptional visibility: Colder water can have less particulate matter and algal bloom, often resulting in strikingly clear, blue visibility
Fewer divers: Cold-water sites are less crowded This can offer the diver more pristine reef and kelp ecosystems, undisturbed marine life, and a particularly immersive, meditative experience
FREEDIVING-SPECIFIC BENEFITS IN COLD WATER
Faster adaptation to depth pressure: The cold-water urge-to-breathe responses train divers to remain calm under genuine physiological stress. Stronger lung packing and equalisation skills: The physical demands of cold diving build respiratory control that directly improves performance in warmer conditions
Enhanced mind-body awareness: The discipline required to stay warm, relaxed, and efficient in icy water produces freedivers with exceptionally refined body awareness
Cardiovascular conditioning
Dive reflex & breath-hold
Joint & muscle comfort
Anti-inflammatory recovery
Immune stimulation
High
Excellent
Moderate
High
High
Stress relief (accessibility) Moderate
Stress resilience (long-term) Excellent
Mindfulness intensity
Mood elevation
Sleep improvement
Builds a more robust and transferable form of stress regulation. Produces more intense involuntary mindfulness. The mind is so occupied that it has a quietening effect on the body.
Consistently produces a stronger postimmersion mood elevation with the socalled "cold water high" (or post dive euphoria!)
Shows compelling evidence for improving sleep
It has a reputation for being demanding, but this challenge is precisely the point! It does require a mindset shift! Cold water can build physically robust and psychologically resilient divers The physical and mental adaptation it extends makes it one of the most rewarding and genuinely beneficial forms of underwater exploration You cannot fail to feel incredibly alive in it!
Do not dismiss the pleasure and benefits that diving in colder water can bring!
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It takes time and energy to arrange your ‘diver down’ time, so it is well worth considering the spares you carry in your dive bag
The key factors that dictate the size of your spares kit are where you are diving and the number of dives you are doing The longer and more remote the trip, the harder it is to replace a broken or lost piece of equipment.
Diving in a group has its advantages, including the ability to share the expense and weight of the spares taken. Multiple niggles and break downs can be stressful but are less likely to happen if you maintain your gear well and have it serviced regularly by a diving professional
The essentials that could end your dive if missing or broken:
Spare mask and mask strap plus anti-fog drops
Fin straps + buckles (that fit your fin!)
Regulator mouthpiece
Torch/light batteries
Cable ties (duct tape has its place too!)
O-rings (a small assortment especially if using an ‘A’ clamp regulator)
Allen key and multi tool *Not the best tool but to avoid carrying a whole tool kit this can bail you out of a minor change and/or repair
ESSENTIALS
Increase the number you carry of the basics e.g. mouthpieces and cable ties and aim to have redundancy for anything that could fail without a dive shop nearby:
Complete spare regulator or as a min. spare second stage and hose
BCD inflator mechanism or complete inflator hose
Reel line + spare stainless-steel clips (always handy)
Spare SMB (Surface Marker Buoy)
Dry bag
Wetsuit repair kit (neoprene patches, black tape)
Weight belt buckle (metal)
Torch O-rings + spare bulb or LED head
Spare dive computer battery ( check relevant type)
Note: Prescription mask, if applicable, is essential if you are away diving
GREAT TO HAVE SPARE SERVICE KITS, BUT THIS PRESUMES YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN (AND RULES ARE TIGHTENING UP ON THIS).
Full O-ring kit (ideally specific to your regs)
Comprehensive tool kit: adjustable spanner, Allen keys, needle-nose pliers, and small screwdriver set (flathead + Phillips)
Dive computer battery kit + ideally spare computer
Spare dive torch (complete unit, not just batteries)
Spare dive knife or a line cutter (always wear at least one)
Silicone grease
ITEMS GOOD TO HAVE AS A FREEDIVER APART FROM WHAT MAY APPLY ABOVE
Nose clip (if used) carry a spare Replacement lanyard (full unit)
Spare rubber weight belt
Spare freediving fins (carry a backup pair, or as a minimum spare blades)
Backup dive buoy/float + line
Spare snorkel
Weights (neck or belt)
LASTLY MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO General and marine-oriented first aid kit (including oxygen access, sting treatment, and an ‘ear’ care kit)
Proof of dive certification and DAN membership
Electrolytes and energy bars
On any ‘big trip,’ it is safer to assume that the nearest dive shop is either closed, out of stock, or does not carry your brand Pack accordingly!
Check the storage for your spares, keep them dry and in good condition! Know what the spares cost you so you can tell someone who needs to ‘borrow’!
Composite, fiber-wound cylinders are making their way back into diving in rebreathers and other advanced scuba gear The weight and lifespan benefits of these cylinders are attempting to challenge their previous cost barrier For this DAN update on the technology, we spoke to a well-known industry expert in cylinder inspection and maintenance
Francois Burman: How has composite cylinder use changed since the early days, given the reported problems with scuba after immersion, especially in seawater?
Mark Gresham: Fifteen years ago there was a Type 3 (aluminum-lined) cylinder that had corroded underneath the carbon due to saltwater intrusion between the fabric and the aluminum liner. The manufacturer cut open the cylinder to assess the corrosion, and within hours they posted a policy disallowing their Type 3 cylinder for diving.
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The cylinder manufacturer’s DOT Special Permit (SP) started including this prohibition, and although the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) allows them for quick rescues of people in submerged cars near the surface, the postrescue gear cleaning required the cylinder to be discarded
A few Type 3 cylinders are allowed for use in water, such as the one with SP number 12479 Cylinders marked UW to ISO 11119-3 are allowed for use underwater Once permitted, Type 4 (polymer-lined) cylinders will be more suitable for scuba
What are these cylinders’ limitations?
Several have ruptured from overfilling, physical damage, chemical exposure, or being filled while having unseen damage One rupture was a direct result of cleaning the cylinder with acetone, which melted the epoxies used in its manufacture When the acetone-cleaned cylinder was filled, it failed before getting to the service pressure of 4,500 psi. Therefore it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care of any gear.
How robust and durable are they?
Most solid-wall steel and aluminum cylinders are designed to rupture at 23 to 25 times the service pressure Type 3 carbon overwrapped cylinders are designed to rupture at 33 to 35 times the service pressure These composite cylinders are vulnerable to damage such as abrasions or cuts, but a formally trained technician may be able to repair some types of damage
How does the cost compare to a traditional solid-wall and not metal cylinder?
A well-maintained solid-wall scuba cylinder can last more than 50 years, but most composite cylinders have a significantly shorter specified lifespan, potentially only a few years The price difference between equal volume solid-wall and composite cylinders can be three to five times more
Do these cylinders need to be filled more slowly?
The filling rates of all cylinders are often argued over in the scuba industry The NFPA standard is 300 to 600 psi per minute This rate mitigates the heat of compression, which reduces the temperature gradient between the cylinder gas temperature and the ambient temperature Therefore, the cylinder does not require additional gas or overfilling for the fill to end at the rated service pressure as there is very little cooling
How often do they need to be inspected and tested?
Most Type 3 cylinders are inspected and tested at standard requalification (hydrostatic testing) periods, typically every five years Visual inspections of Type 4 cylinders are required annually, with requalification required every five years Inspectors with regular formal training can perform the tests on Type 3 cylinders, but Type 4 cylinders have additional documents and requirements.
What are some situations where it makes sense to use a composite fiber cylinder?
When neutral buoyancy is required, these cylinders can be helpful when well-balanced with an internal bladder and additional weights if required.
The most common Type 3 cylinders are approximately 13 pounds (5.9 kilograms) buoyant when full, which makes them a poor choice for diving The positive buoyancy would require additional weight, potentially making it difficult to address entanglements or hazards that require a diver to remove their kit, causing significant changes in
Divers should always refer to the cylinder’s DOT Special Permit to verify the types of gas they can use in the cylinder The cylinder’s placard may also specify the types of gases acceptable. In that case, the cylinder must only be filled with the gas listed on the placard.
Considering all the above, is a composite fiber cylinder worth the expense?
Not at this time Composite cylinders have been in use since 1942, mostly with limited applications in aerospace and defense These cylinders have always been costly compared with solid-wall steel and
When divers talk about “advanced training”, the conversation often centres on depth limits, additional dives, or collecting another certification card. While these elements have their place, they do not necessarily reflect what most divers actually need once they move beyond entry-level training.
In response to recent changes to CMAS International training standards, CMASInstructors South Africa (CMAS-ISA) has launched a fully revised CMAS Two Star Diver Training Programme, purpose-built for divers who want to progress from being newly certified to becoming more capable, confident, and reliable recreational dive partners
The guiding philosophy behind the programme is simple but deliberate: Training for Serious Recreational Divers
The CMAS Two Star Diver Training Programme is not positioned as a typical “advanced” course Rather than focusing on novelty experiences or isolated skills, it concentrates on core diving competence, sound decision-making, and real-world readiness
At its heart, the programme recognises a critical reality in recreational diving: incidents are more often associated with limitations in situational awareness, planning ability, effective gas management, and response confidence than with the absence of an advanced certification.
The Two Star programme is therefore designed to bridge the gap between being certified and being genuinely capable
The programme builds directly on the CMAS One Star Diver Training Programme, assuming that participants already possess fundamental knowledge and basic in-water skills Rather than repeating entry-level
content, the Two Star programme revisits essential concepts buoyancy, gas use, dive planning, navigation, and teamwork and builds on them, with a strong emphasis on practical application over theory alone.
Importantly, the programme also reflects a deliberate progression in diving experience, as well as in academic scope. Entry into the CMAS Two Star Diver Training Programme requires a minimum of 10 logged openwater dives, ensuring participants arrive with real-world diving experience Upon certification, divers will have completed a minimum of 18 logged dives, gained through structured, progressive training dives conducted under instructor supervision This emphasis on experience, alongside expanded theoretical knowledge, reinforces the programme’s objective of developing divers who are not only trained but genuinely prepared
This “known-to-unknown” learning approach ensures that divers do not simply memorise procedures, but understand why they matter and when to apply them
One of the most significant developments in the revised programme is its enhanced focus on dive planning and gas management.
Divers are introduced to practical concepts such as:
Minimum gas reserves
Usable gas and turn pressure
Surface Air Consumption (SAC) rate awareness
Matching gas planning to dive conditions, workload, and depth
These concepts are not taught as abstract calculations, but as practical tools divers can apply immediately to everyday recreational dives particularly in environments such as cold water, reduced visibility, or increased task loading
“Not Just Advanced — Becoming the Diver Others Trust”
Q | Is breast pain a symptom of decompression sickness (DCS)?
Yes, breast pain can be a clinical manifestation of type 1 DCS, particularly in its cutaneous and lymphatic forms. It is essential to distinguish whether the discomfort is localized to the soft tissues of the breast or indicative of cardiac or musculoskeletal issues.
Joint pain, skin changes, and lymphatic involvement typically indicate mild type 1 DCS Cutaneous (skin) DCS tends to present in areas overlying adipose tissue, a specialized form of connective tissue that primarily provides energy storage and insulation The abdomen, back, thighs, and breasts are the commonly affected regions
Lymphatic DCS arises in anatomical regions containing lymphatic tissue, which primarily influences immune function and fluid regulation The breast contains an extensive network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, making it susceptible to obstruction and inflammation from DCS Lymphatic DCS can lead to swelling and discomfort involving the lymph nodes in the axillae (under the shoulder joint), groin, or behind the ears
Breast pain may be misinterpreted or overlooked, particularly if it is the diver’s sole complaint Reports of breast pain describe symptoms ranging from localized tenderness and itching to sensations of engorgement resembling lactation. People may attribute these presentations to inflammatory changes and impaired lymphatic drainage.
Responders should conduct a complete neurological exam and administer high-flow oxygen Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention and may require hyperbaric oxygen treatment They should avoid diving for at least one to two weeks and only resume after their symptoms have completely resolved and they have received clearance from their physician
- Jevon Monaghan, EMT-P
Q | I was recently diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) How can this disorder affect my ability to dive?
POTS is a form of dysautonomia characterized by autonomic nervous system dysfunction specifically the body’s ability to regulate vascular tone and cardiac output
in response to postural changes. Standing usually initiates compensatory mechanisms, such as vasoconstriction and increased heart rate, to counteract the gravitational pooling of blood in the lower extremities and maintain cerebral perfusion (blood flow processes)
The body accommodates this rapid fluid shift by activating several nervous system responses, including releasing hormones to help constrict blood vessels and increase heart rate This response maintains adequate blood pressure, and our bodies continually adjust to maintain adequate perfusion, especially to the brain
An individual with POTS may not be symptomatic while in the water, but standing up to enter or exit the water can cause the pathological response at either critical period, possibly causing a fall and resulting in trauma
Even if someone avoids a traumatic injury, it can be difficult to differentiate POTS from decompression illness as the cause for fainting after a dive The diver’s physician team, including a cardiologist and dive medicine physician, should confirm or rule out POTS If they confirm POTS, that individual should not dive
- Leandra Lynn, NREMT
Vasoconstriction does not happen effectively in people with POTS, leading to more blood pooling in the lower half of the body and less circulation to the brain Lightheadedness and fatigue are common symptoms, and heart rate increases as the body continues to release more epinephrine and norepinephrine. This response can produce chest pain, shakiness, and irregular heartbeats. Prolonged periods of standing can cause hypertension or hypotension, dizziness, and fainting
RESEARCH | TEXT & IMAGES BY GABRIELA
The realm of all that drifts, everything that goes with the currents – unable to swim against it Welcome to the fascinating and under-studied world of plankton: an integral part of the marine ecosystem we love.
These tiny organisms give us life. They provide half of the world’s oxygen, yet go seemingly unnoticed in the vast expanse of Earth’s oceans. Formed at the dawn of time, plankton were the first living organisms on our blue planet – the beginning of life some three billion years ago Today, they fill the bodies of water upon which we depend in countless different forms – each unique and fascinating Plankton are the base of the food chain: first phytoplankton, then zooplankton, and all the way up to the bigger predators Plankton account for 70% of the biomass in our oceans They are the ones that turn the water into a colourful, lifegiving soup, providing food for filter feeders and fish, thereby injecting life into the whole ecosystem
These incredible creatures form the base of the food chain 'Plankton' is a term that encompasses all living things drifting in the
GUBERMAN
ocean current This broad term encompasses phytoplankton, zooplankton, tiny crustaceans, jellyfish, and fish eggs – to name just a few Some plankton photosynthesise, others are carnivorous, and many can do both simultaneously. The smallest plankton are eaten by larger plankton, which are in turn preyed upon by small crustaceans, then small fish, and all the way up to large mammals, including humans.
Every day, at dawn and dusk, the biggest migration on earth takes place in our oceans around the world Zooplankton control their buoyancy to hide in the shadowed depths during the day and rise to the surface at night to feed on phytoplankton While the latter remains near the light to photosynthesise, zooplankton descend to depths of up to 500m to avoid predation during the day They emerge every evening to form part of the world’s greatest synchronous migration in terms of biomass (the Diel vertical migration)
Onboard the sailboat Tara, a team of scientists collects daily samples of this
SCIENTISTS ALEXANDER BAILESS AND LOLA DABOUSSY IN ACTION, EXTRACTING SAMPLES FROM LIQUID NITROGEN STORAGE.
SCIENTISTS ALEXANDER BAILESS AND LOLA DABOUSSY IN ACTION, EXTRACTING SAMPLES FROM LIQUID NITROGEN STORAGE.
ADIVERWEARINGAHEAVYDRYSUIT,DIVEHELMET,ANDCHEMICAL-RESISTANTGLOVES,WHICHAREOFTENUSEDINCATEGORY1AND2CONTAMINATEDWATERS,WALKSALONGTHEBOTTOMOFTHEANNULARPOOL
EXPLORINGEXTREMEENVIRONMENTSTOIMPROVEDIVERSAFETYANDPERFORMANCE.
TEXTBYTYLERHORTONANDFRAUKETILLMANS,PHD
submersion near the surface to the bottom of our pool for divers and nondivers alike We bring in motivated and curious researchers and train them in all aspects of our studies: recruitment, retention, data collection and analysis, and how to utilize that analysis and share it in impactful ways.
Our trainees are typically here for two to five years. The cohorts tend to become tight-knit and form lasting friendships with staff that often last beyond their time here We see each other at conferences as trainees move on to their careers The faculty facilitates an environment that makes people feel welcome and is engaging and fun, especially when doing laborious work
One of our primary goals with our staff is to keep the work fun, so we stoke their enthusiasm for being researchers
“At CRESE, research is more than discovery — it’s about protecting divers, improving human performance, and preparing the next generation of scientists to explore the limits of the environments we work and dive in.”
It is a cornerstone of modern diving culture: the belief that the "wow factor" is the ultimate catalyst for change We tell ourselves that every time a diver pays for a charter to see a Great White or a Raggedtooth shark, a conservationist is born This "ecotourism gold standard" suggests that by experiencing the beauty of these apex predators firsthand, we naturally develop an attitude of stewardship However, recent research conducted in the shark-dense waters of southern Mozambique and South Africa suggests that the relationship between the value a diver ascribes to a species and their commitment to conservation is far more complex than we had imagined.
To understand why we dive with sharks, we must first look at what we are buying. In a comprehensive study of experienced scuba divers in southern Mozambique (Ponta do Ouro) and South Africa (Umkomaas and Cape Town), conducted by the institute TREES at the North-West University , researchers tested four distinct Consumer Perceived Values: functional, economic, social, and emotional
By using rigorous statistical tools, the study confirmed that these four dimensions are the pillars of the shark diving industry Divers aren’t just looking for a shark; they are looking for high-quality service (functional), a fair price (economic), a boost to their selfimage among peers (social), and a visceral thrill (emotional)
The study’s statistics showed that the "product" of shark diving tourism is remarkably consistent Divers walk away feeling they received excellent value for their money and a significant emotional "hit" Yet when these researchers moved to test how these values influence behaviour, the results were striking. Whether a diver felt the trip was a bargain or an emotional epiphany, it had no statistically significant impact on their belief in the importance of shark conservation areas or the sustainability of the industry. It appears that, as divers, we are adept at consuming the experience but fail to internalise the mission. The data suggest a decoupling, in which the dive is viewed as a high-end leisure activity rather than an educational gateway to environmentalism
One of the most provocative findings of the research involves the role of stereotypes. While we might expect divers to be the group least susceptible to the "monster" myths in the media, the data suggest otherwise. The study found a significant "mediation effect" where a diver’s social value reinforced their stereotypical views of sharks In simpler terms: because we value how our diving experiences look to our nondiving friends and social circles, we often lean into the negative imagery of sharks to make our own experiences seem more daring
This creates a dangerous feedback loop The media portrays sharks as "man-eating monsters," and instead of the dive experience debunking this, the "social value" of the dive often encourages us to validate that very image The research highlighted that even among experienced divers, there is a disassociation between the joy of the encounter and the ecological reality of the species We enjoy the adrenaline of the "beast," but we are not necessarily convinced of the urgent need for its protection This suggests that the "Jaws" shadow is long enough to reach even those of us who spend our weekends in the water, clouding our understanding of the shark’s trophic importance and ecological necessity. 3
If the thrill isn't enough to inspire conservation, where do we go from here? The study points toward a critical shift in how shark tourism must be marketed and managed Currently, there is a gap between the "utilitarian" side of diving (the logistics, the price, and the quality of the boat) and the "biocentric" values required for conservation The researchers suggest that the industry cannot rely on the "wow factor" alone to do the heavy lifting of advocacy Instead, there must be a move toward "social marketing" and "experiential interpretation"
This means that dive operators and conservationists must collaborate to bridge the gap between functional value and belief formation. It isn't enough for a dive to be well-run; it must be reflexively educational. The study showed that functional value (how the dive is executed) is the entry point influencing perceptions of social and economic value. Therefore, if the dive briefing and the post-dive interaction are intentionally designed to deconstruct stereotypes and highlight specific conservation policies, the value we perceive can finally be linked to a change in attitude
Ultimately, the Mozambican and South African contexts serve as microcosms of a global challenge As divers, we are a niche market with a massive platform But until we move past the consumptive phase of shark tourism, where we treat a shark encounter like a commodity to be bought and shared, we aren't truly ambassadors True conservation requires us to reconcile the value we get from the water with the value the shark provides to the ocean The next time you surface from a shark dive, the question shouldn't just be "How was the visibility?" but rather, "What did I do for that shark today?"
Based on the study’s findings, we invite you to take an honest look at your last shark encounter. By identifying which values drove your satisfaction, you can see if you are falling into the "Consumer Trap."
The Social Value Test: When you posted your last shark photo to social media, what was the caption? Did it emphasise the shark's vulnerability, or did it focus on the intensity and danger of the moment? If it’s the latter, you might be unintentionally reinforcing the stereotypes that hinder conservation policy
The Functional Value Test: Did you choose your last operator based solely on boat
comfort and guaranteed sightings, or did you look for an operator that partners with local scientists or marine area managers? High functional value is great, but it should serve as a vehicle for conservation education.
The Emotional Disconnect: The study showed that emotional value did not lead to conservation attitudes. Challenge yourself to turn that "post-dive high" into a "post-dive action" Did you sign a petition, donate to a shark trust, or read a paper on local shark populations after your trip?
1
Apps, K, Dimmock, K, & Huveneers, C (2018) Turning wildlife experiences into conservation action: Can white shark cagedive tourism influence conservation behaviour? Marine Policy, 88, 108-115 https://doiorg/101016/jmarpol201711024
2
Matiza, T, & Lucrezi, S (2025) Scuba divers’ consumer-perceived value of shark-oriented tourism products: A shark conservation perspective. Tourism in Marine Environments, 20(3), 257-274. https://doi.org/10.3727/216901925X1755412347 6082
3
Panoch, R., & Pearson, E. L. (2017). Humans and sharks: Changing public perceptions and overcoming fear to facilitate shark conservation society & animals, 25(1), 57-76
TREES – Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society North-West University South Africa
WHY DOCUMENTATION STRUCTURE NOT AGENCY BRAND IS THE REAL ISSUE
Across the global dive industry, instructors often assume that working under a large, established training agency automatically gives them the strongest legal protection It is a natural assumption: more staff, bigger legal departments, widespread brand recognition, global reach it feels safe But when you examine how training systems are structured behind the scenes, a very different picture emerges
This article explores why instructors working under multi-document training systems (like those used by major agencies) may carry more personal legal exposure than they realise No agency is criticised here this is simply an objective discussion about documentation design, instructor responsibilities, and risk management.
And why do these matter to every active instructor?
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INSTRUCTORSDON’TREALISETHEYCARRY
TEXTBYBARRYCOLEMAN
1. The Structure of the Standards System Creates Exposure
In many large training agencies, the required teaching system is spread across several layers of documentation. These may include:
Agency Standards
Instructor Manual
Instructor Guide
Course-specific teaching outlines
Training bulletins
Regional updates
Annual revisions
Online materials
Individually, each document makes sense But legally, they can stack together in ways instructors rarely consider
In a training incident, a plaintiff attorney may argue that the instructor was obligated to follow every element in every document Even a single missed requirement hidden deep in a manual or released in a bulletin may be presented as instructor error
This is not a flaw in the agency; it is simply the natural result of operating a large, evolving training system
But for instructors, the exposure is real.
2. The Instructor Is Expected to Know Everything Everywhere
Imagine an instructor teaches a perfectly safe dive but overlooks a requirement located:
in a footnote of a course outline, or in an appendix of the Instructor Manual, or in a bulletin issued months earlier, or in an online update they didn’t realise existed
During litigation, this can be used to argue: “The instructor failed to follow all required procedures”
In some legal systems particularly in the United States and Australia this argument is extremely powerful
Because the system is spread across multiple documents, the instructor may unknowingly be held accountable for requirements they never realised existed. Not because they were careless, but because the documentation structure itself makes it difficult to maintain absolute compliance
This is one of the least discussed risks in professional diving
3. Multi-Document Systems Naturally Benefit the Agency, Not the Individual Instructor
A multi-layered teaching system protects the organisation far more effectively than the individual instructor In a dispute, an agency can demonstrate that:
The instructor had access to all manuals and updates
The instructor was responsible for staying current
The instructor should have known every requirement
The instructor failed to follow the “complete system”
This shifts responsibility toward the instructor. Again, not because the agency is doing anything wrong but because the structure inherently distributes obligations across many documents. For instructors, this makes the job more complex from a compliance and legal standpoint.
4. The Modern Legal Trend: Clarity and Centralisation.
Across many industries not just diving legal advisors are shifting toward a simple principle:
“The safest system is the one with the fewest sources of truth” Industries such as aviation, emergency training, and technical industrial
training increasingly consolidates requirements into a single controlling document This reduces: contradictions interpretation errors oversight hidden obligations unnecessary instructor exposure
A single-source Standard is easier for instructors to follow, easier for agencies to audit, and far harder for lawyers to use against an instructor
This isn’t about which agency is “better” it’s about which system architecture reduces ambiguity
5. Why This Matters to Every Instructor
Dive instructors carry a professional duty of care, regardless of agency Most incidents in diving are minor, but when legal scrutiny occurs, documentation structure becomes critical
Instructors should ask themselves:
How many documents define my obligations?
Are mandatory skills clearly listed, or spread across multiple manuals?
Can I confidently say I know every requirement across all documents?
Could a lawyer claim that I “should have known” a rule buried in a different guide?
How easy is it for me to demonstrate full compliance?
Most instructors never consider these questions until it is too late
6. A Safer Future: Transparent, Objective, Centralised Standards
Agencies adopting a single controlling Standards document where all mandatory skills and requirements are listed in one place, aligning with a modern trend in risk
management These systems reduce ambiguity and simplify compliance
These benefits: instructors students dive centers regulators insurers
It creates a training environment where expectations are clear, performance requirements are centralised, and professional conduct is far easier to verify Ultimately, a well-structured standards system does not replace instructor judgement it supports it
This discussion isn’t about criticising large agencies They operate massive global systems with decades of history, and their documentation structure reflects that legacy
Instructors deserve to understand that legal exposure is not just about what happens in the water, it is heavily influenced by how their training system is designed
The clearer and more centralised the Standards, like ISC the safer the professional environment becomes for everyone involved.
“Clear, centralised training standards protect instructors and reduce unnecessary legal exposure.”
INCORPORATING MANIKINS WITH BREASTS, ADDRESSING THE IMPACTS OF CPR, AND TEACHING STUDENTS HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE SUBTLE SYMPTOMS OF CARDIAC ARREST IN WOMEN CAN HELP NORMALIZE RESPONDING TOPEOPLEWITHBREASTSANDREDUCETHEDISPARITYOFBYSTANDERINTERVENTION.
WHENHESITATIONCOSTSLIVES:CLOSINGTHECPRGAPFORWOMEN
TEXTBYSHANNONHUNT
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death across the world, particularly in out-ofhospital settings, where timely recognition and response are critical to survival.
First aid courses, such as DAN’s Diving First Aid, emphasize the importance of highquality CPR and the early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Both interventions significantly improve outcomes The more laypeople are trained in CPR and AED usage worldwide, the more likely it is that people will survive as a result of bystander intervention
Despite the clear benefits of bystander intervention, research highlights a troubling disparity: Women are significantly less likely to receive CPR and defibrillation and are less likely to survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest Some studies indicate that this inequity in bystander intervention can be as large as 14%
With this knowledge, researchers set out to understand the disparity Three recurring themes appeared in their surveys and analysis: sexualization of breasts, worry about injuring a “weak” or “fragile” individual, and a lack of recognition of the more subtle cardiac arrest symptoms
The sexualization of breasts creates hesitation among bystanders, especially since CPR requires hand placement in the center of the chest, and AED pads must be applied to the bare skin of the torso and chest. This discomfort, rooted in societal norms and fear of being accused of inappropriate behavior, is enough to prevent bystanders from taking lifesaving actions
The perception that women, or those perceived as having female anatomy, are weak or fragile also leads to a reluctance to provide chest compressions, as bystanders report being worried about harming the individual
While sudden collapse and chest pain are recognized as classic signs of cardiac arrest,
this presentation is more typical for men
Women often experience more subtle symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or nausea. These subtle symptoms can delay recognition of a cardiac emergency, resulting in lower rates of intervention and survival.
Understanding the rationale behind these differences in bystander response rates for individuals with and without breasts is only the first step towards a solution
Empowering bystanders to act without hesitation starts in the classroom By incorporating manikins with breasts, addressing the impacts of CPR, and including the training needed for early recognition of subtle symptoms, we can normalize responding to people with breasts and reduce this disparity
Instructors should emphasize the following key information in first aid courses:
Good Samaritan laws exist in many areas to protect individuals who assist in good faith and equally, regardless of the victim’s anatomy
Bras and binders may obstruct proper AED pad placement It is acceptable and often necessary to move or remove clothing that prevents complete skin contact with the AED pad in the correct location.
Trauma shears can cut through wetsuits, clothing, and underwire bras to gain access to the chest.
It may be medically necessary to gently adjust breast tissue to correctly place AED pads
High-quality compressions may break ribs in any individual regardless of their anatomy Compressions are necessary to circulate blood during a cardiac arrest
Symptoms can differ between men and women While men often experience well-known signs such as collapse and chest pain, women may exhibit more subtle indicators such as shortness of breath, nausea, and unusual fatigue
Hands-on practice is also a critical part of first aid training, as it builds muscle memory, reduces hesitation, and prepares responders for real-life situations. Most first aid courses, however, use only flat-chested manikins, which creates an unrealistic and incomplete learning experience.
Responders may need to perform CPR or apply AEDs on individuals with a wide range of body types, and not teaching these differences during training is a disservice to providers If students never train on manikins with breasts, then encountering breast tissue in a real emergency can feel unfamiliar and increase the likelihood of hesitation and discomfort
Manikins with breasts are now widely available on the market, and incorporating them in training helps to normalize
providing care to all bodies and reduce the social and psychological barriers that contribute to bystander inaction
Improving survival rates from cardiac arrest requires more than just increasing the number of providers; it also requires improving training to be more realistic and inclusive. We must recognize that hesitation rooted in anatomy, perception, and discomfort can cost lives
By embracing diverse training tools and addressing outdated assumptions in training, we can ensure that bystanders assist all individuals in cardiac arrest, not just those without breasts
“Inclusive CPR training helps ensure no one is left waiting for lifesaving care.”
In a behind-the-scenes emergency at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, two trained responders faced a critical moment that tested their skills and composure It began like any other day, with routine tasks and familiar interactions, but changed in an instant when someone collapsed near the staff entrance
Aquarium employees Angel Britton and Tanner Hughes took swift action Their coordinated response, rooted in years of training and preparation, underscores a vital truth: In an emergency, teamwork can make all the difference This incident not only tested their abilities but also highlighted the powerful impact of teamwork, readiness, and decisive action
Britton and Hughes brought different professional backgrounds to the scene, but both were prepared to respond when it mattered. Britton is the lead first responder and a senior security officer at the aquarium
INCIDENT INSIGHT
WHENTRAININGMEETSTHEMOMENT
Above Image: The National Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation, is located on the Inner Harbour in Baltimore, Maryland
and has worked in emergency response for more than 25 years She is certified in first aid through several training agencies and has witnessed a range of conditions, from heat exhaustion to diabetic episodes, in her day-to-day role. Always seeking to stay current in her training, Britton had just completed the DAN Diving First Aid course the week before this incident. It added to her extensive training and served as a timely refresher on emergency procedures
Hughes is one of the aquarium’s assistant dive safety officers, the volunteer diver coordinator, a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) open-water scuba instructor, and a DAN instructor, which was critical for this incident While most of his focus is on dive safety, his first aid skills are just as applicable on land Their combined experience and training prepared them well for this emergency
On the afternoon of the incident, Britton heard a radio call about the individual who had collapsed She was close to the location and quickly made her way to the scene to find a person collapsed on the ground with several heavy boxes on top of them She promptly removed the boxes, assessed the individual, and determined they were unresponsive and not breathing. Drawing on her years of training and experience as a first responder, she immediately began CPR and instructed a nearby bystander to call 911 and retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Meanwhile, Hughes was walking down a nearby hallway when he heard someone counting out a rhythm that he immediately recognised as the chest compression rate His first thought was that he wasn’t aware of a drill that day He quickly realised it was not a drill and dashed toward the sound He arrived to find Britton performing CPR He too called out for gloves and an AED and started assisting The two rescuers quickly settled into a rhythm, alternating roles and
working together to provide high-quality CPR
When someone brought an AED to the scene, Britton and Hughes immediately attempted to use it and discovered it was not functioning properly. While this could have been a moment of discouragement or confusion, the responders remained focused on delivering CPR until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived more than nine minutes after Britton had first begun compressions
Once EMS was on the scene, the handoff was swift and seamless The EMS personnel relieved Britton from compressions, inserted an airway stent, and asked Hughes to continue ventilations with a bag valve mask while they set up a Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) device to provide mechanical compressions The person was transported from the aquarium with a pulse but was not yet breathing independently Thanks to Britton and Hughes’ rapid response and continued care, the individual later recovered in the hospital
The intensity of the rescue didn’t end when the ambulance doors closed Responding to an emergency like this has a profound impact on rescuers. What Britton and Hughes thought would be a normal day at work turned into an adrenaline-filled, mentally and physically exhausting experience. Thankfully, both responders had strong support systems in place, including aquarium staff, friends, and each other, which allowed them to process their emotions and the entire incident
Reflecting on what happened, both remained humble about their roles but acknowledged how everything aligned just right that day Timing, location, training, and readiness created a rare and fortunate set of circumstances for this incident
The individual collapsed in an area where someone quickly noticed them, and trained responders were able to intervene swiftly If the incident had occurred 30 minutes earlier or later, Britton would have been on the other side of the aquarium, and Hughes would have been underwater with his dive volunteers. Their recent training, prompt intervention, decisive actions, and teamwork undoubtedly contributed to this incident’s positive outcome
Britton and Hughes have been recognized with the DAN Provider Award for their exceptional application of first aid skills during this incident The award highlights not only the individuals involved but also the value of current training and preparation Both responders emphasized the importance offirst aid certification and how practice and confidence are vital to
remaining calm and effective in highpressure situations
Incidents such as this one are reminders that emergencies rarely give warning and that it is the training, mindset, and teamwork of individuals like Britton and Hughes that can turn an emergency into a recovery. First aid, CPR, scene management, AED use, and all the other skills learned in the Diving First Aid course are not abstract skills but rather lifesaving tools that, when practiced, can change the course of someone’s life
Britton and Hughes’ story is more than a good outcome Their response is a powerful testament to the importance of preparation and composure and a reminder that behind every successful rescue is someone who chooses to be ready
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THEWRECKSOFHMSEREBUSANDHMSTERRORNATIONALHISTORICSITE
TEXTBYKYLEKRAY
Sir John Franklin’s expedition in 1845 to search for the Northwest Passage ended in tragedy when HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with their combined 129 crew members, vanished in the Canadian Arctic, seemingly without a trace.
Evidence of ship desertion collected by search parties, harrowing reports by local Inuit observing signs of cannibalism among the final survivors, and the total disappearance of both vessels gripped the world’s imagination, fueling fascination and speculation about the lost expedition for nearly 170 years When searchers located the wrecks of the ships in 2014 and 2016, they discovered them to be astonishingly wellpreserved and largely intact in the frigid Arctic depths, marking one of the greatest maritime finds in history
Underwater archaeologists from the Parks Canada Underwater Archeology Team (UAT), who led the search, enter the same unforgiving waters that claimed the Franklin Expedition’s two vessels as they attempt to piece together the mystery of the ships’ disappearance while facing some of the harshest dive conditions on Earth Over the decade since their discovery, the wrecks have ultimately provided more questions than answers. What has emerged is a growing investigation into two icons of global maritime history and one of the most challenging and complex underwater archaeological projects ever undertaken.
European explorers had pursued the dream of linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through a northern sea route since the 16th century By 1818 England had renewed this ambition to chart the fabled Northwest Passage Expediting travel between Europe and Asia held the potential for England to solidify its dominance in global maritime trade and expand the reach of its empire
In May 1845 Capt Franklin, Capt Francis
Crozier, and Capt James Fitzjames departed England with the Erebus and Terror Their now-fabled expedition’s mission was to finish mapping the Arctic coastline and establish a navigable route through what is now the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Both ships were well-provisioned and equipped with the era’s latest technology, including auxiliary steam engines, robust hulls to protect the ships’ integrity against the ice, and sustenance and supplies for at least three years
When two years passed without contact between the ships and the British Admiralty, public anxieties mounted, and England launched the first search parties to the Arctic to try to locate them Dozens of ships combed the frozen north over the following decades, first in hopes of rescue and later to recover evidence that would indicate the expedition’s fate
An 1854 search party shared reports from the Indigenous Inuit of encounters with Franklin Expedition crew members, including disturbing descriptions of cannibalism among the last survivors The news was distressing, and Britain’s Victorian population received it poorly
The author Charles Dickens published an article denouncing the Inuit accounts, believing that civilized British naval officers would never resort to such a morally reprehensible act and suggesting instead that the Inuit may have murdered the sailors. His stance was shaped in part by public sentiment, by Lady Jane Franklin’s determination to protect her husband’s reputation, and perhaps even by the fact that Dickens’ works were listed among the books carried aboard the expedition’s shipboard libraries
Spurred by the continuing drama, the British sent additional search parties, culminating with an 1859 expedition that discovered a single-page document left
behind on King William Island The first part of the message, dated May 1847, stated that the expedition had been trapped in the ice since September 1846. The second entry below it, from nearly a year later, stated that 24 men, including Franklin, had died. The remaining 105 survivors had deserted the ships, which remained trapped in the ice. According to the letter, they left on foot to proceed south to mainland Canada in search of rescue
Research and land-based archaeology over the past 170 years have confirmed that no survivors made it to their intended destination The once-vilified Inuit testimony proved to be accurate when archaeological and osteological investigations of discovered Franklin sailors’ skeletal remains confirmed the bodies were mutilated in a manner showing evidence of survival cannibalism Fitzjames’ lower mandible, for example, exhibited multiple deliberate human cut marks, indicating the desperate situation and that neither rank nor social status mattered in the expedition survivors’ final days
While the search for the Franklin Expedition helped map the Canadian Arctic, and the Northwest Passage was eventually found and charted, the fate of Erebus and Terror, along with the loss of all 129 men, remained one of history’s greatest maritime mysteries for almost two centuries. The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada preemptively designated both wrecks as a national historic site in 1992 to safeguard their legacies if they were ever found.
Parks Canada’s 60-year-old UAT, working in conjunction with Inuit knowledge holders, modern technology, and other partners led a renewed search for both ships in 2008 Their collective tenacity, dedication, and meticulous search of thousands of square kilometers of treacherous arctic waters yielded the discovery of Erebus in 2014 and Terror in 2016
Unlike warmer waters that are easily accessible and diveable year-round, the only open-water dive season in the frigid Canadian Arctic near King William Island and the Adelaide Peninsula is from midAugust into September. The two dive sites are completely covered in solid ice the rest of the year. During the brief period when the ice cover departs long enough to allow direct surface access to the wrecks below, UAT divers plunge into Arctic Ocean’s waters that hover barely above 32°F (0°C)
Each field season requires six months or more of meticulous planning and preparation; the significant time investment, travel duration, and year-round dedication to the project by each team member equates to mere weeks of underwater time The window of availability for safe diving in the dynamic conditions at the wreck sites has been as small as 11 days for the UAT’s annual expedition One year, when the weather was exceptionally agreeable, the team had 23 days before encroaching inclement conditions forced them to depart
The water conditions at the two dive sites can change rapidly, but the ice conditions around the sites dictate access to the work areas, making it either inaccessible or impossible to leave. Simply getting into a position to step into the water is one of the project’s most challenging aspects. Arrive too early or leave too late and the Parks Canada research vessel RV David Thompson could become trapped in the ice just like the Franklin Expedition’s ships.
The support barge Qiniqtiryuaq serves as an excavation and dive platform at the Erebus work site The barge is kept year-round in nearby Gjoa Haven, where it is retrieved and towed to the site by the David Thompson and then moored directly over the wreck for each short season The Qiniqtiryuaq features a hydraulic crane and an archaeological laboratory where the team can immediately
A MULTIBEAM ECHOSOUNDER
A MULTIBEAM ECHOSOUNDER
IMAGE SHOWS HMS TERROR
IMAGE SHOWS HMS TERROR
PARKS CANADA UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST MARC-ANDRÉ BERNIER METHODICALLY EXCAVATES A SEAMEN’S CHEST IN THE CREW LIVING QUARTERS ON THE LOWER DECK OF HMS EREBUS
PARKS CANADA UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST MARC-ANDRÉ BERNIER METHODICALLY EXCAVATES A SEAMEN’S CHEST IN THE CREW LIVING QUARTERS ON THE LOWER DECK OF HMS EREBUS
A CANNON IS HOISTED TOWARD THE SURFACE DURING AN EARLY ON-ICE ARTIFACT RECOVERY OPERATION IN THE ARCTIC, WITH THE TRIANGULAR ICE HOLE THROUGH WHICH THE DIVERS DESCENDED CLEARLY VISIBLE
A CANNON IS HOISTED TOWARD THE SURFACE DURING AN EARLY ON-ICE ARTIFACT RECOVERY OPERATION IN THE ARCTIC, WITH THE TRIANGULAR ICE HOLE THROUGH WHICH THE DIVERS DESCENDED CLEARLY VISIBLE
DIVERS GET READY TO EXECUTE THE DAY’S MISSION ON HMS EREBUS FROM THE UAT RIGID-HULLED INFLATABLE BOAT AS INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS BEGIN TO ESCALATE AT THE SURFACE
DIVERS GET READY TO EXECUTE THE DAY’S MISSION ON HMS EREBUS FROM THE UAT RIGID-HULLED INFLATABLE BOAT AS INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS BEGIN TO ESCALATE AT THE SURFACE
RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER READY TO RECEIVE AND TREAT ANY DIVER EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS
A ROYAL NAVY PISTOL WAS RECOVERED FROM A SEAMEN’S CHEST IN THE FORECASTLE ON THE LOWER DECK OF HMS EREBUS
A ROYAL NAVY PISTOL WAS RECOVERED FROM A SEAMEN’S CHEST IN THE FORECASTLE ON THE LOWER DECK OF HMS EREBUS
BERNIER CAREFULLY RECOVERS A PISTOL FROM A SEAMEN’S CHEST ON THE EREBUS
BERNIER CAREFULLY RECOVERS A PISTOL FROM A SEAMEN’S CHEST ON THE EREBUS
PARKS CANADA UAT DIVER JONATHAN MOORE OBSERVES THE STERN GALLERY OF HMS TERRO
PARKS CANADA UAT DIVER JONATHAN MOORE OBSERVES THE STERN GALLERY OF HMS TERRO
catalogue and store recovered artifacts for transport back to the mainland It also houses the dive operations center, where the topside crew tends to the divers below, and a hyperbaric recompression chamber ready to receive and treat any diver exhibiting symptoms of decompression illness.
The dive barge and the wreck of the Erebus are within swimming distance from land, and the reality of a hungry 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) polar bear climbing aboard in search of a meal in this scarce hunting environment is not impossible A pair of 3006 rifles and shotguns loaded for bear defense are safely secured within reach of the crew, adding to the near incredulous intensity of the overall dive environment Thankfully, the only precarious animal interaction so far has been with two curious and oversized bearded seals, whose persistent presence caused the divers to terminate their dive
What began as open-circuit scuba dives in thick drysuits and conducted from boats has evolved to resemble a full-fledged, portable commercial dive operation Hardhat dive helmets and full-face masks with surfacesupplied air, communication lines, and hot water pumped into the dive suits for insulation enable the UAT to conduct multihour dives in freezing temperatures.
Dive operations are a constant game of checking the weather, weighing it against the planned objectives for the day, and factoring in what the team accomplished the day prior With such a short amount of time available on-site, every minute underwater is precious and a delicate balance of safety and efficiency
Despite the ticking clock until weather forcibly closes the operational window, the UAT conducts missions in a highly controlled and careful manner, adhering to unwavering professional standards and not
letting environmental pressures affect their work ethic The team’s cohesion and continuity of experience play a significant role in their success. Most of the UAT members working on these wrecks have been involved since the initial discovery, resulting in a collective knowledge of the area that continues to grow. This legacy enables a productivity level that could not be replicated by a new team of divers coming in each year
The UAT identified Erebus about a month after they first located the wreck, based on a comparison of the ship’s plans with the wreck’s dimensions On their first set of dives, the team found the ship’s bell resting on the deck Although the bell bore no name, its clearly legible date of 1845 in conjunction with the Broad Arrow mark delineated it as one of the Franklin Expedition’s vessels Documenting the Erebus site became their first mission, and they began excavation planning soon after
Excavating Erebus has remained the team’s primary focus, as the ship’s depth of only 36 feet (11 meters) and exposure to strong winds and waves has led to significant site deterioration in the past decade A portion of the upper deck has collapsed, hampering access to the wreck’s artifact-laden compartments.
Efforts to recover an officer’s sextant are a good illustration of the dynamic site conditions. It was observed on one of the first penetrations into the wreck, but it disappeared for several years before the team rediscovered it buried under silt and a piece of shifted timber approximately 1 foot (03 m) from its original location
Artifacts recovered from the Erebus range from everyday items such as a shoe, storage jars, and a pair of eyeglasses to extraordinary discoveries, including fossil specimens that members of the Franklin Expedition
PARKS CANADA UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST CHARLES DAGNEAU EXAMINES A CERAMIC BOWL EXCAVATED FROM HMS EREBUS
PARKS CANADA UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST CHARLES DAGNEAU EXAMINES A CERAMIC BOWL EXCAVATED FROM HMS EREBUS
THIS PITCHER WAS RECOVERED FROM THE PRESUMED CAPTAIN STEWARD’S PANTRY ON THE LOWER DECK OF EREBUS
THIS PITCHER WAS RECOVERED FROM THE PRESUMED CAPTAIN STEWARD’S PANTRY ON THE LOWER DECK OF EREBUS
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY TECHNICIAN JOE BOUCHER DOCUMENTS ONE OF EREBUS’ PROPELLERS
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY TECHNICIAN JOE BOUCHER DOCUMENTS ONE OF EREBUS’ PROPELLERS
collected UAT archaeologists are now studying not only the wreck as a site but also the findings that fascinated explorers aboard the Erebus generations ago.
A hairbrush excavated from the wreck had 20 human scalp hairs and one facial hair still attached to its bristles, which represents a significant step forward in the study of the Franklin Expedition. The recovery of human hair from such a well-preserved 19th-century shipwreck offers archaeologists a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the expedition’s crew, their health, and the conditions they faced
These and other discoveries often raise more questions than provide answers The team, for example, recently found 20 pistols in a seaman’s chest inside the Erebus An individual would have typically used a chest of this kind for storing personal items and belongings The large quantity of pistols suggests they belonged to more than a single person, however, raising the question about why they were stored together
Fourteen members of the crew were Royal Marines, who were on board to enforce discipline and be part of the crew’s defensive force They were not sailors but were equipped similarly to British Army soldiers, so the odd discovery could indicate simple armory storage. The chest also invites speculation about the pistols as a control measure against rising tensions and the potential for mutiny as the ship remained trapped in the ice.
Another possibility is that the chest was simply an abandoned collection point where Inuit salvagers who boarded the ship left the weapons as they tried to recover as many usable items as possible before it sank
As careful review of artifacts recovered from the Erebus continues, each discovery holds the promise of shedding more light on the lives and ultimate fate of Franklin’s lost crew
Discovered two years after the Erebus and about 43 miles (70 km) north of it, the Terror rests in deeper water at nearly 80 feet (24 m), coincidentally found in its namesake bay. The ship is an astonishingly well-preserved time capsule, with the considerably deep, cold, and relatively calm waters of Terror Bay keeping it largely undisturbed. Exterior surveys show the ship’s deck wheel still standing and its bowsprit in place, with some exterior windows still featuring intact double panes
Remotely operated vehicles that the UAT divers have guided into the Terror’s interior have returned haunting images of the ship’s communal living space near the bow There are intact shelves laden with food storage and artifacts, a pair of rusted rifles hanging on the wall in the crew living quarters, and the seemingly undisturbed captain’s cabin
The captain’s giant desk, with its closed drawers preserved in the cold water and sediment, ominously beckons with curiosity about what expedition data might be preserved inside The chance of finding written documents is real, and it is a future possibility that the UAT could recover them
One of the mysteries the UAT aims to solve is how the Terror ended up oddly positioned inside King William Island’s southwesternmost bay. The note the Franklin Expedition left behind declared the northwest shore as the site of both ships’ abandonment.
Ice climatology studies conducted with the Canadian Ice Service suggest the abandoned vessels could have drifted south from the known desertion point, carried by the well-documented flow of multiyear surface ice in the region It is also possible that some crew members were on board one or both of the ships, and could have influenced their movements While the Erebus continued in a roughly
BOUCHER SUPERVISES DIVE OPERATIONS FROM THE SUPPORT BARGE QINIQTIRYUAQ
BOUCHER SUPERVISES DIVE OPERATIONS FROM THE SUPPORT BARGE QINIQTIRYUAQ
straightforward trajectory before landing in the shallows of the Adelaide Peninsula below King William Island, the prevailing explanation for the Terror is that it was caught in an eddy and swirled back against the ice flow, finally coming to rest in its bay.
While the clock is ticking on the Erebus, the Terror remains safely tucked away, patiently awaiting its turn at excavation and the unveiling of its secrets and questions to the world
The discovery of Erebus and Terror would not have been possible without the support, advice, and knowledge that the Inuit people of Nunavut so generously shared Their historical testimonies and personal anecdotes led the UAT in the direction of both wreck sites
The traditional knowledge passed down through generations has now come full circle almost 170 years after the Inuit first observed the Franklin Expedition’s disastrous and tragic outcome The discovery of the ships and terrestrial remains have validated over a century of Inuit knowledge and oral histories
Parks Canada and the Nattilik Heritage Society in Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuq), Nunavut, comanage the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site. Inuit leadership plays a central role in stewardship, including the Wrecks Guardian Program, which directly involves the Inuit people in protecting and monitoring the wreck sites and contributes to further integrating Inuit knowledge into site operations
Active site surveillance and ongoing terrestrial and underwater archaeological research are joint efforts between Parks Canada, the Government of Nunavut, Inuit organisations, and community guardians This collaboration ensures the long-term
protection of the wrecks and the sharing of Inuit and Canadian heritage Co-owned by Parks Canada and the Inuit Heritage Trust, artifacts recovered from the Franklin Expedition are studied and conserved in Ottawa before many are returned for exhibition display in Nunavut.
In the summer of 2025, the Nattilik Heritage Centre in Gjoa Haven opened a significant expansion that doubled its size, adding 5,382 square feet (500 square meters) of new exhibition and community space The new wing displays recovered artifacts from the Erebus, and the exhibits are organized around three themes: the Franklin Expedition, Arctic life during Franklin’s era, and the intertwined histories of the Inuit and Europeans
With Parks Canada and UAT continuing research to uncover new secrets from both wrecks and a museum and visitor center welcoming travelers the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site remains a living project that divers and shipwreck enthusiasts alike can follow for many years to come
I S F O R A L L
TEXTBYANGIEVANDERHOOGEN
IMAGESBYMARCTHORESSON&CAMPATON SPECIAL INTEREST
Belonging in the ocean does not come from mastery or confidence It comes from respect From curiosity From recognising that we are guests in a vast and powerful environment that connects us all.
Perhaps the ocean is not “my happy place” or “your happy place”. Perhaps it is a place where we feel regulated, connected, humbled, or reminded of something larger than ourselves
Perhaps it is our shared responsibility
If we begin to speak about the ocean not as something we own, but as something we are connected to, how might that shift the way we show up, both in the water and for one another?
Angie van der Hoogen is a Molchanov Freediving Instructor, retreat facilitator, and the Freediving Officer for Durban Undersea Club (DUC). Through her company, SALT Escape, she offers workshops, courses, and retreats that reconnect people with the ocean and themselves. Join her community on Instagram or visit her website.
“Rethinking our relationship with the ocean.”
INTRODUCINGSCUBAINSTRUCTORSTOFREEDIVINGININDONESIA
WHATITTAKESTOBUILDAWORLD-CLASSOPERATION
TEXTBYTAMSYNSIGNE-IMAGEBYMATTSTOW
ADVANCED STRETCH PROTOCOL EVALUATION, BLUE HOLE, DAHAB
ADVANCED STRETCH PROTOCOL EVALUATION, BLUE HOLE, DAHAB
FREEDIVING COURSE THEORY IN CAPE TOWN
FREEDIVING COURSE THEORY IN CAPE TOWN
The reason they’re doing this? To create as many safe, competent ocean users as possible who have the skills to save not only themselves, but also others who may get into trouble in the water
Will you have better nervous system regulation as a result? Absolutely – because that comes from a feeling of safety!
Will you experience joy and have borderline spiritual experiences, swim with dolphins, encounter whales, and see majestic apex predators at work? Very likely.
And will you learn about sustainability, responsible ocean harvesting, and the preservation of our precious ocean resources? Undoubtedly
In Cal’s words: ‘Passion is a side effect of mastery’
It’s the only kind you’ll encounter at Freediving Africa
“Where passion meets mastery in South African freediving.”
Rising from the Bohol Sea, Camiguin Island is a place shaped by fire and reclaimed by the ocean Known as the “Island of Fire,” this small but dramatic island in the southern Philippines remains largely off the radar of the international diving community an unexpected gift for those willing to venture beyond the usual dive destinations
Camiguin is home to seven volcanoes, with Mount Hibok-Hibok the most active, its last eruption recorded in 1953 Located just six miles off the northern coast of Mindanao and visible from Anda, Bohol, the island’s volcanic past has carved out an underwater landscape unlike any other in the region Despite its fiery history, Camiguin has retained its quiet charm, free from mass tourism and large-scale development. The result is a safe, uncrowded, and visually stunning destination offering diverse and rewarding dive experiences.
TEXT&IMAGESBYELIELALFON
Above Image: Sunken Cemetery with Old Volcano (left) and Hibok-Hibok Volcano(right) at the background
Reaching Camiguin is surprisingly easy, with a short 45-minute flight from Cebu Divers already exploring Anda, Bohol can opt for a super shuttle ferry via Jagna Port. While only a handful of dive centres operate on the island, I dove with Coraya Divers at Balai sa Baibai Resort, whose local knowledge and professionalism enhanced every dive.
Camiguin Island is not a destination defined by luxury or crowds, but by authenticity, history, and natural beauty both above and below the surface For divers seeking something different, this volcanic island may well be one of the Philippines’ most compelling hidden gems
Eliel Alfon is a retired architect based in the United States, an avid traveller, and a passionate underwater photographer. Born in Cebu, he regularly returns to the Philippines to explore and capture its worldclass dive sites.
“Discover a quiet diving gem where volcanic history meets vibrant reefs.”
I didn’t know that Borneo is the world’s third-largest island; only Greenland and New Guinea are larger than Borneo’s 288,869 square miles (748,168 square kilometers). Indonesia governs most of the island, calling it Kalimantan, but Malaysia and Brunei share ownership. The island is squarely situated in Indonesia’s Coral Triangle, so I decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did.
Liveaboards in Indonesia tend to follow seasonal patterns for their destinations There’s an ideal time to be in Raja Ampat, which won’t necessarily be the same time you might choose to cruise the Forgotten Islands, Triton Bay, or Komodo Indonesia is a vast country: It’s the world’s largest archipelago, with 17,000 islands spread across 735,000 square miles (1,904,000 sq km)
My research showed that May through September is the best time for a dive cruise in Borneo from the gateway port in Tarakan and that the water temperature in late August would be 84°F (29°C) We carved out an itinerary that included a few days in Bali to acclimate to the time zone and do a little topside touring A domestic flight took us from there to Tarakan via Surabaya
I had imagined Tarakan as a sleepy tropical village, but I discovered that it is actually a bustling city and an island. Located in the province of North Kalimantan, Tarakan has a modern airport and a population exceeding 250,000. While it is not a dive destination, it is a springboard to numerous dive sites scattered throughout the Derawan Archipelago and East Borneo You can dive from land-based resorts throughout the islands, but we chose to experience Borneo by liveaboard
We arrived at the port in the early evening and looked out at a wide variety of pleasure yachts and freighters dotting the horizon Only our boat had the look of a liveaboard, which is quite different from other
Indonesian ports such as Sorong, where more than a dozen dive vessels might be in port and as many as 50 operating throughout Raja Ampat during the high season. Komodo likewise will have 50 or more liveaboards plying those waters. We never saw another liveaboard or even a day dive boat during our week at sea. That alone is a significant differentiator for the Borneo experience.
Coral was the other differentiator Vast fields of staghorn and other species of antler coral were prolific on many of the reefs we visited That sight is not entirely uncommon throughout Indonesia and places such as Tubbataha in the Philippines, but the density and diversity of the coral cover along the Borneo shallow reef is unique It is a special privilege to see such pristine coral forests, especially when we have lost coral in so many places around the world due to global warming and stony coral tissue loss disease Knowing what we have lost makes me especially appreciate what remains, and each dive in Borneo was inspirational in that regard
We began the trip with a somewhat underwhelming dive following the overnight crossing to Sangalaki Coral Highway was a little disappointing, mostly because I was shooting wide-angle, and the only significant subject was a cooperative broadclub cuttlefish. Those who chose macro raved about their fire dartfish, emperor shrimp, and whip coral shrimp.
That dichotomy wide-angle versus macro held throughout the trip It was like being on totally separate reefs, depending on the lens The wide-angle imaging was so compelling that I mounted my 100mm macro lens only twice: once on a night dive and the other at the end of the trip, allowing me to concentrate on the myriad small angelfish and butterflyfish that are specially adapted to feeding in the hard corals
A LONGNOSE FILEFISH, ALSO KNOWN AS AN ORANGE-SPOTTED FILEFISH - JAN ANDREWS
A LONGNOSE FILEFISH, ALSO KNOWN AS AN ORANGE-SPOTTED FILEFISH - JAN ANDREWS
A BLUESTRIPED FANGBLENNYJAN ANDREWS
A BLUESTRIPED FANGBLENNYJAN ANDREWS
A JUVENILE LONGFIN SPADEFISH, ALSO KNOWN AS A LONGFIN BATFISH, VISITS A CLEANING STATION BENEATH ONE OF THE MANY PIERS
A JUVENILE LONGFIN SPADEFISH, ALSO KNOWN AS A LONGFIN BATFISH, VISITS A CLEANING STATION BENEATH ONE OF THE MANY PIERS
LINING DERAWAN ISLAND - STEPHEN FRINK
LINING DERAWAN ISLAND - STEPHEN FRINK
AMONG THE REEF MINUTIAE JAN ANDREWS
AMONG THE REEF MINUTIAE JAN ANDREWS
CAPTURED WITH HER 100MM MACRO LENS IS THIS DESIRABLE FLABELLINA, ALSO KNOWN AS COLE’S NUDIBRANCH - JAN ANDREWS
CAPTURED WITH HER 100MM MACRO LENS IS THIS DESIRABLE FLABELLINA, ALSO KNOWN AS COLE’S NUDIBRANCH - JAN ANDREWS
I collaborated with my friend Jan Andrews, who handled the macro shooting and shared a few of her photos for this article Her vision of Borneo through a 100mm lens was decidedly different from mine through a 15-35mm or 8-15mm fisheye lens. While Jan realized she would miss the wide-angle pelagics, schooling fish, and coral vistas, she maintained her devotion to hunting and photographing small critters.
“The corals were pristine with impressive specimens of staghorn and lettuce corals covering many sites,” Jan said “Sometimes the sheer density of coral cover made macro difficult because you have to be diligent with your buoyancy to avoid bumping into fragile coral But with a careful approach camouflaged amid this exciting substrate is a thriving world of macro species
“It was essential to build a rapport with the guides, who with their expertise enthusiastically helped me in my critterfinding efforts,” she explained “At most sites we were able to spot a diversity of macro life, including colorful nudibranchs, crabs, coral shrimps, blennies, and gobies In the shallows hiding amid the coral colonies we found a variety of interesting small reef fish, including juveniles While Borneo may not be the ideal location for an exclusively macro quest or as famous as other muck locations throughout Indonesia and the Philippines, the diversity was impressive and the frequent photo opportunities certainly did not disappoint.”
Our dives at Sangalaki would have been more productive if I had concentrated on critters The list that my buddies came home with from Sangalaki Slope and Sangalaki North included yellow mask angelfish, pinnate batfish, fusiliers, schools of pyramid butterflyfish, bluespotted ribbontail rays, and turtles Turtles became a Borneo staple for us One dive later in the week had as many as 20 turtle sightings While I had a good time, my fellow critter hunters were more richly rewarded
My first extraordinarily productive day came the next morning as we dived Kelapa Dua This coral garden will go down in my memory card as one of the best of the best. It helped that it was a slick, calm day, so the water’s surface became a mirror reflecting the immense fields of staghorn corals just below the surface. One of the cruise directors agreed to dive with me that morning, swapping off duties as dive model, snorkel model, and behind-the-scenes photo documentarian
One time she even saved me from stranding I was working along a very shallow zone of coral punctuated by a single barren rocky plateau I could float above the rock to work on some over/under views, insulating me from the possibility of bumping into living coral In the 15 minutes I was in place, however, the tide receded enough so it would be difficult to leave the same way I swam in
She relieved me from the burden of carrying my camera, and I was able to find a navigable escape route that would not impact coral Another 15 minutes later that path would have been gone as well The difference between high tide and low tide can be as much as 65 feet (2 meters), leaving many of these corals exposed at low tide.
Like several other dive sites during the week, the deeper portions of the reef were intriguing. We found larger reef denizens, such as bluefin trevallies, dogtooth tunas, and hawksbill and green sea turtles, while our macro enthusiasts concentrated on twotone dartfish and crinoid shrimp We rarely dived deeper than 80 feet (24 m) and spent the last 30 minutes of most dives above 30 feet (9 m), making these very safe multilevel dives It is best to use caution to try to prevent any dive injuries because Borneo is indeed remote
The second day at Kelapa Dua we dived an excellent vertical drop-off at Mataha Wall
WHALE SHARKS AND OTHER FILTER-FEEDING SPECIES DEVOUR THE CONSIDERABLE DETRITUS THAT SLIPS THROUGH THE NETS STRUNG BENEATH THE FLOATING FISHING PLATFORMS, KNOWN AS BAGANS, ON THE SURFACE - STEPHEN FRINK
WHALE SHARKS AND OTHER FILTER-FEEDING SPECIES DEVOUR THE CONSIDERABLE DETRITUS THAT SLIPS THROUGH THE NETS STRUNG BENEATH THE FLOATING FISHING PLATFORMS, KNOWN AS BAGANS, ON THE SURFACE - STEPHEN FRINK
Borneo is curiously short on soft corals, but I found a few nicely decorated clusters of Dendronephthya hemprichi along the wall Black coral and large sea fans were common, especially as we dropped below 60 feet (18 m), but these are not the colorfully festooned reefs of Fiji or Raja Ampat.
They are not as rich with clownfish either. I found some anemone clusters duking it out with the staghorn for a foothold on the substrate, but the plethora of balled-up anemones like those that dot the reef off Kimbe Island in Papua New Guinea eluded us Borneo is more about lettuce corals and Acropora The highlights that will percolate through your memory from diving Borneo will likely be the shallow hard coral reefs
Night divers came back raving about their immersion at the Dark Side Like all the night dives our trip offered, this was a shallow reef resplendent with macro creatures Although a mobula ray and a green turtle swam tantalizingly close, the reef minutiae juvenile bobtail squids, orangutan crabs, free-swimming flatworms, tiger mantis shrimp, and Chromodoris annae nudibranchs were the popular dinner conversation topics
Our third morning offered the option of reef diving or interacting with whale sharks. We opted for the whale sharks, especially when the crew told us that we had a 95% probability of encountering them. There is a reason for the high percentage: A floating fishing platform with big nets strung beneath, called a bagan, has tiny bits of fish constantly floating in the water column below These morsels are perfect for the filter-feeding whale sharks, so a chain of commerce evolved The bagan attracts the whale sharks, the whale sharks attract the divers, and everyone gets paid a little something everyone except for the tiny fish that get caught in the nets each night, but that would happen with or without the divers
The whale sharks weren’t going anywhere while the fishers were scooping ladles of tiny fish from above, so we didn’t have to hurry There were typically two or three whale sharks hoovering through fish soup below the bagan, totally oblivious to our presence, whether we were on scuba or snorkel. One accommodation we made was to use strobes only at very low power to avoid disturbing the whale sharks. Given the suboptimal water clarity, proximity would yield the best encounters anyway, so minimal strobe output was the best practical and environmental approach
Traditionally there is an afternoon nondiving option at this point in the itinerary A brackish lake in the middle of Kakaban Island in the Derawan Archipelago is populated by stingless jellyfish This location’s popularity has grown steadily over the decades to the point that the sunscreen that tourist hordes slather on has killed many of the jellyfish and diminished the encounter’s significance We had a better option: turtle hatchlings
A turtle sanctuary on Sangalaki Island, which lies within the Derawan Marine Protected Area, is famous for its sea turtle conservation efforts and opportunities to interact with hatchling turtles. This area has Southeast Asia’s largest nesting population of green sea turtles, with 20 to 30 nesting each night and more than 7,000 during the year. Boat landings are difficult during the wet season, so the dry season from April to September is the best time for visitor access.
In an extraordinary bit of turtle husbandry, the baby turtles are curated from the eggs that mother turtles lay in the soft sand beach and relocated to the hatchery for safety After the eggs hatch, the baby turtles are kept in a pool for a maximum of 24 hours to protect them from land predators and ensure they are strong enough before being released By timing our visit near dusk, we were able to observe the entire process of
DIVE GUIDE NATALIA ATHINAIOU SNORKELS ABOVE A PRISTINE STAGHORN CORAL FOREST OFF KAKABAN ISLAND, ONE OF THE 31 ISLANDS THAT COMPRISE THE DERAWAN ISLANDS PROVINCE OF EAST KALIMANTAN, BORNEO, INDONESIA. THE DIVE SITE IS KELAPA DUA, NOTABLE FOR THE MASSIVE CONCENTRATION OF ACROPORA CORALS IN SUCH SHALLOW WATER THAT SOME ARE EVEN EXPOSED AT LOW TIDE - STEPHEN FRINK
DIVE GUIDE NATALIA ATHINAIOU SNORKELS ABOVE A PRISTINE STAGHORN CORAL FOREST OFF KAKABAN ISLAND, ONE OF THE 31 ISLANDS THAT COMPRISE THE DERAWAN ISLANDS PROVINCE OF EAST KALIMANTAN, BORNEO, INDONESIA THE DIVE SITE IS KELAPA DUA, NOTABLE FOR THE MASSIVE CONCENTRATION OF ACROPORA CORALS IN SUCH SHALLOW WATER THAT SOME ARE EVEN EXPOSED AT LOW TIDE - STEPHEN FRINK
releasing several hundred turtles into the sea We were allowed to observe, photograph, and even assist in the process, provided we stayed outside the established lanes along the beach that the turtles would follow according to their instinctual behaviour.
The week progressed with a dive profile that rewarded wide-angle enthusiasts with large sea fans, black coral, and whip gorgonians in the 60- to 80-foot (18- to 24-m) range, while macro shooters found longnose hawkfish, schooling fusiliers, and pyramid butterflyfish in the same environments
We frequently encountered crocodilefish, green turtles, spotted sweetlips, regal angelfish, bigeye trevallies, and even bumphead parrotfish in the shallows The bumpheads remained more skittish than I’ve seen them in Palau or Sipadan, so my photos won’t prove it, but they were among the usual suspects Lighthouse North and Small Fish Country were among the more productive of these sites Small Fish Country was so superb that popular demand made it the final dive of the trip
Several land-based resorts with small jetties are along Derawan Island Judging from the boat traffic, which was primarily dinghies towing banana boats, I gathered that most tourists were fun-in-the-sun revelers. Just as we saw no other dive boats out at sea, we saw no shore divers in the water. There are land-based dive shops on the island, and a simple online search reveals multiple options.
Despite the availability for divers, we were alone in the water at Darma Point, surrounded by dozens of cornetfish, batfish at cleaning stations, dwarf cuttlefish, twinspot lionfish, and even a bamboo shark, which I regrettably did not see I found a pair of stonefish snuggled up to one another on the seafloor, and their proximity allowed me to get both of them in the same frame with my 100mm macro lens
We reached our final day of diving too soon I had a 6:30 am flight the next day, so I opted to do only the first dive at Fonsi Point While I could have done the second dive shallower than 30 feet (9 m), I wanted to be abundantly cautious.
I needed some subject discipline for this dive, as I had spent the week celebrating the hard corals and devoted too little time to the creatures that populate the shallow reef This final dive would be all with my 100mm macro lens so I could capture the long-snout butterflyfish, regal angelfish, and dozens of other species of small Indo-Pacific butterflyfish I couldn’t name without a fish identification book
The divers who went on the second dive told me about the 20 hawksbill and green sea turtles they saw I can’t say the turtles’ presence is a direct result of the sanctuary’s conservation efforts, but their work clearly doesn’t hurt
Now that I know more about Indonesian Borneo, compared with the little I knew before the visit, the only change I would likely make is to book a 10-day trip instead of a seven-day excursion When it came time to leave, I definitely wasn’t ready to go home
Getting there: Tarakan is the gateway to Indonesian Borneo and is accessible directly from Jakarta or via connecting flights from Bali or other Indonesian international hubs. The most practical options we found were from Bali, connecting through Surabaya on Lion Air, although we had a long layover. Going through Jakarta on Batik Air is a more direct route and has a noon departure rather than 6:30 am Another option is from Singapore via Balikpapan
Conditions: The ideal window for diving is during the dry season, which runs from April to October You can expect water temperatures in the 80s°F (27°C to 32°C) Semporna and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia have the nearest chamber facilities, but Jakarta is the closest for divers staying in Indonesia After a hospital evaluation, medical staff will consider the diver’s condition and determine if evacuation is necessary and where to send the diver The dive profiles should not be challenging for most divers, but there is always the potential of increasing decompression risk by doing too many deep or repetitive dives, having an underlying condition such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), or simply being dehydrated Even though Borneo is remote, DAN can help arrange any necessary medical care.
Currency: If you bring U.S. currency, ensure that you have new, clean, largedenomination bills. Banks or foreign exchange offices might not accept old, torn, or marked bills, and the exchange rate for smaller denominations is not as favorable
Most places accept Visa and Mastercard, but they may not take American Express It’s a good idea to carry some Indonesian rupiah for excess luggage charges at the airport. You can withdraw the currency from most ATMs using your international debit or credit card.
Visas and customs: Residents of most We reached our final day of diving too soon. I had a 6:30 am flight the next day, so I opted to do only the first dive at Fonsi Point While I could have done the second dive shallower than 30 feet (9 m), I wanted to be abundantly cautious
I needed some subject discipline for this dive, as I had spent the week celebrating the hard corals and devoted too little time to the creatures that populate the shallow reef This final dive would be all with my 100mm macro lens so I could capture the long-snout butterflyfish, regal angelfish, and dozens of other species of small Indo-Pacific butterflyfish I couldn’t name without a fish identification book
The divers who went on the second dive told me about the 20 hawksbill and green sea turtles they saw I can’t say the turtles’ presence is a direct result of the sanctuary’s conservation efforts, but their work clearly doesn’t hurt.
Now that I know more about Indonesian Borneo, compared with the little I knew before the visit, the only change I would likely make is to book a 10-day trip instead of a seven-day excursion. When it came time to leave, I definitely wasn’t ready to go home
THEMAGNIFICENTSEVEN
TEXT&IMAGESBYSTEPHENFRINK
Working with models underwater has been a fundamental cornerstone of my career for more than four decades I love shooting images of marine life, but for magazine editorial assignments, advertising photographs, and stock photography with model-released people, collaboration with a skilled underwater model has been paramount.
It’s so consistent in my work that I have wondered how many cumulative photos I have taken with models underwater The number of clicks of the shutter is beyond calculation, but as I pondered the matter a conclusion emerged: seven I can break it down to seven specific categories of wideangle underwater photos with a model
There have been thousands of images within those seven categories, each featuring different models, light, environment, and marine life all of which keep it fresh and exciting Not counting “divers in caves,” an inspirational genre beyond my technical diving comfort level, here are my magnificent seven categories along with specific photos that illustrate the concepts
This is perhaps the most common shot of the genre, and it’s one we approach with purpose or capture serendipitously. The photographer and dive buddy are enjoying a tropical reef, and the buddy becomes an accidental or intentional element of the composition. The reef is the star, and the model is the supporting cast.
Intentionally directed photos are by far the more productive, for you can establish where you want the model in the scene, direct where they should cast their eyes, and control their up/down and near/far position relative to the foreground Sometimes when I’m travelling solo and haven’t recruited a dedicated model, I’ll find a significantly beautiful bit of reef and wait for divers to
swim by That’s a random happenstance, and the percentage of keepers is far smaller than with a directable model
I was working with my wife, Barbara Doernbach, in the Solomon Islands, for example, and we happened upon a lovely reefscape with a crocodilefish. Barbara was extraordinarily experienced as an underwater model and knew exactly where to position herself in the near background, always careful not to impact the reef and to cast her eyes to the fish, the obvious central compositional element I was set up with focus, light, and composition, and she was set up neutrally buoyant for as long as it took to get the shot The fish’s yawn was a happy accident, but by being there and anticipating the possibility of interesting behaviour, we caught it
The shot of Michelle Cove with the elkhorn coral is another example Along Southwest Reef one specific elkhorn stand was always better than the rest I could position myself in a spot of sand, set the focus and lighting on the coral, and then Michelle would do pass after pass until the circular motion of my hand followed by one finger upraised meaning “one more time” but often became several more times until I replaced it with a vigorous OK sign.
This type of underwater work with models might be the most fun to do for both the photographer and the diver. The marine life dictates the shoot’s pace and proximity, and it is the job of the photographer and model to interact in a benign fashion.
Shots of this nature are often integral to destination articles for magazines such as Alert Diver I was writing an article about Grand Cayman, and one of the most iconic illustrations happens at the Sandbar with southern stingrays The rules have evolved over the years, and the regulations now stipulate that snorkelers not wear fins That’s a good rule that minimises impact on the rays, but it also means decades of previous shots were instantly dated and inappropriate
Liz and Gary Frost of Living the Dream Divers volunteered to be my models for a new shot We were at the Sandbar at sunrise before the cruise ship crowds arrived, so we had the attention of a much larger contingent of rays The rays were the stars, the snorkelers established scale and interaction
Over the years I have shot a lot of commercial campaigns and catalogs for equipment manufacturers including Dacor, Scubapro, Aqualung, and Henderson as well as specialty shots where underwater was not the project’s primary focus.
The product need not be the absolute star, particularly for catalogues. Typically, the job is to portray the diver’s lifestyle, always careful to reveal the manufacturer’s logo. The real product shots that dealers use for placing orders are of gear under controlled conditions photographed in the studio
I double-dipped on the shot of the model at night on the Superior Producer, shooting for both Underwater Kinetics for the dive light and Henderson for the wetsuit The shot of Julie Anderson with the spotted dolphins was from a Scubapro catalogue shoot but crossed genres and I’ve used as an editorial illustration as well
This type of underwater work with models might be the most fun to do for both the photographer and the diver The marine life dictates the shoot’s pace and proximity, and it is the job of the photographer and model to interact in a benign fashion
Shots of this nature are often integral to destination articles for magazines such as Alert Diver I was writing an article about Grand Cayman, and one of the most iconic illustrations happens at the Sandbar with southern stingrays. The rules have evolved over the years, and the regulations now stipulate that snorkelers not wear fins. That’s a good rule that minimises impact on the rays, but it also means decades of previous shots were instantly dated and inappropriate
Liz and Gary Frost of Living the Dream Divers volunteered to be my models for a new shot We were at the Sandbar at sunrise before the cruise ship crowds arrived, so we had the attention of a much larger contingent of rays The rays were the stars, the snorkelers established scale and interaction
effect The shot of my daughter, Alexa, with a crocodile from Cuba is a good example It rather comically gained viral outrage from nondivers, who imagined I was subjecting my daughter to some life-threatening peril given the perspective-enhanced size and perceived menace of the croc in the foreground
The Kittiwake was sunk as an artificial reef off Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, and it has evolved, as shipwrecks are prone to do, gaining a cloak of colourful sponges and providing habitats for marine life.
It is no surprise, however, that some of the more fragile elements succumbed to the storms that have passed through the area since the ship slipped beneath the waves in January 2011 The mirror in a crew bathroom is now long gone, but for a while careful positioning and lighting could capture the diver and their reflection This shot became an editorial vignette in the Kittiwake tale
Divers in the distance can serve as an element of composition and help block the sun in the shot Most digital cameras have a
4. DIVER AS AN ELEMENT OF FORCED PERSPECTIVE
4. DIVER AS AN ELEMENT OF FORCED PERSPECTIVE
hard time holding detail with the sun shining through the water Being deeper helps, as it mutes the exposure differential between the sun and the surrounding water, but you can also use your model to block the most intense part of the sun ball and make the exposure easier to control.
That’s what Barbara and I did with this shot in the Solomon Islands. When reviewing the images later, I commented on how she was consistently in the right place relative to the sun She told me she could see her reflection in my dome and positioned herself accordingly I hadn’t learned that trick Postdive discussions of what worked and what didn’t make for a better collaborative team
You can also separate the diver from some bit of wreck or reef at the same lateral depth, as with the photo of the diver swimming through the famed Leru Cut in the Solomons In this case the diver using a dive light as a prop makes sense because she is entering a dark region of the reef, but I will also point out that the diver-with-light photo is used a bit excessively in dive magazines these days If it’s a situation in which a diver might need a light such as a cave, wreck, or night dive then it is logical and adds to the composition.
Shipwrecks by themselves have photographic appeal but suffer from redundancy. The addition of a diver adds scale and human interest, making the sense of exploration relatable. You can position divers near a bit of the wreck, almost on the same plane of focus (like Maddie Cholnoky peering through a bit of wreckage on the Benwood in Key Largo), or they can position midwater in silhouette as well
In the shot of the Aida wreck off Big Brother Island in the Red Sea, I wanted to be able to read the detail on the anthias and soft coral in the foreground, and the model would be
an element of composition The foreground was the primary plane of focus and where proximity to the strobe light would reveal the maximum colour. Colour from artificial light drifts off dramatically with subjects farther than 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the strobe. With a distant model silhouette the strobe contributes nothing toward illuminating the diver. Barbara was only about 10 feet (3 m) away, however, and the strobe could add enough detail to reveal eye contact and provide a hint of colour
I have made a point of identifying the models in these shots We often talk about what camera or housing we used to take our underwater photos, but the models are more important None of these images would have happened without the patient and skilled collaboration of underwater models they are the stars of these shots When I made that circular motion with my hand and held up my finger for “one more time,” they didn’t respond in kind with their middle finger thrust in exasperation I appreciate that
R P H O T O G R A P H Y
U N D E R W A T E
coral reefs, stressing marine animals, or endangering other divers Do not touch, move, or manipulate marine life Precise buoyancy control and respectful behaviour are essential for protecting the underwater environment.
Underwater photography is a process that requires time, patience, and humility Not every dive will produce outstanding images and that’s perfectly normal Over time, you begin to see more, understand light better, and anticipate animal behaviour
For many divers, the camera becomes more than a tool for taking photos It becomes a way to engage more calmly and mindfully with the underwater world Every good image is not only a visual achievement but
also an opportunity to share the beauty and fragility of the oceans and inspire others to protect them
Underwater photography combines adventure, creativity, and a deep connection with the marine environment. Beyond capturing images, it offers a unique way to experience the ocean making every dive an opportunity for discovery and inspiration.
ADRIAN PEARTON
Equipment Used: Panasonic GH5II in an Isotta housing, Olympus 60mm lens and Backscatter HF-1 strobes (f16, 1/250, ISO 200)
Location: Aliwal Shoal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Image Description: Lounge lizards
This is a shot that I was trying to get right for a few years and finally managed to pull off Redband lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) are a common species in KZN They are vicious ambush predators that often take on fairly large prey that they rip to shreds with their sharp teeth They are often found in pairs and have a unique habit that makes them particularly interesting to photographers. They like to lie on top of each other. This is obviously a great photo opportunity; however, it comes with a catch. They are a nervous and skittish species around divers, particularly divers who are pointing a large camera in their faces. I tried and failed on many occasions to capture a pair facing the camera, but they would always move at the last second, or be facing a rock, or be too far apart for good composition.
Eventually, on an Aliwal Shoal dive late last year, it all came together I found a large pair which were perfectly positioned, one resting right up against the other with their heads close together It was a nice sandy area with no coral to crush, so I decided to lie on the bottom and stalk them I inched closer and closer, taking shots from further away until I was right on top of them They didn’t move an inch, and I managed to snap about 10 shots before rushing back to the distant bubbles of the dive group
A recent episode of decompression sickness in Madagascar reminded me just how important it is to be a DAN member. Throughout my treatment, DAN was always available with advice and support. I was also very fortunate that there was a hyperbaric chamber on Nosy Be with trained and dedicated staff. Please don’t dive without the protection of DAN membership. We all like to think it won’t happen to us until it does.
WHEN SHOULD I PHONE THE DAN HOTLINE?
All diving emergencies
Non-diving medical emergencies
Diving medical information, such as fitness to dive, medication, and travel medical advice and enquiries
Travel notifications and advice
Diving medical examiner contact details
International medical centres or doctors who want to confirm DAN memberships
WHAT DO I NEED TO HAVE READY?
The caller and/or patient’s name and contact number
The nature of the emergency
The patient’s DAN membership number, if applicable or known
The patient’s medical aid information, if the incident occurred within
South Africa
The patient’s travel insurance information, if applicable
If the caller is not at the scene, at least one local contact number should be provided in order to reach the person that is in need of assistance, or those who are in charge of their care
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I HAVE LOGGED THE EMERGENCY?
DAN makes a conference call to one of the on-call diving medical officers (DMOs) when an emergency call is received and the nature of the event has been established The DMO will provide specialist diving medical advice regarding how and what should be done immediately and will also make decisions concerning the further management of each case, depending on the situation
WILL I GET EVACUATION BY AIR?
Aeromedical resources, such as helicopters and air ambulances, cannot be dispatched unless authorised by the DMO It may take longer to activate an air ambulance than it would take to mobilise emergency medical services via a ground ambulance. Several factors, aside from costs, will determine aeromedical evacuation
The DAN hotline provides emergency medical assistance to injured divers We encourage you to call early, even when you are uncertain, rather than wait until the situation has become critical as the opportunity to assist becomes more restricted.
