editorial
WHEN CLEARLY IT IS OCEAN
By Alex Brylske Photo by Marty Snyderman
More years ago than I care to count, when I was in high school, I saw the
first movie that ever made me really think. It was Stanley Kubrick's
classic, "2001: A Space Odyssey." Though most think the movie was based on
Arthur C. Clarke's novel of the same name, the screenplay, which was
co-written by both Kubrick and Clarke, was actually written simultaneously
with the novel. The calm but frightening voice of HAL, the brawling apes and
monoliths of the moon made me a great fan of both men, and for the same
reason: their imagination.
Clarke is well-known, and was knighted, because of his contributions to
science fiction and technological innovation (one example is that back in
the 1940s he proposed the idea of satellite communication). But few knew of
his other passion: scuba diving. In fact, his love for diving was what
motivated Clarke to move to his beloved adopted home of Sri Lanka in 1956.
When I discovered his interest in diving, it only endeared him to me more.
Though Clarke certainly needed no more reason to be famous, it was always a
disappointment to me that he got virtually no credit for opening up the
underwater world to the public. Clarke's book "The Coast of Coral,"
published in 1957, was the first ever written in English about scuba diving
on coral reefs, and describes his adventures on the Great Barrier Reef of
the 1950s. He went on to publish three more nonfiction books about reefs and
scuba diving, "The Reefs of Taprobane: Underwater Adventures Around Ceylon"
(1957), "Boy Beneath the Sea" (1958), and "The Treasure of the Great Reef"
(1964). Of course, it was Jacques Cousteau and Hans Hess, because of their
use of images, who garnered the fame and notoriety of "discovering diving."
I guess it just goes to show how much film overshadows words in our society.
Clarke was also an ardent conservationist, who even won a prestigious United
Nations award for helping to protect the lowland gorilla of Africa. But
coral reefs were his real joy, and their demise deeply saddened him. And in
a conversation with coral reef scientist Dr. Tom Goreau, Clarke lamented
their loss. "He watched with great sorrow as reefs were almost entirely
destroyed, largely by mining for construction material in a country with
little limestone resources," Goreau says. "Arthur told me that he was so
pained by this that he could never bring himself to write about corals
again." On March 18, Arthur C. Clarke died at the age of 90.
A major problem we face today with marine conservation is that few people
understand just how much we've lost. This phenomenon of thinking that the
way things are today isn't all that different from yesterday even has a
name. It's called a "shifting baseline." I encounter it all the time when I
try to convey to others the way the Florida Keys were when I first dived
there in the late 1960s. But if you really want to understand the danger of
shifting baselines - and begin to see what we've really lost - then read
Clarke's book "The Coast of Coral." (It's still in print.) And remember,
this is the guy who really started it all.
Of all of Clarke's literary contributions there's one simple sentence - it
has nothing to do with science fiction or technology - that had the greatest
influence on me. "How inappropriate to call this planet Earth," he said,
"when clearly it is Ocean." Indeed. Goodbye, Sir Arthur, fellow scuba diver.
buddy lines
CURRENT EVENTS
Current Events
I just finished the March 2008 issue, and loved the article "Flying Lessons:
A Diver's Guide to Dealing With Currents." Some of the information is just
common sense, but certainly worth reviewing. Much more of the article gave a
lot of credibility to the on-board lessons imparted to divers on a
live-aboard trip I was on in Palau last fall. These discussions were after
our evening meal, and attended by all divers. Maybe it was a review for
some, but for many on board, it was our first time with live drops and
pickups, and with drift diving altogether. Walden's article brought much of
the "on the drift" learning I encountered back to mind. I so enjoyed these
drift dives, but didn't really appreciate all the skill, energy and planning
that the panga crew and divemasters put into these flybys, until I revisited
them through this article. These drift dives were truly the highlight of my
two weeks. Thanks for yet another really helpful lesson from Dive Training,
my favorite dive magazine.
Marta Arensberg
Issaquah, Washington
On and Off
In the April 2008 issue of Dive Training, under the column "Buddy Lines," a
letter writer advocated turning a scuba tank valve on all the way and then
back a quarter of a turn. In my training of divers, I had two incidents that
almost caused the death of one diver and could have resulted in severe
consequences for the other. Both were attributable to the "back 1/4"
procedure. Now the students are told to turn the tank on all the way.
Some people do not know which way to turn a valve to the "on" position. If a
person like a diver, buddy or divemaster unwittingly turns a valve already
on to the "off" position and then back a quarter, the diver will be unaware
the tank is almost off. The pressure gauge will read the correct tank
pressure. The breathing at high pressure will seem fine. With the valve
turned off, the diver descends, and when the tank pressure drops to about
half and/or the diver hits a deep portion of the dive, the air will feel
restricted, like he is running out of air.
In the near fatality mentioned above, a wife on a dive boat wanted to make
sure her husband had turned on his air, which he had. In so doing, she
turned it off and back on a quarter. At 90 feet (27 m) he thought he was out
of air. He went for her alternate air but didn't make it. The near drowning
that followed (with no decompression illness) put him in the emergency room
for 36 hours.
I recommend turning the valve on all the way, and if a person turns it off,
there will be no way a diver can dive without an immediate warning.
George Campbell
New Paltz, New York
Grateful to Be Back
I originally took my certification in 1977 while attending college. I dove
actively until the mid-'80s, entirely in cold water and never made the
effort to go elsewhere. Life took over and 20-plus years later,
circumstances change, and the opportunity presents itself once again. I have
redone my certification - a full course - and am soon scheduled for a
live-aboard dive boat in Australia. My trip to Australia is my 50th birthday
present to myself. The changes in technology and equipment are substantial,
and significant progress has been made in safety and comfort/ease of
operation challenges. My perspective certainly has changed, from being 19 to
the post-raising a family and career period. But the joy of being in the
water, free to explore and experience adventure again is so fabulous. I
expect this will now become a more routine and common part of my new life.
Cheers!
Peter S. Jalkotzy
Calgary, Alberta
Respect Planet Ocean
My mouth is still agape from Alex Brylske's March 2008 article, "Sound in
the Sea." Its scientific explanations were easy to follow. I now know why
sound travels faster in water and how that Russian sub evaded sonar in "The
Hunt for Red October." However, when I compared the side effects of the LFA
(low frequency active) sonar with what I hear in the debate about its
military value, I find it infuriating how willing we (humans) are to
sacrifice the creatures in the sea for human enterprise. Those who invented
LFA should don tanks, jump in, and get a blast of those amps.
Anyone diving for even a short time knows about the delicate balance of
Planet Ocean. Students ask if I am afraid of sharks, currents, octopus, eels
and other fish with teeth or glowing eyes. My inclination is to laugh. I
find it much more dangerous up here. Given the world situation, swimming
with poorly fed sharks might be the better bet. Planet Ocean is not about
power, glory, who owns or rules what, who is more superior, or who has more
trophies. Political games do not exist. Nor does the quest for honoring
oneself, or lying, or cheating, or trickery, or deception, or dishonesty.
Sea creatures do not try to "out do" one another. There are no bullies.
There is no "getting even." There are no rules about dominion.
Whenever I can, I stand on my stump to increase awareness of the peace and
harmony of the ocean. I am glad to see Dive Training writing these
hard-hitting articles that help awareness and move legislators toward action
before it is too late.
Jeff Denning
Riverside, California
dive observer
CONGRESS CONSIDERS BILL THAT WOULD CLOSE LOOPHOLES IN BAN ON SHARK FINNING
By Gene Gentrup
Opponents of shark finning hope they can close loopholes through federal
legislation introduced April 9.
A recent decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals prompted
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) to introduce the "Shark
Conservation Act of 2008." The legislation would close loopholes exposed in
the court decision by improving existing laws, originally intended to
prevent shark finning.
The act would require sharks to be landed whole with their fins still
attached, improving current laws that only require fins and carcasses to be
landed in a specific ratio.
"When sharks are landed whole, it facilitates better enforcement and data
collection, which is essential in stock assessments and quota monitoring,"
said Elizabeth Griffin, marine wildlife scientist at Oceana. "Sharks are
almost impossible to identify without their fins still attached."
To prevent circumvention, the new provisions would apply to all vessels, not
just fishing vessels. They also would prohibit the import of sharks from
countries that do not have shark finning restrictions that are at least as
strenuous as those in the United States.
"Congress must take this critical step toward protecting sharks," Griffin
said. "U.S. leadership is necessary to protect global shark populations."
Shark fin soup, a symbol of privilege and social rank, is served to
celebrate important events, including weddings and business meetings. A bowl
of shark fin soup can cost $100, which makes the fins by far the most
valuable part of the shark.
The introduction of the legislation follows a recent United Nations General
Assembly resolution that included language on global shark management. The
resolution was the first time the United Nations has called for sharks to be
landed whole with their fins still naturally attached. Enactment of the
Shark Conservation Act of 2008, paired with the recent U.N. resolution on
sharks, is expected to result in stronger protections for vulnerable and
endangered shark populations in the United States and around the world.
Bordallo is chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
of the House Committee on Natural Resources. For more information, visit
www.oceana.org/sharks.
PASSPORTS OR SPECIAL ID TO BE REQUIRED FOR ALL U.S.-CANADA TRAVEL FROM
JUNE 2009
American and Canadian citizens entering the United States through land or
sea borders must have a passport or other federally approved ID starting
June 1, 2009.
The U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security announced the
new rule March 27. It's the final phase in requiring more standardized and
secure border-crossing ID between the United States and Canada. All air
travelers between the United States and Canada already must have a passport.
For decades, United States and Canadian citizens could travel between the
two countries and simply declare their citizenship verbally or show a
driver's license. That's been steadily tightened since the September 11,
2001, terrorist attacks through what's called the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative.
Since January this year, proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate,
plus ID has been required for American and Canadian adult travelers entering
the U.S. at all land and sea crossings. Children 18 and under just need to
show a birth certificate. Those requirements will change again in June 2009
when the new ID rule takes effect, although there are some federally
approved alternatives to a passport. Among them:
Washington state residents who don't want to pay for a passport (it costs
$100 for an adult first-time passport) can instead apply for what's called
the Washington enhanced driver's license. It's authorized by the federal
government as an alternative document for land and sea border crossings
between the United States and Canada, serving both as ID and proof of U.S.
citizenship. (It's also valid for Mexico land/sea travel, but not any air
travel.)
Other states also are developing similar licenses, which are issued after a
personal interview and contain radio-tag ID. Washington began them in late
January, and has issued 6,400 so far; other states and Canadian provinces
are developing them. Washington's costs $15 more than a normal driver's
license, and a similar enhanced Washington state ID card also is available.
U.S. and Canadian citizens under 16 will be able to present a birth
certificate or other proof of citizenship (instead of a passport) for
crossing land/sea borders between the U.S. and Canada.
A passport card - a cheaper ($45 for an adult) but more restricted document
than a passport - is available for land/sea travel between the United States
and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
U.S. MENS NATIONAL FREEDIVING RECORD SET
Leo Muraoka has set a record in the freediving discipline of "free
immersion," reaching a depth of 249 feet (76 m) on April 9 during the
Vertical Blue 2008 Competition in Long Island, Bahamas.
Muraoka's mark surpasses the previous record of 247.5 feet (75 m) set by
Deron Verbeck at the 2007 AIDA Individual World Championships in Egypt.
Free immersion requires athletes to pull their way to depth and back using
their hands to pull down and up a competition line. It is one of three
recognized self-powered disciplines in the diving-to-depth arena. The other
two are constant weight and constant weight without fins. Both require the
athlete to swim to depth and return under their own power.
Muraoka is a member of the United States Apnea Association (USAA). For more
information, visit www.usfree diving.org.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR FLIGHT IS CANCELED
Recent flight cancellations involving American Airlines has raised the issue
of what to do when faced with the problem. On one day in April, American
Airlines canceled 933 flights because of Federal Aviation Administration
inspections. If passengers are stranded overnight and are away from home,
American offers a free night's hotel stay. Passengers who chose not to fly
at all after being stranded are being offered a voucher to fly another day
at no extra cost. Other airlines have similar policies for when they cancel
flights. In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation has rules on
such matters. See
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/flyrights.htm#delayed.
[ENVIRONMENT]
PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT A 'PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE SEA
AREA'
The fragile and unique marine ecosystems of the Northwestern Hawaiian
Islands encompassed by the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument will
receive additional protection under a new internationally recognized
designation announced by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration).
The designation, which was finalized April 3 by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), declares the waters of the monument a "Particularly
Sensitive Sea Area" (PSSA). The designation puts into effect internationally
recognized measures designed to protect marine resources of ecological or
cultural significance from damage by ships while helping keep mariners safe.
On May 1, special zones known as "Areas to be Avoided" (ATBAs) will appear
on international nautical charts to direct ships away from coral reefs,
shipwrecks and other ecologically or culturally sensitive areas in the
monument PSSA that may also pose a navigation hazard. These zones, which
were recently adopted by the IMO, will expand upon the ATBAs previously
established in the area.
The monument is the second marine protected area in the United States to
receive PSSA designation, the first being Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary in 2002. It joins 10 other PSSAs worldwide, including the Great
Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Archipelago.
The PSSA covers all waters of the monument, which includes a 1,200-mile
(1,920-km) stretch of coral islands, seamounts, banks and shoals.
Established in June 2006 by President Bush, the monument is home to more
than 7,000 marine species and contains 4,500 square miles of pristine coral
reefs.
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument includes the Northwestern
Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, the Midway Atoll National
Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial, the Hawaiian Islands
National Wildlife Refuge, the Hawai'i State Seabird Sanctuary at Kure Atoll,
and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands State Marine Refuge.
For more information, visit http:// hawaiireef.noaa.gov/.
[EVENTS]
SCUBA SHOW 2008 JUNE 21-22 IN LONG BEACH
The 21st SCUBA Show, billed as the largest dive expo in the United States,
is scheduled for June 21-22 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long
Beach, California. The show will consist of 76,000 square feet of
diving-related exhibits including new gear, travel pros (many offering show
discounts), and diving experts. Several exhibitors also offer free drawings
for prizes.
Additional activities planned include a continuous underwater film festival
featuring premier films on a two-story-tall screen, seminars by diving
experts, door prizes and a Saturday night party.
Exhibit hall hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Sunday. Admission is $10 and includes entrance to the exhibit hall and film
festival (seminars are an additional charge). Discount coupons are available
at California dive centers, on dive California dive charter boats and
through California dive clubs. Age 10 and under are admitted free with
paying adult. For more information on SCUBA Show 2008, call (310) 792-2333
or visit www.scubashow.com.
KIDS SEA CAMP SET
Kids Sea Camp is again scheduled for various sites this year, reaching eight
countries around the world. The marine awareness program, designed for
children ages 4-15, is scheduled for Bonaire on June 7-14 and June 14-21;
Galapagos, June 18-25; Grand Cayman, July 5-12 and July 12-19; Roatan, July
19-26, July 26 to August 2, and August 2-9; Grand Bahama, August 9-16; and
Fiji, November 20-29.
Programs like the one in Bonaire offer a peek: artist Ron Rogest and Kids
Sea Camp founder Margo Peyton will work with children on a marine art
painting project as well as an outreach program for some of the local
children to learn about their underwater world through painting. Kids also
learn about conservation and marine awareness issues like protection of sea
turtles and other marine animals. Children will also get the opportunity to
participate in age-appropriate dive programs. For more information, call
(803) 419-2556, e-mail kids@kidsseacamp.com or visit www.kids
seacamp.com.
JIM HAIGH MEMORIAL DIVE JULY 20
Diving, prize giveaways and music are planned for this year's Jim Haigh
Memorial Dive Diver Appreciation Day, scheduled for July 20 at Haigh Quarry
in Kankakee, Illinois.
The steel drum band Od Tapo Imi will perform. Entry fee is $15 and air fills
cost $4. Proceeds benefit the John G. Shedd Aquarium Volunteer Diver
Maintenance Program. For more information, call (815) 939-7797 or visit
www.haighquarry.com.
ICORN HEADLINES
'LEGENDS OF DIVING'
Nick Icorn, one of the first divers ever certified, and who served as the
first executive director of the Professional Association of Diving
Instructors, is the featured legendary diver for the third annual
International Legends of Diving, scheduled for August 8-10 at Portage Quarry
in Bowling Green, Ohio.
In addition to Icorn's appearance, dive legends Sam Lecocq, Dr. Sam Miller
and Alec Peirce are scheduled to return. Other events planned include an
underwater treasure hunt, a Saturday night showing of the "Revenge of the
Creature," and giveaways totaling more than $10,000, including two dive
trips.
Icorn was part of the first formal underwater instructors course conducted
at Scripps Institute of Oceanography in 1953 with Connie Limbaugh,
considered the founder of dive training in the United States.
Icorn has written manuals for open-water dive courses and his collection of
dive equipment is considered one of the world's best. One of the most
treasured items in his collection is the rare Commeinhes Scuba unit from
1937, which is the first fully automatic self-contained underwater breathing
unit. It was designed and manufactured by Georges Commeinhes in France, and
produced before the Aqualung.
The Ohio show will be the first time the Commeinhes unit has been displayed
in North America outside of California. Icorn will also present his
"Evolution of Diving" series, with more than 100 slides and displays
illustrating the development of the sport. To find out more details about
the event, visit www.portagequarry.com.
'LEGENDS' EVENT GOES INTERNATIONAL
Organizers have also announced a related event scheduled for April 2-6,
2009, at UNEXSO (Underwater Explorers Society) on Grand Bahama Island. The
Grand Bahama event is the product of growing international interest in the
Ohio event, said Portage managing director Jeff Rice. Several people have
asked if a "legends" gathering could be held over the winter in a
warm-weather climate, he said. Plans are being made for the festival and
will include Ben Rose, who discovered Ben's Cavern in the Lucayan National
Park; John Englander, former owner of UNEXSO; and Dr. John Clement who was
in charge of the hyperbaric chamber and one of the original founders of
UNEXSO. On hand will be Nick Rolle, Joel Pratt, Presley Knowles and Ollie
Ferguson - local Bahamians who assisted in the development of the cavern and
shark training programs. They will share their stories about the history of
diving on Grand Bahama Island.
For more information, visit www. portagequarry.com.
[BOOKS]
'SHIPWRECKS ALONG LAKE SUPERIOR'S NORTH SHORE'
Beneath the icy waters of Lake Superior lies a vast museum of maritime
treasures, relics and souls that in years past were lost to the massive body
of water. Today, the sunken bounty is accessible to divers.
In "Shipwrecks Along Lake Superior's North Shore," author and diver Stephen
B. Daniel, in collaboration with the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation
Society, provides in-depth tours of the many sunken ships submerged in the
waters of this region of Lake Superior. Readers will not only learn the
maritime history and structural details of the original vessels, they'll
also find the stories of the wrecks themselves - how they happened, what
actions were taken to save both crew and vessel, and the modern-day efforts
to preserve the sites. With detail descriptions and hundreds of photographs,
charts and diagrams that will impress even the most seasoned diver, this
book will appeal to anyone curious about the mysteries of what lies beneathe
the waves of the greatest of the Great Lakes.
The 180-page book, published by Minnesota Historical Society Press, includes
300 black-and-white photos, 75 drawings and 40 maps. For more information,
visit your local dive center or call (651) 259-3204.
COMMERCIAL DIVER TRAINING MANUAL
Best Publishing Company has released a revised and expanded edition of its
popular Commercial Diver Training Manual.
Edited by James T. Joiner, the manual has been revised and expanded to cover
the "how to" for the broadest possible range of underwater living conditions
and dive situations. The manual's primary purpose is to provide for human
safety and the improvement of diver performance. It can be used as a
companion piece and complement to the fundamentals of diving related to
things like physics, physiology, diving medicine, first aid and marine
animals. It covers the major aspects of commercial diving for divers who
plan to work either offshore or as inland divers.
The Commercial Diver Training Manual is intended to make learning the
techniques and information necessary to become a commercial diver easier and
quicker to learn. The only book to cover the entire compulsory national
syllabus for the "Examination in Commercial Diving," the manual is written
by divers with the ability to make a complex subject intelligible to both
working divers and trainees. It covers all theoretical and practical aspects
of the trade, including underwater skills, use of hand and hydraulic tools,
arc welding, cutting, explosives, and working with concrete, and many other
projects in underwater construction.
For more information about the 362-page book, visit your local dive shop or
call Best Publishing at (800) 468-1055.
always learning
WHAT'S BOTHERING ME:
Observations About Destinations
Story and photos by Marty Snyderman
I just returned home to California from a trip to Raja Ampat in eastern
Indonesia, and, without question, the reefs there are among the most
pristine I have ever explored during my 30-plus years of diving the world's
most highly regarded destinations. (See "Indonesia's Raja Ampat: Where
Biodiversity Rules," Dive Training, May 2008.)
The four major island groups that make up Raja Ampat define an area marine
biologists know well as being among the richest in marine biodiversity. The
number of species of invertebrates and fishes is mind-numbing.
Perhaps you have never heard of Raja Ampat. If you are just beginning your
diving career, that wouldn't be a big surprise. After all, the Raja Ampat
region lies just to the west of West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), a part of
Indonesia that until only a few decades ago remained virtually unknown to
the modern world. But in the last few years Raja Ampat has become one of the
hottest destinations in the diving world, rocketing its way to the top of
the list of "places I must dive" for many well-traveled diving veterans.
For an underwater photographer like me, who lives to dive in less explored
places where photographic opportunities are everywhere, I knew I wanted to
dive Raja Ampat as soon as I heard about it.
I Can't Be Bothered
In the days before my trip to Raja Ampat I was in Hawaii where I gave a
presentation at a diving industry meeting. When I told a few of my U.S.
mainland diving friends that I was going to be in Hawaii for a few days
before going to Indonesia, several asked me if I was going to "bother" to
dive in Hawaii.
The first time I was asked I thought my friend had misspoken. He couldn't
have really meant "bother to dive" could he? To me it sounded as if he
thought I might feel inconvenienced in some way by diving in Hawaii.
Surprising to me, in similar tones several of my diving friends asked me
whether I was going to dive while I was in Hawaii. It was as if they were
suggesting that a diver like me who has logged more than 10,000 dives in
destinations scattered all over the globe wouldn't go to the trouble
required to don a wet suit in Hawaii, or any other place that wasn't the
current talk of the diving world.
I suppose I could interpret their questions and comments as some kind of
compliment, but instead I was puzzled - and a little disappointed.
My recent diving experiences in Hawaii illustrate my point. Hawaii is
sometimes thought of as a "stopover" on the way to destinations such as
Fiji, Yap, Palau, Truk, Malaysia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia
where the diving routinely receives high praise.
Over the past seven years I have dived in a number of Hawaiian destinations.
It would be a mistake for any enthusiastic diver to overlook the fact that
about 23 percent of the fishes found in Hawaiian waters can only be seen
there. Similar statistics describe the endemic species of mollusks and
corals. It might not have the reputation, but Hawaii certainly has the
diving and the animals, and that is exactly what I said to my friends.
Diving in Hawaii? It's no bother at all.
Baby Whales Don't Bother Me, Either
During my recent trip to Hawaii I photographed a whitetip reef shark, a
green sea turtle, a day octopus strutting its stuff as it made its way
across the reef, an endemic bandit angelfish, a school of goatfish swimming
in the opening of a lava tube, a dense school of bluestripe snapper, a
Commerson's frogfish that was "fishing" by dangling its lure in front of a
school of nearby baitfish, a Whitley's boxfish, a pair of flameback coral
shrimp, and more. And all of this was on the first dive of the day.
But I haven't yet touched on what I considered the highlight of the day.
During a quick lunch break between dives my longtime friend Captain Steve
Juarez advised us to keep an eye on a humpback whale mother and calf that
were frolicking on the surface about 225 feet (69 m) from where we were
anchored. The playful calf, a recently born 2008 model, according to Juarez,
was busy intermittently trying to breach and slapping its tail on the water.
After 10 minutes or so of entertaining us the whales disappeared below the
surface. We thought that was the end of the show until Steve suddenly said
"3 o'clock gang, right at us!" Moments later the calf with mother just below
passed directly below the boat no more than 10 feet (3 m) below the surface.
In Hawaii's legendary blue water, we got more than just an eyeful.
Me, bothered? Not at all. Baby whales don't bother me.
Checking My Messages
After being on the road for almost four weeks it was time to go home and dry
out for a while. When I arrived back in California I had lots of messages
from friends wanting to know about my dives in Raja Ampat. I told them the
diving in Raja Ampat is everything it's cracked up to be. It's a magical
place, worthy of its name, which means four kings. So was the Pindito, the
Indonesian boat I was on, and its crew.
But I also went on and on about my Hawaii dives. As I considered what I was
saying to my friends, I realized that one of the most valuable things I've
learned during my diving career is not to overlook any diving destination.
The message: I recognize that it's human nature to rank and rate dive
destinations and make judgments of "good" and "better" and "best." We all
have our favorite places we've visited, and our wish lists of the places
we'd like to visit next. Just don't get bothered by all the hype or you
might miss out on some great diving along the way.
no dumb questions
NITROX USE, SCUBA TRAINING, AND HYDRATION FOR DIVING
By Alex Brylske Photo by Joseph C. Dovala
Q:Ray Marcantel sent in a question about nitrox certification. "I was
wondering why almost all of the divers shown in your magazine wear nitrox
bottles. Do the sites pictured require it? I have been diving for over five
years and, with proper planning and good air consumption, I've seen little
need for the certification. Am I missing something by not getting the
qualification?"
A:The use of nitrox by so many of the divers appearing in Dive
Training is in no way required nor contrived, but merely a representation of
how popular enriched air has become in recreational diving. It also reflects
how easily available it has become. The evolution of nitrox in our community
has been a very interesting phenomenon to watch. It was originally touted as
a way to extend bottom time, especially in certain depth ranges. However, my
experience is that divers now use it more as a "fudge factor" against
decompression sickness. Rather than diving to nitrox limits, they continue
using air-based tables or computers. But by breathing a mixture with less
nitrogen, their tissue absorbs less than assumed by the decompression model,
thus offering somewhat of a safety factor.
Clearly, the theory of such a practice is valid. However, given the very low
risk of DCS (decompression sickness) in recreational diving, anyway, some
question whether the slight advantage nitrox offers is really worth it.
Remember, nitrox does carry risks that air diving does not. Nitrox divers
must be careful not to exceed the "maximum operating depth" for the mixture
used, and must analyze their gas to confirm that the oxygen content
indicated when their tank was filled is, in fact, accurate. Laziness or
inattentiveness can put the user at real risk of oxygen toxicity.
So, whether using nitrox is worth the expense, risk and inconvenience is a
personal matter. Clearly, more and more divers are saying it is; I now
regularly see more nitrox tanks on board boats than air tanks. While not all
feel that the benefits are worth it, others would never consider entering
the water without it. The best advice is to talk to your instructor about
the pros and cons. That should help you make up your mind.
Q:Matthew Mease sent what's probably the most comprehensive question
about diver training that I've ever received. "I'm enrolled in a scuba
course in my hometown, and very interested and excited about the sport, and
I have a few questions. First, is there a difference between the different
training organizations? My second question is, what other kinds of specialty
classes are available? I have heard of cave diving, which is an interest of
mine, and of river diving, and underwater archaeology, but I was wondering
what other classes are available? I also think I would enjoy a career in
diving. Are the schools expensive? Do the jobs pay very much money? Where
can I find some resources to find out this stuff?"
A:Responding in any way as comprehensive as your question would
require far more space than I have in this column, so I'll try to give you
some basic answers. First, all diver training organizations provide safe and
effective courses, and differ mostly in the materials they use and, to a
lesser degree, their philosophy and approach. More than anything else, what
really differentiates scuba training is the instructor, which is the most
important criterion in selecting any course.
As to specialty training, the best way I can answer is to say, the sky's the
limit. You can find a specialty diving program for just about any kind of
diving you can think of (For more information, see "The Scoop on Scuba
Specialties: Expanding Horizons," on Page 22 of this issue). In addition to
the standardized programs, like wreck or deep diving, most training
organizations provide avenues for their instructors to custom-design unique
courses. One example is from a dive center in Maryland that offers an
Aquarium Diver specialty certification in conjunction with the National
Aquarium in Baltimore. And there are literally a hundred or more other
examples of what are often termed "distinctive" specialties. Just ask around
at your local dive center, and you might be surprised at the offerings
available right in your own neighborhood.
As to the issue of careers in diving, the answer is equally varied. You can
find entry-level jobs in recreational diving at dive centers as an
instructor, or as a divemaster at a resort destination. You can become a
commercial diver and work either off shore on facilities such as oil rigs,
or inshore on bridges, piers and other construction projects. There are even
opportunities in police and fire departments for public safety divers and
instructors. And there's always the original source for all diving: the
military. As to pay, you can start from around $2,000 a month in the
recreational sector to more than $100,000 a year as a commercial diver with
saturation experience. And, of course, the cost of training varies as well.
Perhaps the better way of looking at it, as is the case when anyone
questions the cost of furthering their education, is how much do you think
it will cost you if you don't get the training? Fortunately, many of your
questions can be answered on the Dive Training Web site. Be sure to check
out our "Diving Careers" page at www.dtmag.com/careers.html.
Q:A very simple but extremely important question came in from Joann
Hahn. "Please, in your experience, how important is hydration for a diver?"
A:You've asked me a simple question, so I'll give you an equally
simple answer: Maintaining proper hydration is probably the single most
important step divers can take in protecting themselves from decompression
sickness (DCS) and a whole host of other problems, ranging from seasickness
to heat stroke, but let's concentrate on DCS.
Frankly, it's tough to overemphasize the importance of water to the safety
and performance of divers. Experts believe that not only is dehydration one
of the biggest factors influencing the onset of DCS, but, more importantly,
it's something that we can actually do something about. First, the theory.
Dehydration "thickens" the blood by reducing its volume, and slowing down
the flow rate. The assumption is that less efficient circulation alters
nitrogen absorption and elimination. This slowing or stasis, as it's termed
medically, could allow nitrogen that might otherwise remain in solution
under normal blood flow conditions, to coalesce into bubbles; and it could
allow silent or asymptomatic bubbles to grow to the size where they cause
problems. Adding credence to the dehydration theory is a study done several
years ago in which a researcher induced DCS in rats, then resolved their
symptoms simply by giving them plasma and intravenous fluids.
The dehydration mechanism is analogous to another phenomenon in nature: how
water freezes. A fast-moving stream will not freeze even though the ambient
temperature may be below the freezing point. Yet, under the same temperature
conditions, a still body of water will be rock-solid. Thus, the water's
state was affected dramatically by no other factor than its movement. This
same concept may apply to blood flow and supersaturated nitrogen; and one of
the most important factors influencing the blood's flow rate is its density.
Divers must never forget that diving robs moisture from our bodies in ways
that we're not even aware of. Be it sweating from putting on an exposure
suit, remoistening the extremely dry air from a scuba tank as we breathe, or
the increased urine output due to immersion, divers fight a constant battle
to maintain a normal state of hydration.
But just why is having proper fluid balance that important? Basically, it's
because of the way decompression models are developed. Most models assume
that the diver's blood volume is "normal." As blood is the transport medium
for nitrogen, this is an important assumption. Our blood flow is normal,
however, only if you have enough fluids in your body. If your fluid level is
below normal, then nitrogen absorption and elimination rates might differ
from those assumed by your dive tables or computer.
A final issue we should address is exactly how to monitor your fluid status.
The easiest way is to keep an eye on your urine. If it's clear and mostly
colorless, you're well-hydrated. If it's dark or cloudy, you're not. And
that's a sure sign that you need to drink more fluids.
Dive Training Quiz
Test your knowledge of the information featured
in this month's issue of Dive Training.
DICK STARKS PHOTO
1. Advanced certification courses typically involve academic orientation and
how many open-water dives?
A. 5-10
B. 10-15
C. 15-20
D. 20-25
2. The medical term for high carbon dioxide in the blood is hypercapnia.
A. True
B. False
3. A practice in which a diver tries to maximize his air supply by
purposefully extending the time between breaths is called:
A. Meditation
B. Skip breathing
C. Inhalation/exhalation
D. Breath-holding
4. The human tongue has about 10,000 taste buds, compared with a channel
catfish, which has more than:
A. 50,000
B. 100,000
C. 250,000
D. 500,000
5. Humpback whales are commonly seen in Hawaiian waters during what time of
year?
A. Winter
B. Spring
C. Summer
D. Fall
6. St Lucia's twin peaks, Gros and Petit Piton, hold the distinction of
being:
A. One of the Seven Wonders of the World
B. A World Heritage Site
C. A United Nations landmark of distinction
D. All of the above
7. A factor influencing the onset of decompression illness that "thickens" a
person's blood by reducing its volume, and slowing down the flow rate is
called:
A. Rapture of the deep
B. Coriolis effect
C. Dehydration
D. Shallow-water blackout
8. A large parrotfish can create how much sand in a year's time?
A. 1 pound
B. 10 pounds
C. 20 pounds
D. 1 ton
9. To ensure a watertight seal, the dive mask must be in direct contact with
the:
A. Neoprene hood
B. Face
C. A & B are correct
D. None of the above
Answers: 1. A 2. A 3. B 4. C 5. A 6. B 7. C 8. D 9. B
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