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X-Ray Magazine L Issue 60

X-Ray Magazine L Issue 60

Scuba Confidential :: Tech Talk – Idiot Buddies :: Portfolio – Erika Pochybova-Johnson Brazil Fernando de Noronha Caribbean GLOBAL EDITION Cayman Brac May 2014 Number 60 Polar Diving Antarctica Sweden Dalarö UW Photo Snoots Se7en Training INDONESIA'S Tech Gorontalo Art of Bailing Out 1 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 COVER PHOTO BY MIKE BARTICK DIRECTORY X-RAY MAG is published by AquaScope Media ApS Frederiksberg, Denmark www.xray-mag.com

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SENIOR EDITOR Peter Symes Michael Symes, PhD - Science Lionfish on , Gorontalo, Indonesia. Photo by Steve Jones [email protected] SECTION EDITORS contents PUBLISHER, MANAGING EDITOR Michael Arvedlund, PhD - Ecology & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Scott Bennett - Travel, Gunild Symes Andrey Bizyukin, PhD - Features [email protected] Larry Cohen - Photo & Video Kelly LaClaire - Marine Mammals ASSOCIATE EDITORS Catherine Lim - News, Books Scott Bennett, Toronto Roz Lunn - Equipment News [email protected] Bonnie McKenna - Turtles Catherine GS Lim, Singapore Michael Menduno - Tech [email protected] Robert Osborne - Features, Profiles Michael Menduno, Berkeley Ila Porcher - Sharks [email protected] Don Silcock - Photo & Video Barb Roy, Vancouver [email protected] COLUMNISTS Gretchen Ashton - Dive Fitness Russia - Moscow Pascal Bernabé - Tech Talk Andrey Bizyukin, PhD Leigh Cunningham - Tech Talk [email protected] Andy Murch - Tales Svetlana Murashkina, PhD Mark Powell - Tech Talk [email protected] Cindy Ross - GirlDiver Cedric Verdier - Tech Talk ASSISTANT EDITORS Lawson Wood - UW Photography Roz Lunn, London [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Robert Osborne, Toronto Kurt Amsler [email protected] Mike Bartick Don Silcock, Sydney Scott Bennett [email protected] Pascal Bernabé Yoland Bosiger USA Michel Braunstien Larry Cohen, New York City François Brun [email protected] Anoosh “Tony” Emtiaz Kelly LaClaire, Portland Kathalyn Gaither [email protected] Bill Horn Bonnie McKenna, Houston Steve Jones [email protected] Millis Keegan Kelly LaClaire ADVERTISING Wolfgang Leander UNITED KINGDOM 9 12 23 31 42 plus... Rosemary E Lunn, London Gareth Lock Wrecks: Dalarö Wreck Park Gorontalo Cayman Brac Training: EDITORIAL 3 [email protected] Rosemary 'Roz' Lunn Artificial Reefs Sweden Indonesia Caribbean Safety Culture NEWS 4 Erin McFadden by athalyn aither by illis eegan by teve ones by awson ood by areth ock USA & INTERNATIONAL Matthew Meier K G M K S J L W G L WRECK RAP 9 Susan Kochan, Key West Michael Menduno TRAVEL NEWS 20 [email protected] Keith Mille Matthew Meier, Erika Pochybova-Johnson 48 59 74 85 87 EQUIPMENT NEWS 40 [email protected] Ila France Porcher Polar Diving Rebreathers: Taking Tech: Overview of Photo FERNaNDO de BOOKS & MEDIA 65 Simon Pridmore Contacts page: Xray-Mag.com Don Silcock Antarctica the Se7en for a Spin The Art of Bailing Out Editing Software Noronha, brazil MARINE MAMMALS 46 Jerry Sutton by Yoland Bosiger by Peter Symes by Pascal Bernabé by Matthew Meier by Michel braUnStien SHARK TALES 68 Gunild Symes Peter Symes PHOTO NEWS 82 Chris Thrall Not yet subscribed to Lawson Wood columns... X-RAY MAG? Sign up now! SUBSCRIPTION It’s FREE! QUICK! EASY! X-RAY MAG International Edition in English is FREE 63 66 78 94 click here... To subscribe, go to: www.xray-mag.com Scuba Confidential: Tech Talk: UW Photo: Portfolio: Erika COVER PHOTO: Hairy Frogfish, , Carried Away Idiot Buddies Sensational Snoots Pochybova-Johnson Photo by Mike Bartick by Simon Pridmore by Steve Lewis by Mike Bartick edited by Gunild Symes

2 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 Amsterdam Barcelona Cape Town Copenhagen Kuala Lumpur London Moscow Orlando Oslo Paris Singapore Tacoma Toronto Vancouver Warsaw — Editorial editorial

Progress

In old movies movies or docu- thankfully, come a very long technology we employ. As mentaries from the 60’s, it way, and accident rates have mentioned before in this col- always stands out how differ- diminished accordingly. But, umn, the human factor is the ent the thinking was back then. as we all are aware, not gone. focus of much of the People smoked on airplanes. While we may have come a research in both aviation and Drivers did not wear seatbelts, long way, there is still a lot to be the automotive industry who which sometimes weren’t even accomplished. strive to find new ways to make fitted. their products safer. The same can be said about Not only did manufacturers not diving. I’ve been certified for In a way, it is therefore logical, want to create any associa- about as long as I have held a or fitting, that Gareth Lock, who tions between their products driver’s license, and methods, will contribute a series of fea- and possible accidents, but the knowledge and procedures tures in X-RAY MAG on human whole mindset was fundamen- have surely changed over the factors and safety cultures, tally different, and safety, as we years. In most cases in progres- including an article in this issue, know of it today with airbags, sive ways, but sadly not without works for the Royal Air . anti-lock braking systems and casualties either. deformation zones, was still far It may not come across as very into the future. Fast-forwarding a couple of sexy science, and the strain decades, I can't help ponder of thinking about our present How odd it is to watch how what the future will make of ways of diving in a new way, or people i.e. went about driv- present day standards and new light, may put off one or ing then. What was considered procedures. I imaging they two divers who could otherwise normal practice then, around will seem both as antiquated benefit from a new mindset. But the time of my early childhood, and ill-informed as when we I believe the research into this gives me the shudders now. If now look back in time on how very field will be instrumental. I was offered a ride in a finely we used to drive or dive in the restored vintage car, I would last century. At least I hope so, It is my prediction that the most probably take up the invi- because it will mean we have greatest improvements in future tation just for experience sake, learned something in the inter- equipment and procedures will but I would certainly be mindful im and developed new tech- be built on its findings. of the absence of seatbelts and niques and practices to make airbags, too. diving safer, better and conse- So now's a good time to pay quently more enjoyable. attention. Safety features and principles— being active or passive, being One of the most important —X-RAY MAG built into the design, or being aspects will be ‘human fac- part of the procedures—have, tors’—how we interact with the

3 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Our results show both short-term acclimatory and longer-term adap- from the deep tive acquisition of climate resistance. Adding these adaptive abilities to ecosys- News edited tem models is likely to slow by Peter Symes predictions of demise for NEWS ecosystems. Can corals really adapt to rising sea ? Reef corals are generally highly sensitive to heat, yet some populations resistant to climate change have recently been identified. Stanford researchers show that some corals can adjust to hot water much faster than through evolutionary change alone.

It has been known for some years that tures that allowed the some corals resist bleaching by host- research team to test ing types of algae that can handle under what conditions the heat, while others swap out the the symbionts formed heat-stressed algae for tougher, heat- associations with cor- resistant strains. als. To investigate the biological processes that Corals are cer- Swapping enable corals to adapt tainly threatened corals to higher temperatures a The scientists FILE PHOTO: STEVE JONES group of Stanford re- by environmental transplanted transplanted acclimatised and achieved the same adjusted themselves by switching on searchers led by biology change, but this colonies from a warm pool heat tolerance that we would expect or off certain genes, depending on the professor Mike Palumbi research has really to a nearby cool pool and from strong natural selection over local . conducted a unique vice versa. many generations for these long-lived experiment in the shallow sparked the notion The researchers found that, organisms. Everything all well then? reef pools of Ofu island in that corals may be over time, cool-pool corals According to a Stanford University Palumbi cautioned that corals' heat- American Samoa. transplanted to the hot pool newsletter, these findings make clear adaptive characteristics do not pro- The island offered a tougher than we became more heat-tolerant. that some corals can stave off the vide a magic bullet to combat climate perfect laboratory setting thought Although the transplanted effects of ocean warming through a change. They can't respond to indefi- with numerous corals host- corals were only about half combination of adaptation based on nite temperature increases and they ing the most common heat-sensitive as heat-tolerant as corals that had genetic makeup coupled with physi- could be compromised by additional and heat-resistant algae symbionts. been living in the hot pool all along, ological adjustment to local conditions. stressors such as acidification and pollu- Ofu also has pools of varying tempera- they quickly—in less than two years— The corals Palumbi's group studied tion. ■ SOURCE: STANFORD UNIVERSITY NEWSLETTER, SCIENCE

4 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO news Taking On the Lionfish Getting people to eat burgeoning populations. But the com- to catch by hand lionfish is proving to be a mon misconception that the fish is poi- as they like to hide sonous continues to be an obstacle in in crevasses in reefs, challenge, according to some regions. but they can fre- researchers at the University quently be found of Southampton. Is it edible? in lobster traps, as According to PhD candidate, Fadilah they like to eat lob- Lionfish are an invasive species in Ali, who has dissected over 10,000 ster eggs. However, the Caribbean, and researchers are lionfish, said the fish is not poisonous as voracious eat- keen to get people eating and is safe to eat. While the barbs ers with no natural the fish to control its at the tips of lionfish fins do contain predators in Atlantic venom, it is not fatal to be struck by and Caribbean one, only painful. Ali said that edu- waters, they will go cation through media could help after juvenile fish of people understand the benefits of just about anything consuming lionfish, and put aside from grouper to prevailing misconceptions. In snapper to parrot- addition, Ali suggested that lion- fish, according to fish tasting events be organized conservationists of so more people could try the del- NOAA's Florida Keys icacy and overcome their fears National Marine of the fish. Sanctuary.

There is proof that people are Saving sharks eating lionfish safely, said Ali, no- Conservationists ting recent lionfish culinary com- have another

FILE PHOTO: PETER SYMES PETER PHOTO: FILE petitions and a lionfish cookbook, as reason for promo- well as successful exporters of lionfish ting lionfish for consumption: saving kill lionfish. Florida law bans the use of such as Belize and Jamaica. The cull, endangered sharks. If more people rebreathers for all . An ex- in Jamaica at least, seems to be hav- eat lionfish rather than shark, it could ception should be made for lionfish. ing a positive effect. There are reports help the recovery of decimated from Jamaica's National Environment shark populations due to overfish- The state has already taken several and Planning Agency that in coastal ing. Initiatives such as the first lionfish steps to increase the harvest of lion- waters there has been a 66 percent and bake taste-test at Maracas Bay fish, such as allowing divers to spear decrease in sightings of lionfish in in Trinadad and Tobago sponsored or capture lionfish without a saltwater depths up to 75ft. by Papa Bois Conservation and the fishing license. Anglers need a fishing Institute of Marine Affairs are getting license but can take as many lionfish Demand the locals talking about and trying as they want. While some vendors in Trinadad feel lionfish in place of the traditional local they will lose customers if they sell staple of shark and bake. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva- lionfish on their menus because peo- tion cites Key Largo lionfish derbies as ple are wary of the venum in lionfish From spears to legislation examples of how allowing the spear- spines, other restaurants, in Florida for In Florida, the state is recruiting divers ing of lionfish in waters normally closed example, can’t get enough of the to combat lionfish. Fishery manag- to spearfishing proved to be "excellent fish, which are sporadically on the ers will urge Florida Fish and Wildlife opportunities to safely facilitate lionfish menu as catches come in, to satisfy Conservation voting board members removal." ■ SOURCES: ABC NEWS, TBO.COM, a robust demand. Lionfish are difficult to take more steps to allow divers to TRINIDAD & TOBAGO GUARDIAN ONLINE

5 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO news THE ISLANDS OF THE Want to clean a fjord? BAHAMAS Close to home, Call in Some Mussel far from reality... Dense beds of blue mussels, myti- lus edulis, can filter vast volumes of water. They are edible, too

seas, such as the Baltic, are severely affected by depletion and huge areas regularly die off.

In an attempt to prevent algae to completely dominate the ecosystems researchers have looked into using blue mussels, which are effective filter feeders, to bring the blooming algae populations under control.

Normal feeding in Mytilus edulis, and many other suspension-feeding bi- valves, depends on the cirri-trapping principle where bands of lateral cilia produce the main water transport through interfilamentary canals of the gill where suspended particles are separated. In experiments it has been demonstrated that the mean individu- al filtration rate of 21.5 mm shell length mussels was about 15 milliliter per minute. This equates to 22 centiliter, or a quarter liter per 24 hours, just for one small mussel.

Consequently, as many divers can testify, there is often a much clearer PETER SYMES PETER layer of water just above dense mussel Blue mussel beds can clean A project conducted by researchers dead algae sinking to the bottom in beds. fjords and bays. from Denmark's Technical University thick layers. As they rot, they consume showed that 18 hectares of blue mus- and deplete oxygen, choking huge The Danish researchers used 90km Agricultural fertilizers leaching into sels in Skive Fjord reduced the levels of swathes of seabed, leading to wide- (56mi) of lines from which the blue aquatic environment can cause mas- algae low enough to prevent oxygen spread bottom death. This is a big issue mussels were suspended. After a year, sive algae blooms leading to oxygen depletion. along coasts of agricultural areas. the scientists saw significant improve- depletion. Banks of blue mussels can ment in water quality in a surrounding get the algae populations under con- The main issue with fertilization of Shallow waters with a limited ex- area that was ten times bigger than trol, Danish researches has demon- coastal waters causing algae bloom change of water such as deep fjords the mussel beds. This effect has been strated. stems from the massive amounts of are in particular at risk but also bigger attributed solely to the blue mussels. ■

6 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO news

Sargasso Sea gets international protection Working together, the governments of Bermuda, outlining the use of of the Azores, Bermuda, Monaco, international organizations such the United Kingdom and the United as the International Maritime States have formed an internation- Organization, the Convention on al alliance to protect and conserve Migratory Species as well as region- the Sargasso Sea, located in the al fisheries authorities to protect the mid-Atlantic Ocean and unique Sargasso Sea’s unique ecosystem. for its floating seaweeds that are Executive Director of the home to a rich biodiversity. Sargasso Sea Alliance David A first for international coop- Freestone said, “This is a truly his- eration in protecting a marine toric occasion. It is the first time an View from Akajima Island in the Kerama group of islands area, the alliance signed a dec- international alliance has been laration in Hamilton, the capital formed to protect an iconic high seas ecosystem, designates new marine park in Okinawa using existing legal international Kerama Islands and surrounding located 32 kilometres (20 mi) south- home to 248 species of coral. frameworks.” waters in has west of Okinawa Island in Japan The government will restrict de- The Sargassum become 31st national park— The designated area includes 30 is- velopment within the areas, such as

Get beneath the surface seaweeds of the the first such designation in three lets and reefs, and covers 3,520 hec- the extraction of sand. It also plans Sargasso Sea serve decades. In addition, surrounding tares of dry land and 94,750 hectares to build coral restoration facilities to Okinawa: Diving’s best as an ecological waters shallower than 30 metres will of ocean. It lies 35 kilometres west of counter the damage done in the crossroad in the become a marine park. The Kerama Okinawa Main Island and is famous past. ■ SOURCE: JAPAN TIMES, JAPAN UPDATE kept secret Atlantic, where Islands are a group of 22 islands for its rich aquatic environment. It is Organising diving adventures in Yonaguni 30 species of and the Okinawa Islands cetaceans live or migrate through as well as other spe- Oman protects two coral-rich bays cies such as sea turtles, sharks, tuna On the Musandam peninsula of The result of five years of research Oman Marine Sciences and Fisheries and eels. Oman, the bays of Khor Najd and and campaigning by the inter- Centre which recommended the Unfortunately, Khor Hablain are now off limits to national organization Biosphere ban stated, “The destruction of the area has been all types of fishing, with the excep- Expeditions, the ban is hailed as corals means severe damage to threatened by pol- tion of handline fishing. In addition, “a wise and important step” by the marine life in the area. So this lution, ocean acid- all forms of nets and cages are the group’s founder, Dr Matthias measure not only protects reefs but ification, climate prohibited. These measures have Hammer. “This area has a high coral also helps in sustainability of marine change, fishing been put in place by the Ministry of coverage at nearly 60 per cent of resources.” and harvesting of Agriculture and Fisheries in order to the underwater surface. This is great- Aiming for the creation of a full www.insidejapantours.com algae for biofuel protect and conserve the pristine er than that of most reefs around marine protected area, Biosphere UK T: 0117 370 9751 US T: 303 952 0379 production and coral reefs, marine life and resources the world, and the Musandam reefs Expeditions hopes this measure is the E: [email protected] fertilizer. ■ as well as the natural beauty of are certainly the best in the region,” first step toward a network of MPA’s SOURCE: WILDLIFE EXTRA these practically untouched areas. said Hammer. in the region. ■ SOURCE: WILDLIFE EXTRA

7 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Doctor recommends screening divers for PFO news Peter A. Hughes, -Founder Closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) may alle- viate sickness. A small study in hyperbaric chamber finds arterial bubbles was detected in 12 percent of divers with PFOs and none in divers who had their PFOs closed. Serious divers should seek screening, said doctor.

LIVE-ABOARDS! sickness in divers because a PFO group but none of the proportion of venous blood closure patients. Furthermore, Atrial carrying inert gases, such as in 21 percent of divers with PFO Septal helium or nitrogen does not and detected arterial gas bub- Defect pass through the lungs. bles, neurological symptoms of The only way to release the were excess inert gases from the present (ie. headache, unusual body is to pass the blood car- fatigue, and transitory visual rying the inert gases through disturbances). Conversely, the lungs to be exhaled. If none of the divers in the clo- some of the inert gas-laden sure group reported decom- blood passes through the PFO, pression sickness symptoms. it avoids the lungs and the inert The data should convince Oxygen via pills? gas is more likely to form large serious divers to seek screen- Bay Islands, Honduras bubbles in the arterial blood ing for the presence of a PFO, stream causing decompression Robert J. Sommer, MD, of Scientists have developed a new sickness. Columbia University Medical microparticle filled with oxygen that Czech medical Center stated to researchers put the medical industry can be injected into the blood stream. two groups of di- "And then those website TCTMD. Device Closure for vers through simu- patients come to me Sommer notes WIKIMEDIA COMMONS WIKIMEDIA The microparticles are for short-term resuscitation lated dives in a to get their PFOs that he has seen tiny capsules (2-4 microm- by boosting oxygenation hyperbaric cham- professional divers eters) made of a single during acute respiratory Atrial septal defect (ASD) is of adults the foramen ovale ber of either 18m closed because from organizations layer of surrounding failure, it does give raise a form of a congenital heart haven't entirely sealed after for 80 minutes or otherwise they would such as the New a small bubble of oxygen to some mind-boggling defect, such as a hole, that birth. In some cases elevation 50m for 20 minutes. be classified as York Police Depart- gas. perspectives; Not only enables blood flow between of the in the pulmo- The 'divers' were ment and the New Upon injecting a cap- could this exciting new two compartments of the nary can categorized ac- disabled and would York Fire Depart- NEW! sule-filled liquid into the technique provide first heart called the left and right cause the foramen ovale to cording to whether not be allowed to ment who have bloodstream, the capsules responders attending atria. remain open. This is known as a they had a PFO or dive again..." experienced symp- bump into red blood cells, dive accidents with bet- During fetal development a patent foramen ovale or PFO. not. toms on the job and transferring the oxygen ter tools, but is it also a hole in the septum called the In many cases an ASD may After the dives, subsequently been Palua to the cell in the process. glimpse into the future foramen ovale allows blood not produce noticeable signs using echocardiography, ve- found to have a PFO. “And About 70 percent of the were divers could have from the right atrium to enter or symptoms, especially if the nous bubbles were detected in then those patients come to oxygen injected success- gases provided via parti- the left atrium. This opening defect is small. both groups with equal fre- me to get their PFOs closed fully makes its way into the cles in the bloodsteam? allows blood to bypass the quency. because otherwise they would DESTINATIONS! blood stream this way. nonfunctional fetal lungs while PFO in divers be classified as disabled,” and While the technique is Food for thought. ■ the fetus obtains its oxygen However ASDs, and particu- Bubbles would not be allowed to dive primarily being developed from the placenta. larly PFOs, are a predisposing However, arterial bubbles were again, he said. ■ In approximately 25 percent risk factor for decompression detected in 12 percent of the www.DivEncounters.com

8 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Diver on wreck of the Oriskany, Pensacola, Florida; wreck Bay County Hathaway Bridge rap (below)

Text by Kathalyn Gaither, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Photos by A. Emtiaz, Bill Horn; and Keith Mille of the FWC Program

Miles of white sandy beaches, to see—especially for those family vacation destinations, who like to take their sightsee- infamous spring break festivi- ing down below the ocean and ties and outstanding state parks gulf waters—like the beauty and attract millions of visitors to magic of thousands of artificial Florida annually from around the reefs that lie beneath the surface world. But there is so much more along Florida’s coastlines. Florida’s Artificial Reefs — A World of Undersea Adventure

KEITH MILLE / FWC ARTIFICIAL REEF PROGRAM

Artificial reefs themselves cannot com- pounds—frequent the reefs as thousands Most new reef materials are prefabri- pare to the magnificent beauty of of tiny fish spiral around them. cated concrete and steel reef structures Florida’s natural coral reefs. However, the built specifically for artificial reef use. spectacular marine species of all shapes, The artificial reefs vary from as little as sizes and vibrant colors is of equal one ton in size to in excess of 30,000 tons. Some of the older artificial reefs were amazement. These structures had varying roles before even somewhat famous before their sink- becoming a part of the vast underwa- ing. And while Florida’s coral reef tract lies in ter artificial reef community. There are south Florida waters, divers and snorkelers former combat army tanks, barges, Before its sinking off the waters near Looe can find more than 2,800 artificial reefs freighters, schooners, tugboats, box cars, Key in 1998, the 210-foot ship Adolphus located off 34 of the 35 coastal counties. airplanes and water towers. Busch was in the 1957 film Fire Down Below starring Robert Mitchum, Jack Species such moray eels and sea turtles, Currently, these types of reef materials Lemmon and Rita Hayworth. red snapper and cobia, Atlantic spade- are no longer used since new permits fish and butterfly fish—and even goliath require that reef materials be usable for In 2009, the USS Hoyt Vandenberg—a grouper reaching up to seven feet in long-term marine habitat and remain sta- 520-foot long missile tracking ship and length and weighing several hundred ble on the ocean floor. the star of the 1999 movie Virus starring

KEITH MILLE / FWC ARTIFICIAL REEF PROGRAM

9 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO wreck rap

KEITH MILLE / FWC ARTIFICIAL REEF PROGRAM Okaloosa Liberty Ship

Jamie Lee Curtis—was sunk off as the USS Hoyt Vandenberg that and to many countries includ- Key West. was sunk in the waters off Monroe ing Newfoundland, South Africa, County in 2009. It is the second Spain and Denmark during the Scrap army tanks and decom- largest artificial reef in Florida sur- Cold War era. In 2002, the 510- missioned old ships may not be passed only by the USS Oriskany, foot ship was sunk in waters off thought of in terms of beauti- which was sunk in 2006, about 22 the Florida Keys and is located ful, but they do evoke a sort of miles from Pensacola Pass. near the John Pennekamp Coral intrigue and magic as artificial Reef Underwater State Park in Key reefs. The USS Oriskany, measuring Largo. 888 feet in length and weigh- Many of the structures were just ing 32,000 tons, was previously Especially common in gulf waters sitting in water or on land, aging a Naval Air Craft Carrier used off Mexico Beach in Bay County away, until Florida’s Artificial Reef primarily in the 1970s and decom- are memorial reefs that honor Program was created in 1982, missioned in 1976. She is fondly those who have passed on. and once again, they were given referred to as the Great Carrier Some of the pre-fabricated reef a purpose. Reef. structures actually hold the ashes of families’ loved ones in many Several of Florida’s artificial reefs The USS Spiegel Grove, named areas of the state, particularly off have historical value. Some after U.S. President Rutherford Sarasota. are registered with the Florida B. Hayes’ estate, was active in Underwater Archaeological the military from 1956 through Transportation was a theme for Preserve and the U.S. National 1984. It transported troops and older reef materials in the waters Register of Historic Places, such equipment thousands of miles of Escambia and Okaloosa coun- A EMTIAZ USCG Duane (above) photo taken by Anoosh “Tony” Emtiaz—an employee at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Two of his favorite sites are sister shipwrecks, the USCG Duane and USCG Bibb, both sunk in 1987

10 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO wreck rap

Major Sergeants.

BILL HORN Queen angelfish, Dade County Barge

ties. In addition to the Oriskany, an old floating saloon and even a the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; there are an additional ten army Rolls Royce off West Palm Beach. any beyond those distances need tanks, some CSX boxcars, at least permits only from USACE. a dozen M-60 army tanks, some No matter what it is made of— tugboats, several barges and old whether it’s a concrete module The Florida Fish and Wildlife Con- auto bodies that serve as a refuge or a massive retired military vessel servation Commission (www. and playgrounds for area marine —Florida’s artificial reefs present myfwc.com/conservation/salt- species. awesome opportunities for those water/artificial-reefs/locate-reefs) looking to explore life beneath the oversees a grants-in-aid program You can also see a little bit of sea, from the novice diver to the to assist local governments to help America’s past in Pasco County most experienced. fund the planning, building and waters where nine army tanks monitoring of artificial reefs in their have been sunk, and in Sarasota Be cautious—there are certain local marine waters, as well as County there are ten of them. dives that only experienced divers provide technical assistance and should attempt due to various guidance for artificial reef projects When it comes to variety and sheer numbers, no other dive

O Many of the artificial reefs have conditions such as currents, under- statewide. G R destination can outflank The Florida Keys & Key West. Because A L Y E been fondly named by divers or water and other variables. K

with the only living coral reef in North America, we’ve really

family members, like the Stewart With so many different reefs out

earned our stripes. fla-keys.com/diving A Unkles Jr. Memorial Reef, Red Sea Artificial reefs that lie within nine there to explore, divers and pho- AD OR M LA IS Tugboat, Spirit of Hemingway, nautical miles of the coast in the tographers will never need worry

ON Culverts Guardian Reef and , and within three about becoming bored with the K ATH EY W MAR EST S Poseidon’s Garden—an underwa- nautical miles of the Atlantic need scenery. So plan your next excur- BIG PINE KEY & THE L OWER KEY ter burial site off Sanibel Island. permits from both the Florida sion to Florida and experience the Department of Environmental Pro- undersea world of adventure that There are some ex-smuggling ships, tection (www.dep.state.fl.us) and Florida’s artificial reefs bestow! ■

MCTDU-8808-B X-ray Mag.com LO1 • Nov-April 11 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO wreck rap

Dalarö— Marine Archeological Wreck Park

Text by Millis Keegan The value is not measured in money, Photos courtesy of the but in knowledge. Due to extremely Swedish Maritime Museums favorable conditions, the wrecks and the remains found are virtual time The Baltic Sea offers some capsules, waiting to tell their stories very treacherous waters even about people and their way of living in the past, about the countries and under the best of circum- the cultures of Europe. stances. The price to pay for Nowhere else in the world are there sailing the Baltic through the as many well preserved wooden millenniums has been high, wrecks as in the Baltic Sea, and there is much to tell, but for now, we are and traces of those costs going to zoom in on Stockholm's are scattered over the bot- archipelago in Sweden. Over 20,000 tom. At the time and up to islands made navigating through a very short while ago in the these parts extra challenging in times long before the Viking Era. big scheme of things, no one Through well-kept archives, we knew how valuable these have information of over 20,000 wrecks would be. wreck site locations in this region. Yet, only a few of them have actually been found and explored by divers. The wrecks are hard to find, even with modern technology. When a new find is presented, it is a big deal and very exciting. Finding lost history Strides in new technology have made it easier than ever to find wrecks lost for centuries. Note that I say easier than ever, not easy. Easy it is not, but with a ‘little’ bit of funding, a crew made of the right stuff, lots and lots of time and a pinch of luck, it can and is done. Not too long ago a team of Baltic divers brought attention to

”Every dive we discover something new on the Dalaröwreck!”said Jim Hansson, Swedish Maritime Museums (above); Under wheel of canon hides handle of flint lock pistol (inset)

12 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO wreck rap So many angels,

Visitors can follow what hap- you’ll think pens in real time on the wrecks, dry and comfortable over a cup of coffee, by signing up Dive platform used during early excavations on the Dalarö wreck pro- you’re in Heaven. for a full ROV experience vided the divers with a great base camp some really spectacular and field day, but there is always one is happy. How can we find nered up in a pro-ject called of hard work and the co- significant finds in the Baltic, that tiny little hindrance called a in which the wrecks Nordic Blue Parks. The aim operation of the municipal among them, the wooden money. Excavating something can be enjoyed in the mean was to develop a sustainable of Haninge Kommun and the warship Mars, which sank in from the bottom of the sea is time? marine tourism combining out- Swedish Maritime Museums as 1564 (read the story in X-RAY a costly matter, so the wrecks reach with protection. They well as some private actors MAG #59). That discovery are protected with a no-dive Nordic Blue Parks wanted to do so by opening that just wanted this to hap- brought a bit of frenzy to the clause attached to the pro- In 2012, museums and cul- underwater parks that com- pen, such as myself, to come world. tection. Now no one can tural and natural heritage bined cultural experiences with to this point. The work has Researchers and marine enjoy the wrecks, everything authorities in Sweden, Finland, nature. Through the Blue Parks, been ground breaking, a true archeologists should have a comes to a stand still, and no Denmark and Norway part- all visitors, not only divers, were learn-as-you-go experience, going to be able to experi- as nothing like it exists in the ence even the most fragile world. Anyone, scuba diver or shipwrecks. Perhaps tourists not, can visit the location of could be brought to the wreck the wrecks, and see what is sites by boat charter, with ROV going on in the deep, in real Sunscape Sabor Hotel Cozumel (remote operated vehicle) time. Dive House Dive Paradise capacity? Or through an inter- from $964 from $740 active museum experience The wrecks Scuba Club Casa Del Mar using computer animations? Of the three wrecks chosen Cozumel Cozumel Marine World Ideas were tossed around, and initially, two are well known from $944 from $826 tossed away. in the dive community, but Cozumel Palace 20-something years ago, dive Occidental Grand Pro Dive Aqua Safari Dalarö Shipwreck restrictions were put on the from $1027 from $1158 Preserve Jutholmswreck and Anna Haninge Kommun, in coop- Maria. eration with Swedish Maritime The Jutholmswreck is a small Museums (SMM), took the flute. She sank near the end ideas and ran with them. of 1780. A flute is a ship type It is 2014, and the first ever known for its loading capaci- Maritime Historical Underwater ties, and was mainly used for Shipwreck Preserve is about trading. There are still parts of to open up in the Baltic Sea. the cargo left on the wreck, Three wrecks have been cho- like barrels of tar and iron bars. 800-328-2288 sen for the preserve, and there Anna Maria, another flute, will be possibilities to dive the but bigger, sank in the harbor [email protected] wrecks as well as opportuni- of Dalarö in the harsh winter All packages include 7 nights, at least 5 days of diving, airport ties to sign up for the full ROV of 1709, after a fire broke out transfers, taxes, and service charges. Rates are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions. experience. while the crew were down- CSOT#2111993-40 • WSOT#603254369 • FSOT#38781 It has taken eight years ing some beers at a nearby The ROV pilot really needs to know what he is doing, navigating the fragile wrecks

13 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO wreck rap

A mosaic of pictures shows the aft of the Dalarö wreck establishment. Both these wrecks flintlocks and one wheel lock pis- are well documented and exca- tol, Bartmann jugs from the city of vated. Amsterdam in Holland, an open The third one is a wreck found toolbox and more. All is out in the only eight years ago, a magnifi- open, and that is how the authori- cent wreck with a mysterious past ties want it to remain, for every- from the mid-late 17th century. one to see. That will be done An immediate dive ban was through careful restrictions and put in place, so very few have regulations. A diver gets ready to investigate below deck (top and left); Taxi at seen this pristine and truly unique Dendrochronology suggests Sea, M/S Vindbådan, takes non-diving passengers to the wreck sites ship. She sits upright on the bot- that the ships timbers were tom with everything, and I mean felled after 1613, possibly from about your explained that their mission is to everything, completely intact. Northumberland. A glass bottle control, you will need to play a proactive, coordinating Give or take some hundred years found in the wreck bears the know exactly what you role in heritage promotion efforts. of wear and tear of course—she Crest of the Boynton or Ogle are doing, and you will be Although they welcome the inter- did go down about 350 years ago family from Northumberland in judged during other dives, est for historic remains under after all—but the location is so England, which is quite a signifi- so you might want to plan water, they have to ensure that sheltered that even parts of the cant clue, but more information is more than a day at this the historic environment is pre- masts are still standing and pieces needed. There is a good chance destination to have a pos- served in the most effective pos- of the sail have been spotted. that the answer can be found sibility to experience the sible manner. Any sign of unnec- The Dalarö wreck will be the through future excavations, so cially trained dive guides will be in regards to Anna Maria and the Dalarö wreck. essary wear and tear, and they signature wreck of the park. stay tuned. the guardians of the wrecks' well Jutholms wreck, as long as you It took eight years and a lot will reassess the permissions. Even though she is extremely being. can prove that you can handle of hard work to reach this point, well preserved, she is the most Restrictions & regulations As a diver, you will be allowed yourself, your equipment and to be able to visit these unique Looting, wear and tear fragile. Some excavation has The cultural resources of the Baltic to dive the wrecks only if the have a clue about your buoyan- wrecks, but make no mistake, the Bad buoyancy skills are not been done, but so far, her story are under constant threat from wreck park rangers determine cy in cold water. permission can be taken away in the only danger to the Dalarö remains a secret. Spread out on pollution, looting and deteriora- that you have the necessary With the signature wreck, things less than a day. Historical Ship Wreck Preserve. the deck, artifacts from everyday tion as it is. To avoid any undue qualifications. will be a bit different. It will not Peter Norman from RAÄ, the Looting is also a very real threat life aboard can be found. Two and unnecessary damage, spe- It will be pretty straightforward be enough to just have a clue Swedish National Heritage Board, and will be even more so as the

14 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO The green water of the Baltic prom- wreck ises exciting and rap beautiful dives, as long as the visibil- ity cooperates

park opens up and the location Wreck Park Rangers was held at the world famous becomes more widely known. The Diving will only be allowed in Museum in Stockholm. The coast guard and the Baltic Sea small groups, and with a specially lectures touched subjects of laws Police have been part of the pro- trained dive guide, an under- pertaining to the protection of ject from the start, and are well water wreck park ranger. The the wrecks, and criminal activities aware of what is at stake. They Swedish Maritime Museums invit- such as looting and more. Also are not the only ones, the soci- ed anyone with at least a level discussed were safety issues, and ety as well as the Swedish dive of dive master or equivalent cer- the importance of knowing about community are very protective of tification to become certified as our past and the roll archeology these gems as well, and will make an underwater wreck park ranger plays in that. sure that the coast guard and the for Dalarö Ship Wreck Preserve. Nina Eklöf, Jim Hansson and Baltic Sea Police will be alerted to That required two days of training, Trevor Draeseke were the any suspicious movement around beginning with classroom training marine archeologists and the the wrecks. in the form of lectures, and a dive representatives from SMM. They day in the pre- covered topics including what is serve. marine archeology, how do they go about it on an everyday basis, Training and why marine archeology is The first part such an important science. They of the training spoke about research and the QUICK FACT fact that there is not So what happens now? as much funding for The next step is the in-water train- THE BALTIC SEA: 10,000 YEARS research, so they have to ing that will take place in mid- The Baltic Sea has existed for spend it wisely. May. After that you can book around 10,000 years, a product “We rely on you your historical wreck dive with of meltwater from glaciers and to spread the right one of the Underwater Wreck salt water from the North Sea information about Park Rangers. Unique to the park entering the straits between our historical wrecks, is also the non-diver program. Denmark and Sweden. There and it will be your job Tourists with an interest in history, have been human settlements to enforce a positive but with no intention of getting along its shores through the attitude or change the wet, can be brought to the wreck millenia and inhabitants sailed, attitude about them.” sites by boat charter. There are hunted and warred in the They pointed out that the even opportunities allowing visi- Baltic. ■ SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA wrecks are vehicles for tors to experience what happens understanding a certain on the wreck in real time, through time period in the past, ROV (remote operated vehicle). have changed, and the authori- which is what makes By now I think I've managed ties' dream of Nordic Blue Parks, them so interesting, and to convey that the Stockholm open to everyone, diver or not, that we now have an archipelago really is a fabulous is really happening. This is a big opportunity through the historical underwater maritime thing. Welcome to Dalarö Ship wreck park to reach a museum. It is a museum without Wreck Preserve, and enjoy experi- The figurehead, a lion, was brought up to the surface, after being larger audience with that real access to the public, unless encing the past. ■ measured and documented (left and right) she was returned to message. you are a scuba diver. But times her original place at the wreck site

15 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO wreck rap HMCS Annapolis artificial reef project stalls over spat and funding Plans to scuttle a decommissioned Canadian naval destroyer escort ship off Gambier Island in British Columbia have sparked opposition amongst local residents.

The Artificial Reef Society of BC (ARSBC) much tidal action and there plans to sink the HMCS Annapolis in is a fair likelihood that the Halkett Bay to attract divers. The ves- ship will actually come apart sel is currently moored at West Bay on once it's sunk. It's simply the Gambier Island, which is located in wrong place." Howe Sound north of Vancouver. Howard Robins of the NOAA Gambier homeowner Gary ARSBC is heading up the A survey by NOAA located the wreck of City of Chester at a depth of 66m (217ft) MacDonald and members of The Annapolis project. He said Save Halkett Bay Campaign are lob- the sunken vessel would th bying to prevent the HMCS Annapolis bring marine biodiversity to Uniquely designed clothing for 19 century shipwreck found from being sunk in the bay. According Halkett Bay. "These are very scuba divers www.divesangha.com to MacDonald, a recently released good projects, they do a lot Environment Canada study reveals pol- for the marine ecology and near Golden Gate Bridge lution levels in some of the ships com- they certainly bring in a lot of tourism sink the vessel. The ARSBC needs to ponents are more than eight times the dollars to the province because it's deal with environmental concerns and The wreck of a passenger steamer that went down in 1888 has been allowable limit. Environment Canada based on eco-adventure dive tourism— one more permit is required before the recently issued a request for proposals but fundamentally artificial reefs help ship can be sent to the bottom of the found sitting upright on the bed of Bay. from companies interested in stripping bring back biodiversity," said Robins. "It's bay. "They have to be done right, and all insulation from the ship as it contains needed and that's exactly why we've they have to be done to code, and The 202-foot-long steamship City of utes before sinking. Sixteen people died in polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). got it in Halkett Bay. It's all a good done to the standards," he said of artifi- Chester had just left San Francisco and the accident, NOAA stated on its website. "We've been calling for a thorough thing." cial reef projects. was headed up the California coast to The rediscovery of the wreck restores an investigation of the ship's state for Robins stresses the The HMCS Annapolis was launched in Eureka with 90 passengers on 22 August important historical link to San Francisco’s years," said MacDonald. "We're ada- ARSBC is suitably pre- April of 1963 and removed from service 1888, when at around 10 a.m. it was struck early Chinese-American community. Re- mant that Halkett Bay is absolutely the paring the Annapolis in 1998. The ARSBC purchased the ship by the steamer Oceanic. Impaled on ports at the time initially criticized Ocean- wrong place to sink a ship. There is too and is in no rush to in 2008. ■ Oceanic, which was arriving from Asia, ic’s Chinese crew in the racially charged City of Chester remained afloat for six min- atmosphere of the times. Criticisms turned to praise, however, when the bravery of the crew in rescuing many of City of Chester’s passengers was revealed. The wreck was then largely forgot- ten. The wreck won’t be raised, but a nearby museum exhibition will tell the story of the ship’s sinking. ■

A profile view of the iron and wood steamship City of BBAUMGARDNER / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Chester sitting upright on the seabed of San Francisco Bay HMCS Annapolis

16 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Xray_Pelagian_H_Revised_PATH.pdf 1 20/12/13 4:36 pm industry news

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Rebreathers USA becomes US distributor of JJ-CCR Rebreathers USA, which is based . Rebreathers USA While they do not conduct train- in Everett, Washington State, is a certified JJ service center, ing on the units, a list of JJ-CCR has been designated exclusive offering a complete stock of instructors is available by con- distributor of the JJ-CCR for the replacement parts and supplies. tacting Rebreathers USA. ■

UK's Will Goodman descends to 290m on JJ-CCR Huish Outdoors acquires Liquivision Halcyon and Santi join

After a year’s training and and Guinness World Record depth of 290m off Gili Trawangan, "By combining Liquivision and Atomic Aquatics’ In April, Halcyon Dive systems and Santi Diving preparation, Will Goodman, a holder for the longest scuba Lombok Indonesia using an design and engineering teams, it instantly gives Equipment launched their cooperation, bringing Instructor Trainer, dive, descended to a recorded unmodified JJ-CCR. ■ us unparalleled expertise in design together two of the technical diving industry's most and manufacturing, along with an appetite for innovative brands. The joint venture will mean that innovation and amazing technology," wrote Mike customers will get better access to products, sales Manta Industries and Sartek team up Huish, president of Huish Outdoors, in a press support and service. release. The partnership of these two and manufacturing experience. more information, please contact: of Halcyon and Tomek great companies gives you the The members of Manta-Sartek Richard M. Simon, Founded in 2004 Stachura of Santi are reknown, experienced best sales, service and design team are all avid cave and wreck President Manta Industries by former freediv- divers, who, together with partners, developed team in the diving industry with divers and can answer all of your [email protected] ing World Record businesses to further their passion for diving over 43 years of combined design questions. For 1(800) 397 3901 ■ holder and inven- and achieve their ambitions in the field, as tor Eric Fattah, well as make diving safer and more easily Liquivision has accessed by others. made itself noted by its "The dive industry continues to grow, as well as series of com- our desire to discover more and more, and yet The Training Agency pact but innova- [there are still] undiscovered corners of the under- tive dive computers, water world," said Jablonski in a press release. He for Educators which were often the first on the market to said he'd known Stachura for many years and that embrace and incorporate new technologies such they had worked well together on the Mars wreck since 1995 as OLED display. Other notable computers include project in Sweden. "[It] became obvious to me the X1 CCR computer that featured a novel that Tom and Santi share fully in my vision for the tap based user interface, and in 2013, the com- future of diving, and that together, we will create pany unveiled the world’s first long range wireless the ideal for work on new products and common scubasnsi.com dive computer, the Lynx with a 100 meter range. ■ diving projects around the world," said Jablonski. ■

17 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO industry news Divers raise funds for a documentary about ancient underwater forest

The 50,000-year-old forest is discovery was a half-mile-square area of announced a 50,000-year-old cypress stumps couple years perfectly preserved under the ago, said team ocean floor off the coast of member Ben BEN RAINES the U.S. state of Alabama. As Raines information about the prehis- British manufacturer of Sunday, April 20, the fund- Thousands of stumps dot the toric climate, when sea levels raising project on Kickstarter seafloor, carpeted with anem- were 60 feet lower. Swim over launches new apres dive has passed the critical $15,000 ones and providing homes to the ancient river channel that mark, but the divers can fish, crabs and octopi. Some meanders through the site and clothing collection definitely use more than the of the trees are more than ten you are instantly transported $15,000 with which they know feet in diameter, relics from to a strange, fairylike world. It is British manufacturer Divesangha has they can get a film made. The the prehistoric woods before among the most magical spots launched their inaugural collection of apres fundraising runs until May 1. people lived in America, when in the sea. When the wood is dive clothing: www.divesangha.com. This The forest's existence has the Gulf Coast was covered in cut, it has a "cypressy" smell, garment range is aimed at divers and sea generated intense interest trees the size of redwoods. and sap oozes out of it, Raines enthusiasts alike who want comfortable, around the world since its They contain invaluable said. ■ practical and fashionable 'surface gear'. The resulting collection is functional and smart and individualistic. (Each t-shirt is indi- New guidelines for divers in England vidually numbered). There is huge care and attention to detail in the manufacturing of A guidance for divers in lines allow divers to go about soon be made available for these clothes, down to the logo'd buttons England has been issued by their standard usual diving the waters of Scotland, Wales and high quality stitching. the following agencies in a and training activities without and Northern Ireland. Divesangha garments feature the unique joint statement: BSAC, GUE, the need for a licence. Divers For more information, please Hung Dry system, which is currently being PADI, PSAI, SSI, SAA and TDI should refer to the guidelines see Marine Licensing: Guid- patented. Hung Dry is a simple system that or air on a rail or a line, without the need / SDI. The new guidelines are to be sure that they follow the ance for Recreational Divers allows clothes to be securely hung to dry for pegs, and more importantly, with no risk endorsed by all diver-training law. information sheet at www. that the wind will blow them agencies active in England. Activities not requiring a bsac.com/marinelicensing. away. Instructors, members and licence include: For all other inquiries regard- The word sangha means as- divers are seriously encour- • Deploying and recovering ing these new guidelines, con- sociation or community, and aged to follow them. temporary shot lines for divers tact the Marine Management it expresses something of the On behalf of all divers and • Using delayed or permanent- Organisation (MMO) directly unique and uniting harmony agencies, the ly inflated SMBs at telephone: 0300 123 1032, divers experience with nature BSAC, acting as the National • Using a to recover or email: marine.consents@ in the marine environment. Governing Body for Scuba items which have been under- marinemanagement.org.uk The environment is something diving, with SAA and PADI, water for less than 12 months This update has been is- that Divesangha takes very has been negotiating with the • Conducting surveys of ship- sued by: British Sub-Aqua Club seriously. They are commit- Marine Management Organi- wrecks by hand (BSAC), Global Underwater ted to ethical manufacturing. sation (MMO) in regards to • Using lifting bags for under- Explorers (GUE), Professional All of Divesangha products the interpretation of the legal water litterpicks. Association of Diving Instructors are exclusively designed and requirements for divers pursu- (PADI), Professional Scuba As- manufactured in the United ant to the Marine and Coastal For other specific activities, the sociation International (PSAI), 10% off Kingdom. And their packaging Access Act 2009 (MCAA). MMO still requires either previ- Scuba Schools International QRT3EJTZ is fully recyclable, too. ■ After long discussions, there ous notification or a licence (SSI), Sub Aqua Association is now an accord on a set of application; Please consult (SAA), Interna- guidelines for all divers diving the MMO for direction in these tional; Technical Diving Inter- in English waters. These guide- cases. Similar guidelines will national (TDI / SDI). ■

18 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO industry news SEE IT Florida dive operators face charges of illegal shark feeding DEMA EXPERIENCE IT Florida Fish and Wildlife conducted two separate inves- ny Calypso Dive Charters. SHOW Conservation Commission tigations involving two northern During this trip, deputies took Palm Beach County dive charter video of Roman feeding a goliath (FWC) have filed charges operators. grouper and a lemon shark. Video against four men linked also shows Roman trying to lure Caught on video sharks to his location by shaking 2014 to the illegal feeding of sharks and fish within state On February 8, deputies from the a milk crate filled with barracuda SHARE IT PBSO dive team took part in a chunks. Both feeding incidents waters. The investiga- dive trip on board Emerald Char- happened in state waters. tion started after the FWC ters of Jupiter. During the dive, AT DEMA SHOW 2014 IN LAS VEGAS! received several com- video was taken of Randall Jor- Illegal since 2002 plaints that shark feed- dan feeding sharks by hand while FWC investigators and PBSO divers within state waters. He also used a used several GPS devices and NOVEMBER 19–22, 2014 | LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER | LAS VEGAS, NEVADA | WWW.DEMASHOW.COM ing was taking place off milk crate filled with fish chunks to other methods to confirm these the coast of Palm Beach lure sharks to his location. Thomas activities were occurring in state County during dive Smith was operating waters, which, in the Atlantic, is the vessel during the within (or up to) three nautical THE WORLD’S ONLY INTERNATIONAL TRADE-ONLY EVENT FOR DIVING, ACTION WATERSPORTS AND TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS! charter trips. dive. miles from the nearest point of On February 22, Florida coastline. Fish feeding in One complainant told the deputies took Florida waters has been illegal FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER NOW AT dispatchers she was on another dive trip since 2002. WWW.DEMASHOW.COM a dive trip where sharks on board the vessel were being fed. The per- Miss Jackie, which is Charges pressed son said the sharks had owned by Luis Ro- The FWC presented results from become so aggressive man of Orlando and the joint investigations to the Palm she had to get out of the oper- Beach County State Attorney’s water. ated Office, which charged Jordan, “This is a public safety issue,” by Toni Smith, Roman and Crumrine with LAS VEGAS said FWC Maj. Camille Sov- Crum- operating a vessel for hire within erel. “The FWC’s Division of Law rine. The state waters to allow passengers Enforcement wants to ensure boat was to observe fish feeding. Jordan these beautiful coastal waters used by and Roman were also charged remain safe for divers.” the Lake with fish feeding. These are sec- FWC investigators and the Park- ond-degree misdemeanors, pun- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s based ishable by up to 60 days in jail and facebook.com/demashow | twitter.com/dema_show | linkedin.com/company/dema-org | .com/user/DEMAAssn | pinterest.com/demashow Office (PBSO), working jointly, compa- a fine of up to US$500. ■

19 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO travel news India to develop dive tourism on Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands [email protected] * (+27) 83 303 8373 *www.africatour.co.za Our adventures in Africa are as varied and In a push to “augment country’s beach and diving tourism”, the comprehensive as can be, providing explorers the chance to spot the big five, delve into the Indian government plans big upgrade to infrastructure and better region’s amazing—and still vibrant—human history, and simply stare in gobsmacked awe at airport facilities. the stunning beauty of one of our planet’s most Edited by treasured places. Africa beckons. Don’t make it Scott Bennett wait. “We have identified [four] islands for a cost of Rs6 billion (US$99.8 million),” *Climb Kilimanjaro *Gorilla Trekking [Uganda & Rwanda] *Sardine development. A large number of tourist said AM Hussain, assistant director of Adventure *African Island Scuba & *Serengeti Safari *Shark attractions exists across the Andaman Lakshadweep Tourism. Other islands in Adventure *Tailor made Safari & Bush Experience *Luxury Tenting *Eco Travel *Community Development and Nicobar Islands, but we are plan- the cluster offer scuba diving, snorkelling Tailor made trips to suite your requirements ning to do more to attract tourists,” said and windsurfing. www.sardinerun.webs.com AK Singh, lieutenant governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Tourist-friendly infrastructure offering scuba diving and water sport options In addition, the government plans should be completed by 2016. Night to build beach resorts and water landing facilities would be developed sports facilities on three uninhabited at Andaman and Nicobar’s Port Blair Lakshadweep islands located in the airport by the third quarter of 2014

Arabian Sea. “Thinnakkara, Suheli Par to allow the stopover of international Skype: sonja.newlands and Cherium are the three islands in flights. Currently, 96 flights pass the air- Lakshadweep where we are plan- port every day but none land there. ■ ning to build tourism infrastructure at

New Zealand reigns in shark diving operators Shark cage-diving operators in New Zealand will now be regulated after fears that lives were being put at risk.

Conservation Minister Nick Smith Stewart Island is the third-largest the island’s only town Oban. said a permit system under the island of New Zealand. It lies 30 Companies offering tourists the Wildlife Act was needed to ensure kilometres (19mi) south of the opportunity to dive with great cage diving was done responsi- South Island, across Foveaux Strait. whites will need to apply for a bly. Every year between December permit and follow a code of com- and June, 100 great whites travel pliance by the end of the year. The move comes after locals to the Foveaux Strait to feed off a Both Stewart Island shark cage on Stewart Island accused the large colony of fur seals. diving operators are said to have island’s cage-diving firms of oper- welcomed the rules. ating in a way that has led to Viewing the predators underwa- a change in the behaviour of ter has become a major tour- Owing to an anomaly in the mag- sharks, leading to more interac- ist attraction for the little island, netic latitude contours, this loca- tions between the predators and which has a population of less tion is well placed for observing divers. than 400, most of which live in Aurora australis. ■

Shark cage diving is becom- ing a still more popular thrill. This image is from Guadaloupe Island off the Mexican coast ANDREY BIZYUKIN ANDREY 20 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO travel news customers do not seem so much to hold back out of concerns for the security situation per se. Rather what seem to be at play are the uncertainties surrounding govern- ment travel advisories, which may change at a later stage forcing families—who are often limited to go on vacation during public school holidays—to either outright cancel their holiday all together or find other options at a stage where the alternatives may be sold out or come at a premium rate. Conse- quently to err on the side of cau- tion, they book vacations to alter- native destinations. Meanwhile the Egyptian hospital- ity industry and with it, the many Red Sea operators, are left high and dry, seeing their livelihoods dry up for lack of customers. PETER SYMES Insurance may be void Taba Heights in the Northern Sinai—an area which is now affected by travel advisories issued by a number of Western governments—was a peaceful and pleasant It should also be noted that while- location to vistit flights, hotels and operators ap- pear to remain readily available for online bookings and some nationali- Rising militancy in the Sinai becomes an issue for Red Sea dive operators ties are still in the green to go, travel insurances will often become void if Egyptian government has stated Islamist militants in the Sinai Peninsula are becoming a threat to foreign tourists. one chooses to disregard an official travel advisory and venture into an Egyptian officials say they are tak- Sheikh. Meanwhile the resorts along paratus—in particular around tourist latter years, militants in the Sinai area contrary to a warning, howev- ing seriously a reported ultimatum the Red Sea’s west coast such as attractions and resort areas —an have become a growing issue and er peaceful and safe it may appear by Islamist militant group Ansar Beit Hurghada, Safaga, El Quesir, and effort which was ramped up further the security issues have shifted east- and probably be. al-Maqdis for tourists to leave the Marsa Alam are currently in the following the 2005 Sharm el-Sheikh wards. As Egypt and the Red Sea offer country. clear, as this issue goes to press, attacks and the 2006 Dahab bomb- some of the best diving on the plan- but all travellers are advised to ings. Who cares? et, we can only hope that matters Ambigous reactions stay updated and check the latest Despite of these incidences, the To some extent the predominantly once again settle down, as they Meanwhile and following the dead- advice before travelling. Red Sea resorts have generally European tourists who have taken always seem to do, and we can ly bombing of a Tour bus that in been safe—and felt safe, as far as to the Red Sea for its affordable get back to some sort of normalcy February killed three South Koreans It is certainly not the first time the our own experiences go. holidays at nice hotels, guarantee in this regard. In the meantime, do and an Egyptian driver in Taba country, which is massively depend- of sunshine and short flights, seem to check with the offical travel adviso- near the Israeli border, a number of ent on its tourist industry for rev- So what has changed? have largely reconciled themselves ries. western nations such as Germany enue, has been in the grips of terror Sinai, being primarily resort areas with these occassional disruptions have amended their travel advi- threats and forced to find ways to and located across the Gulf of Suez and disturbances, and the country When X-RAY MAG did a report from sories to also advise against all but both protect tourists and reassure far from the Nile Valley and any still remains a very popular destina- Taba Heights in 2012 (published in essential travel to all of Sinai includ- the general public that it is safe. main population centers, used to tion. However and somewhat unsur- issue #45) it was entitled Tranquility ing the resort areas around Sharm Since the 1997 attack at the tem- be an area that was exempt from prisingly, many travel agents have in Taba. It was peaceful, relaxing el Sheikh. Other countries such ples at Luxor, which killed 62 people, disturbances and risk, even during seen a significant dip in bookings and offered some really good shore as the United Kingdom still give a mostly tourists, the authorities have times of major troubles and unrest over the last year. Sources in the diving and macro photography op- green light for travel to Sharm el deployed a massive security ap- on the mainland. However in the travel industry tell X-RAY MAG that portunities. ■

21 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO travel news

Sea Dragon 1200 Lumen Light with Micro Tray, perfect for compact cameras like GoPro® Cayman Islands

Sea Dragon gets new under- 2000 Lumen Light shown with SeaLife DC1400, includes water attraction new Flex-Connnect tray and grip Bronze sculpture placed on the bottom off Grand Cayman. Powerful new lights for dive, video or photo. Light for Divers lower and position the new any camera, any dive, any adventure. sculpture, Guardian of the Reef by Simon Morris, to the sea bottom in sealife-cameras.com West Bay, Grand Cayman. All pho- facebook.com/SeaLifeCameras tos this page by Ryan Canon

Now, where did your bag go!? We’ve all been there at one itunes.apple.com/us/app/ you that your luggage has time or another—arriving travel-radar-luggage-tracking. been found. Enter your itinerary at your holiday destination, An option with greater on the SuperSmartTag site euphoria turns to aggravation range capabilty is the Trace and airport staff will be able upon the discovery that your Me Luggage Tracker. Airline to view your travel plans and bags are missing in action. baggage services staff forward your luggage to your According to the International worldwide can enter the unique next destination. See: www. Air Transport Association (IATA), serial identification number into supersmarttag.com. about one percent of luggage the airline’s SITA WorldTracer Delta passengers can Guardian of the Reef is a new from the back of the breastplate, time, will actually become part of worldwide was mishandled unclaimed baggage record. download Fly Delta, a free bronze sculpture by Simon Morris, a dorsal fin protrudes. In the same the natural reef. last year, costing an estimated Once found, the owner will smartphone app that enables located in West Bay off Lighthouse way that a mermaid has both The symbolism in the sculpture US$2.6 billion. Fortunately, a be notified by SMS and email passengers to track their bags, Point on Grand Cayman Island. human and fish elements, the reflects the fragile state of the number of apps have arrived that the luggage is being even while in flight. Upon The 13-foot-tall statue is a sculpture transforms from human to oceans, which are in need of our on the scene to help alleviate held at a specific airline and entering the bag receipt representation of a mythological seahorse at the waist. The seahorse protection, but have been sorely the situation. The question is, just location. The owner can number, the number on your creature, the top half of which is tail is wrapped around a heavy neglected. how useful are they? then contact the airline for bag receipt, or scanning with a warrior-guardsman in Ancient bronze ring, which is attached to The sculpture was created in Apple’s solution is iBeacon, appropriate action. See: www. the barcode with your phone, Greco-Roman armour and a Roman column. This column acts a global limited edition of four which can be placed in tracemeluggagetracker.com. passengers can follow luggage decorated breastplate. The figure as the guardian’s sentry post. signed, dated and numbered your suitcase for short range SuperSmartTag features a from departure to arrival. The carries a circular shield and a The column is shattered and castings. The first of the numbered tracking. However, maximum code that reports your bag app is available for iPhone, staff atop of which is a globe aged, with several open spaces castings was bought by Jay and range is only 20m and can be online. Once the bag code is Windows Phone, Android and representing the world’s oceans. that reveal an inner cement Nancy Easterbrook, owners of hampered if it is packed too submitted, an e-mail or phone BlackBerry. Download at: www. The figure’s helmet is fashioned column, which will attract Divetech, a full-service dive resort deeply in your luggage. See: call will be received to notify delta.com. ■ into a stylized seahorse head, and encrusting marine life, and over on Grand Cayman. ■

22 X-RAY MAG : 60 : 2014 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO

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