Ocean Arts: Paintings & Sculpture Inspired by the Sea Science: Locomotion Croatia’s Island of Vis Denmark’s

GLOBAL EDITION Bubbling May 2008 Number 23 Corals Profile Pascal Bernabe Cedric Verdier Fitness for Divers Cool & Colourful Hammerhead Sharks Cornwall1 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 CoVer PHoto by SteVe JoneS silver

www.seacam.com Mark WebSter DIRECTORY X-RAY MAG is published by AquaScope Media ApS Frederiksberg, Denmark www.xray-mag.com

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SUBSCRIPTION 55 61 63 78 84 87 X-RAY MAG International Edition in English is FREE UW Ph o t o & Vi d e o : Me r m a i d Ma t t e rs : Sh a r k Ta l e s : Te c h Ta l k : Un i q u e Di v e Si t e : Po r t f o l i o : To subscribe, go to: www.x-ray-mag.com Wo r k Fl o w Su n s c r e e n Fa c t o rs Bi t s & Bi t e s Fi t n e ss f o r Di v e rs Bubb i n g Re e f s Oc e a n Ar t s COVER PHOTO b y Kur t Am s l e r b y Ci n d y Ro ss e d i t e d b y Pe t e r Sy m e s b y Ce dr i c Ve rd i e r b y Pe t e r Sy m e s e d i t e d b y Gu n i l d Sy m e s Buoy, Sinai, Egypt by Steve Jones (Continued on Page 4)

3 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 Amsterdam Cape Town London Miami Moscow Oslo Paris Ravenna Singapore Sharm El Shiekh Sao Paulo Warsaw Editorial Explorerswe can all be

This past Saturday evening, creatures of sometimes bewil- I can explore worlds that are I made myself very comfort- dering structure and form. more diverse, more surprising able. Since childhood, I have often and more astonishing than daydreamed, or pondered, anything science fiction or vir- Equipped with a remote con- what it would be like to be a tual reality can produce—and trol, an ample supply of snacks future captain of the Starship I can do it in the real world. and soft drinks, and with a soft Enterprise or some explorer couch mounted on my back donning his sophisticated sur- Actaully, it was only last week plate, I was all kitted up for a vival suit enabling him to sur- that I found myself face to marathon viewing of science vive in an otherwise strange face with a multi-legged crea- fiction movies on TV. and hostile environment. ture with lots of antennae, composite eyes and weird In these fictitious universes, we In fiction and our fantasy, we appendages. I also saw crea- can boldly go where no one can travel anywhere at the tures that started their lifecy- has gone before, experience speed of thought, but how cles as stalks with tentacles other worlds of a different about places that lie beyond before morphing into hovering physical nature and appear- our imagination? pulsating discs with intricate ance and encounter alien patterns. And I watched an

mark webSter

Alien from the deep? 4 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Enjoy pure ease

amorphous sausage-shaped body always find something new I haven’t Here, in our own inner space, we with odd filaments and psychedelic seen before—a creature that I had can all be explorers. We need not patterns slide across the substrate in not come across before. belong to an elite few or be exces- front of me. I was in another strange sively fit. Almost anyone who wants world where I needed special I do have a lot of fancy equip- to do so can dive—and regularly, equipment and suits to venture. ment—it comes with the territory in divers find news species. Going over this line of work—and training that past issues of this magazine is a I wasn’t light years away however. I could take me pretty deep, but per- testament to new discoveries con- was just a short drive away, outside haps the thing I fancy most is lying stantly being made and new spe- the city, and the above mentioned very relaxed in a bank of marine cies being found—also by common creatures were crustaceans, jel- grass in the shallows and just spot people like you and me. lyfish and nudibranchs. The nearby the life there. Hidden among stalks, beaches outside Copenhagen a bewildering array of macrolife is Diving is your direct access to the can’t compete with those in the taking refuge, and the top layer of last true frontier. tropics or the great green water sediment is home to weirder crea- sites in Canada or Norway, but I can tures still. — Peter Symes RAPTOR The highest performance Split Fin in its class. Mares technology and design is applied to Raptor in order to deliver the maximum X-RAY MAG is distributed or its affiliates. Unsolicited energy transfer resulting in the best thrust and effi ciency in a Split Fin. X-RAY MAG eight times per year on the manuscripts, photographs is a founding NATURE’S WING Internet. © 2004-2008 and illustrations should be member of the A short kick stroke is all you need to activate the channel effect and move with a reduced effort. Underwater X-RAY MAG. All rights emailed to: reserved. [email protected] Network www. WHALE TAIL POWER theUnderwater- Material in this publica- X-RAY MAG accepts no Seamless transmission of thrust through Network.com tion may not be repro- responsibility for unsolicited Editorial statement regarding the entire kick cycle. Demonstrated by Nature. duced or transferred materials sent to its office, News from NAUI in X-RAY ABS PLUS BUCKLES electronically in any form nor is it liable for loss or MAG: This issue of X-RAY MAG Buckles open and close with ease. without written permission damage to such materials. and others includes news and Unique, patented and user friendly. from the copyright owner. press releases from NAUI in X-RAY MAG is Visit mares.com X-RAY MAG observes a sections designated by the a member of Views and information strict privacy policy. No NAUI logo. While the page Diving Equipment design is done by X-RAY MAG expressed in articles are personal or private infor- & Marketing as an integrated part of the Association: those of the individual mation will be shared with magazine, these news stories www.dema.org author and are not nec- a third party without the are brought to you by NAUI at essarily representative of written permission of the NAUI’s discretion. views held by X-RAY MAG owner.

5 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Explaning the Mystic Metallic Sheen of Ca S tela Z o

T oma S The bright, mirror-like metallic sheen of fish skin is due to a sophisti- News edited NEWS cated system of guanine by Peter Symes crystals in the skin under- & Catherine GS LIm neath the scales of fish.

This silvery reflectance Throw the big acts as a form of cam- ouflage that helps protect fish from preda- ones back tors as fish swim near the water’s surface. Contrary to conventional wisdom, it is not the young fish However, the exact that should be thrown back to sea but the larger older ones. shape of these guanine crystals and how they work remained a mys- “The type of regulation, which we see can’t average out the environmental tery. in many commercial and sport fisheries, fluctuations, and in fact, amplify them is exactly wrong,” George Sugihara of through higher turnover rates that pro- Researchers extracted the Scripps Institution of Oceanography mote boom and bust cycles. guanine crystals from at the University of California San Not only do the older fish provide the skin of the Japanese Diego said in a statement. stability to the population, they provide Koi fish and analyzed Writing in the journal Nature, more and better quality offspring. Nils the crystals using X-ray Sugihara said conventional fishing Stenseth of the University of Oslo said diffraction and an elec- practices that targets the big- fishing practices that stress taking only tron microscope. They gest and oldest fish effectively the oldest and biggest fish can actually compared the results to destabilize fish populations by force quick evolutionary changes in guanine crystals made leaving younger fish to proliferate the fish populations. in the laboratory. The too wildly. A single large fish will Fishing can alter the “age pyramid” researchers found that simply grow a little when it gets more by lopping off the few large, older fish the biogenic crystals food, or lose a little weight when food that make up the top of the pyramid, develop in an unexpect- is scarce. A population of many leaving a broad base of faster-growing ed direction that dif- young, small fish, however, may small younglings. The team found that fers from the lab-made explode in number or collapse this rapidly growing and transitory base crystals, and that their depending on food avail- is dynamically unstable—a finding hav- unique shape improves ability. ing profound implications for the eco- light reflectivity, which Imagine a container of system and the fishing industries built may help fish hide from water with a 500-pound upon it. predators in the wild, fish. With food, it grows a “The data show that fished species scientists in Israel are little bigger. Without food appear to be significantly more nonlin- reporting. ■ it gets a bit smaller. Imagine ear and less stable than unfished spe- the same container with 500 cies,” The US researchers said fisheries The study, Biogenic one-pound fish. They eat, reproduce, should in fact encourage the taking of Guanine Crystals from and the resulting thousands of fish smaller, younger fish instead of requir- the Skin of Fish May Be boom, quickly outstripping the resourc- ing that they be thrown back. This is Designed to Enhance Light es, and the population crashes. These especially important to know when try- Reflectance is scheduled for publication in ACS’ many smaller fish—with the same ing to rebuild fish stocks, Sugihara said. Crystal Growth & Design initial “biomass” as the larger fish— ■

6 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The Amazon molly, Poecilia formosa, is a freshwater fish, which reproduces through gynogenesis, where genetic material from the male is not incorpo- Microbes could be the key to rated into the already diploid egg cells that the mother is carrying resulting news in identical clones of the mother being produced en mass. This unusual characteristic has led to the Amazon molly becoming an all female spe- coral death cies. The common name acknowledges this trait as a reference to the Amazon warriors, a female run society in Greek mythology Coral reefs could be dying out lations decline, algae, which is usually not just because of the direct eaten by fish, flourishes and potentially leaches organic matter that feeds the rise in temperature caused excess microbes that kill off coral. by global warming but just as much as from changes to the Ten times as many microbial cells and microbes that live in them. virus-like particles than normal was found in the water surrounding the island of Kiritimati. The Kiritimati microbial commu- “Many of the deaths we see in the nity was dominated by micro-organisms coral reefs, which occur following coral that feed off of organic matter, many of bleaching events, can be put down which were disease-causing organisms. to changes in the microbes which live The fact that Kiritimati also had the high- THomaS, Bonner and WHiteSide in and around the reefs,” says Dr John est prevalence of coral disease and the TexaS State UniVerSity Biology DePartment Bythell, a biologist from Newcastle lowest coral cover led the researchers University. When the water warms up, to believe that the microbes were likely some disease-causing bacteria are more related to declining coral health.” ■ successful and can attack the corals that have reduced defences from suffering from the heat. Also, some of the friendly bacteria that normally live in the corals’ No sex for 70,000 years guts become weakened, allowing other harmful bacteria to multiply and cause A fish species, which is all Typically, when creatures reproduce from the males that trigger reproduc- diseases or other problems. female, has survived for 70,000 asexually, harmful changes creep tion, in order to refresh their gene pool. into their genes over many genera- Dr Laurence Loewe, of the university’s A key factor newly identified by the years without reproducing tions. The species will eventually have School of Biological Sciences, said: Newcastle team is the role of sur- sexually, experts believe. The problems reproducing and can often “Maybe there is still occasional sex with face mucus secreted by corals. species, found in Texas and fall victim to extinction. Scientists from strangers that keeps the species alive. This seems to act as a shield, pre- Mexico, interacts with males the University of Edinburgh think the Future research may give us some venting disease-causing patho- Amazon Molly may be employing spe- answers. I think one of the interesting gens such as bacteria and some of other species to trigger its cial genetic survival “tricks” to avoid things is that we are learning more viruses from penetrating their reproduction process. The becoming extinct. The fish ought to about how other species might use tissues. “The reefs’ defensive offspring are clones of their have become extinct within the past these tricks as well,” he said. “It might mucus or slime is also at risk from mother and do not inherit any 70,000 years, have a more general importance.” ■ stresses brought on by climate One theory is that the fish may occa- SourCe: BMC EVolutionary Biology change. This seems to happen of the male’s DNA. sionally be taking some of the DNA just at a time when some of the key functional microbe groups are changing, reducing the cor- als’ other defences and boost- ing some disease-causing bacte- ria, making them more virulent,” said Dr Bythell.

Another research team led by San Diego State University biology profes- sor Forest Rohwer have recently found how overfishing can also endanger coral reefs at four Pacific islands. As fish popu-

7 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Rabbitfish Comes to the Rescue of Reefs news While rabbits continue to of vegetation. Just like its coun- remain unclear. ravage ’s native terpart on land. However, in the Still, these findings have impor- landscapes, their sub- case of the Reef, it is the vegeta- tant ramifications for the rehabili- marine counter- tion that is the problem—and the tation of habitats. The part, the rabbit rabbit fish, is the answer. main problem is that for a few fish (Siganus The rabbit fish were caught on years now, the fish that used to canalicu- underwater videocams, in schools feed on these weeds have been latus) may of up to 15 fish, grazing the crest, diminished largely due to human help save slopes and outer flats of the reef, having fished them out. With the large areas and chomping away at more result that these weeds have of the Great than ten times the rate of other nothing to keep them in check Barrier Reef from weed-eaters such as parrot and and are thus taking over the cor- If the vegetation destruction. surgeon fish. However, the rabbit als. Thus the chances of surviving on a reef is a prob- In a study to be published in fish appeared to be most effec- and redeveloping again is little lem, the rabbit fish could the journal, Coral Reefs, Rebecca tive on clearing algae from reef next to nothing. be the answer Fox and David Bellwood of James crests, and were significantly less The 28 species of rabbit Cook University, shows that the effective in clearing the reef flats are found in shallow lagoons rabbit fish is an efficient herbiv- and slopes of macro algal growth. in the Indo-Pacific and eastern ore, capable of stripping an area The reasons for this preference Mediterranean. ■ Japan Plants Coral on Disputed Island Japan is mounting a US $7 mil- EU to prioritize fish over fisheries lion coral transplanting opera- tion in the Pacific to bolster its The fishing industry has lost out in Commission official said: “This will They were also concerned claim in a territorial dispute with a Brussels policy battle that now get fisheries out of its ghetto and China and cement Tokyo’s right seems certain to favour inter- make it more sensitive to sustaina- by DG Fish’s defence of the to exploit a wide expanse of ests of the marine environment ble development and ecosystem interests of the fishing indus- ocean. over the interests of fishermen. A management.” Over the next year, scientists major reorganisation of the fisher- The reorganisation is expected try over the interests of other intend to plant more than 50,000 ies directorate has come about to allow greater focus on the EU citizens, for example fast-growing Acropora coral because Commissioners were Mediterranean, where fish- fragments on Okinotorishima, WikiPedia embarrassed by the manage- ing for the bluefin tuna remains divers two uninhabited rocky outcrop- ment of the Common Fisheries out of control, and on control pings about 1,060 miles southwest of Tokyo, project officials say. Policy—which often doles out of illegal fishing by EU vessels in The aim is to protect the islets from further erosion and maintain fish quotas in defiance of scien- international waters. DG Fish’s Japan’s claim that they are bona fide islands and can be used tific advice. They were also con- existing directorates for external to map its exclusive economic zone in the Pacific. “We hope the cerned by DG Fish’s defence of policy and legal affairs will remain corals will grow larger and eventually preserve the islets and their the interests of the fishing industry unchanged. environment,” said Mayumi Tamura, of the Fisheries Agency. “We over the interests of other EU citi- Under the changes, it is intend- see corals as an important marine resource, not as a mere tool of zens, for example divers, anglers ed that fishermen would have to territorial claims.” and the renewable energy indus- be consulted more on the siting of de F ran C e .

In a sometimes heated dispute, China has challenged Japan’s try. wind farms in the North Sea, but ri S e claim, arguing the outcroppings are too small to be defined as José Manuel Barroso, the presi- environmental groups would have islands under international law, meaning the waters around them dent of the EU commission stated: to be consulted more on where are open to use by other nations. Tokyo uses the islet “as the basis “The new set-up highlights the a new network of marine reserves de S E ntre P of their claim for vast ocean areas, and it is not keeping with rec- Commission’s determination to would go. ■ SourCe: TelegraPH ognized international law,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a conduct an integrated and tailor- statement faxed to The Associated Press. ■ made maritime policy.” A senior José Manuel du M ou V ement Barroso, presi- dent of the EU offi C iel commission A lbum 8 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news

Edited by Peter Symes This newly discovered Osedax worm will be named in honor of a supporter of the Scripps Oceanographic Collections

Scripps Oceanography Invites Donors This newly to Name an Ocean Species discovered Several of the most important libraries Every year collections staff and nudibranch, of ocean specimens in the world are researchers discover new spe- housed in the housed at Scripps Institution of Oceanog- cies of marine creatures. Some Scripps Ocea- nographic Collections, is avail- raphy at UC San Diego. Known as the specimens set new records, such able to be named by a donor Scripps Oceanographic Collections, and as the stout infantfish S( chindleria referenced by scientists all over the world, brevipinguis), co-described by Scripps Currently, the Scripps Oceano- these holdings of biological and geologi- as the world’s smallest fish in 2004. graphic Collections hold several new cal marine specimens tell a unique and Traditionally, the person who first de- marine species that are available for evolving story of life on Earth, and pro- scribes a newfound plant or animal is naming. They include a rare hydrother- vide answers to questions about Earth’s entitled to name it, but now, Scripps is mal vent worm ($50,000), two types of future. inviting the public to share in the proc- worms found living on deep-sea whale In response to severe budget cuts to ess by naming select newly discovered bones ($25,000), an orange, speck- the collections over the past several species acquired by the institution. The led nudibranch ($15,000), and a spiny years, Scripps is introducing a novel way names can be selected by a donor for worm found in the kelp forests of La for donors to show their support for these themself or a friend or family member, Jolla cove( $10,000). Several fishes from valuable and irreplaceable science and and are then introduced in scientific pub- the Gulf of California as well as several teaching resources: by naming a newly lications that establishes the new species new species discovered in local La Jolla discovered marine species. name permanently. waters are also available to be named. ■ Sea Urchins help Us Ocean acidification seem to benefit some plankton Understand Diseases Although they are invertebrates, sea And infertility may be another problem Most life in the ocean will suffer as car- has been becoming 40 percent heavier, and urchins share a common ancestor with the sea urchin helps solve. No wonder— bon dioxide levels increase and the water more abundant, in more acidic waters. The humans sharing more genes with us than each urchin can produce 20 million becomes more acidic. Some plankton extra carbon dioxide aids photosynthesis, fruit flies and worms. In fact, we have eggs. This also means they can be repro- will buck the trend, however, thriving and while the more acidic waters increase the more than 7,000 of the same genes. duced for research faster than other ani- putting on weight as carbon dioxide levels concentration of bicarbonate. “Increased Indeed, there are several genes in mals. That means researchers can pro- rise. bicarbonate appears to stimulate an the sea urchin involving Alzheimer’s, duce large amount, practically unlimited Coccolithophores are single-celled increase in mass of calcium carbonate pro- Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy amount of material. ■ algae, phytoplankton, which are found duced by each coccolithophore cell,” says and many other cancer-related genes. in large numbers throughout the sur- Paul Halloran, from the University of Oxford. With a complete map of their urchin’s face euphotic zone of the ocean. The team’s result is not confined to the lab. DNA, scientists can better understand Sea urchins don’t have eyes, Coccolithophores have long been By studying fossil coccolithophores from a how genes work and hopefully unlock thought to respond to increased ocean deep ocean core, they found that there has the mysteries of these human diseases. ears or a nose, but they have

acidity, caused by increasing CO2 levels, been a 40 percent increase in average coc- Maybe someday doctors will know the genes humans have for by becoming less calcified. However, the colith mass over the last 220 years, mirroring exactly how to treat and even prevent vision, hearing and smelling. opposite happens. The species E. huxleyi the rise in carbon dioxide levels. ■ them.

9 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Why don’t we just train fish to catch themselves?

news At least that is what researchers The project began last summer using the specially trained fish could someday be www.underwater.com.au with the Researchers at the Marine 6,500 black sea bass, a stout, bottom- used to bolster the depleted black sea bass Biological Laboratory at Wood’s Hole in dwelling fish found between Florida and stock. Farmed fish might become better Massachusetts hope to Cape Cod that migrates south of New acclimated to the wild if they can be called achieve if fish can be “It sounds Jersey in the winter. The species grows back for food every few days. “Basically the taught to associate cer- up to three pounds and 20 inches long whole concept is: what if you can go out in tain sounds with feeding. crazy, but and has a thick, white flesh that can be the ocean and call only the fish you want They plan to put it’s real” filleted for broiling or cut into nuggets for into the net?” said Simon Miner. thousands of fish in a frying. The bigger goal is to defray the costs of fish dome-shaped structure at the bottom “It sounds crazy, but it’s real,” said farming, an increasingly important source of We could call them of Buzzards Bay and feed them pellets Simon Miner, a research assistant at the the world’s seafood. If fish can be trained to “Pavlov’s fish”. They after playing a tone underwater. After Marine Biological Laboratory at Wood’s return to the farmer after feeding in the open respond to a tone that they are released to supplement their Hole, which received a US $270,000 ocean for several days, farms could save signals feeding time, diet with natural forage, the hope is they grant for the project from money on feed and reduce the amount of will return to the dome for recapture. The the National Oceanic fish waste released in concentrat- not by salivating as process is called “acoustic ranching”. and Atmospheric ed areas. The key ques- the dogs in Pavlov’s If it works, the system could eventually Administration. tion for fish farmers: classical experiment, allow black sea bass to be released into Miner said How many fish will but by swimming the open ocean, where they would actually return, and dive in. grow to market size, then swim into how many will be lost to into a net essentially an underwater cage to be harvested predators or simply swim catching themselves. when they hear the signal. away? ■ explore. discover. Nuked coral reef has recovered well Scientists have found out that coral reefs recover surprisingly well 50 years after being bombed to smithereens with an nuclear weapon Fifty years after being blasted with atom impacts may have mitigated the overall bombs Bikini Atoll boast a diverse coral effect of disturbance at Bikini Atoll, with reef community and presents a convincing some patches surviving after each impact. example of resilience of coral biodiversity Corals living on deep exposed reefs on to “non-chronic disturbance events”, the Bikini Atoll may also have escaped some authors of a study recently published in of the direct impacts, and thus have the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin have played an integral role in mitigating the found. overall effect of the disturbance event. During their survey of Bikini Atoll the It is also likely that the extremely large researchers were able to find no less than and highly diverse neighbouring Rongelap 183 species of hard (scleractinian) corall. Atoll has contributed a significant propor- That compares to an astonishing 70 per- tion of new propagules to enable recovery cent of the coral species that were present of the Bikini coral community, as Bikini Atoll at surveys conducted prior to the nuclear lies downstream of the prevailing surface tests. current from Rongelap. A possible explanation for this remark- The authors conclude that “…in a twist able recovery is that modern Bikini Atoll of fate, the radioactive contamination of community may have been replenished northern Marshall Island Atolls has ena- The nuclear blast at Bikini Atoll in 1954. Between 1946 and 1958, the United States by self-seeding from brooded larvae from bled the recovery of the reefs of Bikini Atoll government detonated 23 nuclear devices (with a total yield of 76.3 megatons) surviving adults and survival of fragments to take place in the absence of further Tailgating the lone dugong, KAT, on Cocos (Keeling) Islands. on the reef, in the sea, in the air and underwater in the vicinity of Bikini Atoll. of branching corals. The patchy nature of anthropogenic pressure.■ Photographed by Karen Willshaw ~ underwater.com.au member

10 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Families of killed North Sea divers sue Norway

Relatives of British deep-sea divers killed in the North Sea during the boom years of oil exploration seek Antoine de compensation from the Norwegian Saint-Exupery as featured on a government, which is expected to French note run to millions of pounds.

In the early 1970’s, the North Sea was a watery Wild West. The North Sea oil rush of the 1970’s offered big rewards for high-risk work and claimed several lives. Now fami- Wartime author mystery solved lies of British workers who died in Norwegian waters want to understand what happened A former Luftwaffe fighter pilot may have ended the 64- to their loved ones. The families also hope to year-old mystery surrounding the death of a French writer join a class action lawsuit against the gov- ernment by 24 former divers who claim that and aviator. The author of The Little Prince disappeared dur- they were treated ing a wartime aerial reconnaissance mission in July 1944. A disproportionate as “human guinea- pigs” and sent to His disappearance became one told the BBC News website that number of British extreme and danger- of the most enduring mysteries he made 1,200 phone calls to divers perished in ous depths. Tempted in post-war France. Eventually, former Luftwaffe pilots and their Norwegian hands by the high rewards a bracelet belonging to him families in search of the man who —some would say washed up in a fishing net off shot down the French writer. because safety greed—hundreds Marseille in 2004, wreckage from Finally, he was told about a was routinely and of British deep-sea his plane was found off the coast man who had a clear memory divers took part in of Marseilles by French diver Luc of the events of 31 July 1944, the knowingly com- the exploration of the Vanrell, but there was no indica- date Antoine de Saint-Exupery promised in the North Sea oil fields in tion of how he died. disappeared. “I presented myself British and Norwegian Now former German pilot as doing research and he said: interests of profits. territorial waters. Horst Rippert says he fears he ‘You can stop researching now According to a may have shot down the author because I shot down Saint- 1975 article in the Times, a North Sea deep- • Meet underwater pioneer Neville Coleman —though he cannot be sure. Exupery’.” Lino von Gartzen said sea diver could earn as much as GB£2,000 • Attend a photo clinic with Matthieu Meur • Underwater photo & video shootout competition The former Messerschmitt pilot it came as a big shock: “I never a month—the equivalent of GB£14,000 (USD with over $20,000 in prizes describes spotting a twin-tailed thought I would find who shot him 28,000) today. But according to retired • Marine Visions art competition & exhibition Lightning P-38 plane flying below down. I was quiet for some min- divers on both sides of the North Sea, a dis- • Olympus underwater camera try-outs him. He went in pursuit and shot utes as this was too much for me”. proportionate number of British divers per- • Introduction to SCUBA - Snorkel tours • Dolphin kayaking - Guided seabird walks him down. “I didn’t see the pilot “He feels guilty and very, very ished in Norwegian hands because safety • Marine wildlife and underwater photography and even so, it would have been sorry about it. He was very scared was routinely and knowingly compromised presentations impossible for me to know that it that the cheap press would mas- in the interests of profits. • Festival Finale featuring the Underwater Village • Kids events including the Byron ArtiFishal Reef Project was Saint-Exupery. I hoped and I sacre him.” Mr. Rippert describes The Norwegian governments response For more info and booking go to still hope it wasn’t him,” he said. being a fan of de Saint-Exupery’s is clear: “The Norwegian government has BYRON BAY, 30 APRIL – 4 MAY 2008 www.underwaterfestival.com.au After his finds Mr. Vanrell set to work. “In our youth, at school, we taken responsibility for the pioneer divers work with Lino von Gartzen of the had all read him. We loved his at a moral and political basis, but has not Bavarian Society for Underwater books,” he said. ■ SourCe: BBC acknowledged any legal responsibilities for Archaeology. Mr. von Gartzen the damage that has been inflicted upon the pioneer divers.” ■

11 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED New Record: World’s Longest Watson DeVore takes helm at SSI Open Salt Water Dive Watson DeVore is the new National Director of news Education at Scuba Schools International (SSI). He brings Will Goodman of Borehamwood, UK, has set a new a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to the world record for the longest open salt water scuba dive position. at a location off the coast of Gili Trawangan, Lombok, After a careful review of numerous candidates for the Indonesia. He broke his previous world record of 24 hours job, SSI chose DeVore because his experience in sales and 3 minutes set in 2005. The 31-year-old diver’s goal for and diver education matched the goals the organi- his last attempt was 100 hours, but he reached a respect- zation has set for their Dive Leader Training Program. able 33.5 hours at a depth of 12 meters, which won him a DeVore’s primary goal will be raising the numbers of SSI Wyland coral reef mural place in the Guiness Book of World Records. Challenges Dive Leaders to serve the US and resort markets, which of the dive included loss of oxygen pressure, skin loss and currently have high levels of demand. DeVore said, to decorate hospital cold, the last of which forced him to the surface in the “I am looking forward to the new direction of SSI and end. being able to stream line many of the old processes to This year is the International Year of the With no contact with the surface, the dive was made better serve our dealers and dive leaders.” Reef. In celebration, environmental organi- using a combination of open circuit and rebreather sys- Active in the SSI/NASDS organization for over ten zations have invited environmental artist tems. Support teams for this dive included divers from years, DeVore has been an SSI Business Consultant for Robert Wyland to paint a mural of a coral dive shops on the islands as well as experienced interna- the Midwest region since 2001. Prior to his work with SSI, reef on the exterior wall of a local hospital. tional divers. Equipment and surface logistics were organ- DeVore owned and operated a successful dive store An informational meeting hosted by ized by Blue Marlin and Trawangan Dive supported by and hydrostatic testing facility for 12 years in Oregon, Marianis Dive was held in April to provide members of the Trawangan-based Gili Eco Trust. USA. Fresh out of college, DeVore became an instruc- more information regarding the project. The event was aimed at raising funds and awareness tor in 1990 and later became an Instructor Certifier

MINA sponsored Wyland’s visit to the event. for children’s charities in Indonesia that help parents— and Master Instructor for First Aid/CPR, O2, AED, and earning an average of US$25 per week on the smaller Bloodborne Pathogens. In 2002, DeVore received the islands—who struggle to provide education and clothing Platinum Pro 5000 Diver award. for their children. In the past, DeVore was a field technician with A professional in the technical diving industry, Ingersol-Rand where he serviced compressors. A Goodman is an advanced Trimix Instructor and cur- new father and enthusiastic underwater photog- rently works for Blue Marlin Dive on Gili Trawangan as a rapher and videographer, DeVore has an acute Vatican adds degrading technical instructor. He also manages Trawangan Dive’s understanding of the mechanical aspect of live-aboard charter trip to the Komodo islands and dive business and enjoys the daily hands-on environment to list of sins Balikpapan Wreck Safari. ■ operations of the occupation. ■ SOURCE: SSi This year, there are more sins to worry about including degrading the environ- New Record: ment, according to the Vatican, which upgraded its list of sins with seven new World’s Longest ones. Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary—the body of Underwater the Vatican that oversees confessions and

F oundation plenary indulgences—told the Vatican’s Painting newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano: “You In April, Singapore and Malaysia in the Malaysia offend God not only by stealing, blas- W yland

broke the record for the world’s Book of Records. Lumpur GPS pheming or coveting your neighbour’s Artist Robert Wyland longest underwater painting. On a Malaysian artists who took according wife, but also by ruining the environment, 56.4-meter long canvas, members part included the country’s to Haned Masjak, carrying out morally debatable scientific Wyland is well-known for painting marine of Coral Malaysia, the National Arts first underwater painter, Ajis Director of Exhibition experiments, or allowing genetic manipu- life in life size murals. His murals are dis- Gallery and Pelukis Aneka Daya Mohamad, Fauzan Omar, Young Jefri and Services, who lations which alter DNA or compromise played in 12 countries and viewed by Singapura (APAD) carried out their and Fauziah Latif—the ambassador of told Bernama: “We embryos.” Additional new sins joining old approximately one billion people per year, record-breaking feat, which took 44 Coral Malaysia and one of Malaysia’s look forward to exhibit the painting in sins such as greed, sloth, and envy include writes the artist on his website. Wyland’s artists and divers three dives to com- most popular singers. From Singapore other public places to educate the paedophilia, abortion, taking or dealing work has been recognized by the United plete at a depth of 12 meters off Air were artists Suhaimi Sukiyar, Rosman public on the marine ecosystem. We drugs and excessive accumulation of rich- Nations, the Underwater Academy of the Batang Beach. The event took place Shahid, Victor Goh and Dominique also hope to make this collaboration es by a few. ■ Arts and Sciences and the Sierra Club. ■ to commemorate World Earth Day Chin. The painting will be on display with Coral Malaysia an annual event.” and won the participants a place at the National Arts Gallery in Kuala ■ SOURCE: BERNAMA.COM

12 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Modern meets old, Meet Kevin Europe meets Asia, tall Deacon, meets low—everything Seacam’s blends in Singapore new regional representative

Show review ADEX is back in Singapore Text and photos by Peter Symes

It was not without some trepida- The return to Singapore and a and it is truly the point where Asia from many of the international an admittance fee—attendance tion with which I attended this change of organiser could only and Europe meet and mix, blend- hotels or by a short metro or taxi turned out to be pretty good. year’s ADEX. Last year’s instal- mean a change for the better. ing almost seamlessly. The city is ride. Despite the lack of a high Friday was predictably on the ment held in Bangkok was—let And indeed it was. The city-state always exciting to visit. profile photo competition, com- slow side during usual work- us call a spade a spade—pretty of Singapore is much smaller than pelling presentations or famous ing hours enabling the attend- disasterous. There, the choice Bangkok and its surroundings, ADEX was held once agian at speakers to lure in the crowds— ing businesses to flesh out deals of a new but remotely located but as an international hub and the conveniently located Suntec a point I recommend the new with one another, but Saturday venue was a bad mistake, and gateway it stands far above. It is exposition and business complex, management look into for future and Sunday, the general audi- the attendance was miserable. vibrant, colourful and intense— which can be reached by foot shows, especially as there was ence flooded the floors, and it

Saturday and Sunday were busy in the expo- sition halls of the Suntec complex

13 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Joe Moreira and Michael Wallentin, manager of Kon- Emily Chan from tiki in Thailand, seems happy being Ocean Geographic awarded the Project Aware Marine ADEX Singapore Environmental Award

The future tance have definitively changed new items and products there. Korean After years of alternatng between for the better. While it is certainly S-Sun and Taiwanese Wookang Tech, both Bangkok and Singapore, ADEX a positive development that the lamp manufacturers, were new to me. I will now stay put in Singapore recreational diving industry seems also made my first acquaintance with Red until further notice. A wise choice to be growing in the region, the Army Watches showcasing the Nauticfish in my humble opinion. Asia Dive market for dive expos has cer- line of massive diving time pieces. Expo used to be the Asian dive tainly become far more crowded. Poseidon of Sweden displayed one of the show, an institution that once The audiences are certainly there, first production models of their Discovery pretty much covered the whole but it is clear that the international recreational rebreather, which has under- region. However, as the later exhibitors now have some tough gone further improvements since we pre- years have seen how national choices to make and the show sented the early pre-production models dive shows shoot up and establish organisers have a new challenge last fall. Fellow Swedes from Waterproof, themselves in Thailand, Malaysia, to stay in front of the lot. It will be the suit manufacturer and UK-based Delta Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan interesting to see how it all unfolds P was also there to offer their wares to an and China, the roles and impor- in the upcoming years. ■ inquisitive audience. On the travel side of matters a string of new or upgraded resorts competed to woo the holiday mak- ers. Most notably, it seems that the fabled Sangalaki (off the eastern coast of Borneo) got pretty busy. ADEX is not known as the is back on offer after a prolonged period venue where new equipment is present- of uncertainly or lack of operators. Now ed—that honour mostly falls on DEMA in both Odyssea Divers and Rainbow Divers the USA—but I saw quite a good deal of are putting it back on the map.

LEFT: Joaquin Krass of Minahasa Lagoon ABOVE: “Headlamps“ resort with Cassandra Dragon who is also from Taiwanese S-Sun is a ADEX’s marketing manager good example of prod- ucts or brands not seen on display on European or US dive shows FAR LEFT: DEMA’s president Tom Imgram gave a refreshingly blunt and direct opening talk about ocean awareness, the responsibilities of the diving industry and each one of us

14 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Training US Navy diving manual gets major overhaul IAHD Scandinavia The US Navy has just released sweeping of the Navy’s salvage and diving sector. bulletin revisions to its Dive Manual, a set of pro- “It includes many updates that make cedures, diving equipment and safety things more efficient for the Navy and Pro Training couses Edited by guidelines used widely by military and more efficient to the taxpayer,” Gray 10-11 may 2008 and 04-05 october 2008 Peter Symes commercial divers. The changes, which said. Commercial divers who have long the service said are the most significant used the Navy’s Dive Manual and its dive in 52 years, aim to make diving safer and tables as a base for their own guide- more efficient for those who work under- lines, will take a close look at the new Pro Trainer PADI X water. Driven by decades of research manual to update their own operations. Training manager and advances in technology, the Navy’s “Typically, commercial diving almost This year will see the first new guidelines will allow divers to spend mirrors what the Navy does, so we pay OWD Instructor stage of an exciting new more time underwater and decompress attention any time there’s a change,” program that will eventually more safely and with fewer complica- says a Portsmouth-based commercial spread to many US universi- tions, said Capt. John G. Gray, supervisor diving company. ■ SourCe: dailyPreSS.Com Nitrox 36% Instructor ties. PADI Americas’s new Assistant Instuctor PADI X campaign is aimed at providing scuba diving intern- NAUI offers Divemaster ships to college students New Emergency Oxygen sporty new cards across the United States. The new program allows students Provider Specialty course to complete internships with local dive businesses The Professional Association www.iahd.org learning not only to dive, of Diving Instructors (PADI) is but also the business of launching a new Emergency diving. Oxygen Provider Specialty Students gain valuable course with the goal of real world experience improving diver accident NAUI Worldwide has and become PADI X rep- preparedness by teaching always had the reputa- resentatives, marketing how and when to give tion of offering the most diving to their classmates oxygen to an injured attractive certification as part of their training. diver and the recogni- cards. With the goal to equip stores and instructors with the This means that it’s a real tion of dive illnesses tools and options for success, divers can now choose a card win-win situation for the treatable by emergency that have very stunning certification and recognition card students who can gain oxygen. images. The new Limited Edition Certification Card images credit for something that Drew Richardson, President include: Clownfish, Shark, Nudibranch, Dive Site, and Sunset. feels more like fun than and Chief Operating Officer, These incredible images were submitted by participants of your average course PADI Worldwide says. “Only the 2007 Just Dive Photo Contest. Among the new cards is and for the diving industry 50 percent of all injured divers the much anticipated Team Scuba Card. This card is only who benefit by creating new receive emergency oxygen in available to official NAUI Team Scuba Enrollees. NAUI is also For further info email interest in diving in the key www.lareSCue.Com the field. This new specialty course introducing new First Aid certification card options in two fl[email protected] 18-24 demographic. will improve the percentage of injured categories. The “First Aid” card and the “First Aid for Dive The program will be offered divers receiving appropriate and effective emer- Professionals” card. For divers Phone +45 3880 9290 widely in the future, but will gency oxygen treatment.” Though suited for with an appreciation for his- Cell +45 4050 8585 begin this year at the follow- divers, the new course has no prerequisites and tory, they are now offered ing universities: doesn’t include dives, which means it is equally the Classic Card. which is a applicable to those who are around divers— replica of the first NAUI certi- Indiana University boat crew, non-diving buddies, lifeguards, and fication card. This card is also University of Central Florida shore staff. No previous CPR or first aid training is available as a Limited Edition Arizona State University required to take the course. ■ SourCe: DiVeNewSWire certification card. ■ University of Oregon SourCe: www.nauiww.org University of San Diego ■ WWW.2DIVE.DK

SourCe: About.Com 15 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Want to be better and safer rebreather diver? What does DIR mean anyway?

DIR, “Doing It Right”, is a holistic approach to scuba diving originally developed by mem- bers of the Woodville Karst Plain Project, who also gained fame for their explorations of the extensive underwater cave systems in Florida and elsewhere. One of the tenets of the DIR approach is to improve safety by standardizing equipment configuration and procedures for preventing What is DIRrebreather? The and dealing with emergencies, in particular Since its implementation a few DIRrebreather handling out-of-air scenarios. This is achieved years ago, the Doing It Right (DIR) team is made of by placing emphasis on fundamental skills, philosophy has gained in popu- experienced and teamwork, environmental awareness, and larity not only in the cave diving active rebreather the use of highly optimized and streamlined, community and amongst techni- explorers and yet simple and versatile, equipment configu- cal divers, but it has also spread instructors who ration. DIR is often perceived as being an to the recreational diving com- share the equipment system, but it also encompasses munity across the world. ferent for each diver a general philosophy or attitude of how to Until recently, it was only same even within the same approach scuba diving including aspects of open circuit scuba divers goal: imple- team? diving procedures and techniques as well as and a handful of semi- menting the DIR We strongly believe diver fitness and preparedness. closed circuit rebreather Philosophy into that with proper train- DIR has often been the source of heated divers who could apply rebreather diving. ing, thorough planning, debates in the diving community. Many feel these good principles But why use DIR team procedures, equip- that the name itself “Doing it Right” implies to their equipment with a rebreather? ment selection and adap- standardization. Based on some Standardization that if they are not utilizing DIR, then they configuration and Well, ask yourself tation, the rebreather diver extensive cave and wreck explo- are “doing it wrong”. One of the rules of DIR dive procedures. In this the following: How can also be a DIR diver. rations, and physiological studies, should make for diving is to not dive with anyone with a poor context Closed-Circuit many times Standardization should make we try to adapt the most current simpler and safer or unsafe attitude, sometimes referred to by Rebreather divers have have you seen for simpler and safer dives, thoughts in decompression into dives overly enthusiastic DIR proponents with the been the black sheep of rebreather avoid confusion and improve rebreather diving. derogatory term “strokes”, which has been the family, as their units were divers with team work and communication, We also have the goal to help perceived by others as an antagonizing elitist dangerous and their procedures poor div- especially when problems occur. rebreather divers to improve their attitude. dodgy. ing skills, personal skills and techniques DIRrebreather While many people see the advantages of However, almost clandestinely, bad propul- Why another through articles, DVDs, manuals is not a training the DIR philosophy others have in particular some CCR divers and Instructors sion techniques and inefficient Training Agency? and specific workshops. To that challenged the requirement that divers must decided to found what is now buoyancy control? How many DIRrebreather is not a training end, we have set up a forum agency. go all-DIR and cannot use other equipment. called DIRrebreather and to set times have you seen rebreather agency. We don’t sell certifica- to discuss how to improve the Proponents counter that the whole point of up logical and simple rules, so we divers with gear configurations tion cards. We inform rebreather standards and the equipment. standardisation is to allow DIR divers to very could apply the DIR principles to that could easily be improved? divers about what we do and We also have a newsletter easily dive with alternative buddies, swap CCR diving. We just dreamt about How many times did you observe how we do it. All DIRrebreather to keep our members informed damaged equipment and have less equip- bringing together the best of both rebreather divers following com- members and instructors work about current expeditions and ment stress. Those who disagree argue that worlds! plex procedures that were dif- on CCR gear and procedures how to participate. We set up the lack of choice and customization means being forced to use equipment that might not be optimal for some environments. These days DIR diving is less controversial 10 Q & A’s About and many of the ideas suggested by DIR have become mainstream and adopted by various other training agencies. ■

By Cedric Verdier DIR Rebreather Chairman, DIRrebreather 16 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED “It also makes the transition from open circuit to closed circuit rebreathers, or the integration of CCR divers in a team of OC divers easier.”

gear as well as your own. It also makes the transition from open circuit to closed circuit rebreathers, or the integration of CCR divers in a team of OC divers easier. Are you affiliated with a diving equipment manufacturer? Not at all. We don’t work exclusively with any rebreather manufacturer. As a mat- ter of fact, a lot of the rebreathers on the market can be adapted (more or less easily) to the DIR configuration. Some pieces of equipment are more adapt- able than others, and some others are not adapted at all. The principles apply to any piece of equipment, from the fins to the rebreather. What are the standards regard- ing procedures? Effective dive planning means reducing the variables. The most important part of workshops and seminars to educate from the experience of members of the ferent techniques and procedures, and workshops, buy some goodies and get that is the equipment, mixes and proce- already certified rebreather divers. WKPP or other DIR-related projects in adapting the skills to most of the com- some discount on specific products. dures. When divers use standard equip- Mexico, Europe, etc. mercially available rebreathers. Some of ment and mixes, and follow the same What about the name? Unfortunately, such an opportunity our members are extremely experienced What are the standards regard- procedures (deco tables, emergency DIRrebreather is exactly what it means: has not been possible for CCR divers. instructors who teach rebreathers diving ing the equipment? procedures, etc), they become team DIR diving with a rebreather. Some Consequently, we are not in competition on a daily basis, encountering all kind of Most of the ideas are a direct applica- members who actually add to each people already found the name a bit with GUE. As a matter of fact, some of problems, including stupid procedures tion of the Hogarthian configuration *). other’s safety. Remember that having provocative. It is as some people don’t the DIRrebreather team members have and poor techniques. We just try to They have just been adapted to CCR the right equipment won’t make anyone see the irony if combining of DIR and also done GUE courses for OC or SCR change that, but it’s a big job. diving in a formal way. We expect the a great diver unless they also apply the rebreathers! divers. From our viewpoint, we just adapt So, only people who are really moti- equipment to be safe, simple, logical, right procedures in the right team and We could have chosen to name it the techniques and the concept to CCRs vated to improve the way they dive a robust and streamlined. We also need a have the right skills and experience in the “Association for the Promotion of Safe and develop procedures specifically for rebreather become members. And we rig that is adaptable and modular. But water. Rebreather Practices in the DIR Way”. Closed Circuits. don’t waste time to convince the others. more importantly, we want to use a con- So, we set up standards on normal div- But how clumsy and unsexy does that If I could learn techniques that make sistent system within the team. It gives us ing procedures (separated in three differ- sound? If I could learn techniques that my dives safer and more efficient, I the ability to interchange/swap equip- ent parts depending on when they are make my dives safer and more would not hesitate to spend the equiva- ment. followed: before, during or after the dive) Are DIRrebreather and GUE*) lent of the price of a taxi ride in London For instance, having the same fitting and about Emergency Procedures. All related? efficient, I would not hesitate or a standard hotel room in Manhattan. on all your low pressure hoses allows you these procedures are extensively taught No. DIR is not a trademark or a diving to spend the equivalent of the That’s the price of our membership. For to deal with an empty tank or to help group. It’s a mindset. Many people want the same membership fees, I can also another diver in case of emergency. In KEY: *) The Hogarthian configuration is to dive DIR worldwide. They try to learn price of a taxi ride in London participate in expeditions, seminars and case of emergency, if everyone uses named after Bill ‘Hogarth’ Main where two new techniques and improve their equip- similar equipment, you will know their sets of regulators are connected to both ment through articles, discussions with In case of emergency, if valves of a twin-set’s manifold. It is based friends or on Internet forums. Why become a member? on cutting equipment to a minimum everyone uses similar equip- More important, we streamlined configuration that neverthe- The most efficient way to become a DIRrebreather is a private group. Most ment, you will know their want to use a consistent less includes sufficient redundancy for DIR diver is obviously to participate in of our members have spent a lot of time extended decompression dives a GUE-sanctioned course. They benefit discussing the standards, trying out dif- gear as well as your own system within the team.

17 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED ards that can be help any rebreather diver acquire the anywhere else. This workshop usually lasts applied in any kind skills and knowledge required to safely two days. of diving environ- dive according to DIRrebreather diving Check out the ment. Now we procedures and standards. Overhead Environment workshop DIRebreather have members Wrecks and Caves are very specific books by in Asia, Australia, Fundamentals workshop environments. Even if divers have been Cedric Scandinavian All the basics that rebreather courses trained to safely do these types of Verdier countries, Europe don’t teach: how to properly con- dives on Open Circuit, it doesn’t and the US. It will figure a streamlined and easy to use mean they are able to do that help us to fully rebreather, how to work on your trim and on a rebreather. This workshop understand all the buoyancy control, how to improve your is designed to give them all the diving practices environmental and team awareness, specific techniques for safe team and how to adapt etc. This workshop normally lasts at least rebreather diving in wrecks or our procedures. three days and is open to any certified caves. This workshop usually lasts rebreather diver. three and a half days depend- What are the ing on the environment where it’s DIRrebreather Expedition / Mixed-Gas workshop been taught. workshops? Fine-tuning the skills and team/individual To better train the participants, Training is definitely procedures for safe decompression, and all these workshops have a com- one of the most giving the tools to participate in expedi- panion workbook and some slide important aspects tions in remote locations are the goal of presentations. We are also work- of what we do. this workshop. It’s very intensive and only ing on videos and DVDs DIRrebreather is for experienced rebreather divers who here to help all the have already successfully completed the What is a DIRrebreather- in the DIRrebreather Fundamentals work- rebreather divers to improve their skills, DIRrebreather Fundamentals workshop sponsored expedition? shops, discussed in details on our forum techniques, knowledge and equipment. and who have an in-depth knowledge A DIRrebreather-sponsored expe- and applied during expeditions. DIRrebreather Instructors propose highly of their rebreather. This workshop normal- dition is simply a project launched (electronics,

Local groups of rebreather divers specialized workshops to rebreather ly lasts three to four days. by some of our members in which other O2 sensors, (in Australia, in the UK, etc) have also divers around the world. These workshops members can also participate. They etc) was successfully set up some standards for are focused mainly on areas specific to DPV / Scooter workshop know that we will all follow the same pro- simply not their exploration. We try to have stand- rebreather diving, and their goal is to Depending on the participant’s previous cedures to make the exploration, either available. experience and qualifica- in caves or wrecks, as safe as possible. So it is not tions, this very specialized In 2008 for example, we have wreck surprising that workshop teaches all the expeditions in Cyprus, Lebanon, Spain, closed-circuit necessary skills to prop- Malaysia and Norway. We also have rebreathers erly use a Diver Propulsion some deep cave expeditions in Greece might be con- Vehicle (scooter) for Team and Thailand. sidered unsafe cave, wreck or reef div- and unreli- ing with a rebreather. This Does it work? able. However, workshop usually lasts one • How to safely dive with a rebreather? recent diving or two days. • Could we be a DIR diver and a explorations rebreather diver at the same time? have been safe- ly achieved using Rescue worshop • How to improve CCR diving tech- the basic concept designed and tested No one can expect to be niques? by the DIRrebreather Team. Impressive an efficient team mem- • How to effectively mix rebreather shallow and deep cave diving surveys ber without having the divers and open circuit divers in the and deep wreck explorations were proper training in case of same team? based on these guidelines. emergency. This unique workshop is directly aimed Rebreather divers ask these questions So yes, it works! at the rebreather divers every day, all over the world, in virtu- who wish to learn all the ally all kind of environments. Even if the For any in-depth question, don’t advanced techniques for rebreather principle is quite old, proper hesitate to contact DIRrebreather at self-assistance, assistance units were not commercially available [email protected] and visit us at and rescue you can’t find until the last few years. The technology www.DIRrebreather.com ■

18 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED of their certification at Walter fidence building, part adventure news Reed and needed to complete for these wounded warriors.” the required open-water dives That adventure, as far as Cuba before they could be certified. goes, could not have been real- Edited by What better place to do it than in ized without the coordination Peter Symes Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? between all the organizations “It’s been awesome seeing involved. “When the JTF got all of the sea life and beauti- involved, things took off,” said ful beaches,” says Josh Bleill, a Thompson. “They took the bull by double-leg amputee Marine the horns and made it happen.” injured while serving in Fallujah. “I While coordination from the plan on coming back.” While he JTF and other organizations was was here, he said he enjoyed the vital to the trip, it was dona- diving immensely, and it was an tions through Wounded Warriors, incredible experience. Describing Disabled Sports USA and SUDS that first open-water dive, “It hit that helped pay for expenses every nerve in my body when I like airfare and lodging. Thanks Guantanamo Hosts Wounded entered the water. It was a feel- to donations, charitable organi- ing I’ve never had before,” he zations and volunteers, this trip said. And that is what SUDS is try- turned out to be a memorable Warriors for SCUBA Program ing to achieve. experience. Although this was “It’s the most rewarding project only the first group of divers to I have ever been involved in,” travel to get their certification, Thompson said, calling water the everyone hopes this will be con- great equalizer. “Many things are tinued, so we can try to give back just easier to do in the water with to those who have sacrificed so these types of injuries,” he added. much. ■ “It’s part rehabilitation, part con-

SUDSText by CPT Kevin Cowan Medical Center. According to SUDS Photos couresty of SUDS founder John Thompson, “SUDS is designed to help improve the lives of In February, the base injured soldiers. By training the soldiers at Guantanamo Bay, in a challenging and rewarding activ- ity, it can help facilitate the rehabilita- Cuba, hosted six wound- tion process and promote mobility.” ed service members, all Although these divers have some amputees, helping them physical limitations, they had the complete their dive cer- same issues that most beginning divers have. But they all seemed to tification as part of the have that initial interest in diving. Nick Soldiers Undertaking Paupore, a Soldier injured while serv- Disabled Scuba program. ing in Kirkuk, was always interested in diving. Now, because of his injury and SUDS, in coordination with the these programs, he is now able to Wounded Warriors program, enjoy it. Ocean Enterprises, the Reef “I had problems with clearing and Raiders Dive Club and Joint Task removing my mask and clearing my Force Guantanamo, coordinated ears,” said Paupore. “But SUDS under- the efforts to bring the divers to stands disabilities and has patience. Cuba. The divers, two Marines and They work with you until you get it four Soldiers, got involved in the [right].” SUDS program at the Walter Reed The divers completed the first part

19 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news

Edited by Peter Symes

Underwater Habitat Being Constructed In Germany On April 26 an underwater habitat will be placed in the deep old stone quarry at Diving School Buder in Wildschütz, Germany. Sponsored by renowned German suit the utmost precision. there is an old ammunition depot, a manufacturer Aquata, the underwa- The total of three segments will be block house and a telephone switch- ter stations will, first of all, allow com- placed at respectively three, six and board, which was connected to the mercial divers to test their equipment nine meters enabling them to act as old pump house now found at a under realistic scenarious. The new decompression stations for dives up to depth of 74 meters. facility will also be opened to recrea- 74 meters. The underwater station will The project is the brainchild of tional divers, who can rent dry suits on be supplied with fresh air and energy Aquata’s CEO, Dr Wolfgang Dressler location. from a land operated basic station, and Mr Volker Buder who have been The heaviest segment of what is which remains connected to the habi- working on the restoration of the probably going to be the only habitat tat via a permanent video and voice underwater station for over ten years. of its kind in Europe weighs in at five link. It was built by the old East German tonnes. The placements of the the two The quarry at Wildschütz is Regime out of old disused cement first units to go down—the RI and RIII renowned for its good visibility, which tanks and used for 25 years. ■ is a delicate operation which requires can reach 25 meters. On the bottom,

20 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The APS consists of one or more naval vessels providing news a persistent pres- ence in the Gulf of Guinea and Western Edited by Africa, led by a multi-national staff. Peter Symes The current staff is made up of offic- ers from Cameroon, France, Germany, Ghana, Portugal, the UK and the US, embarked on the USS Fort McHenry LSD-43. High Speed Vessel Swift (above) is the other current APS ship

Western Naval Leaders Seeks to Expand African Sea Police Western and African naval leaders have met in Dakar to expand a multi-national programme to protect and APS activities consist of police Africa’s coast and maritime resources. joint exercise, port visits, professional training and The Africa Partnership Station training teams. We want to inter- community outreach with (APS) was set up by the United nationalise this initiative,” said States in November 2007 to bring Admiral Anthony Kurta, head of the nations of West and the latest training and techniques politics, resources and strategy for Central Africa. The focus to maritime professionals in west American naval forces in Europe. and central African countries, to To date, it has brought 13 coun- is on building maritime address common threats of illegal tries into the maritime alliance. capacity of the nations in fishing, smuggling and human traf- Those in Africa are Cameroon, ficking. Topping the list of prob- Gabon, Ghana, Equatorial the region and increasing lems affecting west and central Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal the level of cooperation African countries on the Atlantic and the state of Sao Tome and and Gulf of Guinea coasts is illegal Principe islands, while Germany, between them to improve fishing, which, according to some Denmark, Spain, France and maritime safety and secu- estimates costs the local econo- Portugal are participating from mies over a billion dollars (650 mil- Europe. rity and to address com- lion euros) each year. Kurta also expressed hopes of mon threats such as “We are trying to get more extending the initiative to Africa’s illegal fishing European allies involved in APS, eastern seaboard on the Indian in its staff, by providing ships or Ocean. ■

21 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Bingo. The sonar image that unev- wreck ocably establised the location of rap the HMAS Sydney

The HMAS Sydney trag- In Australia, it has since been a edy was Australia’s largest controversy as to how a con- verted freighter could sink a loss of life in a naval bat- well-armed battle ship in the tle, with all the crew of 645 midst of war. In 1941, HMAS following the ship to the Sydney II was the pride of the By Arnold Weisz bottom of the sea. On 16 Royal Australian Navy fleet. Af- ter engagements in the Medi- March 2008, it was finally terranean during 1940 when confirmed that the wreck she famously sank the Italian of the Sydney was found. battle Bartolomeo Colle- Many had hoped that this oni, HMAS Sydney returned to Australian waters. In late 1941, would shed some light she was carrying out troop ship on the controversy that escort duties between Australia has surrounded the loss of and south east Asia. On 19 HMAS Sydney since it went November 1941, after handing over escort of the troop ship HMAS Sydney was en route back The battle down in 1941. Zealandia in the Sunda Strait, to port in Fremantle, Western On 19 November 1941, the More than six Australia. The German raider, HSK German auxiliary cruiser HSK decades after Kormoran, which was first located Kormoran was detected by the the war, closure on 12 March 2008 approximately Australian HMAS Sydney. In open was finally found 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, ocean southwest of Carnarvon, , lies in 2,560 me- HMAS Sydney spotted an uni- tres of water. Four days later the dentified merchant vessel and HMAS Sydney was found under closed requesting identification. 2,470 metres of water, approxi- Unaware that the HSK Kormoran mately 12 nautical miles from the was armed, the HMAS Sydney Found at Last Kormoran. came close-up to the German Finding the Australian and German WW II wrecks raises old questions ship, which opened fire from very close range, possibly less than 1,000 metres. HSK Kormoran had substantial concealed armament, including six 150 mm (5.9 in) guns and torpedo tubes. According to the crew of HSK Kormoran, the

22 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED wreck rap

Before (above) and after (left)—the forward gun turret

be speculation was that a Japanese submarine was involved. But none of the many theories have been proved. In 1997, a joint standing committee held a parliamentary inquiry into the circumstances surrounding HMAS Sydney was hit 50 times by Kormoran was so heavily dam- battle, the exact reason why the sinking of Sydney. The enquiry the raider’s 150 mm (5.9 in) heavy aged in this battle that it had to HMAS Sydney sank is unknown. was the largest in Australia’s his- guns in addition to further hits with be abandoned and blown up. The recent finding of the two tory, receiving submissions from smaller guns. Even though the Whilst the HMAS Sydney was lost wrecks is raising hopes of getting hundreds of parties. Australians answered the fire from with all hands (645 young men), some answers. Theodor Detmers, The Australian Government the German ship almost immedi- 317 of the German were rescued. the commanding officer of HSK hopes that the discovery of HMAS atly, their capability was reduced At least 20 of HSK Kormoran’s Kormoran returned to Germany Sydney brings some closure to as the HMAS Sydney’s gunnery crew died onboard, and a fur- in 1947, and was released from the families of the 645 Australian direction tower was one of the ther 40 men lost their lives when British captivity in Munster. He Defence Force personnel who first things the German hit. HSK their lifeboat capsized. The 320 lived the last three decades of his lost their lives bravely in this naval Kormoran, which suffered from Germans were later rescued by life with his nephew in Hamburg- action in World War II, said Kevin engine problems already before merchant ships. Rahlstedt and died there in Rudd Australia’s prime minister. the battle started, took hits in the The fate of the two or three 1976. He wrote a book about his Even with the remains of both engine room and funnel. HMAS Chinese prisoners of war on board Kormoran experiences, which was ships involved in the battle on 19 Sydney received further fire and is uncertain. Different sources published in 1959. November 1941 being found, and left the battle scene. Some time state that they were survivers or the families of the lost receiving later the Germans had to aban- were lost in the battle. Speculations some closure, the debate over done their ship. Explosive charges Nearly all of the Germans spent The speculations into what hap- what happened will continiue. were placed, and the surviving the rest of the war in POW Camps pened to the most famous ship in crew took to the boats. in Victoria, Australia, from which Australian history began almost Australian governments they were not released until immediately after the sinking. The sponsors search All hands lost January 1947. fate of the Sydney has fascinated Searches for the wrecks of the The HMAS Sydney was badly The only eyewitness accounts Australia and has been the sub- two ships have been ongoing damaged and on fire when it of the battle are from the crew ject of a range of television pro- for a long time, both as histori- was last seen by the German ship of HSK Kormoran, and as the two grams, articles and books. cal research projects and, with and sunk after the battle. The HSK ships were separated after the Some of the theories sparked increasing capability to detect

23 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED New Convention on Wrecks

wreck Estonia has become the first Secretary General of the IMO, country to sign, subject to ratifi- Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, wel- rap cation, the Nairobi International comed the signature by Estonia Convention on the Removal and urged other states to follow of Wrecks. The Nairobi Wreck suit, at the earliest opportunity, Removal Convention was adopt- so that, “as intended, the Nairobi ed in May 2007 and will pro- Wreck Removal Convention, vide the legal basis for States to once in force, can fill a gap in remove, or have removed, ship- the existing international legal wrecks that may have the poten- framework by providing the first tial to affect adversely the safety set of uniform international rules of lives, goods and property at aimed at ensuring the prompt sea, as well as the marine envi- and effective removal of wrecks ronment. The Convention is open beyond the territorial sea, there- for signature until 18 November by also contributing to the IMO 2008 and, thereafter, will be goals of safe navigation and open for ratification, accession or marine environmental protec- Gas mask laying in the sediment acceptance. tion.” ■

Handelsstörkreuzer 8 (HSK-8 Kormoran) Kormoran was built by Germaniawerft of Kiel and launched on 15 September 1938 as the merchant ship Steiermark of HAPAG, the Hamburg-America Line. Renamed HSK Kormoran (German for “Cormorant”), she entered service as a auxiliary cruiser on 9 October 1940, commanded by Korvettenkapitän (Lieutenant Commander) Theodor Detmers. The HSK Kormoran was the biggest auxiliary cruiser used by the Kriegsmarine in World War II. Besides this, it was the only one that was able to sink a major warship in a direct battle. The ship left Germany on 3 December 1940 and entered the North Atlantic through the Denmark Strait. Until April of the follow- ing year, the ship operated in the Atlantic, before it sailed into the Indian Ocean. During submersed wrecks, as actual expeditions into contributed AUS 250,000 for the search. it’s 352 days at sea, the HSK Kormoran sank the supposed sinking area. After the turn of Formed in 2001, the non-profit organisa- ten merchant ships, comprising a total of the millenium, the Australian government also tion HMAS Sydney Search Pty Ltd planned an 56,965 tons, in addition to one captured and invested substantial funds into the search. attempt to locate the wrecks since receiving sent to France. ■ The Howard Government granted $2.9 mil- a government grant in August 2005. It had lion to assist HMAS Sydney Search Pty Ltd to a memorandum of understanding with ship- SourCeS: locate missing Royal Australian Navy cruiser wreck hunter David Mearns, who believed findingSydney.Com HMAS Sydney II. This grant is in addition to that he could find the wrecks using the lat- german-naVy.de an initial Commonwealth grant of $1.3 mil- est sonar technology and recently-revealed biSmarCk-ClaSS.dk/HilfSkreuZer/kormoran.Html lion approved in August 2005 to assist the details recorded by the commander of the Western Australian-based nonprofit search Kormoran, Theodor Detmers. group. Also, the state of New South Wales The last watch is finally over 24 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED HMAS Sydney shipwreck hunter MiCHigan SHiPwreCk ReSearCH ASSoCiateS Dive into X-RAY MAG’s offers to find Centaur remains Library of Issues! David Mearns, the world-renowned shipwreck hunter and the Download past issues FREE man responsible for finding HMAS Sydney has offered to help find the lost Australian hospital ship Centaur, saying the vessel would be easier to find than the Sydney and the Kormoran and is feasible so long as there is funding.

The Scottish-built Australian Hospital Ship of a false identification made in 1995, (AHS) Centaur was launched in 1924 as which stood until 2003, the location of a combination passenger liner/freighter. Centaur is still unknown, as is the rea- In 1943, she was converted to a hos- son for the attack. pital ship, and served with the Second One of the last remaining survi- Australian Imperial Force. vors from the Centaur, Martin Pash, Before dawn on 14 May 1943, while renewed calls for the wreck to be on her second voyage, Centaur was found in the Herald last month, say- torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese ing: “It’s time the arguments over the Two-masted schooner in Lake Michigan submarine off North Stradbroke Island, exact location can be settled and Queensland. Of the 332 medical per- protected.” Mr Mearns said the only identified as the Hamilton sonnel and crew aboard, 268 died. The barriers to finding the Centaur was a attack resulted in public outrage, as lack of money and political will. “On it was considered to be a war crime. the basis of what I’ve seen of her, I Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates said it has locat- The ship displayed the red cross—the believe she’s findable,” he said. “The ed the Hamilton, a two-masted schooner that sank in Lake international symbol for a hospital ship— information, even at this preliminary Michigan in 1873 during a November gale. meaning that under international law, it stage, is better than what I had to should have been immune to attack. deal with in locating Kormoran and Efforts to locate the final resting place Sydney.” ■ The identification of the wreck, had only recently been devastated of the ship have been made but in spite which sits upright in 85m (275 ft) of by the Great Fire of 1871. By noon water off Saugatuck, took over a the southbound vessel encountered year and was facilitated by techni- heavy seas and began to take on cal scuba divers Todd White of Sau- water. One of the gatuck, Bob Underhill of Kalamazoo The crew manned the hand-oper- Centaur’s cel- and Jeff Vos of Holland working in ated pumps for three hours before ebrated feats was conjunction with Michigan Ship- taking to the 17-foot yawl boat. in November 1941, wreck Research Associates (MSRA). They stayed alongside their water- when it picked These three divers comprise the logged vessel until midnight, when up 61 German premiere deep technical dive team she finally sank beneath the waves Kormoran survivors in West Michigan. in 270 feet of water, leaving the after it was sunk by the Sydney The 113-foot long Hamilton was men storm-tossed in an open boat. built in 1847 in Oswego, New York, Prevailing winds pushed the little for the Red Bird Line and plied the boat, now covered with ice, ashore Great Lakes for a quarter century near South Haven the next day. before foundering between the Michigan Shipwreck Research As- lumber port of Muskegon and Chi- sociates is partially funded through cago. Capt. Harvey L. Burch and a grant and private contributions. his six-man crew left Muskegon on Click on the following link if you a cold November morning in 1873 want to become a member and with a cargo of 117,000 board feet support the ongoing work of MSRA of lumber bound for the ongoing www.michiganshipwrecks.org ■ rebuilding effort in Chicago, which www.x-ray-mag.com

25 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Maryland Eyes USS Radford as

Coral Reef Squadron Phuket will soon boast a new dive site after ten 2008 could turn out to tions.” last year, estimated at $600,000, split decommissioned aircraft of the Royal Thai Air Force be a really big year for The Ocean City Reef and two developments are between three states. It is Foundation is also hopeful currently on the horizon for hoped the state will receive were recently towed to Bangtao Bay in Thalang district the Maryland Artificial that funds can be raised in Maryland’s Atlantic coastline. large corporate donations to and allowed to sink to the bottom of the sea to form Reef Initiative time so the state can acquire The project is being billed as fund the project, but even an artificial reef the Radford, a 600-foot Navy a multi-state effort, combin- individual donations can be The Ocean City Reef , while they are busy ing funding from Maryland, made by visiting www.mary- The new tourism attraction will Sikorsky S-58T is a large helicopter Foundation is currently raising with their subway car endeav- Delaware and New Jersey to landreefs.org. ■ draw at least 3,000 visitors a built for a crew of two and 12 funds to sink New York City or. sink the ship in the Delaware year, according to Phuket depu- passengers. It is more than 14m subway cars off the coast. According to Marty Gary, Bay in an area designated ty governor Vorapot Rathasima. long and 4m tall. All the aircraft “We have got about two a member of the Maryland “Deljerseyland.” The location The artificial reef is a joint effort were thoroughly sanitised, towed barge loads or close to that,” Department of Natural is 30 nautical miles from the of the provincial administra- about a kilometre offshore to said Greg Hall, the founda- Resources Fisheries Service, Ocean City inlet, 28 from the tion, Thailand Diving Association a point where the sea is 15-20 tion’s president. “We’ve raised more than $1 million has Indian River inlet and 32 from (TDA), the Department of Marine metres deep, and allowed to $40,000 and the people have already been invested Cape May, New Jersey. and Costal Resources, For Sea sink to the bottom—their final been wonderful about dona- into artificial reefs in the The total cost has been Foundation, and the Royal Thai resting place. Air Force. For Sea Foundation secretary The air force donated four Vittayen Muttamura said his Douglas C-47s and six helicopters organization was established up has been completed, un- “Right now everyone is trying that saw action during Vietnam by a group of Bangkok-based anticipated cost overruns are to work towards the goal of and Korean wars. The Douglas divers in April 2005 to survey and keeping the ship in a Norfolk, sinking this ship off Key West,” C-47 Skytrains, commonly called restore coral reefs damaged by Virginia, shipyard until the yard said Verge. “No one wants to “Dakotas”, have a wingspan the tsunami. bill can be satisfied. The yard see the ship sent to the scrap of 29m and are more The aircraft will rest about 20 filed a federal maritime lien on yard.” than 19m long and meters deep where a sunken the ship to ensure payment is The cleanup has been inten- more than 5m tall. The tin-mining sledge already lies made on the remaining bal- sive. Begun a year ago, more submerged. ■ ance of $1.6 million. than 50,000 hours of labour Key West City Commissioner have been invested to rid the Sinking of the Vandenberg Postponed Bill Verge said he, the city at- vessel of all environmental torney and city manager have hazards. Artificial reef project organ- Florida, announced a post- actively been engaged in The ship is destined to be izers coordinating the cleanup ponement of the scuttling, discussions with shipyard man- sunk about six miles south of and sinking of the former which was scheduled for agement and local, state and Key West in 140 feet of water United States Air Force mis- May 15. A new date will be federal officials as well as lend- in the Florida Keys National sile tracking ship Hoyt S. announced in the future ing institutions endeavoring to Marine Sanctuary. ■ Vandenberg off Key West, Although most of the clean- arrange a financial solution.

26 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED US court orders federal Ongoing legal spat between jurisdiction over possible Wreckhunters Odyssea and Griffin shipwreck Spain goes into overtime

A federal appeals court says the federal gov- Spain has rejected as “preposterous” recent claims ernment should have authority over a Lake by Florida treasure hunters about the origin of a Michigan shipwreck that could be the Griffin, a US$500 million haul of silver and gold from the dis- 17th century vessel built by the French explorer puted shipwreck code-named Black Swan. La Salle. Spain suspects the 17 metric tons of silver coins The Griffin (also spelled “Griffon”) disappeared and gold recovered by Odyssey came from a on its maiden voyage in 1679 after setting sail sunken colonial-era Spanish galleon and is suing from an island near Green Bay, Wisconsin, with Odyssey on grounds that Madrid is the rightful a crew of six and a cargo of furs and other owner. Odyssey, which has shipped most of the Lalumiere to dive the Shimakaze (at 250m) goods. It’s believed to have sunk in northern treasure recovered to the United States, has coun- Lake Michigan. tered it was found outside any country’s territorial On May 17, Rob Lalumiere will attempt his second world record dive to a sunken The company, which found the wreck six waters. WWII ship by diving to the wreck of the Japanese destroyer Shimakaze, which years ago—the Great Lakes Exploration Group Lawyers for Odyssey Marine Exploration have stat- LLC—has, however refused to tell the state ed the Nuestra Senora rests at a depth of 250 meters in the waters off Ormoc Bay, Philippines. where the wreckage is until it gets assurances de las Mercedes y las “Just because Spain that it’ll have a say over what is done with the Animas, a Spanish vessel files a claim against a The dive will be the deepest Japanese Navy during World War armed with six 127mm dual shipwreck if proves to be the Griffin. It wants that sank in the Atlantic wreck dive conducted by a II, capable of reaching a speed purpose guns, conventional the federal government to have jurisdiction but Ocean in 1804, was pos- particular wreck site scuba diver, and Lalumiere will be of 40 knots. The ship was a test- anti-aircraft and anti-subma- to appoint the company as custodian until the sibly linked to the site does not mean it has breaking his own record of 193m bed for an enormously powerful rine weaponry—and 15 torpe- courts determine who has ownership and sal- where the trove was he made while diving to the USS high-temperature, high-pressure does. She was a formidable vage rights. The company says the French gov- found last year. But in its a valid basis, or as Cooper, also resting in Olmoc steam engine that was able to opponent. ernment may want to submit a claim. court papers, filed under in this case, any evi- Bay, on May 29, 2005. develop nearly 80,000 shaft horse- The Battle of Ormoc Bay The state is seeking title, saying federal law seal on April 14 and later The Shimakase was the fastest power. At 127 meters she was was a series of air-sea bat- gives it ownership of all abandoned vessels made public, Odyssey dence whatsoever to destroyer built for the Imperial almost the size of a cruiser, and tles between Imperial Japan “embedded in the state’s submerged lands.” said it was unable to support that claim” and the United States in the state archaeologist, John Halsey, said he was conclusively identify the Camotes Sea in the Philippines still waiting for evidence that the shipwreck is vessel and was review- OdySSey General CounSel Melinda between 11 November 1944 the Griffin. ■ ing information that MaCConnel and 21 December 1944, part may be inconsistent with of the Battle of Leyte in the the hypothesis that the wreck site, was that of the Pacific campaign of World Mercedes. War II. The battles resulted from Lawyer James Goold, who represents Spain, dis- Japanese operations to rein- paraged Odyssey’s contention that it could only force and resupply their forces offer a working hypothesis as to the identity of the on Leyte and US attempts to shipwreck. “The answer Odyssey provided to the interdict them. While flagship of court included preposterous claims such as that 2, she was 17 metric tons of silver coins and hundreds of sunk by American aircraft on other artifacts may have (been) thrown over- 8 November 1944 during the board from a mystery ship,” Goold said in a Battle of Ormoc Bay with an statement to Reuters. unconfirmed complement of In October a Spanish warship intercepted 267 officers and crew. ■ the company’s treasure-hunting ship, Odyssey Explorer, after it left the British territory of and escorted it to a Spanish port. Police Rob Lalumiere made a arrested the ship’s captain but released him soon world record 633 foot dive after. ■ to the sunken wreck of the USS Cooper (DD-695) on May 29, 2005 www . dd -692.C om 27 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Travel News Peter Hughes Liveaboards Visit Kimbe Bay On a recent visit to Papua class dive destination. In a Reef. It is also featured in New Guinea’s Kimbe mere two days of diving, the Walindi/Rabaul itinerar- Bay, renowned coral reef Professor Vernon recorded ies, which include Fathers Edited by Scott Bennett researcher Professor Charles a total of 410 coral spe- Reef and the historic Rabaul Vernon enthused, “The cies, which is over half of area, where relics from the coral reefs of Kimbe Bay the known world total. For Second World War can Mike Ball Offers Discount Combo Vacation Packages take me back 40 years, to the past 30 years, these be seen both above and a time when corals grew bountiful waters have been below the surface. Get great discounts by combin- for a stay of 7 or more nights. Your in lush profusion, untrou- explored by Max Benjamin Part of the renowned ing one of Mike Ball’s Great Barrier total discount will be between $200 bled by all the problems and Capt. Alan Raabe, the Peter Hughes Dancer Fleet, Reef live-aboard vacations aboard and $400, so the longer you stay that beset them today. A Dancer Fleet’s local part- the M/V Star Dancer offers Spoilsport with one of Tawali the greater the saving. While either short boat ride from Walindi ners. Their extensive explora- a combination of superb Adventures’ PNG holidays at Tawali holiday can be first on your itinerary, Resort, and I am diving on tions have charted a wealth diving coupled with luxuri- Resort and/or aboard MV Chertan or both operators must be combined reefs that have half of the of dive sites throughout the ous accommodation. Other M/Y Spirit of Niugini. in order to receive the discounts. coral species of the world, entire area. The M/V Star Dancer Fleet destinations When you combine these world Cairns, Australia is only a 90-minute all awaiting those rare Dancer, along with her sis- include Tobago, Grenada, class properties on your dive vaca- flight from PNG’s capitol of Port photo opportunities that ter operations the Walindi Belize, the Galapagos, tion, you will receive a $100AU Moresby. With 7 flights weekly, it’s come only with the clearest Plantation Resort and the Komodo, the Alor Islands discount from Mike Ball for a 4-6 the most convenient international water. I am hard pressed to M/V Febrina, allows guests and the Maldives. In 2008, night stay or a $200AU discount for gateway city for most travelers. For think of anywhere on earth to explore the incredible the new Paradise Dancer a stay of 7 or more nights. In addi- more information or reservations, that has this combination of diversity that Kimbe Bay has will feature itineraries to tion, you will receive a $100US dis- contact Tawali Adventures at reser- vibrant health, diversity and to offer. On board the M/V North Sulawesi and Raja count from Tawali Adventures on a [email protected] or Mike Ball Dive beauty.” Star Dancer, Kimbe Bay is Ampat, Indonesia. 3-6 night stay or a $200US discount Expeditions at [email protected] ■ Situated on the island of visited on the North Coast For additional enquires or New Britain in the Bismarck itinerary, which also includes to make a reservation, visit Sea, Kimbe Bay is a world- the Witu Islands and Fathers www.peterhughes.com ■         Rebreather Event: Inner Space Comes to Grand Cayman      Inner Space, the world’s sheer walls plunging to 400 and the new Fusion under- ly, where they can hobnob largest Closed Circuit feet, Rebreather divers of water diver propulsion with industry leaders, pick Rebreather event, is coming all skill levels can join in. vehicle from Silent Diving up a weekly schedule or to Grand Cayman Dive sites are a short hop Systems. Evening presen- even try out a Rebreather in SeaCure™ Custom Mouthpiece From May 17-24th 2008, by boat from the resort and tations will include pool one of the pool demos. Jim is moldable and remoldable. Divetech will be hosting the shore dives are available demos to test out new Kozmik and Ralph Hoskins fifth anniversary of Inner around the clock units, a product trade show from Sport Diver TV will be Space at the Cobalt Coast In addition, Inner Space evening and seminars filming the event for the Created by an orthodontist, Dive Resort. More than 60 attracts many of the on a wide range of National Geographic SeaCure is designed to fit Closed Circuit Rebreather “Who’s Who” in the CCR topics featuring TV series, Ship Sinkers. your mouth, teeth, and divers from around the world. Representatives many repre- To find out gums . . . PERFECTLY. world will attend an action- from around the world will sentatives from more about Inner packed week of diving and be attending to show the the industry. Space, visit: www. Available at your local dive center. events. latest products including Those inter- divetech.com/ Grand Cayman offers Rebreathers, computer ested in learn- Innerspace.htm some of the world’s most software, accessories, elec- ing about or contact Nancy spectacular wall diving, with tronics and more. Two new Rebreather div- Easterbrook, a proliferation of healthy products will be showcased: ing can attend at divetech@ corals and copious marine the new Sentinel CCR from the cocktail candw.ky ■ www.seacure1.com life. From shallow reefs to Closed Circuit Research hour held night- ambient PreSSure diVing 28 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED De-valved Compressed Gas travel Cylinders Permitted on Airplanes According to the United States Edited by Transportation Security Administration, Scott Bennett air travelers are permitted compressed gas cylinders as checked baggage or as carry-ons provided that the regulator valve is completely disconnected from Emirates Launches In-Flight Mobile Phone Service the cylinder. The seal must be removed in order to allow a visual inspection. This In a move that will delight some Company, the aircraft is fit- Prior to utilizing the system, it must be done prior to check-in, as secu- and irritate others, Dubai-based ted with a system that prevents was necessary for the airline to rity officers will not remove the seal or Emirates Airlines has become mobiles from interfering with a attain approval from interna- regulator valve from the cylinder at the the first commercial airline plane’s electronics. The service tional air safety organizations. checkpoint. Sealed cylinders will not be to allow passengers to make will only be activated when the “We have gone to considerable allowed to pass through security regard- mobile phone calls during flights. aircraft attains cruising altitude, lengths to ensure that all safety less of the reading on the pressure gauge The first mobile phone call and the cabin crew will be able and regulatory issues have been indicator. However, once the valve is was made on a recent Airbus to monitor the system. Passengers fully addressed,” said AeroMobile opened, contamination may enter the A340 flight between Dubai and will be able to receive and send Chief Executive Bjorn-Taale tank. Cleaning would be required upon Casablanca. The decision was text messages, but voice mes- Sandberg. Emirates plans to arrival, which may not be possible. To reached after experiencing high sages will be prevented during extend the system to more air- avoid this potential problem, it is rec- demand for the phones previ- night flights. In addition, passen- craft later this year, as well as ommended that passengers ship com- ously installed in aircraft seats. gers will be requested to set their adding BlackBerry and other pressed gas cylinders to their final desti- Designed by the AeroMobile phones on “silent” mode. data services. ■ nation via a parcel service prior to their

luxfer departure. ■ Scuba & Yoga Trip in Dominica

Kimberlee and Todd Stedl, magazine in 2007. Dominica was philosophy and its relevance on authors of Yoga for Scuba Divers, the first country to be Green diver ethics and underwater ecol- are offering a special Scuba Globe benchmarked, and the ogy. Diving & Yoga Adventure from resort’s owners are leaders in eco- A number of options are availa- March 7 - 14, 2009, on the island logically and culturally sustainable ble to divers and non-divers alike. of Dominica in the Caribbean. tourism. A wide selection of hikes is offered Participants will experience the On this unique trip, the Stedls by the resort to experience the pristine reefs and spectacular will offer yoga routines specifi- island’s lush pristine environment DIVE RIGHT IN 1,000-foot walls of the Scotts cally designed to help strengthen or guests can indulge in the WITH OUR FREE Head Marine Reserve. Dives will and restore the body after a day resort’s range of amenities includ- be a combination of wall dives, of diving. Participants will learn ing yoga studio, outdoor pool, MAGAZINE & WEBSITE drift dives, and a night dive. some applied anatomy and and spa treatments. A number of • Shipwrecks • Meet Singles Included in the trip is a body mechanics of diving group activities, including whale Project AWARE ecology along with breathing and watching, are also planned. • Ask An Expert • Monthly Prizes course for all partici- meditation exercises for Spaces are limited, so an early • Dive Medicine • Scuba Forums pants. a more relaxed and sign-up is strongly recommended. Accommodation enjoyable dive experi- For prices, package options, and • Dive Fitness • Weekly Blog will be at Jungle Bay, ence. The Stedls will registration deadlines, please • Reader Photos • Photo Galleries voted one of the also conduct group visit: www.8thElementDiving. world’s top ten luxury discussions com/retreat or contact • Diver Profiles • Local Dive Sites eco resorts by Forbes about yoga [email protected] ■ www.midwestscubadiving.com …and more!

29 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news

Edited by Scott Bennett Tawali Adventures Dubai Diving Sites PAPUA NEW GUINEA PREMIER PROPERTIES Threatened Tawali || Spirit of Niugini MV Chertan According to a local tour opera- tor, Dubai’s ever-burgeoning con- struction boom is threatening the Dogenpalast in Venedig, by Francesco Guardi, painted in the second existence of the Emirate’s dive sites. half of the 18th century Stephanie Davies, owner of Scuba TuckedTucked away in a pristine rain forestforest accessible only by boat, Tawali is Papua Dubai, asserts that few sites remain Diving in Venice? New Guinea’s premier resort. Scuba dive, snorkel, kayak or explore the localocall near Dubai itself, with the majority to culturel on guidedid d bbushh walkslk to remote villages,ill skullk ll caves andd waterfalls.f ll be found far off shore. “Dubai never The mere mention of this his- ters, which have inadvertently had too many natural dive sites, but toric city conjures up images of provided Venice with an instant Located on a volcanic bluff overlooking the clear water and coral reefs of the ongoing construction has meant gondoliers in striped jerseys, the barrier reef. Milne Bay, Tawali offers travelers a unique location to relax and enjoy the that many existing wrecks have also Rialto Bridge, St.Mark’s Square “There are people already unspoiled wonders of this magnifi cent part of the world. been removed,” she said. “While and a captivating pageant of showing up to dive, and I envis- construction is important for the watercraft plying the extensive age tourists coming to Venice future of Dubai, developers should labyrinth of canals. Now, it can to see the canals before indulg- create artificial reefs in surround- add a new attraction to its myr- ing in a spot of scuba diving,” ing areas to recreate a habitat for iad of attractions: diving. said marine biologist Andrea marine life,” Davies Biologists have discovered Rismondo. said. that the new sea barrier being Extending for nearly 2km at Although the creation of artificial erected to protect the city from depths up to 14m deep, the reefs is a viable alternative, John rising waters has attracted a rocky breakwater is home to Burt, a marine biologist and lecturer plethora of marine life. Known numerous and tree-like at Zayed University, said it could as The Moses Project, a series Cystoseira algae, which grow never replicate the same marine of mobile barriers, are cur- up to 1.5m in height. In turn, organisms and fish. Another alterna- rently under construction across these provide homes for cut- tive would be to relocate existing the three channels accessing tlefish, starfish, crabs, jellyfish, reefs away from the construction. Venice Lagoon. Two of the bar- molluscs and up to 50 species However, Burt said, “A coral should riers are protected by breakwa- of fish. be moved “It is mostly sandy around only when the here, so the breakwaters were construction a real chance for sea life to will directly set up, but we were still sur- impact the prised by the numbers,” said dive site, and Rismondo. “One hypothesis is there is no that warmer water here due to other alterna- has helped.” tive.” ■ The project has drawn the ire of environmentalists, concerned that the lagoon’s fragile eco-

gfdl www.tawali.com system could be turned into a marine park. ■ imre S olt The Marina Promenade of Dubai under construction 30 X-RAY MAG : 23 : 2008 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED