Maldives claim new Diving World Record March 10, 2006
Posted by Andy Carroll in : News, Travel , 2commentsThe Maldives is claiming a new Guinness World Record for the most people diving together at one time.
On 25 February 979 divers, aged 10-73 and drawn from Maldivians, tourists and expatriates, are reported to have got into the water together at Sunlight Thila on North Male Atoll. Organised by the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, the event involved divers brought to the site through a joint effort by 37 resorts, nine dive centres and 14 safari vessels, with support from the Coastguard.
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Now you can experience ‘total comfort’ scuba diving in Hawaii February 21, 2006
Posted by Andy Carroll in : Travel , add a commentMaybe this year ‘comfort’ is the new scuba diving hot marketing phrase. Earlier today I wrote about Sherwoods new BC’s which are the most comfortable in the world, and now Captain Bruce is offering ‘total comfort’ scuba diving. Here’s his press release;
Hawaii is a quintessential paradise that is nestled at the southernmost part of the United States and boasts of great beaches and panoramic views. With its pristine waters teeming with rich marine life, there is no doubt why this beautiful island is a haven for all scuba divers. As a matter of fact, scuba diving in Hawaii is one great adventure that one shouldn’t miss. But although this maybe one grand escapade, people may have misgivings about engaging in this activity because of the probable difficulties that it poses.
Captain Bruce, the leading provider of scuba diving services in Hawaii, offers a wonderful treat for all scuba divers by introducing their “extreme comfort” scuba diving services. Those who want to avail of this service get free transportation from Waikiki and Ko Olina. They will be treated to superior customer service at the company’s smoke-free vessels and vans.
Customers can also avail of Captain Bruce’s new rental gears - fully balanced Sherwood Magnum Regulators, Silhouette BCDs, excellent quality wet suits, and “Super 82s” and “Super 100’s” tanks for full-length dives. Equipped with these latest gears they are guaranteed to enjoy a blissful diving experience as they explore the stunning Hawaii underwater. In addition, clients can also avail of the high tech dive computers at no extra charge.
To capture the wonderful under the sea adventure, disposable cameras are available on board. These cameras can work to up to a depth of 95 feet. Divers can now take a photo of the coral reefs and various marine species thriving in the Pacific Ocean.
On multiple days, customers can also avail of “deep discounts” that entitles them to take advantage of huge discounts on their third charter.
scuba diving with tiger sharks? are you mad! February 20, 2006
Posted by Andy Carroll in : Travel , add a commentSomeone decided to post this press release as a comment, and I thought I may as well ensure it goes in the right place 
If you are crazy enough you can now go scuba diving with Tiger sharks in the Bahamas, although you are safely (?) placed in a cage. Press release follows;
Tiger Shark Encounters-“Cutting Edge” Adventures
In his global search for uncommon and often unique shark adventures, CEO and explorer Patric Douglas has been to Alaska to scuba dive with pack hunting Salmon Sharks. He has recently descended down to 2000’ feet in a submarine to encounter a monster deep water species and has presided over 3 years of Great White shark encounters at Isla Guadalupe,Mexico.
Today he and his crew are in the Bahamas taking thrill seeking scuba divers into the world of the secretive and equally infamous Tiger Shark.
“These are the Marquis Species”, explains Douglas. “We only take scuba divers into the realm of the shark species that everyone knows about.The Tiger Shark has a worldwide reputation similar to that of the Great White shark and the Bull shark, it’s considered a man-eater”. As he and his team have discovered with Great Whites the reputation of man-eater comes from years of misunderstanding. In the case of Great Whites Douglas says they are “greatly misunderstood”. “Typically we only hear about the shark encounters from the perspective of an attack survivor. Our shark diving operations conducted with cages for the safety of our divers allow them to understand the perspective of the shark and it’s day to day environment, this is unique to say the least”.
The Tiger shark is second only to the Great White shark in number of reported attacks on humans. Its large size and voraciousness make it a formidable predator in the ocean. Tiger sharks can be curious and aggressive towards humans in the water and have developed a negative global reputation. “We are changing all that, one diver at a time” says Douglas, “once you have seen these animals from the safety of a cage, you’ll understand as we do with Great Whites that sometimes reputations can be undeserved”.
To book a shark diving adventure with Patric Douglas and the crew of Shark Diver, visit www.sharkdiver.com or
New scuba diving laws in Greece February 8, 2006
Posted by Andy Carroll in : Travel , 1 comment so farAuthorities in Greece have issued their new bill with regard to scuba diving in Greece, and now includes some clarification of the rules regarding archeology and the diving ‘parks’ have been designated. From the PADI website;
The new bill prepared by the Ministry of Mercantile Marine regarding recreational diving in Greece, is the outcome of the Hellenic Government’s Strategic Plan for positioning Greece prominently into the world’s scuba diving industry, and in addition for boosting the country’s alternative tourism.
The new diving law is fully in accord with the EU Standards regarding recreational diving, which have actually been in force since early 2004. Moreover the unreasonable restrictions imposed in the past by archeologists are now being successfully modified and the concept of Diving Parks has been firmly established.
Notably, the legislative framework provides adequate environment protection, ensures the appropriate respect for the underwater precious antiquities, as well as the safety and adequate professional skills of the divers, who will enjoy clear waters, plus unique marine life and other hitherto unutilised underwater attractions.
An accreditation system consonant to EU directives is being established for the Scuba Divers’ Training Programs, for the appropriate certification of various Diver Training Organizations, as well as for the Diving Services Providers. The Diving Services are classified according to their type, they are certified on an individual basis by an accredited products certification agency and each of them will be licensed by the competent Port Authority. There are now clear requirements as specified by law, to the effect that only those holding the necessary license will be able to provide Diving Services.
Moreover, the modus operandi for the Diving Industry is now clearly prescribed, appropriate records will be maintained at the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, and violators of the existing rules will be subject to severe penalties.
The Republic of Greece has several advantages as a holiday destination for divers: safety as a EU member, short flight distances for European travellers, excellent climate and long diving season, same currency with many other EU countries, and other amenities. The multitude of active European and American divers, as well as those aspiring newcomers who wish to experience the magic undersea world and receive competent training in scuba diving, will find themselves welcomed in the best possible environment for pursuing their exciting hobby.
Finally, the renewed availability of our Nation’s magnificent undersea world to the Diving Industry, necessitates its strict adherence to services of the highest possible quality, for the pleasure of our visitors and the prosperity of our society as well.
New Features, Photos Added to Bonaire Website for Dive Pros February 6, 2006
Posted by Andy Carroll in : Travel , add a commentA website which aims to help diving centres and schools in Bonaire has updated their website and added a few more royalty free scuba diving images for the use of the centres and schools in their marketing and promotion of Bonaire as a dive location.
http://www.bonairedivingpro.com/ now has 12 images for you to use and a few features, as outlined below;
Taken from the new Bonaire photo CD, the photos capture the essence of Bonaire by showcasing the island’s pristine underwater world, breathtaking above water scenery, amazing animal life and the action of land- and water-based eco-adventure activities. The photos are available in three different sizes, have Bonaire burned below the image and can be used by dive shops to produce their own Bonaire flyers and trip brochures.
Airlines Modify Luggage Policies After Dive Chronicles Intervention February 6, 2006
Posted by Andy Carroll in : Travel , 1 comment so farTravelling with scuba gear has always been a bit of a lottery. You never know whether you will be charged extra for carrying it, whether the airline allows you a little more weight allowance due to you being a scuba diver, or even whether you will be allowed to take certain items at all! Well, now it seems that Dive Chronicles has been discussing the situation with some american airlines to sort out some sort of consistent policy. Here’s what they did;
Working for the betterment of the Dive Industry, Dive Chronicles has embarked on clarifying and updating the luggage policy for airlines to become more scuba-friendly. In the past year and a half, these airlines have implemented policies that have affected divers traveling to many popular dive destinations.
Northwest Airlines has been charging an additional fee of $80.00 each way, per piece of luggage that contains any scuba equipment. This charge was applied regardless if the luggage was within the two-bag limit and within the weight restriction. The additional charge has been applied if any of the following was included in the luggage: mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, gauges, BCD (Tank Harness), Scuba Generator (We are still researching what exactly this is?) and SCUBA tank
American Airlines’ website referred to scuba tanks with scuba regulator, tank harness, and tank pressure gauge, would be charged. Only those traveling with a Scuba Tank should be charged the excess fee. Almost all recreational divers do not travel with Scuba Tanks. American Airlines was very helpful in clarifying its policy.
The Dive Chronicles Team has petitioned the airlines by contacting several airline department heads and confirming the details through reservation agents and airline websites. Upon conclusion of discussions, two of the Airlines agreed to refine the wording of their policies to be more clear for everyone.
The Dive Chronicles team was successful in receiving further clarification of these policies with both Northwest and American airlines. Now, according to the reformed policies, recreational scuba divers traveling without scuba tanks will not be charged an additional fee if they are within the allowable baggage limit.
