All About Scuba Magazine - Launch Issue

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ISSUE 1 SEPT/OCT 2008
scuba
All About
& Underwater Magazine
DIVING
WITH A
CAMERA
MORAY
MADNESS
CLUBZONE –
BSAC TORBAY
P29 WRECK - MALTA

COMPETITION
Enter our great competition
and win a Mares Puck Wrist
Computer - see page 12.
P29 - A LITTLE HISTORY
EDITOR’S COMMENT/CONTENTS
W CONTENTS
EDITOR’S COMMENT elcome to the first edition of All About...Scuba.
You will notice that our magazine is FREE and you
are probably reading it having picked it up in your
local dive shop. We’d like to thank the 100+ dive shops and
clubs all over the UK that are supporting All About...Scuba
by stocking our magazine! Thanks Guys! Without your help, 4 WHY LEARN
All About...Scuba would just be another regular newsa-
gent magazine! If you would like to help by taking stock of TO DIVE?
All About...Scuba, feel free to call us on 01277 280091.
Our aim at All About...Scuba is to get into the hearts of
divers, instructors, resorts, suppliers and anyone involved 6 A DIVER’S
with scuba diving. In our launch edition we have a feature
PERSPECTIVE...
called “A Diver’s Perspective...” which is about your views
and opinions on where you have dived, people you have met
and locations you have found most interesting. Our centre
page feature is about “Diving with a Camera” written by
8 24 HOUR
Bruce Iliff. He has some useful information about that all SCUBA DIVE
10
important underwater shot. If you would like your club to
be included in our next Clubzone feature then e-mail the
FOR THE
editorial team. See page 18 for this month’s club – BSAC CHARITY
Torbay. Our competition this month is sponsored by
Mares, turn to page 12 to win a fantastic Puck wrist dive DIFFERENT STROKES
computer.
As time goes on All About...Scuba will become bigger
and better. We are always looking for great stories, special 10 TAKING THE PLUNGE WITH A CAMERA
events, and contributions from people who have some-
thing to share. So, get in touch!!
Finally, a big “Thank you” goes to all our contributors 12 COMPETITION SPONSORED BY MARES
and advertisers, we couldn’t have done it without you!
12
Sonia Caprari 15 MORAY MADNESS
Editor: sonia@allaboutscuba.co.uk
PS: Make sure your dive related business is seen by the 16 WRECK DIVING –
20,000+ readers of All About...Scuba every month. Call
Chris on 01277 280091x 10 to book your space for the P29 MALTA
November issue.
18 CLUBZONE –
DISCLAIMER/CONTACT INFO
BSAC TORBAY
Publisher: Bluenet Publishing Ltd, 18 Derek Road,
N Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0NU
Editor: Sonia Caprari 19 CLASSIFIED ADS
E-mail: editorial@allaboutscuba.co.uk
Sales: sales@allaboutscuba.co.uk
16
Design & Layout: Stephen Rhodes. sters@btinternet.com
Telephone: 01277 280091

Fax: 01273 371211
Website: www.allaboutscuba.co.uk
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in
this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its edi-
torial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liabil-
ity to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omis-
sions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.
Bluenet Publishing Ltd cannot be held responsible for any
errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or serv-
ices that appear in the magazine.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be re-
produced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording
or otherwise – without prior permission of the publisher.
Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it.
DISTRIBUTED THROUGH DIVE SHOPS AND DIVE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE UK. TO ADVERTISE CALL 01277 280091 – All About... Scuba 3
DIVING IN MALTA
should point you in that direction. Fitness

to dive is not based on physical strength,
although the equipment can be quite
heavy out of the water. Once in the water,
we become neutral and move freely, so
no stress, no impact and only exerting as
you want it to be
What are the risks with scuba diving? Life

has risks! The recreation of scuba diving
Why learn to (I don’t like calling it a sport as we don’t

compete for medals or have leagues or
anything that resembles competition
Dive?
– except with yourself and a few egos) is
as adventurous as you want to make it or
is as controlled and as easy going as you
can imagine. Drifting along a few metres
under the surface looking at the most
beautiful coral gardens in the world will
A
lan is the Platinum Course Di- change anyone’s mind. Just remember
rector at Divewise in Malta and there are limits and guidelines and that’s
the only resident Platinum CD in when good training comes into it. We
Malta. He has been diving for over twen- can all learn to drive a car – how we then
ty-five years, originally through CMAS drive is our choice
but moved to PADI in the mid 90s and
never looked back. He currently works What are the benefits of Scuba diving?
with eight instructors who are skilled Please remember I am biased... it’s my
in training those who have never dived recreation and my job and I wouldn’t
before to instructor level. change it for anything. Few people can
Having discussed a few things with say they work in a job they love. What
Alan I wanted his expert opinion on does scuba diving offer – education,
how people interested in taking up div- activity, see a different world, meet new
ing should take the plunge! people, increase awareness of ecological
issues, gives sense of achievement and
obviously it can be a life style change for
If you are interested in learning to scuba so MSDT is ideal along with technical anyone’s career and social life.
dive, should you take lessons in your own qualifications. Plus other skills such as
country or can you come to Divewise to compressor maintenance, boat handling How much does it cost to learn scuba div-
learn? Diving usually starts with Discover etc...and especially languages. Checking ing? Cost will vary and depends on how
Scuba diving. In the UK this was nearly a dive centre is difficult – do you believe far ‘up the ladder’ you want to go and you
always a pool only experience. Here in their own press? The only real way is to really need to ask local schools who have
Malta we have a pool like area which al- do some checking around, ask others greater overheads than most resort op-
lows access to the sea direct allowing fish where they have been, see if there are erators like myself. But it is always worth
life etc into the area. photos of the centre and staff on their the money you spend!
website.... and maybe ask PADI direct.
Is there an age limit for when you can Is there a qualification at the end of the
start learning? Discover Scuba minimum Do you need to purchase your own course? Of course. PADI Open Water is
age is 10 but you still need to exercise equipment? Nearly all instructors are ‘self the biggest certification in the world and
some common sense. There is also a sufficient’ and are now expected to have PADI has certified over 15 million divers. I
Bubblemaker programme that starts at 8 all the basics needed to instruct – Scuba believe there are over 180 countries that
years old, which allows younger children Equipment, slates, manuals etc... but not will recognise this certification and there-
to try with more ‘restrictive’ control cylinders and weights, as nobody travels fore will take you diving
measures. with those!
Why is Malta a good place to dive? Clear,
What qualifications should an instruc- Do you have to be fit to dive? I have been warm water. Good sunny weather. Easy,
tor have to teach? How do you know if a told asthmatics cannot scuba dive is walk in dives. A variety of dives from reef,
dive centre is reputable/has the correct this true? Asthma is a tricky one and you wrecks, shallow, technical, boat, shore and
paperwork? The first level is Open Water should really consult a doctor who is fa- more....in fact I think Malta covers it all?
Scuba Instructor but worldwide we need miliar with diving. Any decent dive centre And a lovely country with lots of history
instructors that teach ‘Specialist’ areas, will have contacts with such people and and culture for non-diving activities. l
4 All About... Scuba – DISTRIBUTED THROUGH DIVE SHOPS AND DIVE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE UK. TO ADVERTISE CALL 01277 280091
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A DIVER’S PERSPECTIVE
I’ve known Kevan for a number

of years and knew he was a
keen scuba diver. He would tell
me when he was jetting off to
the Red Sea but I never really
picked his brain... until now!
It’s amazing what you find out
about your friends that you
didn’t know before!
A Diver’s
’s perspective ...
Name: Kevan Canham
Age: 49 (sorry Kev – had

Kevan sat on
to give your age!!) the propeller
of the Salem
Express, Egypt
Diving Locations: Red
Sea, Cuba, Dominican
Republic, Thailand, Cy- not get- Well first of all I took the Open Water
prus and in the good ting any Diver then Advanced Open Water Diver. To
old English Channel! closer than become a Rescue Diver you have to do the
that!! But Medic First Aid.
Which location do you they only eat
like best: For the marine life plankton...this Did you have a particular job in mind
it has to be the Red Sea. I love one was about five when you decided on this qualification:
the turtles. For scenery it has to metres long. I’m not No not really, I just fancied going a bit
be Thailand and for variety it has to be into feeding the sharks and all further than just advanced diver. I found
the Channel. that. You have to respect the ocean, this Rescue diver made me a better diver by
is their territory and not ours. knowing how to look after myself before
Tell me about the Channel: Well you can helping others.
see a sunken submarine, lots of fish in- What was the most fascinating moment
cluding crabs and scallops. The water can in Egypt: I love Egypt the sea is full of So what does a rescue diver do that an
be so murky that you have to put your fish; it’s an amazing site the first time you advanced open water diver doesn’t do:
mask against your buddies to see each dive there. On this particular occasion You learn to care for yourself and your
other. On another occasion I have dived we were diving a wreck of a roll on-roll off equipment and to avoid and deal with
off Looe with 30+ metres of horizontal ferry called the Salem Express. Me and emergencies. New divers may begin to
visibility. It depends where you are, the my buddy were under the propeller when panic or could become unconscious un-
state of the tide or if it has been raining all of a sudden out of nowhere a five foot der water and so you learn how to bring
or stormy. moray eel appeared! It startled us both them safely to the surface. There are a
but I did manage to take a photo of it! number of reasons why these instances
What gives you a buzz when diving: It occur - hypoxia, you’ve run out of air or
can be a fantastic thrill doing a drift dive Where else would you like to go: I would an asthma attack.
when the tide is running and just being like to go somewhere in the Caribbean.
swept along with it – it feels like you are Have to save the pennies for that trip!! Why do you enjoy diving so much: It is
flying but in the water. the thrill of being weightless. The buzz of
What diving qualification do you have: I diving somewhere new and the friends
Have you been close up and personal with am a PADI Rescue Diver. you are with. You can go back to the
a shark: Yes, when I was in Thailand I same place over and over again but the
was about 20m above a whale shark, I’m How did you achieve this qualification: experience is always unique. l
Drive&Dive package starts from US$658,- Drive&Explore package starts from Drive, Dive&Stay package starts from
per person. Based on 6 pax in a 3-bed- US$647,- per person. Based on 4 pax US$530,- per person. Based on 6 pax in 3-
room. For more information check out in 2-bedroom apartment. For more bedroom apartment. For more information
www.buddydive.com or email information check out check out www.belmar-bonaire.com or
reservations@buddydive.com www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com or email email reservations@belmar-bonaire.com
reservations@caribbeanclubbonaire.com
All packages include accommodation for 7 days, all taxes, airport transfers, unlimited air (including nitrox) for 6 days
& car rental for 7 days. At Caribbean Club and Buddy Dive the package also includes American Breakfast for 7 days.
CONTRIBUTORS WANTED!
Have you got something to say?
All About...Scuba magazine is looking for contributions from our readers

who are involved with non-commercial Dive Clubs or organisations.
If you have a passion for all things Scuba, then let us know.
Suggested topics could include:

A diver’s perspective (let us do a profile on you)
Humourous stories
Clubzone – tell us about your club
Scuba Adventures, UK and abroad
Moans & Groans – get it off your chest!
E-mail: editorial@allaboutscuba.co.uk or call 01277 280091
DIFFERENT
P29 - A LITTLE
STROKES/
HISTORYDIVE CONFERENCE
Come and support

Alex and Anthony
who are doing a
24hour Scuba Dive at:
Maidstone Leisure Centre 18th and 19th
October in aid of the charity Different Strokes
a week or 30 every single day. Stroke is
especially devastating for younger
people: one day fit and well, the next
D
ifferent Strokes is the only moment disabled; often with a young
national organisation provid- family to care for and support; and
ing services designed especially relying on employment for income
for younger stroke survivors, including rather than a pension. They must come
children. to terms with physical and emotional
Stroke is the single largest cause of dis- changes as well as significant lifestyle
ability amongst adults in the UK. Each adjustments –
year around 21,500 people of working mobility, job, income, dependence, rela-
age or younger have a stroke – that’s 200 tionships – everything changes. l
If you wish to make a donation to this worthy cause or want to

find out more then visit www.bmycharity.com/scuba24
Dive Conference 2008 Oban, 15th November 2008

T
he Scottish Sub Aqua Club (SSAC) is delighted underwater shots.
to announce details of our Dive Conference Historic Scotland will also deliver a workshop
2008, taking place at Oban High School on on diver participation in the marine historic
Saturday 15th November. The event is spon- environment as will the Marine Conserva-
sored by Historic Scotland and welcomes a tion Society; RNLI and SSAC medical advisor
range of speakers and workshops. will also run workshops.
This year’s line up is bigger than before, The conference will conclude with a prize
and we welcome well known names in div- raffle with top prizes including Uwatec Gali-
ing. Martyn Farr is a world renowned cave leo Sol dive computer, Buddy Nexus Open
diver, explorer and photographer who will Circuit/Closed Circuit Dive Computer and a
present stunning audio/visuals of “the most very special Christmas dinner for two onboard a
dangerous sport on earth”. luxury steam train.
John Bantin, technical editor of DIVER magazine, will The new Suunto Diver award for volunteering will
talk about his favourite two subjects; himself and his job, and also be presented to six deserving members each receiving a
just what he loves most about travelling the world to dive, test Suunto D6 dive computer.
new dive gear and write about diving! The conference is open to all divers. Tickets are available
BSAC Chair and technical diver Claire Peddie will talk on ex- from www.scotsac.com, priced £8 in advance or £10 on the day.
pedition diving and for the technical divers we have Alejandro Ticket price includes full day access to the conference, confer-
Gallego providing a workshop on the KISS rebreather. ence pack, tea/coffee and a buffet lunch.
New this year will be a photography competition – delegates All in all, the day promises to be a lively one, with something
simply bring along a mounted underwater print and the confer- for everyone. l
ence speakers will judge during the day. SSAC’s Jim Anderson,
will run a live Photoshop workshop with top tips for editing Full details on the conference available from www.scotsac.com
COMING SOON...
scuba tv
All About
Over the coming months you will be able to

visit All About...Scuba TV to view articles and
dive clubs we have featured and equipment
we have reviewed.
We will also be running competitions for

underwater photography and videography.
Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter

and submit your video clips and photos now!
www.allaboutscuba.tv
TAKING
THE
PLUNGE
WITH A
CAMERA
Written by Bruce Iliff
A
fter a number of years diving, I
finally took the plunge, so to speak,
and joined the growing numbers of
underwater shutterbugs. After reading all
I could find and speaking with old hands
at underwater photography, I have learnt
that there is more to the art than strap-
ping on a tank and clicking off a few shots.
I am not yet at the stage of providing
advice on taking the perfect shot, framing
the subject, correct exposure and other
myriad of variables – that’s best left to the
artistic experts – but I have come across
a number of different problems and solu-
tions that help make diving and using a
camera underwater enjoyable and safe.
The first rule I learnt is to always have coming in from the side. My buddy didn’t or swell a firm handhold is a must. This
enough film or memory card space. This see it, as he was busy with his dive tables can be taken a step further by having the
isn’t too much of a problem with new until it flew right beneath him. The tables arms and legs covered. Sometimes you
digital cameras, but if you’re using film were forgotten and the camera hurriedly might have to wrap your legs around a
and are loaded up with a twenty-four focused, but unfortunately he had only piece of a wreck or the anchor line while
shot roll, Murphy’s Law dictates you’ll run one shot left. Development of the film using both hands to manipulate the
out of shots just before a huge pack of revealed the tip of one wing. camera.
manta rays glide through. Always plan to Using a camera underwater requires On my first few dives with a camera, I
come out of the water with two or three sensitive feel to make minor adjustments found I was using more air than usual.
exposures left. This ensures that you’ve to focus, film advance and flash controls. Initially, I thought of all the excuses
got film if anything happens near the Most cameras and housings are designed – faulty gauges, incomplete fill and a
end of the dive. Imagine surfacing after a to be easily operated with a bulky glove; leaking buoyancy compensator. I couldn’t
dive to find a huge humpback whale and however, some divers prefer to use a bare understand what was happening, espe-
its calf beside the boat and no shots left! hand on the controls. If this is required, cially when my buddy would surface with
No-one will believe you if you haven’t keep a glove on one hand to grab hold of half a tank while I was in the red. Finally
got the shots as proof. I was in a similar solid objects to steady yourself for a shot. I worked out the problem. I was running
situation while diving with a camera buff Before I started using a camera I rarely around the bottom like an over-active
on the Great Barrier Reef’s Lady Elliot Is- had a need to stay completely still in one turtle setting up the perfect shot. On one
land. He fired most shots on those forget- spot and gloves weren’t a necessity. But dive I raced off to snap a huge barracuda
table pictures of coral and small fish. Near with a camera I found I always had to stop when the dive guide caught my fin and
the end of the dive I spotted a manta ray to shoot. If there is even a slight current pointed to a giant groper under a ledge.
TAKING THE PLUNGE WITH A CAMERA
cameras open to prevent of field and all the other variables that
this phenomenon. This will make up the great shots.
also happen when leaving Underwater photography is increasing
a camera out in the hot in popularity, a camera buff can be found
sun as the air inside heats on nearly every dive boat. A camera can
up and expands, pushing bring much more to your enjoyment
against the O rings. of diving, but always remember that a
Always be aware of who camera should never affect the safety of
is holding your camera. a dive. l
Leaving it lying around is
asking for someone To read more of Bruce Iliff’s articles on
to pick it up and scuba diving, visit : http://scuba-diving.
suite101.com/articles.cfm/feature_
I raced back wildly start fiddling.
writers
for the groper. The Boat dives are an
entire episode left easy place for
me puffing madly cameras to get
on the regulator. damaged as the All About...
Meanwhile, my
buddy was breath-
boat bounces
in the swells
BRUCE ILIFF
ing nice and slow and divers move I am a freelance journalist based down un-
watching my crazy around in the der in Brisbane, Australia. I have been scuba
antics. Before the cam- crowded area. diving for many years and have attained the
certification of Divemaster. One of my simple
era, I too would have Another useful
pleasures in life is taking a slow, relaxing
peacefully observed both hint I gleaned from an dive over a coral reef.
fish from a distance without experienced underwater During my years rubbing shoulders with
running an underwater sprint. snapper is to put a clear filter on the interesting mix of people in the diving
Saying camera equipment is expensive the front of the main lens. The idea is to world, I have experienced first-hand the mis-
takes, improvements and challenges present
is an understatement. Naturally, the provide some protection for the lens. It
for today’s sport diver.
service a camera gives depends directly is better to have a cheap filter smashed The desire to write about scuba diving
on the service it gets. Most causes of than the main lens, which will lead to comes from two sources. One is to share the
cameras flooding can simply be attribut- flooding the camera. My expert friend enjoyment I experience every time I strap
ed to bad maintenance. Divers don’t take told me that a clear lens doesn’t have on a tank and duck under the waves: those
memorable dives, cruising the reefs and just
time to check the user serviceable O rings much effect on the shots.
watching the seascape drift by just have to
before every dive or don’t rinse them When entering the water, don’t take be shared. The other is the anguish I have
out after a dive. Some try to save money the camera with you as you do your giant seen many times as divers are released from
by not having it serviced regularly by a stride entry or backward roll. The action the clutches of their instructors and plunge
qualified technician. Follow the instruc- of the sudden rush of water can force out into the diving world: novices in the in-
ner space with so much to learn.
tions for the care and maintenance of past the O rings. The lens can also bump
During my time as a Divemaster, I have
your camera. against the weight-belt, the straps can seen the wonder as new divers, fresh from
I’ve been told by camera experts to soak get tangled amongst regulator hoses, or their basic course grow in confidence and
the closed camera in lukewarm water you may simply drop it. knowledge of their chosen sport. To pass on
(35 degrees maximum) for about an The best way is to get someone reliable the experience I gain from assisting those
divers, I like to write scuba diving articles
hour after the dive, occasionally moving to hand it over once you’re in the water.
that are chock-full of hints, tips and solid
the normal controls used underwater: And make sure you can trust that person. advice on many aspects of scuba diving for
shutter release, focus, aperture, shut- I have heard one story of a dive master today’s sport diver.
ter speed. The warm water dissolves who dropped an expensive camera over Most of the subjects I strive to write about
the crystals and the movement of the the side thinking the diver would catch it. won’t be found in scuba textbooks. This is
knowledge that a diver can only glean from
controls ensures all crystals get dissolved. They didn’t and the camera went straight
many years in the diving scene: going diving,
Some divers have told me they soak their to the bottom, over thirty metres down. listening to other divers and learning from
cameras overnight before opening the Fortunately the camera was retrieved the school of hard knocks.
back and removing the film. undamaged, but could easily have been Some of my comments, thoughts and
When travelling on a plane, always carry dropped into greater depths or damaged opinions might challenge the accepted
way of thinking. If there are controversial
the camera as hand luggage. There are when it struck the bottom.
approaches, I encourage you to discuss them
a few reasons for this, one being that To get the most out of your camera take with other divers. If certain articles do noth-
the unique shot of the dive site from the a course with a reputable dive school. ing more than act as a catalyst for continual
plane as it wings into land can be price- There are also many good books around improvement in safer diving practices for
less. And remember that the reduced where you can learn the skills and tricks the diver and the environment then it has
been worth my effort.
pressure at altitude will affect the camera for taking that perfect underwater shot.
If you are a thinking diver and enjoy read-
so that when you open it there may be a But the best lesson I have learnt is to keep ing about diving, I’m sure you’ll enjoy my
pressure difference across the O rings. I taking shots and always think of what articles in All About...Scuba magazine.
have heard some divers travel with their you are doing in relation to focus, depth
COMPETITION
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Features
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Now for the question...in our centre page feature this month
“Taking the plunge with a Camera”, where does our freelance
journalist come from?
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must be with us by 10th November 2008.
For more information on Mares products visit www.mares.com or

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Photo: Simon Rogerson
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FEEJEE EXPERIENCE
Feejee Experience
Diversifies its Portfo
rtf lio
rtfo
F
eejee Experience, the flexible adven- & Mantarays pass as of October 1. The
ture travel company, has further pass, which costs approximately £214
expanded its offering of experi- (NZ$561), combines the Hula Loop with
ential packages to include a number of boat transfers to and from Mantaray
unforgettable and life-changing travel Island Resort, which is located on the
itineraries. secluded island of Nanuya Balavu in the
Currently Feejee Experience is working Naviti group, and three nights of dorm
on an initiative to offer volunteer options accommodation.
to passengers who wish to give back Always seeking to protect the
even more. A few months away, the free local environment and
programme will be offered as a hop-off community, Feejee
option to assist the non-profit organisa- Experience now
tions SPCA Fiji and Homes of Hope Fiji, as fully supports
well as teaching in schools in the remote Tribewanted,
Wailotua are on the Kings Road. an ecot-
Feejee Experience has teamed up with ourism
Ra Divers, a leading dive centre based at project that
Volivoli Beach Resort, to offer some of the enables ers choose to
best diving in Fiji and, as of 1 October, travellers travel with
two new passes will be added to the to live in a Feejee Experi-
Feejee Experience pass page, the Feejee rural Fijian ence because
Dive pass and the Experienced Dive pass. community they are looking
The Feejee Dive pass includes a PADI cer- on Vorovoro for the ultimate
tified Open Water Dive Course while the Island as a con- in life-changing,
Experienced Dive pass is for those who tributing mem- experiential journeys.
are already certified open water divers ber of the tribe. The We offer a taste of the
and includes six tank dives. Both pack- package, called the real Fiji and our new prod-
ages include the ever popular Hula Loop Tribal Loop, combines the uct allows visitors to get close to
and four nights of dorm accommodation Hula Loop and the Tribewanted experi- the heart of the island and community”. l
at the breathtaking Volivoli Resort. ence and costs £535 (NZ$1,399).
Due to popular demand, Feejee Experi- Keith Marsh, Feejee Experience UK & Further information about Feejee Experience
ence will be bringing back the Mangos Europe Sales Manager, said: “Our custom- is available at www.feejeeexperience.com.
A VISION OF THE FUTURE...

O
cean Visions is continuing its successful under-
water photography courses for divers with com-
pact cameras by introducing new Composition
Courses as well as a brand new onsite holistic luxury
pool in Bromley, Kent. Midweek special evening courses
are now available as well as Photoshop evening courses
- the perfect way to hone your skills or learn how to
touch up your holiday photos.
Maria Munn has been using these cameras underwa-
ter for eight years and shows even complete beginners
how to take great photographs underwater. She also
runs overseas trips for beginners with Emperor Divers
in the beautiful resort of Nuweiba. l
For more information visit www.oceanvisions.co.uk or call

Maria on 07957 621915.
MORAY MADNESS
MORAY MADNESS
A
s the weather has been so dire this year I have had plenty of to draw blood as seen by the
time to think about dives I have done and one that stands stream of black liquid coming
out in my mind happened in Mallorca. from the small, non life threat-
I was based in Santa Ponsa for a few weeks passing the time ening wound.
doing try dives at the hotels and just gener- It was about half a second after
ally enjoying life in the sun when this event we thought we had bet- Dean arrives
I happened upon a diver called ter make ourselves scarce, so
Dean.... or that “crazy idiot” as back to the shot, up the line holding a can
he became known for reasons and into the safe surround- of tuna in
that will become apparent. ings of the RIB. Never have
One night, me and my mate I been so glad to survive
sunflower oil....
Steve who was also there for a dive and at the same “has to be in
the duration were chatting time so sad to end a dive, oil,” he says...
to Dean when he mentioned a real adrenalin moment
a wreck that was home to a for sure. “OK” says I, “but
whole load of BIG eels. We Please don’t start bang- would it not be
stroked our chins, supped ing on about not feeding
some San Miguel and thought, the wildlife, I never have and
better to make
why the hell not, it’ll be a laugh. never will, this is the only time your butties
So, up early, down to the RIB we I have been in the water while before you get
trot, camera in hand. some one else was doing so.
Dean arrives holding a can of tuna in sun- Has anyone else done this site? on the RIB?”
flower oil.... has to be in oil he says... OK says I but would it not be Apart from it being out of Santa
better to make your butties before you get on the RIB? Ponsa I have no idea where it is but at some point would love to
Or course, the tuna was not lunch... well not for us anyhow, but relive the experience. l
there to tempt the eels out of the wreck...OK one can of tuna...
twenty eels...not really going to upset the eco system, so off we go.
After a twenty minute ride we arrive at the site, down goes
the shot followed by some tired but excited divers. At around 25
metres we come across a pile of rubble that no doubt used to be
a wreck. or something man made anyway, hard to tell, I looked at
Steve and he back at me with a “is this it” kind of expression, no
eels, just a pile of bent metal. Oh well, at least the viz is good.
I look over to Dean who by now has taken the tuna out of his
pocket and is pulling the lid off... very important to have the self
opening cans, fiddling with a can opener is not to be advised at 25
metres.
As soon as the oil hits the water a whole load of eels start ap-
pearing from everywhere... no word of a lie it was eel soup down
there, sizes ranged from three feet to six feet at least, or that’s
what my mind was telling me in between profanities, that’s why
it’s called the eel wreck!
So, out came the camera, but where to point it, there are eels
everywhere, I am just lining up a shot when I glance down and
either I was very excited or that was one huge mother of an eel
that just swam between my legs!
Click, click, click, Dean is still holding the can with bits of tuna
floating about, the eels are ecstatic...mmm, free food with no
effort, I guess with this number of large eels it was more of an
amuse bouche than a meal but tasty none the less.
I thought the dive should be marked with a picture of the crazy
idiot that had taken us there holding his offering and feeding the
eels, I turn just in time to see a chunk of tuna float out of the tin
and settle under Dean’s chin. I am not the only one to notice this,
a big eel also spots the stray chunk and goes for it, getting a bit
of Deans chin into the bargain. It was only a scratch but enough
P29A little history
B
uilt as a Condor I Class Mine- placement of 361 tonnes. Her two Russian trapped and entangled divers. Keeping
sweeper at the VEB Peenewerft MD 40 diesel engines gave her 4000 horse her depth and the relatively short no
Wolgast (project number 89.118), power on the shaft and powered her up to decompression limits in mind, her open
for the former German Democratic Repub- 20 knots. Last armament was a 14.5 mm layout with light penetrating in all drive-
lic Navy. Registered with the ID 352 and quad, which was added in Malta. able compartments makes her a very
named “Boltenhagen” she was commis- good wreck for wreck dive training and
sioned on 19th September 1970. After the The Dive penetration, and of course, some great
German unification the “Boltenhagen” The P29’s final resting place is on a sandy pleasure diving!
was run by the Bundesgrenzschutz as BG bottom between 37 meters off the bow The reef close by is ideal to extend the
31 until 30th June 1996. and 36 meters at the stern. The deck lies dive a little without exceeding the no
In 1997, the “Boltenhagen” was turned at an average depth of 32 meters and the decompression limits and it makes it
into an unarmed patrol craft and deliv- top of the mast, at 17 meters of water. Due easy to do a safety stop without getting
ered to Malta, where she was renamed to the depth, and the involved mid-water bored.
P29. Around the Maltese Waters she was swim, it is a dive recommended for experi-
responsible for many offshore missions enced divers. Answering a few questions
including asserting control over Mal- Even though it is a new wreck, one does Another wreck just off another, lying out
ta’s Continental Shelf, anti-contraband not expect a huge amount of marine life, there that’s already been there for years?
missions, and numerous border control however the first bream and damself-
operations. ish have already made it their home! Now, what’s the purpose of sinking old
The P29 was purposely sunk approxi- A fair amount of growth covering the ships so close to the coast? We all know
mately 170 meters off the Cirkewwa wreck has already occurred and as this that, properly cleaned, there is no known
breakwater on 14th August 2007. is only after a few months, it looks very impact on the environment. In fact, we are
promising for the future. She is a very creating an attractive habitat for a variety
Some data interesting wreck: the yard preparing her of sea life. Only after a few months the
The P29’s overall length is 51.98 meters, to be sunk did a brilliant job in cleaning steel will be covered in all sorts of growth
a beam of 7.12 meters she had a draft of her, removing all the hutches and doors and more and more different fish can be
just 2.3 meters. Fully loaded, she had a dis- which might have become a hazard for seen around this wreck.
Since we are all divers and these wrecks are one of
Malta’s main attractions for the diving community,
the places have to be chosen even more carefully.
They need to be out of the main traffic zones but still
easy accessible by divers and they can’t be too deep,
otherwise they are only interesting for tec divers.
Another consideration for finding a location to sink a
wreck around the Maltese Islands is the general seabed.
Close to shore in shallower waters, we find lots of big areas of
sea grass, specially the Posidonia grass (Posidoniaceae). How bor-
ing, sea grass, we divers might think, but did you ever look into it?
Exploring the I don’t want to be too scientific here but as divers we should be
P29 wreck in concerned about our environment. We still want to go diving to-
Maltese Water
morrow and see the same beauty we enjoy today. Here I want to
give you just a short explanation on how important sea grass is
to keep the environment balanced and what it does for us divers:
● it helps to keep the water clear by trapping fine sediments and

particles with its leaves;
● it stabilizes the bottom with its roots and stops important soil
being carried away by water movement;
● it provides habitat for many fish, crustaceans and shellfish;
DIVE STAR RATING ● the grass itself and the organisms growing on it is food for
many sea animals;
VISIBILITY ★★★★ ● even dead, piling up on the beaches in winter, it protects the
EASE OF PENETRATION ★★★★ shore line by keeping sand from being washed out to sea;
MARINE LIFE ★★★★ ● and most importantly, it is a huge producer of oxygen.
PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES ★★★★★
DIVER SAFE ★★★★★ Summary
Let’s just be happy about the P29 and where she lies, it’s not a bad
Why so deep? Why there and not somewhere else? place overall. She is lying in the sand out of main traffic zones,
The exact answer for this is somewhere at the Maltese Planning deep enough not to get affected by every minor storm and away
Authority. But there are a few considerations for finding a loca- from sensitive sea plants like sea grass areas and coral reefs. l
tion that we can follow easily.
Malta is quite a busy shipping area and therefore the location With thanks to Stephen Clough - H2O Divers - Malta
and depth have to be chosen very carefully. While we are talking
about shipping, we are not only talking about the big com-
mercial ships. Since Malta is a very famous water sport location,
there are, in the summer, thousands of yachts and pleasure
boats around. Even medium size sailing yachts can draw up to 3
meters (10 feet).
Since the wrecks are all sunk in open water, the weather is also
a factor which has to be considered. The winter storms and the
involved swell around Malta can be quite strong. If the wreck is
lying too shallow, it doesn’t take too much to damage the wreck
and it can even be relocated in a heavy swell. A big part of the
bridge of the “Um El-Faroud”, Malta’s biggest wreck, was taken
off a while ago by one of these storms. The Um El Faroud is a 110
meter tanker which is broken apart and the two parts are mov-
ing. Changes can be seen every time there is a heavy swell and
the ship is lying in 35 meters of water.
ClubZone BSAC Torbay
W
elcome to All About...Scuba’s Clubzone, my name is
Paul Mason, I am the Vice Chairman of the Torbay
branch of the British Sub Aqua Club, each month a dif- Paul Mason
ferent club will be profiled, we at Torbay BSAC have the privilege
of getting the ball rolling so here goes.
Torbay BSAC {008} was established in 1954 and is the eighth old-
est BSAC club just missing out on the honour of being club 007,
the prime number of SCUBA.
Based in Torquay on the English Riviera we have an enthusiastic
membership ranging in age from 16 to 70+ along with a range of
experience from those who have just started to train to some of
the older members who started diving in the days when you had
to make your own wetsuit, buoyancy aids were unheard of and
a flask of warm water poured into the suit at the end of the dive
was your best friend.
We own two boats, one hard boat and a small RIB and encour-
age all our members to be actively involved in driving the boats
under the supervision of our very own salty sea dog, John Clee.
There is nothing this man does not know about boats and he is
always on hand to help train new boat handlers and keep every-
thing working and floating.
We have a kit room at Torquay harbour where the compressor is
housed, again, John keeps this pumping and members enjoy the
benefit of free air fills two minutes walk from the boat.
John no longer dives, but try keeping him away from the club.....?
Not a chance, his love of diving is still strong, even now, when he
should be at home enjoying his cardigan and slippers he can
always be found with oil and grease up to his elbows tinkering
away with anything and everything mechanical. John, we salute
you. A true diver’s diver.
Group photo Red Sea
There have been many firsts in the clubs history. The first female
diver to be awarded the level of first class diver, Kay Tompsett, back
in the days when diving was the preserve of bearded gentlemen.
The first large salvage operation undertaken by amateur divers
when the club bought the wreck of the Maine and proceeded to
recover the propeller, a brief history of this event is on our club
website www.torbay-bsac.co.uk
We are a very active club with a weekly dive calendar running
over the weekends and, weather permitting, Tuesday and Friday
evenings.
In addition to the dives in the bay we organise trips to locations
including the Red Sea and the Scillies, as well as along the coast-
line to Salcombe, Plymouth, Cornwall or anywhere else the mem-
bers wish to dive.
Grabbing a pint
We are a dive club that dives, we meet on a Wednesday evening in Scilly
from 8.30pm onwards at Torbay Hospital Social Club to train,
arrange and socialise. Come and say hello!
Under the guidance of Madam Chairman Cathy Jackman we
continue to push forward and are looking forward to our dia-
mond anniversary.
CLASSIFIEDS
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THIS MONTHS ADVERTISERS

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Rates from £25.00 per month. Pre-pay by the closing date which is 12th of each month.
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ISSUE 1 SEPT/OCT 2008

& Underwater Magazine

P29 WRECK - MALTA

Telephone: 01277 280091

should point you in that direction. Fitness

What are the risks with scuba diving? Life

Why learn to (I don’t like calling it a sport as we don’t

I’ve known Kevan for a number

Age: 49 (sorry Kev – had

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Suggested topics could include:

E-mail: editorial@allaboutscuba.co.uk or call 01277 280091

Come and support

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Dive Conference 2008 Oban, 15th November 2008

Over the coming months you will be able to

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For more information on Mares products visit www.mares.com or

UNDERWATER STROBE SYSTEMS FLEXIBLE SLR HOUSINGS

A VISION OF THE FUTURE...

For more information visit www.oceanvisions.co.uk or call

P29A little history

● it helps to keep the water clear by trapping ﬁne sediments and

ClubZone BSAC Torbay

THIS MONTHS ADVERTISERS

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