Archive for February, 2009

So… anyone preg after last week? Mayb it’s too early to tell.. HEhe..

So.. where are the photos U promised mr ricky koh?

Deep Blue Scuba celebrates the festive season with amazing dives in Maldives, reports Kelly Ng

If you were planning to get away from the crazy parties for a relaxing tropical Christmas, you are in for a huge disappointment. Those with a love for challenge will find themselves slapped with many folds of craziness, unleashed within a confined 38-meters dive boat.

22 happy divers on board Southern Cross

22 eager divers were warmly greeted at Male Maldives onto the lushly furnished 10-cabin MV Southern Cross, all looking forward to checking out the clear blue waters in South Male and South Ari Atoll. They were surely treated to 17 amazing dives over the course of six days.

Male has an array of diverse dive sites that promise to please a group of divers with different profiles. And it certainly did on this trip. The coral lovers indulged in a leisurely swim in the Coral Garden where the abundance of coral fishes, eels, and anemones simply took one’s breath away. The pelagic hunters were rewarded with an intense experience of being surrounded by a school of mature white-tip, black-tip and reef sharks.

School of yellow striped fish seeked shelter in a cave

We were trailed by a friendly napoleon wrasse which was screaming for attention and affection

The divers were unanimous when it came to the highlight of the trip. It had to be snorkeling with the whale shark – for majority of the group – for the first time! The boat paced up and down the channel anxiously for two full days as the dive masters kept watch for the faint shadow of a whale shark. Just as the group grew restless, a four-meter medium sized whale shark decided it was time to strut its stuff. Most of the divers never thought they would jump (without hesitation!) from the bow of the boat three meters down into the sea!

Divers were speechless and in awe as they watched the whale shark swam gracefully away

There was no snow or mistletoe but the divers were not shortchanged of a cheery Christmas. Far from that, many would not want to spend it any way and any where else! Imagine being swept off to a private island, savouring grilled meats over a grand long table lined with rose petals and tea candles, and basking under the moon light with the fire glowing in the background… That was Christmas in Male.

Our very own kungfu divers

Diving with Deep Blue Scuba is never complete unless you have found yourself suffering from stomach and facial cramp – generally more than once hourly – after laughing your head off at a thirty-second spontaneous stand-up comedy by one of the Deep Blue crew. At other times, the group kept themselves busy and entertained by taking hundreds of photographs (sometimes after smearing half a bar of bright red lip stick onto one another), learning synchronized dance moves to 80s music, filming the Asian adaptation of R.E.C. the movie, or sneaking a huge bunch of banana into someone’s cabin. The Maldives experience was enhanced by the excellent company of hyperactive, easily-tickled and over-the-top crazy divers; certainly not a trip for the faint-hearted.

Casualties from an afternoon of Dai Di (also known as the Big 2 Card Game)

Project AWARE Foundation announces Environmental Achievement Award Recipients 2008.

Project AWARE Foundation honors dive operators around the world who display commitment and excellence in their efforts to protect underwater environments within business operations and their community.

Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of global ecosystems. “The environmental Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations,” states Richardson.

“Our awards recognise dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays! The number of outstanding environmental programs taking place is inspiring,” said Joanna McNamara, Project AWARE Coordinator.

This year the Matava Resort enjoyed an eco renovation and received Fiji’s first AAA Green Star Accreditation for environmental sustainability. Holidaying here you will find the bures are powered by independent solar power systems and there’s even a full service organic farm which means the resort is self supplied with paw paws, lemons and lettuce to name but a few.

Making a commitment to the local community Sea Hounds, Singapore offer kids from low income families opportunities to experience snorkeling and scuba diving and learn about coral reefs, endangered species and threats to marine life. The program is offered in conjunction with Singapore Sports Council and Ministry of Education. The Crew at NZ Sea Adventure have advocated for the south coast marine reserve in Wellington, New Zealand. A no take area where fishing of any kind is prohibited the long term benefit to the marine environment will be significant.

Project AWARE funding kick started the Giant Clam Regeneration Project for Dive Tropex, Fiji. The giant clams have grown from 7cm to over 70cm in 8 years. Recognised unofficially by locals as a protected area plans are underway to see the Giant Clam site awarded marine park status.

Black Tip Diving, Thailand offer local children opportunities to swim, snorkel and dive! “It is a sad fact that although they live on the island most locals cannot swim, have a fear of the ocean and have never explored the most beautiful aspect of their home,” says General Manager Shalini Negi. Additionally Black Tip Diving certify their Thai dive staff at no cost so they can help spread the message of conservation.

The following Asia Pacific Environmental Achievement Award 2008 recipients operate in an environmentally responsible manner and demonstrate an outstanding commitment to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.

· Palm Beach Divers, Thailand

· Matava, Fiji Islands

· United Divers, Australia

· Sea Hounds, Singapore

· B & J Diving Centre, Malaysia

· Blacktip Diving, Thailand

· NZ Sea Adventures, New Zealand

· Undersea Explorer, Australia

· Dive Tropex Tokoriki, Fiji Islands

· Plunge Diving, Australia

· Malapascua-Exotic Island Dive Resort, Philippines

· Crystal Dive Resort, Thailand

· Kon-Tiki Thailand

· Deep Blue Scuba, Singapore

· Ocean Elements, Malaysia

· Remote Area Dive, Australia

· Dive Tutukaka, New Zealand

· Redcliffe Training Centre, Australia

· Big Blue Diving Store, Thailand

· Eco Scuba, Korea

· Subsurface Fiji, Fiji Islands

The number of amazing initiatives and actions implemented by the Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award Winners is inspiring. Congratulations! For information on planning your own environmental project or becoming more environmentally sustainable contact Project AWARE. www.projectaware.org

Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, works in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.   To get involved in environmental activities and make a lasting difference visit www.projectaware.org