As most of you know, Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Philippines two weeks ago. While we won’t get into the “weather stats” of the storm, many experts say that Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy pale in comparison.
Some of the islands are still clearing up and working towards a rebuild, but the costs are heavy, both financially and psychologically. Some of the challenges they face are as simple as keeping everyone fed and watered with a job to return to. But a bigger more sustainable challenge remains to keep travelers coming. Despite the actually very fine conditions on some islands, the Philippians as a whole has seen massive cancellations already, and unfortunately the media’s portrayal of the Philippines and the government warnings against travel which come with that, means the islands are in danger of having to lay off staff that are no longer needed in a battle to survive. Tourism is a major factor for the Philippine economy, providing work for a large percent of the population.
How can you help? Spread the word that the Philippines are open for business, tourism and most importantly, diving! We’re hearing that most all of the 2,000 inhabited islands are up and running. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, one of the countries primary international airports was virtually unaffected and flights remain active and on time, ensuring travel to and from the Philippines.
Here is a nice article we stumbled upon that gives some updates on some of the most popular tourist areas like Boracay, Palawan, Amanpulo, Cebu, Bohol and Luzon. Article > Aftermath of the Storm
https://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Philippine-1.png576600Rob O'Goodenowhttps://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/header-web-live.pngRob O'Goodenow2013-11-26 20:55:342021-10-04 16:49:46A fast recovery in the Philippines; The Diving is Great!
SDI, together with Shark Savers Singapore, have teamed up for the first time to launch the SDI Shark Awareness Program during Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2013 in Singapore.
Sharks are under constant threat in the environment and their numbers are decreasing exponentially. An obvious reason is their use in the making of shark fin soup which has seen an increase in demand by the expansion of wealth and demand worldwide. Many shark species are known as apex predators, playing an important regulatory role in the food web, keeping the population of species in lower tropic levels in check. Without public education and encouraging people to make the right decisions to slow these diminishing effects on sharks, they are on the way to extinction in the near future.
This shark conservation program consists of three modules, Shark Awareness 101, 102 and 103. Shark Awareness 101 covers the importance and vulnerability of sharks as well as the myths about shark fin soup. Shark Awareness 102 examines the shark fin trade and the species of sharks frequently caught by the trade. Shark Awareness 103 explores the legal and conservation structures such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
Available to non-divers as well, this program aims to equip certified divers with shark awareness and conservation knowledge and encourage divers to engage in shark conservation either through personal choices (e.g. stopping the consumption of shark fin soup) or active involvement (e.g. volunteering in a shark or marine conservation group). In addition, divers can take the online pledge “I’M FINISHED WITH FINS” thereby making the personal choice not to eat or serve shark fin soup and/or to support ending the shark fin trade. https://www.sharksavers.org/en/our-programs/i-m-finished-with-fins/get-active/take-the-pledge/
SDI Dive Centers in Singapore namely, ScubaPeople, Diving Solutions, G-S Diving, Free Bubbles Dive Studio and SG Scuba were the first dive centers to be able to offer this unique course. There will be more dive centers worldwide able to offer this program shortly. Please contact your local SDI dive center if you are interested in learning more about the SDI Shark Awareness Program.
https://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/shark.jpg554886Rob O'Goodenowhttps://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/header-web-live.pngRob O'Goodenow2013-11-26 19:44:222021-10-04 16:49:11Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty Program in SE Asia
My task was to travel through SE Asia and see some of the world’s most beautiful locations, land and sea, and to do it on a small budget. Armed with just a small pack of gear, a minuscule amount of knowledge for these unfamiliar countries and a one way ticket, I left to pursue a long time dream. The expenses of traveling, whether it is in your native country, or abroad, can put a serious strain on your wallet. Adding the cost of diving or exploring some of these locations can also cut your money significantly further down. I had loosely planned a route starting in Singapore and working north through Malaysia, considering my options according to weather, cost and timing.
Singapore was a great place to start; diving into the lively culture was truly a delight to all the senses, especially for the rich diversity of markets and culinary dishes that appealed to the food enthusiast in me. A few days of exploring the city and near-by areas fueled the excitement to travel on into Malaysia, a little research got me to a bus that would take me to a city in Southern Malaysia. I have heard stories that some of the best diving in the world can be found in parts of Malaysia, but weather and time were factors going against my prospective diving plans.
Forced to stay along the western coast, I made my way from city to city, finding cheap accommodations along the way to help stretch my budget. Hostels and dorms were the cheapest of the options, though they can be rough sleeping conditions and sometimes lacking in security for personal belongings, they offered plenty of opportunity for meeting and exchanging ideas with other travelers who might have a good (or bad) tip. Malaysia was another very diverse culture and an outstanding haven for the formerly mentioned food enthusiast, Penang being a “must do” stop on the list for their fish head curry or countless other amazing dishes. My time in Malaysia was short but appreciated and wanting more, and being deeply curious about the other coast and particularly Borneo, I keep telling myself I will return.
After a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, I had arrived in Southern Thailand to start my month long trip into the north. The Thai visa on arrival is 30 days if coming in by air or 15 days by a land crossing, unless arrangements are premade through officials, so my flight had bought me what I thought would be enough time. Discovering the massive limestone cliffs dotted around the beaches and jetting out from the ocean made Southern Thailand beaches an incredible site. I settled down in the little town of Krabi, where plenty of diving opportunities presented themselves. Taxi boats are in abundance and o take you to numerous islands and beaches where dives could be organized through tours or finding your own beach site could be a cheaper alternative. Half the adventure and fun is getting to these places, not just diving into them. Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and respectfully barter with locals and taxis.
After bouncing around in the dazzling waters off the south west coast, it was time to make way to a group of islands far off the eastern coast, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao to be exact. As expected with any lush paradise tropical islands, the price of accommodation was reflected, but well worth the extra cash. Whale shark diving was on the list of rumors and attractions as well as the plentiful vibrant coral systems found in the Gulf of Thailand. There were no problems finding ways to get wet, be it snorkeling or scuba, windsurfing or wakeboarding. Dive boat charters or even local fishing boats are happy to provide assistance in finding your perfect dive spot or hidden gem of a beach.
Moving on from the islands brought me to Bangkok via a long slow boat ride and even longer bus ride, but an adventure none the less. My journey took me from Bangkok further into the jungles of the mountainous north train being the highly suggested method of travel to these regions, seeing the landscapes of the countryside from the ride are not to be missed. A few weeks in the north had not even dented my curiosity for Thailand; one month was simply not enough time for me. Trading tips with passing travelers had always led me to hostels with good prices and amenities, exploring the night markets more than satisfied my ever growing appetite while staying within a budgets range. Thailand quickly became another “must return to” on my list of travels.
After making some friends and the looming shadow of my soon to be expired Thai visa, an impulse decision was made to fly into Myanmar (Burma). A country that is religiously devout and decorated with massive golden all throughout the land, Myanmar was a place I could have never imagined. Traveling with a partner is a must here for those on a budget as accommodation is expensive and should be split with a partner. I simply would not have enough time or words to express the travel, sites and hardships through Myanmar, a truly special place with incredibly friendly people, a highly recommended travel destination. The mysteries of the islands off the western coast and little information obtained from locals or internet had burned a deep desire to return and explore some of these untouched pristine waters. Travel is restricted in Myanmar for tourist and all destinations are not as easily obtained, further adding fuel to the fire of curiosity.
After a few cities in Myanmar, it was time to fly back into Thailand and happily receive another 30 day visa. All roads lead to Bangkok and that is where I had found myself multiple times and comfortable within the hustle of the massive capital. A small island a few hours south of Bangkok called Ko Samet provided more dive opportunities, where I blissfully wasted away my days with deep blue activities.
It was now time to leave Thailand behind and enter into what I would soon realize to be a particularly captivating and remarkable country, Cambodia. In all, I spent 2 months in Cambodia. Another place that causes me a loss for words, the ancient temples lost to the jungles, wars, history, and unbreakable optimistic people of the country were nothing short of inspirational. Find your way to the south of Cambodia by way of bus, where you can catch the ferry out of the seaport town Sihanoukville to Koh Rong, an untouched untransformed island just off the coast. No real infrastructure, minimal accommodations, and miles of white sand beaches without a single footprint. Local fisherman can provide island hopping services as well as drop offs, and any equipment rental will have to be done back in Sihanoukville. This is another prime example of where getting to the destination is half the adventure.
Nearing the end of my budget and traveling getting the best of me, it was time to move onward to Vietnam then finally home. As mentioned of Thailand, one month was not enough time for Vietnam. This was a country with countless breath taking landscapes, wonders, and most important, culinary delights. The coastal town of Nha Thrang had a strong Russian influence and offered plenty of catering to dive enthusiasts. Staying in alleyway Mom and Pop hotels was abundant and extremely affordable, not to mention the kindness of the welcoming local families. More time was spent trekking in the mountains of Vietnam, I suppose it was time to let me skin dry out some from previous months of living like a marine animal. By now, six months had mysteriously flown by, the time went too fast. I now had to face the reality of flying home; I boarded a flight out of Hanoi, Vietnam bound for America.
I’m sure this type of travel is not ideal for many out there reading this article. Twelve hour minivan rides in an 8 person van that is holding 15 people is not my perfect situation either. Sometimes sleeping in dorms, bamboo huts, or simply in a mosquito net doesn’t leave one feeling completely refreshed, but doing so allowed over 6 months of travel and diving in some of the most beautiful places in the world. A little research, a friendly attitude and some common street sense can have you traveling to exotic places for weeks or even months that one might pay for a week long live aboard dive boat or a handful of resorts. It’s not about getting just to and from the destination, but the in-between, the people along the way, the good and bad mishaps and experiences. I dive for the thrill, the exploration of the unfamiliar, whether it is on land or underwater. Diving is the basis of the big picture for me, the adventure.
https://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/asia_travel.jpg701935Rob O'Goodenowhttps://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/header-web-live.pngRob O'Goodenow2013-11-26 19:43:542021-10-04 16:48:33Backpacking scuba in SE Asia
Yeah yeah we KNOW its cliché, but seriously, enjoy the dive you’re on. That’s why you’re in the water to begin with, right? Because you love it? There’s no bigger buzz kill on a dive boat or at a dive site than the diver who refuses to just enjoy the dive they are on and have compare it something “better”. Dive in the moment, there’s something great to be had in EVERY dive.
I got my open water certification in a sand quarry in Wisconsin. It was cold, the visibility was horrible, and yet it was possibly one of the most memorable dive outings of my life. I can remember how in awe I was to be surviving in a totally alien environment and how free it felt to be totally weightless. I could have hovered watching the cartoon-like blue gills guard their nests for hours if it weren’t for my instructor ruining it by asking me to remove and replace my mask. Even now, thousands of dives around the world later, I use those first few certification dives as my baseline. If I was able to enjoy diving to that extent in that cold, dark, near-lifeless sand quarry, how could I ever take any other dive for granted?
It’s a given that not every dive is going to match up to a night dive with manta rays in Kona, diving with a school of hammerheads in the Galapagos, or counting sea horses on the pier in St. Croix, but I have come up with a trick to get the most out of every opportunity I have to be under water. Anytime I find myself a little less than impressed on a dive, I try to find something unique about that particular dive and focus on that. When I still can’t find something worth noting, I try to just relax and enjoy the calm, quiet, weightless tranquility and wait for the dive to show me something. A great example of that happened to me recently while helping out with an event in Pennsylvania. The water was cold, dark, and I was mostly just in the water for moral support while some local instructors introduced new divers to different technical diving skills. For seven hours I was stationed in about 3 meters/10 feet of water watching students learn how to run reels for the first time. This was fun to watch for a while, but soon I became distracted by the largemouth bass that were hunting for crawfish under the rocks. I was so thrilled by this show that I was truly sad when the event was over and I had to get out of the water. This same type of thing happened to me recently while on a shallow reef dive in Bonaire. I was certain there was no way I was going to see something I hadn’t already seen when I spotted a frogfish hanging out on a sponge. After a few moments, I realized he was hunting and got to see my first live frogfish feeding. It was possibly the coolest thing I saw during the entire trip. It just goes to show that on some dives, you just have to relax and enjoy the dive for what it is…you might just be surprised by what you find.
So whether you are on the most amazing dive of your life in some faraway distant land or just testing out some new gear in your local quarry, don’t forget to “seize the dive”.
TDISDI led a group of technical and recreational divers on a chamber ride, by choice. Our goal: to reduce anxiety about the need for a chamber ride and to experience Narcosis in a fun adventuresome manner. Some even said – I don’t get narc’ed! – Sherri Ferguson, director of the facility had fun with that.
Treatment in a chamber for being bent is not shameful and divers should not be frightened of the experience. So says Executive Director of the Simon Fraser University Hyperbaric chamber facility, Sherri Ferguson who offers a half day chamber experience enhanced by having divers experience Narcosis and a decompression stop using oxygen.
The university chamber is located in Vancouver, Canada and is the only chamber in Canada used solely for research. The services and training programs are designed to simulate a wide variety of extreme environmental conditions or equipment malfunctions that may be encountered routinely or accidentally by individuals . From pressure testing fuel cells or other equipment housings and conducting human physiology studies, to training commercial pilot students to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoxia with simulations in a controlled environment, Simon Fraser’s research programs are varied and diverse.
The Class “A” Hypo/Hyperbaric complex contains an Entry Lock (EL), Main Lock (ML), and Wet Pot (WP). The unit can be pressurized to 1,000 feet of seawater and a vacuum can be drawn to 100,000 feet above sea level, the equivalent of the atmospheric pressure of Mars. The ML will accommodate up to seven participants (including one inside tender) and contains four fold up bunks for longer duration or sleep tests/studies. Individual Built in Breathing Systems (BIBS) for both oxygen and other breathable gas mediums can be connected so each participant has their own mask to breathe from, reducing the risk associated with an oxygen enriched environment within the chamber. Loud speakers installed in the EL and ML ensure that all participants can clearly hear instructions from the operators.
Our seminar actually started a week earlier with background information on DCS and the dos and don’ts using a chamber. We could not wear perfumes, hair gels or piercings due to the risks associated with an oxygen rich environment.
On the day of the chamber ride everyone arrived anxious and excited. The session began with a fun and informative lecture that involved 12 divers actively learning about the theory of Narcosis, decompression, oxygen pressures, medical conditions and other uses of chambers followed by an explanation of how chambers operate. Afterwards, off with our clothes! We changed into scrubs, an additional safety measure to ensure divers did not inadvertently wear or carry flammable items.
After a briefing at the actual chamber by the on duty doctor and the tender operator, the riders were split into two groups. I know the split was because of the space restriction but I really think it was to allow each group to watch the other as they became narc’d in the chamber. You could really see what each person was going through and how they reacted in various ways.
Each of us climbed into what looked like a submarine from a movie with the bunks on either side for us to sit on. A tender joined the group in the chamber. The door was closed. Tension was high. The group was excited but quiet as each listened to the instructions. The chamber would pressurize and slowly drop down to 160 ft. You had to hold a ‘thumbs up’ gesture to indicate that you could equalize your ears both descending and ascending. It got very hot and steamy. Picture yourself as being inside a scuba tank…..we all know that as you add pressure, the tank heats up and that is exactly what we felt. Pressure increased as we descended just like a normal dive without, of course, wet suits, masks and heavy dive equipment. Although some did bring their dive computers.
What happened at depth? Nothing. No fish, no coral, no current and no bubbles. What happened was Narcosis, displayed in its’ various forms. It was fascinating to observe and experience., an opportunity you don’t normally have when diving. It was the dive computer that really made the experience real. It proved that we were at depth; this was a real dive. We hovered (ok, we really lounged in our seats) at 160 ft for about 15 minutes watching the computer display real decompression time. We tried a memory game to remember words printed on cards. Not a complicated task . There was a lot of giggling and laughing. From the Narcosis, hidden parts of personalities emerged that we hadn’t seen before from people who new each other well. Fortunately our tender and Sherri kept everyone in line. By the way, when you talk at 160 ft you sound like a chipmunk and the air is so dense that you can’t whistle, further increasing the giggle factor. You know that you are making a fool of yourself, but you don’t care. Soon it would be the other group’s turn.
What happened on the ascent? Think again of the scuba tank example. It became very cold. As the pressure dropped, we were told the temperature dropped from 80F to 50F. An ascent was made to 30 ft where everyone donned oxygen masks and slowly decompressed. The group became very hushed. You could hear the breathing. It was a chamber full of oxygen breathing Darth Vaders until the chamber operator announced that decompression was complete and we were returned to the surface.
Each of us slowly internalized what had just happened. I remembered on my last deep dive looking at my computer 3 times, over and over, to have the depth and time information really register. I now knew why. It was because of Narcosis. At depth some of the group expressed uninhibited emotions by being verbose while others were withdrawn and pensive. Because of Narcosis. No one could remember any of the words on the three displayed cards. Because of Narcosis. From beginner to expert Narcosis had become real. Not to be feared as we now know what to expect, but to be respected and managed.
What a way to learn about a decompression chamber! Learn and experience Narcosis in real terms, complete a decompression dive and have some fun. But the lessons were and are real. It wasn’t just the supposed drunk feeling but the inablity to think and remember. And decompression is not a bad thing. Staying longer on a safety stop or for decompression divers, not rushing up after the oxygen at 20 ft is a good thing. But now if you do get a hit, a visit to the chamber isn’t so terrifying. Like when a doctor gives you a prescription when you are sick, the hyperbaric chamber is a great prescription to help divers beat decompression sickness.
A fun and adventuresome way to learn a serious business. TDISDI and Simon Fraser does plan to continue to offer more opportunities for divers. Groups can contact either TDISDI or Simon Fraser hyperbaric chamber for more information.
https://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_4897-scaled.jpg17072560Rob O'Goodenowhttps://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/header-web-live.pngRob O'Goodenow2013-11-26 17:18:432021-09-16 14:54:27Nobody goes to a hyperbaric chamber by choice – right? Wrong!
https://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FDIC-Logo.jpg307374adminhttps://www.tdisdi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/header-web-live.pngadmin2013-11-19 15:04:372021-10-01 19:14:49Come visit ERDI at FDIC International Tradeshow 04/18/16
SDI, together with Shark Savers Singapore, have teamed up for the first time to launch the SDI Shark Awareness Program during Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2013 in Singapore.
I settled down in the little town of Krabi, where plenty of diving opportunities presented themselves. Taxi boats are in abundance and o take you to numerous islands and beaches where dives could be organized through tours or finding your own beach site could be a cheaper alternative. Half the adventure and fun is getting to these places, not just diving into them. Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and respectfully barter with locals and taxis.
After making some friends and the looming shadow of my soon to be expired Thai visa, an impulse decision was made to fly into Myanmar (Burma). A country that is religiously devout and decorated with massive golden all throughout the land, Myanmar was a place I could have never imagined. Traveling with a partner is a must here for those on a budget as accommodation is expensive and should be split with a partner. I simply would not have enough time or words to express the travel, sites and hardships through Myanmar, a truly special place with incredibly friendly people, a highly recommended travel destination. The mysteries of the islands off the western coast and little information obtained from locals or internet had burned a deep desire to return and explore some of these untouched pristine waters. Travel is restricted in Myanmar for tourist and all destinations are not as easily obtained, further adding fuel to the fire of curiosity.
Yeah yeah we KNOW its cliché, but seriously, enjoy the dive you’re on. That’s why you’re in the water to begin with, right? Because you love it? There’s no bigger buzz kill on a dive boat or at a dive site than the diver who refuses to just enjoy the dive they are on and have compare it something “better”. Dive in the moment, there’s something great to be had in EVERY dive.
