Perfect Diver Magazine 12 issue

diving

No. 12 6(12)/2020

november/december

Price 7,90 € Tax included

freediving

passion

knowledge

gulf islands honduras

through the lens henley spiers 1

2

the foreword

Wojciech Zgoła

Editor-in-Chief

“This world is strange” and the passing year has been strange. It has given us all a hard time. Local diving has become fashionable. Thanks to this, we can spend less time commuting and more time finding new water reservoirs, not located in thousands, but several dozen kilometers from our home.

Christmas is coming. Contact with loved ones may be difficult, and it is always a time of quiet family celebration. Let us do everything we can to take a break from the ills of this world, take a distance and fill ourselves with optimism and positive emotions.

Let the New Year be a good year, healthy, full of exceptional events.

As a magazine, we are entering 2021 with specific plans. Follow us on social media.

We are speeding up the publication of our bimonthly. Now we will try to make you have it in front of your eyes and in your hands at the end of the first month of release.

So the end of January 2021, then the end of March, May, etc.

The current issue has a lot to offer. Beautiful photos and a light pen of the authors will make you dive with us virtually. First we have Honduras for you. Finally, a very practical text about buoys. Inside, inter alia, an interview with the outstanding photographer Henley Spiers, whose photo adorns our cover, and as a curiosity – "pudding" from Lake Werbellinsee in Germany. And what exactly is this zooplankton. Explained and shown.

I cordially invite you to come inside. All we have is at your disposal. You can now order a subscription for 2021. From January, the price for a copy is PLN 25 plus shipping.

We also have a very nice calendar with beautiful photos. First come first served. Until stocks last.

And your personal support in the form of a donation for our editorial office is appreciated.

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

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ta b l e o f co n t e n t s

16

32

40

travels 10

Gulf Islands. In search of the lost sand

24

Central Dalmatia

32

Sardinia. Under the sign of Aquarius

40

Pudding

our conversation 16

Through the lens – Henley Spiers

knowledge 44

Video System UV2

50

#divelocal #divesafe

62

"Medicine for divers". Review

Archaeology 46

4

Sacred waters

rookie's eye 58

XI ABC's commandments

planet earth 52

The ubiquitous plankton

54

A goose or not really?

Publisher perfect diver wojciech zgoła ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com ISsN 2545-3319

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editor in chief

Wojciech Zgoła

columnist

Irena Kosowska

underwater archaeology

Mateusz Popek

freediving photographer publicist, photographer english language translators legal care graphic design and composition

Agnieszka Kalska Jakub Degee Bartosz Pszczółkowski Agnieszka Gumiela-Pająkowska Arleta Kaźmierczak Reddo Translations Sp. z o.o.

Adwokat Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak

the magazine was folded with typefaces

Montserrat (Julieta Ulanovsky) Open Sans (Ascender Fonts) Spectral (Production Type) printing Wieland Drukarnia Cyfrowa, Poznań, www.wieland.com.pl

distribution dive centers, online store

tips & curiosities 64

preorder@perfectdiver.com

Buoyant mood

cover photo

Henley Spiers model

Tiger Cardinalfish Cheilodipterus macrodon place

Anilao, Batangas, Philippines

www.perfectdiver.com

The Editorial Office does not return unsolicited materials, is not responsible for the content of advertisements and reserves the right to shorten, edit, title the submitted texts and select illustrative materials. Reprinting of articles or parts thereof, copying only with the consent of the Editorial Board. Editors are not responsible for the form and content of advertisements.

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PayPal.Me/perfectdiver perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

5

e d i to r i a l t e a m

Wojciech Zgoła

irena kosowska

jakub degee

He often repeats that he travels by diving and that

Regional Manager Divers Alert Network Polska,

Polish photographer, winner of awards and dis-

is his motto. In 1985 he obtained a yacht sailor's

diving and first aid instructor, technical diver and

tinctions in world underwater photography com-

license, and only in 2006 began to dive. In the fol-

cave diver. In love with all flooded, dark, cold,

petitions, has already dived all over the world: with

lowing years he improved his skills by obtaining

tight places and invariably from the beginning

sharks and whales in South Africa, with orcs be-

the Dive Master degree. He completed nearly

of the diving route – in the Baltic. Implementing

hind the Arctic Circle, on Galapagos with hundreds

650 dives in various climatic conditions. Since

the DAN mission, he conducts a series of lectures

of hammerhead sharks and humpback whales in

2007, he has been taking photographs underwa-

”Dive safely” and Diving Safety Laboratory, so field

the Tonga Islands. He participates in specialist

ter, and since 2008 he has also been filming. As

research of divers for scientific purposes.

photographic workshops. He has been diving for

an independent journalist, he published dozens

27 years, he started at the age of 12 – as soon as

of articles, mainly in journals dedicated to diving,

it was formally possible. He was the first in the

but not only. Co-author of photo exhibitions in

world to use the Hasselblad X1d-50c camera for

Poland and abroad. He is passionate about and

underwater macro photography. Recently, in the

propagator of diving.

remote Chincorro archipelago on the border be-

Since 2008 he has been running his own website

tween Mexico and Belize, he did it again, taking

www.dive-adventure.eu. On the basis of extensive

a successful attempt to photograph the eye of

experience, in August 2018 he created the new

a crocodile with a macro lens with an additional

Perfect Diver Magazine.

magnifying lens, which is the world's largest photo of the crocodile's eye living in the wild (in terms of pixel count, print size, quality).

Mateusz Popek

Agnieszka kalska

”My passion, work and life are under water.” He has

”I can't imagine living without water, where in a free

That's my name and I come from Poznań. I have

been diving since 2009. Since 2008, he's walking

body I experience freedom of the spirit.”

been associated with water practically from birth

in caves. Underwater archeologist by education.

He participated in numerous projects in Poland and abroad. He has been engaged in professional diving since 2011. In 2013 he obtained the qualifications of a 2nd class diver. Has experience in underwater work both at sea and inland. Since

• founder of the first freediving and swimming school in Poland – FREEBODY, • Apnea Academia International and PADI Master Freediver freediving instructor, • world record holder in freediving (DYN 253 m),

Bartosz Pszczółkowski

and with diving since I learned to walk. My grandfather instilled my passion for the underwater world, a CMAS*** instructor taking me to the lakes at any free time. I obtained my first qualifications in 1996. A year later I went to Croatia and literally went crazy at the sight of blue wa-

2013 he has been diving in caves, especially in the

• record holder and Polish champion, member

ter, octopus and colorful fish;) I bought my first

mountains, and since 2014 he is a diving instruc-

of the national team in freediving 2013–2019,

underwater camera – Olympus 5060 and started

tor CMAS M1. In June 2020, he obtained a doctor-

• winner of the World Championships in freed-

the adventure with underwater photography.

al degree in underwater archeology.

iving 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018,

I acquired my diving experience in the Canary

• multimedalist of the Polish Championships

Islands, Sardinia, Norway, Maldives and in Polish

and a member of the national team in swim-

lakes. I am currently a Padi and ESA instructor,

ming in the years 1998–2003,

I train diving enthusiasts in Europe and pass my

• passionate about freediving and swimming.

passion on to others.

I invite all lovers of the underwater world and photography to Beediver (FB) – see you soon.

o u r au t h o r s

wojciech a. filip

robert styła

sylwia kosmalska-juriewicz

Has more than 8000 dives on his account. He has

President of Ocean-Tech Sp. z o. o., IT NAUI, wreck

A traveller and a photographer of wild nature.

been diving for over 30 years, including over 20

and cave diver. "Diving is not just about equip-

A graduate of journalism and a lover of good liter-

years as a technical diver. He is a professional with

ment. It is also discovering secrets and an oppor-

ature. She lives in harmony with nature, promotes

great theoretical and practical knowledge. He is

tunity to reach places that an ordinary mortal has

a healthy lifestyle: she is a yogini and a vegetarian.

an instructor of many federations: GUE Instructor

no chance to see. Over ten years ago, for this pas-

Also engaged in ecological projects. Sharks and

Mentor, CMAS**, IANTD nTMX, IDCS PADI, EFR,

sion, I abandoned the prospering business and

their protection are especially close to her heart.

TMX Gas Blender. He participated in many diving

founded the company Ocean-Tech, which in fact

She writes about the subject in numerous articles

projects and conferences as a leader, explorer,

is an online store www.nurkowyswiat.pl"

and on her blog www.divingandtravel.pl. She be-

originator or lecturer. These included the Britan-

gan her adventure with diving fifteen years ago

nic Expedition 2016, Morpheus Cave Scientific

by total coincidence. Today she is a Divemaster,

Project on Croatia caves, GROM Expedition in

she visited over 60 countries and dived on 5 con-

Narvik, Tuna Mine Deep Dive, Glavas Cave in Croa-

tinents. She invites us for a joint journey with the

tia, NOA-MARINE. Professionally, he is a technical

travel agency www.dive-away.pl, of which she is

director at TecLine in Scubatech, and a director of

a co-founder.

training at TecLine Academy.

Adrian juriewicz

agata turowicz-cybula

A traveler, photographer and the underwater

Since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming

world filmmaker, an Asian cuisine enthusiast

a marine biologist and I managed to fulfill that

and a PADI diving instructor. He visited over

dream. I did a degree in oceanography, where

70 countries and dived on 5 continents (the

I recently started my doctoral studies. My diving

other two are planned for next year's expedi-

adventure began when I was 12 years old. I love

tions). For several years he has also been an

observing the underwater life up close and I try to

instructor and trainer of the unmanned aircraft

show other divers how fascinating the underwa-

flights. A co-author of a travel agency for divers

ter, Baltic creatures are.

www.dive-away.pl. He documents his expeditions with photos and descriptions of his journeys on his blog www.divingandtravel.pl

o u r au t h o r s

margita ślizowska

wojciech jarosz

julia zabrodzka i bartek kaftan

aka "Mermaid". NAUI, EFR (premedical first aid)

A graduate of two Poznan universities, the Acad-

They travel together with a camera (Julia) and

and DAN oxygen rescue instructor. Actress and

emy of Physical Education (coaching specializa-

a notebook (Bartek). Preferably to the countries

singer. Versatile woman.

tion – handball) and the University of A.Mickiew-

of Central America, especially Mexico and Gua-

Diving is her passion and a way to help every

icz, Faculty of Biology (specialty of experimental

temala, where they spent a total of almost one

person with whom she works above and below

biology). He connected his professional life with

and a half years. They have been writing for the

water. In her opinion, diving is not only exploring

this first university trying to influence the direc-

Polish and foreign press about the places they

the underwater world. It is also getting to know

tion of development of future professionals on

visited and the people they met on the way. Their

and integrating with your own "I", building trust

the one hand, and on the other planning and

photos and texts appeared, among others in

in yourself and a way to develop the skills neces-

implementing research, pushing laboriously in

"The Guardian", "El País", "Polityka", "Scripture",

sary to overcome all life problems. Specialist for

the right direction of the stroller called science.

"Wysokie Obcasy", "Zwierciadło", "Esquire" or

"difficult" students and children.

In his free time he spends his time actively – his

"Kukbuku", as well as in travel magazines, such

Owner of XDIVERS – Your Diving School. Trimix,

main passions are sailing (sea helmsman), skiing

as "Podróże", "Voyage" or "Continents". They like

cave and gas blender diver. Her biggest under-

(downhill skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle,

water in every form – seas, lakes, and rivers – but

water love are caves, and diving priority – SAFETY.

recreational diving and many other activities, as

they consistently stick to the surface without ven-

margita@xdivers.pl, www.xdivers.pl

well as photography, mainly nature.

turing into the depths. You can see Julia's photos at: www.juiazabrodzka.pl

bogdan zając

tomasz wciórka "eternal"

I live in Świnoujście, I have been diving since 2009.

He has been involved in diving since 2009. Passion-

The current dive rank is advanced nitrox in IDF

ate, technical and cave diver. Owner of the Black

and AOWD in SSI. Photography course with Irena

Angel Divers diving school in Szczecin. Author of

Strangierska. Number of dives 450.

articles on diving.

A perfectionist with a positive attitude to life, suitable as a test pilot for new diving equipment.

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t r av e l s

Gulf Islands In Search of the lost sand

Text bartek kaftan

Photos julia zabrodzka

Out of the three Honduran islands in the Caribbean Sea – Roatan, Guanaja and Utila – divers particularly like the latter, the smallest and the most inconspicuous.

Is there anything to do here on the surface as well?

I

t is hard to believe, but I think we just landed on a Caribbean

Roatan Utila

Guanaja

island with no beach.

On the neighbouring island – Roatan, everything was fine.

We lived in a log cabin in the midst of green, a few steps from an arched strip of sand at Half Moon Bay. In the morning we Honduras

10

dived in the bay and swam along the reef stretching along the

travels

a mask and a tube below the surface through the Blue Channel coral canyon. Day after day passed and we could feel sand under our bare feet.

On Utila you cannot do without decent sandals or flip-flops.

A bit of sand, which was artificially brought here, can be found only on the hotel Bando Beach. Apart from this, the coast is a range of rough, dark rocks. Those rocks were feared by the captains of Spanish galleons, exporting the treasures of the New World to Europe. But on the other hand, pirates liked the area very much. The Gulf Islands were the hideout of the shore, following colourful fish or a lonely turtle. In the after-

most famous marine robbers, led by Henry Morgan and John

noon we sat at the Sundowner’s Beach Bar to watch the sun

Coxen. The latter was even commemorated in the name of the

disappear in the Caribbean Sea with a bottle of the Honduran

capital of the archipelago, the town of Coxen Hole on Roatan.

Salva Vida beer in hand. In the meantime, we went for a walk

Today, only legends are left after the presence of the pi-

on the long West End Beach – only if it was only to rent a kay-

rates, but the rocky shores of Utila again act as a magnet – this

ak, swim 200–300 meters away from the shore and dive with

time for diving enthusiasts. They are a promise of splendour

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

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that hides underwater: a coral reef stretching on the edge of the continental shelf of Central America, which on the northern side of the archipelago falls steeply into the abyss of the Cayman Trough. A huge variety of marine habitats makes underwater off the coast of the Gulf Islands extremely rich, with more than 95% of the species living in the Caribbean Sea. We get to know a small piece of it, swimming with a mask and a tube off the southern shores of Utila. We enter the sea in the bay on the west side of the town, where getting through the rocks is facilitated by piers. We immerse ourselves in the turquoise, and after a while we flow over the edge of the reef.

It falls not so deeply as on the northern side of the island, but very steeply, almost vertically. Here and there are elk's antlers-like corals of the species acropora palmata, with a lot of colourful parrotfishes spinning, and where smaller sergeant majors are glittering like gold flakes. Suddenly, somewhere down from behind the reef, a stingray emerges. We hang over it motionless and watch as it flows slowly through a blue procession, intersected by rays of the sun. We will remember this meeting for a very long time.

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The most peculiar and some of the most beautiful inhabitants of Utila, however, hide not on reefs, but on land. They are quite shy and avoid contact with people, but there is a place where you can almost always meet them. From the town centre we climb up the street towards Stuart's Hill, one of only two hills on the island, and turn left into a large Caribbean-style wooden house hidden among lush greenery. On the lawn in front of the building we see several palm thatch huts made of metal mesh. And in them the most important tenants – iguanas of the species ctenosaura bakeri.

These reptiles are critically endangered. They are found only on Utila Island (which is 6 kilometers wide and 11 kilometers long), and they dig nests on a few narrow beaches on the northern side of the island. The Iguana Station employees and volunteers collect eggs and move them to a facility where the young hatch in incubators. Then they take care of the lizards until they grow up enough to cope in the natural environment.

of Utila, which quickly pass into a low mangrove forest. We go through the tangle of roots. No trace of any path, but our guide knows every angle here. Unfortunately, poachers are equally confident – meat and eggs of iguanas are still a delicacy for some islanders. They are not deterred by mosquitoes, nor by crabs sneaking out from under our feet, nor by mud. Although it is the end of the dry season, every few steps we fall into a sticky goo, sometimes all the way to the knees.

Suddenly, an invigorating turquoise can be seen among the thickets. We come out on a narrow strip of light sand, surrounding the shallow Rock Harbour Bay. Apart from our group, there is no one, tourists from the town do not come here.

This is the perfect place to release iguanas. We watch as the guide carefully takes them out and puts them on the ground.

We observe from a distance so as not to frighten the animals unnecessarily. They look around for a moment, probably bewil-

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We are lucky: tomorrow a few specimens will be released

dered by the Caribbean light, and then dive into the mangrove

into the wild. One of the experienced caregivers of the resort

thickets. And so do we, but into the warm water of the bay to

will take them to the place and agrees that we and two vol-

cool down before the laborious return.

unteers will accompany him. "Put on decent shoes and old

At the end of the stay, we find out that Utila – which we

clothes, because we are unlikely to come back clean," he warns.

initially believed to be without beaches – has an even more

In fact: the next morning, almost immediately after leaving the

Caribbean face than the Rock Harbour. We are going on a trip

Iguana Station, we delve into the wet scrubs that cover most

with a group of students from one of the diving schools. Many

backpackers travelling through Central America take their first steps in the underwater world on this island: the conditions are safe and pleasant, and the prices of the courses are reportedly among the lowest in the world. Our goal is the linked Jewel Cay and Pigeon Cay, two of a chain of coral islets at the southwestern tip of Utila. Interestingly, it is here that the oldest settlement on the island is located, founded in the first half of the 19th century by newcomers from the Cayman Islands. Today the islets themselves are practically invisible. They are tightly built up with houses and huts, and the structures supported on stilts spread over the sea that washes the rocky shore. There are no cars, no scooters, but everyone has a boat. A real water world.

The trainees stay on Jewel Cay, we get into the canoes and row further west, first through the dark saffron depth of the strait, then along the shores of the two islets. Finally, it appears to our eyes: the Caribbean kitsch painted with the turquoise sea, the white of the beach, the green of palm plumes, flecked with red starfish lying in the shallow water. Water Cay is a triangle about two hundred, maybe three hundred meters long, only a few dozen wide, but it is not difficult to forget about the whole big world here. We lie down on the sand, squint our eyes, and bask like the endemic iguanas that have finally found their island.

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

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o u r co n v e r s at i o n s

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Through the lens Henley Spiers Blue Shark perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

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Shark Vortex

My conversation with Henley Spiers, photographer, diving instructor

Wojciech Zgoła: You take fantastic photos. Since when did

18

you start photographing underwater?

Thanks to your photos, we met. I liked the turtle photo in

Henley Spiers: Thank you! I would say 2014 is when I took

the cenote so much that I wrote to you and you agreed

up underwater photography, prior to that I’d had a couple of

to share the photo on the Perfect Diver wall sometimes.

compact cameras with me on some dives but it was just clicking

A happy meeting – I’m very pleased to hear you enjoy that

a few pictures as we went along on dives, memories rather

image of the turtle in the cenote, it’s a personal favourite and

than really thinking much about photography.

one many people have had a strong emotional response to.

our conversations

Constellation of eagle Rays

Between Two Worlds

You worked as an instructor in a diving center for a long

Lucia and we have since worked together as underwater pho-

time, but recently you have been focusing only profession-

tographers. My daughters are only 3 years and 3 months old

ally on photography, why?

so they haven’t yet joined the tradition, but hopefully one day!

When I was 25 years old, I abandoned corporate life to follow

Yes, I do dive on holidays, although perhaps I shouldn’t, as it’s

my heart and become a dive professional. After several years

difficult for me to slow down and just do a few dives, whilst also

working as an instructor in Indonesia, Philippines, and Saint

spending quality time with family.

Lucia, I started underwater photography and became so engrossed that I decided to switch from teaching divers, to full

Do you dive without a camera, with your hands free?

time underwater photography.

These days, no, never…I would feel naked without the camera!

Even if I don’t take many shots, I would hate to miss out on

What's your occupation?

documenting something beautiful or unusual because I’d left

Underwater photographer, writer, and trip leader. I wish

the camera behind.

I could just be purely an underwater photographer, but the reality is I need to combine several skill sets to make it all work

Your best photo in your opinion?

as a profession.

Gosh, tough question…There are a few I’m very fond of…If pressed, I would say ‘Between Two Worlds’, my black and white

Does your family dive? If so, do you spend your holidays

shot of a cormorant diving down on a shoal of fish below. It has

diving, if not why?

a lot of power and a strong story to it, an image which anyone in

Yes, my father was my first dive buddy, and I met my wife, Jade,

the world could look at and understand. I also think the vision

and her father in a dive shop on Malapascua Island, Philipines.

and edit for it was, and still remains, pretty original.

Jade would then go on to become a dive professional in Saint

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

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Battle of the Tompots

Marlin hunt

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our conversations

Spider Crab

Marlin vs Sea Lion

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

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Big Mouth

And then what is your dream of underwater photography,

governmental support, to one which fundamentally has far

because mine is to capture a marlin?

greater restrictions on plastic waste.

Marlin? Well then you have to join me in Mexico sometime for the striped marlin aggregation! I really enjoy animal behaviour,

Do you encounter rubbish while diving in different places?

so the opportunity to capture a never before seen behaviour

Yes, I have found it worst in developing nations, where there

would be my dream. Mating great white sharks maybe?

is both less awareness in some quarters, as well as a reliance on single use packs of basic necessities (such as shampoo or

What do you think of plastic in relation to the oceans and

food stuff) due to the low income levels.

animals?

Well, I don’t think there’s anything positive to say in terms of

Do you dive in both wetsuit and drysuit?

plastic and the ocean. Our waste has become an enormous

Yes, although I admit the dry suit is a relatively recent addition,

burden for the natural world. I have witnessed plastic debris

and I am far more experienced in a wetsuit.

on dive sites, but what is even more worrying is the plastic we can’t see. Micro-plastics being ingested by animals throughout

Do you prefer warm or cold water? Does this object to pho-

the food chain, and ultimately, humans too. It’s such a new

tograph matter?

problem we don’t even fully understand yet what impact mi-

I prefer the feeling of warm water! But photographically, I am

cro-plastic will have on the health of the oceans inhabitants.

very inspired by the potential subjects in cold water… For sure

Clearly as a race we need to become less wasteful, and it has

a tropical coral reef is a delightful way to dive, but they have

been pleasing to see a global awakening on plastics in the last

been extremely well documented. I feel there may be more

few years. I’d say we’re at the stage where many people are

unique photographic opportunities and stories to be found in

aware of the problem, which is good, but now we need to en-

cooler waters at this stage.

ter the next stage, where the way we live is transitioned, with

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advertisement

Diver, Cavern Jack

Have you ever dived in a lake with a visibility of 2–4 meters?

No… So, I invite you to Poland in summer :) Ok great – what wildlife is there to see?

We have fish such as pike, catfish, perch, sturgeon, eel and carp. In some places there are boats carved from a single tree trunk. They are sometimes over 1000 years old. But… anyway you wrote to me that you liked our Perfect Diver Magazine, can you tell me more?

As a photographer, the first thing I do when picking up a magazine or book is look at the pictures. In browsing Perfect Diver Magazine, I appreciated the quality of the images, as well as the editorial lay-out. I was also intrigued by the subject matter, as i am not very familiar with European diving.

You can see more of Henley’s work, including fine art prints and trips at: www.henleyspiers.com You can also follow him on: Instagram @henleyspiersphoto, Facebook @henleyspiersphotography

t r av e l s

Central Dalmatia Text sylwia kosmalska-juriewicz Photos adrian juriewicz

How beautiful it is in the morning, when not everything has happened yet and everything can happen, you just have to take...

Agnieszka Osiecka

W

e set out on a diving boat at dawn, from the marina located at the diving center in the Okrung Gorne dis-

trict, near Trogir. In this area there are thirty of the most interesting diving sites in Central Dalmatia. You can get there from the dive centre on 15 to 80-minute fast boat rides. The centre offers both full day and shorter dive trips, depending on your preferences.

Trogir Solta

Split

The boat glides lightly on the quiet surface of the water smooth as velvet. I savor this peace with all my senses and enjoy the most delicious dessert. With every moment we move

24

travels

further away from the marina, from the pebbly and bright

to COVID-19 has "forced" all of us to limit travel to a minimum

beaches and white houses covered with red tiles, which cas-

or abandon it at all. In my memories I go back to the times

cade down to the very shoreline. After a long break in travel-

when everything was possible. The isolation in which we live

ling, I am back on the high seas, in my element, on my way

has made us re-evaluate not only our lives, but also the way we

to diving. The sun's rays dance across my face and the wind

perceive the world, nature and other people. We have become

tangles my hair. I sit on the bow of the boat and breathe in

more sensitive and we are much more willing to help others.

the smell of the sea, revel in the feeling of true, undisturbed

Each of us learns in their own way to adapt to the new reality

freedom. Away from the mass media... I feel happy.

in which we live. Therefore, I appreciate more the fact that I am

It feels like light years since I last dived in warm sea waters. The dynamically changing situation in the world related

in Croatia with a group of fantastic people who, just like me, missed the sea, diving and the time spent together.

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

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26

Mahatma Gandhi was right in saying that: Freedom is a state of mind.

We are sailing towards the island of Solta, the thirteenth largest Croatian island, situated in the Adriatic Sea. It is surrounded by small emerald coves and picturesque pebbly beaches covered with pine trees. These trees not only diversify the landscape, but also shelter numerous creatures, including cicadas, which are considered the loudest insects in the world.

Adult males, wanting to attract a partner, emit noises that exceed 120 dB. They are so loud that they drown out the engines of yachts entering the port.

The captain is mooring the boat near the island, after forty minutes we got to the first dive site, famous for a small but very beautiful underwater cave with a dry chamber inside. I put on my thermal underwear, put on a drysuit, and it is August. The air temperature exceeds 35°C, and the water temperature varies between 23°C and 24°C. Most people dive in 5 mm wetsuits, but I cool down quickly in the water, so for thermal comfort I took a drysuit and a hood.

I put the regulator in my mouth, press the bleed button on the inflator and plunge into the sun-bathed Adriatic Sea. I slowly penetrate into another world, full of magic, silence and peace. A world that hides a lot of secrets.Sometimes it is capricious and we have to fight the currents, other times it is gentle, calm, ready to tell us its story...

I drop slowly, like a bird descending to land and watching everything from above. The view is phenomenal, it exceeds 40 m, I look down and see the border where the light blue turns into the dark blue. I swim along a sloping rock wall overgrown with a variety of corals, sponges of irregular shapes and intense colours. They usually take the form of elongated trumpets and grow out of the ground. In numerous rock depressions, navy blue and red bristle worms hide. They have an oblong shape, resemble hairy caterpillars, and their cylindrical bodies consist of more than a hundred segments. They are covered with bristles that sting heavily. Not only bristle worms feel good in the Mediterranean Sea, but also pink and orange moss animals, which most often appear in the form of spherical twigs, growing on shaded underwater rocks. On the flat bottom, we also encounter anemones, they exist singly and are very intensely coloured, which

27

In Dalmatia, we can see everything that the Mediterranean Sea has to offer, including: lobsters, octopuses, schools of fish, sea horses, sea urchins, starfish, all kinds of molluscs, nudibranchs, wrecks, gorges and caves.

makes them an unusual object to photograph. Below the thirty-fifth meter you can see red soft corals, and slightly higher up the yellow ones. They look like beautifully spread, lace fans.

In Dalmatia, we can see everything that the Mediterranean Sea has to offer, including: lobsters, octopuses, schools of fish, sea horses, sea urchins, starfish, all kinds of molluscs, nudibranchs, wrecks, gorges and caves. I have dived in Croatia many times and I discover it anew each time.

28

After the dive, we head to Maslinica, a small town on the island of Solta. A real paradise bathed in the afternoon sun. We enter the marina, which seems to be small, but both small dive boats and beautiful luxury yachts covered with chrome and varnished wood moor there. The marina is flowery, pink and white bougainvillea attract colourful butterflies, including swallowtails, one of the most beautiful representatives of this species.

The town looks like a fairy tale. Low buildings made of light stone, charming cafes on the seafront, offering not only delicious coffee, but also ice cream that tastes best with friends. The restaurateurs invite you to try fresh seafood, fish and oven-baked pizza served with olive oil and herbs. Small shops, or rather galleries, offer handicrafts, paintings and jewelery that tourists eagerly buy. We have our favorite cafe in Maselnica at the end of the headland overlooking the sea, where we always relax, enjoy delicious cappuccino and ice cream, and then enjoy swimming in the sea and sun.

After the surface break, we sail out for the second dive.

The dive site is about 15 minutes from the island of Solta. We stop at a rocky island with a small, green lighthouse in the

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

29

which are much larger than those we saw while diving in the

Only by observing what surrounds us, we begin to understand the nature of the underwater world, which hides so many beauty and

Philippines before. You must be very lucky to spot them. These two individuals found refuge from predators amid the reef. Sea horses do not swim very well, despite being fish, so they hide and try their best to hide from their enemies.

secrets. There is no room for rushing, glancing

Only by observing what surrounds us, we begin to un-

nervously at the clock, or worrying.

derstand the nature of the underwater world, which hides so many beauty and secrets. There is no room for rushing, glancing nervously at the clock, or worrying. Diving allows you to achieve inner balance and peace.

30

center. The captain assures that in this place we will see yellow

We arrive at the diving center in the late afternoon, rinse

and brown seahorses and bombs without detonators from

the equipment in fresh water and return to the apartments

World War II. Mother nature accepted them, letting the coral

overlooking the sea. In the evening, when the sun is going

overgrow the metal bullets. They rest on the seabed among

down, we are going to Trogir for dinner. Places where moder-

long sea grasses. Like relics of old times, they remind you that

nity meets tradition. The old town of this charming port city is

it was not always so peaceful here. During this dive, in fact, at

situated on an island. To reach it, just cross the bridge, from

about six meters, we encounter yellow and brown sea horses,

which there is an amazing view of the old town, entered on

travels

the UNESCO List of Cultural and Natural Heritage. The historic Old Town is built of light stone and a huge gate leads to it. It extends through narrow streets paved with light stone with

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numerous boutiques, restaurants and open-air cafes. Cascades of colourful flowers hang from historic balconies, and lazy cats bask on the walls. Cafes and restaurants slowly fill up with guests, we also take seats in our favorite "Lavender" restaurant. We did not have to reserve tables in advance due to the small number of tourists, which is not normal at this time of the year.

We needed these shared moments like oxygen to breathe.

So much has changed in such a short time...

Following the words of Ajahn Brahm, a buddhist monk who says: It will also pass..., both good and bad things in our lives pass. Nothing is permanent and is given to us forever.

Therefore, let us enjoy the little things, practice gratitude, and appreciate every moment.

www.diveenergy.pl

31

t r av e l s

Sardinia under the sign of aquarius

Text and photos Bartosz pszczółkowski

At the Chrisso wreck with a master and the Tavolara island in the background

S

tarting from the north of the island we first get to Olbia,

lovers of the island climate. The water here mixes with the blue

one of the largest cities of Sardinia. It is a city of great im-

of the sky, and white clouds roll like pieces of wool scattered

portance due to a large port where we can catch a ferry with cartoon characters known from the Cartoon Network.

There is also an airport to which we can fly from Europe or other parts of the world.

Olbia hosts many events, concerts and festivals. My favorite is the regional streetFood, where you can try masterful panino con polpo or fried artichoke. A real culinary feast.

Once your tummies are full, you can think of the pleasures of exploring beautiful sandy beaches or new diving sites.

32

overhead, pushed by the wind.

It is beautiful, but you have to get into the water to see what is really waiting for us here!

I’m arriving at a place called Cala Paradiso, one of the housing estates with holiday bungalows. Here I can see the sign AQUARIUS DIVING CENTER 300 m.

And indeed, the road ends and on the left there is a large banner with the name of the diving center.

The diving village comprise literally a few houses where the

A few kilometers away from Olbia lies "horse tail" cape,

crew lives next to a huge board with a map of the local diving

Capo Coda Cavallo.A fabulous and extremely charming place,

sites, and of course Andrea, the boss and the owner of this

full of small bays where you can hide from the crowd of other

fabulous spot.

travels

Grouper hidden in the gorgonians, Papa due

This nice guy speaks perfect En-

Papa is our second dive site. We are in the "Area Marina

glish. He welcomes me and tells me

Protetta di Tavolara" park, which means that up to 9 people

to get ready because we are going

can be under the water at the same time. Everyone wants to

to dive soon;) Finally – I’m thinking –

dive here and such quantitative limits help protect the park's

I will finally dive!

underwater environment. This spot is in the open sea.

We sail on the board of "Master", a comfortable Zodiac boat, to dive next to the wall of Tavolara.

We’re jumping into the water.

We’re meeting at the buoy anchored to the bottom at 30 meters. The impression during the descent is electrifying, es-

Tedja Liscia is our first stop. The name comes from a very

pecially since pinnacles, underwater mountains with peaks at

distinctive rock form with a huge boulder nearby. Under the

17 m, 20 m, 24 m and 31 meters, appear after a few moments

water we see amazing rock formations and Mediterranean

since the beginning of our dive. Here is a different world. The

reef in all its glory. Groupers are swimming timidly around us.

shoal of sardines shimmers like a disco ball in the sun's rays

They are large, but very active. In the rock crevices, the moray

shining through the water. Predators such as yellowtail kingfish

subjects itself to cleaning treatments of shrimps. Those with

chase shoals of sardines like sheepdogs. Three different types

a flashlight can look into the nooks and crannies and find the

of groupers, barracudas, moray eels, the aforementioned yel-

"cical" lobster.There are also a lot of octopuses that leave be-

lowtail kingfish, Mediterranean rainbow wrasses and Damsel-

hind stone piles. I really like these creatures as they are perfect-

fish introduce us to their underwater world, showing how rich

ly adapted to their environment. They can change color, shape,

and diverse it is.

and release a cloud of ink to confuse their enemy.

Here we will meet even pesce luna, or common mola (pos-

The temperature in water here in August reaches even

sible with a little luck). On the surface there is a herd of com-

27°C, and the thermocline occurs only at 30 meters. Visibility

mon dolphins, sometimes called Lampugus. Here you can dive

is sometimes 40 meters, and the water is crystal.

every day!

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

33

Cratena peregrina, nudibranch

Diver and gorgonia

34

Flabellina, purple nudibranch on pinnacle wall, Papa due

travels

Rhizostoma pulmo jellyfish surrounded by fish, Punta arresto

The slopes of these underwater mountains are covered

els. These mountain formations rise up to the very surface. It

with gorgonians, soft filter animals resembling fans made of

is a paradise for beginner divers, because here they can safely

plants. Nudibranchs of the genus Cratena peregrina or Flabel-

practice their buoyancy skills and develop their ability to find

lina are common here, and sometimes you can find Antedon,

interesting animals or plants. I love diving in places like this,

a crinoid, i.e. Mediterranean feather star, hiding among the

because it makes me feel like walking in the mountains. I can

branches of gorgonians.

also admire these unusual formations from a bird's eye view

The omnipresent blueness can make you dizzy.

and feel the effect of weightlessness and the enormity of the

After getting on the deck of the Master, there is a momen-

surrounding water.

tary silence, because this dive is a trip to a kind of Mediterra-

In the Marina Proteta di Tavolara Park we can also find

nean underwater temple. After a few moments, you get ex-

wrecks. One of them is Chrisso, a very famous wreck due to

cited about what you have seen and experienced under the

the fact, that for many years its larger part protruded above

water, and the emotions are buzzing;) This is one of the top

the water surface. The ship crashed into the rocks at the site

diving sites in the area, but only for advanced divers. While

of Punta La Grteca in 1974. Abandoned and devastated by

diving in the open sea, sometimes in the current and in the

winter storms, it has been decaying for years. Currently, from

depths, sometimes even without any reference point, you must

the surface perspective, you can see the engine and the bow

demonstrate high level of buoyancy.

section. A great place for divers due to the shallow depth, the

Another stop on our diving list is Punta Arresto. These are

possibility of safe exploration of the wreck and a chance to

two huge two rock formations cut through by a canyon. This

peek into various nooks and crannies. You can even snorkel

is the kingdom of moray eels and grouper. Very pleasant area

there: get to know the wreck by swimming with a snorkel

near the island of Molara and a diving spot for divers at all lev-

on the surface, and then dive deeper inside the wreck with

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

35

Centimeter-sized sepia, like a spaceship, during a night dive on the backyard reef of Cala Suaraccia

Tre fratell, three brothers, rock formations located in the open sea, similar to the site of Punta arresto

travels

A screw on the Chrisso wreck

Part of the port side with poles, Chrisso wreck

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

37

Part of the Chrisso wreck protruding above the water

Hyspelodoris picta, large nudibranch found on the Chrisso wreck

aqualung and explore the selected parts. The average depth is 10 meters. Such depth gives us a lot of time to explore the wreck, but also sometimes, when the weather is windy, the waves occur, and the entire site is not suitable for diving for safety reasons. This is a great place for macro-photographers because the wreck is overgrown with various types of sponges and lush vegetation which is home to many species of nudibranchs, including Hyspelodoris picta in the first place. On the wreck you can also meet lobsters, Scyllarides and sometimes barracudas. This place can awaken your passion for wreck diving. Personally, I like diving on wrecks mainly because they crate an artificial reef. They are a new place to be settled by marine organisms, which can colonize any available surface in an unusual and very fast way.

It is a perfect field for a photographer to show off, although it always brings about a dilemma which lens to take underwaTransparent shrimp that lives in the anemone

38

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View of Tavolara, Molara and the surrounding islands

View from the top of Tavolara, Our Lady looking towards Olbia. An angel ferrata leads to the top, a great way to get moving and get a vantage point to the whole area

ter. The wide angle will capture the wreck in a beautiful scene, but thanks to the macro lens we will be able to capture animals the size of a few centimeters or even millimeters.

Diving on the Chrisso wreck completed my diving time with Aquarius and only aroused my curiosity about this area. There are still many dive sites to discover, amphoras, old anchors and black coral, as Andrea says.

I am looking forward to my next visit to this place. Now it's time for a trip to the top of Tavolara, the island where I previously dived. After all, man does not live by diving alone. However, all in all, it’ll be just another short surface break :)

t r av e l s

Pudding

Text Tomasz Wciórka "eternal" Photos Bogdan Zając

The distance is only 80 km in the direction of Berlin from

In search of interesting sites to surprise us with something entirely new underwater, we travel to the most distant regions of Europe and the world. What if I told you that just beyond the Polish border, there is a lake with many wooden barge wrecks older than 100 years and rare, gorge-shaped rock formations?

the border crossing in Kołbaskowo. Comfortable access is provided by means of the A11 highway, which opens up right after passing the border. Take the A10 Chorin exit and head to Joachimsthal. You'll arrive at the lake after a 10-minute drive along a local road, leading through a densely wooded area.

The reservoir is surrounded by forests and situated within the Schorfheide-Chorin biosphere reserve. This area offers numerous cycling routes, holiday resorts and recreation sites. It's very popular among divers and full of holidaymakers during the summer. With a depth of more than 50 m, it is one of the

Werbellinsee

Berlin

A

deepest lakes in Germany. With its considerable surface area ll of this with a visibility that usual-

(almost 8 square kilometers) and an elongated shape, the lake

ly exceeds 10 m. Are you interested?

encourages sailing and other water sports.

Let me present to you Lake Werbellin and its mysteries.

Lake Werbellin is located in north-eastern Germany, in the land of Brandenburg.

40

Lake Werbellin is a ribbon lake which was formed during the last glacial period. Thawing waters formed a canal, which was continuously deepened along with the increasing pressure of the water trapped under the glacier. Uneven pressure led

travels

to the creation of hills and valleys at the lake bottom. This

One that, in my opinion, is enchanted with an exceptional at-

process contributed to the formation of an underwater area

mosphere. One of the reasons for this is the fact that you'll

called “Puddingberge” – pudding mountains.

most probably be entirely alone underwater when admiring it.

Almost the entire bed profile of Lake Werbellin is sandy, with a very scarce littoral zone. In the most shallow zone, the

Puddingberge

majority of the bed is covered with freshwater molluscs. This

The pudding mountains that have been mentioned here

naturally brings the Baltic Sea to my mind. However, the color

are located in the more shallow part of the lake. Unfortunately,

of the water is totally different. It is usually bluish, as in lime-

it's also quite far away from the shore. You'll really need to put

stone quarries. Lucky divers may encounter really huge cat-

your back into the swim to get there. But I think it's completely

fish and burbots, which we saw numerous times in the barge wrecks mentioned at the beginning. Pikes also grow to equally impressive sizes here, although there are very few in this lake.

There is a dozen diving sites around the lake, marked with appropriate signs. The signs are marked with the spot number, name of the dive site and maximum depth. It's enough to give this number to the emergency services in the case of a diving accident. Rescue will arrive from the water and air in just several minutes. Everything is perfectly organized.

The most popular diving site is the “Dornsbuchwreck”. This is a more than 100-years-old, 40 meter-long wooden barge located not far from the shore. It sits at a depth of 35–38 m.

There are many more such barges in the lake. However, in this article I would like to present a much less popular spot.

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

41

be admired. The largest formations are located at a depth of 25–30 meters and protrude out of the sandy bed, reaching even several meters.

Water transparency in this region is usually very good and often exceeds 10 m. On a sunny day there is no need to use additional lighting.

You are probably wondering why this place is called

42

worth it. An alternative is of course to take a DPV that will take

the pudding mountains. Well, in order to solve this puzzle,

you to your dream destination much quicker.

it is enough to touch one of the rock formations. You will

The area offers a car park and tables for divers to gear up

discover that they are soft like a sponge. Additionally, the

comfortably. Access to the water is also comfortable. Unfortu-

entire structure wobbles like pudding or jelly taken out of

nately, the cove bed is silty and each step in the water raises

a bowl. The “rocks” are rather delicate and easily damaged

sediments that give off an unpleasant smell. But what wouldn’t

by careless divers, so better move carefully. They're made

you do for an interesting dive?

of eroded marlstone, where less compact sand was flushed

In order to see the pudding mountains, you need to move

from between the structures by water, creating incredible

at a medium pace towards the other bank for approximately

landscapes. The pudding mountains, full of holes like Swiss

20–25 minutes. On the way, you'll pass by some mussel fields

cheese, recesses and cracks, form a perfect hiding place for

and rather scarce vegetation. The bed will slowly start to slope

smaller fish. Although there are not many of them, the ones

downwards and the vegetation will disappear completely. At

we managed to see look similar to those seen on reefs in

a depth of 20 meters, you will see the first corrugations and

more exotic locations.

bumps. This is the sign that you are moving in the right direc-

In order to complete this dive, you need at least a two-cylin-

tion. The underwater landscape is similar to desert dunes. Fur-

der set. If you wish to spend more time on admiring the place,

ther along, as the depth increases, cracks will get even bigger,

you may also need decompression gas. Though I have dived

up to several meters in height. The width of the cracks varies

there many times, I regularly return and discover something

largely, sometimes they're a meter wide, sometimes more.

new each time.

Numerous gorges, with various size, are scattered through-

If you prefer to be alone underwater, enjoy diving in Aus-

out the landscape and provide an impressive view. The pud-

trian lakes and are not a big fan of fish, you'll definitely be

ding mountains stretch over a large area, so there is a lot to

enchanted by the atmosphere of the Puddingberge.

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a r c h a e o l og y

Sacred waters Text mateusz popek

Photos wikimedia commons

Water is a natural magnet for divers. An element that literally drags you into its depths. I've always wondered what is so special about water that it makes so many people want to risk their lives, spend money, waste their time at the cost of family time in order to spend some time in these depths, even if it’s just for a moment.

Photo Mateusz Popek

A

nd I’ve never found an answer to this question. On the

We know a bit more about water and people from the later

other hand, another question arose and it is easier to an-

period, called the Mesolithic, which lasted from 11,000 up to

swer. How did people treat water in the past?

46

even 5,000 BC, depending on the region. During this time, peo-

If you dig deeper into the archeological, historical or an-

ple carved symbols on everyday objects and now the scientists

thropological studies, you’ll see that water has always been

interpret these symbols as waves or rain. Then, people select-

important for humans. It was a source of life-giving strength,

ed places located near water to live in and made intensive use

a source of food but also a destructive element that spawned

of water. As you can imagine, close proximity to water bodies

demons taking people’s lives.

was important for survival and maybe even for spiritual life.

People knew the importance of water already in the earli-

Water was certainly an object of cult of some sort in the pe-

est periods. Images of marine animals, penguins and fish, can

riod called the Neolithic. These are the times when agriculture

be seen in cave paintings from the Paleolithic period (approx.

was developed and people learned to manufacture ceramic

50,000–10,000 BC). Some of them could be identified, e.g.

pots. Votive offerings from this period, which were objects cast

salmon in the Abri du Poisson cave. It’s pretty hard to tell if

into lakes, rivers, streams or bogs, are being discovered. The

aquatic animals or the water itself had any significant meaning

context of the discovery indicates that people who were casting

for people at the time.

these objects into the water never intended to retrieve them.

archaeology

Bedivere

Archeologists find pots, some of which were damaged on purpose. The damage might indicate a certain ritual “killing” of the object. What was inside… remains unknown. Whom were these offerings made to? It’s hard to define if it was a deity who had a name and a specific form, the ancestors or whether the water itself was sacred. Scientists assume that casting vessels into such places was associated with imagery of fertility.

The Bronze Age is a very interesting period, which saw

Abri Cave Fish

the advent of complex social structures appear. At that time, the most valuable objects were cast into the water, such as

believed to ride a chariot drawn by horses. Men were more

bronze weapons and ornaments made of copper or gold.

likely to cast weapons into the water, which was related to

These were certain “insignia” of the elite. In some cases, sci-

the cult of war. There were cases where weapons retrieved

entists are able to distinguish offerings made by women from

from a beaten enemy army were sacrificed. That’s exactly how

those made by men. Jewelry and elements of the horse gear

the offerings discovered in the Hjortspring bog were made.

were considered female offerings. The fertility goddess was

A multitude of shields, spearheads, swords and even an entire

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

47

Tales of romanse (1906)

Photo Mateusz Popek

The Lady of the Lake gives Excalibur to King Arthur

48

In the early Middle Ages, horses were also of great significance, especially for Slavic tribes and Scandinavian Vikings. The latter had strong connections to the sea, reflected by burying

20-meter boat were found there! Just think how great the

their dead in ships covered with mounds. Not only a ship with

victory must have been and how much the winners wanted

a bow decorated with a sculpture of a horse head was found in

to thank the gods.

the Ladby burial mound in Denmark, but also sacrifices made

The Iron Age is a period when the dynamic Celtic and Ger-

of those animals. No such strong connection to the sea is ob-

manic tribes wandered across Europe. They had a complex

served in the Slavs. Lake islands were of great importance for

religious system, which we know from the Romans, who had

these tribes. Large quantities of weapons and horse remains

contact these people on multiple occasions. Water was much

are often found around these islands; scientists assume they

venerated in these times as well. The number of deposits

are remnants of some rituals, which are unfortunately difficult

cast into bogs, rivers and lakes is enormous. During this pe-

to reconstruct because of the lack of written sources.

riod, apart from weapons, people sacrificed animals as well.

As the Europe adopts Christianity, water-related rituals

A particularly interesting place, where sacrifices were made, is

disappear. Some unclear remnants of them are preserved in

Skedemosse in Öland. Apart from throwing weapons into the

legends, superstitions and traditions of various local communi-

bog, which was a lake at the time, sacrifices of horses were

ties. One of these legends is the legend of King Arthur and the

also made. What was however especially interesting, was the

Lady of the Lake, who gave him a sword imbued with unusual

form of these sacrifices. People hung horse skin with its skull

powers. Curiously, scientists noticed that surprisingly many

and hooves on poles over the bog. What happened to the re-

swords discovered in lakes or rivers come from the late Middle

maining part of the animal? Hard to tell, but it may have been

Ages. Is it possible that the ritual of casting these weapons into

consumed during a ritual feast.

the water was preserved into the Christian times and the king's

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Photo Mateusz Popek

Extraction of the Oseberg ship in 1904 Photo by Olaf Væring, Kulturhistorisk UiO museum, Oslo, Norway

legend is its reflection? It would be unusual if the imagery related to water was so instilled in the minds of contemporary people that even such a profound change of religion couldn’t weaken it.

Although we’re coming to an end of the story about the magical ties of people with water, I have to admit that I barely scratched the surface of this topic. The amount of archeological materials and the number of works on this topic is enormous. There are also many scientific interpretations of how the rituals could look like and what they meant.

What do you think – what attracted people to water so much? What did societies find so special about the shiny surface of a lake for such a long time?

And what attracts us to water now? Isn’t each dive a kind of a ritual, during which we want to meet mysterious deities and demons hiding in depths?

Discover the answers to these questions for yourselves 

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

49

k n ow l e dg e

50

DAN Europe is launching a new, multifaceted cam-

Identified by the hashtags #divelocal #divesafe, the cam-

paign to encourage, celebrate, and support local diving

paign, which kicked off with a new feature article in Alert Diver

in response to the pandemic, which has greatly restricted

– #Divelocal: How Diving Is Getting Its Groove Back – will help

divers’ ability to travel internationally.

local dive centers and their clients rediscover and get the most

"PADI has led the way and we’re happy to join them along

out of their local diving sites. Planned components include

with our industry partners and agencies to encourage divers

collateral materials for dive centers; stories featuring local

to explore local diving opportunities”, explained DAN Europe

diving in Alert Diver and the DAN Europe blog, talks and social

marketing director Cristian Pellegrini. “Given the public health

media lives, tools to help local divers connect with others, and

situation we find ourselves in, local diving is one of the things

of course continued safety recommendations. DAN Europe is

that will hopefully help boost our industry’s recovery".

committed to helping local diving grow.

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DAN Europe is also working on new insurance products, with the intent to meet the evolving needs of the diving community—particularly now with the emphasis on local diving, and reflecting the ever-changing situation of the market. The insurance will supplement divers’ national healthcare system coverages, which generally do not provide the specialized knowledge and assistance required for diving injuries or fully cover hyperbaric therapy. Details of the new plan will be announced soon. The new insurance product will complement DAN Europe’s basic 25€ membership package, which provides 24/7 access to the DAN hotline and diving medical advice, access to MyDAN, and the App (Google Play, iOs).

In addition, the DAN Europe team is planning to support and participate in local diving projects of their own, following a recent successful citizen science project at the Pescara Springs Natural Reserve located a little more than a half an hour drive from one of DAN Europe's operations offices located in Central Italy. There the team joined marine biologists to survey the autochthonous freshwater crayfish living in Springs.

"That’s the beauty of local diving", says Laura Marroni, DAN Europe Vice President, who was part of the team of volunteer research divers. "You can find unexpected treasures and wonder in your own backyard"! #divelocal #divesafe

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

51

planet earth

The ubiquitous

plankton

Text and photos agata turowicz-cybula

But what is all this plankton? The word plankton comes

Whether you dive in seawater or fresh water, warm or cold, huge or tiny reservoir, shallow or deep – you are never alone.

from the Greek (planktós) and translated literally means "wandering". To put it simply, these are organisms living in the depths that cannot withstand the water currents. They wander wherever the water carries them. Plankton can be divided into two types: phytoplankton and zooplankton. The former are microscopic plant organisms, the latter are usually small

E

animals, crustaceans, most often invisible to the naked eye. ven if you do not see any curious fish or large beast any-

Zooplankton organisms also include all kinds of jellyfish, both

where or you are not being watched by a crab hidden be-

our small Baltic moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) and huge lion's

hind a stone, “this” will always be you around: the plankton.

52

mane jellyfish growing up to 2 meters (Cyanea capillata).

planet earth

In order to be able to stay in the water, planktonic organisms have developed a lot of different types of protrusions, legs, antenna, flagella and cilia. It is they that increase surface area of the organisms, thanks to which they do not fall to the bottom of the water reservoirs. Additionally, they make these tiny animals look like aliens. Jellyfish, in order to be able to stay

Noctiluca sp., which, under favorable conditions, start to illu-

in the water, consist of 96% water.

minate, making the water sparkle with a bright blue glow even

The Baltic Sea is abundant in both zooplankton and phy-

in the middle of the night.

toplankton organisms. As a result, under the right conditions

Although it is usually invisible, the role of plankton is invalu-

(high sun exposure, high temperature and a large amount of

able. Phytoplankton is one of the main sources of organic mat-

nutrients in the water), blooms can occur. We have unequivo-

ter in the ecosystem. It is the basis of the food chain and the

cally negative associations with them, but it is the huge plank-

source of food for many organisms. In addition, phytoplankton

ton blooms (Trichodesmium erythraeum) turning water red

living in the oceans is responsible for the production of almost

which gave the name to the Red Sea, a favorite for all divers.

half of the oxygen on our planet. Zooplankton, on the other

In the Red Sea, we can also meet another very interesting

hand, is the main component of the diet of juvenile and small

phenomenon related to the presence of plankton, namely bio-

fish as well as a delicacy of the world's largest fish – the whale

luminescence. Responsible for it are the algae of the species

shark (Rhincodon typus).

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

53

planet earth

A goose or not really?

Text and photos wojciech jarosz

There is a bird that lives in Europe, although “egyptianness” is inscribed in its name. Is it native or a stranger? – that's the question. Wise men say that this beautifully feathered animal is, after all, an alien species.

54

planet earth

B

ut then, is being a stranger synonymous to being a threat?

vouring eggs, chicks and even adult birds. The same applies to

After all, strangeness can have different faces. And if it is

a raccoon or a raccoon dog. Underwater divers can meet the

a threat: who does it threaten, why and in what way?

round goby or the spinycheek crayfish, the two species whose

Specialists from the Institute of Nature Conservation of the

stories are well known. The inhabitants of larger or smaller

Polish Academy of Sciences recognize the Egyptian goose as

islands or geographically isolated areas with unique fauna and

a potentially invasive alien species, which means that in the

flora, such as Australians or New Zealanders, can tell a lot about

event of an increase in the population size, it may adversely

changes in the ecosystem as a result of the introduction or

affect the native fauna. Therefore, such an answer should be

appearance of invasive species. In conclusion, it is not without

given to the question posed: time alone will tell. The problem

reason that biological invasions of alien species are considered

of alien species is so multifactorial that it is very difficult to

to be one of the greatest threats to the world’s nature.

forecast the real impact of the presence of newcomers on eco-

But let's go back to the goose. It naturally occurs mainly

systems in the long term. When the "invasion" lasts longer, it is

in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in the Nile Valley, where it

slightly easier to draw certain conclusions from observations.

used to be worshiped by the Ancients thousands of years ago.

And these are often genuinely disturbing. In our part of the

Where did it come from? It came to Europe via Great Britain,

world, one of the gloomier cases of alien species influencing

where in the 18th century the first individuals were freed. It

the water-related bird population is the spread of the American

has spread throughout Western Europe and representatives of

mink. It turned out that it eagerly uses the nests of birds that lay

the free-living populations can be found in France, Belgium, the

eggs both on the ground and in trees, as it can climb perfectly.

Netherlands, Italy, Denmark and Germany. It is most likely that

It makes the use of eggs, of course, for culinary purposes, de-

the bird "citizens" of the German Republic were the pioneers

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

55

with which the invader interbreeds, but it may be even easier

But let's go back to the goose. It naturally occurs mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in the Nile Valley, where it used to be worshiped by the

for the invasive species to share parasites or other pathogens with the native species, for which, in turn, a new world for colonization opens up (dear Reader, please forgive the author that he keeps coming back to the topic of alien species, but

Ancients thousands of years ago. Where did it come

who knows when the next opportunity will arise?). Returning

from? It came to Europe via Great Britain, where in

to the broods: geese are exceptionally territorial during that

the 18th century the first individuals were freed.

time. When the territory is breached, the males are ready to attack. They are not afraid to stand up to a bigger individual – there are descriptions of situations when a geese attacked... a helicopter in defense of its nest. You can find videos on the

56

in Poland. The first observations come from 2007, and the first

Internet about the attack of a geese on a drone. There are also

brood of three pairs was recorded in the country on the Vistula

jealous geese, which are similar in this respect to other geese.

River a year later. Speaking of brooding, like many species of

They also mate for life, work together to build a nest and raise

ducks, Egyptian geese do not limit themselves to romancing

the young. When there is a risk of losing family integrity, fe-

only with representatives of their species. There are, for exam-

males send their partners into battle and then watch them try

ple, crosses (hybrids) of geese and ... mallards (another species

to hurt or scare each other in an aerial battle. At such times it

of ducks – see Perfect Diver No. 9). Hybridization is one of the

can certainly show obstinacy and aggression!

significant threats associated with the invasion of alien spe-

It's time to clarify the name of the species. Before Alopochen

cies. Not only does it lead to the disappearance of the species

aegyptiaca became a shelduck, it was known as the Egyptian

goose. However, it turned out that the Egyptian goose is not

1994) on the basis of subfossil remains (not completely fos-

a goose at all. Its superficial similarity in terms of morphology

silized), because they did not live to see our times. As insular

and behavior, as well as its name, established in history and

species, they were quickly killed to the last one by Europeans

tradition, did not fool vigilant ornithologists. After all, it is not

colonizing these islands. Descriptions of the initially numer-

only the broadly understood phenotype that is taken into ac-

ous and then rapidly disappearing goose-like birds date back

count today when revising the taxonomic status of species. An

to the second half of the 17th century. And so the Egyptian

advantage over Linnaeus and Darwin is provided to modern

shelduck became the only representative of its kind in the

naturalists by the ability to compare the genomes of more

modern world. To please our eyes with its beautiful appear-

or less related species or even higher taxa – genera, families,

ance, we can go to Africa, for example while diving in Egypt,

orders, etc. It was no coincidence that in the article on geese

but we have a greater chance of meeting it in the middle of

(Perfect Diver No. 6) there was no space for this shelduck.

Europe. In the western part of our continent, you don't even

Indeed, Egyptian geese are related to a group of ducks called

have to make an effort to meet this species. It has become

shelducks. So in fact they are ducks, not geese, and one of

quite common and often not very fearful. It happens to use

its official names is the Egyptian shelduck. Apart from the

the riverside infrastructure to rest and sometimes even nest,

Ehygptian shelduck, the genus Alopochen includes two other

in which it is similar to its distant cousin – the mallard. Keep an

species, namely the Réunion shelduck (A. kervazoi) and the

eye out for the goose-like ducks and look out for the charac-

Mauritius shelduck (A. mauritiana) – both extinct. Interestingly,

teristic dark spots around the eyes – this is how you recognize

they were described and classified (Réunion shelduck only in

the Egyptian goose!

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

57

r oo k i e ' s e y e

Text margita Ślizowska Photos wiktor zdrojewski

C

hoose a SAFE LOCATION, ensure the company of an attendant, secure a way out of water. Every diving or

snorkeling accident starts usually on the surface – due to the deliberate omission of a part of the procedure or some

At the end of our snorkeling series –

oversight... Therefore find out WHAT DANGERS occur on

I’m presenting to you a set of XI ABC's

the site (e.g. currents, waves, eddies, changing weather, low

Commandments, which will remind you of the most important matters related to safety. Here they are.

water temperature) where you intend to snorkel (dive). Making an inquiry first to check if the place we want to visit is safe and asking someone for attendance – these really do not require much effort. And a conversation with someone who knows the water reservoir can additionally provide us

58

rookie ' s eye

with knowledge about, for example, attractions that are worth

ers. The easiest way to equalize pressure is to use the Valsalva

paying attention to.

maneuver. To equalize the pressure in the ears – pinch your

Never SNORKEL ALONE. Frequent communication and

nose and gently (briefly – for a second) blow into the pinched

closeness of a partner is important not only because of the

nose. Repeat the test with each subsequent feeling of pressing

time spent together and good fun, which is provided by the

in the ears...

right company. This mutual awareness and communication can save our life and health in the least expected moment…

Use the advice of experts when choosing and adjusting equipment. Only use masks made of tempered glass, as only

Critically EVALUATE your SWIMMING SKILLS. The fact

this material is suitable for use at increasing pressure under

that someone swims poorly and yet loves water and wants

water. Thanks to this, when you decide to immerse deeper

to enjoy its benefits is no reason to be ashamed or to pre-

under water (with your breath hold or with SCUBA equip-

tend it is otherwise. Use a wetsuit, life jacket or other source

ment) you will not have to change your favorite well-fitting

of buoyancy to avoid critical situations and exposing you and

mask.

your snorkeling partner to an unpleasant adventure. Note: if

Through the snorkel, BREATHE NORMALLY AND CALM-

we can't swim – an air mattress (to lie on) not only is not an

LY. When diving and snorkeling, our breathing should be

adequate protection, but also might be a potential source of

a little slower and a little deeper than normal. Make sure you

an accident!

exhale properly to get rid of carbon dioxide effectively. If you

If you go underwater – always EQUALIZE THE EAR PRES-

submerged below the surface – after surfacing, first BLOW

SURE. Remember not to wait until your ears start to ache. The

WATER FROM THE PIPE, to avoid choking on the water that

pressure should be equalized when we feel pressure in the

is left in the snorkel. It seems logical and obvious – but many

ears. When your ears start to ache, it's already too late. Then

people don't have the instinctive reaction to empty the water

you should immediately get back to the surface. The moment

before taking the first breath.

at which you feel pressure in your ears depends on your indi-

Make sure you CAN CONTROL THE CRAMPS and you will

vidual body structure and is not a determinant of your suitabil-

make it back to shore (if necessary) without fins. Stretching

ity for diving. Some people need to equalize the pressure more

your leg (because it is where usually cramps occur) is a fairly

often, starting from the depth of several dozen centimeters

simple and effective procedure, provided that you start doing

after submerging. And that doesn't mean they are worse div-

it when you feel the first symptoms of the cramp. Failure to

 perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

59

react quickly may result in a complete inability to reach the

This is especially true for SCUBA divers, who additionally and

shore on your own. Then we have to be towed to the shore

absolutely should follow the rule: "No oxygen – no diving."

by a partner...

I also remind you of the appropriate insurance. Check if you

If you feel BAD or you are cold – FINISH THE SNORKEL-

know the WATER EMERGENCY SIGNS. We are not the only

ING. We cool down in water more than twenty times faster

users of water reservoirs, so it is worth knowing the basic

than on land. The cold paralyzes movements and the ability

information and emergency signs in communication over

to think and judge situations. Wear a thin hat after snorkeling.

and underwater.

Protect your sinuses and ears after getting out of the water.

In my experience, people start to be interested in the ability

These are delicate organs, and are more susceptible to infec-

to help the victim and how to secure and prevent an accident

tion when in contact with water and pressure. Catching a runny

only when they personally encounter such a situation. For

nose suddenly will also not be helpful in your snorkeling or

years I have been involved in the subject of lifesaving and first

diving adventures the next day ;-)

aid (both regular and diving). I conduct workshops, meetings,

It is best to enter unfamiliar water in shoes. DO NOT

lectures and exercises. I promote safety above and under wa-

TOUCH the reef or animals. Especially in warm or tropical

ter. Therefore, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the

waters, where the underwater fauna and flora may contain

topic BEFORE you find yourself in an uncomfortable or dan-

toxins that threaten our life and health. Be quiet and calm.

gerous situation. I hope that thanks to what you have read in

An animal usually attacks when it feels threatened. Therefore,

my articles, you will be safer while practicing your passion for

let us take care of good relations with every aspect of life on

water. Please do not forget about your own safety and that of

our planet.

others. Below you will find a link to the movie "SNORKELING

DO NOT enter water after ALCOHOL or DRUGS. Stimulants interfere with the ability to concentrate and the abili-

i.e. essentials for ABC practitioner". Watch, recommend, train and... have fun 

ty to react appropriately in an emergency. Take care of your physical condition. It is especially important to take care of

Thank you for the attention. See you above and under the

the proper circulatory capacity (including diet, medical tests,

water 

exercise) and a skillful way of breathing (using the diaphragm

Your "Mermaid" – Margita Ślizowska

and a set of intercostal muscles). If you are not an ice swimmer – do not expose yourself to thermal shock. Keep your body

www.xdivers.pl

properly hydrated.

www.abcsnorkeling.pl

Have the EMERGENCY NUMBERS, emergency plan and information about the nearest hospital written down.

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60

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perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

61

k n ow l e dg e

Jarosław Krzyżak, Krzysztof Korzeniewski

Medicine for divers 4font Sp. z o.o. Publishing House, p. 906, 2020

Exactly 906 pages has a new work of Dr. med. Jarosław

this topic, we can read about the types of diving to smoothly

Krzyżak and prof. dr hab. med. Krzysztof Korzeniewski. This

move to the basics of decompression. Finally, after 350 pages

is the fifth version, the most comprehensive publication on

packed with knowledge, we come to diving diseases, which

diving medicine. Interestingly, all previous versions are virtu-

is described by the next 250 pages. Then, together with the

ally unavailable on the secondary market. This is perhaps the

authors, we can analyze diving accidents recorded by various

best review of previous releases. Let's see what has changed

organizations. There is also a chapter on dangerous marine

in the latest.

animals that has always been marginalized in most diving

This extremely cavernous book entitled "Medicine for

courses. Finally, we get an extensive collection of appendices,

divers" is a kind of compendium of diving knowledge. The

which include, among other things, procedures for dealing

authors of this publication approached the topic extremely

with diving diseases.

holistically, describing not only the direct topics related to

It is quite difficult to review such a publication. It is not

diving, but also everything related to it. The book begins with

a book that you read from cover to cover, but rather a publi-

a health qualification for diving, which is an attempt to answer

cation that you reach out to to expand your knowledge.

the basic question: "Who can dive?". Then the authors focus

Because probably knowledge is the most important in div-

on the preparation for a diving trip and methods of protec-

ing. It is the awareness of what is happening with our body

tion against possible diseases. The next chapter describes

that allows us to protect ourselves against a potential acci-

the basic laws of physics related to diving, because what else

dent. I believe that anyone who is serious about diving should

than physics affects the diver's health. Then we move on to

refer to this publication, because it will find a huge amount

the physiology of diving, i.e. a comprehensive description of

of useful knowledge. However, even such a good publication

how our body functions under water. When we go through

has its drawbacks. The first is the circulation. The premiere of the book took place on September 7, 2020. I am writing these words on October 27, 2020 and the website reads: "The book is temporarily unavailable. We are waiting for delivery".

Hopefully the delivery gets there. The second disadvantage of this publication is the fact that it is only available in Polish.

I haven't found a similar book in English in my research yet, and I think it would be worth sharing this knowledge. The book for PLN 298 with delivery can be ordered at https://www. medycynanurkowa.pl/, of course, when the delivery arrives.

Mateusz Popek

r e v i e w

62

PHOTO BY MARCELLO DI FRANCESCO

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perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

63

tips & curiosities ACADEMY

Buoyant mood Text Wojciech A. Filip

Photo Wojtek Filip

Does every diver need to use a buoy? What color to choose?

Previously, you may have read

When to use it?

the article on underwater light communication published in Perfect Diver. Now's the time to get your message to the top!

T

64

Let's begin with a few words on recent history.

Several years ago, a diving buoy was called a decompression buoy and its main purpose was to compensate for a technical diver’s problems with controlling buoyancy in advanced diving that required maintaining a precise depth at decom-

hose who work underwater will take this literally, as they

pression stops. In the ‘90s, almost every diver used a buoy for

are permanently connected with the surface operator by

this purpose. A reel was used to deploy a buoy and the diver

means of a special wire. It enables unhindered two-way com-

was "suspended" on the reel handle. During this period, it was

munication similar to a telephone conversation. Alternatively,

important for the diver to inflate the buoy as much as possible,

some divers use wireless communication. However, the most

so that it would support them at the required depth.

popular means of communication with the surface, that is used

Over time, divers have improved their skills at controlling

by almost every diver, is a diving buoy.

buoyancy in the water. Currently, almost every one tries to

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

master buoyancy to a level where they can ascend under

need to remember that most buoys looks similar from a dis-

any conditions.

tance and have a similar or identical color, so your observer

Does it mean that buoys fell by the wayside and were replaced

may be hard pressed to stick to the plan, while not being sure

with perfect buoyancy control? On the contrary, all divers who

that one of the buoys is actually yours. An identification mark

care about their own safety not only use buoys, but also more

made with a permanent marker in a highly contrasting color

and more frequently improve their buoy operating skills. The

will be very useful.

difference is that instead of hanging on the buoy, they use diving buoys for completely different purposes.

If you don't have a support team, the observer is not 1. The primary function of the buoy is signaling from under-

informed what we mean by the individual color buoys

water to the surface

marked with our identification mark and we have not agreed on a course of action, buoy deployment... is pointless, because it will not cause any reaction.

It means that when underwater, you can alert the surface team that you have a problem.

Examples: at sea, I was to ascend along the shot line, but the current

Does buoy deployment always signal a problem?

forced me to ascend in open water;

It depends solely on your needs and what was agreed with the

•

I don’t have enough decompression gas – I need help;

surface support team.

•

my suit leaks heavily and I have issues with buoyancy.

Nothing can prevent you from agreeing that the appearance

•

of Monika’s buoy, clearly recognizable from the shore, would When will it not work?

mean “light up the grill” 

Let’s imagine the following situation. We are going to be diving

Such a solution was and possibly still is used by certain diving

in a wonderful lake. There's a lot to see, visibility is good, var-

organizations. Admittedly, I have not heard of the procedure,

ious depths and, of course, many divers underwater! On the

where a buoy on the surface means “spicy back ribs in 15 min-

surface, you will have a barbecue and great fun... 

utes”, but two buoy colors may, for instance, have the following

Then you run into one of the above issues, so you deploy

meaning:

the buoy and wait for help. We wait and wait... Finally, upon

•

red: doing my deco stops, everything is all right;

ascent to the surface, you shout: Hey!!! Could no one see that

•

yellow: I have a problem and need help!

I need help? I've deployed my buoy! How much longer do

If you don't have a support team, the observer is not informed

I have to wait?

what we mean by the individual color buoys marked with our identification mark and we have not agreed on a course of ac-

Rule no. 1

tion, buoy deployment... is pointless, because it will not cause

Show your clearly marked buoy to a person who will observe

any reaction.

the surface the whole time when you are underwater (ideally, such a person would have binoculars).

Rule no. 2

Using buoys in two colors to inform the surface team

Explain to the observer what they should do if they see your

about two completely different situations may be-

buoy.

come tricky when a diver loses one of the buoys. As you can imagine, if you lose the “I need help” buoy

What is the clear marking for? Why do it?

and you deploy the “Doing my deco stops, everything

Let’s go back to the lake for a moment. Let’s imagine that

is all right” buoy when you have a problem, results

a group of divers are practicing buoy deployment. Another

may vary. A two-color buoy may be the solution – you

person ascends using their own buoy, because they do not

may choose what buoy color will appear on the sur-

feel confident in open water and yet another diver used their

face. You can use two such buoys to communicate as

buoy to mark an interesting place to explore later. Let’s not

if you had four standard ones.

forget about your buoy that appears at the same time. You also

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

65

ACADEMY

●● Ascending to the surface in the open sea, when the current prevent your from returning to the wreck with the shot line. Under these circumstances, deploying a buoy as fast as possible, so that the observer from the boat can see it before the diver is too far away, is essential for the diver’s safety. The observer may mark the direction in which the diver is drifting away, come after them or send a RIB. The diver (or a team) completes decompression in open water and is drifting away from the boat not only due to the current, but also due to the wind (discussed in more detail later on in the article). When the observer reaches the buoy that is drifting away, they may “ask” the diver underwater whether they are all right. It can be done by slightly tensioning the line, at the end of which there is a spool or a reel held by the diver, and then giving two distinct tugs (“are you ok?”). The diver then also gives the line two tugs, which means that everything is all right. Another possible answer is a series of fast tugs that means “I need help!”. In complex decompression diving, such situations are always taken into consideration and the support team waiting on the boat is ready to quickly descend to assist the diver. The details of such procedures are discussed beforehand and practiced repeatedly. ●● Deploying a buoy with a message. Almost every diver Photo Mariusz Czajka

uses underwater wetnotes. Such underwater wetnotes may be opened and attached to the top of the buoy, so that others

caution!

may read a message written in it. The message should be short,

Inform your buddies on the surface about your plan to practice

easy to read and unambiguous. It usually is used in one of the

buoy deployment. This way, you will not cause confusion, especial-

two following situations:

ly if someone keeps an eye out for buoys deployed at the surface

1. 50 – lost decompression gas. It means that Nx50 is needed

at the time.

(in this case); it may be sent down by clipping the gas cylinder into the buoy line.

2. OTOX – it means that the team supports/transports a div-

“Buoy deployment” means that the buoy is sent to the sur-

er who needs help with their ascent. In such a situation, the

face; another term for this would be “shot the bag” (both are

help of a support team is needed and they should descend

used in this article). Generally, this is about taking the buoy

as fast as possible.

out our your pocket and sending it to the surface (without the diver ).

Under some circumstances, buoy deployment alone is not enough and the observer needs additional information.

Usually, it is the case with more complex technical diving that require a long decompression.

Below, you will find typical examples of buoy usage and the situations requiring it.

Photo Mariusz Czajka

66

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

●● Marking objects. If you want to perform a series of dives The amount of gas inflated into the buoy before

to an unmarked wreck site, it might be a good idea to mark

its deployment should allow you to control the

its bow, aft or superstructures. It will help you to descend

buoy during the entire deployment process. The

directly to the specific wreck parts and estimate its location

gas will expand as the buoy gets closer to the

and size from the surface. Such markings are really helpful

surface. You may want to consider whether in-

for photographers, who plan photo shoots at specific sites,

flating as much gas as possible into the buoy is

identified beforehand.

necessary. Keeping a delayed surface marker

Abandoned nets hauled in by Ghost Diving are marked similar-

buoy (DSMB or SMB) filled with gas to 1/3 of its

ly. The first team searches for nets and once they find some,

volume underwater will require dropping an an-

they mark its beginning and end to be able to estimate its

chor  – otherwise you will ascend to the surface

length – it makes it easier for the other team to haul the net

together with the buoy.

to the surface.

●● Deployment of a buoy without a line. Deploying your buoy like this may replace an underwater wetnote with the note: “no object at the bottom”. Such a buoy is easily recognizable, as it lies horizontally on the surface. It is fished out by the diving boat’s crew. Buoys are often used in such a manner in wreck diving. Once a possible wreck site is identified, one team descends to the bottom and informs the other divers whether the wreck they are looking for lies at the bottom.

Similarly, a buoy attached “rigidly” to the wreck means “we have it !”.

Of course, nothing will prevent you from deploying a buoy with a tether line and attaching an underwater wetnote with appropriate information to it if there is no object underwater.

2. Static buoy usage Static usage means that, when a buoy reaches the surface, you attach the line of the buoy to an underwater object. When to do so and why? ●● Securing your practice area. When practicing in a water body, where they may be other people on the surface (such as swimmers, but also drivers of water scooters and other vessels), it is good practice to mark the practice area, e.g. with four Photo Francisca Isadora Abuter Grebe

buoys forming a square. After your first dive, such marking will also help you quickly find the practice area again.

One option is to use several buoys to secure a practice area

●● Transporting equipment and gas. If you spend a long

that requires underwater markings. This means that the buoy

time at one underwater site and perform activities requir-

should be stabilized with a small amount of gas at the appro-

ing the use of additional small equipment, such equipment

priate depth and using them, for example, to form a diver

may be lowered to the specific site by clipping it into the

propulsion vehicle (DPV) exercise track.

buoy line.

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

67

ACADEMY

The buoy and line may be used to securely transport empty

●● A night out at sea.

cylinders to the surface. In “multistage” diving, after using

Contrary to what it might seem, it is not a very rare occur-

up gas from stage cylinders, you do not have to carry them

rence. If it happens, you may help yourself by using a DSMB

during the entire decompression process – you may clip

as a “lifebuoy” of a sort, which will secure your position on the

them into the line and they will float up to the surface on

water surface. A good-quality DSMB can be fastened in such

their own (the line does not need to be attached, you may

a way that you encircle it behind your back and clip steel bolt

hold the blocked spool in your hand). It might be a good

snaps to the top buoy handle in front of you. You can do it

idea to check beforehand whether your empty cylinders have

even with two 12 L cylinders on yourself. A DSMB has a volume

positive buoyancy: the most common stage cylinders are

of approx. 24 L, which is more than the majority of buoyancy

11.1 L aluminum cylinders (S080) – they may be transported

systems used in two-cylinder rigs, and will ensure your posi-

in that manner. However, also common, but much smaller

tive buoyancy on the sea surface. In the case of groups, each

5.7 L aluminum cylinders (S040) are not buoyant enough for

person may encircle themselves with a buoy and clip it into

such transport.

the bolt snap of the partner’s buoy, which will make them face each other.

3. Using a buoy on the surface ●● Location signaling – call for help.

Such use of the buoy may be required, for example, when you are diving in the current while on safari in Egypt and for some reason you cannot ascend at the planned boat pick-up site. The wind drowns out your voice and even the slightest waves effectively reduce the chances of being seen on the water surface. What you can do is dynamically move your firmly inflated buoy as fast as possible, treating it as an extension of your arms, to signal for help. A DSMB is particularly well-suited to that task. If you start signaling too late, it may prove ineffective – unfortunately, a lot of divers experienced it firsthand, when they were carried with the current to the open sea. ●● Location marking – air searches.

Photo Mariusz Czajka

An unfortunate development of the above situation is that the boat support team does not send help, because they do

4. Buoys in cave diving

not notice your signals. In such a case, you may expect an air search. The pilot will have an easier time locating you, when

Divers who usually dive in caves do not use buoys. Nonetheless,

an inflated DSMB floats next to you. If you are in a group and

you may want to consider equipping yourself with a buoy, when

each diver is prepared for sea diving (has an ocean buoy), you

the cave exit is located at the bottom of the sea. Such caves are

can improve your chances of being found on the sea surface

located, for instance, in Croatia. If, after diving in a cave, you as-

by connecting several DSMBs in one line. For those searching

cend and decompress in open water, it will be easier (and safer)

from the air, a diver without a buoy is a dark object, approx. 0.5

to mark your position with a buoy. It is especially important if

m in size (hardly anyone lies flat on the water when they see

the current is to be expected at your ascent site.

a plane or a chopper – they are more likely to be in a vertical position, which makes them harder to see for a pilot). A Ocean

5. Stabilization in any conditions

buoy in 1.8 m long and has an almost 30 cm long piece of tape.

68

Once connected, three such buoys will form a 6 meter long,

Apart from the situations described above, you may always

bright color line, which is much easier to see from the air.

use a buoy when you need additional stabilization during as-

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

cent. Not everyone is prepared for ascending in open water and even experienced divers may have a bad day. You should deploy a buoy to assist with your ascent each time you feel that it will make you feel more comfortable, and consequently safer in the last phase of diving. You should also pay attention to the needs and well-being of your less experienced buddies.

Do not wait until such a person is no longer stable in the water – ascend together, while using the line of the deployed buoy as a point of reference.

The diving buoy is usually called SMB or DSMB. Sometimes it is also called a bag or... sausage 

6. Classification of diving buoys Color – buoys are available in various colors; those used at sea usually have an emergency color – orange or yellow. There is no one rule for this. It is essential that the buoy has a color that is easy to spot from afar and in any weather conditions (certain colors may be less visible in full sunlight).

Types of diving buoys – the main classification is based on the shape and inflation method. Buoys can divided by inflation method into closed, semi-closed (fluted) and open.

Shape Surface marker buoy (SMB). It is a narrow tube a little over one meter in length. It is great for practice and marking objects; it is fast to deploy. It is a good choice for every diver. It is a closed buoy.

Photo Mariusz Czajka

Delayed surface marker bouy. It is tube-shaped. It is a multi-function tool for everyone who dives or plans to dive in the open sea. It is almost two meters in length and has a ca-

Filling

pacity of 24 L, which allows for using it for many rescue proce-

Closed buoys – buoys that prevent air from getting out and can

dures. It is a closed buoy.

be filled with your mouth or an inflation hose. The buoy nozzle

Other tube-shaped buoys are usually sized between that

prevents connecting the hose the same way as it is connected

of a SMB and DSMB. A buoy with a diameter similar to that of

to the inflator. The inflator hose should be pressed against

a SMB and a length similar to that of a DSMB is an interesting

the nozzle to inflate the buoy. You may also inflate the buoy

solution. It is used by wreck divers, as it is less susceptible to

by blowing into the nozzle with your mouth.

strong gusts of wind than a DSMB.

Semi-closed (fluted) buoys can be inflated with the use of a sec-

Round-shaped, pear-shaped and odd-shaped buoys are some-

ond stage regulator (also by exhaling air with a regulator in

times used for special purposes: for example, to extract small

your mouth) and an additional air gun connected to the quick

objects or haul a submerged diver, whose position is observed

disconnect inflator hose. Gas fills the buoy through a partially

by a person on the surface.

flattened opening in the lower part of the buoy. When posi-

perfectdiver No. 6(12)/2020

69

ACADEMY

tioned on the ground, this opening is a flat self-sealing valve,

7. Where to stash you buoy during a dive?

resembling a buck’s bill. When the buoy is inflated via this valve, a lot of water enters it. At the surface, semi-closed buoys start

There are several solutions.

to leak if they are not positioned vertically with their valve kept

The most simple one is to keep it in your drysuit pocket. If you

underwater. For this reason, they should not be used for res-

dive in a wetsuit, you may use a special buoy pocket fastened

cue purposes (e.g. in situations requiring diver stabilization

to the harness waist strap.

on the surface, as described in section 3). Semi-closed buoys

You may also use pockets in a classic jacket for that purpose,

are usually equipped with an additional valve, similar to that

but first you need to make sure that inflating a jacket would

in closed buoys. Please note that these models have a plastic

not prevent you from reaching the pockets, which may happen.

valve, which may be less robust.

It is always worth checking to see if you are able to easily re-

Open buoys – as is the case with semi-closed buoys, they may

move the buoy from its storage place during diving. You should

be inflated with the use of a second stage regulator or an air

wear diving gloves when performing any test.

gun. A typical characteristic of this buoy is that it is leak-proof only when the buoy is in vertical position and its lower part stays underwater.

Most buoys are equipped with a relief valve that is almost identical to the valve in wings and jackets. caution!

Before diving, check how the valve in your buoy works by conducting a dry run and inflating it several times. Some inflation valves are very intuitive, but others require pressing a certain element to inflate the buoy. Some valves also have a special valve lock nut. It’s best to check how it works on the surface to avoid any surprises underwater.

Photo Bartłomiej Trzciński

8. Buoy deployment technique A buoy floats to the surface when it is inflated with gas. It is attached to the spool or reel with a line. This means that the diver needs to stay focused, as they operate a tool that may rapidly change their buoyancy, but also they may get entangled in the line. Such a configuration requires a very precise buoy deployment technique, which is mastered in small steps.

Interestingly, many divers use entirely different techniques.

They use different inflation methods and amounts of gas and operate the spool or reel differently. Bearing in mind how important and necessary the buoy is for a diver, I recommend to learn how to use it from an instructor. And I strongly encourage instructors to introduce buoy deployment exercises as early as during the basic course.

It is worth practicing buoys deployment, regardless of your Photo Bartłomiej Trzciński

70

proficiency. The more complicated the functioning of a buoy

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

It is not ideal to use large-diameter buoys (a DSMB) as primary buoys for fast communication. Such buoys are much more susceptible to strong gusts of wind at the water surface than buoys with smaller diameters. When blown by the wind, such large buoys haul the diver to the surface.

is, the more important it is for the entire team to practice it and have the same understanding of its usage. The above list of examples for using various types of diving buoys is not exhaustive. How you actually use a buoy depends solely on what you need and what was agreed with the team.

Photo Tomasz Płociński

Are you interested in the topic or any issues brought up in this

If that is the case, Tecline Academy is here to help – we are

article? Would you like to compare various buoy models? Are

always at your disposal:

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https://teclinediving.eu/tecline-academy/#/

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