Perfect Diver Magazine 14 issue

diving

No. 14 2(14)/2021

MARCH/APRIL

Price 12,50 € Tax included

freediving

passion

knowledge

ILLES MEDES

AN UNDERWATER RESERVE THE MALEDIVES

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V-SERIES REGULATORS

[QUALITY | RELIABILITY | SIMPLICITY ] [EN250: 2014 CE1463]

Photo: Michal Sevecek

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the foreword

WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

Editor-in-Chief

T

oday, it is not easy to dive where your heart desires. Such locations as the Philippines or Australia are closed for tourists. Fortunately, there

are also places where we can go by plane and dive. These include Mexico, Maldives or Africa – mainly Egypt.

Those of us who dive in cold waters, have more possibilities to dive locally.

Lakes are not covered with ice anymore. The spring to-do has already begun.

Weather forecasts promise higher temperatures, so water temperature will also start increasing.

What will you find in our bi-monthly issue? Check out yourselves  Let me just mention the interesting Covid-related text about the Red Sea by Sylwia Kosmalska-Juriewicz. We encounter various incredible sea creatures inhabiting the Indian Ocean and the Maldives, including the biggest fish in the world. Story told by Bartosz Pszczółkowski.

We admire the Medical Air Rescue staff. Read about them in the journalistic debut of Hubert, enhanced with great photos by Jacek Krawczyk.

The „Diving Talks” international conference is planned for October 2021 in Portugal. Check out my exclusive interview with the event’s host, Arlindo Serrão. There is still plenty of time to use this opportunity and arrange some diving in Portugal.

And there is more to be found inside. Enjoy!

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

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

20 10 48

TRAVELS 10

ARCHAEOLOGY

Illes Medes.

An underwater reserve

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Marsa Alam

28

The Maledives

48

What for? For whom? How?

KNOWLEDGE

OUR CONVERSATION 42 38

4

Diving Talks

Underwater archeology courses.

Guardian Angels.

Polish Medical Air Rescue

PLANET EARTH 52

Fish-eating ducks

56

Baltic dolphins

Publisher PERFECT DIVER WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

60

Drainage nets

ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com ISSN 2545-3319

editor in chief

Wojciech Zgoła

underwater archaeology

Mateusz Popek

columnist

Irena Kosowska

publicist, photographer marketing & advertisement english language translators

Bartosz Pszczółkowski Hubert Reiss Agnieszka Gumiela-Pająkowska Arleta Kaźmierczak Reddo Translations Sp. z o.o.

legal care graphic design and composition

Adwokat Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak

the magazine was folded with typefaces

Montserrat (Julieta Ulanovsky) Open Sans (Ascender Fonts) Spectral (Production Type)

56

printing Wieland Drukarnia Cyfrowa, Poznań, www.wieland.com.pl

TIPS & CURIOSITIES 62

distribution dive centers, online store

preorder@perfectdiver.com

Regulator

cover photo

Michal Černý model

Murena place

Illes Medes

www.perfectdiver.com

62

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. 2(14)/2021

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

WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

MATEUSZ POPEK

BARTOSZ PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI

He often repeats that he travels by diving and that

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

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

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

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

been associated with water practically from birth

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

in caves. Underwater archeologist by education.

and with diving since I learned to walk. My grand-

lowing years he improved his skills by obtaining

He participated in numerous projects in Poland

father instilled my passion for the underwater

the Dive Master degree. He completed nearly

and abroad. He has been engaged in professional

world, a CMAS*** instructor taking me to the

650 dives in various climatic conditions. Since

diving since 2011. In 2013 he obtained the qual-

lakes at any free time. I obtained my first qual-

2007, he has been taking photographs underwa-

ifications of a 2nd class diver. Has experience in

ifications in 1996. A year later I went to Croatia

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

underwater work both at sea and inland. Since

and literally went crazy at the sight of blue wa-

an independent journalist, he published dozens

2013 he has been diving in caves, especially in the

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

of articles, mainly in journals dedicated to diving,

mountains, and since 2014 he is a diving instruc-

underwater camera – Olympus 5060 and started

but not only. Co-author of photo exhibitions in

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

the adventure with underwater photography.

Poland and abroad. He is passionate about and

al degree in underwater archeology.

I acquired my diving experience in the Canary

propagator of diving.

Islands, Sardinia, Norway, Maldives and in Polish

Since 2008 he has been running his own website

lakes. I am currently a Padi and ESA instructor,

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

I train diving enthusiasts in Europe and pass my

experience, in August 2018 he created the new

passion on to others.

Perfect Diver Magazine.

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

IRENA KOSOWSKA

HUBERT REISS

Regional Manager Divers Alert Network Polska,

An IT specialist by profession, but a flesh and

diving and first aid instructor, technical diver and

blood salesman who is not afraid of any job. Div-

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

ing has always been my big dream. At the begin-

tight places and invariably from the beginning

ning it was supposed to be a challenge, a short

of the diving route – in the Baltic. Implementing

episode but it turned out to be a passion for the

the DAN mission, he conducts a series of lectures

end of the world and one day longer. Under water

”Dive safely” and Diving Safety Laboratory, so field

I react and rest. As a Divemaster, sidemount Razor

research of divers for scientific purposes.

diver, and recently also a photographer, I realize my dreams by admiring and immortalizing the beauty of the underwater world. "Passion breeds professionalism, professionalism gives quality, and quality is a luxury in life. Nowadays, especially..."

co n s ta n t coo p e r at i o n

WOJCIECH A. FILIP

ANNA SOŁODUCHA

SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ

Has more than 8000 dives on his account. He

A graduate of Geography faculty at the University

A traveller and a photographer of wild nature.

has been diving for over 30 years, including over

of Wrocław and an incurable optimist… with a per-

A graduate of journalism and a lover of good liter-

20 years as a technical diver. He is a professional

manent smile on her lips! It was probably Destiny

ature. She lives in harmony with nature, promotes

with great theoretical and practical knowledge. He

that led her to Activtour… and she's been here

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

is an instructor of many federations: GUE Instruc-

on permanent basis. She passionately fulfils the

Also engaged in ecological projects. Sharks and

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

dreams of many, organizing diving trips around the

their protection are especially close to her heart.

TMX Gas Blender. He participated in many diving

world, and she has already been diving for more

She writes about the subject in numerous articles

projects and conferences as a leader, explorer,

than half of her life. Each year she explores a dif-

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

originator or lecturer. These included the Britan-

ferent ‘piece of the ocean’, pinning another pin to

gan her adventure with diving fifteen years ago

nic Expedition 2016, Morpheus Cave Scientific

her diving world map. In winter she changes fins

by total coincidence. Today she is a Divemaster,

Project on Croatia caves, GROM Expedition in

into her beloved skis and gets away into the Alps.

she visited over 60 countries and dived on 5 con-

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

A recipe for life? ”The only a dead trunk flows with

tinents. She invites us for a joint journey with the

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

the current – the explorer's canoe flows up the river!”

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

director at TecLine in Scubatech, and a director of

anna@activtour.pl

a co-founder.

training at TecLine Academy.

activtour.pl; travel.activtour.pl; 2bieguny.com

KAROLINA SZTABA

JAKUB DEGEE

MICHAL ČERNÝ

Karolina Sztaba, and professionally Karola Takes

Polish photographer, winner of awards and dis-

"Wet photos" – He has photographed since he

Photos, is a photographer by education and pas-

tinctions in world underwater photography com-

remembers. After several years of experience as

sion. She is currently working at the Trawangan

petitions, has already dived all over the world: with

a diver, he wanted to keep memories of underwa-

Dive Center on a tiny island in Indonesia – Gili

sharks and whales in South Africa, with orcs be-

ter dives. He bought his first compact camera with

Trawangan, where she moved to live four years

hind the Arctic Circle, on Galapagos with hundreds

an underwater housing. Over time, however, the

ago.She photographs above and below the wa-

of hammerhead sharks and humpback whales in

desire to have the best photo began to dominate,

ter. In addition, she creates photographic proj-

the Tonga Islands. He participates in specialist

which was not quite possible with the compact

ects against littering the oceans and polluting

photographic workshops. He has been diving for

he used. That's why he switched to the Olympus

our planet with plastic ("Trapped", "Trashion"). He

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

PEN E-PL 5 reflex camera, which allows the use of

cooperates with NBO organizations dealing with

it was formally possible. He was the first in the

several different lenses. He uses a combination

environmental protection and actively partici-

world to use the Hasselblad X1d-50c camera for

of underwater flashes and lights. He focuses on

pates in pro-ecological actions (coral protection,

underwater macro photography. Recently, in the

wildlife photography, not arrangement. He photo-

coral planting, cleaning the world, protection of

remote Chincorro archipelago on the border be-

graphs in fresh domestic waters as well as in the

endangered species). He is also the official pho-

tween Mexico and Belize, he did it again, taking

seas and oceans of the world.

tographer of Ocean Mimic – a brand that creates

a successful attempt to photograph the eye of

He has already won numerous awards at Czech

swimwear and surfwear from rubbish collected

a crocodile with a macro lens with an additional

and foreign photography competitions. More

on the beaches of Bali. She cooperated with many

magnifying lens, which is the world's largest photo

photos can be found on his website, where you

brands of diving equipment for which she created

of the crocodile's eye living in the wild (in terms of

can also buy them not only as photos, but also as

advertising campaigns. In 2019, she became the

pixel count, print size, quality).

photos printed on canvas or on another medium.

ambassador of the Polish company Tecline.

www.mokrefotky.cz

She has been a technical diver for two years.

www.facebook.com/MichalCernyPhotography www.instagram.com/michalcerny_photography/

co n s ta n t coo p e r at i o n

WOJCIECH JAROSZ

AGNIESZKA KALSKA

LAURA KAZIMIERSKA

A graduate of two Poznan universities, the Acad-

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

Laura Kazimierska is currently working as PADI

emy of Physical Education (coaching specializa-

body I experience freedom of the spirit.”

Course Director at TrawanganDive Center on the

tion – handball) and the University of A.Mickiewicz, Faculty of Biology (specialty of experimental biology). He connected his professional life with this first university trying to influence the direction of development of future professionals on the one hand, and on the other planning and

• 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),

Indonesian island of Gili Trawangan. Founder of the Divemastergilis portal. www.divemastergilis.com @divemastergilis For over 7 years she has lived and discovered the underwater world of Indonesia. She is not only an avid technical diver, but also the face of the

implementing research, pushing laboriously in

• record holder and Polish champion, member

Planet Heroes platform and the ambassador of

the right direction of the stroller called science.

of the national team in freediving 2013–2019,

the Ocean Mimic brand. She actively contributes

In his free time he spends his time actively – his

• winner of the World Championships in freed-

to the promotion of the protection of corals and

main passions are sailing (sea helmsman), skiing

iving 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018,

the natural environment of fish and marine an-

(downhill skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle,

• multimedalist of the Polish Championships

imals by taking part in scientific projects, cam-

recreational diving and many other activities, as

and a member of the national team in swim-

paigns against ocean littering and cooperating

well as photography, mainly nature.

ming in the years 1998–2003,

with NGOs in Indonesia.

• passionate about freediving and swimming.

AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA

ADRIAN JURIEWICZ

Since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming

A traveler, photographer and the underwater

a marine biologist and I managed to fulfill that

world filmmaker, an Asian cuisine enthusiast

dream. I did a degree in oceanography, where

and a PADI diving instructor. He visited over

I recently started my doctoral studies. My diving

70 countries and dived on 5 continents (the

adventure began when I was 12 years old. I love

other two are planned for next year's expedi-

observing the underwater life up close and I try to

tions). For several years he has also been an

show other divers how fascinating the underwa-

instructor and trainer of the unmanned aircraft

ter, Baltic creatures are.

flights. A co-author of a travel agency for divers www.dive-away.pl. He documents his expeditions with photos and descriptions of his journeys on his blog www.divingandtravel.pl

@laura_kazi

6

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t r av e l s

Illes Medes AN UNDERWATER RESERVE Text and photos MICHAL ČERNÝ

Once, in one of the books, I read an article about the Illes Medes reserve. The reserve was listed as one of the most beautiful diving sites in the world.

10

travels

A

sentence uttered by the author stuck in my mind: ”I have always wondered where all the fish from the Mediterranean Sea went, now I know.”

After my more than thirteen visits to this Mediterranean

paradise for divers, I can confidently state that this sentence is 100% true. So many different fish cannot be found anywhere else in the Mediterranean Sea. HISTORY The Medes Islands are located in the middle of the Costa Brava, about 100 km north of Barcelona, near L´Estartit. The archipelago consists of seven main islands: Medellot, Meda Grand, Meda Petita, les Ferrenelles, Tasco Gros, Tasco Petit and Carall Bernat. During the Middle Ages, the islands were inhabited. Used and raided by pirates. To this day, you can find round watchtowers here that served the locals as a "voice" announcing the impending attack. Until 1983, L'Estartit was just a small village where the main source of income was fishing from the waters around the islands. However, just this year, the Catalan Parliament approved the area as protected by a ban on all types of fishing. In 1990, this protection was further increased when the entire area of 511 hectares was declared a submarine reserve. Thanks to this, L´Estartit completely changed and the locals began to switch from fishing to tourism. Hotels, restaurants and, of course, diving bases and other centers focused not only on water sports began to appear here. Today L'Estartit is a popular tourist destination mainly for divers from all over Europe.

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

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ORGANIZATION AND DIVING CENTERS Due to the fact that it is an underwater nature reserve, dives

the cylinders from the car standing next to the boat and just take them on board.

are regulated here and you can dive practically only through

The equipment at the base is kept by each diver in a box

local diving centers. Another limitation is that divers with OWD

and locked. Neoprene suits are hung in rooms where they are

or P1 qualifications can only enter the water when accompa-

automatically washed with fresh water and dried with warm

nied by an instructor or divemaster, this is mainly to prevent

air. A very convenient solution.

damage to the corals (poor buoyancy of inexperienced divers).

As for the dives themselves, they are unique because you

The maximum permitted diving depth is 40 meters, and the

are not attached to the group you came with and you have

dive time must not exceed 60 minutes.

several choices when and where you want to dive. You book

There are several diving centers here. However, for years

your dives via the computer and each day you can choose from

we have been using the services of the La Sirena resort, which

four different dives during the day and, in fact, from three

is one of the largest and best here. It has three large dive

ships. There are as many as 12 dives each day. You choose

boats (each for 20-30 divers) and all are equipped with lifts.

your time of day and the location that interests you. The boat

Yes, you read that right, each vessel has a stainless steel el-

ride from the port to the spot usually takes around 20 minutes.

evator at the stern for two divers, which you will especially

After each dive, we return to the port. So you can only do one

appreciate if there are some waves in the sea. All you have

dive per day, which is perfect if you want to combine a family

to do is swim to the elevator, which will be about one meter

vacation with scuba diving.

below the surface, stand on it and comfortably board it, and

Attention! Dives must be booked in advance. Due to the

then have them a few steps to your place. Here, too, your

great interest in diving, it is not possible to come and dive.

equipment has been taken care of. The base is about 300 me-

No seats available. I personally book group dives one year in

ters from the boat mooring, however, you don't have to carry

advance. The basic price for diving with ballast and cylinder is

your equipment as they will take it in small trucks. You take

about 42 EUR. Thanks to many years of cooperation and vol-

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

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ume discounts, we received a price of about EUR 26 for diving, which is already a very decent price.

DIVING f Lovers of fish and underwater life will have fun here. f There is also something for cavers as the islands are rich in tunnels and caves. f There are two wrecks waiting for lovers of sunken iron.

First things first. First, let's look at the underwater life. The main attraction, or rather a symbol of the Illes Medes islands, are groupers, specifically grouped groupers, which is rare.

It occurs in very large numbers, practically on every dive you can find several individuals growing up to 1.5 meters. In addition, they are used to divers, so it is not a problem to literally swim within your reach, but of course you should not touch them. You will certainly meet them most in spots with tunnels and caves, such as La Vaca or Dofi, which in my opinion are among the most beautiful. If you want to see big fish such as tuna, barracuda, stingrays, be sure to go to places open to the high seas such as Tasco Gros, Tasco Petit or Carall Bernat, where they usually live in larger shoals.

Moray eels, which are also abundant here, will look at you from holes in the walls and from stones on the seabed. In the crevices you can find sea eels, Mediterranean cod, lobsters and various small shrimps. Of course, you will come across

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many other species of larger and smaller fish, both common and rare in the Mediterranean Sea. It is worth mentioning the gorgonians that occur on many walls here, creating a beautiful, continuous growth. They are both purple and yellow. There are also several species of nudibranchs that like to stay mostly in places with strong currents, such as the strait between Carall Bernat and Tasco Gros.

Tunnels and caves are mainly located at Dofi and La Vaca. You do not need a cave diver's certificate to enter these tunnels and caves as they are all large enough and you can always see the other side through the tunnel. But the

16

light will definitely be useful here. There are several tunnels in

parallel tunnels, one narrow for one diver right next to the

Dofi, the largest of which is about 80 meters long and larger

other, wide tunnel through which the subway will again pass

in diameter than the Prague metro tunnel. There is also a cave

without any problems. In addition, the entrances to these tun-

at this location that leads from a depth of 18 meters into an air

nels are regularly guarded by several groupers.

pocket. It can accommodate several divers, and thanks to the

Wrecks are located a short distance from the port, along

porous rock, the air is breathable. The most beautiful tunnels,

the coast. The first one is called Reggio. It was a 132 m long

in my opinion, can be found in La Vaca. There are actually two

ferry that was artificially sunk in 1992 as an attraction for div-

and strong currents, the wreck gradually broke into three parts, between

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ers. Unfortunately, the best place to sink it was not chosen. Due to storms which today the distance is several dozen meters. With the less visibility we usually see here, it becomes even more difficult to navigate between the individual fragments. Still, there are a few well-preserved that provide interesting views, such as the still standing mast. The second wreck is El Marmoler. Ship carrying a cargo of marble that can still be seen in the hold. It sank after hitting the coast in 1971. However, the distance to this wreck from the port of L'Estartit is over 8 kilometers and the visibility on the wreck is usually poor. I dived here when the visibility right next to the wreck dropped from the beautiful transparency of the sea to about 2 m. Diving bases do not come here too often.

Technically … the best.

Hollis gear stands up to any condition.

So, how deep will you go?

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

podróże

ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS If you don't just want to dive, you will find many other sports and entertainment options here. Of course there is a large sandy beach, you can rent pedal boats, sea kayaks, jet skis, kites and even a new flybording. If, for example, you are going here with a family that does not dive, even they do not have to be deprived of underwater life experience. All you need to do is buy a ticket for one of the glass-floor boats and you will be able to observe how life in the reserve is vibrant. Rocca Maura, 226 meters high, takes about 45 minutes to climb right above the city. It offers a wonderful view of the entire city and islands.

If you like monuments, Barcelona is just 100 km away, and tourist buses leave almost every day to visit Barcelona's most interesting places, such as the unfinished Sagrada de Familia church or Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell, La Rambla and singing fountains. North of L'Estartit lies the city of Empuriabrava, known as the Spanish Venice. Here you can rent a boat and cross the canals between the houses.

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TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION If you go here individually, you can of course fly to Barcelona and from there take a train and bus to L'Estartit. Low-cost carriers fly here, but tickets do not include the transport of more luggage that we, as divers, need. Another option is to travel by your own car. However, it is over 1,600 kilometers from Prague, and thanks to tolls on highways, especially in France, it is not very profitable. We have been using bus transport for years. You spend about 20 hours on the bus, but with a bottle of good drink, time flies quite quickly;) You can stay in one of the hotels or choose apartment hotels with a fully equipped kitchen. So if you don't want to spend every day on eating in restaurants, you have the option to cook for yourself, prices in shops are comparable to prices in the Czech Republic.

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

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Marsa Alam Text SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ Photos ADRIAN JURIEWICZ

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.

J.B. Priesley

20

travels

Cairo

A few days earlier, before any signs on Earth and Heaven indicated that our trip to Egypt would take place, I had a dream. I dreamed of dolphins swimming in an emerald bay right next to the beach where I collected colourful bird feathers.

B

Hurghada

MARSA ALAM

ack then, I didn't know this dream was like a promise.

I was awakened by the warm rays of the rising sun, which

A prophecy that was soon to come true… In one of the

were penetrating with all their intensity into the spacious ho-

two open cafes at Chopin's international airport in War-

tel room. I went out on the terrace to feast my eyes on the

saw, I ordered a coffee latte with soy milk, to take away. The

vastness of the cloudless, azure sky. The hotel is surrounded

day before, I did the Covid-19 test, which I put in my backpack

by miles of gardens, lushly planted with palm trees, shrubs and

together with my passport to show it at check-in. Almost all

flowers. The narrow alleys are crossed by white, wooden per-

shops, restaurants and kiosks have closed. Today there is no

golas that bend under the pressure of colourful bougainvillea.

trace of numerous tourists travelling, queues and noise at the

I take a deep breath and revel in the scent of the air saturated

airport, which I remember from a year ago. Everywhere there

with desert, sea and flowers. After long, cloudy and rainy weeks

is twilight and piercing silence… The sight scares me a bit.

in Poland, I almost forgot how beautiful and colourful the world

The departure board is always filled to the brim with flight

is. I am going to the beach which is very wide and very charm-

numbers, but today there is only one flight, at 10:30 PM. This is

ing. The Red Sea is sparkling with aquamarine, here and there

my flight and I am flying to Marsa Alam, a place located in the

tourists are resting on deckchairs. I lie down on the sand and

southern part of Egypt.

dip my feet in the sea, feeling a refreshing breeze on my body.

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

21

Now I know I really have come here.

22

turtles who unhurriedly enjoy the blades of sea grass. After

The next day, at dawn, we get on the bus and go to the

a few minutes, they begin to slowly ascend to get some air.

diving centre about 15 kilometres from our hotel. A wide as-

On their shells, the rays of the sun create colourful prisms that

phalt road leads there. We drive about 20 minutes. During

grow stronger with changing depth. We hang in the water for

this time we have not seen any other car on the road. On the

a few minutes, watching this unique spectacle that takes place

right, the desert stretches to the horizon. Inaccessible and

just below the water surface. Someone who is now standing

sandy terrain, and on the other side, you can see the shore-

on the beach and staring at the sea does not even realise that

line of the Red Sea, glistening in the morning sun. Diving off

right on the shore, at a shallow depth, two giant sea turtles

the coast of Marsa Alam is usually done from the shore. The

are eating breakfast.

diving centre that we use during our stay in Egypt is situated

Diving in itself is something perfect in its simplicity. By add-

in an ideal location. We drive a maximum of twenty minutes

ing underwater fauna and flora, absolute silence interrupted

to all diving spots. During the week-long vacation, we devote

by breath and slow movements of arms and legs, and magical

as many as five days to diving. Marsa Assalaya is a picturesque

moments of loneliness, we get an addictive mixture that is diffi-

bay with emerald water located approximately 8 km from Mar-

cult to describe in words. We are able to sacrifice a lot for those

sa Alam. This is the first place we dive. It is an ideal location for

meetings with the underwater world, even a 10-day quarantine

advanced divers as well as those who are just starting their ad-

after returning to the country. This is because nothing else

venture with diving. The sandy bottom covered with sea grass

in the world can give us the sense of freedom, happiness and

very slowly slopes downwards, until at some point it merges

fulfilment that we get from communing with the inhabitants of

with the beautiful coral gardens. The coral reef, full of life, gen-

the seas and oceans. We cannot fill the void with anything else

tly descends to 50 m. During the first dive, we meet two large

when something we love is taken from us even for a moment.

travels

From the outside, Marsa Samadai is a completely inconspicuous diving location, located just off the asphalt road 7 km from Marasa Alam. It is an open desert area with a wide, sandy bay, exposed to the wind on all sides. Like the previous dive spot, the site is also suitable for diving for advanced people and those who have just completed the basic OWD diving course.

The sandy bottom very slowly goes down to 30 m. Diving here, we get the impression that a lush coral reef surrounds us on all sides, and huge rock blocks covered with corals create

Diving here, we get the impression that a lush coral reef surrounds us on all sides, and huge rock blocks covered with corals create a natural shelter for sea creatures such as monkfish, crocodile fish, turtles, rays and moray eels.

a natural shelter for sea creatures such as monkfish, crocodile fish, turtles, rays and moray eels. The farthest dive point we reached is Gebel Rossa, where we dived for two days. It is

The day is sunny and the air temperature exceeds 25°C.

a picturesque, narrow bay on both sides, sheltered by sandy

On the sandy shore, in an even row, there are sun umbrel-

cliffs, protecting us from the wind (which in January is some-

las embedded in the sand, their glory days are long behind

thing natural in this part of the world).

them. They blend in perfectly with the landscape and create

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

23

t r av e l s

24

a holiday atmosphere. I slowly put my drysuit on, but put it

a way that it protects against the scorching sun and wind. In

on only over my thermal underwear. The water temperature

the distance, against the background of the sandy mountains,

varies between 22 and 23°C, depending on the location and

three figures appear as if they were ghosts. They are coming

depth. Thanks to the drysuit, I feel comfortable underwater.

our way very slowly. They are three Bedouin women: moth-

Other people who accompany us dive in 5 mm wetsuits. I have

er, daughter and granddaughter. Dressed in colourful robes

been diving in a drysuit for so long that I have the impression

that contrast beautifully with the azure sky and desert sand.

that it has become my second skin. Wading in the water, we

Each of them carries a small bundle in hand. They stop right

slowly enter the Red Sea, put on our fins, and after a while

on the shoreline, between two moored boats. They sit cross-

we descend to a depth of 18 m. Almost immediately we come

legged on the sand and take out colourful and various brace-

across a wall covered with a lush coral reef, and in the depths

lets from their small bundles. They evenly arrange them on

we observe barracudas and other fish. A stingray buries itself

the cloth spread on the beach. With a gentle movement of the

very quickly in the sand, just below the overhang, and a tortoise

hand, they encourage us to come closer and look at all the

flows right above the stingray. I have forgotten how beautiful

beads with which they filled the fabric surface. I am interested

and rich in life the coral reef of the Red Sea is. After diving,

in the desert women themselves more than the bracelets. Two

we rest under a small, wooden roof, which is located in such

of them, mother and daughter, are veiled. I buy bracelets from

travels

a girl who smiles kindly at me. The oldest woman leans her back against one of the wooden boats. She takes out a small, handy spindle and yarn. On a wooden reel that gently sets in motion with his hand, she begins to wind individual strands of wool, which she forms with her fingers. I admire her talent and the ease with which she does it. I do not know from where, but after a while a young woman brings brushwood and starts lighting a fire in the sand. Shortly after, she puts a slightly worn silver kettle on it, into which she had poured finely ground coffee with ginger and poured cold water over it. Next to the hearth, she placed four cups that looked like giant thimbles.

She pours a teaspoon of sugar into them successively, and then pours the brewed coffee. The air is filled with the unearthly aroma of freshly brewed coffee, which I am offered. I do not know how long I sat in the sand with desert women, savouring every sip of the dark nectar. Finally I got up, gave the empty

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

25

t r av e l s

cup back and thanked for it from the bottom of my heart – the best I could do in thanks for a moment of real, undisturbed pleasure and normality.

Every place on earth has at least a few unique locations that somehow define and distinguish it. In my opinion, such a unique place that characterises the diving sites off the coast of Marsa Alam is the Samadai Reef, also known as Dolphin House. We sail about 1.5 hours on a large dive boat before we reach the destination. The sun slowly climbs the sky and the wind breaks the waves against the ship's side. The pristine crescent-shaped Samadai reef is inhabited by about 60 spinner dolphins. These herd animals have been coming into the world here since the beginning of time. They hunt here, breed young, rest, and above all, feel safe. It would seem that over the years they have become accustomed to the presence of humans. It is one of the few places in the world where we can swim and dive with dolphins in their natural environment. We have already visited this location twice during our previous stays in Marsa Alam, but each time the dolphins were not at home. This time it is different.

There is such a strange feeling as if the world stopped for a moment, when the gray backs of dolphins glistening in the

26

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t r av e l s

The Maledives Text and photos BARTOSZ PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI

A country like from a magazine, because if Paradise exists on earth, it is very possible that it is there in the Indian Ocean.

One of the seven whale sharks

28

travels

There is the lagoon on the left sidde, on the right, at the edge of the reef, waves break to form a whitish line

T

he atolls are surrounded by blue water of various

INDIA

shades. They are built of smaller and larger islands

Bombay

extending over a distance of 800 km. Inside the atolls

there are lagoons, and the shallow clear water has a temperature of 27–30 degrees. Outside the atolls, the shades of blue to the rapidly falling slopes to considerable depths. These are the slopes of a collapsed volcano, on which a coral reef grows,

hence the predominant geometric figure is a circle, a ring made of the remains of coral skeletons. The rings of the atolls are

MALEDIVES

change their colour to more and more intense navy blue, due SRI LANKA Male

not closed, creating channels in which the underwater currents are very strong. It is here that you can meet clusters of sharks,

beautiful views there, especially from the bird's eye perspec-

eagle rays, tunas, mackerels and jackfish. However, you have

tive. This makes the Maldives a unique country on the scale of

to remember to be prepared for these conditions and skillfully

our planet. Several species of lizards, huge bats and herons live

swim in the currents.

among the palm trees on land. But when we immerse a few

It is worth planning a trip to the Maldives as soon as possible because there is a risk that this place will be swallowed up

metes below the suface of the water, wow... Lots of fish, big and small, can make you dizzy.

by the ocean over the next 20 years. Built from the remains of

Thanks to the fact that I had the opportunity to be on

a coral reef, these islands are maximally 2 meters high at the

the Maldives several times I met and was able to observe

highest point. This increases the risk of floods on the islands,

the diversity of large animals, but I will write about it later in

and at the same time this is reason why there are amazingly

the article :)

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

29

t r av e l s

One of the resorts in the Maldives

30

There are two ways to visit the Maldives. You can stay at

and the large stingrays caused to accelerate the beating of our

one of many resorts that are located on many islands of the

hearts, by swimming close, very close to us. A fantastic diving,

atoll. It is a place of total relaxation on the very shore of the

and this is just a warm-up.

ocean where you just leave your bungalow and you are on the

You know the saying that appetite comes with eating, right?

beach. By prior arrangement, you can go diving with a resort

It is in the Maldives that these words will fit perfectly into the

operator and this is basically the best attraction. The island

reality, especially when travelling by safari boat. After diving,

offers a gym, spa area, massage, and the entire land area can

a delicious dinner for all the participants of the trip was served.

be walked wide and lengthwise within a few hours. It is maybe

It was loud, because everyone told and experienced the im-

a pleasant vacation form, but a bit boring for me and consum-

pressions of the dives, and especially the view of the huge

ing a lot of money.

rays. The moments of relaxation on the deck of the Carina boat

A safari boat is a brilliant solution for people looking for

after the meal did not last long, as fatigue took over. I slept

both leisure and activity, but also adventure. Thanks to the trip

like a baby and needed a few hours of sleep because the first

organized by Pazola Travel & Adventure, I had the opportunity

dive the next day was early in the morning. I love these sun-

to participate in such a safari in the atolls of the Maldives. We

rise dives, because at this time life on a coral reef, like my

visited four atolls around the capital city called Male and I must

diving companions, awakens from sleep. There is a unique

admit that it was an amazing trip. We focused on observing and

atmosphere there.

looking for a large game and on the day of arrival we dived near

Well, let us dive into the water. Huge shoals of colorful fish,

the fish factory in a place called "AQUARIUM". After the first

thousands of geen triggerfish flying, like angels, around the

minutes, we already knew where this name came from. The

divers, a monkfish stuck to a sponge, completely invisible, and

enormous number of fish around us made an amazing im-

sharks, white-tip sharks and gray reef sharks, eagle rays, whip-

pression, huge moray eels welcomed us opening their mouths,

rays. Even the curious octopus leaned out of its pit, to greet us

Gorgonia and other reef-building animals, 30 meters deep

Carpet anemone with amphiprions

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

31

Gray reef sharks during morning hygiene at the cleaning station

32

in its underwater world. We dive to a depth of thirty meters,

amounts of plankton. This is food for mantas and other fish.

to admire this underwater garden. Here the air is used up fast-

After a few minutes, a commotion begins, manta rays are

er, because the pressure is higher than in the shallower parts

already flying over our heads and there is a large whipgray

of the reef. However, it is in the shallows that we can observe

and a gray reef shark swimming in the area. More manta rays

the explosion of tropical underwater life. In these near-surface

come and glide with great grace in the water, to collect as

zones of coral reefs you can relax, because this is the last part

much food as possible, while giving us a unique show of mov-

of the dive, however, you need to remember about the "safety

ing in water. You can observe it for hours on your knees and

stop", check the computer, and release the buoy, so that our

only, periodically reminding yourself to breathe. An unforget-

"Dhoni" – the dive boat – is able to locate us. We finish the dive

table experience!!!

away from the edge of the reef, we sail from the shallows to the

After this dive, it is time for a meal and I am looking forward

depths of several meters to ensure the safety of the dive boat

to the attractions of the next day. I went to bed late, because

that will take us to Carina, our floating home.

by the boat for a few more hours you could watch manta rays

After the morning dive, a delicious breakfast awaits us,

fishing for plankton at the very surface. Several participants

a morning coffee and we sail to the next magical diving site.

of the Carina safari expedition did not dive, however, were

A great attraction is in front of us, a night dive with manta

keenly interested in our reports on underwater animal sight-

rays. It is a great adventure that I would definitely recommend

ings. When the manta ray appeared near the water surface

to anyone. We dive next to the boat to a depth of 10 meters

near the boat, one travel companion dared to enter the water

and stick our torches into the sand with the light upwards.

and look at the manta rays snokelling in their company. If you

This is a trick that causes the flashlight beam to attract large

do not dive and you think that you will be bored on the safari

travels

Nurse shark

Alimatha Jetty greets us with a variety of large fish

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

33

t r av e l s Carina in all its glory

We go ashore, which sways underfoot

boat on the Maldives, then you are wrong. Landing on sandy, uninhabited islands is an everyday reality for non-divers. You can sunbathe on the white sand, swim with a mask and a snorkel and watch sharks, turtles and many other interesting sea creatures. You just have to like water and sun, right?

Another day of diving is Mufushi Rock, a famous dive site, to admire manta rays during the daytime. It is a rock formation, quite an unusual part of the reef, called a "cleaning station", where the manta rays come to the spa to get rid of parasites and for a general care program :) You can observe small oblong bluish fish circling near the mantas. They are wrasses, cleaners who take care of hygiene on the coral reef, and their services are used by virtually all predators, but also fish such as oriental sweet lips or napoleons. Here we had the opportunity to see

Barbecue on a desert island, it was delicious

and admire manta rays in the daylight, and these creatures did not pay attention to us at all. However, we got a few tips even before entering the water, during the briefing, i.e. a predive taining. It is essential, not to enter the area of the cleaning station and not to follow the manta rays as we may scare them away. We stopped at the place indicated by our guide and began our observation. It turned out that the manta rays are interested in the bubbles that we release from our breathing regulatos. They started to play with these bubbles and thus literally fly over our heads. It is difficult to describe it with the words, but imagine that a person underwater is like in the cinema, and, in addition, has the best seats. The impressions are worth recommending to anyone who has at least a little delicacy and admiration for nature. And this is because these

34

Manta from Mufushi Rock

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

35

t r av e l s A whale shark while pulling a meal

36

are the last places, where man has not yet disturbed the eco-

and so strong that I needed to share them with my relatives.

system, as it happens on land.

I called them and showed them everything through my phone

After the dive, we got very excited because the crew an-

camera. Great emotions. The smallest of the sharks was five

nounced to us that we were going to have lunch on a desert

meters long, and swimming among them was unusual and

island, wow… Everyone started looking for the best outfits :)

challenging as, due to the risk of tactile contact. These animals

to do their best during the barbecue on a sandy island. It was

have a special coating on the body, the contact of which caus-

sensational, but it was also strange to go ashore for a longer

es wounds. Remember that we are the guests in this magical

time and many people thought that the island was somehow

underwater world and that diving or swimming alone disturbs

swaying. Our ear labyrinths needed a moment to switch to

its peace and balance. Therefore, let us try to ensure that our

land conditions. Delicious food, grilllfried shrimps, shashliks

visits have as little impact on this environment as possible. Let

made of vegetables, fruit and chicken, huge horse mackerel

us respect the nature so that our children have something to

baked on the fire. We were just licking our fingers while eat-

admire and that they can experience similar experiences and

ing. The participants of the expedition had the opportunity to

emotions as we do, because it builds awareness and sensitivity

get to know each other better and exchange travel and diving

to the environment and wildlife that inhabits them.

experiences in the atmosphere of the sound of the ocean and

I experienced the climax of the whole trip during the sunset

the rustle of palm leaves. The events of the following days

dive at dusk in a place called Alimatha Jetty. It was at the pier

and dives knocked us off our feet. Everyone was glad that he

of our resort where nurse sharks of up to three and a half me-

got here and could participate in this expedition.

ters in size gather daily. When the sun goes down the sharks

During one evening, whale sharks came to us, attracted by

activate and begin to circle the divers completely ignoring

the abundance of plankton swirling in the light of the boat.

them. They are looking for food, but do not worry, there are

Imagine seven whale sharks jostling in the line to the spot

no people in their menu, but for us, being among such large

with the most plankton. The experiences were unforgettable

predators is associated with big emotions :) It turned out that in

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Ekskluzywne wyprawy dla wymagających!

Whalesharks pushing to plankton

Masz ochotę poznawać świat?

Chcesz uniknąć masowych wycieczek?

Interesują Cię kierunki, które kuszą czymś więcej niż tylko ciepłym klimatem i nie są jeszcze zadeptane przez turystów?

addition to nurse sharks there are also large gray reef sharks, whiprays, eagle rays and large herds of bluefins and giant trevallies. It was amazing and the whole show took place at a depth of ten meters. After diving during dinner, it was really loud, full of emotions and impressions that everyone experienced.

Nobody wanted to come back to Poland anymore, only to stay here and to experience it again :) So far, I have told you about large animals from the Maldives, but there was also a dive that impressed me due to the unique encounter with a bizarre fish, which has always been my dream to see. Harlequin ghost pipefish, but that is another story :) The Safari succeeded because the crew were great and very helpful. The crew made this week in the tropics easier for us, and the diving guides did their best to provide us with impressions, about which we will talk for a long time :) At this point, I must thank the organiser of the trip, Piotr Pazola from Pazola Travel & Adventure from Warsaw, for the excellent organisation and having prepared the whole trip with perfection. In the times of the pandemic, this is not an easy task. Piotr's many years of experience in travelling and organising diving trips allowed us to experience unforgettable emotions and moments that I reminisce every day.

And I'm already looking forward to my next trip to the Maldives in April.

Zapraszamy do zapoznania się z naszą ofertą:

www.pazola.com

PAZOLA Sp. z o.o. ul. Stawki 3A 00-193 Warszawa

biuro@pazola.com +48 786 815 806 +48 797 581 292

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

Diving Talks

Tróia, bird's-eye view

My conversation with Arlindo Serrao, organizer of the International Diving Congress

38

Wojciech Zgoła: Arlindo, we did diving together 2 years ago.

and Olho de Mira and Pena for the winter diving. However,

Since then, we have been trying to encourage Polish (and

Portugal offers much more. For diving recreational in mainland

foreign) divers to visit Portugal, which has a lot to show,

Portugal, I would choose Sesimbra; the marine reservation has

also under water. Are you able to indicate your favorite

dozens of different dive spots and wreck dives. The Berlengas

dive site in Portugal?

where you find the most transparent waters in continental Eu-

Arlindo Serrao: Only one?! Portugal (mainland) and the Azores

rope and many dive spots full of life. If you prefer to dive with

and Madeira archipelagos are perfect destinations for recre-

the big pelagics, I would recommend Madeira or the Azores,

ational and technical divers. My favourite dive site would be the

base camping, for example, in the Santa Maria island. From

Serra d’Aire region because I love to dive caves, and there we

there, dive the right spots to meet whalesharks, manta rays,

have Almonda and Alviela for cave diving during the summer

and other species, you name it.

our conversations

Why do you dive at all and when did you start watching what is happening underwater?

My motivation was, first of all, wanting to breathe underwater and staying there having fun and observing not only life but also the fascinating underwater landscape.

How did your passion develop and did you find enough time to dive while working professionally?

I fall in love with wreck diving, and especially with the incredible feeling you get to experience diving inside the wrecks, visiting inner compartments, such as the engine rooms, etc. Therefore I decided to become a technical diver for the increased opportunities technical diving would bring within. All my subsequent

Center of events, Aqualuz Tróia

decisions were to learn more and become an increasingly more competent technical diver.

At what point did you want to become a cave diver?

For me, it was a natural decision after discovering the feeling of diving inside wrecks. It is fascinating to dive through submerged compartments, closed spaces. So it was quite a small step to start cave diving. It is incredible, the ultimate diving; the feeling of permanent discovery, the galleries, walls, and of course, all the planning and execution of the dive, give diving a completely different meaning.

Did you first have the idea to switch to a rebreather and then start exploring the caves? Or did you start cave diving and then the natural route was the rebreather diver course and your first own rebreather?

I first completed the technical diver courses to trimix and full cave and after that crossed the road to rebreather diving. Now

Hotel Aqualuz

I am a TDI certified CCR Mixed Gas and Full Cave diver.

Where did the idea for a large diving conference in Portugal come from?

After attending conferences such as Eurotek and watching presentations from world-leading divers, I immediately thought we should have an event like that in Portugal. An event such as the Diving Talks is an opportunity to watch the best of the best divers are doing worldwide and also to meet them, talk with them face to face. That is unique.

Was it easy to put the idea into action?

Yes, it was. I talked with friends, divers and others involved in ocean-related activities, they welcomed the idea, and we started working on the project. After that, we presented the project to the Portuguese Tourism Board that supported the concept and with the Grandola Municipality that has jurisdiction over the Troia Peninsula, and their enthusiasm led us to keep on moving forward.

Hotel Aqualuz

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

39

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

How has the environment reacted? Were such large diving

The purpose is to offer an attractive event with as much visi-

conferences organized in the country before?

bility as possible, leading divers sharing their experiences with

I couldn’t think highly of the reaction we got from all the parties

the diving community, network with them, and to promote

we connected with, trying to put all the necessary pieces togeth-

a vivid debate on other important diving related subjects such

er. As I already mentioned, the Tourism Board and the Gran-

as health and diving and technological advancements.

dola Municipality immediate ”yes, count on us” was significant.

The reaction of the diving community was fantastic, too. The divers we invited to come as keynote Speakers, who accept-

What is the interest in Portugal and in the world?

The feedback we have is an excellent indicator. We are sure we will have as many attendees as we can,

ed to join us; some others offering to do so, and

and I say this because of eventual COVID

the support we are receiving from the brands that are deciding to sponsor the event.

pandemic related restrictions that may

Those reactions guarantee that Diving

force us to reduce the number of at-

Talks will be a fantastic diving event,

tendees. We expect to have more

if not an important diving event in

foreign than domestic attendees.

Europe in 2021.

Say a few words about the conference itself. What to do to be

Who came up with the name for this meeting and why this name

on it and how much does it

– Diving Talks?

cost?

We were working on the project, and

DIVING Talks – Portugal 2021 will

someone said, ”talking about diving is

occur in Portugal, October 8 to 10.

the second best thing for divers”. The

The Congress will feature 22 Talks by powerful keynote speakers from Bel-

name came up naturally: ”Diving Talks”!

gium, Canada, England, Finland, Poland

And the signature too: let’s talk about diving.

We want this Congress to be the starting point of a future Talks continuous event. Our idea is to have the Con-

(Krzystof Starnawski), Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United States and Wales.

gress yearly or every other year and from one physical event

We expect to host over 250+ worldwide attendees during three

to the other, to connect the editions, promoting virtual Talks.

fantastic days at the Tróia Peninsula – a gigantic dune forming over thousands of years, with the Atlantic Ocean west and the

What is the purpose of this conference, what do you want

Sado estuary east.

to achieve with it?

Tróia Resort is the perfect site to talk about diving and an excellent opportunity to schedule a family weekend escapade. No need to leave your family or partner behind. We are preparing specific experiences for those coming and not attending the Talks. If coming from far, my recommendation is to arrive one week before or leave one week after, and spend a week diving in Portugal.

Are you afraid that a pandemic will thwart your plans?

I am an optimist, and I believe we will be able to do it as planned. We will integrate all the health and safety recommendations so that Congress is a safe event.

However, I’m also a realist, so we have established a particular provision, ”COVID Policy”, stating that if we need to postpone the event, attendees and sponsors keep their rights for the delayed edition. If they cannot attend the postponed event, the Organization will reimburse any amounts paid, deducting only eventual payment channels fees or commissions. We think this is very important because it reduces the financial risk to (almost) zero.

Center of events, Aqualuz Tróia

40

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DIVE STRONG. DIVE ZEAGLE. Every mission. In every condition. Zeagle has your back.

But there’s a warning here too. If you want to come, don’t delay the decision, because as I mentioned earlier, we might reduce the number of attendees because of the social distancing rulings.

Thank you for the interesting conversation and for the possibility of taking the media patronage of Diving Talks by Perfect Diver Magazine.

Thank you, Wojciech, I look forward to meeting you at the Diving Talks.

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

41

k n ow l e dg e

Guardian Angels POLISH MEDICAL AIR RESCUE

Text HUBERT REISS

Photos JACEK KRAWCZYK

You can try to divide divers into those who are aware of the dangers and those who do not pay attention to securing the diving site.

42

knowledge

E

veryone follows their own (hopefully) sound and logical thinking and training. Therefore, in this article, I’m not going to touch or judge the divers’ moral attitude :)

I want to tell a story about the Guardian Angels from a dif-

ferent point of view: a story of passionate people, engaging entirely in what they do in their "job". Probably many of you saw more than once the Polish Medical Air Rescue flying somewhere overhead.

It is worth mentioning that Polish Medical Air Rescue (abbreviated to LPR – Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe in Polish) consists of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) teams. There are 21 permanent air bases located throughout Polish territory, and one seasonal in Koszalin, launched during the summer.

24-hour duty bases are available in Gdansk, Krakow, Warsaw and Wroclaw. The rest of the bases are on duty from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Well, these are people ready to help at any time. But can each of us call a helicopter in an emergency?

AIR BASES IN POLAND

Gdańsk

Koszalin (seasonal base)

Suwałki

Szczecin

Olsztyn Białystok Bydgoszcz

Gorzów

Poznań

Płock

Warszawa Sokołów

Zielona Góra Ostrów

Łódź Lublin

Wrocław Kielce Opole

Katowice Sanok

Kraków

LEGEND

ready

HEMS fly

inter-hospital transport

suspension of duty

after duty

Source own study based on www.lpr.com.pl

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

43

k n ow l e dg e

WHO is entitled to call and who CALLS LPR? This is not an average John Smith riding a bike next to the lake, nor even an outstanding instructor of this or that Federation, who is on site. Eligible persons to call the HEMS team (helicopter) are:

need for HEMS support. But that's not all. It is also necessary to secure the landing site. This is dealt with by the Fire Brigade or a member of the helicopter crew.

The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service crew includes a pilot, a paramedic or a nurse and a doctor.

` the medical dispatcher referred to in Article 26 of the State Medical Rescue Act, ` LPR Operations Centre dispatcher,

The helicopter can take on board one patient on a stretcher.

` dispatchers of other rescue entities (State or Volunteer

The maximum take-off weight is almost 3 tons. The we-

Fire Brigade, Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service, Ta-

ight of the helicopter with equipment is 1.4 tons. The rest is

tra Voluntary Rescue Service, Water Volunteer Rescue

the weight of fuel (700 litres weighing 560 kg), the crew and

Service, Polish Ship Salvage Co., Masurian Rescue Servi-

the patient.

ce) through the medical dispatcher referred to in point 1, or directly on the basis of signed agreements.

The role of witnesses to a dangerous situation is to provide assistance, if necessary, and call the relevant services on the emergency number 112. Note: we don't film or take pictures of the situation – we act. Every second counts.

44

What does it look like technically?

The flight range is 630 km.

Probably everyone has seen the movie "Helicopter on Fire" or the famous classic "Blue Thunder". Naturally, the question arises about the fleet. What do our Angels fly?

The fleet consists of multi-purpose helicopters from the German/French company Eurocopter, model EC135 P2+ and

It is only when the above mentioned actions have been ta-

P3, which replaced the time-worn Mi2. They are agile and li-

ken, that the medical dispatcher (or other emergency services

ghtweight because the rotors and propeller blades consisting

that arrived at the scene), after analysing the call, decide on the

in 54% of composite ensure safe and stable flight. Each unit

knowledge

is also equipped with a GPS satellite navigation system, a mobile map display, a laser radar for field obstacle detection, an observation payload (on the side of the fuselage), containing gyro-stabilized surveillance cameras working in the visible and infrared light range, a searchlight, a megaphone, communication and data transmission systems with the possibility of transmission encoding, a winch.

The machinery park includes also two aircraft of the Italian brand Piaggio P.180 Avanti. In the hangars of the "small fleet" for training purposes there are also two helicopters Robinson R-44 Raven II and three aircraft Tecnam P2008JC MkII. And what does an emergency call look like in practice?

The HEMS helicopter is ready to take off within 3–6 minutes from the call. Within a few minutes it is able to fly to the accident site about 60 km away. Let us remember that every minute is valuable to a potential patient. For divers, this is especially important. The time to reach the Clinic of Hyperbaric Medicine and Marine Rescue – National Center for Hyperbaric Medicine in Gdynia, in case of suspicion of DCS (decompression sickness) or DCI (decompression illness – that is, decompression sickness and pulmonary barotrauma) is crucial.

Of course, there are procedures for everything. After the helicopter lands at the site and the pilot allows the rescuer to leave the machine, the rescuer gets off and checks to see if the touchdown took place in a safe environment. If so, the rescuer gives a sign to the pilot with a raised thumb. The doctor

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

45

k n ow l e dg e

then reports "I'm leaving" and waits for the pilot's decision.

The pilot gives the command "Go" in case of agreement, and

untainous areas;

the doctor leaves the helicopter carrying a backpack and other

` on the rear door there is a small blue first aid kit, which

necessary medical equipment, and sets off toward the site of

comprises equipment of the machine... Some might be

the accident.

surprised by this fact – a small first aid kit in a HEMS he-

Every morning at 7:00 a.m., crews are

licopter, where there is a lot of medi-

checked during briefing in every base. The

cal equipment? However, its presence

pilot shall check the HEMS crew's preparation for the duty according to a check list.

Interesting facts about patient transport procedures and the equipment that is on board: ` each patient during the flight outside the supervision of the Medical Caretaker must be monitored for electrocardiography, pulse oximetry and blood pressure. The remaining parameters

Since its inception, LPR has transported 116,000 patients! Every Lifeguard (a helicopter), as they are called so in the bases, is a mini hospital with a pharmacy in the sky.

constitutes the implementation of the aviation rules on aircraft emergency equipment; ` in the pilot's cabin there is a halon fire extinguisher (safer than the standard powder extinguisher) designed for use in small spaces, which reduces the possibility of damage to the avionics; ` helicopters are also a huge support in transporting patients with covid19

are monitored according to the needs

in case of a heavy overload on ambu-

and condition of the patient;

lances.

` a rope is attached to a special beam

Each diving trip should be carefully and

on the side of the helicopter, on which the GOPR rescuer

consciously planned, and the site (diving base) equipped at

(Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service) can make a landing

least with an oxygen kit. Although HEMS pilots can land literally

to the injured directly from the deck of the helicopter –

anywhere, a designated helicopter landing pad is a priority

this allows to pick up the victim and transport to a safe

to facilitate a potential rescue action.

place. This ensures faster access the places inaccessible

46

from the ground. Such cooperation is invaluable in mo-

Think, plan and dive consciously to avoid any dangers ;)

Rehasport - motor medicine

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

ONLINE Specialty or name City

Search

Find injury Select the body part in which you feel pain.

www.rehasport.pl

a r c h a e o l og y

Underwater archeology courses WHAT FOR? FOR WHOM? HOW? Text MATEUSZ POPEK

Photo Marcin Trzciński

At no stage of a basic course nor during further stages do div-

What do we do when we find an ancient-looking object underwater?

How to secure it? Should it be removed or not? Whom to report it to?

What is legal and what is not?

D 48

ers learn anything about underwater archeological relics or how to act if you encounter one. Remember however, that this is our heritage, even though it is deposed underwater, and it should be as important for us as castles or paintings in museums!

Fortunately, some federations and scientific centers offer courses and training programs for divers, spreading awareness about what to do and how to act if you encounter an underwater archeology item. In Europe, there are underwater

ivers sometimes face these and many other dilemmas

archeology courses for divers offered by CMAS and PADI. Ad-

during their underwater adventures. While sensitivi-

ditionally, some European research centers also offer training

ty to the environment and ecology is drilled into us

branded by the Nautical Archaeology Society. Yet this is not

already during basic training, when the instructors teach us

the only way to learn about underwater archeology for divers.

we are not supposed to touch plants or animals, awareness

There are also some universities and research centers that

of existing threats for the cultural heritage is totally ignored.

offer so-called “field schools”, where during regular archeolog-

archaeology

Photo Marcin Trzciński

ical research participants are acquainted with the underwater

Only after such an introduction can we proceed with more

archeologists’ methods of work.

practical issues. One of the most basic skills to acquire during

When choosing an underwater archeology course, pay

the course is to be able to secure a relic and to localize it.

particular attention to the lecturers and the training program.

So that it is easy to find again after reporting to the relevant

The instructors should have an archeological background and

authorities. Another topic to be covered should be the types

appropriate licenses, as well as documented experience and

of underwater archeological sites and their identification, so

practice in underwater archeology. Experience and competen-

that the participants are able to correctly identify the objects

cies of the research scientists, as it is them who should teach

they come across.

during such courses, consist of years of research and field work and the number of persons already trained. Scientific skills are measured with the quality and quantity of research papers.

Nowadays, you can browse such papers in services like Academia.edu or ResearchGate, where scientists share the results of their research on their profiles.

Another thing to consider is the curriculum of the course.

Note that the course is not supposed to make us into an underwater archeologist (there are separate university studies for that) but rather prepare us for potential contact with any relics found during recreational diving. Every training program should start with underlining the importance of underwater archeological heritage for modern people. Another crucial aspect is the legal situation in a given country. Note that regulations regarding underwater relics differ based on our location.

Photo Mateusz Popek

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

49

a r c h a e o l og y Photo Mateusz Popek

Photo Marcin Trzciński

In Poland, one of the centers offering such training, both as courses and as a “field school”, is the Underwater Archeology Center of the N.Copernicus University in Toruń. The unit has been conducting research and providing training for underwater archeology students for almost 40 years.

Course programs vary depending on organization. PADI offers a single-stage course, focusing on the essential aspects of underwater cultural heritage. With CMAS, the course consists of two levels. The first level focuses on a similar program as above, while during the second one the participants acquire skills required for working with professional underwater archeologists. In the case of the Nautical Archaeology Society branded courses, there is a five-stage training program ranging from “Introduction”, to teach you about what cultural heritage is, to “Part 4” where the trainees are designing their own re-

Then, it is time for a field session. At this point, the course

50

search project.

program should focus on techniques of identifying and secur-

In Poland, one of the centers offering such training, both as

ing underwater archeological objects. The participant should

courses and as a “field school”, is the Underwater Archeolo-

learn to recognize the area around the artifact in order to see

gy Center of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.

whether there are any similar objects around. Then, the in-

The unit has been conducting research and providing training

structor should demonstrate how to secure and safely mark

for underwater archeology students for almost 40 years. The

such area so that it is possible to return to the same place after

staff consists of research scientists with expertise document-

reporting it to the competent authorities.

ed both by their field work and numerous research papers,

ADVERTISEMENT

NEED A DIVE BUDDY?

OCEANIC IS BUILT FOR ADVENTURE. ARE YOU?

Photo Marcin Trzciński

the contents of which are presented in an accessible manner during such courses. The center runs courses in the two-stage CMAS system, addressed mainly to recreational divers. During the first stage, the participants learn about the abovementioned topics. The second stage additionally features documentation techniques and field prospection methods. The second stage is sufficient for the participant to join research conducted by professional underwater archeologists.

The other form of the course, the “field school”, is primarily addressed to Polish and international archeology students. During such training, students participate in underwater research, at the same time gaining skills used during such activities. To date, the NCU’s Underwater Archeology Center hosted students and research scientists from many European centers.

To sum up, remember how important underwater cultural heritage is for our history and identity. During underwater adventures, we can encounter some of it and it would be nice to know how to act. This is where underwater archeology courses come in handy. Note however that, like with choosing a good diving instructor, also in this case it is important to take into account the professional approach and the expertise of the lecturers.

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

planet earth

Fish-eating ducks Text and photos WOJCIECH JAROSZ

Mergansers in winter

has equipped them with appropriate adaptations. Let's take

Mergansers are birds that go snorkelling… but without a snorkel.

This birdy snorkelling is similar to the human variation of the activity in the fact, that the reason to go underwater is searched for from the surface.

T 52

a closer look at these interesting birds!

Merganser (Mergus merganser) from the zoological and taxonomic point of view belong to Mergini (a tribe) from the duck subfamily, in the Anatidae family. These belong to the order of Anseriformes, which, apart from ducks, also includes geese, swans and many other, slightly less known groups of birds mainly associated with water. In the breeding colouration, males differ significantly from females – black, glistening with greens head, white neck and sides, black upper part. After the breeding season, males shed their "tuxedos" and become similar to grey females with brown heads. Interestingly, the

he mergansers, of course, look for food beneath the

characteristic tuft of feathers on the head is more visible in

water surface, dipping their head, and when they no-

females than in males – apparently, attention to original styling

tice something that can taste them, they make a neat

is the domain of the female gender not only in representatives

manoeuvre and set off in pursuit. The pursuit is not always

of the Homo sapiens species. Among ducks, mergansers are

successful, because the main target of these birds are fish,

distinguished by their size, because the wingspan can reach

which, as you know, can move around in the water quite brisk-

almost one meter. What distinguishes them at the first glance

ly. Mergansers have a chance in these underwater struggles,

from their cousins, however, is their bill. It is adapted to catch

because they acquire their competences in subsurface locomo-

fish, and this is a rarity among the representatives of most

tion from almost the first moments of their lives, and evolution

species of ducks. The bills of these Mergini therefore resemble

planet earth

Women's winter hairstyles

more those of cormorants than those of the mallards, or, for

er in Bydgoszcz, and even in Warsaw. A few years ago, photos

example, garganeys, tufted ducks and wigeons, which prefer

of a female leading her newly hatched young through a busy

a vegetarian diet on a daily basis. The merganser bill is an ef-

street of Warsaw on the way from Łazienkowski Park to the

ficient tool for catching fish, as it has serrated edges and is

Vistula River appeared in the nationwide media. Due to the fact

hooked at the end. As a rule, they catch fish not exceeding

that it was not a single episode, good people organise infor-

10 cm in length, but they can cope with a quarter of a me-

mation campaigns in the capital, they hang leaflets in the area

ter too. In order to get a meal, they usually dive to a depth

of Myśliwiecka and Czerniakowska Streets, and on the first of

of 3–4 meters, although, according to professional sources,

the aforementioned streets, special zebra crossings have even

mergansers can dive up to 30 meters. They usually do not stay

been painted in the place where bird paths intersect with ours.

underwater for more than 20-30 seconds, although again, they

Before the young hatch, from the early spring the females

can stay longer when there is need or necessity. The method of

peek more and more favourably towards the males, who

tracking fish by looking for it from the surface, with only their

dressed in beautiful breeding feathers at this time of the year,

heads immersed, allows these birds to live only in places where

get ready for a date with the chosen one. The key act usual-

the water is clear enough.

ly takes place in March – the date takes place on the water,

Mergansers are most often associated with the environ-

and when the lovemaking is over, the female starts looking

ment of mid-forest water reservoirs and forested shores of

for a nesting place. If the previous year's nest is available, it

flowing waters. There they can find a nesting place and some-

is eagerly used by the bird mom. Immediately after hatching,

thing to eat. Hollow trees near reservoirs with fish are what

the young, driven by the instinct to follow their mother, some-

mergansers like best. In recent years, however, there have

times regardless of the considerable height, jump out of the

been individuals that have adapted to life in an anthropogenic

nest (and of course they cannot fly then). For the fluffy balls,

environment. Today you can meet these birds on the Brda Riv-

as this is what the chicks look like then, gravity is not scary – at

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

53

planet earth

Watchful mother bird

healthy for them). In mergansers living in multi-species herds

Mergansers are most often associated with the environment of mid-forest water reservoirs and forested shores of flowing waters. There they can find a nesting place and something to eat.

in urban areas, pirate behaviour has also been observed. They then use their bills to harass other birds and take from them what they were about to consume. But let's get back to what is "normal" and to the young. During swimming and diving, a certain resistance to soaking with water can be useful. This is ensured by the secretion of the uropyginal gland, which in mature birds perfectly fulfils its role and is carefully distributed over all feathers (birds can do this for several hours a day!).

54

most, they will bounce on the litter once or twice. In the hab-

Chicks, however, do not produce this oily substance in the right

it of nesting in hollows and jumping by the young ones they

amount, so they eagerly take advantage of the possibility of

resemble their cousin – common goldeneye (another species

impregnating themselves through contact with the mother's

among the Anseriformes with innate stunt skills). If the young

feathers. This is one of the reasons the female allows her

avoid the dangers lurking for them (for example from pred-

chicks to ride on her back and hide under her wings. The image

ators) on their way to the water, they turn out to be natural

of a bird with a few chicks on its back is an observation that

swimmers. It is true that they do not immediately hunt for fish

always causes affection, even in those for whom such a sight is

as effectively as their parents, but they make attempts almost

nothing new. It is worth noting that the merganser female can

from the first dive. At first, they eat insects collected from the

handle such a "ballast" quite well and, if necessary, she can sail

surface of the water, but learn quite quickly what the best food

faster and even dive (without losing her passengers, of course).

for them is. It happens, not only to young ones, that mergan-

Where can we meet mergansers? They can be found

sers eat something else. This is often the case in cities where

throughout the northern hemisphere of our planet, during the

they try to eat bread tossed by people (which is absolutely not

breeding season usually sticking to the taiga belt and adjacent

ADVERTISEMENT

A male in a mating robe

Serrated beak

areas further south. Many populations leave the coldest regions for the winter, as hunting is impossible in frozen waters. In Poland, these birds nest more frequently in lake districts, along the Vistula and on the lower Oder River. It is easiest to meet wintering birds when they form large flocks. The greatest concentrations can be found in the Szczecin Lagoon and Dąbie Lake, but also in the Gulf of Gdańsk, in the mouth of the Vistula and the lower Oder. However, you can count on the observations of mergansers, especially in winter, on many larger rivers of Europe.

Finally, a linguistic note for Polish readers: dear Readers, do not be surprised when you come across the male form of the name "merganser", often used by ornithologist or professional literature. In colloquial language, the feminine form that I used in this text is much more often used. So look out for mergansers while you are by or in the water!

55

planet earth

Baltic dolphins Text AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA Photos MICK BAINES & MAREN REICHELT

56

planet earth

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a species of ma-

It emerges above the surface of the water only for a moment necessary to draw air. Only when it is feeding do we have the opportunity to see it flying above the water.

H

rine mammal belonging to the order of cetaceans and sub-order of toothed whales. Their coloration is dark grey on the back and gradually turns lighter in the ventral part. Unlike dolphins, their beak is round, not protruding, and the dorsal fin is low and triangular (in dolphins it is tall and sickle-shaped). They are the smallest whales in the world. Adult specimens reach a maximum length of 180 cm and a weight of about 60-70 kg, thus being almost half the size of dolphins. Young, immediately after birth, are about 80 cm long. Throughout her life, a female

arbour porpoises are one of the most enigmatic ani-

gives birth to a maximum of 4 calves, so it is characteristic

mals in the Baltic Sea. Meeting them is not easy. We

of this species to take care of its offspring. Immediately after

need to be patient and, on a clear day, persistently

birth, the mother helps the calf get to the surface of the wa-

observe the calm surface of the water, looking for a triangular,

ter so that it can take its first breath. The female always gives

dark grey dorsal fin.

birth to only one calf, which she feeds for 6 to 8 months. When

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

57

planet earth

it grows up, it often swims for some time with its mother until its completely independent. In the wild, porpoises live up to 17 years.

Unlike their dolphin cousins, porpoises are shy and introverted animals. They avoid contact with the man and flee to the sound of a motor boat engine. They usually swim alone, only sometimes you can spot a small group starting a hunt or a female with her young. Each time the porpoise emerges, you can hear a characteristic "puff", corresponding to a sudden ejection of used air through the nostril at the top of the head.

They are most often found in seas in the coastal zone, they like shallow waters, sometimes they inhabit rivers and canals.

In Europe, they inhabit the waters of the North Sea, Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. The harbour porpoise is hard to find in our sea also because its numbers have dropped dramatically in recent years. Not so

58

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long ago, tens of thousands of this species swam in the waters of the Baltic Sea. Unfortunately, there were so many of them that they often got trapped in fishing nets, destroying them and often the entire catch of the fisherman.

They began to be treated as pests and exterminated. Additionally, since the 14th century, porpoises, like seals, have been regularly caught for their meat and fat. In the early twentieth century, you could even get a special financial bonus for killing a porpoise.

IT’S A COLD WORLD OUT THERE.

Currently, the population of the Baltic porpoises is estimated at about 500, which is why the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2008 gave it the status of critically endangered with extinction. Today, one of the main threats to porpoises is fishing nets. They are made of much more durable materials than before and, at the same time, less visible in water, which means that they are often a deadly trap for these animals.

BUT BARE KEEPS YOU WARM ON EVERY DIVE.

Harbour porpoises, similarly to dolphins, use echolocation, so increasing underwater noise poses another threat to them. Military or geological detonations, various types of underwater works or even the sounds of motor boat engines causes that these animals feel stunned and startled, which makes them lose their orientation underwater. They often have problems with communication, locating food, and are not able to correctly recognise underwater obstacles.

We can all help these small mammals, first of all being aware of the dangers that await them. It is also important that we know what to do when we find an injured animal in need on the shore. First of all, we should notify the relevant services, such as the municipal police, the WWF Blue Patrol or the Marine Station of the Institute of Oceanography of the University of Gdańsk named after Professor Krzysztof Skora. We can also try to limit and best avoid water sports that are so dangerous for them. Let's hope that thanks to such little and big gestures, we will be able to save these wonderful animals and we will have the opportunity to admire them during our dives.

WWW.NURKOWANIE-ECN.PL

planet earth

Drainage nets Common sense is essential for living in harmony with Nature and with ourselves.

I

f we sort our waste and throw them only to where they belong – perfect. It is very good if we re-use packaging and even better if we minimize their usage. Reducing plastic

consumption and ensuring it gets recycled and not dumped into a forest, a river or an ocean means contributing a lot to creating life – and Nature-saving mechanisms.

As we read on interestingengineering.com, the Australian city of Kwinana has introduced a very simple and interesting solution. They use drainage nets to collect waste which has been contaminating their waterways.

As it turns out, it is both simple and cost-effective to keep city water sources clean.

Contamination in our waterways is not only dangerous and unhygienic; it also impacts the wildlife. This idea is even more exciting, and this initiative should inspire other communities, counties, town and cities to take exactly the same actions.

The Australian city of Kwinana has designed a simple and cost-effective solution to deal with the discharge of waste from

60

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drainage systems. The outlets of drainage pipes have been fitted with strong, durable nets. The nets stop waste and pollution from leaving the sewers. This way, they are preventing the town’s water reserve from being contaminated by the garbage transported with rainwater. It is a simple filtering system and it works perfectly.

And the results in Kwinana? The city reported to have collected 370 kilograms of waste in just six months from two locations where the nets were installed. The collected debris is then separated and all recyclable materials are transported to a recycling center where biodegradable waste is processed and turned into fertilizer.

The city also reports that the nets were installed on concrete drainage pipe outlets with 750 mm and 450 mm diameter. In six months, the nets have been cleaned three times and not a single animal has been found trapped inside.

According to Carol Adams, the city mayor, the cost of the initiative was only about 20,000 AUD. – After watching the net at work in other municipalities, the city came to a conclusion that the net is the most cost-effective and the safest option compared to other methods which might be even four times more expensive per unit and are sealed and submerged structures.

We can talk about ecology, zero waste, plastic in oceans, about cleaning up the world. But we can also act and directly support the Nature. Let’s hope this example will inspire other municipalities and mayors to take similar actions.

Source https://interestingengineering.com Source https://www.kwinana.wa.gov.au Perfect Diver editorial team

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

61

tips & curiosities ACADEMY

Regulator Text WOJCIECH A. FILIP

Photo Tomasz Płociński

other Frenchman called Guillaumet invented a reducer to use gas in

In 1867, Jules Verne saw the first diving suit at the Paris expo – the suit later worn by protagonists in his book “20,000 Leagues Under the Seas”.

T 62

a controlled manner by effectively decreasing its pressure. And some time after that – in 1943 – two well-known individuals appear in the diving world: J.Y. Cousteau and E. Gagnan.

Cousteau and Gagnan modified the device invented by Rouquayrol and Denayrouz. Does that mean that a regulator first came onto the market at that time?

Not exactly. The breathing apparatus, which was later modified by Cousteau and Gagnan, had been mass-produced since 1865. Their com-

he book mentions two names: Rouquayrol and Denayrouz. The

pany, La Spirotechnique, started to commercially market the regulator

former was an inventor, who patented a breathing apparatus

called CG45, which was later renamed to...

in 1860 to help miners escape from flooded mine galleries and

Aqua Lung (finally, a name we’ve heard of!). Initially, Aqua Lung was the

several years later Rouquayrol and Denayrouz patented a classic diving

property of U.S. Divers, a US company, which later changed its name to

suit equipped with a breathing system. A little earlier – in 1838 – an-

Aqualung America. And Bob's your uncle 

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

Do we know who invented the first regulator?

questions, do not hesitate to write in one of the Perfect Diver’s

No.

social media channels.

We know that your regulator is a version of Cousteau’s and Gagan’s invention that has been modified to various extents.

For advanced divers:

Does it mean that all regulators are the same and just look

How to entirely prevent a regulator from freezing?

differently?

How to replace regulators underwater?

In a way, yes.

Is an increased breathing resistance beneficial when decompressing on oxygen?

What regulator should I buy?

Is my regulator the best there is?

What to do when a regulator falls into water (with no cylinder

If you have bought it recently, it is very likely.

attached)? We will discuss it the second part of the article.

Important for every diver, regardless of their skill level.

In 2014, the standard governing requirements for diving regu-

Is it a good idea to use the adjustment wheels on the second

lators was drafted and came into force. Compared to the previ-

stage, and if so – how to do it?

ous EN250 standard, it imposes greater requirements for easy breathing (less respiratory work is required), even when a reg-

Enjoy the material on regulators. You will find out how to make

ulator is used by two divers. It meant that many manufacturers

full use of your regulators, how to prepare them for different

had to significantly modify their products. Certain regulator

types of dives and maintain them. Answers will also be provid-

models of less – and well-known manufacturers disappeared

ed to some questions you didn’t think to ask.

from the market. They were replaced by new regulators that

To make information interesting both for beginners and ad-

meet the strict requirements of the standard and, consequent-

vanced divers, Tecline Academy articles will be more clearly

ly, improve our breathing comfort underwater.

divided. Check out which version suits you best.

What is a ”standard”? What does it mean for us divers? What a div-

I encourage you to read the entire issue and if you have any

er buying their first regulator should know about the standard?

Photo Michal Sevecek

Photo Tomasz Płociński

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

63

ACADEMY

The EN 250/2014 standard is (from a diver’s point of view) a set

WHAT TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN BUYING

of requirements imposed on the regulator manufacturers by the

A REGULATOR?

European Union, allowing for determining exactly how a regulator should behave under different conditions, e.g. in very cold water, when used by two extremely stressed out people, when a regulator is very hot or... under standard conditions.

` make sure that the manufacturer has a network of easily accessible service points in your country; ` check whether your selected first stage regulator model has hoses that fit close to your body (and

Buying a regulator compliant with EN 250/2014 The latest standard made shopping much easier.

The requirements imposed on regulator manufacturers, forcing them to increase safety, eliminated poor-quality equipment from the market.

It means that beginners may buy regulators almost at random.

do not create loops); ` (ask the seller to show you how hoses are arranged on an assembled rig); ` put on your diving gloves and check whether you are able to easily handle all the adjustment knobs when holding the regulator in your mouth;

Each new regulator meets the same technical requirements in

` if you always dive with the same team, ask you

terms of breathing comfort and operation in cold and warm

teammates about the regulators they use – do not

water. We only need to take into account our personal pref-

buy a regulator if none of your teammates uses it

erences: hose configuration, shape or color of the regulator.

(it will be important when you go together on trips

Each regulator that meets the requirements of EN 250/2014 has

and need spare parts).

permanent marking on the first and second stage regulators:

Photos Bartek Trzciński

Are you not certain which first and second stage regulator to choose? Do you lack experience with proper hose configuration? Ask an authorized equipment consultant or an advanced diver you know Before you ask for help, review information on the new EN 250/2014 standard once again to make sure that your consultant tries to be objective.

Remember that you will be the one using your regulators and you should be happy with them.

64

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

What does it mean that a regulator is intended for warm

EXPERIENCE

water?

At most diving sites all over the world, water is much warmer

Conduct a short and educational experiment:

than in Central and Northern Europe, and, consequently, div-

` sit straight on a chair and bring your chin to your

ers use regulators with a lighter design that are not suitable for very cold water (below +10 degrees Celsius).

On a global scale, such regulators are sold the most often.

chest, ` pinch your nose with your fingers and breathe through your mouth,

In Europe, they meet the requirements of the aforementioned

` now, raise your head and look at the ceiling,

standard, but only for dives in water with a temperature above

` pinch your nose and breathe deeply through your

10 degrees Celsius.

mouth.

Such regulators are great for travelling, as they are lighter and

Open airways (with your head raised high) create

usually less expensive than cold water regulators.

much less breathing resistance.

If you live in a region where water is below 10 degrees and you

This position may make you think of providing CPR,

like ice diving, make sure that your regulator is not marked as

when keeping the airways maximally open is also

suitable for “+10 degrees Celsius”.

important.

Cold water regulators are also suitable for tropical waters.

Photo Bartek Trzciński

Breathing underwater The most important underwater breathing rule is this: the eas-

A perfectly adjusted regulator will help you breathe, but...

ier you breathe, the safer your dive is:

it will be most effective when your head is tilted backwards

` you consume less gas,

and, consequently, your airways create the least resistance

` your gas narcosis level is lower,

during breathing.

` you will control buoyancy better.

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

65

ACADEMY

You changed the position of your regulator: in the case of a single cylinder – the regulator and cylinder are positioned as low Head position underwater and breathing comfort

as possible; in the case of twin cylinders – first stage regulators

What does it mean that your head should be tilted backwards,

form a “V” so that your head fits between them, the manifold

like in our exercise, when you were looking at the ceiling? It

is tilted backwards, and you should remember to have your

means that you need to position your equipment (mainly the

heads tilted backwards as well during the entire dive.

first stage regulator) behind your head in such a way that it

The benefits are twofold:

does not prevent you from tilting your head all the way back-

1. Lower gas consumption.

wards. If you learn to swim in such a position, you will breathe

Initially, you will use approx. 5–10% less gas, but after sev-

easier and control buoyancy better.

eral dives you may discover that your gas consumption is

What happens when you dive with your chin close to your

lower by even 30%! Why is that?

chest? Breathing will be difficult.

The position of your head caused you to produce less CO2,

As a result, your diaphragm (a large muscle helping you to inhale and partly to exhale) will be forced to work harder than usually. Great exertion means that you generate more CO2

The reason for that is the same: less CO2, smoother breath-

(carbon dioxide) than usually and you start to breathe faster

ing instead of uncontrolled inhales and exhales resulting in

in an uncontrolled manner.

uncontrolled jumps to the surface.

Photo Mariusz Czajka

66

which slowed your breathing.

2. Better performance during buoyancy control exercises.

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

Your breathing is largely dependent on the carbon dioxide levels in your body. The higher the CO2 level, the faster (but usually not deeper) you breathe. The need to breathe is not caused by low oxygen levels, but by high CO2 levels. Fast and shallow breathing caused by lowering your head means that you get more tired, which causes your CO2 levels to climb even higher and your breathing gets faster still.

2. Increased CO2 levels affect not only breathing, but also the perception of your surroundings. The specific narcosis related to high CO2 levels in the diver’s body causes them

Do you remember your “Rescue diver” training?

to get stuck on their recent task. The diver does not react

` stop,

to their surroundings, but has a vague impression that, for

` breathe deeply,

instance, they were supposed to follow their partner. So

` think

they swim and their CO2 levels are continuously increasing.

Their breathing gets faster and shallow and without help,

These three steps may help you get rid of some CO2 and slow your breathing. If you notice that your

after some time the diver sinks to the bottom…

3. Do you usually use nitrox? You surely do, as the benefits

breathing gets faster, you should:

of Nx are well known to every diver. So you know that the

` tilt your head backwards,

increased oxygen partial pressure results in oxygen being

` exhale slowly and deeply,

“stored” in your body. Too much stored oxygen (exhausted

` hold on to something or someone.

oxygen toxicity clock) is not ideal, as you may experience the most dangerous situation in diving – oxygen toxicity, called o-tox or just tox by divers. It almost always has

Can it be improved further?

a tragic end.

Can you guess what may cause an oxygen toxicity attack,

Proper use of regulators reduces gas narcosis

when there is too much oxygen in your body?

More than a century ago, two anesthesiologists, Overton and

CO2!

Meyer, found that the narcotic effects of carbon dioxide are 20

This gas is particularly dangerous, which is why it is very im-

times as strong as those of nitrogen. Some divers disregard the

portant for each diver to limit exertion in any way possible.

scientific research and think that only nitrogen causes narcosis.

However, CO2 poisoning results in numerous disorders in our bodies. We know that elevated CO2 levels cause us to breathe

RETENTION

faster, which may bring about underwater shortness of breath – it may be very dangerous and even lethal.

A persistent elevated CO2 level in your body is called

We also know that there is a simple solution to that: keep

“CO2 retention” by divers.

your airways open so that you do not overproduce CO2. If you could also adjust your regulator to make breathing even easier, than...

CO2 levels would drop even lower, your breathing would stabi-

Let’s sum up

lize, you would have better buoyancy control and use less gas.

The way you breathe underwater directly impacts your safety.

With each breath you produce carbon dioxide, which is dan-

What about narcosis?

gerous for a diver.

1. CO2 intensifies nitrogen narcosis that we are intimately

Diving with your head lowered or fast breathing will result in

familiar with.

CO2 levels increasing and, consequently:

A minor Martini effect, coupled with a little exertion, may

` you will use more gas,

cause you to see predatory underwater monsters every-

` you will have poorer buoyancy control,

where – better to avoid it.

` you will start having trouble with inert gas narcosis.

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

67

ACADEMY

What is the solution?

close to your mouth. You can turn off the support by adjust-

Always dive with your head tilted back – it will help you control

ing the lever to the “–” (minus) position, which can be done

your breathing.

by withdrawing the lever from your mouth.

Additionally, your regulator also affects your breathing.

When diving, you should adjust the adjustment lever to the “+” (plus) position, i.e. bring it close to your mouth.

Please keep the following in mind: While the cracking pressure adjustment knob may be left in the least resistance position, the Venturi effect lever should be treated similarly to the gas pedal in your car – you need to learn how to use it to achieve the maximum effect, i.e. to reduce your CO2 levels 

Photo Karolina Sztaba Photo Bartek Trzciński

What are the adjustment knobs on the second stage regulator for?

How to position the Venturi effect lever

1. Cracking pressure adjustment knob – the outermost adjust-

1. When assembling the regulator, check whether the lever

ment knob used to control breathing resistance.

The tighter it is (turning it clockwise), the harder it gets to breathe (and the higher CO2 levels will be).

If the cracking pressure adjustment knob is completely unscrewed (by turning it counterclockwise), the regulator will supply gas with the least resistance (and the CO2 levels will be lower).

When diving, you always want to have your cracking pressure adjustment knob unscrewed!

2. Breathing adjustment lever called “Venturi effect lever”.

68

is in the “–” (minus) position before attaching the regulator to the cylinder.

2. When you test the regulator on the surface, the lever should be in the “–” (minus) position.

3. When you step/jump into the water, the lever should be in the “–” (minus) position.

4. When you talk on the surface before descending, the lever should be in the “–” (minus) position.

5. After you descend, the lever should in the “+” (plus) position.

6. When you ascend, the lever should in the “+” (plus) position.

We are interested in two lever positions: “+” (plus) and “–”

7. After emerging from the water and before removing the

(minus). Your breathing will be supported the most when

regulator from your mouth, the lever should be in the “–”

you adjust the lever to the “+” (plus) position by bringing it

(minus) position.

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

Exceptional situations:

Experienced divers change the position and setpoints of their

` when you descend head-first, the lever should in the “–”

regulators many times to adjust them to their current activities.

(minus) position. ` when performing underwater exercises that require removing the regulator from your mouth, the lever should be in

They always strive to control their regulator so that it supplies gas with the least resistance possible.

Practice makes perfect!

the “–” (minus) position. ` when you are on a DPV, move the lever towards the minus position far enough so that the regulator does not supply

Types of adjustment wheels and levers.

you with gas between inhales.

Some regulators do not have both adjustment knobs and levers.

When your diving position is untypical, e.g. when you take

Sometimes, the Venturi effect lever is located at the

measurements or stabilize a reel line, it may be a good idea

top of the second stage regulator, right in front of

to slightly screw in the cracking pressure adjustment knob to

the mouthpiece.

adjust the regulator performance to a given situation.

Some regulators do not have any manipulators.

Examine your equipment closely and check what each

Important!

part is for.

If you screwed in the cracking pressure adjustment knob and did not unscrew it until the end of the dive, you should unscrew it before placing the regulator in a storage bag. When you leave the cracking pressure adjustment knob screwed in for long

For advanced divers

periods of time, the material wears off faster.

This part will include specific methods for improving the quality of your dives, as indicated in the article titles. Please treat each method as a proposition and not as the only proper solution.

If you adjust pressure adjustment knob and Venturi

Instead of detailed descriptions, you will get abridged versions

effect lever both to the “plus” position and press the

– it should be sufficient. If it is not so, let me know through the

by-pass button, while not holding the regulator in

Perfect Diver channels!

your mouth, it will trigger the regulator and cause it to supply a large amount of gas. In such a case, you should move the Venturi effect lever to the “minus”

This part is intended for experienced divers, who are

position.

pretty good at diving. They use several decompres-

You should not hit the regulator against your palm or

sion gases for their dives and their average diving

the water surface.

times range between 2 and 4 hours.

Ask your instructor for help or conduct several tests together with your partner to learn how to block the free gas flow in

1. Our regulators fixed to stage cylinders independently bring

the regulator.

down to the ambient pressure level. To do that, they need

Prepare an additional cylinder and try to trigger the regulator

gas supply from the cylinder – otherwise, they leak and fill

my pressing the by-pass button

with water. When you dive with one or two stage cylinders,

next to the Venturi effect lever and adjusting the pressure ad-

you may easily avoid that by levelling the pressure when

justment knob to the “plus” position. After triggering the regu-

descending* – you do a modified valve drill.

lator, move the Venturi effect lever away from your mouth (to the “minus” position) and the regulator will stop supplying gas.

` During multistage dives, flooding first stage regulators

Many beginners are afraid of triggering the regulator and dive

is normal** – it is part of the dive*** (it is impossible

with the lever in the “minus” position. It may be compared to

to perform the mod-v drill with four to six cylinders on

driving a car with a secondary brake on; however, not using

several lanyards). In such a case, you do a mod-v drill

the Venturi effect lever has much more serious consequences

a cylinder that will be switched before starting the actual

for us – increase in CO2 levels.

gas switching procedure.

PERFECTDIVER No. 2(14)/2021

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ACADEMY

` Replacing the regulator between the cylinders does not

` If you dive in shallow but very cold water, I recommend

pose a problem for its operation. You should replace

using triox 30/30, which effectively protects against reg-

the entire regulator (first and second stage) and do it in

ulator freeze-up.

a stable position. It may be a good idea to protect regulators against loss (e.g. by securing it with a double-ender)

3. Long oxygen decompression may be counterproductive

during replacement. Disassembling regulators may re-

due to vasoconstriction and, consequently, increased blood

sult in the loss of parts.

pressure. The vasodilation caused by a gas break may be insufficient, so, unlike in the previous part of the article,

* you will not flood the regulator when diving at a stable

where I describe methods to lower your CO2 levels, a little

depth, despite the pressure gauge showing “zero”, if you had

exertion here (e.g. by increasing breathing resistance) may

done a mod-v drill at that depth.

prove useful.

** flooding the first stage regulator will not cause it to freeze up

I hope that by the time the next issue of Perfect Diver is pub-

*** that is why regulators used for such dives are serviced

lished, every one of you will have checked and reconfigured

much more often, if you dive in salt water

your regulators to be able to dive with your head tilted backwards and done a series of dives, leveraging the full potential

2. In deep diving, regulators do not freeze up. If the gas mix-

of your regulator.

ture consists of more than 40% of He, it is impossible for

The next issue will be even more interesting. Come and read

the regulator to freeze up.

the second part of our article on regulators!

WAF

As usual, I would like to invite you to take part in mini-seminars on diving techniques for every proficiency level.

We prepared a presentation and practical exercises to help you learn to use each configuration on your regulator so as to minimize the effects of CO2 on your body and make your diving safer.

Seminars are held at the Tecline Academy.

Photo Mariusz Czajka

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

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