Perfect Diver Magazine 15 issue

diving

No. 15 3(15)/2021 MAY/JUNE

Price 12,50 € Tax included

freediving

passion

knowledge

MEXICO

JOURNEY TO THE INTERIOR OF THE EARTH MY ATTERSEE

1

V-SERIES REGULATORS

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

Photo: Michal Sevecek

2

the foreword

WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

Editor-in-Chief

W

e all like adventures, interesting meetings... Literally each single dive is an adventure. You never know what awaits you in the depths and

what you will find and discover.

Our most recent issue is packed with a huge portion of amazing adventures, meetings and undertakings. All of this is adorned with beautiful photographs and packed with specific knowledge, as always, with care for our planet Earth.

Our editorial team has grown. We have new people writing for us, debuting in the Perfect Diver Magazine. You’ll be seeing more foreign names among our authors.

Practically every text will absorb the reader. We dive virtually and this broadens your horizons, brings back nice memories and, most of all, drives you to make plans in your head. The summer holidays are coming soon. Nature awaits!

I encourage you to bite really deep into this issue. Take a dive into it, but remember about safety stops, flushing your equipment and a good dinner.

I really recommend the article which accurately presents the problem of plastic and human dependence on it. Divers, as well as non-divers, should read this one and reflect on how their symbiosis with plastic looks like.

Each subscriber and everyone who decides to buy the newest issue of the magazine will receive a coloring book. What is on the other side? Find out!

Come and take a look at what we prepared for you inside. This is all for you.

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

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

10

30

34

TRAVELS 10

Mexico. Journey to the interior of the Earth

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What is Waves&Ice?

24

Spain, the country of wonderful people

30

My Attersee

KNOWLEDGE 34

ARCHAEOLOGY 54

Surgery, Disappearing Wrecks and Big Money

56

How did it start? History of underwater archaeology

Snoot in underwater photography

REVIEW

FREEDIVING 58 40

4

Static apnoea. Performance factors

Nine 1/2 weeks with MK2i or a subjective Garmin multitool review

PLANET EARTH 44

Plastic. An enemy or a friend?

50

Cranes. Long-legged elegance

Publisher PERFECT DIVER WOJCIECH ZGOŁA 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

Lawyer Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak

the magazine was folded with typefaces

Montserrat (Julieta Ulanovsky)

44

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

TIPS & CURIOSITIES 64

distribution dive centers, online store

preorder@perfectdiver.com

Regulator.

Part 2, “Dispelling the Myths”

cover photo

Zbigniew Rogoziński place

Mexico, Cenote Dos Ojos

www.perfectdiver.com

64

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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Donation is voluntary.

PayPal.Me/perfectdiver PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

5

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

KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS

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

o u r au t h o r s

BRUNON WALIGÓRA

MICHAL ŠTROS

"The awareness of the beauty of the underwater

The author is biologist by profession, involved in

My name is Aleš Koštomaj. I'm from Slovenia (Eu-

world is the passion of the whole life for a child..."

cancer research at the Czech Academy of Scienc-

rope). I was born 1978 (43 years old) in city Cel-

It is a thought that has guided my life as long as

es in Brno. His profession enabled him to travel

je. From what I can remember I loved snorkeling

I can remember. Adventure with I started aquaris-

around the globe and to visit places which are

and freediving. I studied at the Faculty of Sports

tics as a 9-year-old child. Today I have a gray head,

also regarded as the best dive sites. Underwater

in Ljubljana, where I became more professionally

but still I sit for hours in front of the glass separat-

photography became a part of his life since he

acquainted with freediving. At first I was active in

ing me from the wonderful world of the reef coral.

dove the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. His ”pet“

spearfishing (between 2001 and 2009), and then

Diving has become for me a way of communing

is Canon 80D (Ikelite housing, ”fish eye“, 60 mm

for a few years I completely focused on freediving.

with the underwater fauna and flora in nature,

and 100mm macro lenses, Subsee diopters and

Between 2009 and 2016, I trained and competed

where I can feel this world with all my senses at

snoot RETRA), as well as the Photoshop editing

in freediving. My biggest success is a 3rd place in

once. The camera is an inseparable companion

software. He received an “Honorary Mention” on

CWT (AIDA international world) in Croatia (Lopar,

of my underwater expeditions allows you to re-

one of the most the prestigious underwater photo

2011). In 2017, I received my master’s degree from

cord all these wonderful experiences not only

contest, Ocean Art 2020 (Underwater Art). Some

the Faculty of Sports and became a master of sci-

in memory, but also in films and photographs.

of his underwater photos are processed by cre-

ence in freediving. Since 2017, I no longer compete

I professionally deal with transport and logistics,

ative tools, by combination of underwater pho-

but I love discovering the underwater world with

although this path has been chosen for me by life

tography and digital software to create captivating

an underwater camera in freediving and I also do

sort of obligatory. Sailing is also an escape from

– sometime even surrealist – images.

researches with top Slovenian freedivers (Samo

everyday stress for me dance. All my passions

His photos are regularly published in scuba diving

Jeranko, Andrej Ropret, Jure Daić,...).

are actively supported by my wife and daughter.

magazines and presented at exhibitions. He be-

So far, I have the highest scientific education in

Remember! – “The glass of life must always be half

lieves that exhibiting of underwater photos to the

freediving in Slovenia (Mag. Aleš Koštomaj).

full, never half full empty".

public could increase social awareness towards

ALEŠ KOŠTOMAJ

marine conservation. More underwater photos, as well as information about the author, are to be found on his website http://michalstros.cz

KLAUDYNA BRZOSTOWSKA

MACIEJ SZCZEPAŃSKI

PADI diving instructor and videographer. She

My name is Maciej Szczepański, I am 26 years old,

Hi! I am Max, an underwater photographer and

spends most of his time in the water documenting

I am a second-year student of MA studies in the

scuba instructor with more than 5000 logged

a fascinating underwater world. She graduated

field of Military Studies at the Nicolaus Coperni-

dives around the world. I started diving at the age

from the Academy of Fine Arts in the field of Fash-

cus University in Toruń. I am interested in broadly

of 7 and for as long as I can remember, always

ion Design in Łódź and Film studies at the Adam

understood history and old motorization. I also

had camera in my hand. But it's only after having

Mickiewicz University in Poznań, trained as a tai-

collect military, watches and other old items.

worked on Koh tao for a few years that I com-

MAXIME CHEMINADE

lor, and with a love of nature and a large dose of

bined my passion for photography and the ocean.

adrenaline. She loves everything related to water.

My objective is to take more pictures and raise

Her diving adventure began with a backpacking

awareness by showcasing divers exploring the

trip in 2016. During her stay in Thailand she dived

ocean. This includes a variety of environments,

for the first time and from then on she got hooked

from glacier water to deep wrecks. I create some

on at this sport. Spending the last years and most

educational content about underwater photogra-

of her days under water, teaching and showing

phy on YouTube. You can see more of my images

the beauty of the underwater world in Asia, she

on Instagram @maxime_underwater or on my web-

believes that diving means unity – unity with own

site maximecheminade.com

mind, nature and unusual creatures. @waterographyk

t r av e l s

Mexico JOURNEY TO THE INTERIOR OF THE EARTH Text ANNA SOŁODUCHA Photos ZBIGNIEW ROGOZIŃSKI

People can't fly because they don't believe they can.

If they had not been shown that they could swim, to this day everyone would drown when thrown into the water.

10

travels

M

exico is one of the few places on Earth where you can experience the feeling of flying. Free, independent, in the rays of sunlight. It is enough to just love

diving. Simply.

The Yucatán Peninsula was a truly sleepy place until Jacques

Mexico

Yucatan Peninsula

Cousteau visited it in 1960. On the Caribbean coast, on the quiet, shallow and white as sugar beaches, they fall in love, in

Guatemala

the thickets of mangroves you can see flocks of exotic birds or feel the gaze of a cayman waiting for its victim, and cruise ships moor in ports – the same ones that a thousand years ago were used by the Maya. The interior of the peninsula is made up of agricultural towns set in the shadow of 16th-century monasteries. Each of the three states that make up the peninsula: Quintana Roo, Campache and the Yucatan Peninsula are a palette

volcanic places, within caves, grottos, without a reef environ-

of archaeological sites hidden deep in the jungle. In this whole

ment – immediately remove Mexico from their list of selected

crucible of diversity, there is also the second largest coral reef

diving destinations in the world... but are you sure diving on

in the world, and a system of underground rivers, lowlands

this unusual peninsula is not worth the sin?

and karst craters, or cenotes. This whole agglomeration has

Pangaea. One of the supercontinents means in Greek "all

made Mexico one of the most desirable and popular tourist

earth". As a huge mass of land in the Triassic period, i.e. about

destinations in the world.

200 million years ago, due to tectonic movements, it separated

Cenotes have always caused mixed feelings among divers.

the present Yucatán from the Gulf of Mexico, maintaining its

It is often the case that the perception of these amazing div-

position to this day. About 40 million years ago, the peninsula

ing sites is far from reality. People who do not like to dive in

was a beautiful developing coral reef beneath the water sur-

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

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t r av e l s

12

travels

face. The Ice Age meant that the level of seas and oceans was

– it is there – depending on expectations, we usually decide

constantly rising and falling, so at the same time – the peninsu-

to spend our diving holidays. Playa del Carmen is the second

la was alternately emerging to the surface or was completely

most popular resort on the Caribbean coast after Cancun.

flooded with water. At a time when the water level was low,

The local beach is located exactly in the city center. There are

the process of creating underground caves began. Carbon

no multi-story buildings here, only low-rise buildings typical

dioxide from the atmosphere, dissolving in rainwater, formed

of a small town. It is one of the most cosmopolitan places in

carbonic acid. Due to the fact that the peninsula (from the

Mexico and the most exclusive resort of the Caribbean Sea.

point of view of geology) is made of sedimentary rocks, and

A large part of the hotels is covered with lush vegetation,

more precisely of porous limestones, carbonic acid penetrated

which, combined with the restaurant serving breakfast on the

into the ground, dissolving in the rock, and then carving what

beach, creates a truly Caribbean atmosphere. Playa del Car-

we were going to dive to Mexico – caverns and tunnels of

men is bustling with life – the ubiquitous pubs serve Mexican

endless caves. Dissolved limestone penetrating (as dripping

delicacies – tacos, quesadilla, burrito, chili con care, nachos,

water) into dry caves, for thousands of years, formed incredi-

enchiladas, always served with extremely spicy sauces made

bly beautiful stalatite and stalagmite formations. In 100 years

from various types of peppers, of which there are over 120 in

one karst formation grows by 2.54 cm. After the end of the

Mexico alone! The streets are colorful and full of music, and

last ice age, about 8 thousand years ago, the ocean levels rose

tourists are sipping mohito, margarita or trying a variety of

again, flooding the cave system. In the caves where the ceiling

Mexican tequila. Peace and relief from the hustle and bustle

was above the level and were only partially flooded with wa-

can be found walking in the evenings along the coast of the

ter – a space with air was created. Such caves – partially filled

Caribbean Sea, sitting on a pristine white beach with a bottle

with air in their upper part – at one point collapsed to form

of cold beer...

a reservoir, with a natural entrance to the underground river

The entire peninsula is "saturated" with diving centers be-

system left. This is how the cenote, i.e. a sinkhole was created,

cause diving tourism in this place plays a key role in the coun-

a circular depression of the terrain with vertical walls, filled

try's economy. Playa Diving Center is a diving center with which

with water, the mirror of which is at the level of the ground-

we have been cooperating for many years, and the center itself

water table. The Maya called the flooded caves "Dzonot" and

has been in existence for over 20 years. Knowledge of cenotes,

the Spaniards called the "Cenote" (the well). From the practical

logistics and perfect organisation make diving trips to Mexico

point of view (for a pragmatist), "dzonot" is the only source of

a permanent part of the calendar of our diving trips.

obtaining fresh water in the jungle, while the romantics will

We reach the dive sites by pick-up cars, each group with

also find in its meaning a transition to the mystical, spiritual,

its guide, who is also a driver. Depending on the selected ce-

magical underground world.

note – the journey takes from 20 minutes to 1 hour. Most of

When going to Mexico, on the Yucatán Peninsula, we have

the route is travelled on expressways, then we need to turn

a choice of several tourist destinations that are also a base for

into a gravel road and... lose ourselves in the jungle. A huge

diving. Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Playa del Carmen

limestone platform where water flows through underground

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

13

t r av e l s

corridors has created thousands of holes in the ground, sev-

•

eral hundred of which are between Cancun and Tulum, on the famous Riviera Maya. Since 1980, hundreds of cenotes

entrance to the cavern, •

have been explored, but their penetration continues. Today, the three longest underground corridor systems in the world

Follow permanent or temporary guidelines posted by a professional cavern diving guide

•

are: Ox Bel Ha (129 km), Nohoch Nah Chich (61 km) and Dos Ojos (56 km). Mostly you dive in several different cenotes that

Do not exceed the distance of 60 m (length) from the

Have at least one light source with you, preferably the main and backup one,

•

Follow the rule of 1/3 of air consumption: 1/3 of the air in

number of these reservoirs – only a small number, are avail-

•

80 bar cylinder = end of dive,

able for recreational divers, and a bit larger – for cave divers. It

•

Maximum number of people in a group for 1 guide:

belong to one – the main karst system. Despite such a large

the cylinder one way, 1/3 for the return, 1/3 as a backup,

is important to know the difference between cavern and cave diving. A cavern is defined as an area of a cave that is within

4 divers!

•

the reach of natural sunlight, extending up to 60 m from the surface. Being a cave diver – we are already entering a system

stroke, •

of corridors that are not reached by sunlight, and the tunnels stretch for kilometers...

We dive with raised legs (calves) up and we swim breast We do not dive in the Buddha system – we swim one after the other, following the guide and ropes,

•

We dive without decompression!

If we decide to dive in these types of places, we must follow a few rules, which are discussed by the dive guides before the first dive in the cenote.

Most of the dives in the cenotes take place at a depth of 7–15m, although as with every rule, there are exceptions.

A good place to start diving in Mexico is the cenote of El Eden

•

•

14

When entering the water, always have the flashlight

(Ponderosa). It is a large, beautifully situated cenote, reminis-

turned on – we turn it off only when leaving the cenote,

cent of a quarry or a charming lake. Its crystal clear water is

or when – when the guide allows it during the dive,

a showpiece of the cenotes – here we do not have to worry

Always stay within the reach of natural light,

about poor visibility... maybe only in some cases, but I will tell

travels

Photo Łukasz Metrycki

more on that later on. Ponderosa is full of life hidden among

Dos Ojos (meaning "two eyes") is one of the most famous

large blocks of collapsed limestone covered with algae. You

corridor and cenote systems. As its name indicates, there are

can come across molluscs, cichlids, freshwater eels and turtles

two entrances to the inside of the cave. The corridors are about

there. What captivates divers from the very first moment is the

60 km long and are connected with 25 other cenotes. The spe-

incredible play of light – during the whole hour of diving, we

cial thing about this reservoir is that we make two dives in

swim in the rays of the sun, which are cut by branches and tree

the same place, but in two different corridors. One route runs

limbs, vines and algae wind everywhere, and when we swim

among the scenery of natural columns illuminated by the rays

through tunnels carved in the rock – we admire the first cave

of natural sun, at a maximum depth of 18 m, while the other

formations... The adjoining cenote is Tajma-ha, where diving

one leads to the cave – definitely darker and gloomier, full of

is more like cave diving. Here, solar reflexes no longer accom-

stalactites and stalagmites, between which a group of bats is

pany us throughout the entire dive. The dive goes through

sleeping. This is one of the most popular cenotes, unfortunate-

tunnels full of stalactites and stalagmites, where after turning

ly often visited by crowds. Between dives we rest in the shadow

off the flashlight it is completely dark. The corridors can be

of the jungle, and iguanas, sometimes snakes and spiders are

narrow, but they delight us with each new metre. Due to the to-

sneaking aroud...

pography of the route, constant depth changes are necessary

Dream Gate is a cenote similar to Dos Ojos – the accu-

here (here you will find out for sure at what level your buoy-

mulation of karst formations makes you dizzy! This beautiful

ancy is). As we sail along the corridors, from time to time we

cavern is part of one of the largest underwater cave systems,

notice natural skylights through which narrow beams of light

Sac Aktun. Due to the incredible number of delicate stalactites,

fall into its interior. There are also fragments of tree branches

stalagmites and columns found here, and the layer of mud

resembling a landslide. In addition, in some cenotes we have

that covers the bottom of quite tight and dark corridors, excel-

the opportunity to emerge in the so-called air bubble in which…

lent buoyancy is necessary here. People with claustrophobia

bats fly overhead. Impressions? Priceless!

are not recommended to dive here, but if you already decide

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on this diving spot – you will certainly not regret.

17 km from Tulum, in the middle of the jungle, there is a cenote different from anything else. It is called Angelita, or Ángel. The cenote was discovered in 1993. The diving place is a typical foiba, that is, a cenote not connected to any cave system. Angelita's cut-off from other caves meant that there was no water exchange. It has a diameter of 40–50 m and its depth reaches 60 m. Vertical walls stretch downwards and there is practically no rock protrusion here: diving takes place almost all the time in the depths. We begin to visit them them by descending to 40 m in complete darkness, where in the light of flashlights we notice fallen branches of trees. Gradually, we emerge to a depth of 28–30 m and suddenly we find ourselves on a cloud of hydrogen sulfide, which is clearly marked at a given depth. From the lake of sulfur fumes emerge branches of fallen trees and the top of a tulusu – a cone of rock material that comes from a cave's broken vault. Once again, we have an impression that we are flying!

One of the cenotes waiting for us in Mexico to visit it El Pit. It is very important to take into account the weather conditions when planning a dive in El Pit. On a sunny day, to the deepest cenote of Yucatán, rays of light shine through the 10 meter entrance hole. El Pit is

16

a well descending 55 meters, with a layer of silvery mist and

a depth of 30 m, we flow over a layer of hydrogen sulphide with

a tulus sticking out of the lake of mists like a mystical island!

dead trees. The ceiling is beautiful and has many stalactites

The gigantic cenote is merely a vestibule to the entire system.

at a height of about 12 m and a huge skyscraper. In addition,

At the end of the narrow corridor leading from the bottom

there is also the phenomenon of "halocline" – extremely pop-

of the cenote, a much larger cavern opens at 104 m, leading

ular and characteristic of dives in Mexican cenotes. Halocline

to the deepest ever discovered place in the Dos Ojos system

is a phenomenon of fresh and salty water being mixed. Conse-

and Yucatán (119.1 m). Diving starts from a platform about 10

quently, a shining effect is created which significantly reduces

meters below the ground, to which there are quite steep steps.

the transparency. Fresh water remains afloat because it is light-

People who cannot strain their spine can lower their equip-

er than seawater. When you first swim through the halocline,

ment down the elevator designed for divers, and after diving,

you will get the impression of a mirage – a blurred image that

pull it up again. While plunging into the water, at a depth of 10

disappears completely if we change the angle of our swim a bit.

meters, we come across a huge overhang with stalactites of

Don't worry – it's not nitrogen in our tissues.

various shapes and sizes. El Pit is definitely different from most

Tak Be Lum and Tak Be Ha are recently discovered and little

cenotes – the size of the wells is staggering, and the constant

frequented cenotes, but they have so much mystery and mag-

play of light creates the perfect scenery for photographers. At

ic… The entrance to Tak Be Lum is spectacular – a beautiful tree

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grows through the entire cave, in which the cenote is located.

the open part of the cenote Aktun, we swim through a natu-

The cenote is dark, but full of phenomenal dripstone forms

ral barrier of tree roots and leaves that separates the shallow

resembling pointed castle towers, fossils, and moreover – in

pond and the deeper sections of the cave. Behind the curtain

some places on the walls of Tak Be Ha we will see… crystals.

you can admire beautiful rock formations in the crystal clear

In the air bubble, we once again encounter a herd of bats,

water. In one part of the pond, there are living algae formations

spiders, and long, twisted ficus roots – which extend from the

for which this cenote is known. They are largely responsible

surface to the water level in the cenote!

for creating brilliant lighting effects. Among the lush vegetation

Nicte Ha or Aktun Ha (Car wash) are cenotes that, apart

here, you can see a wide variety of aquatic animals such as

from typical dripstone formations, enchant with lush and

molluscs, fish and turtles! At the end, we see a breathtaking

underwater vegetation, which is common in most caverns

"garden" of water lilies, safely separated by a railing. We will

and caves in Yucatan. The colloquial name of the cenote "Car

see a very similar scenery in Nicte Ha, which means "water

Wash", located near Tulum, comes from the fact that local taxi

flower" in the Mayan language, precisely because of the water

drivers used it to wash their cars. The site is a classic example

lilies growing in this reservoir.

of a water-filled funnel formation that looks like an exception-

Diving in the cenote of El Zapote turned out to be a real

ally picturesque lake from the surface. After departing from

jewel in the crown. Ruta de los Cenotes is a group of ceno-

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Photo Arkadiusz Majewski

luses. El Zapote is an absolutely unique dive site. Cenote was discovered by Vincente Fito – a famous explorer and enthusiast of diving. The official name of this place comes from the trees that grow around the entrance to the cenote. The water surface is 6 meters below the ground level and there are wooden stairs leading to it. This place is located in a park (of the same name) that is eagerly visited by tourists, which is why it is full of attractions (jumping platforms, zip lines, traces of Mayan culture) and amenities (bathrooms, toilets, showers). What makes Zapote a unique place are completely different karst formations than we will see in all other cenotes. Hells Bells are inverted limestone Photo Łukasz Metrycki

cones resembling bells. At a depth of 29 m below the water level, the walls

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tes that are located 15 to 25 km west of Puerto Morelos,

of the cenote diverge almost horizontally, forming a dome

some 36 km south of Cancun. There are such cenotes as: El

60 to over 100 m wide. Between 30 and 35 meters, specific

Zapote, Tortugas, Maravilla or Siete Bocas. All these ceno-

biochemical conditions allowed the karst formations to grow.

tes are foibas, or karst wells cut off from the system. They

The structures resemble bells, lampshades or trumpets in

are characterized by a considerable depth, a small diame-

longitudinal and round, elliptical or horizontal cross-section,

ter entrance and a very thick halocline layer. These cenotes

resembling a horseshoe. Diving surrounded by these amazing

contain large amounts of hydrogen sulphide, which is the

structures, reaching 2 meters in length (and constantly grow-

result of the decomposition of organic matter from the ta-

ing!), is unforgettable! Hells Bells are firmly attached to the

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deep. The remains of Pleistocene sloths are of course quite frequent finds on the Yucatán Peninsula. It should be noted that huge sloths from flooded caves on the Riviera Maya are usually assigned to the species Nothrotheriops shastensis.

However, a team of scientists led

by Sarah R. Stinessbeck, who examined the remains of a Pleistocene creature from the El Zapote cenote, identified a completely new species in it. Archaeologists from around the world have come to Mexico to study the 5-meter skeleton.

Thus, El Zapote – has become one of the most interesting cenotes in Yucatán, and I no longer associate Hells Bells with the song AC/DC...

The Yucatán Peninsula is a land without lakes and rivers in the standard sense, yet covered with tropical forest. They are powered by a system of groundwater, formed from precipitation soaking through porous, calcareous rocks. In places, the thin limestone cover collapses, then the waters rise to the surface – dark green lakes or shallow, turquoise lagoons are formed. There are about 3,000 of these forms – discovered so far, but only a small number is intended for recreational divers. Once upon a time, the water in the cenotes for the Maya rain god "Chaca" was sacred. For us (scuba divers) – nowadays – it is the greatest and most appropriate reason to visit Mexico. This is the only place on Earth where the water is so clear that we have the impression of gliding between stalagmites, stalactites ground, which is the horizontal roof of the cave dome, and

and stalagnates. It is a place where geology and diving occupy

are the product of archaea – single-celled, related to bacte-

a very important position, where entertainment, modernity

ria, living in a calcareous environment. It is a unique place

and tourism mingle with the land of ghosts, magic, mysterious

on a global scale! El Zapote became even more famous due

ancient Mayan cities.

to the discovery of the skeleton of a large representative of the Pleistocene megafauna by the aforementioned Vincente Fito. The skeleton, on closer inspection, turned out to be a giant sloth. The fossilized bones lay between 50 and 55 meters

“But I understand it now. – What do you understand? – How the birds fly. And why they love it.“ Mexico is not described – people believe in Mexico with passion.

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

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What is Waves&Ice? Text KLAUDYNA BRZOSTOWSKA

Photo Julia Ochs

Photo Berglind Jóhannsdóttir

live for their passions. The vast majority of stories are told by

Waves&Ice is a film project documenting an Icelandic expedition in which 6 exceptional women were involved.

W

e all share a passion for extreme sports and water.

Each of us loves to spend time in the water and capture our image of the world on a camera. The

result of the two-week trip is a short documentary about women who met in Iceland and travel through the country together

men, about men and for men. This time, a film is being made about the strength and determination of women who make a place for themselves in male-dominated environments.

Director Sabine M. Probst invited 5 women to the project: ` surfers and snowboarders: Elín Signý Ragnarsdóttir (@elinsigny), Ana Geppart (@anageppert) ` photographers: Berglind Jóhannsdóttir (@iamberglind), Julia Ochs (@juliaochsphoto) ` and Polish diving instructor and videographer: Klaudyna Brzostowska (@waterographyk)

following their passions. The aim of the project is the emanci-

20

pation of the female sex in the outdoor environment. In recent

In April 2021 we flew to our destination. After several can-

years, a lot of documents have been written about people who

celled flights and a 5-day quarantine, the female crew went on

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Photo Berglind Jóhannsdóttir

ICY BATHS AND THE GROUND SWELL 5:00 in the morning, we are sitting in the cars and looking at the sea. Finding the perfect waves to surf is a challenging mission.

You never know if the forecasts will come true. There are many factors that make a perfect wave – the ground swell (or swell): the direction and period between waves, the wind, the ground, Photo Sabine M. Probst

and of course the number of people in the water. The surfing environment in Iceland is very intimate, everyone knows each

their way. We set off in campervans, going round Iceland by

other and the arrival of even one new person in the water is an

famous road number 1. Iceland is a land of fire and ice that

event. We were very pleased with the fact that in recent years

gives no warnings. During our roadtrip, we experienced an arc-

more and more women have been "catching" the waves there.

tic storm, during which the wind reached speeds of up to 216

Elín was one of Iceland's first female surfers, and now she is

km/h. Elin and Beglind kept their cool, and their strength and

looking for more enthusiasts. Ana and Elín get dressed first

determination motivated me to continue driving. We made it,

and wax their surfboards by the vans. Julia and I jump into the

we found the shelter after several hours of crazy driving. Only

wetsuits and prepare the cameras by putting them in special

after this experience did I understand how much the weather

cases. Sabine and Berglind take pictures from the mainland.

influences the daily choices and behaviour of Icelanders. Trav-

They line up on a hill and look for the perfect frame – snow,

elling around this country is all like that, and although all plans

mountains, sea and a surfer on the wave.

are constantly adapted to the current meteorological forecasts

Our daily ritual during the trip was swimming in the sea.

– sometimes such surprises do happen. The motivation to get

Regardless of the weather, we jumped into the water with pho-

from Reykjavik to the east and then north was high. All this

tographic equipment. Depending on the place, our goal was

with the aim of finding the best waves, dream diving spots and

to either freeze ;) or take pictures of surfers, the texture of the

pristine snowboarding routes.

water and the breathtaking scenery.

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Photo Julia Ochs

icy waters is the reason why this place is so important to me.

Since I started diving it was on my list. I started my diving career in 2016 in tropical waters. One day, while working in Indonesia, a colleague mentioned Iceland and diving in the cleanest waters in the world. He told me about a dry suit, a pile of stones, a great visibility – he outlined to me a picture of the famous Silfra. Since then, I dreamt of diving into the icy waters there. This became my little obsession. When I got proposals to participate in the project – I knew there would be no better opportunity.

I bought a ticket to Iceland.

WHAT IS (NOT) SILFRA? The Thingvellir National Park Area (UNESCO) is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the longest mid-ocean ridge on Earth. It Photo Julia Ochs

is an unusual place where two tectonic plates meet – Eurasian and North American. Every year the distance between Personally, I love cold waters, but each time it is a challenge

the plates increases by about 2 cm. Silfra is one of the many

that I always decide to meet. It's ghastly cold at first. Then,

fissures in Lake Thingvellir that lies at the junction between

thanks to increased activity (I swim non-stop, kick with my fins,

tectonic plates. It is not true that while diving in Silfra you touch

run away from the breaker zone) and increased focus while

both plates. It's a marketing gimmick and an Instagram faux

filming and taking pictures, the cold disappears. Adrenaline

pas that tourists commit. However, this does not change the

and endorphins remain. Deep and regular breaths help me

fact that Silfra is a unique rift. It is filled with crystalline water

calm down and survive the next wave of the feeling of freezing.

that bursts into this rift through an open spring of melting

Fortunately, this also passes, and the feeling of satisfaction

water from the Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest gla-

and joy remains.

cier. This is why there is such clean water and visibility which reaches more than 100 m. Silfra is considered the cleanest

DIVING

22

diving site in the world.

My goal during the Waves & Ice expedition was to dive in the

And so after a few years of dreaming of this particular rift in

Thingvellir National Park. Probably my passion for winter and

Iceland, I dived in 2°C, in crystal clear water, surrounded only

ADVERTISEMENT

Photo Klaudyna Brzostowska

by large stones. A very intimate environment that aroused a lot of emotions in me. With one part of Silfry – called the Cathedral – I was particularly delighted.

It is a relatively deep, majestic and respectful place. Silfra definitely has something mystical in itself – it is fascinating and silencing. Many divers in Iceland say that there is no retreat from diving in icy waters: it is addictive and later it is difficult to dive elsewhere. When I survived it and felt this adrenaline rush, I understood exactly what they meant.

MUTUAL INSPIRATION Several days of expedition turned out to be an unforgettable adventure, during which overcoming difficulties together and inspiring each other turned out to be the most important elements of the project. It's an honour to share what you love most with other women who show excitement and determina-

IT’S A COLD WORLD OUT THERE. BUT BARE KEEPS YOU WARM ON EVERY DIVE.

tion to fulfill their dreams. And that's why this video was made – to show other people that it's worth leaving home, looking for and following your passions.

I hope we can inspire other women to take up extreme sports and crate bonds based on support, not competition.

Special thanks to Polish companies that decided to support the Waves&Ice project. Thank you GRALmarine for lending me the equipment that allowed me to illuminate my underwater pictures. Thanks to ECN Diving Systems for putting BARE ultra warm drysuit at my disposal so I could stay in icy waters for longer. Thank you BlueArrow Patagonia Agent Polska for supporting the expedition with your products.

Waves&Ice Movie Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2AibmGZF2E Crowdfounding page www.indiegogo.com/projects/waves-and-ice/x/26596214

WWW.NURKOWANIE-ECN.PL

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Spain

THE COUNTRY OF WONDERFUL PEOPLE Text and photos BRUNON WALIGÓRA

My diving adventure in Spain began a bit by accident. I have been visiting this country for many years, visiting various regions practically every year. I was delighted by Cantabria, Rioja, Andalusia and Catalonia. The Canary Islands also turned out to be interesting.

24

E

verywhere I have always experienced a great hospitality and openness of its fantastic inhabitants, and that is probably what amazed me the most in this country.

I got to know the Spanish language a bit and I was captivated by its melody, it allowed me to make great acquaintances that I cultivate to this day. It makes that all memories are still alive and very emotional.

When I visited Catalonia for the first time in Lloret de Mar, while walking down the street next to the diving centre, I heard Polish. It turned out, that one of the women working there was

travels

wonderful places. It was amazing to dive in Lloret de Mar on St. John's night in June in flashes of fireworks on the surface.

There is a huge accommodation base at good prices, available through e.g. bookingcom. It is best to go to Catalonia by plane to Girona, rent a car there at the airport and then, being mobile, to explore the enchanting coast of this region. You must see Barcelona, Cadaqués, Begur and Tossa de Mar. There are also brilliant dives at L'Estartit in the Medes Islands Reserve, which were already covered in the previous PD issue. I strongly encourage you to meet there with the greatest groupers I have ever seen in my life among the rainbow fields of gorgonians.

Another place that I visit regularly is Andalusia in the Malaga area. This time, also using bookingcom, I found a perfect place to stay in Benalmádena. The aparthotel BenalBeach is located directly on the promenade and has its own water park and is situated close to the wonderful park Parque de la Paloma, where animals are on the loose. I recommend this place to divers who travel with their family and children. You will not be bored there!

This time the dives were planned much earlier and due Polish. After a few sentences mentioned together, I decided

to their photographic nature, I asked for a guide only for my-

to dive with rented equipment. The owner of Dolphins Diving

self, so as not to inhibit the group. Of course, this was asso-

is Sergio Infante, who immediately took me for a dive in Tossa

ciated with higher costs, but the price was acceptable. I used

de Mar to a small cave at a depth of 20 m. On the way, I met

the Simly Diving base next to Torremolinos, where I met an

a few moray eels and a magnificent grouper. In the following

amazingly nice dive master named Martin Dias from South

years, I returned to Sergio with my own equipment for the next

Africa. He is an extremely pragmatic man and familiar with the

fantastic dives, e.g. the wreck of the Boreas ship at 30 m in

conditions prevailing there. I chose to dive in the Marina del

Palamos, the canyon at Cap de Sa Boquera in Canyelles, or for

Este bay reserve next to La Herradura, where the Sierra Neva-

very difficult dives in the post-storm wave to the cave Cova

da Mountains get into the Mediterranean Sea creating steep

del Dofi at a depth of 30m in Sant Feliu de Guixols and other

walls and corridors among fallen boulders and stones. This

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

25

place is under strict protection, and the animals living there

a drysuit for thermal comfort. The annual water temperature

are regularly fed, which means that we can be sure of meet-

ranges from 14 to 28°C. In May and June it was about 19–20°C,

ing them in a natural and not plundered environment. Diving

and below 15 m the depth will be only a maximum of 16°C. We

logistics is usually perfectly organised.

do two dives with a lunch break included.

After the morning check-in at the base and completing the formalities, we take the bus with packed equipment to the

26

Remember to hydrate properly and, especially on warm days, it is worth taking 3 litres of water.

planned diving site, stopping on the way for a short break

As my passion is underwater photography, I asked Martin

for breakfast in a local restaurant. You go to the coast along

to focus on animals. I was very surprised by his knowledge of

a steep serpentine up the hillside among flowery properties.

the environment and fauna of this bay. Virtually every now

There is a large parking lot on site with a place to prepare

and then we came across new animals. There are octopuses,

equipment and photographic equipment. You can dive in the

cuttlefish, crawfish, shrimps, crabs, tubulars, groupers, wrass-

bay on its left side, where the bottom drops near the walls

es, scorpion fish and lots of other fish. Particularly noteworthy

to about 18–20 m, and on the right side, which in my opinion

is the multitude of species and a big number of nudibranchs,

is more interesting, where you have to walk a bit and swim on

which are the icing on the cake for a macro photographer.

the surface, which is tiring but rewarded with fantastic views

You usually have to take into account the undulations in this

of huge sunken boulders forming a labyrinth that leads to the

bay, up to 15m deep, which makes photography very difficult.

edge of the bay and the open sea at a point called Puna de

It is worth equipping yourself with a pointer and stabilising

la Mona, where you can meet large fish swimming, such as

your position in sand or rock crevices. Move with great care,

sunfish (Mola Mola), although quite deep at about 20–30 m.

maintaining perfect buoyancy with non-falling equipment (e.g.

It is worth considering choosing a 15-liter cylinder due to the

console, octopus) in order not to damage the environment.

distance to be covered underwater. Of course, I recommend

I would suggest swimming close to boulders so as not to miss

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the perfect camouflage of animals. Transparency in the water

a moment, you can see the extraordinary richness of life up

(visage) reaches 10–20 m depending on the weather and cur-

close, even on a fragment of a rock with a palm surface.

rents. There is a lot of slurry and plankton. It is worth taking

As in the case of Catalonia, it is good to go to Malaga by

a good light with you and of course a compass so as not to get

plane. Here, too, I encourage you to rent a car at the airport

lost in the maze of boulders covered with multi-coloured car-

that will allow you to visit the south of Spain and jump into the

pets of algae, sponges and corals. Pausing with attention for

water. I recommend a visit to Granada in the Alhambra palace and gardens, it is worth seeing the town of Ronda north of Malaga. In Benalmádena itself there is a beautiful sailing marina and the old part of the town called Benalmádena Pueblo.

It is also close to Marbella and Gibraltar. On the coast there is the beautiful town of Nerja, and next to Torrox, where there is the Black Frog Divers diving base run by our Polish colleague Marcin Ogrodowski. They carry out recreational and training dives from the shore and from the boat, also in the described bay of Marina del Este. Night dives that guarantee meetings with predators are also a very good idea.

I am already thinking about another vacation in Spain, although the situation related to travel restrictions due to Covid does not encourage to take such decisions. However, I hope that everything will be back to normal soon and you will be able to enjoy diving and meeting friends again.

28

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FINALLY, SOME USEFUL AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION: `

The average cost of accommodation in a 3–4 person apartment is 60–70 €/ day

`

The average cost of buying food is low.

`

The cost of renting a car in B / C class is 15–30 € / day + deposit insurance (you can have your own), by purchasing the fullcasco option on site, you will certainly get a new car

Don’t settle for less.

and free yourself from any problems.

I recommend Firefly Car Rental – https://spain.fireflycarrental.com

Elite design. Top performance.

Public bus transport also works great on site.

With Atomic Aquatics, the only

DIVING BASES: `

limits are your own.

Lloret de Mar, Dolphins Diving, Sergio Infante – http://dolphinsdivingcenter.com

`

Marbella and Torremolinos, Simply Diving, Simon Bell – https://www.simplydiving.com

`

Torrox, Black Frog Divers, Marcin Ogrodowski – https://www.blackfrogdivers.com

www.nurkowa nie-ecn.pl PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

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My Attersee Text and photos MAXIME CHEMINADE Corrected by DORIS ASCHAUER

When I arrived in Austria a few years ago, it never crossed my mind that this could be an amazing place to dive.

Missing the ocean, I decided to give the lakes a chance... and what I discovered blew my mind.

Plant sidemount Attersee

Vienna

Salzburg

The dive sites are all accessible from shore. At each of them you can find a detailed map of the place you are about to dive, showing you the points of interest. At most dive sites you can find parking lots and toilets close to the entry points. Some even have a restaurant, making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink or a meal after diving.

The visibility in the lake reaches 35 to 40 meters at its peak

W

ture at the surface ranges from 4°C during winter to 23°C in

ith more than 300 freshwater lakes Austria offers

the summer months. However, a few meters below the surface

plenty of opportunities for beginners and experi-

the temperature quickly drops below 10°C.

enced divers. But one lake has always stood out

for me – Attersee.

30

in winter and 10 to 25 meters in summer. The water tempera-

Wildlife starts its activity in spring and thrives during summertime. Arctic and lake char, carp, trout, perches, and pikes

Attersee is one of the largest lakes of Austria, situated in

can be found at most dive sites. Attersee is not only rich in fish,

Upper-Austria. It has more than 24 official dive sites and with

but also in vegetation. Dive sites such as Kohlbauernaufsatz

its depth of 169 meters it allows for a wide range of diving.

give you the opportunity to explore a variety of both. At the

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beginning of May you might even see trees blossoming underwater, making for quite a fascinating spectacle.

There is plenty of history in Attersee. Archaeological surveys uncovered prehistoric pile dwellings dated to the 2nd century BC. While theses sites are classed UNESCO World Heritage and not open to divers, reconstructions can be explored at dive sites Hinkelsteine, Dixi and Hausboot. Like in an underwater museum, information signs with facts about the pile dwellings can be found in various languages.

On the east side of the lake at the dive site Dixi the reconstruction of a stilt house waits to be discovered at around 9 meter depth. Always take a look under the house, plenty of small fish love to hide here in the dark. Close by at 22 meters depth sits the Dixi sailboat, where large pikes can be seen.

If you decide to go to the west side of the lake, the dive site HausBoot has a lot to offer. It got its name from a sunken pleasure barge which is not only one of the highlights of this dive site, but also the literal translation of the word HausBoot. A short swim from the wreck another reconstitution of an UNESCO site can be explored, the pile-dwelling underwater forest. Both of theses points Dixi with information pannel

Dixi outside

Dixi

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HausBoot

Wall

Splitshot

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Underwater forrest

of interest are suitable for beginners, however experienced divers will find them worth a visit as well.

With its maximum depth of 169 meters Attersee is a paradise for technical divers. As technical diving is becoming more and more popular, helium based blends are now available in local dive centres.

The most popular dive site for dives beyond recreational limits is Schwarze Brücke. It got its name "black bridge" from the colour of the water under the bridge, which always appears deep black, even in summer when the shore of the lake is sparkling in turquoise colours. Right when entering the water you are welcomed by impressive rock formations and after only a few minutes your dive continues along a breathtaking wall. At around 20 meters depth, European eel can be found hiding in small cracks. This dive site is popular thanks to the myth of a maximum depth greater than 150 meters. While the wall ends at roughly 60 meters, reaching 100 meters is possible by continuing towards the centre of the lake. At these depths, the remains of a 1942 VW Kübelwagen (a light military vehicle) can be found.

Even after years of diving Attersee, it never ceases to amaze me, which is why it became one of my favourite places to dive in Austria.

With its large potential for adventures it is the perfect spot for any dive holiday in Europe.

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

33

k n ow l e dg e

Snoot in underwater photography Text and photos MICHAL ŠTROS

"Madonna and Child"

34

knowledge

Snoot RETRA LSD Ultimate attached to the YS-D1 Sea & Sea strobe

snoots evolved and a laser was added to commercial devices

Shooting in locations optimal for taking macro shots is conducive to fascinating encounters with the smallest and usually the most isolated inhabitants of the seas on the planet.

to better locate the direction of the light beam (this type of conical tube did not use the pilot light of the strobe to locate the direction of the beam). The size of the holes was limited by a series of bolted tubes of different diameters. Although the operation in domestic conditions seemed simple, there was a problem under the water, how not to lose individual tubes and be able to possibly quickly screw them back into each other. The surface illuminated by the strobe using these

M

snoots was relatively large and its shape was not a perfect circle, had no sharp edges and the laser often left red points

ost of these monsters or tiny beauties are seen on

in the photo. Other snoots used two optical fibres to conduct

unremarkable, often litter-covered sandy bottoms.

the light from the strobe. Although this seemed beneficial, it

The photographed objects are not only filigree, but

was difficult to aim both snoots at a given motif.

also sometimes effectively masked with algae or sponges of

Each such conical tube is, however, constructed in such

similar colours and textures. In such a situation, it is worth

a way that it does not produce light, but only allows the light

having a so-called "snoot" (a conical tube) – a special attach-

beam to be focused and directed. The highest quality snoots

ment installed on an external strobe in order to illuminate the

cannot limit the intensity of the light, because then they must

object itself, avoiding the disturbing background. Snoot gives

be compensated by a higher sensitivity (ISO) or a larger ap-

the photo a black background, which builds drama, brings out

erture. These types of compensations can lead to increased

the colour, contrast and vividness. Shadows are also created

noise and too much contrast in the photo. In my opinion, the

to enhance the creative qualities of photos.

best commercially available snoot at the moment is the "RETRA

The first individually constructed snoots looked like funnels

LSD Ultimate Light Shaping Device" (RETRA for short, www.

and reduced the illuminated surface of the subject. Over time,

retra-uwt.com), an optical lens system that transmits the light

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

35

k n ow l e dg e

Canon 80D in Ikelite Underwater casing and Snoot RETRA LSD Ultimate attached to YS-D1 Sea & Sea strobe

without reducing its intensity. The RETRA interchangeable

36

WHEN IS IT WORTH USING SNOOT AND WHEN IS IT

snoot masks have different diameters and creative patterns

BETTER TO GIVE IT UP?

to define the size and shape of the light beam. The masks slide

Although focusing and directing the light beam with a snoot

extremely easily and quickly into the snoot slot and can be

can produce astonishingly interesting results, sometimes

changed in no time underwater. Each mask is equipped with

underwater conditions are not ideal for snoot photography.

a magnet and there are also two magnets on the RETRA side, so

These include in particular intense sunlight or strong currents.

you can temporarily store unused templates there. RETRA has

The pilot light passing through the conical tube indicates where

worked great for me and it proved to be a product with high

exactly the object will be illuminated, but trying to see it in the

quality finishes. The shooting distance from the main motif in

sunlight will most likely be futile – especially around noon at

the case of RETRA – compared to other snoots – is relatively

depths up to 10 m. Believe me, when you shoot with a snoot,

large (about 15 cm or more, measured from the front edge of

it is hard to be more frustrated than when you try to look at

the snoot), which is a huge advantage for very shy creatures.

the sandy bottom, where your pilot light is precisely directed,

RETRA can be mounted on the strobe with the use of easy-to-

and you cannot see anything as the rays of the tropical sun are

use clasp and holds very stable.

constantly flashing over your head. At depths from 15 meters

Although the principle of operation of the conical tube is

down, the sunlight is less intense, so that the pilot light of the

extremely simple, its perfect application is a completely dif-

strobe is easy to see even during the day. At small depths (up

ferent story. For this reason, in this article I will try to describe

to 10 m) I recommend using snoot with pilot light only early in

not only the difficulties of underwater shooting with snoot, but

the morning or late in the afternoon. In addition to better vis-

also how to effectively deal with these limitations.

ibility of the pilot light, there is another reason why it is worth

knowledge

On the hunt (yellow fish yellow angler fish)

Nudibranch Thecacera sp.

photographing with snoot in the morning or late afternoon.

side of the object. When the strobe is installed on adjustable

During the day, at depths below 15 m, in sunny weather, you

arms, the mobility of the mounted snoot is severely restricted.

need to set a shorter shutter speed of 1/250s and a larger ap-

In practice, this means that the clamps must be loosened and

erture (f/16-29) to obtain a black background. For this reason,

re-attached in a constant and highly impractical way each time

it is difficult to achieve an out-of-focus background by setting

the snoot is positioned. For this reason, I prefer to mount the

a small lens aperture (f/2.8-4) without overexposing the photo

strobe on the camera handle with the possibility of triggering

at the same time. All these considerations come down to the

it with a button. The final positioning of the strobe over the

conclusion that the best visibility of the pilot light and the most

subject is then carried out with my left hand, while my right

favourable snoot orientation (regardless of the diving depth)

hand holds the camera and operates the trigger. If you have

are obtained during night dives.

the opportunity to use your diving partner's help to precisely

Another obstacle in snoot photography is turbulent and

manipulate the snoot and position it, under favourable circum-

foamy water (and all currents). Even though my diving friend

stances you will get rid of one problem. The big disadvantage,

or guide assisted me with directing a narrow beam of pilot

however, is that your diving partner will not be able to guess

light in such conditions, the uninterrupted surge was a real

what you see in the viewfinder, and all this greatly increases

nightmare for me – not only because of the need to hold the

the risk of improper lighting. Another downside is the loss of

camera steadily, but above all because of the need for per-

the ability to illuminate only selected parts of the subject, which

fect focus on the smallest objects like e.g. two-millimeter eyes

would usually lead to stunningly creative underwater photos.

or rhinophores.

Sometimes it is impossible to predict at all whether snoot will work in a given location full of macro motifs. In addition,

LOCATING THE SNOOT

during the dive, it often happens that the conditions change

Basically, the snoot can be placed over, in front of or on the

(e.g. currents, turbulent and foaming water or intense sunlight

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

37

k n ow l e dg e

Nudibranch Flabellina sp.

Chapiteau (squat shrimp Thor amboinensis)

at a shallow depth) or you simply decide to photograph some-

sity light in order to obtain optimal lighting. Sometimes I also

thing else that is not suitable for snoot. For this reason, I always

move the snoot away from the motif without changing the

have two strobes attached to my camera casing – on the left

intensity of the light. I do all these tests at the beginning of

side with a snoot and on the right side only with a diffuser.

the dive, before I start the actual shooting. Later I only apply

To take pictures without snoot, I place the right strobe above

slight adjustments to camera settings, light intensity and snoot

the camera casing or on the right side, at a different distance

distance to the subject.

from the lens. Snoot photography, however, is not only limited to macro shots, but is also used for impressive wide-angle

IMAGE EDITING

underwater shots with fisheye lenses. In these cases, the left

I take all underwater photos in RAW file format and then pro-

strobe with a snoot is used to intentionally illuminate an in-

cess them at home in Camera Raw and Photoshop (Adobe).

teresting, smaller foreground subject, creating contrast with

In Camera Raw, I first balance white and then adjust the ex-

a dimly lit background (the right strobe is turned off completely

posure, contrast, light and shadows, texture changes, clarity,

or set to low light intensity).

and colour balance. In later steps, I continue processing, e.g. by cleaning the background, increasing sharpness and crop-

SETTING THE STROBE INTENSITY

ping photos in Photoshop (all photos in this article were taken

To get a black background, I set the shutter speed to 1/150-

on Bali – Seraya Secret / Melasti / Amed and Padangbai with

1/250s (depending on the macro lens type) and use an ap-

a Canon 80D camera with 60mm or 100mm macro lenses, with

erture of f/11-29. Occasionally, however, I use a deliberately

strobe YS-D1 Sea & Sea and RETRA LSD Ultimate Snoot).

small aperture (f/2.8-5.6) to achieve the effect of a blurred

38

background. Since I set the strobe intensity manually, I first

FINALLY, A PIECE OF GOOD ADVICE

shoot a few randomly selected motifs using different inten-

Underwater (macro) photography has never been as flexible,

ADVERTISEMENT

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Nudibranch Doto greenamyeri

creative, versatile and relatively simple as it is using a snoot. Nevertheless, it is worth getting acquainted with snoot photography first in ideal conditions, for example in a swimming pool, and then try to take such pictures in the sea. Nevertheless, you should be patient if you want to become the authors of beautiful underwater photos – not only with the use of a snoot. To do this, you must take dozens of photos of the same object. The best results can only be achieved by following the well-known proverb: "Practice makes perfect".

More information about the author is available on his website: www.michalstros.cz German translation by Alina Lizakowska

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

39

freediving

Static apnoea PERFORMANCE FACTORS Text and photos ALEŠ KOŠTOMAJ

Competition in static apnoea

ABSTRACT

Ever since the first deep diving competitions were organized, there has been debate about when the ultimate limits of human apnoeic performance will be reached, and which factors will determine these limits. Divers have thus far surpassed all former predictions by physiologists in depth and time. The common factor for all competitive apnoea disciplines is apnoeic duration, which can be prolonged by any means that increase total gas storage or tolerance to asphyxia, or reduce metabolic rate. These main limiting factors can be broken down further into several physiological or psychophysiological factors, which are identified in this article.

ing. This means submerging under water without additional external devices which would allow for breathing.

With practice, one can make progress in breath-hold diving very quickly. Unfortunately, the methods and strategies of such diving are less known in the scientific field i.e. to scientists and are difficult to explain because they are currently difficult to research in the aquatic environment with existing technology.

STATIC APNOEA Success in static apnoea depends solely on holding one’s breath, since a diver rests on a pool’s water surface in a relaxed manner. The ability of holding one’s breath is the basis of all other disciplines and methods of diving. There are three factors which determine the limit of holding one’s breath:

INTRODUCTION The word apnoea is derived from the Greek word a-pnoia and means “without breathing”. The very origin of the word has no connection with water but in modern terminology the word apnoea is used as a synonym for breath-hold diving or free-div-

40

1. total amount of oxygen (O2) in the body (lungs, blood, and tissues); 2. ability to overcome hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen) and hypercapnia (excess of carbon dioxide); 3. metabolic rate.

freediving

Static apnoea

1. Total amount of oxygen in the body lungs

by diluting the carbon dioxide (CO2) obtained from the blood.

In combination with specific thorax stretching exercises, lung packing can also be used in practice as a method to increase

Large lung volume has been repeatedly described as a differ-

lung volume. However, packing should not be the main mech-

entiating factor among breath-hold divers. The usefulness of

anism for long-term increasing of lung volume.

large lungs is known both in static apnoea as well as in deep dives or other deep disciplines. One study established the av-

blood

erage vital lung capacity (VC) of 7.3 liters in 14 top divers which

Blood is a liquid tissue whose function is, among others, to

is about two liters more than in the control group’s subjects of

carry O2. It consists of the intravascular fluid or blood plas-

similar age and body shape. The individual VC of top divers is

ma, and blood cells. O2 and CO2 are transported via red blood

related to their diving performance. This leads to the question

cells or erythrocytes. The red blood cells are the most nu-

of whether the enlarged lung volume is due to self-selection

merous among blood cells. Most of oxygen (98%) is carried

or whether it reflects the changes caused by practice. VC gen-

bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells while a small part of

erally increases with growing up, however, numerous studies

it is dissolved in the blood itself. The amount of blood in div-

show that specific practice may increase VC. Other parallel

ing mammals is higher than in other groups of mammals. In

studies also show high effectiveness of swimming practice and

seals and sea lions, blood represents 10–20% of their body

exposure to high altitude on lung volume.

weight, while it amounts to only 7–8% in terrestrial mammals.

influence of various breathing techniques

Human blood volume can be increased by increasing plasma as an adjustment to endurance and heat training. The increase

Lung packing (the glossopharyngeal insufflation maneuver)

in erythrocytes will consequently have a small effect on the

is a commonly used method to effectively increase lung vol-

overall increase in O2 volume in the body. Short-term chang-

ume. Normal maximal inspiration is determined by maximal

es are caused by splenic contraction in apnoea and hypoxic

contraction of the inspiratory muscles and thorax, and by lung

respiration.

compliance. By using the oral cavity and tongue to press small

Top breath-hold divers have higher levels of hemoglobin in

amounts of extra air down into the lungs, which are already

their blood than cross-country skiers and people not training.

filled with maximum inhalation, the diver can increase its vol-

The reasons for that lie either in their practice of breath-hold

ume by up to 4 liters. The disadvantage of this maneuver is

diving or in their self-selection. The number of erythrocytes in

the consequent increase in pressure in the lungs which re-

blood is regulated via erythropoietin (EPO) which is produced

duces venous inflow and can lead to loss of consciousness

by hypoxic kidneys. It is known that exposure to higher alti-

if the diver does not dive in time. The extra volume of air will

tudes increases the production of erythropoietin. Less than

prolong apnoea by providing additional stored oxygen (O2) and

a decade ago, however, it was shown that the erythropoietin

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

41

freediving

production is also increased by practicing breath-hold diving. With more intense and specific breath-hold diving practice and a diet high in iron, hemoglobin levels can be further increased, leading to higher capacity of O2 transport and CO2 removal. Breath-hold diving, and deep diving in particular, can cause stronger stimuli than altitude for erythropoietin formation.

spleen contraction Spleens of diving mammals are an additional storage site for erythrocytes.

This stock is activated with prolonged apnoea. Spleen contraction in humans

Competition in static apnoea

in apnoea was first observed in ama-divers (traditional breath-hold divers in Asia who collect pearls

first phase lasts until the onset of spontaneous contraction

and shells). Less than a decade ago, it was found that the best

of the respiratory muscles (the start of CO2 accumulation).

breath-hold divers also have the largest spleens with a volume

Spontaneous contractions of the respiratory muscles cause

of up to 600 ml. The difference in contraction between the

discomfort and psychological burden, and as such also mark

smallest and largest spleen in elite breath-hold divers corre-

the boundary between the two stages of apnoea. The second

sponded to 30 s of apnoea duration. Spleen contraction is an

phase, however, also depends on individual motivation and en-

active contraction process caused in part by hypoxia and not

durance. It has been shown, that long-term practice of apnoea

due to the diving reflex, as it requires multiple breath-holding

affects not only the duration of apnoea but it also prolongs the

dives to fully develop.

duration of the first, initial phase.

tissue

the beginning of the struggle phase. Elite breath-hold divers

O2 accumulated in tissues is also an important source of O2

distinguish as many as three phases of apnoea: the second

for aerobic metabolism. Tissues store only 2–3% of O2 which is

struggle phase is followed by the third, fighting phase in

stored in the body. It is the most abundant in myoglobin (Mb)

which the desire to breathe is further increased by the com-

in muscles. In marine mammals the levels of myoglobin can

bined stimuli of hypercapnia and hypoxia. In this stage, divers

be 10 times higher than in terrestrial mammals. Myoglobin

do not relax but use muscular strength to maintain apnoea.

in muscles is important in all forms of breath-hold diving, in

Developed psychological tolerance to strong contractions of

particular in dynamic disciplines (swimming distance).

the respiratory muscles in the last, fighting phase is crucial

2. Ability to overcome hypoxia and hypercapnia

for successful static apnoea. It can only be improved with longterm practice.

Divers use hyperventilation in various forms to lower the

phases of apnoea

CO2 content in the body and prolong the first phase of apnoea.

The duration of apnoea depends on the ability to overcome

However, hyperventilation represents an increased risk of loss

hypoxia and hypercapnia. A mild respiratory response to CO2

of consciousness, as the O2 level does not increase to the same

has been reported in submarine rescue instructors, ama-div-

extent as the CO2 level decreases, and thus the risk of uncon-

ers, and underwater hockey players. In people who do not

sciousness at the end of apnoea is increased. Hyperventilation

dive, however, CO2 is the predominant factor in stimulating

is, therefore, not recommended.

respiration and stopping apnoea. Divers can tolerate higher levels of hypercapnia and hypoxia.

42

The majority of inexperienced divers break the apnoea at

hypoxia and brain function

Apnoea is divided into two phases: the initial ‘easy-going’

Numerous studies show that practicing apnoea lowers the

phase without the necessity of inhalation, and the final

required level of O2 needed by the brain. During compe-

struggle phase, in which the accumulation of CO2 is the main

tition divers often experience a hypoxic loss of movement

reason for the gradually stronger need for inhalation. The

control and sometimes even lose consciousness, but they

freediving

quickly recover with the help of their safety diver. However, the question arises as to whether this causes any longterm damage of brain functions. Studies of neural functions of breath-hold divers have not shown bad long-term effects of apnoea practice on brain functions, which is thought to be due to regulation of protective stress proteins. At present there is no evidence that loss of consciousness in apnoea is harmful to the human brain. Many divers who partake in competitions know where their individual hypoxic limit is and Static apnoea

that only prolonged apnoea training can move this limit towards a higher value.

3. Metabolic rate

fasting and nutrition Fasting is a method which is often used by divers to increase

The third limiting factor for the duration of apnoea is the in-

their diving performance. In terms of energy expenditure, fast-

tensity of metabolism. The lower the rate of metabolism, the

ing has been shown to reduce the resting metabolic rate by up

lower the O2 consumption and the longer the apnoea can be.

to 17%. The best results in static apnoea can be achieved while

cardiovascular diving reflex

fasting, which most divers already take advantage of in training and competitions. However, regardless of these findings, some

Irving (1963) was the first to observe a diving reflex in humans.

breath-hold divers take carbohydrate supplements just before

The first main effect of the diving reflex is the contraction of

competitions to increase their performance. It is surprising,

the blood vessels in muscles which are furthest from the lungs

that while many top breath-hold divers consider their nutrition

or brain (in fingers and toes). The other main effect is slowing

as extremely important, others ignore its significance.

down the heartbeat. Later it was established that there are, as a consequence, two additional effects: maintaining O2 and pro-

relaxation techniques

longing apnoea. The diving reflex is triggered by any apnoea.

In a sport where minimum oxygen consumption is more im-

A complete reflex response can only be expected when im-

portant than maximum oxygen consumption, it is obvious that

mersing the face, especially the forehead and eyes. The diving

relaxation techniques have a significant impact on results. This

reflex begins after only thirty seconds of apnoea.

is especially evident in static apnoea. Special relaxation exer-

The diving reflex is not changed with multiple series of apnoea, but it is enhanced by prolonged apnoea practice.

temperature The intensity of the diving reflex response is most influenced

cises with the emphasis on breathing techniques are derived from yoga and adapted for apnoea. Before competitions they are used by almost every top breath-hold diver. Yoga based cyclical relaxation techniques are expected to reduce O2 consumption by 32%.

by water temperature. Colder water affects the response rate of the diving reflex. Warmer water, however, is more important

CONCLUSION

for the duration of apnoea. Cold-blooded animals have their

In comparison with untrained individuals, breath-hold div-

metabolic rate and O2 consumption connected to their body

ers can significantly increase the total volume of O2 in their

temperature. Mammals respond to lower body temperatures

body and the ability to overcome hypoxia and hypercapnia

with faster metabolism and, above all, with shivering. When

with regular practice. The metabolic rate can be reduced with

shivering, muscle cells use twice as much energy which in turn

special meditation techniques. At present, we do not yet have

shortens apnoea. Anyone who can withstand a temperature

enough knowledge about the highest possible human poten-

drop without shivering will likely be able to perform a pro-

tial in breath holding. However, some factors which influence

longed apnoea.

its duration are already known in some marine mammals.

Ama-divers were once considered to be people who adapt-

These factors will have to be investigated also in humans. The

ed best to colder water. Studies show that the use of neoprene

best breath-hold divers believe that the maximum limit in static

suits has led to de-acclimatization. Better insulated individu-

apnoea is somewhere around 15 minutes.

als use less energy to shiver and allow the body to lower its temperature instead of wasting energy to keep the body tem-

REFERENCES

perature constant. Body temperature affects cardiovascular

For readers interested in additional references and details,

responses which are important for the length of apnoea.

please contact me through email.

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

43

planet earth

Plastic

AN ENEMY OR A FRIEND? Text LAURA KAZIMIERSKA Photos KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS

Although it has been with us for only over a century, it has quickly dominated every area of our lives. Plastic is for some people the personification of all evil, for others salvation.

44

O

ne thing is for sure, wherever you are today, take a look around and you will surely find something of the most durable material in the world.

A SHORT HISTORY

The common name of plastic comes from plastic materials that are easy to model and take various shapes. Who would have thought that it was due to the growing popularity of the

planet earth

Our human tendency to irresponsibly clean up

al turned out to be wonderful,

after ourselves can get us

although not for making balls

into trouble.

but for imitating many fabrics

We risk losing not only many

and natural materials. The rev-

species in the ocean but also

olutionary discovery prompt-

on land.

ed scientists from around the world to look for cheaper and durable materials from which to make everyday objects, previously available only to the wealthy.

The beginning of the 20th century, the mechanical revolution and scientific progress in the field of chemistry, facilitated the creation of new solutions and the first synthetic plastics found their way into industry. At the same time, the outbreak of World War II strengthened the use of such a resistant and durable material. The plastic craze lasted until the early 1960's when it was first spotted in the ocean. The enthusiasm of scientists quickly turned into the question of what consequences this indestructible material will have for our planet?

Unfortunately, it was too late. Big concerns appreciated a huge drop in plastics production and transportation costs so much that it was impossible to withdraw the lucrative invention for the sake of the environment.

IS PLASTIC SO FANTASTIC?!?

Considering the price, the variety of uses and durability, plastic as a material is one of the best inventions of the 20th century.

It revolutionised the economy and life of each of us. It is mainly thanks to it that we have made technological progress in the last 50 years. Without it, there would be no medical equipment or even the beloved diving equipment.

Therefore, it is worth remembering that not all plastics are the same. And what bothers us and litters every inch of our planet are plastic packaging and the so-called disposable products. The problem with plastic today is that we went into raptures over the new material too quickly without thinking about the consequences. Cheap, flexible material has replaced virtually every aspect of functional living, from furniture and clothing to a toothbrush.

Many countries have started introducing laws to ban the production of plastic bags to show that the problem of game of billiards, and at the same time a drastic decline in

environmental pollution can no longer be ignored. And so

the population of elephants, whose precious ivory was used

the plastic bag has become a modern symbol of the fight

to make billiard balls. Searching for new solutions and mate-

against plastic.

rials was supposed to protect and facilitate life on our planet.

Plastic bags are made of non-renewable resources and

Natural plastics, the so-called polymers, can be found in

are a major contributor to climate change. Most plastic bags

plants and animal shells or skeletons. The first plastic pro-

are made of polypropylene, a material made from petroleum

duced at the end of the 19th century was of natural origin and

and natural gas. Greenhouse gases are produced during pro-

was derived from cellulose ubiquitous in nature. The materi-

duction, which exacerbates our current problem of climate

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

45

planet earth

change. The packaging sector is responsible for almost half of the world's plastic.

Plastic bags are harmful to wildlife and marine life. Birds, land and sea animals, including turtles, often confuse plastic

From plastic bags, packages and bottles, between which sea turtles and shoals of fish swing agile, to fishing nets left behind, which become a pointless fishing tool, destroying coral reefs and all other creatures on the way.

bags and other plastic materials with food. When they con-

More and more often, while diving, I encounter the prob-

sume these plastics, their digestive systems become clogged,

lem of coral reef pollution and instead of enjoying the beauty

causing health infections and even suffocation. Animals can

of nature, I tirelessly collect garbage in BCD pockets or spe-

also easily become entangled in the plastic.

cially designed mesh bags. During the rainy season, we often emerge from the sea of plastic packaging. Last year, despite

46

IT IS A NEVER-ENDING STORY

the lack of tourists, we managed to collect over five tons of

Indonesia is a country of 17,000 islands, mostly surrounded

rubbish on our weekly beach cleanings, and this is just the

by coral reefs, with a variety of underwater wildlife that can-

tip of the iceberg.

not be found anywhere else in the world. Despite its unparal-

Plastic in the ocean also serves as a floating transport de-

leled natural wealth, it is also a country that, along with China,

vice that enables alien species to hitchhike to unknown parts

is the greatest contributor to the pollution of the oceans.

of the world, threatening biodiversity. Global warming con-

Living on one of the small Indonesian islands that can be

tributes to this process further by making once inaccessible

walked around in two hours, I quickly realized that walking on

areas like the Arctic friendly to the colonisation of invasive

the beach has little to do with collecting seashells, but rather

species that can be very harmful to local species.

a collection of plastic items thrown by the sea. It happened

Microplastics (plastic particles ranging from microscopic

everyday! Both on and below the surface of the water, there

to 5 mm) that abandoned fishing gear and other plastic debris

is evidence of human invention, for which I am ashamed and

are among the greatest threats to the marine environment.

it is difficult for me to justify all our progress.

As are they to the entire planet.

planeta ziemia

The average person produces a quarter of a kilogram of plastic waste WHAT THE EYES CANNOT SEE...

every day. No wonder

Living away from nature, it is easy to forget

the oceans are filling up

one of the most effective options that

where our trash ends its journey. It is also

with waste!

we could all do as members of this frag-

first step in the right direction. However,

easy for us to blame the third world coun-

ile ecosystem is to be responsible for our

tries for the pollution of the ocean. The truth

garbage. When we have the option, we should

is, each of us contributes to the problem. And the sooner we realise this, the easier it will be for us to make a change. And there are plenty of reasons!

Plastic is a health hazard not only to sea creatures, but to all

try to avoid buying products packed in plastic, choose packaging that can be recycled, and bring your own bag when shopping, use a reusable bottle and, of course, do not clutter.

of us. Research confirms that our health suffers at every level of plastic products manufacturing. Chemical compounds in

A NECESSARY EVIL

plastic can contribute to infertility, diabetes, heart disease and

The addiction to plastic worsens with each passing year. All

all kinds of cancer.

electronic devices require plastics. Life without plastic is also

The microplastic found in the seafood and fish we consume

life without cell phones, computers or the Internet. If it weren't

is able to enter our body and disrupt the hormonal function.

for plastic, it would not have been possible to write or read

Plastic particles have been found in waters, sediments and

this article. But that's not all, aluminum soda cans are lined

even the deepest parts of the oceans. A study of over 700 spe-

with plastic resin. Otherwise, the drink would have corroded

cies from microscopic zooplankton to huge marine mammals

within three days. The paper cups from which you drink your

has shown that they possess microplastics. In addition, plastic

coffee to go also hide a thin layer of plastic. Tea bags would

particles have even been found in plants!

not be possible without plastic either, as they are sealed with

How to protect yourself from consuming poisonous sub-

polyethylene. Plastic packaging supports the safe distribu-

stances? Limiting your consumption of fish and seafood is the

tion of food over long distances and minimises waste, keep-

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

47

planet earth

80 %

of microplastics come from land-based

ing food fresh for much longer,

to prevent bioplastics from turning into environmentally dam-

sources such as bottles

and is a barrier to bacteria. The

aging methane-generating plants, a gas much more harmful

and bags.

amount of food packaged in

to the climate than carbon dioxide.

plastic has increased dramatically since the pandemic.

THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON US

Plastic is the main part of most

The truth is that plastic will be with us for the next millennia.

kitchen utensils. Plastics are also an import-

And the only option to limit the use and cleanse our planet

ant part of our medical technology, used to make glasses, den-

is to completely ban the production of packaging, straws or

tures, in many different medical implants and other devices

single-use bottles that can be easily replaced with another ma-

that help us stay alive and stay in good shape.

terial. The textile industry also needs reform, but our appetite

Without plastic, we would have been stuck in 1870, still

Governments draw huge amounts of money from large con-

sulate wires. But at least we wouldn't pollute the Earth with

cerns that contribute to environmental pollution, so taking care

disposable coffee cups, water bottles, toothbrushes, and other

of the environment is our responsibility, the consumers. Every-

plastic items. And plastic garbage would not affect thousands

one is able to make a difference by choosing environmentally

of marine and terrestrial species.

friendly products. If all of us did the same, we would live in

It is imperative to develop alternative plastics that are as

48

for possession must also decrease.

using non-durable and dangerous varnish and rubber to in-

a cleaner, more beautiful world.

light, durable and comfortable as conventional plastics. One of

It is therefore worth getting involved in actions promoting en-

such solutions are plastics of plant origin, i.e. bioplastics made

vironmental protection, campaigns against plastic in social me-

of corn starch or sugar cane.

dia, organising cleaning of beaches, forests or favourite diving

But it also has its downsides. Huge capital investment, cul-

sites. Replace everyday objects made of plastic with an ecolog-

tivation fields and specialised recycling points are necessary

ical alternative. And also buy local and seasonal food products.

planet earth

The last decade has shown a huge transformation in social consciousness, and as a result, many small businesses and start-ups have started to meet the growing demand for products that are not harmful to the environment. Although sometimes it is more expensive, it is worth supporting these brands in the name of protecting our planet.

Crowdfunding platforms such as Plane Heroes connect people from all over the world, creating an alternative form of income for local communities and cleaning organisers, promoting at the same time environmental care.

Pressure on government and local authorities is just as necessary. Research shows that bans on making plastic bags showed a 64% drop in their production! What follows? Reduction of the carbon footprint associated with the production of plastics compared to when there was no ban on these products.

As divers, we can also support organisations such as Project AWARE or Shark Guardian, organise underwater clean-ups or register abandoned fishing nets through the Global Ghost Gear initiative application.

In fact, we should all be involved. Making simple changes to your daily life is necessary before it is too late and we annihilate ocean life and even our own.

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

49

planet earth

Cranes

LONG-LEGGED ELEGANCE Text and photos WOJCIECH JAROSZ

Thanks to long legs, cranes feel great even in deeper water

grams "The Bestiary" (full name: "The Bestiary, in which shapes,

These birds can hardly be caught in an awkward posture. Whether they are standing, strolling on a wet meadow or flying among the clouds – they always do it all with a noble grace.

cases and customs of various people, animals and birds are described, especially falling to our present day" year 1562), and much later Jan Brzechwa dedicated a poem to the crane – admittedly with the heron, but nevertheless in the title the crane comes first. It could take a long time to list the items of literature, but this is not what this text is about. To end the topic of cranes inspirations, I will mention the wonderful beauty of oils on the canvas by Józef Chełmoński: "Cranes" (also

W

– cranes" (1910), "Cranes in the morning" (1913) and "Cranes

mance full of choreographic flavors, and exquisite ones

in the clouds" (1913–1914, unfinished work), which are an ex-

at that.

50

known as "Departure of the cranes", 1870), "Greeting the sun

hen they start to dance, they create a magical perfor-

tremely successful continuation of the painting trend consist-

This is why people have always been delighted with cranes.

ing in presenting scenes from the life of cranes, started by our

It is impossible to count the references in literature, and in

ancestors. Their prehistoric works in the form of wall paintings

order not to be groundless, I will mention Homer's Iliad as the

can be admired in Europe, Africa and Australia. Perhaps just

first. The crane is also mentioned in the Bible, which can be

one more word about the Golden Palm-winning lyrical war

interpreted as an indicator of its good recognition, that is, of

drama by Mikhail Kalatozov "The Cranes Are Flying" (1957), in

regonising it as a representative of the avifauna well known

which the title V-formation of the cranes, appearing at the be-

to man. In the former Poland, Mikołaj Rej of Nagłowice of Oksza

ginning and at the end of the film, is one of the most important,

coat of arms wrote about the crane in his collection of epi-

symbolic motifs. But let's get back to the more natural issues.

planet earth

When mating season begins, cranes forage in pairs

Dancing is for cranes not only a form of courtship – it is

ionable grays combined with white and black, with the icing

even a form of communication. Not only the birds that are

on the cake in the form of a red spot on the head of adult

ready for mating season dance (it is worth adding here that

birds. The sophisticated image is completed by an exquisite

birds of opposite sexes usually form pairs for life), but also

tail, which adorns the bird when it is not flying, and in fact

young individuals. For them, it is a way to enter the social

when its wings are folded. This rear plume is formed by char-

life of the flock, and at the same time support their physical

acteristically formed remiges, and the tail of the crane itself

development. Cranes are social birds, especially outside the

(made of feathers called rectrices) is completely inconspicuous.

breeding season. Therefore, living in large groups forces these

The mentioned colours are not the same for every species of

birds to use behaviours that facilitate functioning in a group

crane – the description applies to the common crane (Grus

and dance is one of the tools used for this purpose. So you

grus), the only one found in Europe. We will get back to the

can see many birds dancing at the same time. Their repertoire

rest a little later.

includes jumps, marches with outstretched wings, bends, and

Apart from dancing and presence, we associate cranes with

even tossing objects found on the ground above them. All this

a distinctive voice. Their calling, known as clangor, which can

with their inherent lightness and grace, of course.

carry for miles, is for many one of the earliest heralds of the

Cranes are graceful because of the way they move, but they

coming spring. Birds of both sexes sing in this way, both during

are also charming in appearance – long legs, a long neck (just

migration and during mating season. The calls of the respond-

like my wife) plus chic and very tasteful colours. Always fash-

ing female and male carry among the fields and meadows,

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

51

planet earth They eagerly use the sown fields when foraging

when the birds, busy foraging, do not want to lose touch. The loudness of the crane's voice is the result of their unique anatomy. They have a trachea that is looped and recessed in the sternum.

This internal structure makes it possible to produce very loud sounds. Probably a sound wave resonance specialist could suggest whether the crane's trachea is closer to a baritone saxophone, French horn or maybe a sousaphone.

Where can you see cranes? Of course, it is the easiest to spot them in the sky during migration. It is so easy, because about 20% of the global population of the common crane migrates through Poland. The characteristic V-formations not only can be seen, but also heard quite well. Cranes often stop near water reservoirs, especially in their shallow parts, eagerly foraging there. Both plant and animal food – as they are omnivorous – they can get in meadows, fields, floodplain forests – wherever they can forage in peace. The cranes do not particularly tolerate the presence of humans who disturb their peace. They are very skittish and it's hard to approach these birds so that you can see

years ago. The reason for this is the increasing number of these

them well with the naked eye. There is certainly a lot of truth

birds in Poland. The Common Breeding Birds Survey, carried

in the old saying "watchful as a crane" – it is a known truth that

out since 2000, indicated the crane, next to the green wood-

proverbs are the wisdom of the nation. Spectacular images of

pecker and the common redstart, as the species showing the

thousands of birds in one place can be seen at the so-called

highest growth tendencies in relation to the population size.

gatherings. During the flights, the cranes often rest in flock,

This is very good news!

first setting up sentries, and they can do it in flocks of several

Cranes can be admired on all continents except South

dozen, several hundred or even many thousands of individ-

America. In Africa appear increasingly rare wattled crane

uals! Observations show that for this purpose birds most of-

(G. carunculata) and the blue crane (G. paradisea). In Yakutia

ten choose places located in river valleys, by ponds and lakes.

and West Siberia there lives (unfortunately also less and less

Nowadays, seeing cranes is a bit easier than a few or a several

numerous and now critically endangered with extinction)

A pair of common cranes in flight

the Siberian white crane, also known as the snow crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus). It is the representative of this species that holds the record for longevity – the bird named Wolf lived 83 years, an achievement for which it was entered in the Guinness Book. In addition, in Asia you can see the Demoiselle crane (G. virgo) – fortunately not endangered, the beautiful Manchurian crane (G. japonensis) and no less beautiful: the hooded crane (G. monacha) and the whitenaped crane (Antigone vipio), which are also members of the Endangered Species Club... This club has been happily abandoned in recent years by a black-necked crane (G. nigricollis) living in the Tibetan Plateau and northern India.

52

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Younger specimens do not have a distinct red cap

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OCEANIC IS BUILT FOR ADVENTURE. ARE YOU?

Whether they are walking or resting, cranes are always alert

À propos Tibetan Plateau – it is worth mentioning that ordinary cranes can rise high enough to fly over the Himalayas! Of course, they most often choose the lower passes, but they can fly up to 10,000 meters above sea level! In India there is still a crane... Sarus crane, also called Antigone from its the Latin name (Antigone antigone) – it is the tallest flying bird in the world (up to 178 cm high, 280 cm wingspan). In North America, however, we can come across the Sandhill crane (A. canadensis) and a much less numerous whooping crane (G. americana). The list is closed by a silver-gray representative of the Antipode crane family – the Australian crane (Antigone rubicunda).

Just like you, dear Readers, cranes also like water. So when you are at the water's edge, look out for them as they wade on their long legs. When you hear the distinctive clangour coming from the sky, look up to admire these beautiful birds.

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

a r c h a e o l og y

Surgery, Disappearing Wrecks and Big Money Text and photos MACIEJ SZCZEPAŃSKI

Whenever a surgeon reaches for a scalpel or a patient undergoes an MRI scan, there is a high probability that both of these tools were made from steel that dates back more than 70 years.

I

t all connects to the late period of WWII, when the Americans used an atomic bomb for military purposes for the first time. Steel manufacturing has not changed much from

that period, the Bessemer process was replaced with the BOS (basic oxygen steelmaking) process, although the air (oxygen in case of BOS) in both is obtained from the atmosphere. However, unlike today, air used in pre-war steel was not saturated with radioactive particles. For this reason such steel, which possesses better properties and durability, is desired all over the world for manufacturing such products as specialist surgical equipment or novelty items, like Böker knives manufactured from steel sourced from the wreck of the German battleship

54

KMS Tirpitz. Another sought metal is phosphor bronze1, which

to the fact that the law prohibits salvaging wrecks designated

was used for propellers, among other things.

as war graves.

Growing value of “old” steel is responsible for the increasing

However, there are also companies that do not care for

problem of marine looting. Companies with legal approvals for

these laws and salvage steel from the bottom of the seas and

salvaging wrecks comply with all legal standards. They salvage

oceans all over the world. In recent years many fishermen and

steel from wrecks specified in their contracts – mainly from

sailors on the Java Sea and the Pacific have been reporting un-

vessels deliberately sunk by their crew or destroyed through

marked vessels with rusting pieces of metal on board. In 2017

scuttling at Scapa Flow, shortly after World War I. This is due

the combined forces of the Indonesian and Malaysian author-

ADVERTISEMENT

KMS Tirpitz, sunk in 1944 Source pl.wikipedia.org

ities arrested the crew of a Chinese dredger, with fragments of World War II warships on board. Wrecks in those waters are graves for thousands of Japanese, American, British and Dutch sailors, which is why it is important to take actions to stop this illegal activity.

HMS Repulse, sunk in 1941 Source en.wikipedia.org

The list of damaged wrecks continues to grow: in 2014 the wrecks of HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales, officially declared as mass graves, were destroyed, and precious metals (phosphor bronze, steel and aluminum) were taken. Both vessels are the final resting places for over 800 sailors. Malaysian divers are aware of this practice and regularly document the destruction of wrecks, sending their photographs to proper authorities. Thanks to a photograph of the HMS Perth wreck, which is the grave for 350 people, the Australian authorities conducted talks with Malaysia, insisting on introducing additional patrols in the region where the Malaysian navy operates. However, this may be insufficient. A lot of wrecks have been lost forever, leaving only a sandy imprint on the bottom of the sea. According to David Yiu, the director of the Friendly Water Seaports Pte., the dredgers that salvage metals illegally desecrate bodies as well, as the corpses of the sailors from the wrecks are found hundreds of meters from the sinking site.

Although director Yiu, like many representatives of the Australian or UK government, has also been fighting for years to ensure better security for the wrecks, in any possible way, it is nearly impossible without the proper approach from international authorities. It is assumed that more intensive looting in these regions is connected not only to growing prices of increasingly rare “low-emission” steel, but the general increase of scrap metal prices in China. According to The Guardian, even a wreck of a small vessel (e.g. a destroyer) may be worth approximately GBP 1 million.

Current technology allows scientists, historians and archeologists to find

Technically … the best.

Hollis gear stands up to any condition.

So, how deep will you go?

wrecks even in places inaccessible to divers; however, the same technology is used by people looking for profit, even at the cost of disturbing the final resting place of thousands of sailors.

References: https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2017/nov/03/worlds-biggest-grave-robbery-asias-disappearing-ww2-shipwrecks https://www.dw.com/en/scavengers-pillage-wartime-wrecks-in-southeast-asia/a-39027260 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/09/images-reveal-three-more-japanese-wwii-shipwrecks-torn-apart-for-scrap

www.nurkowanie-ecn.pl

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

55

a r c h a e o l og y

How did it start?

HISTORY OF UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY

Text MATEUSZ POPEK

Photos ANDRZEJ PYDYN

How did it start? Who was in the beginning? These and similar questions are asked by historians around the world.

However, it is often extremely difficult to establish the beginning, the first spark from which it all began.

S

hould we consider the achievements of Jacqu Costeau

ni ordered the lake to be drained to facilitate their exploration.

as the beginning of diving? Or perhaps those of classic

Unfortunately, the monuments did not survive World War II.

divers, or maybe sponge divers? Despite such an am-

There are also reports of the use of diving bells to extract

biguous beginning, the whole community assumed that we

objects from the water. Much has changed with the intro-

would recognize a French officer as the forefather of all divers.

duction of the diving helmet, which allowed for a long and

The same is the case with underwater archeology. Its gen-

relatively safe stay under water. This is how divers excavated

esis is a process rather than an event. However, as in diving,

the cannons of the Mary Rose wreckage in the 19th century,

one man was recognized as the father of this science: George

which later became the most famous nautical monument in

F. Bass, who died in March 2021. The death of this man was

Great Britain.

the inspiration for this article, as we must realize that histo-

Another powerful change for underwater explorers was the

ry is always created before our eyes and the characters who

creation of scuba diving by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emil

have changed the history are still among us. We should not

Gagnan. Compared to the classic helmet, the equipment of

let the memory about these people go away, because they

these two inventors was light and easy to transport. Therefore,

it is extremely precious, and we know how fragile life can be,

it was easier for divers to reach and retrieve underwater ob-

especially in recent years.

jects. However, until the 1960s of the 20th century, it was hard

The interest in sunken objects dates back to the earliest

56

to talk about scientific approach to these actions.

times. Of course, before the invention of scuba diving or sur-

It was in the sixth decade of the twentieth century that there

face-supplied diving helmets, humans could do well under

was an explosion of scientific projects that could be called un-

water by holding their breath. Sources say that as early as the

derwater archeology. In Sweden, the Vasa ship was excavated

15th century in Italy, apnea diving was carried out to extract an-

and its maintenance started. The Danes discovered sunken

cient monuments from Lake Nemi. These monuments, namely

Viking ships at Skuldelev, and in Turkey, George Bass began

the wrecks of two Caligula ships, became famous after Musolli-

exploring the wreckage at Cape Gelidonya.

archaeology

George Fletcher Bass was born in 1932 in Southern Califor-

cargo including a bronze bar in the shape of animal skins. It

nia. From an early age, he was interested in the sea and as-

was this wreck that became the showpiece of INA and Georg

tronomy. He began studying English at John Hopkins University,

Bass for many years, actually remaining the oldest discovered

during which he came to Sicily, where he was delighted with

wreck of a ship until recently.

ancient monuments. This was also the reason for the change of

Bass did not limit his interests to the wrecks of the Med-

the faculty to archeology. After graduation, he spent two years at

iterranean Sea. He investigated wrecks in Lake Champlain

The American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA), then

in the USA or sunken ships in the Sea of Japan. He was very

joined the army in 1957, spending two years in South Korea.

active both as a field archaeologist and also a prolific writ-

In 1960, he was about to start research on the Cape Gelid-

er. He published many books and scientific articles. During

onya, but at that time he was not yet able to dive. Just before

his 39 years of work, George F. Bass was the beneficiary of

the expedition, he had only taken a few diving lessons. This did

36 research grants from the National Georgaphic Society. In

not prevent him from becoming the leader of the expedition

2002, he was awarded the highest honour that a scientist

in a short time together with Joan du Plat Taylor. In the 1960s,

can receive in the USA – National Medal of Science. He died

he also conducted research on the Yassiada wreck in Turkey,

on March 2, 2021.

and on the Kyrenia wreck in Cyprus.

George Bass certainly did not create the underwater arche-

He perfectly used the success of the first underwater

ology as we know it today alone. There were a lot of people

archaeological research and in 1972 he became one of the

around him who, along with him, turned the extraction of the

founders of the Institute of Nautical Archeology, and a year

underwater treasures into science. However, it can be said that

later he was elected the president of this organization. The

he was the spark that fueled this machine and inspired people

1970s of the twentieth century was a time of dynamic changes.

to further research. My former supervisor and promoter met

In addition to establishing an organization dedicated to un-

Bass and was with him on research. I did not have the oppor-

derwater archeology, Georg Bass transformed the Museum in

tunity to get to know Bass, but I was at his lectures, and the

Bodrum into the Museum of Underwater Archeology, where

book with his autograph is standing right next to me as I am

materials from his excavations were presented.

writing these words.

The 1980s was primarily dedicated to exploration of the Uluburun shipwreck, an incredible ship from a Bronze Age with

Let us remember that the pioneers are among us and let us try to preserve their memory while they are still with us.

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

57

review

Nine 1/2 weeks with MK2i OR A SUBJECTIVE GARMIN MULTITOOL REVIEW Text WALDEMAR RYDZAK

Photos REDAKCJA

This was no love at first sight. There was no technical infatuation here either, as expected by Jacek Michno, the head of the Extreme-Dive Diving Center at Głębokie Lake (one of our two testing locations), during our discussion on MK2i at that time.

It was simply an affair – brief, initially rough, turbulent, which ended in a breakup, leaving a sense of emptiness.

58

MK2i is Garmin’s top second edition dive computer. As an

we also got two Descent T1 wireless transmitters for test-

alternative, MK2 – a stripped version of MK2i – is available,

ing. As an editorial team, we opted for something more than

deprived of some features and materials. But stripped does

just a typical review, merely enumerating MK2i’s features.

not mean bad. Simply not everyone needs a titanium case

You can find the specifications on our competition’s or the

or wireless transmitter support. For testing, we got an MK2i

manufacturer’s websites, but you won’t find any accounts

– with a sapphire crystal and titanium case, covered with

of customer experience there. What we wanted to present

a diamond-like carbon layer. There were no signs of wear or

were the feelings, emotions and observations regarding the

tear on the watch, no scratches on the case after the tests,

everyday use of MK2i with T1. And this is what you will find

so Garmin is keeping up to their standard. Upon request,

in the following paragraphs.

review

Already from the beginning, our affair with MK2i was burdened

directly fitted with a T1. Sometimes proper installation requires

with the trauma of our previous relationship. While Fenix HR

a short high-pressure hose connecting the first stage with the

series did have some clear advantages, it also had some flaws,

T1. The goal of a manual is to help the least experienced diver

including a serious one: long GPS readiness waiting time. Imag-

prepare their equipment for diving. It seems like everything is

ine you are going for a run with a bunch of friends, start the

there, but… there are surely areas for improvement. For exam-

training recording function and you wait, and wait, and wait.

ple, in the Polish version of the MK2i manual, the T1 installation

I won’t be describing the differences between the Fenix and

instructions on page 5 say: “…Confirm the regulator is depres-

Descent series, as these are two completely different product

surized and detached from an oxygen cylinder*”. Now that’s all

ranges, having very little in common. I also won’t cover the

folks, as in the English version, this part reads “Confirm the reg-

differences between the current series as compared to the

ulator is depressurized and detached from a scuba cylinder”.

previous edition of Descent. When preparing for my evaluation

A scuba cylinder vs. an oxygen cylinder. This has been the topic

of MK2i, I thoroughly studied other users’ opinions and vid-

of many discussions within the diving community regarding

eo reviews both of the current and the previous series. Apart

journalists’ diving expertise, and here – a major manufacturer

from describing my experience and facing my concerns on the

with a translation like this.

GPS operation speed, I also wanted to see whether in my tests I would be able to con-

In our configuration, T1 has been screwed

firm others’ critical opinions of the MK2i.

directly to an Apex ATX100, which was at-

Sometimes the users’ swipe was based on subjective feelings, misreading the manual.

In such cases, it is hard to blame the manufacturer for faults that are actually not there.

Some other times, however, the comments were most certainly in place. Which option would I apply to Garmin MK2i?

The first step following purchase, of course

When preparing for my evaluation of MK2i, I thoroughly studied other users’ opinions and video reviews both of the current and the previous series.

tached to an air cylinder, although the specifications suggest the MK2i should also work fine with O2 at concentrations up to 100%, as well as with air, nitrox or trimix; 1 bottom gas and up to 5 decompression or back-up gases. A scuba cylinder can contain different gases and unfortunately the Polish translator did not seize the opportunity to boast their expertise. I wonder if there are more

besides unpacking, is setting up the com-

“peculiarities” of this kind in the manual. In

puter. For testing, we got an MK2i but with-

the second configuration we used for test-

out a user manual. I suddenly felt like a “pro”. Trust me – the

ing, the design of Tecline’s regulator body and HP port avail-

only type of diver on our editorial team is the perfect diver,

ability forced us to use a high-pressure hose of about 10 cm

so why would we need a manual anyway? So when we were

of length. This was not a major problem, but an important one

trying to setup satellite positioning and positioning according

to consider before going for a dive, because if your friendly

to current time location for the first time, instead of selecting

diving center does not have the right equipment and you did

the basic GPS+Glonass or Galileo setup mode, I selected Ultra-

not foresee such a situation, the first MK2i installation might

Trac. As a result, I got a signal searching prompt, suggesting

end up in a failure.

to take the watch into an open area. I took the chance but three 30-minute sessions gave no result. I returned to the ba-

As such, pairing T1 with the computer is quick and easy, al-

sic settings and managed to successfully complete the initial

though must be done under pressure above atmospheric pres-

setup. I never came back to the UltraTrac mode, so it is hard

sure. Without it, the device switches into sleep mode to help

to tell at what intervals MK2i determines its position in that

conserve battery time. It seemed annoying at first, but it is just

mode. Thus, I figured the manual should also be covered in

a matter of getting used to it. You don’t pair your device very

the review… and it is. I managed to find one on the Internet

often and a longer battery life might make it up to you for the

and read it. A well-designed user manual lets you move on

initial inconvenience. My frustration was due to the fact that

to actually using the product faster, a poorly designed one

even in my old veteran Suunto Cobra there was a time switch

can ruin your first impression and make it impossible to use

for battery saving, which was activated once it detected con-

all features properly. In the case of Garmin, I think the Descent

ditions that would suggest you’re actually not diving. Yet there

T1 transmitter manual requires some optimizing. I mean the

was a pushbutton for waking the computer up when on the

alternative methods of installing the transmitter to the first

surface. I wanted to quickly pair both transmitters while still

stage. From the very beginning, a new user should be shown

at home, before going for a dive. In order to do that, however,

pictures, clearly showing them that not every first stage can be

I had to attach the regulator with T1 to a filled cylinder. It only

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

59

review

had 44 ATM but this was enough to wake the transmitter. After

grown from 1.2 to 1.4 inch. The legibility of the displayed data

detecting pressure, T1 switched to standby mode very quickly.

improved and the manufacturer-declared operating time

The MK2i pairing procedure took less than a minute. You can

increased. Default color settings, the contrast and backlight

customize your transmitter name. This is useful not only in

intensity were good enough out of the box and no changes

a one diver setup, but also for a group of friends with identical

were necessary. In this regard, my bad experience comes from

Garmin gear who want to keep track of gas consumption and

another computer I am using. I bought a Nitrox version, hop-

remaining gases during their dives not only for themselves

ing for a good backup unit. As the piece came from a Polish

but also for the rest of the group. We tested it between two

manufacturer and initially had good marketing, this computer

divers and it worked. Although we were unable to confirm the

was flying off the shelves in Poland. Now it collects dust on

maximum range of 10 meters for the transmitters’ communi-

my shelf. Just waiting there for a moment when I can put it

cation with the computer. Sometimes I was losing access to my

up for sale. MK2i belongs to a different price segment and is a different device.

diving buddy’s sensor when some 3 meters away, some other times the reading was stable at 4 meters. The manufacturer indicates a number of conditions to be met in order to reach the maximum, so I would just assume the group should keep closer for their own comfort.

Comparing depth readings from different computers (Suunto, Genz, Garmin) I couldn’t notice any differences. The only thing was the gas pressure indicated by Suunto Cobra mounted on the hose, which was 3 ATA less

After more than two months of testing, I can confirm Garmin Descent MK2i is free from the childhood ailments the MK1 users had been complaining about.

than the reading of MK2i mounted directly

Of course, 1.4 inch is not much compared to a couple of inches in some classical dive computers. The display with MK2i is similar in size to Shearwater Teric (1.39 inch) which some people believe to be a direct competitor for Garmin’s MK2i. In my opinion, however, the differences between both devices are bigger than those indicated in diving reviews. Looking at the specifications, Shearwater Teric is comparable to what MK2i has to offer. The price difference is minor – no more than a few hundred PLN, which is not

to the first stage. The difference was stable at all times, so

a game changer in equipment worth a few thousand PLN.

this couldn’t have been some temporary reading glitch. Our

Garmin MK2i, when compared with Shearwater Teric, seems

test dives were not decompression dives. The algorithm used

to offer a number of advantages that might be decisive for

in all Garmin computers of the Descent series is the proven

physically active people. It is a multitool – like the famous Vic-

Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient factors. By default, upon

torinox pocket knives. It can be used not only for diving but

detecting a depth of less than 1.2 m, the computer quickly

also for other sports or tourism. My general sense of content

ends the dive and treats the next descent as a new dive. This

in this matter is ruined by Garmin’s strong emphasis on playing

time is customizable, so my remark concerns default settings.

golf. You can switch it off in the wrist watch settings but golf

With reed dives where you explore the littoral, crossing the

still comes round like boomerang in the app.

1.2 m barrier may happen more than once and take less time than designed by the manufacturer. Divers who count their

During my two months of testing the MK2i, there were no

dives will probably appreciate such a conservative approach,

situations where I would frantically look for the power cable.

others will have to remember to change the settings. When

Clearly enough, you do have to charge it, but at surprisingly

the dive ends, the “no fly” message may be displayed in the

long intervals for a watch with that many features/sensors ac-

main screen in a graphic and digital form. Seems nothing, but

tivated on purpose at the same time. Yes, I did that in order

this is one of the differences between MK2i and classical dive

to asses battery drainage. What surprised me pleasantly was

computers. The latter rest in a box/ on a shelf and you’re jog-

not only the discharge rate (e.g. 2% during a 40-minute dive

ging your memory to remember the flight ban. In the case

with two T1 paired, which translates to approximately 33 hours

of computers with a wrist watch feature, this information is

of operation vs. 32 hours declared by the manufacturer) but

visible at all times.

also the charging speed. After my experience with Fenix models below series 6, I expected many hours of charging. Mean-

60

After more than two months of testing, I can confirm Garmin

while, whether I was charging MK2i from my car’s lighter outlet,

Descent MK2i is free from the childhood ailments the MK1

a computer USB port or a standard charger, I felt that reaching

users had been complaining about. Most of them are gone,

a 100% charge was fast. Of course my phone charges faster, but

including software, battery life or display size, which has

I wouldn’t expect the same performance from a dive computer.

review

MK2i is so much more than just a dive computer. The watch

Luckily, you can force-reset the sensor. Unfortunately, if you

has Garmin Pay. Combined with a Revolut card, it worked

activate manual measurement a short while after the auto-

seamlessly. There were no issues with rejected payments. Of

matic measurement, most times displaying readings from the

course, as a safety measure, it is better not to connect your

automatic measurement will be displayed. Although you are

main card but rather a prepaid card or a low-limit card. The

prompted that a new saturation measurement was initiated.

payment feature felt comfortable. When jogging or cycling,

In such a case just return to manual measurement, but only

I never took my cards or wallet. After my session, I was able

after a dozen or so minutes.

to buy myself something to drink or eat also without connecting my watch with a phone. Payments are secured with a PIN code which needs to be entered every 24 hours or each time the watch is removed from the wrist or signal from the pulse sensor is lost. If worn constantly on your wrist, MK2i becomes your personal trainer, suggesting your everyday workouts.

Though you are of course free to just ignore the suggestion.

The functionality seems like a good solution for people who don’t plan but would like to do some sport in a more conscious way. Personally, during the tests I used MK2i for ice swimming (there were a couple of occasions in early March), jogging and cycling – both on roads and cross-country. At home, I used it for controlling my blood saturation. At this point, you should take into account that the pulse oximeter in Garmin is not a medical device. A body contact disruption or a loosely secured strap takes your 98% saturation down to, say, 89% (the lowest reading I noticed). Such a reading is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you treat it as support in COVID diagnostics.

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

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review

During underwater tests, I haven’t noticed any such errors. It never crashed and was stable. Well, this computer is addictive, although probably its charm wouldn’t work on everyone.

What other problems did I have at the beginning? Music playback and navigation apps based on third-party maps available in the Garmin IQ store. I found a solution for the music issue on discussion groups concerning Garmin Fenix. For an unknown reason, if you have Deezer on your watch and the install Spotify, the latter wouldn’t work. Uninstalling Deezer did the trick. The same issue concerned using the Locus app.

A software conflict forced me to uninstall a similar app from a different vendor.

At the beginning of my review I mentioned that the second edition of Garmin Descent includes two models – MK2i and MK2.

The “i” in the name is crucial. Not only due to the differences between models from the same series. The danger is out there during the purchase as well. Should buying e.g. on Ebay cross your mind, be alert not to buy a set which is not really a set.

Some canny sellers combine Descent MK2 (the stripped version) with a Descent T1 transmitter, while T1 is dedicated for MK2i only. I am writing about price traps on purpose. In my opinion, the manufacturer pricing for the European market

a smartwatch. Of course, what is an advantage for someone,

is a bit excessive. While it is understandable that Garmin is

can be a disadvantage for someone else. MK2i wasn’t tested in

seeking to avoid intra-Union import, due to EUR to USD rate

different gear and gas configurations, so we cannot be sure it

discrepancies some thrifty consumers might be looking to op-

wouldn’t surprise us in a negative manner. The manufacturer

timize their purchasing costs. When I was writing this review,

secured themselves against such circumstances, with a dis-

1898 EUR (1499 EUR for MK2i + 399 EUR for T1) was, according

claimer displayed during the first setup, informing about the

to Revolut, approximately 8627 PLN for a set of MK2i and T1.

possibility of faulty readings during operation. Other manu-

Buying the same set in a shop with USD prices, you would have

facturers put such information in small print, so I appreciate

to pay 1898 USD (1499 USD for MK2i + 399 USD for T1) which

Garmin for the courage. During underwater tests, I haven’t

gives 7092 PLN. Quick math and we have a difference of 1535

noticed any such errors. It never crashed and was stable.

PLN. This is quite a lot, although the manufacturer probably

Well, this computer is addictive, although probably its charm

has some justification for that.

wouldn’t work on everyone. Which, by the way, is the beauty of the free market – a decent selection of alternative goods

After 9 1/2 weeks, my romance with MK2i came to an end.

and attempts to tailor the products/services features to the

What remained was a sense of emptiness – in my heart and

diverse consumers’ need.

on my wrist. The yearning of my wrist soon passed, as MK2i

62

was replaced by my old trusty Garmin Fenix HR. And my heart,

*https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-4A2D3019-

well… my overall experience with this multitool is very positive.

BA14-49BD-B371-4214D187D493/PL-PL/Descent_Mk2i_OM_PL-

It is a full-fledged dive computer, a full-fledged sport watch,

PL.pdf

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tips & curiosities ACADEMY

Regulator PART 2 “DISPELLING THE MYTHS”

Text WOJCIECH A. FILIP

Does the diving world end if I drop my regulator with the connection unsecured into the water (the connection usually is a “screw” that is screwed into the tank valve)?

Is puncturing the dry chamber diaphragm dangerous?

In the second part of the article on regulators, you will read, amongst other things, why flooding a regulator is not a problem and how puncturing the dry chamber diaphragm may increase your diving safety...

To begin with, let us officially explain the issue of flooding the

Each regulator with the designation EN 250:2014 may be

regulator with water. Why officially? Because this has been

flooded with water. It may actually be thrown into salt

precisely described in the standard applicable for approving

water and left there for 8 hours, which means it would be

regulators for use.

completely flooded. Then, when taken out and left to dry for 16 hours (without rinsing)... the regulator must work properly.

Does this mean that I may flood my regulator's interior with salt water without any consequences?

Unfortunately not. The regulator will work properly, but it will start to corrode if left with salt water inside for longer – and that is something we don’t like.

Conclusion no. 1 A regulator may be flooded with fresh or even salt water and it will continue to work  Conclusion no. 2 You need to read the entire article to learn what to do to ensure not only that it will work, but also that it will not corrode 

Photo Bartek Trzciński

64

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

What is the EN 250:2014 standard?

your breathing without making any moves, then... you will

Regulator manufacturers call it the “new” standard, as it has

perform work related to using a very large muscle called the

replaced the old EN 250. It is a collection of information that

diaphragm and many other smaller muscles.

determines the parameters for materials that should be used

This means you need to do a bit of work to breathe. You

for building regulators, stipulating the behavior of such mate-

would feel the effort related to breathing quicker if you dived

rials under different conditions, e.g., regulator hoses should

to 50 m, where the gas you breath would have, to put it very

be capable of bearing the weight of 100 kg, regulators must

simply, a six times greater density. Does it mean that if we

not deform in any way if kept for several hours at tempera-

would drop down on an underwater bench at 50 meters and

tures 100°C apart (from – 30°C to +70°C), or the way that

just breathe from the regulator, doing nothing, we could get

regulator operation is tested at the depths of 30 and 50 m (the

significantly more tired than while breathing on the surface?

old standard covered regulator testing only at the depth of

Exactly that, and the situation could be made even worse by

50 m, the new one added a very important test at the depth

setting the adjustment knobs in your second stage regulators

of 30 m).

to “minus”.

One of the most important parts of the standard for divers

It should be noted that divers not only breathe, but also

is the one that describes how much work we may perform

move, pose for pictures, run from sharks or pull out fishing nets.

underwater while breathing from the regulator. This part of

Therefore, the work performed while diving will be much greater

EN 250:2014 is associated with regulator servicing and setting

than the work resulting just from breathing from the regulator.

the breathing resistance*. Remember that the diver can affect the work of breathing actually done by using different settings of the cracking pressure adjustment knob and Venturi effect

Breathing involves many muscles – the deeper

lever (I have described the details in the previous issue of Per-

you dive, the greater the work of breathing is. To

fect Diver).

improve your diving experience, use the cracking

* That is why the servicing technician should be equipped with a device for

pressure adjustment knob and Venturi effect le-

measuring this resistance.

ver, setting them to “plus” for each dive to minimize the breathing resistance. Another way for

All this is to make diving safe and relaxing 

reducing the work of breathing is to add helium to the air or nitrox you breathe.

Such a breathing mix is called trimix, because of the three gases used in it. Trimix is used by technical divers at greater depths, but also by advanced recreational divers at the depths of 25–40 m.

Such “recreational” trimix is usually called triox.

Photo Karola Takes Photos

What does it mean “how much work we may perform while breathing”?

Be a conscious diver – learn to use and always use the cracking pressure adjustment knob and Venturi effect lever to minimize your breathing resistance.

If you seat comfortably on the bottom at 10 m and focus on

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

65

ACADEMY

Let's get back to flooding the regulator

you use to eat vegetable soup. Meanwhile, one very calm

All the time we're told that you must not put a first stage regu-

breath taken by a diver is 500 mL, that is 20 times as much.

lator into the water without securing the connection or that you

This means that if you would connect a completely flooded

must not press the purge button when rinsing the regulator,

regulator to a tank and press the purge button, it would be

so why say that nothing will happen if you pour water inside?

completely dry after less than 2 seconds 

You already know that this is not so much about an ab-

Can the first stage regulator be flooded by submerging the

stract idea, but this is what the standard used for approving

second stage regulator with the purge button depressed?

each regulator for use says, so the regulator must work no

It is possible, but would require time and persistence. The lon-

matter how flooded it is.

ger the hose connecting the first and second stage regulator,

If you look at this matter from a more technical perspective, it will be easier to understand why water in a regulator is not a big deal.

the longer it takes to flood it. Remember that this trick will not work if your first stage regulator has a tight cover on.

Anyways, you will effectively remove any water from every-

How much water can you pour into a first stage regulator?

thing by pressing the by-pass button, taking a breath, pressing

If you have one of the largest first stage regulators, with a ro-

the inflate button of the inflator or the dry suit. By operating

tary head, then if you try really hard, you can perhaps squeeze

every device connected to the individual hoses for a short while

25 mL of water inside, that is 1–1,5 times the volume of a spoon

you can make sure that they are free of water.

It is also worth to add that in technical diving flooding regulators is almost an everyday situation for divers using several

It takes some time for a regulator that is dropped into

stage cylinders.

water to fill with water. This time is measured in hours

What to do with a regulator flooded with salt water?

rather than minutes. It might just happen that you would

You should remember that water left inside a regulator even

want to use a regulator that has just been taken out of

for several hours is not a problem. The problem starts when

the water after spending several hours there. In such

you flood your regulator often with salt water and leave it to

a situation, after you screw your first stage regulator into

dry. In such situations, the interior of the regulator will very

the tank valve, but before you open it, you should press

likely start to corrode and the regulator will have to be ser-

and hold the purge button on your second stage regula-

viced. For regulators which have been very neglected, kept in

tor while opening the valve. Water is not compressible

a salty environment and dried with salt water inside, it may be

and it is safer to show it out of your regulator.

necessary to replace the body and other elements damaged due to corrosion.

My first and second stage were flooded with salt water! HELP! First stage regulator After flooding a regulator with salt water and taking it out to the surface, you should purge it to remove any salt water and then pour fresh water into it several times, purging it after each fill. The more accurate you are when filling the regulator with fresh water, the more effectively you will clear it of any salt (by the way, you may check how hard it is to flood a regulator ).

There's a trick to do it quicker than by submerging the regulator in a bowl of water: remove the plugs from two LP ports and inject water inside using a syringe, or... use a garden hose and flush the regulator several times without hesitation.

Purge after each flooding, using the by-pass button before opening the tank valve.

Second stage regulator Have you noticed that, after returning from a salt water diving session (e.g. a safari in Egypt), there's a small air leak in your second stage regulator? This is because of the salt deposited on the socket/head connection, that is in the valve of the second stage regulator. To remove it, you should thoroughly rinse the second stage regulator, while pressing the purge button. Thoroughly means that you should submerge it fully in fresh water, while dynamically moving the regulator body. Short purging after rinsing will remove the remaining water from inside.

66

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

scribing the reasons for limiting CO2 accumulation while

This simple trick will save you quite a bit of money!

underwater.

You already know that in order to reduce gas consumption,

In both parts of this article, I have spent much time de-

You know that the amount of CO2 in your body can increase

enhance buoyancy control or limit nitrogen narcosis, it might

for different reasons. It is very important not to allow this gas

be important to set the cracking pressure adjustment knob

to accumulate and to try to remove it. First stage regulators

and Venturi effect lever to “plus”. Meanwhile, many divers buy

with hoses sticking up behind the diver’s head may make im-

a regulator with these adjustments and... set both the knob

possible to raise your head high and, therefore, they may make

and the lever to “minus”.

it difficult to easily exhale CO2 out of your body. An easy and very effective method for different routing of the hoses is to use special angle adapters that allow to properly configure hoses in any regulator.

It may be compared to driving a car with the secondary brake always on.

Regardless of the reasons for such a decision, it might be worthwhile to give it some thought when buying a regulator.

Photo Bartek Trzciński

Using angle adapters to connect LP hoses and second stage regulators should be considered carefully. They may significantly hinder the possibility to easily share your regulator in an “out of gas” (OOG) emergency. It is much easier to grab a traditionally configured hose and pass the regulator to the diver in need.

Selecting the appropriate length for your hoses is related to this, as it may not only affect the ease of operating your second stage regulators, decrease resistance while swimming with a scooter or protect against a hose loop getting hooked, for example, on an element of a wreck, but it may also enhance the breathing comfort, allowing for holding the regulator lightly in your mouth instead of biting it hard for fear of it being pulled out by a hose which is too short (which is usually the reason for using the previously-mentioned angle adapters for second stage regulators).

Appropriately selected LP and HP hoses lengths ensure that the hoses are always close to the diver’s body and do not form unnecessary loops, at the same time ensuring full comfort of use. This applies to any type of configuration used by both the greenhorns and expert divers.

Photo Karola Takes Photos

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

67

ACADEMY

A high-end regulator equipped with both adjustment options that would be set to “minus” works exactly the same as its cousin that does not have these options but is much less expensive. If you do not want to learn how to use a piece of equipment, don't spend an awful lot of money on it and just buy regulators that really suit you.

Another aspect of diving regulators, which is sometimes controversial, is the length of the exhaust tee. Introduction of the so-called “short” exhaust tees was related to regulator weight reduction, easier operation of the second stage regulators when they are frequently exchanged (e.g. sidemount) or while swimming with a scooter. Manufacturers call such exhaust tees “integrated”, while divers call them “short”.

We made up many different reasons why “shorter” ones are worse that the “longer” ones. The picture below shows how deceptive the perspective can be.

If you measure the short and long exhaust tee, you may find that...  Those of you who are not interested in the part for advanced divers are still encouraged to read the useful tips at the end of this article  Photo Bartek Trzciński

For advanced divers Similarly as in the previous part of this article, here's some

service oxygen regulators that are used often two times per year.

short information that should be useful for advanced divers.

3. “Overbalanced*” – this is about gas cut-off in dia-

If you find anything interesting, I will gladly elaborate on the

phragm-controlled regulators equipped with a dry cham-

subject on one of Perfect Diver's media channels.

ber. All of the regulators available in our market are tested in accordance with the EN standard up to 50 m and the

1. During long OC dives, using second stage regulator hous-

68

overbalance occurs at much greater depths and is relat-

ings with a larger volume might be a good idea.

ed to regulator design imperfection. Basically, any cur-

Such regulators have buoyancy close to neutral, which

rently used that is controlled in this way may get blocked

helps a lot in case of long decompression in cold water.

when exposed to an ambient pressure within the range of

2. Using seals with enhanced oxygen resistance (e.g., Viton)

19–23 atmospheres. Different regulator specifications make

does not fully secure O-rings against the impact of oxygen,

the diver feel that “overbalance” is positive (greater amount

especially during long-term exposition. Seals become less

of gas supplied at very large depths), but it quickly turns out

flexible and as they wear out, they may unnecessarily com-

that their gas supply will be cut off soon. The easiest way

plicate hard dives. I suggest to consider replacing them or

to prevent it is removing the dry chamber sealing. This is

tips & curiosities

ACADEMY

one of the reasons behind using diaphragm regulators with

operating characteristics of the regulator and increases

a wet chamber in many rebreathers. By virtue of their de-

safety for deep dives.

sign, this phenomenon does not apply to piston regulators.

The element marked as 2 is the diaphragm controlling the

A piston regulator with diaphragm sealing is an interesting

regulator. This is what makes a regulator a “diaphragm reg-

solution to this problem.

ulator”, even though it is not visible.

*Overbalanced is also a regulator operation mode related to supplying

4. When sidemount divers explore sites with a muddy or mixed

a greater amount of gas, which is supposed to balance its density – this

bottom, it is much easier to clear a second stage regulator

is achieved by applying a higher IP.

blocked with rocks when there is no deflector in it. However, removing the deflector greatly decreases your breathing

By the way: if any beginner diver kept on reading, I would

comfort – so this is a stalemate. It is worth to get familiar

like to mention that puncturing the dry chamber sealing (of-

with the design of the Tec2 Tecline second stage regulator,

ten called a diaphragm) is not a problem for regulator oper-

where shifting the gas outlet duct within the second stage

ation and, when diving very deep, it is necessary to prevent

regulator housing caused a significant resistance decrease

the regulator from cutting off the gas supply. If you have

and made it possible to remove the deflector entirely.

your own regulator, what you're probably thinking now is

5. When planning a long expedition in an area where equip-

“sure, this happens with other regulators, but not my cut-

ment parts/servicing is not easily accessible, you should

ting-edge regulator manufactured by (your manufacturer

check if the manufacturer offers seals made of the material

name ).” Unfortunately, it is very likely that your regulator

called EPDM, which has significantly better properties than

will also stop supplying gas if controlled by the dry chamber.

regular rubber (NBR) in respect of reversible deformation.

In other words, O-rings made of EPDM are much more re-

To explain what is safe and what most definitely is not, please take a look at the picture below.

The element marked as 1 is the dry chamber sealing. Puncturing, damaging or even removing it does not affect the

sistant to deformation under long-term mechanical stress than the regular O-rings.

6. The above descriptions should be considered for regulators used in rebreather supply systems.

Photo Bartek Trzciński

PERFECTDIVER No. 3(15)/2021

69

ACADEMY

Ending or maybe an attempt at a summary?

However, the new standard does not release you from hav-

Regulators usually give raise to unending discussions amongst

ing to learn how to eliminate CO2 from the breathing process.

divers. We like our equipment and, as fiercely as a lion, we can

In case of any doubts, ask your instructor or an experienced

defend our regulator, regardless of whether our interlocutor's arguments are sound or not 

diver for help.

Do you know that a dishwasher can be very helpful in keep-

The world of diving regulators has changed after the

ing your diving regulators in perfect condition? It might be in-

EN 250:2014 standard was introduced – only top-class units

teresting to know that in case of a small leak from the second

remained in the market. Thanks to this, even a beginner diver

stage regulator, you should look for the cause in the first stage

can buy a regulator without any worry of making a bad choice,

regulator. Has the overbalanced phenomenon caught your at-

because they can simply choose the one they like the most

tention and you'd like to know at what depth will your regulator

and... it will work just as well as the best regulator used by

stop supplying gas?

a technical diver, who gazes around gloomily, probably saying “What do you know about regulators?” 

...or perhaps you do not believe that you can safely flood a first stage regulator ?

Photo Ash Embi

Come join us at the Tecline Academy.

Here, we not only build a device for testing regulators that are to operate at extreme depths, but we also allow all those willing to flood our diving regulators  See you there!

WAF.

https://teclinediving.eu/tecline-academy/#/ 70

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