Scuba Diving Equipment » Artificial Reefs

Diving Artificial Reefs

admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 07:44:52 +0000

Last year I managed to get a trip out to Florida to do some diving, Being quite an experienced PADI Diver I decided to go and have a look at the Oriskany reef. The Oriskany Reef is an artificial reef made from and old air craft carrier – it’s quite a huge “wreck.” I use the term loosely as it was deliberately sunk to produce a new reef environment.

The Oriskany reef lies off the coast of Florida and is not recommended for novice divers as by US Marine Law it has to be a minimum of 55 feet navigational clearance from the surface to allow shipping to pass comfortably over it.

Having said that it is that far down you do not have to go down very far to get a good view of it. The massive air craft carrier is very awe inspiring site under water and although it had only been there for a short time in relative terms a lot of fish and reef organisms have made it there home.

Although I’m an experienced Wreck Diver I did not plan to go into this wreck merely to observe from the safest outside distance was enough for me. This was a really strange feeling to just above the top of the island of the flight deck.

These artificial reefs are going to transform the diving industry and also do a lot for the oceans ECO system, we need to see more developments in this field as more and more of the reefs that are current around the world do get damaged by inconsiderate divers.

By replenishing and conservation of existing reefs we may enjoy the spectacular array of life that manages to exist within the depths. I must admit I would quite like to do a wreck dive and penetrate the vessel just to see the varieties of fish that have made it there home. Not a deep penetration as this is highly not recommended but more of just inside to see a hanger deck.

This would require technical diving skills and a lot of good experts to get advice from before tackling this proposition I hope to be able to come back to this wreck within the next two years as a to have a more intense experience with this wreck.

The Oriskany when it was reefed landed in the upright position as this is an air craft carrier and the top of the ship is broader than the base it was not known if it was going to do this. It’s good that it did because it’s more familiar shape that seeing a wreck on its side.

I have dive many wrecks some of the best ones can be found at Scapa Flow in Shetland Islands. After the war a lot of German ships were scuttled there and remain as wrecks they are very popular with divers but it’s a hell of a long way to go to get there. You sometimes think about flying but that cuts down the amount of diving you can do, as most of the Scapa Flow ships are deep dives too.

I hope to find some more artificial reefs to explore and take more photos and keep a good record to see how these artificial grow in diving popularity.

By: Andy Bolton

Wreck Diving in Malta – the paradise of the Mediterranean Sea

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:14:03 +0000

The Maltese Archipelago is a real paradise for divers and snorkellers. In the case of wreck diving, for many it is a dream come true. The islands have fortunately retained their natural state due, to a large extent, to the sea and its fauna.

The attraction of Malta and Gozo for the diver, however, is based on their unique topographic structure, the healthy water situation which offers a visibility of over 25 meters at most dive sites, the rich fauna and the large amount of wrecks. The combination of sheer cliffs, caves, wrecks, shelves and sandy and rocky sea beds, means there is a large variety of fauna and flora to see and explore in Maltese waters.

Wrecks, as artificial reef habitats, have provided a home for a great number of species in recent years and make excellent dive sites. Even more exciting for both the beginner and the experienced diver, there is also a large amount of wrecks from the First and Second World Wars. They are wrecks of all shapes and dimensions that make Malta and Gozo a clear cut ahead for wreck diving in the Mediterranean.

Some wrecks have also been scuttled as artificial reefs and all offer perfect living conditions for fish and marine organisms. Dives on offer in Malta are either from land or from a boat, depending on the level of experience and the dive sites selected. Maltese diving schools and clubs have highly qualified and experienced professional instructors running courses under the world’s largest diver training organisation, PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors).

The best amongst Malta’s diving schools have their own dedicated top grade scuba equipment as well as all necessary support materials. Academic instruction and practical training can be carried out in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Russian and Arabic.

For the less daring – snorkelling

The active, colourful world that lies beneath the surface of the Maltese sea is full of secrets to be discovered and revealed by the ardent snorkeller. As one explores this world he soon learns more about its inhabitants and the rich life to be found there. It is easy to see why people can become passionate about the underwater world surrounding Malta and Gozo.

As an activity, snorkelling is within the reach of practically everyone. It does not ask for expensive or complicated equipment, and the basics are easy to learn. Most snorkellers take their holidays in areas that are ideal for snorkelling and for people of practically all age groups, which is why Malta has been regularly attracting more of them.

Snorkelling is the practice of swimming at the surface of a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually flippers. In cooler waters or in winter time, a wetsuit may also be worn. Combining these tools allows the snorkeller to observe underwater attractions for extended periods of time with relatively little effort.

Snorkelling is an increasingly popular recreational activity for visitors to Malta and Gozo, with hotels and holiday resorts offering lessons and snorkelling activities throughout the summer months. They give you the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting. This may include some fascinating reefs and their denizens, such as fish, cephalopods, starfish, sea urchins, and mollusks. Snorkelling in the sandy areas may allow sightings of rays and various flatfish.

Other organisms that can be seen while snorkelling in Malta include various forms of seaweed, jellyfish, shrimp, and very rarely, sea turtles and other colourful species. It is a world inviting you in. Don’t hesitate. If the idea of scuba diving is a bit too scary, but you still want to connect with the world under water then snorkelling is the perfect compromise.

By: Lucborg

Scuba Diving in South Beach, Florida

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:08:12 +0000

South Beach offers hotels, restaurants and tourists hot spots anddiving centers South Beach also extends diver training and equipment sales. Whether you are an experienced diver or brand new to the hobby, you will find everything you need at your fingertips.

You’ll will learn the ropes of scuba diving. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, the trainers are excited to help new divers learn about diving. Many have earned their certification in diving in South Beach. Countless divers site the numerous dive trips as the reason they return year after year. Whether it is snorkeling and diving in Key Largo or wreck diving in Miami the excitement of scuba diving excursions entice divers at all levels. South Beach is considered the ultimate authority in diving, which explains why many are drawn to this place.

Safety is top of mind for the instructors and staff at South Beach. With state of the art equipment and professional instructors on hand to guide divers in safety techniques and certification a fun, safe time is a sure bet for everyone. Training even includes emergency first responder. Because safety and excellence are so important only the best equipment is used here.

Equipment found in the area includes all top brand equipment. You can get all that is needed along with regular air fills and up to 50% Nitrox mixes.

It is very important to the dive instructors to raise environmental awareness. Classes also teach divers how to care for and protect Florida’s coral reefs. The monthly meetings at dive clubs, raise monies for the creation of artificial reefs and discuss preservation of natural reefs. Guest speakers are always welcome at these meetings and include well-informed experts who pass on their knowledge to other divers, new and seasoned alike.

It would be naturally assumed that South Beach would sink a lot of money into advertising. But with the stellar reputation they have built around their state-of-the-art facilities and eco-friendly practices and excellent equipment word of mouth has proven more valuable than ordinary means of advertising.

People of all ages sing the praises of South Beach. Couples in early retirement have found it to be an exciting challenge. Young novices are compelled to master it. It is not enough for them to come back simply to enjoy the facilities and diving opportunities. They hope to master the sport of diving in order to one day, with proven skill and a little luck, teach others the way. Hands down it is a hot spot in South Florida for all. It is not a vacation you will likely forget and the knowledge acquired will follow you for a lifetime.

By: Gary Giardina