The Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) will add 6 new members in 2021. Huge congratulations to Patricia Beddows, Denise Herzing, Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Dení Ramírez Macías and Allison Vitsky Sallmon. The Wetpixel community will likely recognize Allison’s name. She is an accomplished photographer, author, long-time Wetpixel member and founder of Dive into the Pink, which, among other activities, hosts the annual Into the Pink contest.
The charity leverages the diving community to fund cancer research and patient support.
Press release
The Women Divers Hall of Fame to Welcome Six New Members in 2021
Dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of women divers, the Women Divers Hall of FameTM (WDHOF) is an international non-profit professional honor society whose member contributions span a wide variety of fields including: The Arts, Science, Medicine, Sports, Exploration, Underwater Archaeology, Media, Service, Dive Training and Education, Safety, Business, Marine Environment and Conservation, Free Diving, Commercial Diving, and Military Diving.
The Hall is proud to announce the selection of six new Members who will constitute the Class of 2021: * Patricia Beddows, Ph.D. – Illinois, USA – Karst and Cave Geoscientist, Instrument Developer, Environmental Monitoring * Denise Herzing, Ph.D. – Florida, USA Dolphin Researcher, Marine Biologist, Author * Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D. – California, USA
Marine Biologist, Citizen Science Innovator, Marine Life Identification Educator * Dení Ramírez Macías, Ph.D. – BCS, Mexico Conservation Biologist, Whale Shark and Giant Manta Researcher * Allison Vitsky Sallmon, D.V.M. – California, USA Nonprofit Founder, Underwater Photographer, Writer
WDHOF, a 501(c)(3) corporation, was founded in 2000. WDHOF’s mission is to recognize the contributions of outstanding women divers and to offer financial assistance and mentorship to individuals interested in pursuing diving careers. As such, WDHOF offers numerous scholarships and training grants each year. For more information about or to contribute to the WDHOF scholarship program, please see www.wdhof.org/scholarships.
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1. Project AWAREis our primary partner in marine conservation.
Over the past 28 years, the Project AWARE community has driven over 218,000 conservation actions in over 182 countries creating real and measurable impact for the ocean.
Major achievements include international protection for 20 species of endangered sharks and rays and the development of the largest database of marine debris in the world. All of their success has been achieved with active support from the PADI Community.
For over 2 years, we’ve worked with them to improve the sustainability of the diving and snorkelling industry one center at a time. Support the efforts of those assuming responsibility for their environmental impact by diving with Green Fins dive centers wherever possible. (Hint: look out for the Green Fins logo on all relevant operators on PADI Travel!)
Together, we’re dedicated to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments around the world.
We formed at partnership to do something about the destruction of seagrass and mangrove habitats via their SeaGrass Grow Program. These vital habitats may not get as much attention as coral reefs, but are literally the foundations of life in the ocean and powerful forces in the fight against climate change. Work out your carbon footprint here.
Outdoor Tech Specialist’s Updated Dive Computer, Now With Air Integration
DIVE Report
Wearable sports tech-specialist Garmin has announced the arrival of its new Descent Mk2 and Descent Mk2i dive computers, along with the Descent T1 air-integrated tank transmitter. As with its Descent Mk1 predecessor, the Descent Mk2/2i is designed as a feature-rich package for use both above and below the surface.
The air-integrated (AI) Mk2i version of the Descent pairs with the new T1 transmitter via Garmin’s proprietary ‘SubWave’ sonar-based communication, claimed to increase the range and reliability of tank pressure readings over traditional wireless transmitters. Up to five paired transmitters can be simultaneously monitored from a single computer, allowing divers to view the tank pressure, gas consumption rate and remaining dive time of additional tanks – and other divers – within a 10m underwater range.
Both of the new Descent Mk2 series support multiple dive modes for both single- and multiple-gas dives (including nitrox, trimix and 100 per cent O2), plus gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed-circuit rebreather modes. Additional features include customisable in-dive data fields, a 3-axis digital compass and a new 1.4in colour display, designed to be read in strong sunlight and 36 per cent larger than the Descent Mk1.
Dives are automatically logged in the new free Garmin Dive app, which provides a detailed analysis for each dive, including maximum depth, bottom time and a GPS map of surface entry and exit points. More than 2,700 dive sites around the world are pre-programmed into the app along with the locations of underwater features such as wrecks and reefs, and tide date where necessary.
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER AND GET THREE FREE EBOOKS! Download our FREE gift Around the World in 80 Wrecks – a 70-page, beautifully illustrated, colour guide to the world’s best wrecks – plus Wonders of the Pacific and readers’ favourite Scuba Stories
Above the surface, the Descent Mk2 computers function as premium multisport GPS smartwatches with multi-GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) support and multiple sports profiles. The golf profile includes full-colour mapping of more than 41,000 courses around the world. The computer can be synced with a smartphone to receive notifications for calls, texts and calendar alerts, plus contactless payment with Garmin Pay, music storage and a pulse oximeter for blood oxygen monitoring.
When paired with a compatible Garmin inReach satellite communicator at the surface, users can send and receive messages from the Descent Mk2 or Mk2i watch and, if necessary, trigger an interactive SOS. A protective ‘Mini Dive Case’ (sold separately) is also available for added protection.
‘With premium features for both underwater and topside adventures, along with advanced air integration, the Descent Mk2i and Descent T1 transmitter are essential equipment,’ said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. ‘Leveraging our expertise in marine sonar equipment, we were able to develop our own SubWave sonar technology that sets the standard for extended range and reliability for the diving community.’
In terms of practicality, Garmin claims the Descent Mk2 and Mk2i have a battery life of up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 80 hours in dive mode from a single charge. The Descent Mk2i has a battery life of up to 32 hours when paired with a Descent T1 transmitter, which itself has a life of up to 110 hours from a user-replaceable CR123 battery. The computers and transmitter are depth-rated to 11atm (100m).
In today’s Wetpixel Live Adam Hanlon admits that he had not noticed two new zoom features in yesterday’s release of Lightroom 10 and sets out to remedy this in this short episode!
It is important to stress that the best place to get detailed tutorials about editing is Erin Quigley’s site – GoAskErin
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Please subscribe to the Wetpixel Live YouTube Channel. If you do so, you will be automatically notified when we add more episodes covering the things that underwater image makers need to know.
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Taking photos while you’re diving is clearly more complicated than your typical point-and-shoot situation or snapping an image with your phone. If you’re just beginning to explore the world of underwater photography, these five underwater photo tips for beginners can help.
There are many critical factors when it comes to underwater subjects, including lighting, distance, temperature, buoyancy, and the fact that everything is moving.
When you’re diving in saltwater you must also remember that objects can appear 34 percent larger and 25 percent closer than they truly are because of light refraction through both your mask and the water. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Get closer
Always get close to your subject, even if it’s another diver.
Always try to get as close to your subject as you can without scaring it or disturbing its habitat in any way. While it might be relatively easy to snap a photo of a wreck or marine life from a few feet or meters away, the closer you are, the better the photo. While you’re slowly and non-threateningly moving toward your subject, try to frame the animal in your lens finder by aiming a bit in front of it. This will allow it to move into your field of vision so you can snap away.
While getting closer is a simple, commonsense tip, it can work wonders for the final results. Using a wide-angle, fisheye lens can also bring objects a bit closer and create some dramatic framing with other objects on the sides. So get close — slowly — or just maintain neutral buoyancy in one fishy spot and wait for something to drift in front of you before you snap it.
Shoot up
Shoot up at your subject to frame it well.
This tip is simple: always shoot up, never down. Doing so enables you to get better quality photos with better lighting. This rule holds true for both still images and video.
Shooting up takes advantage of natural light, such as the sun filtering through the water. This is particularly picturesque when it comes to silhouetting a diver or sea life. It also helps brighten the subject matter with ambient light for better results.
Shooting up is also another way to get closer to your subject. If you’re below the animal, it may not notice you slowly rising as much as it would if you’re above it and trying to quickly accelerate toward it as you descend.
Use light
Ambient light is your friend.
Use ambient light whenever possible — the closer you are to the surface on a bright, sunny day, the better. If you’re more than 10 feet (3 m) away from your subject, ambient light may offer an opportunity to capture a good image if you’re shallow and near the surface’s sunlight.
But, if you’re at depth, you’ll need at least a single flash from an underwater camera to throw some light onto an object. Put a large strobe or a bank of lights on your camera to supply enough illumination and properly brighten your subject for a great quality image and help to eliminate the blue tones that plague so many underwater images. In a pinch, a torch can even help add a splash of supplemental light.
If all else fails, use your dive torch.
Always be ready
Fish on the move mean you always must be ready to shoot to capture the moment.
Nowhere is the adage to “be prepared” truer than when you’re diving or snorkeling because you never know what you’ll see. You don’t want to miss out on the shot of a lifetime because you left your camera charging on deck, so make sure your batteries and gear are always ready to go when it’s time for the next dive. Make sure you’ve got enough space in your memory card and your settings are properly calibrated for the dive. Are you shooting macro? Wide-angle? Plan in advance. After all, sea life doesn’t wait for you to photograph them — you’re on their schedule.
Shoot prolifically
Before digital cameras, divers were limited to the number of images on the roll of film they were using, so 36 was the maximum. Now, you can take dozens of photos per dive –– the only limit is the size of your camera’s memory card.
So when you see a cool shot, such as a clownfish closeup, a color-changing cuttlefish, or a toothy barracuda, don’t take just one photo of it. Snap away to get just the shot you want. If you’re using a SLR camera, you can also bracket these shots with different f-stops and lighting combinations to give yourself the best opportunity to capture a keeper.
The fact is, the more pictures you take, the better you’ll get at both composition and operating your camera. You’ll also have more choices when you review your images after your dives. Then, because you’ve followed these five underwater photo tips for beginners, you can edit them, crop them, and adjust light and saturation to create your perfect image. Of course, there are more tips — but those can wait for another article.
Author Gil Zeimer took a scuba resort course on Grand Cayman in 1981. He’s been hooked ever since and has explored the underwater world from Australia to Micronesia to Aruba, almost exclusively in warm waters. As a travel writer, journalist, and advertising writer, Gil is passionate about helping diving industry clients promote their sites, resorts, and causes. He lives in Tiburon, California, which is Spanish for “shark.” Find out more about him here or follow him on Facebook.
NTSB Report Condemns Crew, Owners, and Coast Guard Regulations
The remains of the MV Conception’s hull, shortly before the vessel sank later that morning (Photo: Ventura County Fire Department)
By Mark ‘Crowley’ Russell
The United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has unanimously ruled that the fire onboard the MV Conception was caused by ‘the failure of owners Truth Aquatics to provide effective oversight of its vessel and crew member operations,’ according to its official report.
The Conception liveaboard dive boat was moored off the coast of Santa Barbara on the final night of a three-day trip around Santa Cruz island, when it caught fire in the early hours of 2 September 2019. The ensuing fire spread rapidly, killing all 33 passengers and one crew member, and burned the vessel to the waterline. Initial reports into the incident cited a lack of a night patrol and inadequacies in the escape routes from the passenger sleeping quarters.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but sea conditions and alcohol or drug use by the crew have been ruled out by the NTSB. The investigation found that it was ‘likely’ that the fire started inside the aft portion of the salon, and while a definitive ignition source cannot be determined, ‘the most likely ignition sources include the electrical distribution system of the vessel, unattended batteries being charged, improperly discarded smoking materials, or another undetermined ignition source.’
This image circulated by the NTSB on Twitter shows an overload of equipment on charge in the Conception’s salon (NTSB_Newsroom)
Chillingly, the NTSB’s report also concluded that most of the victims were awake during the fire, but were overcome by smoke inhalation before they were able to escape. Even if they had not been overcome, escape would likely have been difficult – perhaps impossible – as both escape routes from the sleeping quarters opened into the saloon area, in which the fire most likely began. Further, the emergency escape hatch, while conforming with design regulations, was encumbered by passenger bunks.
While the Conception was properly fitted with working smoke detectors to approved regulations, they were installed throughout the passenger sleeping quarters but, crucially, not in the saloon area where it is thought the fire began. As a result, the fire was well established before the smoke could be detected by the devices in the sleeping quarters.
In addition to the lack of smoke detectors in the location where the fire started, the NTSB singled out the failure of the Conception’s crew to provide a roving patrol during the night, a United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulation which, according to the report, was routinely violated by employees of Truth Aquatics onboard both Conception and the company’s other boats. The crew were deemed to be insufficiently trained and Truth Aquatics ‘had been deviating from required safe practices for some time.’
The blaze spread quickly and burned the Conception down to the waterline (Photo: Santa Barabara Fire Department)
Lawyers for Truth Aquatics have previously argued that a crew member had checked the saloon area some 30 minutes before the fire is thought to have begun, however, there is no apparent confirmation that they remained awake after doing so. ‘Had a crew member been awake, and patrolling the 75-foot-long Conception on the morning of the fire,’ said NTSB investigator Andrew Ehlers, ‘it is likely that he or she would likely have discovered the fire at an early stage allowing time to fight the fire and give warning to passengers and crew to evacuate.’
While concluding that the ultimate responsibility for the tragedy lies with the failure of the Conception’s crew to provide a roving patrol, which would likely have detected the fire before it spread and allowed the passengers to evacuate safely, the NTSB report also rebukes failures in existing USCG regulations. Among these are the lack of a regulatory requirement for smoke detectors to be present in all spaces used by passengers, and a lack of regulation that emergency exits from the sleeping quarters open into different areas of the vessel, in case one area becomes unavailable.
‘It is amazing we have an unattended room with batteries charging in it, a griddle, two burners as well as a refrigerator and we have no regulation that requires smoke detectors,’ said NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg.
The NTSB has submitted a list of recommendations to the US Coast Guard for new regulations to be written in light of the tragedy, especially since the vessel, at least by design, conformed to existing legislation.
‘The Conception may have passed all Coast Guard inspections,’ said NTSB Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt, ‘but that did not make it safe. Our new recommendations will make these vessels safer, but there is no rule change that can replace human vigilance.’
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Hawksbill sea turtles are among the most desirable encounters while snorkeling or diving along tropical coral reefs. We have selected some fun information and curiosities to help you enjoy these marvelous encounters even more.
Hawksbill sea turtles are agile marine reptiles that inhabit coral reefs. Being a small to medium size turtle, the carapace of a hawksbill can reach a maximum length of 45 inches (114 cm), and they can weigh up to 190 lbs (86 kg). They have a flattened body shape and the head, which is small and sharp, ends with a “beak” that might remind you of a hawk.
As with every sea turtle, the shell is made of the carapace (dorsal) and the plastron (ventral). The carapace is made up of overlapping scales, traversed by light, dark and golden shades. The plastron is yellowish. The forelimbs of hawksbill turtles have two claws on each flipper.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle Facts
Name: Its name comes from the shape of its mouth, which is reminiscent of a hawk.
Diet: Hawksbills are omnivorous. They feed on several species of invertebrates but most enjoy sponges. This is certainly an unusual diet, because sponges are made of a material very similar to thin glass (with has a dimension like needles). You might assume this could hurt their throat. However, it seems the material does not cause any damage. The diet of a hawksbill might also include squid, shrimp, jellyfish and algae.
Habitat: Hawksbills are found in all tropical regions, sometimes even in subtropical oceans, including the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean. Their preferred habitat is along coral reefs.
Migration: These turtles can make long migrations. They usually migrate from a foraging area to a breeding area and back again.
Reproduction: A hawksbill turtle reaches sexual maturity depending on its geographical location. In the Caribbean, turtles mature at 10 to 20 years, and in the Seychelles and Australia, turtles mature at 30 years or older. Females nest every 2 or 3 years at night (except some of them in the Seychelles, Red Sea and Maldives that have been seen nesting or scoping out good nesting spots during the day). There is no defined nesting season. A female turtle will lay her eggs on the very same beach or not far from where she was born. This place may be near or far from the foraging area. For example, some Australian turtles nest in the Solomon Islands, which are not so far from the northeastern Australian coast.
Threats: The species has declined dramatically in many areas where it was once abundant. It’s the most threatened species of sea turtle. Most of the commercial trade of hawksbills is for their shells (the carapace and plastron are in great demand). In addition, hawksbill eggs are eaten by local people. In Indonesia, the eggs are harvested and sold during religious festivals, while newborns are stuffed and sold as souvenirs to tourists. Other causes of death are pollution, impact with boats and habitat deterioration.
Current population trend: Decreasing.
Status: Critically Endangered.
Q&A About Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Where can I go diving and swimming with hawksbill sea turtles?
How many eggs do hawksbill turtles lay in one nest?
They lay the largest number of eggs in the group of sea turtles. On average, we find 60 to 200 plus eggs in a nest. Females lay eggs every 2 to 3 years, and nesting occurs in at least 70 countries.
Why do hatchlings emerge together?
Because their chamber is deep, and they are small. So opening their eggs together makes climbing to the surface easier. In addition, it reduces the risk of being eaten along the way to the sea. If they came out alone, they would be easy prey.
How long do hawksbill sea turtles live?
Their lifespan is around 30 to 50 years.
How many hawksbill turtles are left?
The population estimate is between 20,000 and 23,000 nesting females. Their major threat is the tortoise shell trade that started over 2,000 years ago with Julius Caesar and has only increased in the past decades, bringing these turtles close to extinction.
How can I see a sea turtle nesting or their babies?
You have to go through serious, turtle-friendly operators. Check out our top 10 list to get more info.
Sea Turtle Saviors
Fortunately, there are several groups of experts who have founded associations which protect these animals through research, education, training and habitat protection.
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Inon has released two new magnifying viewfinders designed for use with Nauticam housings. Available in straight or 45° versions, they can be fitted by users and offer “quality, brighter yet budget-friendly” performance.
The new viewfinders will be shipping from 23 October; please consult your local Inon dealer for pricing information.
Press release
Viewfinders for Nauticam Housing
INON INC. is pleased to announce the official release of another version of INON viewfinders for Nauticam housing on October 23rd, 2020, to offer a viewfinder option for Nauticam housing owners.
Straight Viewfinder Unit II for Nauticam – Release date : October 23rd, 2020 – JAN code : 456212143 989 4
45° Viewfinder Unit II for Nauticam –Release date : October 23rd, 2020 –JAN code : 456212143 988 7
Both viewfinders are bundled with a dedicated tool to remove preinstalled Nauticam viewfinder and install an INON viewfinder for self installation. You can refer to the instruction movie in addition to the user manual. If you do not have confidence in self-installation, please consult with your purchasing dealer for advice.
*Press release information is as of October 21st, 2020 and subject to change without prior notice.
First EasyJet Flight to Sharm in Five Years Welcomed by Dive Centres
Sharm El Sheikh Airport has welcomed its first direct flight from the UK (Photo: Shutterstock)
By Mark ‘Crowley’ Russell
The first direct flight from the UK to the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh has been warmly welcomed by local tour operators, with hopes that it will signal the start of a recovery in tourism to Egypt following the coronavirus shutdown.
The EasyJet flight carrying passengers from Gatwick landed on 17 October, almost five years since Easyjet’s last direct flight from the UK to Sharm, after the forced suspension of air traffic to the resort following the 2015 Russian MetroJet disaster. EasyJet had previously operated the first direct flight from the UK to Hurghada on 7 September.
EasyJet had planned to resume operations in June this year, however, Egyptian airports were closed in March as the coronavirus pandemic took hold. Domestic flights resumed on 1 July, with airports officially opening to international flights on 1 September after the Egyptian government embarked on a drive to certify hotels and dive centres as safe to visit, by meeting tough standards of hygiene in preparation for the return of holidaymakers.
While a limited number of domestic tourists have visited the resorts, and some international tourists have made their way to Egypt either from countries with fewer restrictions or though indirect routes, the uncertainty of continued lockdowns, requirement of PCR tests to travel, and mandatory 14-day self-quarantine on return to the UK have severely reduced the demand for international flights.
While some dive centres have been forced to remain closed until at least 2021, others – including Sinai Divers, Werner Lau, Anthias Divers, Oonasdivers, Circle Divers and more – have reopened to accommodate the low level of tourists that are visiting.
Alun Evans, owner of Elite Diving, which is currently open for business, said: ‘It’s great to see directs flights starting back up from UK to Sharm. We have quite a few divers coming to dive with us booked over the next few weeks. Let’s hope the amount of divers being able to travel will increase very soon.’
EasyJet is currently operating one flight per week to both Sharm and Hurghada, with bookings also available from Manchester on certain dates. A negative PCR test is required to be submitted at most 72 hours before travel. PCR tests costing $30 are available on arrival at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam, however, visitors will be required to isolate in their hotels until the results are received.
https://diveayianapa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/padicdlogo2bw-300x84.png00ScubaJoeyhttps://diveayianapa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/padicdlogo2bw-300x84.pngScubaJoey2020-10-21 09:44:322020-10-21 09:44:32SHARM WELCOMES FIRST DIRECT UK FLIGHT
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Private Scuba Tuition – Learn Scuba Skills.