Mar 2011 Vol 15. Issue 3

Volume 15 Issue 3

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DIVE LOCALLY WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS

an unplanned surpriseDeception pass

TubbaTaha reefs naTural park

“tuba time”hub of The bC diving world

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mArCh 2011 iN this issue

Northwest Dive NewsThe complete resource for what’s happening

in diving in the Pacific Northwest. P.O. Box 1494

Oak Harbor, WA 98277Phone (360) 240-1874

Fax (360) [email protected]

www.nwdivenews.com

Publisher and Editor Rick Stratton/Kathy Stratton

[email protected]

Art DirectorIJ James

Graphic DesignersTJ Pierzchala/Brian Merculief/Jack Bayliss

Production Manager/Expo CoordinatorSelene PetersonWriter/Editor

Jamie FarrisField Reporter/Editor

Barb RoyTravel Editor

Jett Britnell

Accounts ManagerTove Chatham

[email protected]

Advertising SalesRoosevelt Rumble

(360) 240-1874 [email protected]

Northwest Dive News (NWDN) is committed to promoting the sport of scuba diving in the Pacific Northwest. We will present a practical, unbiased point of view regarding all aspects of the sport of scuba diving. Topics covered will include information on current events, dive sites, dive training, dive safety, boat diving, dive buddy network and the personal experiences of our readers, Northwest scuba divers. NWDN believes in honesty and integrity in business and will support all efforts related to this. We encourage our readers to participate in determining the content of this publication by giving us their opinions on the types of articles they would like to see. We invite letters to the editor, manuscripts and photographs related to diving or diving related business.

IMPORTANT NOTICENWDN reserves the right to refuse service to anyone it chooses. The contents of NWDN are opinions of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or any of its staff. The publishers and contributors assume no responsibility for any mishap claimed to be a result of use of this material. Diving is an adventure sport and contains inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or improper diving techniques may result in serious injury or death. Readers are advised to use their own best judgment in each individual situation.

Subscription Rates:U.S. one year $20.00 (3rd Class) Canadian $30 USF

EARN A FREE 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONNWDN wants your diving related stories, cartoons, articles and pictures, and we’ll reward you by sending you a one (1) year subscription in return for the right to publish your original work. In order to win you must be published. This will apply for one article, photo or cartoon per six month period. Stories should be a maximum of 1,200 words and we strongly suggest you include pictures or artwork with your story submissions to increase the likelihood that you will be published. Email submissions to nwdiver @nwdivenews.com or mail to P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Any material accepted may be printed by any means and is subject to revision as required. We are not responsible for returning such without a self-addressed stamped envelope.

NORTHWEST US DIVES

Editor’s Note ......................................4Incoming Mail ....................................5Hot News ...........................................6WA Fish & Wildlife Commission ........8Langley Scuba Fest & Egg Hunt .......9Dive and Travel EXPO................12-17

MONTHly COlUMNS

DAN/Medical Column .................32-33Mystery Critter .................................34BoatingRegulations .........................35Gear Box .........................................36Dive Industry Profile ........................37Dive Directory .............................38-39

NORTHWEST CANADA DIVES

TROPICAl DESTINATIONS

◄ Cover byPhotographer John Rawlings captures

CCR Diver Josh Smith exploring the outer decks of the Cape Breton, a world-famous artificial reef located in the waters off Vancouver Island near Nanaimo, British Columbia. The artificial reef “wrecks” off Nanaimo have become enshrouded with fish

and invertebrate marine life and attract underwater photographers from around the world. Josh’s equipment includes an Innerspace Techno log ie s Mega lodon Closed-Circuit Rebreather and a Shearwater combination dive computer and HUD system - both of which are locally made by fine local companies in the Pacific Northwest.

20 Deception Pass- An Unplanned Surprise Sometimes a dive is an unplanned surprise loaded with creatures and a landscape you would have not otherwise seen had you simply not overslept. Goblet sponge, sculpin and Red Irish Lords cascade through the currents at Deception Pass as local diver Kriss Bradley discovers the wonders of a surprise dive that she never planned to do. By Kriss Bradley

28 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – It’s “Tuba Time”Witness to a multitude of Mother Nature’s private showings as writer and California Diver Magazine Managing Editor takes readers on an adventure into Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines. Covering over 96,828 hectare, Tubbataha sports over 600 species of fish, 12 species of sharks and close to 360 different types of hard and soft coral all hiding out in one of the world’s most isolated playgrounds. By Mike Bartick

sigN up for our NeW e-subsCriptioN At WWW.diveNeWsNetWork.Com

24 Nanaimo – The Hub of the British Columbia Diving World From the HMCS Saskatchewan, a 366 ft. sunken destroyer artificial reef to one of hundreds of dive sites to a play date with local seals, Nanaimo is a place where the landscape lends a ghostly yet heavenly glimpse into the underwater world of our planet. Join veteran diver and Dive News Publisher Rick Stratton as he traverses the currents of Nanaimo, BC. By Rick Stratton

pubLisher’s Note do you have an opinion? Contact us: [email protected]

www.nwdivenews.com4 Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 4

march is momentum monthwe want to be friends-with benefits

Rick Rick Strattonfacebook.com/Rick.Stratton1twitter.com/nedivenews, twitter.com/[email protected]

Welcome to the March edition of Northwest Dive News. As usual we

have slaved over this edition – jamming it full of information to help you become more active in the sport – locally – where it really matters.

Many readers have recently noticed the many improvements to the magazine, both print and online, but for those who have missed them I’d like to point some out.

Our Hot News and regional news section in the magazine are jammed with great news items this month. Not only is the local diving community coming out of our winter slumber but you are sending us your events to [email protected] or online at www.divenewsmag.com. Either way we have lots

of news and information on what’s happening in the sport in your neck of the woods. Our improvements enable us to gather momentum and be an even more useful resource than before. This new energy has also brought us some great ideas which you will see unfold over the next several months. This first is a new partnership. We have partnered with Momentum Watches on a joint promotion to become friends with our readers…and…we are bringing benefits.

During the month of March, if you become “friends” with us on Facebook or join our Constant Contact list online – you will be entered to win 1 of 12 Momentum Watches that we are giving away this month. That’s right, be our friend and we just might give you some time…

We promise to be good “friends” and will not spam you with “special offers” – unless you ask for them, so no worries there. We just want to keep in touch like real friends do. So come on – be our friend – it has benefits.

CheCk out our NeW Website: WWW.diveNeWsNetWork.Com

moNthLY ArtiCLes Letter to the editor

Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com 555

Education Local Dives Travel Equipment My Personal Promise

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We support LoCAL divers - LoCAL divers support the iNdustrY.

Rick

Dear rickHi, my name is Pamela and I’m a divenewsnetwork.com reader.

I’d like to thank you for the excellent information I’ve found on divenewsnetwork.com. It’s always a great pleasure to read your articles and I am a loyal reader.

I live in Burr Ridge, IL where I try to increase the awareness on healthy eating among my family and friends. I’m diabetic and figured you might be interested in including a guest article for divenewsnetwork.com about a new study stating that fish cooking methods have a role in preserving its health benefits. The article is in the form of a little guide with my secret fish recipe to help your readers to experience this topic and perhaps begin a discussion. Please, take a minute to consider this because any support to spread information that increases an awareness of healthy eating would be appreciated. Together we can educate the public about the dangers of unhealthy cooking techniques and hopefully save some lives. Thank you for your desire to help and keep posting your excellent information on divenewsnetwork.com.

Sincerely,Pamela Robinette

Dear Pamela,Thanks for the note and offer to write an article. Please send it

in. We encourage reader involvement and look forward to receiving reader submissions. We enjoy a diverse group of readers and we all have something to learn from each other! We, after all, don’t have all the information or all the talent, so please…share. We do have an excellent vehicle to get the word out. Whether it is in the magazine or online with a link back to you, we can help our readers connect.

Thanks for suggesting it.

SenD uS your commentS!If you are interested in contributing local diving info,

contact our editorial staff at [email protected] Don’t have to be a writer to be a contributor!

Healthy eating habits include fresh fish! Photo by Stock.xchng

hot NeWs get your business noticed by sending us your NeWs/eveNts: [email protected]

www.nwdivenews.com6 Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 6 seNd us Your NeWs/eveNts free At [email protected]

Silent worlD Diving haS moveDSilent World Diving has moved recently…across the street. Silent World can now be found at 13433-NE 20th Street, Ste V/W in Bellevue, WA. The owner, Craig Willemsen, says that he believes the customers will enjoy the new location more. “There is better visibility in the new store and we like the lighting,” Willemsen says. For more info visit http://silent-world.com.

Dive newS teen writer brianna Darcy awarDeD ScholarShiP Dive News teen writer and diver Brianna Darcy was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the Women Divers Hall of Fame and Ocean Pals through their Marine Careers Program, a part of Beneath the Sea Dive show. The Marine Careers Program’s scholarship is one of the few that are available for Brianna’s age, 14

years old, however according to her dad Bill, once Brianna turns 16 a “world of scholarships will open up for her.” The scholarship will be awarded during the Women Divers Hall of Fame lunch at this years’ Beneath the Sea Dive Show to be held March 25 – 27. For more info visit www.beneaththesea.org

local Diver graDuateS from DitLocal diver, Zack Hammond, resident of Whidbey Island, WA and dive control specialist for Whidbey Island Dive Center, recently graduated at the top of his class from Divers Institute of Technology in Seattle, WA. Hammond, who has been diving recreationally for the past five years, is now a commercial diver and according to Hammond “will no longer associate with lower forms of life – like scumbag recreational divers!” Seriously…congrats Zack – we hope you get a job soon.

local Dive charter comPany exPanDSBandito Charters, one of Puget Sound’s largest dive charter companies, is expanding its fleet again. Acquiring the 28 ft. Island Diver, Bandito will be offering service to Northern and Mid-Puget Sound locations. With Captain Don Peterson and Jackie DeHaven, the newest addition will be based in Port Angeles and charter to sites like Diamond Knot, Deception Pass and Neah Bay. For more information www.banditocharters.com

reef hitS 20,000 SurveyS on the weSt coaStREEF volunteer surveyor Mike Delaney recently conducted the 20,000th REEF survey in REEF’s West Coast Pacific region. The lucky 20k survey was at Whytecliff Park in Vancouver, BC on Friday, February 4th. Interestingly enough, this is where Delaney logged his very first REEF survey

back in 1999. If you’d like to become involved in REEF, contact Janna Nichols at [email protected].

Derelict crab PotS to be removeD from bc waterSThe Northwest Straits Initiative has announced that it will remove derelict crab pots from Boundary Bay, British Columbia with funding from British Columbia’s Ministry of the Environment. The project will document the impacts of derelict crab pots in British Columbia. Surveys conducted in British Columbia Boundary Bay in January found more than 1,800 derelict crab pots in a small 5.5 square kilometer area and initiative crews hope to remove up to 120 of those pots. Learn more at www.nwstraits.org and www.derelictgear.org

CLub meetiNgs & eveNts do you want your event listed here? Contact us: [email protected]


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Mar. 8: Portland Sea Searchers meeting, 7 p.m., Portland, Ore. 503-709-9306 Mar. 8: Yakima Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., El Porton, Yakima, Wash. yakimadiveclub.sharepointspace.com Mar. 8: Wet & Wild Diving Society meeting, 7:30 p.m., Bob Lamb Industry Education Centre, Fort McMurray, AB, Canada. www.ghphoto.ca/wwscuba/ Mar. 8: Mountain Sharks Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Jakers Restaurant, Missoula, Mont. www.mountainsharks.org Mar. 9: Emerald Sea Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Pub, Everett, Wash. www.emeraldseadiveclub.org Mar. 9: Puget Sound Depth Charges Dive Club Meeting, 6 p.m., Milton Tavern, Milton, Wash., www.psdepthchargers.com Mar.12: Featured Education family event beach walk, 8-9 p.m., Foss Waterway Seaport, Hood Canal Marina, Union, Wash. http://pugetsound.org Mar. 14: Napa Valley Divers club meeting, 7 p.m., Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Napa, Calif. www.napavalleydivers.com Mar. 15: Kelp Krawlers dive club meeting, 7 p.m., Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor, Olympia, Wash. www.kelpkrawlers.org Mar. 16: Atomic Ducks Dive Club Meeting, 7 p.m., Bank Reale, 5205 North Road 68, Pasco, Wash., www.ducksdiveclub.org Mar. 24: Boeing Seahorses Dive Club meeting, 6 p.m., Round Table Pizza, Issaquah, Wash. www.seahorsediveclub.com Mar. 26: 9th Annual Chicago Maritime Festival, Historical Museum, Chicago, IL. www.chicagomaritimefestival.org Apr. 3: Northwest Adventure Divers club meeting, 7 p.m., The Golden Steer, Kent, Wash. www.nwadventuredivers.com Apr. 5: Eugene Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Izzy’s Pizza, Eugene, Ore. www.eugenediveclub.com Apr. 5: Atomic Ducks Dive Club Social, 6-9 p.m., Kimo’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, 2696 North Columbia Center Boulevard, Richland, Wash., www.ducksdiveclub.org

Apr. 5: Divers Down Under club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Adventures Down Under, Bellingham, Wash. www.adventuresdownunder.com Apr. 6: Adventures Down Under Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Adventures Down Under, Bellingham, WA. www.adventuresdownunder.com Apr. 6: Marker Buoy Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Sunset Hill Community Center, Seattle, WA. www.markerbuoydiveclub.org Apr. 6: Emerald Sea Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Pub, Everett, Wash. www.emeraldseadiveclub.org Apr. 6: Puget Sound Depth Charges Dive Club Meeting, 6 p.m., Milton Tavern, Milton, Wash., www.psdepthchargers.com Apr. 7: Northwest Divers club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Kwan’s Cuisine, Salem, Ore. www.salemscuba.com Apr. 7: GSNDAMBAA club meeting, 6 p.m., Edmonds Underwater Sports, Edmonds, Wash. www.gsndambaa.org Apr. 7: Oregon Scuba Club meeting, 7 p.m., Buster’s BBQ, Tigard, Ore. www.oregonscuba.com

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It’s become a hot button issue for some of Washington state’s spear fishermen; being

held to the same rules as line fishermen in terms of the size of lingcod that can be caught. Divers and spear fishermen as advocating lowering the limit to 26 inches due to the fact that, as spear fishermen, it is difficult to determine exact size under water and once a lingcod is speared there is no “throwing it back as regular fishermen can do.

Recently F&WL Commissioner David Jennings responded to a letter written by diver Michael Rigik and printed in NW Dive News. In his letter Rigik asked several questions of Jennings and F&WL. Jennings responded that “the Commission is composed of 9 members who were involved in the adoption of the current rule. Implementation of the rule falls to the staff of the Department of Fish and Wildlife.” He also added that he may be the only member of the Commission who is an active scuba diver. He is certified as a Master Diver by PADI and recently became certified as a technical diver by TDI. “I have -350 recorded dives in Puget Sound and recently had one of my photos displayed in Andy Lamb’s column in Northwest Dive News,” Jennings added. “I routinely get within 3 feet of lingcod (though not with a spear, rather with my camera – I make the distinction because I recognize that the lingcod may be much more wary if they sense they are being stalked by a (human) predator).”

Jennings said that he shares Rigik’s concerns about the challenges posed by the current regulations – particularly for the lower limit of the slot. “With the underwater magnification that occurs and the difficulty of stalking a wild fish, expecting divers to bracket to the extent required is challenging,”

Jennings added. He says that he will continue to advocate for dropping the lower limit part of the slot size.

In a returned response Rigik let Jennings know that he appreciated his response but also added that he also wanted to see some consideration in terms of the 36 inch maximum. “I completely understand the reasoning behind the 40 inch to 36 inch maximum length reduction,” Rigik explained, “But – I think the Commission members need to seriously consider the following. Should a diver spear a fish that measures 37 inches or slightly longer when boated, the only viable option to the diver is to return the dead fish back to the water, thus wasting it. I certainly would not keep an illegal fish, facing a large financial Citation and possible confiscation of diving and boating equipment, nor would Rick Stratton, editor of Northwest Dive News Magazine. For a rod and reel fisherman, a longer fish can be hooked and returned to the water essentially unharmed.”

Photo by Jim Lyte

Rigik added that these are things the Commission really needed to consider. For now the two men will continue to communicate and both look forward to the reconsideration of the 2010 rule change. ■

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The Easter Bunny will be hopping around the corner pretty quick and the folks at The Port of South Whidbey will be hosting the

Langley Scuba Fest & Egg Hunt at the South Whidbey Harbor at Langley to welcome the long-eared fellow.

The Scuba Fest & Egg Hunt will be held at the marina Saturday, April 23 beginning at 9 a.m. The event is free and will have family activities throughout the day, including a Beach Treasure Hunt for the kids, a photo contest and an underwater egg hunt complete with prizes awarded to those who find the coveted eggs.

Last year’s event was well received by the dive community and the Harbor folks are hoping this year’s event will go just as well. This year the Harbor is using the Langley Scuba Fest and Egg hunt to also kick off their new future development plans. “We need your help to make this a successful event and help determine the future of diving at the Langley Harbor,” says Harbor Master Duncan McPhee. “We are looking for sponsors who can assist with program development and direction as the Port expands the Langley Facility.” McPhee says they need to demonstrate there is an active dive community involved who are willing to be a part of the future development so they can get the most from the future development. “I am looking for diver input and cooperation in using this event to develop a visible dive presence at the South Whidbey Harbor,” McPhee says. “This event will demonstrate the need for future access, facilities and need for these types of activities. Every local diver’s experience and participation will be appreciated.” McPhee adds he believes local dive events will have greater success if they are designed by divers for divers. The Port, he says, will continue to organize sponsors, promotion, event funding and facilities.

There are three levels of sponsorship being set up for the future development. A Host Sponsor would act as chair for program development and scheduling and be listed as Event Host in all event promotions and news releases. The harbor prefers dive related businesses become host sponsors. An Event Sponsor will be a dive related business or organization that would assist with promotions, provide demonstrations/presentations, assist with event operations and safety as well as provide dive related prizes. Event sponsors will gain high visibility in the dive community, promotion of their business/organization with special recognition for contribution/service. Finally, a Participating Sponsor would be a local business/organization

providing prize donations for promotional consideration. “We need the dive community’s help so they and the local community can get the most out of the future development of the harbor,” McPhee says. “We also welcome any suggestions along the way.” For more info call 360 221-1120. ■

langley scuba fest and egg hunt-easter bunny to dive langley harbor

Photo by Port of South Whidbey

2nd Annual

Scuba FestPort of South Whidbey’s Harbor at Langley

Langley Harbor’s Dive EventJoin us for Fun and Games

Saturday, April 239 am to 4 pm

Featuring demonstration, prizes and more!

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt

Kids’ Beach Treasure Hunt

A PhotoEvent

For more information contact the Harbormaster at [email protected]

or call 360-221-1120


CommuNitY iNvoLvemeNt rogest

CheCk out our NeW Website: WWW.diveNeWsNetWork.Com

By Rick Stratton

Ron Steven, aka, marine artist known as “Rogest” and DNN publisher, Rick

Stratton, recently spoke at Elma Elemen-tary school, about 40 miles west of Olym-pia, Washington to a group of about 100 3rd graders. As part of the Marine Careers Outreach arm of the 2011 Dive &Travel Expo and a continuing effort by Rogest to “give back” to kids, Stratton and Rogest teamed to introduce kids to the ocean’s environment, and the potential to find a future in marine careers.

“I know that speaking to 3rd graders about their future careers seems a bit of a stretch, but we were all introduced to the oceans by Cousteau and Sea Hunt’s Mike Nelson about that age. I remember watching them in amazement. As the Event Director for the Dive & Travel Expo, I would like to use the time and resources from the Expo to impact the future of our sport – these kids are our future,” said DNN Publisher, Rick Stratton.

Rogest’s presentation was about marine art, expressing oneself through art and the importance of protection our entire environment. “We all have thou-sands of opportunities every single day to help realize the ‘natural order of things.’ So many seemingly trivial interactions between people and the environment present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of

love and humanity and take action or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process,” said Rogest. As part of his presentation, Rogest had the kids paint on a large 24x36 can-vas, which he donated to the school to be hung where their art creation will continue to inspire them.

According to Elma Elementary teacher and local diver Kim Stenek, the visit was a hit. “My kids will never forget Rick or Ro-gest! They had an absolute blast with both of them! We love the finished artwork that the kids created and we are getting ready to frame it and hang it in the 3rd grade hall. Rick and Ronnie make a great team! While Rogest is managing the front of the room, Rick, is fielding questions from the back of the room. Talk about a well cho-reographed presentation,” said Stenek. “Both of the presentations were “spot on” for the target audience of 3rd graders. Thank you also for all of the free goodies! Oh my gosh! The kids were so very excited

about the free tickets to the Dive Expo donated by Rick and Northwest Dive News Magazine, while the teachers were thrilled with the Rogest calendars for the classroom. The kids enjoyed read-ing Rogest’s funny poetry book during library time. These kids were inspired, later at “library time” they checked out some new books about the ocean and marine life...they truly were inspired by their visit,” continued Stenek.

School Vice President, Greg Scroggins, thought that the visit was terrific and loved the message to the kids. “Rogest’s and Rick’s energy was amazing. They showed the kids real passion for their jobs and protection of our environment, what great

rogest and dnn team for kids

Rick with Elma Vice Principle Greg Scroggins. Photo by Rick Stratton..

Marine artist “Rogest” teaches art to Elma Elementary 3rd graders. Photo by Rick Stratton.

Northwest Dive News JANUARY 2011 www.nwdivenews.com 11111111

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examples to follow,” said Scroggins.According to Stratton, this presenta-

tion is just the first of many. Rogest has been speaking to kids of all ages for many years. He has worked with kids for the past decade, has been the Kids Sea Camp special guest artist for the last 8 years and has literally done thousands of presenta-tions to kids. “We have established an “outreach” program for the Dive Expo, where we could impact school age kids. I really appreciate Rogest donating his time and energy helping me, help the kids,” said Stratton.

For more information about Marine Careers presentations or information about Rogest – marine artist, contact www.diveandtravelexpo.com or www.rogest.com ■

Rick and Elma Elementary 3rd grade teacher Kim Stenek.

Photo by Rick Stratton.

Check out the video of our visit. YouTube.com/divenewsnetwork.

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eXpo shoW dAtes: ApriL 9-10 At the greAter tAComA CoNveNtioN ANd trAde CeNter

DIVE & TRAVEL EXPO OFFERS


The Dive and Travel Expo will offer over $100,000 in cash and prizes this

year. Come out and join us on April 9-10 at the Tacoma Convention Center…we’ll see you there! For more info visit www.diveandtravelexpo.com

Schedule of EventsFriday, April 8thVendor exhibits setup and mini Dive Industry Day.

All Pacific Northwest Dive industry professionals, i.e. dive shop owners, dive instructors, dive masters, and key shop employees are invited to attend the mini Dive Industry Day to mix and mingle with the exhibitors who have travelled from all over the world to meet you. Sit down with them and talk about how your business and theirs can work together to grow. Share what you have to offer.

12pm-2pm – Dive Industry Seminar – with LUNCH PROVIDED (Courtesy of Constant Contact, Oceanic USA)

2pm-6pm – mini Dive Industry Day

6pm-8pm – Industry and Exhibitor Social with food and entertainment – sponsored by Constant Contact, Oceanic and Body Glove. Listen to Pup Morris – the Scuba Cowboy band as he croons Jimmy Buffet tunes, meet Greg and his Mermaids from Scuba Radio and have some food and drinks with your industry buddies.

Saturday, April 9th10am – 6pm – Dive & Travel Expo Open to the Public at the Greater Tacoma Trade and Convention Center main hall – 4th floor. With 288 exciting exhibit booths filled with vendors from all across the world. Here are some of the highlights of the show.

Try Scuba FREE in the indoor pool. Get a free introductory course ($50 value) from a licensed scuba instructor as part of your admission. Feel what it is like to breathe underwater and swim in a drysuit!

Meet industry professionals like training agencies, PADI, NAUI, SSI, TDI/SDI, IANTD and NASE.

Meet Dan Orr – CEO of Divers Alert Network – the dive industry largest non-profit scuba diving and dive safety association providing expert medical professionals

who offer unlimited advice for underwater injuries. Learn what DAN has to offer you as a diver.

Talk with top Dive Equipment manufactures about their latest products like , Oceanic, Hollis, Aeris, Cressi-sub, Silent Diving Systems, XS Scuba, Edge Gear, Sealife, Seasoft, DUI, Aqua Lung, Camero, Whites, Tabata, UK, Bonica, Poseidon, Harvey’s, Zeagle and many others.

Get information and talk to leading edge gear manufactures with Rebreathers like, Inspiration, KISS, Megladon and others.

Meet resort owners and travel professionals from all across the globe with information about the world’s best diving destinations, like Maduro, Scuba Travel Ventures, Caradonna, World Diving, Aggressor Fleet and Dive Encounters. EGA group represents some of the world finest resorts and liveaboards. Talk with resort owners and managers from incredible destinations, like the Philippines, Fiji, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, Cozumel, Palau, Honduras, and many more…

Meet Pacific Northwest dive charter operators who provide the local divers access to great dive spots like, Bandito

The 4th annual Dive and Travel Expo, held in Tacoma on April 9-10 will be an amazing weekend of scuba that will host 300 plus exciting exhibit booths showcasing some of the world’s leading dive industry professionals and sponsor a Shoot to Win photo contest as well as captivate with the Saturday Night Film Festival.


the dive & trAveL eXpo is the NorthWest’s oNLY diviNg eXpo—doN’t miss the shoW!

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eXpo shoW dAtes: ApriL 9-10 At the greAter tAComA CoNveNtioN ANd trAde CeNter

Dive Expo - Sat Night Film Festival – Be Fed, Entertained and Inspired


Charters, Divers Dream Charters, Naknek Charters, and British Columbia charters like Pacific Pro Dive, 49th Parallel Charters, Cedar Beach Resort, Blue Adventure Charters – Sea Dragon (Nanaimo’s newest dive charter), Rendezvous Adventures, Browning Pass Hideaway, God’s Pocket Resort and others…

Meet local dive shop owners and their staff who can train and equip you to dive anywhere like, Adventures Down Under (Bellingham), Whidbey Island Dive Center (Oak Harbor), Anacortes Diving Supply (Anacortes), Underwater Sports (Seattle – 5 locations), Lighthouse Diving (Lynnwood – 3 locations), Silent World (Bellevue), TLSEA Diving (Kent), Eugene Skin Divers (Eugene, Oregon), Tacoma Scuba (Tacoma, WA), Seven Seas Scuba (Vancouver, WA), Astoria Scuba (Astoria, Oregon), Seattle Scuba Schools (Seattle), Dive Commercial International (Seattle), and others..

See New Companies with innovative products like, FrogSpit (mask defogger), XIT404 (Aqua Pencil, Aqua Tether, Slate, Lead Pack, Eraser and Float Anchor), Rescue Tape (The Fastest Self-Fusing Silicone Tape on the Market Today!), Dive Caddy (custom design dive bag system), and more…

Not-for-Profit companies who are doing good for our industry and their fellow man like, DiveHeart, Mariners School, Kids Sea Camp and others

Learn New Skills at informative seminars and workshops like,

Cathy Church - has been photographing the underwater world since 1967, she has a master’s degree in marine biology and is recognized as one of the world’s foremost teachers and authors on underwater photography.

Saturday April 9, 2010 10:00am–1:00pm

You bought your digital camera, now what?

Bring your camera system to this three-hour workshop so that you can enjoy hands-on guidance to show you step-by-step how to get the best possible photos from the camera system you have.

Sunday April 10, 2010 10:00am-1:00pm

Mastering Underwater Strobes (for cameras with manual controls and an external strobe)

This workshop is aimed at manual exposure cameras with external strobes. This includes all SLR cameras as well as other compact digitals that allow full f-stop and shutter speed control such as the Olympus SP350 & EPL1, Canon S90/95, G10/11 and Sea and Sea DX-2G.

Over 50 Informative Seminars on a variety of dive and travel topics including,(many speakers are bringing prizes to

giveaway at their seminars – attendance has benefits!!)

• Underwater photography basic tips and Advanced shooting – 8 seminars• Great Dives and Destination – a variety of speakers and destinations– 12 seminars• Critter ID or Hug-a-fish – 4 seminars• Great work with Good Causes – 4 amazing seminars• Dive Safety – 3 seminars• Technical Diving – 3 seminars• Rebreather Diving – 3 seminars• How to’s and dive skill workshops – 3 seminars

Meet with other Pacific Northwest divers and find new dive buddies with dive club and association booths like, Marker Buoys (Seattle), Mudsharks (Seattle area), Moss Bay (Seattle –east), Boeing Sea Horses, Kelp Krawlers and more…

Be Fed and Entertained at the Saturday Night Film Festival

The Saturday Night Film Festival held on April 9th at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, will be all new and much bigger than previous years. This year’s event will be held in the main ballroom and will include a sit down dinner, award presentation and presentations by world-class diver photographers/videographers.

6pm – No Host Cocktail Reception – Drop Zone Fiji Film Premiere - a film combining surfing and diving in the incredibly beautiful surroundings of Fiji, presented by Body Glove, PADI and Sport Diver magazine (raffle for a trip to Fiji for 2 with Airfare!)

7 p.m. – Dinner will be served to guests and speakers (dinner, includes Salad, entree, drink and dessert) Emcee Annie Crawley, award winning youth and motivational speaker, will kick off the event with her own captivating video presentation. She will introduce speakers including:

Cathy Church Photo Skills Workshop

“Hunter” (2010) - Photo by Bob Bailey

Dive and Travel Expo 2011 Photo/Video Contest


the dive & trAveL eXpo is the NorthWest’s oNLY diviNg eXpo—doN’t miss the shoW!

At the Tacoma Convention Center

Saturday 10-6Sunday 10-4

Film Festival: Saturday 7-9 pmTreasure Hunt: Sunday 9 am


Over $100,000 in Cash & Prizes!We support our LoCAL dive shop - Without them We WiLL Not hAve A dive iNdustrY.

7:30 – Entertainment and Enrichment by World-Class presenters, including,

Florian Graner PHD, a marine biologist and cinematographer. He will premier his newest film, Beneath the Salish Sea; An Underwater Odyssey through Puget Sound. The film, shot

in stunning HD, profiles the incredible sea life in Puget Sound and discover the wonders living around Whidbey Island, Hood Canal, and in the greater Salish Sea.

Brandon Cole, PNW native and wildlife pho tographer and writer specializing in the marine environment will offer beautiful photography about the Galapagos Islands,

above and below the water.

D o n n i e R e i d , Logistics & Operations Manager at Pavilion Lake Research Project for NASA and the C a n a d i a n S p a c e Agency, will present “The Pavilion Lake

Research Project (PLRP)” an international, multi-disciplinary, science and exploration effort to explain the origin of freshwater microbialites in Pavilion Lake in nearby British Columbia.

J e t t B r i t n e l l , renowned underwater photographer presents, Raptures of the Emerald Seas, an undersea pictorial of British Columbia’s magical and mysterious ocean realm.

Stuart Westmoreland, recognized as one of the leading nature, l i f e s ty le , mar ine , underwater, travel, concept and general stock photographers in the United States will

present incredible images from below and above the water.

The winners of this year’s photo and video contest will be honored and the presentation of Diver of the Year and the new Local Legends awards will be honored.

Local Legends Award goes to…In terms of Local Legends very few

people meet the criteria. To win this prestigious award a diver has to have made a mark…left an impression…taken diving to new heights. This year’s local legend is Gary Keffler of Underwater Sports. Keffler will be endowed with the very first Local Legends of Diving at this year’s Saturday Night Film Festival during the 2011 Dive and Travel Expo to be held at the Tacoma Convention Center April 10.

Tickets are $30 in advance, ($35 at the door) and include dinner.

Seating in the back, (does not include dinner) - $10 in advance - $15 at the door.

Treasure Hunt to Give Away $50,000 in Prizes!

Gary Keffler

Sunday, April 10th Treasure Hunt at Owen Beach, Point

Defiance Park, Tacoma Over 100 prizes valued at more than

$50,000. Grand prize is a full set of IST equipment – head to foot including; Mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with octopus, pressure gauge, exposure suit (to fit). AND the diver who finds the “treasure chest” gets $1,000 cash (donated by PADI). Other terrific prizes include, dive trips to Hawaii, Fiji, Honduras, Philippines and more!!!

7:30 am – late registration ($35) – Preregister online at www.diveandtravelexpo.com

9:00 am (sharp!) – Treasure Hunt begins

9:30 am – Treasure Hunt ends – divers must exit the water.

9:30-10:30 – Treasure Hunt divers register for prizes (Owen Beach)

12pm-4pm – Treasure Hunt diver pick up prizes at Dive & Travel Expo (Convention Center)

For more info on this year’s Dive and Travel Expo visit www.divenewsnetwork.com/dive-and-travel-expo.


NorthWest destiNAtioN seAttLe


seattleworld class hometown diving

By Mike HughesTravel Editor, Dive News Network

If you ask a local from the state of Washington, they will tell you Seattle has

some of the best diving on the west coast…and it’s sort of true. Divers in Seattle don’t really dive the coastal shoreline because it’s far away and consists of murky turbulent water. Divers in Seattle instead typically dive the calmer clearer waters of the Puget Sound. Ask them and they will tell you it is still the coast. The Puget Sound was first discovered by Captain Cook. (must have been quite a surprise to the local First Nations Indian tribes who had lived here for thousands of years that someone else “discovered” the area) Cook and his crew had seen nothing like it in their years of sailing. Puget Sound is an inland body of salt water where giant octopus, Orca whales, Gray whales, Harbor seals, Dungeness crab, and various sized clams make their home. There really is no other place on earth like it. In fact, the Puget Sound was one of Jacque Cousteau’s top four dive destinations in the world. There are a large number of sites to dive all around the Seattle area. Divers from outside the area use Seattle as a main reference point from where to start. For

Approaching Seattle. Photo Stock.xchng


Where did you dive yesterday? email us: [email protected] seAttLe

this pubLiCAtioN supports the NorthWest dive CommuNitY

instance, 30 minutes away on the other side of the water facing the Seattle Space Needle is West Seattle and the dive sites at Alki. Cove One is a shallow dive next to Salty’s Seafood Restaurant where you can find plates and glasses tossed over board from weekend parties. Cove Two descends down past 110 ft. and it is here you may see a giant octopus or six gill shark. Cove Three dips down past 35 ft. and is a great training spot. It’s also fun to look around for crab and clams at Cove Three. Less than 30 minutes north of Seattle is Edmonds. Downtown in an area referred to as “the bowl” north of the ferry terminal is Bruce Higgins Underwater Trails, the largest underwater park on the west coast. There are twenty-seven acres of marine preserve to explore at Bruce Higgins UT. Hundreds of tug boats, small boats, tires, cement structures, and rocks have been purposely sunk to provide marine habitats where there was once nothing but sand. Miles of ropes crisscross this park giving divers a wide variety of trails to follow and explore. The largest lingcod in the state lives here and squid come into the park at night; seals and salmon are also occasional guests. My second favorite dive site in Edmonds was the “T” shaped oil dock, but the creosote soaked wooden pilings were ripped out of the site destroying the habitat

Cove One dive site near Alki. Photo by Mike Hughes.

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Pier at Les Davis Marine Park.Photo by Mike Hughes.

Mukilteo is 20 minutes north of Edmonds.

Photo by Mike Hughes.

“The Bowl” north of the Edmonds ferry terminal. Photo by Mike Hughes.

that had been created there. All that remains now is sand, a few loose rocks and one out of hundreds of poles that once stood nearby. After the removal of the pilings a sign was posted on shore that reads “IT IS ILLEGAL TO REMOVE OR DESTROY MARINE HABITAT. ENFORCED BY THE CITY OF EDMONDS EMC 505.002.” You can easily dive down to 135 ft. at this spot, but unfortunately there’s no longer anything to see. Approximately 20 more minutes north and you can dive three different sites at Mukilteo. Sites include Mukilteo Park for deep dives, the Oil Dock for catching crab and Silver Cloud Shoreline right in front of the Silver Cloud Inn for training, deep, and multilevel dives. Head 30 minutes south of SeaTac and there are a couple of dives sites in the Tacoma area. One of my favorites is around the pilings at Titlow Beach. There are lots of sea creatures around the pilings and in the crevices of the deeper clay banks. Owens Beach, near the Point Defiance Zoo is a good spot for new divers who want an easy entrance location. A few more miles up the road is Les Davis Marine Park, which has new artfully decorated steps leading down to the water’s edge. Ceramic tiles display images of what you might see on your underwater journey. It is important to remember drive times may vary by as much as an hour and a half due to traffic in the Seattle area. It’s hard to build wide non-congested roads around so many beautiful waterways and scenic shorelines; it gets even more complicated when it rains.


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have an opinion about the story? email us: [email protected] seAttLe


are at least another half dozen spectacular dive sites to explore. From Mukilteo, take the ferry over to Whidbey Island and dive Keystone Jetty. The boulder-constructed jetty is home to wolf eels, giant octopus, and large lingcod. It’s a cool night dive because you don’t have all the city backlight and the bioluminescence of the plankton really gets a chance to glow brightly. From Keystone you can take another ferry over to Port Townsend and go on an antique bottle dive or dive Hudson Point which use to be a submarine tending site and is now a top spot for underwater photographers. An hour and a half or so drive North from Seattle on I-5 will bring you to Anacortes, which is the gate way to charter boats heading for the San Juan Islands. There are hundreds of dive sites around these northern waters. Sares Head is a wall dive that is well known for life on the wall and in the crevices. Inland, right next to Seattle, is Lake Washington. Some boat charter operators

take divers out in the fresh water to explore WWII airplane wrecks which can still be found resting in the silted substrate. Here you can see crawfish, trout, salmon, and machine gun turrets pointed towards the surface. Further away still, yet close enough to drive are other dives sites definitely worth visiting including those located in the Hood Canal such as Sund Rock, Octopus Hole, Mike’s Beach Resort, and the boat dive to Coleman’s Pinnacle. Dive sites to the Vancouver, British Columbia area are also reachable in less than a day, such as Whytecliff Park, but I, like many others, prefer to spend more than just a day at a time up in Canada. So I’ll mention some of my favorite sites up north in another article or, if you can’t wait, you can read about many of them in my book, “The Northwest Dive Guide”. So next time you find yourself headed up to Seattle, don’t forget your tanks and fins…we have lots of places to get wet. ■

If you are up for boat diving there are a plethora of local dive sites. Charter operators frequent the Tacoma Narrows Bridge area or they go south to KVI Towers where there are many octopus residing at the man-made cement pillar reef. The Southern bound charter boats also frequent Zee’s Reef and Sunrise Beach. Both are marine preserves with lots of critters including wolf eels. One the northern routes out of Mukilteo, Edmonds Marina, and even the Tacoma marinas, is over by Whidbey Island to dive the Possession Point Fingers, a collection of walls, caves, and crevices to explore. The Possession Point Ferry wreck and China Wall at Blakely Rocks are also a short boat ride across the Sound. Just past the stellar sea lions that sit on the buoy near the dive site is also a good place to dive. Now if all the mentioned dive sites don’t quench your thirst for salt water and you don’t mind driving two plus hours away from Seattle and/or taking a ferry, then there

Keystone Jetty on Whidbey Island.Photo by Mike Hughes.


NorthWest destiNAtioN deCeptioN pAss

We support the NorthWest dive CommuNitY

By Kriss Bradley

Some days just don’t go the way you plan them…and sometimes it’s not necessarily

a bad thing. Case in point…one Fall morning recently I had made some vague dive plans to go south, probably to dive at Cove 2 with some of its regulars, however once again, my sleep schedule interfered. It’s tough ... sleep in late as I want on a Saturday or get up and drive for two hours to dive a new site? While both are very tempting, sleep won out this particular morning and thus changed my well-intentioned plans. (Note to self…maybe I need to drive down the night before and

sleep in the Cove 2 parking lot…two birds, one stone…)

So now, without concrete plans, I headed in to my local dive shop. My arm valve had been letting in quite a bit of water lately, so at the shop we got it taken apart and saw that the little diaphragm had sort of curled up and was stuck between spokes. I was outside rinsing it in the dunk tank when the screech of tires announced the arrival of my Sensei Paul. I guess he’d left a message looking for me, but on my old phone number, so it was a pleasant surprise when he said c’mon let’s go! I quickly got the valve screwed back

together, tossed everything in the car and headed out with him. We were well on our way when he told me our destination was Deception Pass.

Deception Pass has been on my list of sites to dive. When I first decided to take scuba lessons, I had been considering taking them for about four months before I finally did it, Deception Pass was one of the first places I had heard a diver go on about. A rather handsome young sailor was the first to suggest I take lessons and then went on to describe the wonders and beauty of Deception Pass as incentive. I kind of laughed it off at the time but he came back a week later to ask if I was going to dive with him; the next week I began classes.

My adrenaline levels were off the charts as we drove to Deception. We raced through the trails to the dive spots at the Pass at a dangerous speed of twenty-three miles per hour. Once there, we got out of the car, I exchanged excited greetings with Chris, Jan, and Mike, fellow divers, before humping my gear down to the beach. There was a faint autumn mist still hanging in the gorge and the crash of waves echoed around me. I could feel the power of the water while just standing on the beach. The sun had not yet crested onto North Beach, but the far wall was lit with a honey hue. What a perfect day. After coming back to get suited up, Paul spoke of the currents we would likely encounter, reminding me to keep an eye on my depth. He said it was easy to get deep in a hurry. It was mutually decided to not bring my camera, since I’d rather get some idea of what to expect from such a tricky dive before attempting the photography aspect.

Waist deep, fins on, checked air sources, Paul asks, “ready”? Yep, ready, I confirmed. “Ok let’s do it,” he says and under we go. We got down to about 30 ft. nearly right away, and then worked slowly toward our max of about 60 ft. It was a good thing I didn’t take a camera; the very first boulder would have captured my attention for the entire tank. It was covered with giant barnacle shells,

deception pass

Spectacular view at Deception Pass.Photo www.visitwhidbey.com.

Deception Pass bridge.Photo www.visitwhidbey.com.


Where did you dive yesterday? email us: [email protected] deCeptioN pAss

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some with barnacles, and some with crab as well as lots of tiny sculpins. There was a kelp greenling daddy hovering anxiously nearby, so I’m pretty sure there were some fish eggs in there somewhere, too. It was truly a sight to see.

As the dive continued I saw several sponges I hadn’t seen before, including the goblet sponge, the finger sponge, some sort of white encrusting stuff, and antler sponges. It took me by surprise to see that the finger sponges were so flexible. It’s actually how I noticed them; they caught my eye by waving wildly in the current. A lone goblet sponge stood with its trumpet facing into the current. It bobbed and weaved up and down like a drink held by a story-telling ghostly partygoer.

We saw several Red Irish Lords, but it seems many of them in this area are not solidly colored. I’d always assumed Jan’s pictures of oddly colored ones were more of an aberration, but every Lord I saw was

Grunt Sculpin.Photo by Paul R. Senness.


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NorthWest destiNAtioN deCeptioN pAss


striped or spotted or mottled. I had to giggle when Paul paused to photograph one Lord, then the rock I was hovering over had a Lord come dashing up to gobble a sculpin startled by my presence. It made us both jump a little. When I backed off a foot or two, I discovered another one eyeballing me on the underside of the same rock. I reached out to touch it and it let me pet it, but then lost its nerve and raced away, making me jump once again. They sure can move when they want to.

Another new thing for me was the proliferating anemones. I’ve seen pictures taken by my friend Jan and read his info about them but hadn’t seen them. I was very surprised by how tiny they were. We actually came across a rock which was quite covered in proliferating anemones. With the naked eye, they were a beautiful dusky purple but when I shone my light on them they showed as an electric raspberry red. I flashed the light on and off them several times; I’m easily entertained by the simple things I guess. I enjoyed seeing them with their wee young plastered all along the sides. I think it will be

Brooding Anemone.Photo by Paul R. Senness.


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fun one day to get some pictures of them.We finally made it to the huge bridge

foot, then turned and headed back. There was actually quite the current getting to our fifteen ft. safety stop. Throughout the entire dive I huffed and blew the most between 45 and 15 ft. I also managed to give myself a headache doing it however it still did not take away from the amazing experience of the dive.

Standing in the shallows, I exclaimed to Paul, “that was awesome” and he just smiled knowingly. Someone called to us from shore and I turned to see one of my co-workers,

who had heard my voice. She asked whether I’d picked up any beach glass. I laughed and said, no ma’am, but if you’d like some fishing lures, I could probably gather a dozen in just a few minutes down there, to which she laughed and nodded her understanding.

I had a fantastic dive that day at Deception Pass, and to think, I almost didn’t go because I had been headed out on a different dive. The day had definitely not gone the way I had planned but that was ok…after all, I got to dive the Pass! I’m still doing little happy dances! ■

Kriss Bradley just earned open water certification this past summer, but has been diving eagerly throughout the Puget Sound. With her new underwater camera, she hopes to have begun a journey which will last many happy years.

Red Irish Lord.Photo by Paul R. Senness.

About the Author

www.nwdivenews.com24 Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010

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nanaimothe hub of the british columbia diving world

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By Rick StrattonPublisher, Dive News Network

Scuba diving Nanaimo literally offers divers a look into another world. From

the HMCS Saskatchewan, a 366 ft. sunken destroyer to one of the other artificial reefs sunk for local marine life, this is a place where the landscape lends a ghostly yet heavenly glimpse into the underwater world of our planet. The emerald green waters surrounding Vancouver Island in British Columbia are full of life offering up fine samples of giant Pacific octopus, wolf-eels and playful seals.

Nanaimo is approximately 1-1/2 hours north of Victoria, BC. Whether you are taking the ferry at the Duke Point Ferry Terminal in Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen from the mainland, getting to Nanaimo is

fairly easy. Often referred to as the “Hub City” because of its central location on Vancouver Island, Jacques Cousteau once called the area around Nanaimo, “the best temperate water diving in the world and second only to the Red Sea” and often touted its diving whenever he was asked where the best diving was. Home to the best of British Columbia’s world famous artificial reefs, divers are treated to The Saskatchewan, which was sank June 14, 1997, The Cape Breton, a 442’ former World War II Victory class ship sunk in Nanaimo October 20, 2001 or the RivTow Lion, the newest of the artificial reef, which sits at about 70 ft. All of these created reefs draw divers from all over the world.

Erin Bradley of Ogden Point Dive Centre in Victoria, BC takes a lot of divers out to the

artificial reefs. “We go up quite a bit now to the Cape Breton,” Bradley says. Our dive boat carries 12 divers comfortably and we get a lot of call for the reefs. We actually have done the reef dives for over 10 years however we have been hitting them more aggressively over the last year and a half. The RivTow Lion is the newest of the artificial reefs. It has a lot of large sponges and the local marine life has gotten very comfortable there. Most divers enjoy the RivTow because it has the huge deck with a helicopter pad as well as a really interesting motor bay. It is a great dive.

The Nanaimo area offers so many dive sites it is tough to narrow them down, however there are some that tend to come to mind when divers sit around discussing the diving in the area. Jennifer Ford, Destination


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The wreck of The Cape Breton. Photo by John Rawlings.

Photographer John Rawlings. Photo by John Rawlings.

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Coordinator for the City of Nanaimo, says they are excited about what they have to offer the dive community. “The city’s investment in scuba diving is substantial,” says Ford. “We feel that with our world renowned artificial reefs as well as the natural environment we already offer, we are able to create a foundation upon which new businesses can come in and build. We are excited about what we have to offer here.”

Here are some dive sites local dive shops suggest to divers coming into the area as well as some local favorites. These are just a sampling of what the area offers.

Clarke RockClarke Rock is a popular dive spot for the

locals because it caters to divers of all skill levels. Located in Hammond Bay, Clarke is a rocky pinnacle that is home to a wide range of marine life. Divers like the spot because there appears to be something different to see every time you go. Octopus and wolf-eels are regulars at Clarke Rock.

Gabriola BluffsGabriola Bluffs are truly a sight to see.

Sheer walls plunge into the ocean to 270 ft., this is an amazing dive. The walls are covered with coveted hiding places for an abundance of sea life. Giant Pacific octopus also keep watch on the wall and divers will discover this dive is one of the more fascinating in the Nanaimo area.

The wreck of The Cape Breton. Photo by John Rawlings.

Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com 27Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com 272727

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Narrows is your destination. This passage has sported currents at 9 knots. While the fast currents make for an exciting dive skill-wise they also provide a constant stream of nutrients attracting an amazing array of marine life.

Orlebar PointOrlebar Point is a wall dive and sits just

off Gabriola Island. At approximately 60 ft. there is a sheer wall and overhang that dives down to over 200 ft. This dive will treat you to a ton of invertebrates but also calls for divers to be sure of their skills because the currents can be very strong.

Snake IslandOf all the dives in the Nanaimo area

perhaps the most famous, besides the artificial reefs, are Snake Island Wall and the Snake Island Seal dives. Snake Island Wall drops off and plunges down 600 ft. offering divers an amazing dive. There are overhangs but the most intriguing one is just pass 100 ft. Here divers discover a lot of Plumose anemones as well as a wide array of other sea life. The Snake Island Seal dives are an experience every diver should have at least once.

Kevin and Jan Breckman of Sea Dragon Charters based out of Nanaimo, does all types of dives including wreck, reef, wall and more. They have a new boat this year. Based out of Horshoe Bay, the Topline is 40 feet long, 16′ beam (wide) dive vessel with twin diesel engines that cruise at 15-26 knots. They offer divers a chance to see a wide variety of crab including Puget Sound King Crab, wolf-eels, nudibranchs, a wide variety of starfish, game fish, and beautiful bizarre

fish such as the Decorated Warbonnet and the Grunt Sculpin.

Ed Singer of Sundown Diving, one of the premire dive shops in the Nanaimo area, also offers snorkeling with the seals. “We have a lot of film crews and media doing filming with the seals,” Singer says. “The thing about going out to snorkel with the seals is that you always see them. The interactions change each time you go out but they are always there. Sometimes they will come up and touch your mask or grab your fins but in a playful way; they are like big puppies. The seals are smaller than sea lions and they are not as aggressive which often is something

that we have to explain to folks. Sea Lions tend to be really aggressive and kind of scary at times while the seals are just playful. We provide trips specifically for snorkeling with seals and you would be amazed at how many people want to go out. In fact we have a trip specifically for seal snorkeling where we even provide guests with wetsuits and equipment.”

No matter where else you have been diving, Nanaimo is guaranteed to provide you with an experience that is decidedly different. The artificial reefs are world famous, the ship wrecks are intriguing and the diving is Cousteau approved. ■


trAveL destiNAtioN phiLippiNes

28 We support our LoCAL dive shop - Without them We WiLL Not hAve A dive iNdustrY.

“tuba time”

Mike BartickSaltwaterphoto.com

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines is truly a wonder of natural

beauty. Covering over 96,828 hectare. The protected marine park is home to a massive abundance of fish, plant and coral life. Over 600 species of fish, 12 species of sharks and close to 360 different types of hard and soft coral call this isolated place home. The park itself is the only complete marine world UNESCO heritage site in Southeast Asia. Jessie Beazley and Tubbataha reefs are the confirmed sources of coral and fish larvae that seed the exotic Sulu Sea. The dive season is short lived at Tubbataha and March through June is the time to be here. It’s during this window of time that Tubbataha becomes a Mecca for divers, scientists, explorers, photographers and adventurers alike. Tuba is actually two separate atolls, the Northern Atoll that hosts the rangers station and the Southern Atoll hosting the Lighthouse and Bird Island. This remote and unique habitat is nearly one hundred

fifty Kilometers from the nearest landmass. We board the new Atlantis Resorts liveaboard “The MV Azores” late Saturday afternoon in mid April. The MV Azores is a Brilliant vessel refitted from the Aggressor fleet serving in Sulawesi. Each room is well appointed with ensuit accommodations. The dive stations are individualized with a nice roomy camera table and more. Were are served a chef’s feast and after a visit from the park officials, Captain Scott informs us that we would be setting to Sea shortly. Excitement mounts as we are shown to our staterooms. As it turns out there are only six of us total on this adventure and we have the whole ship to ourselves. The next morning I awake to the sound of the motors powering back and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Ready or not, the show is about to begin. I head up to the deck to get my first glimpse of my new home. I’m met with a spectacular view, an incredible multitude of aquamarine’s, a powder blue sky that seems to meld its way into the sea and stark white puffs of clouds slowly blowing through. Poking through

the surface of the water are a few small rocks marking the edge of the inner lagoon. Amos Rock was to be our first drop, and we were briefed as the crew loaded our mass of cameras and gear into the zodiac. We were to ride the current for an hour and be picked up by our chase boat, easy enough. At the count of three we all roll in, drop down and catch the current. The substrate of the atolls is simple really. The forbidden inner lagoon is ringed by sand, then hard coral, sloping away to about the 40-60 foot mark. Forming canyons, troughs and huge coral heads. At about 60 feet the wall drops dramatically into the abyss. As we begin to drift, we are treated to the stunning beauty that is Tubbataha. A blizzard of Anthias and Fusiliers create a moving decoupage of color with massive sea fans adorn the walls. Pelagic fish like Tunas, Jacks and Trevallies command the reef, even the sharks seem to be leery of their presence. When diving a remote place like this it is always important to keep an eye on the blue water. Make it a point to look away

The crew of the Atlantis Azores. Photo by Mike Bartick.


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from the wall, you never know what is going to join you or come in for a look. Whale sharks have been known to frequent the Atolls, Manta rays are seen with regularity and of course sharks are always present. Over the next few days we are witness to a multitude of mother nature’s private showings as we worked our way around the Northern Atoll. Shark Airport and The Washing Machine at the SE tip of the Northern Atoll is the place where giant ocean currents converge, flushing the area with a conveyor belt of food. The visibility here drops from the usual unlimited to a meager 100+ due to the nutrient rich water. But you know the adage, “Big current equals Big Fish”. When we hit “The Washing Machine” the current wasn’t blowing too strong, but we still got the experience. Down currents, up currents, at one point my fins were even twisting, then into an eddy current where all is calm. My bubbles were flowing around my body rather then up into the water column, Wow, talk about exciting! Now I know why it’s called the Washing Machine. But the big treat for me here are the Manta’s, mouth agape on endless feeding run’s. Life on the Southern Atoll is seemingly different than that of the Northern Atoll. The substrate is a bit different as well. We begin at “Black Rock” in the shallows where large schools of tunas, jacks and snappers converge on the inner portions of the reef, seeking protection from marauding predators. The table coral heads play shelter for smaller sharks and rays. Inverts are also present here with an array of Nudibranchs,

Pygmy squids, Small Cuttlefish, Whip Coral Shrimp and more. I am pleasantly surprised to find a strong variety of large and small animal life. The night dives are done in the shallows and out of the current near the “Delsan Wreck”. We are treated to a variety of critters, what the Philippines are so well known for. One of the most outstanding and unique features of Tubbataha is the fact that the sea life here was poached and fished so hard that nearly all pelagic animals were removed. Then in 1993 the current president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared that the Tubbataha area should be turned into a protected park. A ranger station was constructed and immediately manned. The rangers work three month turns, around the clock, everyday of the year. In the last ten years the rangers have made a huge impact on what was occurring out there. The marine life has bounced back beyond that of anyone’s expectations. These guys are working very hard at stopping these high seas bandits and it shows. We head over to visit the Ranger’s and a quick tour of the station. As we glide across the clear shallows turtles and small rays can be seen startled by our zodiac. The ranger station itself is built just a few feet above the waterline near the inner lagoon. Constructed out of concrete and built to withstand wind and waves, it looks like a typical army barracks. The interior has bunk beds, a kitchen and a communications room. The outside has two large porch structures with covers. We have the pleasure of meeting

some of the rangers and scientists who are all happy to see us. “Due to the remoteness of Tubbataha, fisherman from all over the world would come into these waters,” said one of the rangers. They would load the ships with as much as they could and head back to port”. Now, if the rangers see a ship or boat in these waters that isn’t registered then it can only mean one thing. The Imposing vessel is approached and inspected, if they are suspect to any kind of trafficking or poaching the vessel is impounded, the crew is arrested and sent to the Philippine mainland to stand trial. This direct approach has removed huge numbers of poachers and subsequently saved and preserved the life of the reef for future generations. As our week aboard the Azores flew by and the trip began to wind down I couldn’t help but to reflect on the adventure. The weather was perfect, the current was everywhere from mild to wild, the evening skies were painted at sunset and filled with a multitude of stars after dark. This trip I had been planning for close to a year was more then what I had imagined. The Luxury of the Atlantis Azores and knowledge of our DM’s and crew made this trip an incredible experience accessible to anyone. Tubbataha is a world class destination that has the dynamics of desolation, beauty, big animals and more. Getting to Tubbataha is the simple part, leaving is tough. ■

Mike Bartickwww.saltwaterphoto.com

Diving with the Mantas. Photo by Mike Bartick.

LoCAL divers doN’t just dive LoCALLY - theY dive gLobALLY


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ear pain management

article courtesy of

Equalizing during a descent is integral to a comfortable dive; failure to equalize

properly may result in a variety of ear injuries. Here are five common ear injuries that may occur while diving, how to recognize the symptoms and effectively manage them. In general, if you surface experiencing symptoms of an injury, discontinue diving, seek a medical evaluation and do not resume diving until all symptoms have resolved.

Middle Ear Barotrauma: The most common of all dive injuries, middle ear barotraumas may occur during descent, generally as a result of incomplete equalization of the middle ear. Equalization is a process that utilizes the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat to vent air to and from the middle ear. If these tubes are blocked by congestion or if the diver did not sufficiently equalize during descent, a reverse block may occur causing middle ear barotrauma on ascent. A diver with middle ear barotrauma may feel like

the ear is filled water or as if fluid is trapped in it, and he may also hear crackling noises. Middle ear barotrauma may be painful and susceptible to infection.

Sinus Barotrauma: Similar to middle ear barotrauma, this injury may result from improper equalization of the sinuses on descent or as a reverse block. Symptoms, however, differ; divers with sinus barotrauma may experience facial pain and bleeding from the nose or mouth.

Outer Ear Barotrauma: Dead air spaces may be created when a diver descends wearing a tight hood, ear plugs or if he has a buildup of ear wax. These dead air spaces cannot be equalized, and as the external pressure increases, the eardrum starts to bulge outwards and the surrounding tissues fill the ear canal with fluid and blood. As with middle ear barotrauma, the diver may experience a feeling of fullness in his ears.

Inner Ear Barotrauma: If a diver does not equalize properly or tries to force

equalization, he may injure the inner ear. Symptoms of inner ear barotrauma include vertigo, tinnitus (ears ringing), hearing loss, nausea and vomiting. If a diver surfaces exhibiting these symptoms, have a trained oxygen provider administer oxygen and seek emergency medical care.

Vertigo: There are two common forms of vertigo that may occur while diving. Alternobaric vertigo is typically resolved by the time the diver surfaces and results from a pressure differential of the diver’s middle ear spaces during either ascent or descent. Caloric vertigo occurs when the ears are exposed to unequal water temperatures. After the ears warm the water, balance is restored and the vertigo should stop. Vertigo may also be a symptom of a more severe ear injury. If it is not resolved after the diver surfaces, seek a medical evaluation. If you experience vertigo while underwater, it can be difficult to determine which direction is up. If this happens, look at the water in your mask


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and or the direction of your bubbles to help establish your orientation, then slowly follow your bubbles and make a safe, controlled ascent to the surface.

If you surface and feel ear pain or experience tinnitus (ears ringing), this may be an indicator of a severe case of barotrauma; discontinue diving and see a doctor. If during descent you are unable to equalize, stop and ascend a few feet to try again. If you still cannot equalize, discontinue the dive. Never forcefully attempt to equalize as this may result in injury. In addition, do not attempt to treat any of the above injuries with ear drops, which are alcohol based and designed to prevent an infection called otitis externa (swimmer’s ear). Ear drops are not a treatment for any of the aforementioned injuries and may actually cause unnecessary pain. If you have an ear injury, see a doctor and do not dive until all symptoms are resolved. If you have any questions, call the DAN Medical Information Line at +1-919-684-2948. ■


ANdY LAmb’s [email protected] mYsterY Critter

34

another sighting?

During the preparation of the second edition of Coastal Fishes of the Pacific

Northwest, Phil Edgell and I were most pleased with all the assistance we received from the dive community, particularly from the many excellent photographers of the region. One of these image makers is Richard Zade who produces the outstanding critter oriented website www.underthe sound.com. Rich contributed several images including the one featured on page 131 that illustrated the segment about the red gunnel Pholis schulzi. As discussed in the text, the identity of the specimen in Rich’s photograph is uncertain.

On the 10th of December 2010, Mikiko Williams encountered the gunnel appearing in this presentation and later forwarded the image (and one other) to me, inquiring as to its identity. While on a dive with husband Garth, she took the photograph at Fort

Worden State Park, near Port Townsend, Washington. They found the approximately 5 inch (12.5 cm) long specimen in about 35 ft. of water. A laboratory technician at Highline Community College and volunteer at its Marine and Science Technology (MaST) Center, Redondo Beach, Mikiko recognized the fish as a gunnel but “which one?”.

As mentioned on Page 131 of Coastal Fishes, and without an actual specimen to examine, the identity of both fish remains uncertain. However, based upon its colouration, the markings along its back and head, Mikiko’s specimen is almost certainly the same species as the one in Rich’s image.

Close inspection of Mikiko’s image shows an obvious spot at the very front of the specimen’s dorsal fin and this most likely indicates this fish is a sexually mature male. Various other Pacific Northwest gunnels

feature similar such markings on “big boys”. The adult males of numerous sculpin species also “sport” noticeable markings on the anterior edge of their first dorsal fins. ■

The red gunnel Pholis schulzi. Photo by Richard Zade


Northwest Dive News DECEMBER 2010 www.nwdivenews.com 353535seNd us Your stories free At [email protected]

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The people of the Pacific Northwest have a unique relationship with their dogs.

Aside from the abundance of dog parks, it isn’t unusual to see people with their dogs at the mall, at the local coffee shop or anywhere else humans hang out. Dogs are not just dogs here, they are extensions of our families. So it isn’t surprising that when you encounter a boat on the waters of the PNW, you will likely find a dog on board. Big dogs, small dogs, water dogs, or lap dogs – virtually every type of dog is along for the ride. But are you doing everything you can to keep you treasured family member as safe as possible on the water?

Dog Life Jackets It is a myth that all dogs can swim. Not every dog can, and of those that can, not all of them are strong swimmers. Even the strongest canine swimmer will tire out quickly under adverse weather or water conditions, especially very cold water. Add to that advanced age or low body fat, and you have a potentially very dangerous situation for your four-legged friend. Dog life jackets can go a long way toward keeping your dog safe in the event

boating safely with your four-legged friend

of an unexpected fall into the water. They work by keeping your dog afloat in a horizontal swimming position. Plus, most dog life jackets are designed with a handle on the top that permits you to easily haul your dog back aboard. Not every dog is excited to wear a life jacket. In fact, most dogs balk at the idea of wearing one at all. But with a little practice and some pre-purchase homework, you can train your pooch to at least tolerate this important piece of safety equipment.• Ensure the jacket fits snugly, but not too tight. Ideally, take your dog with you to try on the jacket before you buy it. Just like you don’t enjoy wearing a shoe that is too small or too big, your dog will appreciate a well-fitting life jacket.• Check to make sure the straps and buckles fit well around your dog’s body

and that they aren’t rubbing or chafing Fido.• Test the lift handle to ensure you can easily and comfortably lift your dog by the handle alone. By the way, a lift handle is a mandatory part of the life jacket – if there isn’t a lift handle, keep looking until you find a jacket that has a handle. You will thank yourself later. Your dog will, too.• Select a color that will be highly visible in the conditions where you regularly boat. Neon yellow or orange offer a highly visible contrast to water, and reflective tape strips are a must if you will be boating after dark. Once you purchase the proper dog life jacket, let your dog have some time to get used to the jacket before your first trip out on the water. Let your dog walk around the house wearing the jacket. Take him to the park and let him do some land-based swimming. Once he is comfortable with his new accessory, then take him out on the boat. And remember….even with this important piece of safety equipment for your best friend, your common sense and caution still are the best way to keep your pal safe on the boat. ■


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liquiD image camera/viDeo maSkThe 5megapixal version of this mask has a camera photo resolution

of 2595x1944 and a warranty down to 130ft. Video resolution is 1289x720: HD720. There is a built in 64mg memory for data processing

and it comes with a 2GB SD card that can be upgraded to a 32GB card, which allows you the opportunity to take up to 36800 images or 960 minutes of video. Use the image editing software, and down load your pictures and

video every couple of days. www.liquidimageco.com

oceanic oc1 Dive comPuterOceanic just came out with four different

dive computers all with Duel Algorithm capabilities. You can set it for liberal recreation dive limits, set it for conservative deep and cold water dive limits, or just set it to be compatible with your buddy’s computer. Of all four models, I like the OC1 the best because of it's ability to do remote buddy pressure checks. In addition to wireless air-integration, add a built in digital compass, a titanium body, the ability to switch between 3

independent transmitters and up to 3 nitrox mixes up to 100% Oxygen, and your talking about one sweet device. Built for free dive depths to 660ft. www.oceanicworldwide.com

PSi 500 maSk Defog maSk Scrub combo PackWhen there is a product that you’ve used as a scuba

dive instructor for more than ten years, it’s hard to mention such a well known established product in the new gear item column. Now add another well-known product along with the first, and you really have your mask full. PSI 500 has been making tester choice award mask scrub and mask defog products for years, but they now have put both products in a Combo Pack that is ready to go anywhere you go; two 1oz bottles to be exact. While you always need a scrub solution to clean a new mask, dive boat mask rinse buckets, and

even small pollution molecules on the ocean’s surface make a mask film over too. Once scrubbed clean, use a finger to apply the defogger and you are ready to enjoy superior vision on every dive. For more information visit a local dive retailer.

the ScaPThe Scap is a cap for cool scuba dive cats that

on a glance looks like a bandana, but when you touch it, you realize that the Scap is something functional besides looking fashionable. It’s made of 1.5mm neoprene. Like any other bandana, it keeps your hair from getting tangled on a dive or if you are like me, it protects your head from the sun’s rays while above and below water. The Scap also reduces heat lost from your head. Little soft rubbery bumps help

keep the Scap in place throughout a dive. I prefer the pirate design out of the 12 available patterns, but it’s underwater in sunny tropical waters where the Scap truly shines, or should I say, keeps the sun’s rays away, and manages hair. www.thescap.comGet the free mobile app for your phone

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Diving California’s Channel Islands

nase-fun, through responsible and real-scuba instructing done rightDivers want to dive. They have to learn but

when it is all said and done the diver will ask himself one question and one question only…did I have fun? The National Academy of Scuba Educators (NASE) worldwide not only want to help divers learn to dive but they

also want to help them answer that all important question with a resounding yes!.

Founded in 1982 in Lubbock, Texas, NASE focuses on what they consider to be the obvious approach to training divers. Their philosophy began with four basic principles and today, they continue to hone their methods to develop the best way to train divers. Executive Director Scott Evans says that the four principles are the key elements to how NASE works.

“Our training organization is dedicated to providing state of the art technology, up-to-date educational materials and the best support to scuba professionals around the world,” Evans says. “Our philosophy is based on first, making it fun because that’s really why divers sign up. Our focus is on discovering how to have fun underwater while learning to dive safely. Second, making the training through; NASE’s competency based approach to diver training does not dictate what the instructor will cover or how many sessions it will supposedly take before a student has “learned.” Instead, our student-centered approach to diver training specifies what, when and how well students will be able to perform real-world diving skills in order to be certified. Third, making it real; diver training should be based on the way the world’s best divers actually dive — not on how a group of self-

appointed experts say that they “should” dive, or the fact that “we’ve always taught it this way.” And finally, making it environmentally responsible; students internalize what they see and experience during training. NASE helps make sure this example will do everything possible to create safe and environmentally responsible divers.”

Evans adds that the NASE motto is to, “fundamentally change the way the world learns to dive” by providing innovative training materials and methods. He says that NASE has an instructor base throughout the world to support of their mission. “We just released on new eLearning Open Water Diver course and focused on redeveloping the rest of our materials in that same format. Our materials must be top-notch and have ability to delivered through a variety of platforms.” Evans says that developing a training system that will provide comprehensive way to teach all levels of diving. Competency based allows instructor to have freedom to teach and provide a client-centered course. “Our blended learning (each course will have a portion online and a printed manual) allows instructors to choose which option best suits their clients. We are well aware that there are still quite a few people out there who want that book in their hands. For this reason we will print our materials in small runs so that we can always update them quickly always offering the most current material. In the end this is all about offering state of the art training that leads divers to the real reason they wanted to dive in the first place…to have a great time. It is why we all came…right?”

For more info on NASE visit http://naseworldwide.org/index.da. ■

We support our LoCAL dive shops - Without them We WiLL Not hAve A dive iNdustrY.

An alphabetical listing of participating dive shops, charters, live aboards and resorts in tropical locations around the world. TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY

St. Croix (U.S. Virgin iSlandS)

Cane Bay Dive Shop 340.773.9913 www.canebayscuba.com

aUStralia

CoZUMEl

BonairE

BEliZE

roatanCoCo View Resort Roatan 800.282.8932 www.roatan.com

BritiSh Virgin iSlandNV Yacht Charters 443.829.8576 www.nvcharters.com

Lalati 877.750.0233 www.lalatifiji.com

Matava 679.333.6222 www.matava.com

Dancer Fleet 305.669.9391 www.dancerfleet.com

Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat 679.992.4001 dolphinbaydivers.comKoro Sun 970.209.4265 www.korosunresort.com

Qamea Resort & Spa 649.360.0217 www.qamea.com

Wananavu 679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com

Blue Ocean Marine Pty.Ltd. 415.830.3846 www.blueoceanmarine.com.au

Buddy Dive Resort 599.717.5080.518 www.buddydive.com

Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com

Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com

TheVilla Makoshi Lower Level 780.483.0044 www.BonaireDiveVilla.com

Sunset House 800.854.4767 www.sunsethouse.com

Southern Cross Club 800.899.2582 www.southerncrossclub.com

Divetech@Cobal Coast Dive Resort 888.946.5656 divetech.com cobaltcoast.com

CoSta riCaQuest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com




PhiliPPinESAtlantis Dive Resort 775.588.0500 www.atlantishotel.comDeep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com

SEa of CortEZ/SoCorro iSlandS

rEd SEa - EgYPt


Rocio Del Mar 602.558.9580 www.rociodelmarliveaboard.com

galaPagoS

hondUraS

Divencounters 877.323.DIVE www.divencounters.com

Conch Republic Divers 800.274.3483 www.conchrepublicdivers.comHorizon Divers 305.453.3535 www.horizondivers.com

Fly & Sea Dive Adventures 888.995.DIVE(3483) www.redseadiving.ca

Learning Through Travel 516.781.5556 www.learningthroughtravel.com

tUrkS & CaiCoS

Calypso Beach Retreat 303.264.8333 www.calypsobeachretreat.com

fiJiBeqa Lagoon Resort 800.542.3454 www.beqalagoonresort.com


indonESia Cont...

Worldwide Dive and Sail 866.258.6398 www.worldwidediveandsail.com

Divi Resorts 954.545.0269 www.diviresorts.com

Abyss Dive Center 52.984.873.2164 www.abyssdivecenter.com

MExiCo

Aquanauts Dive Adv. 52.998.206.9365 www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com

The Dive Station (407) 843-3483 www.divestation.com

CUraCaoOcean Encounters 800.932.6237 www.oceanencounters.com

BVI Scuba 284.540.2222 www.bviscubaco.com

Jost Van Dyke 800.778.8066www.jostvandyke.com

Scuba Du 310.684.5556 www.scubadu.com

Island DreamsTravel 713.973.9300 www.divetrip.com

Dive Provo 649.946.5040 www.diveprovo.com

Oasis Divers 649.946.1128 www.oasisdivers.com

Sun Breeze Hotel 1.800.688.0191 www.sunbreeze.net

Utila Tours 337.893.0013 www.utila.com

Pindito Liveaboard 831.818.8594 www.pindito.com

St. kittSDive St. Kitts 869.564.8914 www.divestkitts.com

Albatros Charters 888.333.4643 www.cozumel-fishing.com

BlueBubbleScuba 987.872.4240 www.bluebubble.com

Tasik Ria Resort Spa & Diving 62.431 -.824.445 www.tasikria.comHugh Parkeys 888.223.5403

www.belizediving.com SpruceCreekScuba 386.767.1727 www.sprucecreekscuba.com

floridaCaYMan iSlandS

To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call 360.240.1874 or email us at [email protected] DIVE DIRECTORY

Off The Wall Adventures 863.709-9253 www.offthewalladventures.com


Dive Away Fiji 888.266.2209 www.diveaway-fiji.com

indonESiaDeep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.comIsland DreamsTravel 713.973.9300 www.divetrip.comKungkungan Bay Resort & Spa 530.347.2300 www.divekbr.comLembeh Hills Resort www.LembehHills.com 62.812.441.18.000

38

dive direCtorY A listing of participating dive shops, charters, resorts, and independent instructors

get Your busiNess Listed here - CoNtACt [email protected]

WASHINGTON

Anacortes Diving & Supply Anacortes (360) 293-2070 Store

Washington Divers Bellingham (360) 676-8029 Store

Gone Diving Bellingham (360) 738-2042 Store

Adventures Down Under Bellingham (360) 676-4177 Store

Odyssey Diving Clarkston (509) 751-1095 Store

Evergreen Dive Service Everett (425) 512-8811 Store

Naknek Charters Friday Harbor (360) 378-9297 Charter

Hoodsport N Dive Hood Canal (360) 877-6818 Store

Undersea Adventures Kennewick (509) 735-0735 Store

Scuba Sports Kent (253) 854-3294 Store

Mike's Beach Resort Lilluwaup (360) 877-5324 Resort

Lighthouse Diving Center Lynnwood (425) 771-2679 Store

Dolphin Charters Mukilteo (425) 493-2550 Charter

Whidbey Island Dive Oak Harbor (360) 675-1112 Store

Coachman Inn Oak Harbor www.thecoachmaninn.com

Capital Divers Olympia (360) 866-3684 Store

Northwest Dive Charter Parkland (253) 370-5144 Charter

Scuba Supplies Port Angeles (360) 457-3190 Store

Admiralty Dive Center Port Townsend (360) 379-3483 Store

Townsend Bay Dive Port Townsend (360) 385-2353 Store

A-2-Z Scuba Instruction Puyallup (253) 840-3483 Store

ScubaSET Adventure Center Puyallup (253) 841-5666 Store

Dive Commercial Int’l Seattle (206) 784-5050 Commercial Store

Aluminator Water Taxi Seattle (206) 571-3273 Charter

Lighthouse Diving Center Seattle (206) 524-1633 Store

Seattle Scuba Schools Seattle (206) 374-2937 Store

Underwater Sports Seattle (206) 362-3310 Store

Scuba Center of Spokane Spokane www.spokanescuba.com

Bandito Charter Tacoma (253) 973-0370 Charter

Lighthouse Diving Center Tacoma (253) 627-7617 Store

Bubbles Below Woodinville (425) 424-3483 Dive Center

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Broken Island Adventures Bamfield (888) 728-6200 Resort/Charter

Ocean Quest Water Sports Burnaby (604) 436-1157 Store

Abyssal Diving Charters Campbell River (800) 499-2297 Charter

49th Parallel Dive Charters Chemainus (250) 252-0758 Charter

Cedar Beach Resort Chemainus (250) 252-0758 Dive Resort

UB Diving Courtenay (877) 883-3483 Charter

Hornby Island Diving Hornby Is. (250) 335-2807 Dive Resort

Ocean Pacific Watersports Kamloops (250) 828-0188 Store

Scuba Sports Kent (253) 854-3294 Store

Divers Choice Charters Nanaimo (866) 716-8867 Charter

Mamro Adventures Nanaimo (250) 756-8872 Store

Sink or Swim Scuba & Watersports Nanaimo (250) 758-7946 Store

Sundown Diving Nanaimo (888) 773-3483 Store/Charter

Nanaimo Dive Outfitters Nanaimo (250) 756-1863 Store

Rendezvous Dive Adventures Port Alberni (877) 777-9994 Charter

Browning Pass Hideaway Port Hardy (877) 725-2835 Resort/Charter

Catala Charters Port Hardy (800) 515-5511 Charter

God's Pocket Resort Port Hardy www.godspocket.com

Alpha Dive Services Powell River (604) 485-6939 Store/Charter

Copper Island Diving Salmon Arm (250) 832-5737 Store

PorpoiseBay.ca Egmont (800) 665-DIVE Charter/Resort

Tahtsa Dive Charters Tahsis (250) 934-6365 Charter

MethodMarine.com Tofino (250) 725-3251 Store/Marina

An alphabetical listing of participating dive shops, charters, live aboards and resorts in tropical locations around the world. TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY

St. Croix (U.S. Virgin iSlandS)

Cane Bay Dive Shop 340.773.9913 www.canebayscuba.com

aUStralia

CoZUMEl

BonairE

BEliZE

roatanCoCo View Resort Roatan 800.282.8932 www.roatan.com

BritiSh Virgin iSlandNV Yacht Charters 443.829.8576 www.nvcharters.com

Lalati 877.750.0233 www.lalatifiji.com

Matava 679.333.6222 www.matava.com

Dancer Fleet 305.669.9391 www.dancerfleet.com

Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat 679.992.4001 dolphinbaydivers.comKoro Sun 970.209.4265 www.korosunresort.com

Qamea Resort & Spa 649.360.0217 www.qamea.com

Wananavu 679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com

Blue Ocean Marine Pty.Ltd. 415.830.3846 www.blueoceanmarine.com.au

Buddy Dive Resort 599.717.5080.518 www.buddydive.com



TheVilla Makoshi Lower Level 780.483.0044 www.BonaireDiveVilla.com

Sunset House 800.854.4767 www.sunsethouse.com

Southern Cross Club 800.899.2582 www.southerncrossclub.com

Divetech@Cobal Coast Dive Resort 888.946.5656 divetech.com cobaltcoast.com

CoSta riCaQuest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com




PhiliPPinESAtlantis Dive Resort 775.588.0500 www.atlantishotel.comDeep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com

SEa of CortEZ/SoCorro iSlandS

rEd SEa - EgYPt


Rocio Del Mar 602.558.9580 www.rociodelmarliveaboard.com

galaPagoS

hondUraS

Divencounters 877.323.DIVE www.divencounters.com

Conch Republic Divers 800.274.3483 www.conchrepublicdivers.comHorizon Divers 305.453.3535 www.horizondivers.com

Fly & Sea Dive Adventures 888.995.DIVE(3483) www.redseadiving.ca

Learning Through Travel 516.781.5556 www.learningthroughtravel.com

tUrkS & CaiCoS

Calypso Beach Retreat 303.264.8333 www.calypsobeachretreat.com

fiJiBeqa Lagoon Resort 800.542.3454 www.beqalagoonresort.com


indonESia Cont...

Worldwide Dive and Sail 866.258.6398 www.worldwidediveandsail.com

Divi Resorts 954.545.0269 www.diviresorts.com

Abyss Dive Center 52.984.873.2164 www.abyssdivecenter.com

MExiCo

Aquanauts Dive Adv. 52.998.206.9365 www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com

The Dive Station (407) 843-3483 www.divestation.com

CUraCaoOcean Encounters 800.932.6237 www.oceanencounters.com

BVI Scuba 284.540.2222 www.bviscubaco.com

Jost Van Dyke 800.778.8066www.jostvandyke.com

Scuba Du 310.684.5556 www.scubadu.com


Dive Provo 649.946.5040 www.diveprovo.com

Oasis Divers 649.946.1128 www.oasisdivers.com

Sun Breeze Hotel 1.800.688.0191 www.sunbreeze.net

Utila Tours 337.893.0013 www.utila.com

Pindito Liveaboard 831.818.8594 www.pindito.com

St. kittSDive St. Kitts 869.564.8914 www.divestkitts.com

Albatros Charters 888.333.4643 www.cozumel-fishing.com

BlueBubbleScuba 987.872.4240 www.bluebubble.com

Tasik Ria Resort Spa & Diving 62.431 -.824.445 www.tasikria.comHugh Parkeys 888.223.5403

www.belizediving.com SpruceCreekScuba 386.767.1727 www.sprucecreekscuba.com

floridaCaYMan iSlandS

To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call 360.240.1874 or email us at [email protected] DIVE DIRECTORY

Off The Wall Adventures 863.709-9253 www.offthewalladventures.com


Dive Away Fiji 888.266.2209 www.diveaway-fiji.com

indonESiaDeep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.comIsland DreamsTravel 713.973.9300 www.divetrip.comKungkungan Bay Resort & Spa 530.347.2300 www.divekbr.comLembeh Hills Resort www.LembehHills.com 62.812.441.18.000

39

NorthWest dive direCtorY

get Your busiNess Listed here - CALL rooseveLt At 360-240-1874

Ocean Planet Adventures Tofino (250) 725-2221 Resort

TwoEaglesLodge.com Union Bay (250) 335-2342 Dive Resort

SeaDragonCharters.com Vancouver (604) 329-3486 Charter

Beyond Deep Diving Victoria (250) 475-2202 Store

Ogden Point Dive Victoria (888) 701-1177 Store/Charter

Wilson Diving Services Victoria (250) 478-4488 Store

ALBERTA

Adventures in Scuba Calgary (403) 299-7751 Store

Aqua Sport Scuba Centre Calgary (403) 686-6166 Store

Northwest Scuba Edmonton (780) 438-1218 Store

Sub Sea Experience Edmonton (780) 434-1433 Store

The Dive Outfitters Edmonton ( 888) 483-0049 Charter

Just for You Crew & Dive Services Grand Prairie (780) 832-7209 Store

IDAHO

Dive Magic Boise (208) 319-3483 Store

MONTANA

Helena Scuba Helena (406) 442-4334 Store

Bighorn Divers Kalispell (406) 752-4970 Store

Glacier Divers Kalispell (406) 253-4016 Store

OREGON

PacificWatersports.com Aloha (503) 642-3483 Store

Astoria Scuba Astoria www.astoriascuba.com Store

Rogue Scuba, Inc. Central Point (541) 830-5551 Store

Eugene Skin Divers Supply Eugene (541) 342-2351 Store

CoralSeaScuba.com Grants Pass (800) 482-1599 Store

Adventure Sports, Inc. Gresham (503) 491-0107 Store

South Beach Scuba Newport (541) 867-4944 Store

Aquatic Sports Portland (503) 245-4991 Store

Oregon Underwater Portland (503) 761-8526 Store

Diver's Den Roseburg (541) 673-3710 Store

SalemScuba.com Salem (503) 588-3483 Store

Under Water Works Tigard (503) 620-6993 Store

ALASKA

Dive Alaska.net Anchorage (907) 770-1778 Store

Scuba Do, Inc Kodiak (907) 486-2960 Store

Test the Waters North Pole www.testthewaters.com Store

Island Fever Diving Sitka (907) 747-7871 Store/Charter

HAWAII

Aqua Zone Honolulu (808) 923-3483 Store

Dive Oahu Honolulu (808) 922-3483 Charter

Pearl Harbor Divers Honolulu (808) 589-2177 Store/Charter

Honolulu Scuba Company Honolulu (808) 220-0577 Store

www.honoluluscubacompany.com

Aaron's Dive Shop Kailua-Kona (808) 262-2333 Store

Big Island Divers Kailua-Kona (808) 329-6068 Store/Charter

Jack's Diving Locker Kailua-Kona (808) 329-7585 Store/Charter

Kona Honu Divers Kailua-Kona (808) 324-4668 Charter

Pacific Rim Divers Kailua-Kona (808) 334-1750 Charter

Torpedo Tours Kailua-Kona (808) 938-0405 Charter

Wanna Dive Kailua-Kona (808) 937-1175 Charter

Dive & Sea Maui www.diveandseamaui.com Charter

Mauna Lani Sea Adventures Kamuela (808) 885-7883 Store

SeaSport Divers Koloa, Kauai (800) 685-5889 Store/Charter

Capt. Charley Scuba Shack Kihei (877) 213-4488 Store

Lahaina Divers Maui (800) 998-3483 Store/Charter

Mike Severns Diving Maui www.mikesevernsdiving.com Charter

*Treasure Hunt : Sunday 9am

*Film FestivalSaturday : 7-9pm

Try Scuba Diving at our Diving PoolSee the Latest Diving Products50 FREE Informative Seminars300 Exciting Exhibitor Booths

Find Great Deals on TravelOver $100,000 in Prizes! Meet Diving Cel Meet Diving Celebrities

$100,000Over in Cash& Prizes!

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Documents

Mar 2011 Vol 15. Issue 3