Diving ‘the Pit’ in Mexico a special experience

 

Diving in ‘The Pit,’ a sinkhole in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region, is a mystical experience.

LUIS LEAL / FOR THE MIAMI HERALD

• Photo

BY SUSAN COCKING

scocking@MiamiHerald.com

AKUMAL, MEXICO — Jumping off a 15-foot cliff into a water-filled cave aptly named ”the Pit,” I felt like I was the star of my own Indiana Jones movie. Except my wardrobe was all wrong — no jaunty bush hat for me. David Diaz and I were about to dive 140 feet deep underwater, and for that we wore wet suit, hood, mask, fins and scuba tanks and carried some really bright lights.

The Pit is one of thousands of cenotes, or sinkholes, dotting Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula — some explored and mapped, but most covered by the region’s lush jungle canopy. Cenote is the Spanish rendering of what the Mayas call tznot, or sacred well.

Maya villages, culture, and customs were built around cenotes, which they used as a water source and regarded as windows into the underworld. Many lead to vast underground rivers flowing beneath the region’s porous limestone land surface — including the Pit, which is part of the large Dos Ojos (two eyes) underwater cave system and surveyed to a depth of 400 feet.

Diaz, a divemaster with Ruben’s Dive Shop in Tulum, and I had agreed on a dive plan: Drop down to the floor of the entrance cavern at 140 feet, explore no longer than eight minutes, then gradually begin ascending, including a five-minute safety stop at 15 feet. We would not stray any deeper inside the cave than we could see the sunlight from the surface.

CHALLENGING START

But just prepping for the dive was a challenge. We bumped down a dirt track through the jungle in Diaz’s pickup — only to encounter a boulder field in front of the entrance of the Pit. Just as I was starting to wonder how we were going to make that final 100 feet over rocks more than 10 feet in diameter, Diaz began picking his way up and over their rounded surfaces in 4-wheel drive.

”A Hummer got stuck here once,” he said with a grin.

If that was supposed to ease my mind, it didn’t.

Somehow, Diaz cleared the rocky path and parked a few feet from the Pit.

Pretending that I jump into mysterious Mexican water caves every day, I fastened my buoyancy compensator and regulator to my tank and squeezed into my Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, five-millimeter wet suit and hood. Water temperatures usually are 77 to 79 degrees, and I wanted to avoid getting cold during a long dive. Diaz, a wiry, athletic 26-year-old, donned two three-millimeter wet suits, so I didn’t feel overdressed.

Diaz took my tank set, and I walked over to the edge of the Pit. Clutching fins and weight belt with one hand and mask with the other, I made a giant stride off the ledge and splashed down, fortunately not losing any gear. Diaz lowered my tank down on the line and I put it on. Next he lowered his tank into the water and plunged in.

Switching on our lights, we began our descent.

MIND GAMES

For the first 30 feet or so, the water was so transparent as to be utterly invisible, but then it became blurry, like looking through a camera out of focus. This is where the surface layer of freshwater meets saltwater seeping in from the ocean. Continuing down to 100 feet, we passed through what looked like a bank of wispy clouds surrounding a mountaintop. The ”cloud” is made by organic matter that falls into the pit and dissolves, forming an acid layer. The ”mountaintop” is a pile of dirt and debris not yet decomposed.

Looking at a mountaintop cloud bank while submerged 100 feet below the earth’s surface can play tricks on the mind. I was glad I eschew recreational drugs. If this is real life, who needs hallucinogens, right?

At 140 feet, Diaz shone his light on a pile of large bones. Not being an archaeologist, I had no idea what they were. He told me later they are believed to be from some prehistoric big cat. But even more impressive — at 75 feet deep — were what was clearly a human skull missing its teeth and facial bones and then, nearby, a human jawbone with most of its molars.

We continued our deliberate ascent, finally stopping at 15 feet to clear nitrogen built up from the deep dive out of our tissues. Above us, what seemed like an army of divers was jumping into the water, donning gear, readying video cameras and generally kicking up a ruckus. I was grateful Diaz and I were the first visitors to the Pit that morning.

SPECIAL PLACE

After getting out of the water, hoisting up our gear and climbing a rocky path to exit the Pit, I asked Diaz if anyone knew the age of the human bones we had seen.

He said they are estimated at 8,000 to 12,000 years old, but said no one knows for sure because none has been scientifically dated.

Sheepishly, he added that a Mexican archaeologist, diving the Pit for the first time, accidentally kicked one of the bones with an errant fin and broke it. Embarrassed, the official never got around to aging it.

Diaz, who has lived on Mexico’s Riviera Maya coast since childhood, said the Pit is one of his favorite dives. Although the entrance cavern lacks the gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites of other nearby cenotes such as the Bat Cave, Dreamgate and Mystic River, Diaz reveres this porthole into history.

”I like the bones,” he said, simply.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/outdoors/story/853683.html

SCUBA Gear Feature of the Week: Aeris Package – A-1 Regulator, A-1 Octo, 2 Guage Console & Sport BCD

Product Description

Our Aeris package includes:

Aeris A1 Regulator

The ultimate performance to value ratio. The A1 Regulator is a great performer at a great price. Both the 1st and 2nd stages are low-profile, durable and lightweight. It has one high pressure port and four low pressure ports to accommodate most hose arrangements. The 1st and 2nd stage designs are easy to maintain and service, and are known by divers and technicians worldwide.

• Conventional second stage without diver adjustment • Lightweight • Nitrox compatible to 40% • Rugged and dependable

Aeris A1 Octopus

Built to withstand dive store rental departments. The A1 Octo is rugged yet lightweight and streamlined.

• Conventional second stage without diver adjustment • Lightweight • Nitrox compatible to 40% • Rugged and dependable

Aeris 2 Gauge Console

200′ depth gauge with maximum depth indicator. The maximum depth gauge is a necessity in diving equipment. The AERIS 200′ console is known for it’s accuracy and reliability.

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Maximum depth indicator

Thermometer (in console only)

Luminescent gauge face absorbs light and glows approximately 7 times faster and longer than other materials

Aeris SPORT Buoyancy Compensator

Streamlined comfort. The clean and streamlined, no-nonsense weight integrated jacket sytle BC just got better. Comfortable but extremely functional, the Sport BC features a comfortable contoured air cell with big front pockets and multiple stainless steel grommets for knife and retractor mounting.

• High lift capacity and minimum drag • EZ-Lock Integrated Weight System accommodates up to 20 lbs. • Quick-release adjustable harness straps • 2 large pockets • Patented adjustable depth compensating cummerbund • Shown with optional Air Link Inflator, Silverjack BC Knife and Instrument Retractor.

http://www.atlantisdiversvastore.com/aepaa1rea1oc.html

USA Creates Three Marine Protected Areas in Pacific

11 January 2009

 

President Bush has designated three areas of the Pacific Ocean, covering nearly 200000 square miles, as new marine “national monuments”.

The first is the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. At the heart of this protected area will be much of the Marianas Trench — the site of the deepest point on Earth — and the surrounding arc of undersea volcanoes and thermal vents. This unique geological region supports life in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. A fascinating array of species survive amid hydrogen-emitting volcanoes, hydrothermal vents that produce highly acidic and boiling water, and the only known location of liquid sulfur this side of Jupiter.

The other major features of the new monument are the coral reefs off the coast of the upper three islands in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. These islands, some 5,600 miles from California, are home to a striking diversity of marine life — from large predators like sharks and rays, to more than 300 species of stony corals.

The second new monument will be the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. The monument will span seven areas to the far south and west of Hawaii. One is Wake Island — the site of a pivotal battle in World War II, and a key habitat for nesting seabirds and migratory shorebirds. The monument will also include unique trees and grasses and birds adapted to life at the Equator; the rare sea turtles and whales and Hawaiian monk seals that visit Johnston Atoll; and, according to the White House, some of the most pristine and spectacular coral reefs in the world.

The third new monument will be the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument. Rose is a diamond-shaped island to the east of American Samoa. It includes rare species of nesting petrels, shearwaters, and terns — which account for its native name, “Island of Seabirds.” The waters surrounding the atoll are the home of many rare species, including giant clams and reef sharks — as well as an unusual abundance of rose-colored corals.

These three new protected areas cover nearly 200,000 square miles and will now receive America’s highest level of environmental recognition and conservation.

http://www.news.scubatravel.co.uk/2009/01/usa-creates-three-marine-protected.html

Seven affordable, under-the-radar beach destinations

Comments from Atlantis Divers: The Atlantis Divers mentioned in this blog is a company in South America, we do not have an affiliation with this organization…but it looks like possibly a good deal. Due dilligence is required.

By Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com

Even in rough economic times, it’s important to take a break from the “real world” and treat yourself to some relaxation. At this time of year, it’s preferable to do so on a warm beach. You just have to look a little harder and a little off the beaten path to find affordable destinations. Luckily, I’ve started the research for you and found seven great, lesser-known beach destinations in the Caribbean and Atlantic that also go easy on your wallet.

Los Roques, Venezuela

There may be no better place in the Caribbean to live out your castaway fantasies than Los Roques, an archipelago of 42 sandy islands and about 300 mangrove islets and rocks located 80 miles off the coast of Caracas, Venezuela. Protected as a national park since 1972, the vast majority of Los Roques islands are uninhabited. Those that are inhibited have limited development—there are no cruise ports, and posadas (hotels) may have no more than 15 rooms.

The reefs surrounding the islands boast some of the best biodiversity in the Caribbean, including more than 60 species of coral and 280 species of fish. Above water, the islands give shelter to 92 bird species (such as red footed boobies and pink flamingos) and also host nesting sea turtles. Los Roques’ reliable tradewinds also make it a good spot for sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. As for deserted-island dreams, many posadas can arrange for a day trip or picnic lunch to one of Los Roques’ uninhabited islands.

There are a number of affordable posadas on the islands, including the six-room Posada Movida. Bed and breakfast rates start at $75 per person per night, but it’s a better value to book the all inclusive rate of $120 per person, which covers all meals, wine at dinner, and island boat tour.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Atlantic | Costa Rica | Central America | Trinidad | Tobago | Caracas | Caribbean Sea | Toro | Pirate | Trip Advisor | Bay Islands | Los Roques | Bocas | Buccoo Reef

Tobago

Unlike its metropolitan and party-hardy big brother Trinidad, little Tobago is content to be a laid-back and natural Caribbean beauty. With the western hemisphere’s oldest protected rainforest, marine parks, and secluded white sand beaches, Tobago has been recognized by World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Green Destination, a status it was given in 2007. What’s more, whether you come here for a quiet beach honeymoon or an active adventure vacation, you can generally do it pretty cheaply.

Whatever your style, it’s worthwhile to experience both Tobago’s beaches and its wild interior. Tobago was purportedly the inspiration for “Robinson Crusoe,” and even though the deserted beaches described in the novel were based on observations made almost 300 years ago, you can still find such beaches on the island today. Try going to Pirate’s Bay, which was used in the 1954 film version of the novel. You should also plan on a snorkeling trip (25$) to Buccoo Reef, where you can swim with tropical fish in crystal-clear waist-deep water.

To see the rainforest and its many colorful bird species, stay in an eco-lodge or go on a day tour with a local guide. The Cuffie River Nature Retreat, an eco-lodge located on the edge of the rainforest, offers a variety of nature tours including birding walks and visits to secluded waterfalls and natural pools. All inclusive rates for two people start at $185 per night, which includes all meals and a nature walk. If you’d prefer to stay near the beach, try the intimate Hummingbird Hotel, where room-only rates start at $50 a night.

Roatan, Honduras

Roatan, a minnow-shaped island within Honduras’ Bay Islands, attracts divers who come to experience the world’s second-largest barrier reef and those looking for an affordable, laid-back beach vacation in the Caribbean. The island is one of Central America’s once-hidden-now-on-the-rise beach destinations, but thankfully it still lacks big chain resorts and some of the other trappings of mass tourism.

Most Roatan tourists come for the diving and snorkeling, which is among the best in the Caribbean. Besides the coral reefs, you can explore shipwrecks and go on dives specifically to swim with sharks and dolphins. You can also visit the Roatan Tropical Butterfly Garden ($7), go horse-back riding ($35) on the beach, shop at local art galleries, or just relax at one of several open-air seafood restaurants and bars.

The top-rated (according to Trip Advisor, our sister site), hotel on the island, West Bay Lodge, charges a mere $80 a night (based on a four-night stay) for private bungalows with kitchens. The rate includes daily breakfast, a welcome drink, and airport transfers for stays of four nights or longer.

Isla Bastimentos, Panama

Looking for the next Costa Rica? Just head down the coast a few miles to Panama and the Isla Bastimentos, part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, a 20-square-mile island that’s a microcosm of some of Panama’s top tourism offerings. Here you’ll find virgin rainforests home to sloths and monkeys, offshore coral gardens and mangrove islands perfect for snorkeling, and stunning beaches pounded by Hawaii-sized waves.

The island’s Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos ($10 for admission), which encompasses rainforest, beaches, and coral reefs, is an essential stop for all visitors. Most people come to snorkel the coral gardens and Cayos Zapatillas, two little shoe-shaped islets off the main island. On the land, guides can take you on hikes through the forest to see animals like white-faced capuchin monkeys and poison dart frogs. For the best beaches, go to the northern part of the island. Big waves and strong currents make the beaches unfriendly to swimmers, but the sight of the waves and the lack of bathers makes for postcard-worthy strolls.

To really get away from it all, stay at the Al Natural Resort, a series of six open air bungalows set in the forest with views of the sea. Rates start at $180 for the first night and $130 for subsequent nights.

Grenada

Although many people still identify this volcanic Caribbean island with its political turbulence during the 1980s, the face Grenada presents today is one of a friendly, casual, and affordable island destination. The “Spice Island” has something for everyone, including an inviting Afro-Caribbean culture, one of the Caribbean’s prettiest colonial cities (St. George), fragrant spice plantations, dozens of beaches and bays, and a mountainous national park great for hiking.

In the capital of St. George, you can walk along narrow colonial streets lined with a rainbow of pastel-painted houses and shops and watch masted ships sail in and out of the harbor. While in town, browse the spice and food markets and visit the 18th-century French fortification Fort George. If you’re interested in learning more about spices, tour the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station (Grenada produces a third of the world’s nutmeg supply) for $1.

Active visitors should try hiking in Grand Etang National Park, perhaps climbing to the top of Mt. Qua Qua, for a commanding view of the coast. For beachcombing, your first choice should be Grand Anse Beach, near St. George, a two-mile-long white sugar-white sand beach with protected waters safe for swimming.

Regarded as one of the best affordable hotels on the island, the English-country-house-style La Sagesse Nature Center is set on one of Grenada’s nicest beaches and offers easy access to nature trails. Prices start at $145 a night.

Staniel Cay, Bahamas

There are more than 700 islands in the Bahamas, but the vast majority of travelers never get beyond the mega resorts of New Providence (home to Nassau), Paradise, and Grand Bahama islands. That means there’s plenty of lightly trafficked “Out Islands” to choose from for an alternative beach getaway. For glassy, gem-colored water, condo-free beaches, affordable accommodations, and some the best sailing grounds in the world, head to Staniel Cay, a two-square-mile island within the Exuma Cays.

Most of the action on Staniel Cay centers around the friendly Staniel Cay Yacht Club, where yachters and landlubbers alike stay, dine, and congregate. Here you can rent 13- and 17-foot boats (from $95 per half day) which will allow you to cruise to some of the uninhabited islets nearby, see marine life like nurse sharks, and visit with the famous “swimming pigs” of Big Major Cay, which paddle out to sea in hopes of getting a handout from sailors. You can also rent snorkel gear ($20) to use at Thunderball Grotto, a natural fishbowl featured in the James Bond film “Thunderball.” Diving, kayaking, and bonefishing are other options.

The Yacht Club offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom waterfront cottages and suites from $145 a night, room only. All-inclusive prices that cover three meals per day, airport transfers, and use of a 13-foot boat, snorkel gear, kayaks, and bicycle start at $162 per person per night.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

While most Americans have never heard of it, Fernando de Noronha is regarded by many Brazilians as having the most beautiful beaches in the country—and that’s saying a lot coming from a nation full of sand and sun connoisseurs. With its steep bunny-ear hills that soar up from undeveloped white and gold beaches, Fernando de Noronha might look more at home alongside Bora Bora and the other islands of French Polynesia than it does hundreds of miles from mainland Brazil. But unlike those Pacific islands, Fernando de Noronha is cheaper and easier to get to, at least from the East Coast.

At only seven square miles, the island is easily explored by dune buggy. Pack some snorkel gear and head to beaches like Baia do Sancho and Baia dos Porcos, where you’ll see sting rays, sea turtles, and a wide variety of colorful fish just feet from the shore. Without a doubt, the water surrounding the island— a national marine park—is Fernando de Noronha’s top attraction. Besides snorkeling, you can experience Brazil’s best scuba diving with Atlantis Divers (from about $75 for two dives) and go boating (about $25) to spot spinner dolphins and see the island’s unusual rock formations up close.

In the evenings, head to Vila dos Remedios, the island’s historic heart, where you’ll dance the night away to traditional Brazilian music and eat seafood al fresco at the popular and cheap Bar do Cachorro. For affordable accommodations, stay at the simple but comfortable Pousada Paraiso do Atlantico, where prices for double rooms start around $78 a night.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2009-01-15-seven-beaches_N.htm

40th Annual San Diego Underwater Photographic Society Film Festival

The San Diego Underwater Photographic Society (SDUPS) is proud to announce that its 40th Annual Film Festival will be held April 25, 2009 in San Diego, CA. This year’s film festival will feature a “headliner” film from Steve Drogin as well as a worldwide contest. The winner of the film contest, as determined by the audience, will be awarded a cash prize of $500. Additionally, there will be a reception honoring many of San Diego scuba diving pioneers with a special emphasis for those that lead the way in underwater photography and cinematography.

http://www.divephotoguide.com/competition/385

Wreck Diving Training on the Robert Gaskin

By deepstop

The first two dives of my wreck diving course in 2007 were in the St. Lawrence River near Brockville, Ontario (or, if you prefer, Alexandria Bay, New York) on the Gaskin. At only 60 feet depth, and with lots of holes in the deck through which a diver can pass, the Gaskin is great place to practice wreck penetrations.

The setup for the course was to make 6 dives, consisting of two dives on each of 3 wrecks. For the Gaskin, and the second wreck, the procedure was for each buddy pair to descend together to the bottom of the buoy line where they were met my the instructors. Each diver would pair off with an instructor and separately enter the wreck, one on the port side and one on the starboard, tying off their lines on the outside. On the first dive, it was simply a matter of laying a good taut penetration line, then reeling it in on the way back.

The instructors and safety divers stayed underwater during both dives by the students, a total of about an hour and a half. The students were spaced every 10-12 minutes, so after a surface interval of only 25 minutes my buddy Mike (an instructor in the RCMP getting his civvy certifications) and I were back in the water descending to the Gaskin once again. This time, when we were reeling back in, the instructors silted out the wreck so we had to depend on the lines for navigation. No problem.

The water temperature at 20C (68F) was cool in my 3mm wet suit and hood, but the dives were short (20 minutes and 18 minutes) and the air was warm so no problem. The maximum depth was 68 feet, which I hit on the first dive. We used Nitrox because of the short surface interval with a mix of 37% Oxygen.

In short, it was lots of fun.

http://deepstop.wordpress.com/2009/01/10/wreck-diving-training-on-the-robert-gaskin/

5 charged with abalone poaching

By LAURA NORTON
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Friday, January 9, 2009 at 3:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, January 9, 2009 at 11:53 p.m.

Five men suspected of poaching abalone on the Sonoma Coast were arrested Friday and charged with collecting 31 of the prized mollusks for illegal sale, state Fish and Game officials said.

Charles Lester Miller IV, 20; Michael Ray Phipps, 19; and Joshua William Stockman, 19, all of Santa Rosa, were being held at Sonoma County Jail on felony conspiracy and abalone possession charges. Joshua Cowan Berto, 19, and Corin Robert Devlin, 20, also of Santa Rosa, were released on bail.

Fish and Game officials said Miller, who also is charged in another abalone poaching case from November, was spotted scuba diving at Fort Ross on Thursday by a warden.

A large sack of abalone was found hidden on the beach where Miller was diving, and Fish and Game officials subsequently set up an overnight surveillance on the beach, Game Warden Patrick Foy said.

Miller returned shortly after midnight with Phipps, Stockman, Berto and Devlin and collected the cache from the beach, Foy said.

When the men left the beach and wardens attempted to pull over their two vehicles on Highway 1, the men threw three bags of abalone out the windows, Foy said.

Thirty-one abalone were recovered from the roadside after the men were stopped.

“It’s a very significant find,” he said.

While abalone poaching usually carries only misdemeanor charges, the men are being charged with felonies because of the quantity of abalone poached and their suspected intent to sell it, Foy said.

A 2003 abalone poaching case in Sonoma County resulted in three years of probation for a Cloverdale man accused of harvesting 30 abalone and selling them.

In the most serious cases, abalone poaching can result in prison time.

A Mendocino County judge in 2004 sentenced two commercial fishermen from San Ysidro in Southern California to two years in prison, and also took action to seize their boat and ban them from fishing in the future.

Those men were caught with more than 400 abalone.

Berto and Devlin are scheduled to be in court at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, and Miller, Phipps and Stockman are to appear at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090109/news/901090210

Interline Travel Tips for Roatan : Interline Travel News

Interline Travel Tips for Roatan

January 5, 2009 by The Travel Master

Filed under Central AmericaLeave a commentInterliners are starting to discover this gem in the Caribbean. But getting to Roatan is still a bit of an adventure. TACA flies to Roatan from Miami, San Pedro Sula and Le Ceiba. Continental, America, Delta and United all fly to either San Pedro Sula or Le Ceiba. For now those are the best options to get to Roatan. So why go to Roatan?

via Interline Travel Tips for Roatan : Interline Travel News.

TSA: Transporting Scuba Equipment

Transporting Scuba Equipment

Travel Assistant

You may bring some scuba gear on-board an aircraft, but please follow the guidelines below.

You may bring regulators, buoyancy compensators and masks, snorkels and fins as carry-on or checked baggage.

Please also read our section on compressed gas cylinders for more information. Traveling with compressed gas cylinders.

Knives and tools are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage.

Spear guns are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1190.shtm

Scuba diving

Published Saturday January 10th, 2009

y LAVERNE STEWART
stewart.laverne@dailygleaner.com

You can really dive deep into this sport.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Above and at top of page, are some local divers in the waters at Chamcook.

Just ask Jeffrey MacLaggan. He took a scuba diving course last fall. Late last month he entered the chilly Bay of Fundy waters to do the tests required to get his diving certification. A tropical marine biology course at the University of New Brunswick in 2007 sparked his interest.

As part of this course, students travelled to Cuba where they explored coral reefs. MacLaggan was confined to snorkelling while others, who had their scuba diving papers, were able to dive close to the reefs and spend time with the marine life.

When MacLaggan returned to Fredericton he decided he wanted to learn how to do this too.

So he signed up for an eight-week scuba diving course in October.

“I finished my checkout dive just a few weeks ago. It was pretty cold. When I first got in (the water) it was like having an ice cream headache. It was a lot of fun.

When you dive it’s a whole different world down there. I felt at peace. There’s sea stars and crabs and all kinds of marine life.”

As soon as he has some free time, he says, he wants to return to the Bay of Fundy to dive again. And, when it’s possible for a tropical vacation, he is eager to return to Cuba and dive on the same reefs he couldn’t reach with his snorkel and fins.

“When you are there you are seeing Barracuda, Trumpet fish, Sergeant Majors, jellyfish, Portuguese Man O’ War.”

MacLaggan says he can see this becoming a passionate hobby. Some day, he says, he would like to include this as part of his career.

MacLaggan is now training to become a police officer and would like to scuba dive with a police force’s underwater recovery dive team.

MacLaggan says some people might be nervous to try this but as long as they receive proper training and pass a scuba diving certification test there is no reason to be.

“I encourage people to do it. If you have a love for the water then you will love scuba diving.

“As long as I have a dive buddy who is able to go with me I’ll love to do it. I’m hoping to stick with the UNB Scuba Club and go when they go.”

There is a lot of information you need to know before you go or you could find yourself in trouble, he says.

“It’s not just putting air tanks on your back and a regulator in your mouth and away you go. There’s a lot to it with dive tables and your buoyancy compensator. There’s that safety aspect of it that many people, I don’t think, are aware of. You can’t just go diving and then hop on a plane, right?”

Patrick Watt agrees. He started diving 20 years ago when he took lessons at the UNB pool. He’s done this in northern and tropical waters.

There is great marine life to be discovered around here, in places like off the coast of Deer Island. But diving in the waters of Cozumel, Mexico are some of the most memorable dive experiences, he says.

“You are diving off a cliff and the water seems to drop off into the abyss. You really feel like you are floating.”

After he got his entry-level scuba diving certification, he decided he wanted to learn more. He became an assistant instructor in the mid-1990s and a head instructor almost nine years ago. Now, part of his income, is made from teaching others to dive safely.

He cautions everyone not to go on a tropical scuba diving excursion offered by many resorts and cruise lines that rush you through a quick lesson before the dive.

“It seems they want to grab your money in some of these spots. They want to rush you through a quickie course in the morning and then they take you out that afternoon and put you in 30 feet of water. Scuba diving, with proper training, is an extremely safe sport but you need to know what you are doing.”

People have a false sense of security if they are diving in shallow waters but if you don’t know what you are doing you can get into trouble that can lead to critical health issues including air embolisms and death.

“Not having the experience, the practice or the practical training people can panic if a little bit of water gets in their mouth or up their nose or in their mask. In pool training, they overcome these little things.”