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22 December 2008 11:58
Tired of swimming on scuba-diving trips? Then this Russian underwater bike could be for you!
The Aqua Star has been developed by Dimtry and Timophey Ryabikiny from the Russian city of Yeisk.
It can be used at depths of 12 metres and achieves 4.3mph, and has two engines to allow it to operate underwater.
To view complete article: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/December/22-28/dec2308-underwater-bike-video/?&R=EPI-105194
By Lukman Nul Hakim Mazlan
KOTA KINABALU, Dec 23 (Bernama) — Flashback to the 1960s and James Bond movie fans would definitely remember ‘Thunderball’ that starred Sean Connery.
This movie was about a group of terrorists that had hijacked a nuclear missile and hid it on the seabed.
That film had also featured underwater action scenes, which captivated the cinemagoers including that of a torpedo-shaped vehicle that moved swiftly under the sea.
Fast-forward to today, those who wish to experience to move faster during snorkeling or scuba diving, they could try a similar machine known as ‘Sea Doo Divers Propulsion Vehicle’ or DPV.
DPV is a vehicle-like equipment that assist a person to move faster either on the surface or under the sea.
It is ideal for those into snorkeling or scuba diving as this machine propels the person at a much faster speed as compared to the normal physical locomotion during these activities, hence conserving that person’s energy.
BORNEO DIVERS
For those who visit Pulau Mamutik, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located some 25 minutes boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, they would have the opportunity to try out the DPV.
Borneo Divers and Sea Sports (Sabah) Sdn Bhd managing director, Clement Lee said the DPVs at the island were imported from the United States.
But the DPV is no stranger in Malaysia, he said.
“Others have brought in the DPVs from abroad for their personal use but we are the first company to import it.
“We aspire to make the DPV popular in Malaysia particularly among enthusiasts of snorkeling and scuba diving”, he told Bernama at Pulau Mamutik recently.
For first-timers, the DPV is not difficult to handle.
When using the DPV, it is like handling the steering wheel of a car. Just move it either to the left or right and the DVP would bring you to the desired direction.
DPV PRICE
Each DPV sells from RM900, depending on the engine power.
The motor-powered gear could last up to three hours and divers would have fun using it as the DPV allows faster movement and is less tiring to use.
Shamsul Bahrin Zainuzzaman, 32, a photographer with the Kuala Lumpur-based Gaya Travel Magazine, who had the opportunity to try out the DPV, said:
“Initially I was scared, not having confidence that this thing (DPV) could float but after getting the feel, I think I would want another go.
“Maybe the next time around, I would try it for scuba diving”, he said.
RESCUE WORK
Lee said the DPV could also be used to rescue someone who is in distress.
“Lets say that you want to rescue someone having difficulties about 500 metres from the beach. You could use the DPV to get to the person in a fast time”, he said.
However the DPV for recreation is not suitable for rescue work as there are other more suitable models and versions.
“There are other DPV versions that are suitable for rescue work. They are faster and high-powered”, said Lee.
Jinnifer Missi, Borneo Divers assistant manager, said the DPVs are also suitable for use by the Fire and Rescue Department apart from the police and other related services.
COURSES
Lee said the company allows the DVP to be leased for RM50-RM70 for a half hour session.
Day-long course at RM350-RM400 is also offered to those who wish to learn on how to handle the DPV.
“We would teach them how to use the machine under the sea and how to conserve power apart from the safety aspects”, he said.
However, a scuba diving license is needed before a person is allowed to use the DPV underwater.
At present, Borneo Divers has six of the DVPs but plans to have a total of 50 machines in the future.
More information on the DPV is available at Borneo Divers and Sea Sports (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, 088-222226.
– BERNAMA
To view this article: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=380003
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