UAE | Environment
Tips on safe scuba diving
As diving enthusiasts know, scuba diving can be one of the most rewarding recreation activities and the UAE's East Coast is where you can have some of the best dives.
- By Fuad Mohammed Ali, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:47 January 9, 2009
- Scuba diving on long stretches of coral reefs can be a very rewarding experience provided divers learn the basics.
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
Fujairah: As diving enthusiasts know, scuba diving can be one of the most rewarding recreation activities and the UAE's East Coast is where you can have some of the best dives.
Long stretches of coral reefs, an extensive sea life and clear blue water are just some of the attractions which keep many coming back here time and again.
Yet despite the undoubted natural spectacle, a gloomy future hangs over this popular leisure activity as prior oil spills, and now the 'Red tide' have combined to keep divers away this year.
The growing effect of the worldwide economic downturn is also starting to bite the tourism industry and diving centres are feeling the pinch.
Attractions
But for wannabe divers in the UAE, there is still plenty to enjoy but there are still a number of factors to consider before taking the plunge at your local dive centre.
The lack of a regulatory body means that not all dive centres follow international safety standards and practices, so a measure of judgment and discretion is needed when deciding which diving centres to approach.
Dirk Ernert, is a Dive Instructor and Operations Manager at Divers Down Diving centre in Khor Fakkan. He says it is difficult for inexperienced divers to spot safety irregularities which, he says, have in the past resulted in "so many near-accidents".
Although no guarantee of proper safety practice, Ernert says, prospective scuba divers should look for centres with credentials from the Professional Associating of Diving Instructors (PADI).
Beginners in scuba diving must complete starter courses such as Discover Scuba Diving - the first real diving course which will take approximately half a day and could include either one pool or open sea dive to a depth of up 12 metres.
The next level requires the Open Water Diver course, after which beginners are awarded certificates which will allow them to take part in deeper dives. Diving equipment can be rented or purchased from diving centres.
A good quality kit could set you back between Dh4,000 and Dh5,000.
Ernert stresses that the East Coast has more conducive conditions for diving which attracts a mix of beginners and regular scuba dive enthusiasts from as far a field as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With eight diving centres to choose from, visitors can expect a fulfilling experience.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Scuba diving clubs
The Pavilion Dive Centre
Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Telephone: +971 4 406 8828
Email: divecentre@jumeirah.com
philo@jumeirah-beach.com
7 Seas Divers
Khorfakkan
Phone: +971 9 238 7400
diving@emirates.net.ae
www.7seasdivers.com
Scuba International Diving College
PO Box 2099
Fujairah
Phone: 09 2220060
college@scubainternational.net
Al Boom Diving Club
Villa No. 254
Dubai
Tel. 00971 4 3422993
abdiving@emirates.net.ae
Scuba Gear
Mask Allows you to see clearly underwater.
Exposure suit Protects from cuts and scrapes and retains heat so you stay comfortable.
Snorkel Lets you breathe at the surface with your face in the water without wasting air from your scuba unit.
Scuba unit The heart of your equipment, scuba (the acronym for self contained underwater breathing apparatus) allows you to breathe underwater and to rise, descend, hover or float at will. It consists of a regulator, tank, buoyancy control device, harness and instruments.
Weight system Offsets your tendency to float so you can descend gently underwater when you want to.
Fins Allow you to swim using only your powerful leg muscles.
Dive light Used to look into cracks and crevices, and for diving at night.
Dive flag/float Keeps boaters away from where you're diving.
Digital underwater photo system Used to take pictures of your adventures to share with your family and friends.
Accessories like underwater slates, lanyards and other items make diving more fun.
(Source: www.padi.com )
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