http://www.divesouthafrica.co.za/news/archive-december2005.php News and articles relating to scuba diving in South Africa and abroad. Topics include diving equipment, dive sites, diver training, dive specials, wreck diving, reef diving and shark diving news. en-us http://www.divesouthafrica.co.za/imgs/pics-greatwhitecagediving-sm.jpg http://www.divesouthafrica.co.za/news/archive-december2005.php 80 80 News and articles relating to scuba diving in South Africa and abroad. Topics include diving equipment, dive sites, diver training, dive specials, wreck diving, reef diving and shark diving news. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/south-africa-shark-spotters-have-eye.html Sitting at the top of Boyes Drive with binoculars in hand is the best job imaginable for Aghmat Jacobs, one of three shark spotters scanning Muizenberg for Great Whites every day, whatever the weather. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/south-africa-shark-spotters-have-eye.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/european-commission-issues-marine.html European Union member states must do more to protect dolphins, whales and porpoises from dangers such as pollution and illegal fishing or face legal action, the European Commission said on yesterday. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/european-commission-issues-marine.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/australia-shark-fears-prompt-call-for.html A SPATE of great white shark sightings along Adelaide's metropolitan beaches has triggered calls for steel mesh to be installed at the city's most popular beach. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/australia-shark-fears-prompt-call-for.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/belize-discovery-divers-charged-over.html December 17th makes one month since 68 year old American tourist John Dresp went missing while out on a snorkeling tour near Caye Caulker island in Belize with Discovery Divers. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/belize-discovery-divers-charged-over.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/belize-deep-sea-detectives-team-to.html A team from the renowned television show, Deep Sea Detectives, are in San Pedro and want to be the first to document a dive to the bottom of the world famous Blue Hole off the coast of Belize. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/belize-deep-sea-detectives-team-to.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/thailand-dive-tourism-development.html While Koh Samui is well-paved and packed with five-star resorts, and Koh Phangan turns into an international frat party during its full-moon festivities, neighboring Koh Tao is still hanging on to its place slightly off the map - but barely. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/thailand-dive-tourism-development.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/whale-shark-sightings-in-musandam-oman.html Whale Sharks were sighted over the last weekend in the beautiful waters of the Musandam region, Oman. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/whale-shark-sightings-in-musandam-oman.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/sport-diver-uk-launch-ultimate-dive.html Former BBC newsman John McIntyre has carved himself a niche in the diving market, producing exquisitely filmed DVD's focusing on some of the world's best reef, wall and wreck diving. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/sport-diver-uk-launch-ultimate-dive.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/researchers-whale-shark-food-foraging.html Researchers in Belize using electronic tagging on whale sharks have finally solved a marine mystery and discovered where the sharks find food. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/researchers-whale-shark-food-foraging.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/ocean-census-reveals-weird-and.html The world beneath our oceans is a mystery only just starting to be revealed but if the carnivorous sponge is any indication, it must be pretty weird down there. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/ocean-census-reveals-weird-and.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/air-jaws-photographers-make-desperate.html To all involved in the battle against shark finning. Please read on... http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/air-jaws-photographers-make-desperate.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/ireland-rescue-divers-body-found.html The body of a diver, lost while searching for the missing crew of a sunken fishing vessel off Ireland, has been found. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/ireland-rescue-divers-body-found.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/ssi-to-launch-master-diver-challenge.html SSI promotes new and different way to get divers involved in continuing education and advancement! http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/ssi-to-launch-master-diver-challenge.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/fatal-dive-company-puts-record.html A top professional scuba instructor has died off Fort Lauderdale in the USA - and some reported facts about the incident need correcting, the diver's employer has said. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/fatal-dive-company-puts-record.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/basking-shark-granted-international.html The basking shark has been granted international protection, following an agreement of world leaders at a conference in Kenya in November. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/basking-shark-granted-international.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/welsh-dive-site-under-threat.html Divers in Wales believe the demolition of a wooden jetty near Caernarfon is set to destroy an important marine habitat and popular dive site. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/welsh-dive-site-under-threat.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/scubapro-serializes-twin-jet-fins.html SCUBAPRO UWATEC has announced that effective immediately, all new SCUBAPRO Twin Jet Fins will incorporate a dedicated serial number molded into both fins of every pair. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/scubapro-serializes-twin-jet-fins.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/deep-sea-gardens-discovered-everywhere.html Ocean explorers are uncovering a whole gaggle of new undersea gardens from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean powered by nothing but hot water, and rich in both exotic life and valuable ores. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/deep-sea-gardens-discovered-everywhere.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/non-fogging-glass-may-have-use-in.html Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discovered a simple process that produces glass that is less smooth. Significantly less smooth. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/non-fogging-glass-may-have-use-in.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/coco-and-christmas-island-reefs-in.html An eight-year research project has found coral reef around the Christmas and Cocos Islands is in much better shape than first thought. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/coco-and-christmas-island-reefs-in.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/virgin-islands-sponges-may-assist-in.html The coral reefs of the Caribbean are showing potential as the next great frontier for drug researchers seeking to cure cancer, malaria and other deadly diseases. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/virgin-islands-sponges-may-assist-in.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/diveheart-foundation-offers-online.html The Diveheart Foundation is dedicated to building confidence and independence in children and adults with disabilities. They accomplish this goal using the sport of SCUBA diving, snorkeling and other related activities... http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/diveheart-foundation-offers-online.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/police-probe-florida-dive-instructors.html Police are investigating the diving death of a professional scuba instructor on Thanksgiving Day off Hallandale Beach. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/police-probe-florida-dive-instructors.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/australia-great-white-sharks-to-be.html Great White sharks may soon be tracked along the metropolitan coastline using sonar or satellite technology. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/australia-great-white-sharks-to-be.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/scuba-divers-rescue-50-ton-humpback.html A group of scuba divers rescued a 50-foot-long humpback whale that had become entangled in crab fishing gear near the Farallon Islands. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/scuba-divers-rescue-50-ton-humpback.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/tensions-rise-as-dive-buddies-banned.html Tensions between the Navy, the Coast Guard and club divers desperate to recover the remains of their missing colleague, Billy O' Connor reached fever point at Kilmore on Sunday night as accusations of engaging in politics were levelled at the state agencies involved in the search. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/tensions-rise-as-dive-buddies-banned.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/investigation-reveals-boat-captain-at.html The boatmen, who took three German scuba divers to the seawaters off Anda peninsula, were blamed for negligence that caused the near fatal accident of the tourists who were billeted in a resort in Anda town. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/investigation-reveals-boat-captain-at.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/giant-jellyfish-invasion-off-japan.html Giant jellyfish called Echizen kurage have invaded territorial waters off Japan, China and South Korea, prompting a top-level summit to deal with the menace. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/giant-jellyfish-invasion-off-japan.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/professional-dive-instructor-drowns.html On Thanksgiving Day, dive instructor Zak Jones was diving with colleagues on what Fort Lauderdale's Pro Dive International CEO Frank Gernert described as a "staff technical dive." http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/professional-dive-instructor-drowns.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/dive-in-maldives-and-get-guinness.html The Maldives is to attempt a new world record for the greatest number of scuba divers simultaneously diving on a single site. This Dive Maldives event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 11:00hrs. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/dive-in-maldives-and-get-guinness.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/snorkeler-presumed-dead-family-to-hold.html The family of a 68-year-old Omaha man lost in a snorkeling incident is holding a memorial service for him on Friday. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/snorkeler-presumed-dead-family-to-hold.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/singapore-adventurer-to-challenge.html Singapore adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow plans to challenge the Guinness World Record for the longest scuba dive next week, Channel NewsAsia reported Thursday. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/singapore-adventurer-to-challenge.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/australia-great-white-shark-attacks.html Robert Hogg, his son James and a friend have had a terrifying brush with a 4m Great White Shark. The trio were enjoying a "relaxing day in the boat" when a shark launched out of the water and tore into a bait bag attached to their 5.4m fibreglass boat. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/australia-great-white-shark-attacks.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/australia-researchers-record-nearly.html Scientists have begun analysing the results of a land and sea survey of the annual migration of the humpback whale along the east coast of Australia. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/australia-researchers-record-nearly.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/saudi-arabia-another-scuba-diver.html Members of the Jeddah scuba diving community are mourning the death of another young Saudi who drowned while scuba diving. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/saudi-arabia-another-scuba-diver.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/ireland-search-resumes-for-missing.html The Irish Coastguard has resumed its search for a diver who went missing while looking for the skipper of a sunken fishing boat. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/ireland-search-resumes-for-missing.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/diver-held-sonar-developed-to-help.html A new device has been developed to help divers conduct searches underwater. The engineers at the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory have invented a diver-held sonar with better resolution than any other hand-held sonar used today by the military or civilian sectors. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/diver-held-sonar-developed-to-help.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/new-zealand-divers-bent-after-running.html Two students are today in Auckland's Devonport Naval Hospital undergoing decompression treatment after a near-fatal diving accident off the Bay of Plenty coast. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/new-zealand-divers-bent-after-running.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/cornish-divers-arrested-on-treasure.html A team of Cornish divers could be facing extradition accused of plundering shipwrecks off the Spanish coast. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/cornish-divers-arrested-on-treasure.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/sharks-may-be-extinct-in-decade.html Shark nets may reduce the incidence of attacks on swimmers but they are drastically diminishing general marine populations http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/sharks-may-be-extinct-in-decade.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/do-you-panic-when-scuba-diving.html Over half of all divers report feeling panic at one time or another. Divester sheds more light on this issue. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/do-you-panic-when-scuba-diving.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/dan-announces-new-president-and-ceo.html Divers Alert Network has named Dan Orr as President and CEO of the dive safety organization. The appointment follows the announcement at DAN of the resignation of Dr. Michael D. Curley. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/dan-announces-new-president-and-ceo.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/dive-gear-review-two-new-hid-lights-by.html OMS has two new dive lights available, just in time for Christmas. The first light is the two-part Phantom 10w HID light, which retails for about $650 and features a redesigned, ultra-compact, anodized head with a new captured O-Ring assembly in the lens area and 4 titanium screws to hold down the bezel. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/dive-gear-review-two-new-hid-lights-by.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/leave-your-mark-on-padi-history.html Help make PADI history by designing the next great PADI T-shirt. Current stocks are dwindling and the staff needs your help to create a great new eye catching design. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/leave-your-mark-on-padi-history.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/review-five-full-face-masks.html What if you could buy a mask that never fogs, offers a better field of vision, lets you breathe through your nose and--when properly equipped--allows you to talk with your buddy and the dive boat? http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/review-five-full-face-masks.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/diver-dan-student-grateful-to-be-alive.html The last thing Kimberly Pratt said she saw was the sun shining through the blue ocean as she swam toward the surface. Then, she swallowed another gulp of salt water and lost consciousness, falling toward the sea floor. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/diver-dan-student-grateful-to-be-alive.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/wales-defective-dry-suit-valve-caused.html A SCUBA diver suffocated after air escaped from his tanks, an inquest has heard. A coroner has now called for the diving equipment the father-of-four was using that tragic day to be taken out of use. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/wales-defective-dry-suit-valve-caused.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/white-shark-cage-diving-sharktrust.html The subject of cage diving and the possible increase in shark attacks has been regularly aired over the past 6 months, and in deed featured in the latest edition of the Shark Trust membership magazine Shark Focus. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/white-shark-cage-diving-sharktrust.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/interesting-facts-on-stinging-fire.html Fire corals are so called because of their powerful stinging hairs or nematocysts. These are used primarily for defence against fish like parrotfish which would otherwise nibble the coral. However, they are strong enough to injure divers who brush their skin against them, causing burning and itching. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/interesting-facts-on-stinging-fire.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/south-africa-shark-spotters-thrown.html Two years ago Patrick Davids spent his days spotting empty parking bays for visitors to Muizenberg beach in return for tips. Today he has the task of spotting sharks swimming too close to the shore and, thanks to R400 000 from the city council, will also be responsible for training 15 new shark spotters to be deployed at False Bay beaches over the next 10 months. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/south-africa-shark-spotters-thrown.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/swim-with-sharks-and-live-to-tell-tale.html Britain's first commercial shark diving trips are to start off the coast of the Westcountry next summer. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/swim-with-sharks-and-live-to-tell-tale.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/great-barrier-reef-passes-health-check.html The Great Barrier Reef has been given a pass mark after its biennial health check by the Australian Institute of Marine Science. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/great-barrier-reef-passes-health-check.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/tahiti-coral-drilling-program-yields.html Forty-two days of drilling in three different parts of Tahiti's coral reef ended this week with scientists from nine nations "all excited and confident that the scientific objectives of the mission have been met," one of them wrote in a logbook. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/tahiti-coral-drilling-program-yields.html http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/two-headed-marine-turtle-found-in.html A deformed two-headed olive ridley sea turtle hatchling was found on a beach on Costa Rica's northwest Pacific coast, leading experts to believe that contaminants, increased temperatures possibly resulting from climate change and other factors may be at play. http://divesouthafrica.blogspot.com/2005/12/two-headed-marine-turtle-found-in.html