sipadan - Eco-Photo Explorers

Transcription

MARCH 2010
THE Local Diving Specialists
OHIO
Great diving in
the buckeye state
SPLENDID
SIPADAN
NEW JERSEY
WRECK
USS Algol’s final duty station
for divers and fish
Hear the siren call of
the celving island
BENEATH THE SEA
It’s SHOWTIME!
Volume 6 Issue 3
$1.95 US/$2.25 Canada
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MARCH 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Northeast & Midwest
Dive News
ABOUT THE COVERS
The complete resource for diving
in the Northeast and Midwest.
www.nedivenews.com
www.mwdivenews.com
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
Rick Stratton
[email protected]
Editorial Director
Bob Sterner - Hoboken, NJ
[email protected]
Art Director
IJ James
Production Manager
Kathy Reed
Writer/Editor
Jamie Farris
Accounts Manager
Dianna Ritchie
Advertising/Sales (360) 240-1874
[email protected]
Circulation/subscriptions
360-240-1874
Dive News Magazine is committed to promoting
the sport of scuba diving in the Northeast and
Midwest. We will present a practical, unbiased
point of view regarding all aspects of the sport
of scuba diving.
The Dive News Magazine believes in honesty
and integrity in business and will support all
efforts related to this. We encourage 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. Send us your stories and photos!
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Dive News Magazine reserves the right
to refuse service to anyone it chooses. The
contents of Northeast and Midwest Dive News
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.
MOVING?
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uninterrupted, please notify Northeast Dive News
when you change your mailing address. To ensure
uninterrupted service, please contact us six to eight
weeks before the change of address occurs. You
can call us at 360-240-1874 PST or email us at
[email protected] or mail at:
BEDROCK PUBLICATIONS
P.O. Box 1494
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Northeast & Midwest Dive News MARCH 2010
▲Michael Salvarezza and
Christopher P. Weaver make
up Eco-Photo Explorers, a
New York-based organization
formed in 1994 to help promote
public interest in protecting the
underwater environment through
knowledge and awareness using
underwater photography.
▲ Synowiec has been
involved in the diving industry
since 1988 when he began as
a stock boy for Michigan Underwater School
of Diving. His talent for sales and his love for
diving led him to where he is today – owner
of Divers Incorporated in Ann Arbor, MI and
Divers Incorporated-White Star, located at
White Star Quarry, Gibsonburg, OH.
NORTHEAST US DIVES
12 Beneath the Sea
Beneath the Sea Celebrates its 34th
Anniversary on March 26-28 at the
Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus,
N.J. with a bevy of activities to mark this
auspicious occasion. Join us as we celebrate
34 years of diving enthusiasm at the nation’s
largest consumer dive show. By NEDN Staff
18 The USS ALGOL: On Final Duty
You sank my battleship...and I’m ok with that!
Many of the shipwrecks in the Northeast have
found their final resting places beneath the waves
as a result of tragic circumstances but the USS
Algol went willingly and is now resting quietly,
providing marine life a home and divers a new
place to explore. By Michael Salvarezza and
Christopher P. Weaver
MIDWEST DIVES
24 Don’t Overlook Ohio
The Buckeye State has great inland diving
opportunities, take it from a guy who was born
and raised in Michigan, but does a good portion
of his dives in the state of Ohio. Why? Because
Ohio, especially northwest Ohio, has some of the
best inland diving I have ever had the privilege to
experience. In fact the diving is so good you might
get used to seeing that “Welcome to the Buckeye
State” sign. By Rich Synowiec
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS
30 The Lure of Sipadan Island
Dawn barely warmed the horizon as we rolled into
the water and descended to the top of the wall on
Sipadan Island. Almost immediately, they appeared
out of the darkness, like a herd of buffalo galloping
across the prairie…bumphead parrotfish on the
move. By Sandy Sondrol
www.mwdivenews.com
3
EDITOR’S NOTE
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
M
arch brims with
anticipation for
the local diving season
that is just around the
corner. Spirits of even
the hardiest of yearround Northern divers
pick up as blustery
winds blast away the
last remnants of winter.
email Bob at:
[email protected]
Like birds gathering
for seasonal migration, divers are flocking
to dive shows from the Meadowlands
of New Jersey to Milwaukee to
meet buddies old and new, and to begin
planning summer dives.
Planning is an important step now, and
digging into the gear locker can soothe
the itch to get wet. Check the hydrostatic
testing dates stamped on tanks. Getting any
that are out-of-date retested will take the
longest time of maintenance tasks. What
about your regulators? Looking good on the
outside and functioning up to spec are two
different things.
This piece of critical life support
equipment is supposed to be serviced
annually for a reason, and you don’t want
to find out why while penetrating a wreck.
Look over suits for holes or other wear.
Squeeze into wetsuits to start stretching
them back into shape.
www.kapitolreef.com
MARCH TOWARD
Beyond gear maintenance there’s
skill maintenance. Being comfortable and
safe in the water takes time and energy.
Are there courses that could help you get
more out of diving? This may be the time
to get that certification in nitrox, mixed
gasses or intro to cave. If it’s been awhile
since your last rescue diver course, sign
up for a refresher. Some classes have
pool sessions, which get you wet before
captains put their boats back into the water.
The more you anticipate the season’s what
ifs the more you’ll grow as a diver.
At Northeast and Midwest Dive News
we appreciate your support that is enabling
us to grow as a forum for local diving and
beyond. When we launched at Beneath The
Sea we were met with a show floor filled
with quizzical skeptical faces. Five years
later, we’re catching up with friends at the
show booth. Now make sure to drop by to
tell us the stories and show us the pictures
that you want to share through these pages
with all your buddies in the region’s biggest
dive club.
REDEFINE youR sNoRkElINg ExpERIENcE!
“I was amazed that the kapitol
Reef snorkel was barely noticeable
attached to my diving mask ...
What a joy to breathe through this
snorkel! I wish I would have tried it long
ago. It’s true … it almost breathes for you!”
- Doug gossage, owner and operator of
goose’s scuba shack
☎ 877.527.4865
4
st. george, uT 84790
[email protected]
www.nedivenews.com
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
DEAR BOB,
My photo in the December issue of Joe
Romeiro and Briana Darcy was incorrectly
credited. My picture is the one in which
Darcy is in the water at the surface while
shooting a photo during her first shark dive.
The image of the blue shark was properly
credited to Joe Romeiro.
Amanda Cotton
Hudson, Fla.
December 2009
THE Local Diving Specialists
BLOCK ISLAND
SHARK DIVE
Are
A
re you out of your
freaking mind?
LAKE ERIE
WRECK DIVE
Diving the Boland
DISCOVER
MINDBLOWING
BONAIRE
Lush reefs and diverse marine life in the Caribbean
Volume 5 Issue 12
$1.95 US/$2.25 Canada
DEAR AMANDA,
Thank you for calling this to our
attention. I got my start in journalism as
a photographer and I’m a total nut about
making sure photos are properly credited.
Safe diving,
Bob Sterner
PUBLISHER’S CORNER
Midwest Dive News Wins Big
at Our World-Underwater
M
idwest Dive News, the Midwest’s only print and
online dive magazine, recently attended Our WorldUnderwater in Chicago, the Midwest’s longest and oldest
consumer dive show. The show was highly successful and
well attended by consumers and vendors. The exhibit floor
was crowded with attendees on Saturday and Sunday. The
many vendors at the show were happy with the crowds and
the positive, upbeat vibe of the show.
Midwest Dive News’ promotion at the show was a “funraiser” spin-to-win contest to benefit Diveheart, a Chicago,
Ill.-based non profit that helps disabled people learn to scuba Rick Stratton and Dan Ensing
dive. We had a “wheel of fortune” that contestants could show off Dan’s new Aqua Lung
spin when they made a $5 donation to Diveheart. There was Vyper 2 Dive Computer.
a great variety of prizes up for grabs, including Aeris Macro
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Fins, DUI Weight and Trim Systems, Aqua Lung products
and the grand prize Aqua Lung Vyper 2 dive computer, and
the Pinnacle Aquatics 3mm wetsuit. New subscriber Dan
Ensing, Oak Forest, Ill., was surprised and happy to win the
Aqua Lung dive computer, and Gary Stevens from Mokena,
Ill won the wetsuit donated by Pinnacle Aquatics. In all, we raised $375 and sold nearly
75 subscriptions, besides handing out nearly 1,000 magazines. Dive News was also happy
to co-host a disabled scuba symposium with Diveheart, the International Association for
Handicapped Divers and Scuba Diving International-Technical Diving International.
In all, it was a fun and productive weekend for everyone.
twitter.com/nedivenews
facebook.com/rick.stratton1
Rick
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5
HOT NEWS
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
WOMEN DIVERS CRUISE INTO 10TH YEAR
On Thursday, March 25 the Women
Divers Hall of Fame will host a cruise
on the Spirit of New Jersey. Boarding
begins at 6:30 p.m. with the cruise
running from 7-10 p.m. The boat will
depart from the Lincoln Harbor Marina.
This cruise will be in celebration of the
WDHF’s 10th Anniversary weekend.
WDHOF members, family and friends will enjoy the lights of New
York City, a buffet dinner, wine, beer and soft drinks as well as
music with a DJ and dancing. The pier is about 15 minutes from
the Meadowlands Expo Center and transportation will be available
from the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel to the pier and back.
For more info visit www.wdhof.org.
ANNUAL APRIL FOOLS DIVE
Join Jim Vafeas, Craig Morris
and their jolly bunch of fools
from Tiedemann’s Diving Center,
Levittown, N.Y., for its annual April
Fools Dive at Dutch Springs in Bethlehem, Pa. Saturday, April 10.
For those who have not been in the water for a while it’s a great way
to shake out those cobwebs and make sure all your winter-overhauled
equipment is ready for another season of intense diving! There will
be a BBQ available to cook up anything you would like during the
surface interval lunch break. For info visit www.tdconline.com.
TV AD FEATURES SEASCAPES
The next time you’re watching
television and see a commercial
for the Nintendo Wii game Endless
Oceans 2, think of Seascapes
Diving Center in Syosset, NY.
Actors, director, cameramen,
light crew, sound crew, safety
divers and more folks took over the
shop for a whole day in late January
to film in Seascapes’ pool. Dive
instructor and Seascapes’ manager,
Walter Sclafani was on hand to
lend his expertise to the project,
answering questions from the
director and making suggestions as
needed.
According Sclafani, three of the four actors involved were certified
divers, which lent even more credibility to the filming. Everyone was
also familiar with the product they were there to promote.
“It was really neat,” Sclafani said. “The fact that everybody knew
about the (Nintendo) Wii, which is supposed to be more interactive.
This is a game that hits all ages. This is something almost every age
can play.” The commercial was produced by Optic Nerve USA, a
production company located on New York Harbor.
50 YEARS AND COUNTING FOR B&B DIVING SPECIALTIES
The official party’s not
until May, but B&B Diving
Specialties in Hillsville,
PA is already celebrating 50 years in business. “We’ve been a fullservice shop since 1960,” said owner Bob Tyger. “It was started by
my dad and uncle. I worked there all through high school.” It’s the
family-friendly approach that Tyger feels has helped the business last
so long. “We try to make it a family activity. That’s worked out good
for us,” he said. “We run it like dive shops were run in the 60s, very
friendly and we always have time for people. Having the shop right
at the quarry, it makes it nice.”
6
The shop is located between two quarries about 45 miles north
of Pittsburgh. Though out in the country, so to speak, Tyger said
they draw divers from about a 150-mile radius, including Cleveland,
Ohio, Pittsburgh and Erie. But the best thing about being in business,
according to Tyger, is having the water right outside the door. “It’s
really helped, especially between that and having stuff in stock.
People will come to dive and see something, hold it, and not have to
look in a catalog to buy. That’s a big plus for everybody,” he said.
For more information you can contact B&B Diving Specialties
at (724) 667-9448.
EARN AMA CREDITS AT DAN WORKSHOP
Attendees of the upcoming Divers Alert
Network Diving Fatalities Workshop can now
take away more than just information about
the causes and prevention of diving fatalities.
The fatalities workshop has been awarded
accreditation by the Accreditation Council for
Continuing Medical Education for CME credit,
and those who attend and complete the two-and-a-half day program
can earn up to 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Hosted by the
DAN research department, the workshop will be held April 8-10
at Durham, N.C. For info visit www.diversalertnetwork.org or call
DAN Research at (919) 684-2948 x.260.
FREEDIVING CLASS IN FLORIDA
Freediving Instructors International and
Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla., have
teamed up to offer freediving certifications
at the collegiate level. Barry University
offers the world’s only four-year degree
in the recreational scuba diving industry,
producing aquatic professionals with experience
to lead the diving industry. Instructors Martin Stepanek, Niki
Roderick, and Brett Scaglione present students with the knowledge
and skills needed to become safe, competent freedivers. For info,
visit www.freedivinginstructors.com
FLORIDA SHOP HOSTS SUDS BENEFIT
Divers Discount, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will
host its second Soldiers Undertaking Disabled
Scuba Flea Market March 13-14 from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Volunteers from South Florida Divers
Inc. will assist at the event to raise funds for
disabled heroes. All proceeds go directly to SUDS, a non-profit group
helping improve the lives of injured soldiers returning from Iraq and
Afghanistan. For more info call (954) 761-1426
AGGRESSOR HOSTS NEW REEF SPECIALTY
Aggressor Fleet, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean
Futures Society and Scuba Schools International are
teaming up to offer a Reef Ambassador Specialty
Certification. The specialty course is intended to build
awareness of the importance of reefs in maintaining the
health of the oceans. “Reef Ambassador is a collaborative
effort to bring awareness to how we all play an important part in our
oceans health and well being. SSI feels privileged and honored to be
a part of such an altruistic endeavor and our hat is off to Aggressor
Fleet and Oceans Future for creating such a program,” stated Doug
McNeese, SSI President and CEO. The course is currently offered
aboard the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II and Cayman Aggressor IV,
but it will soon be available to guests aboard
other Aggressor yachts around the world.
For information, call (800) 348-2628, or visit
www.aggressor.com. Learn more about Ocean
Futures Society at www.oceanfutures.org.
www.nedivenews.com
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
ACTIVITIES
NORTHEAST
MIDWEST ACTIVITIES
March 2, 6:30 p.m., Innerspace Explorers,
at On the Border Restaurant, Rocky Hill, Conn.
Newly Discovered Shipwreck in Fishers Island
Sound, www.innerspacexplorers.org, Adam
Cohen, [email protected]
March 3: Free Pool Scuba Experience, 7:309 p.m., Skaneateles Community Center, Auburn,
N.Y. Sponsored by Finger Lake Scuba, Auburn,
N.Y. (800) 764-3483
March 4: Fundamentals of Underwater
Navigation, free seminar, Capt. Saam’s Scuba
School, 863 East Main St., Stamford, Ct.
(203) 327-2822.
March 4: Discover Scuba Class, 7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Aquatic Center, Northfield, N.J. Call
East Coast Diving Supply, Northfield, N.J., to
sign up. (609) 646-5090.
March 6: Artificial Reef Association March
Symposium at North Carolina Aquarium at Pine
Knoll Shores, 6-9 p.m.. Call Discovery Diving,
Beaufort, N.C., to sign up. (252) 728-2265.
March 6: Boston Sea Rovers Saturday
Evening Film Festival, New England Aquarium’s
Simons IMAX Theater, Boston, Mass. Visit
www.bostonsearovers.com for information.
March 9: 7:30, SECONN, Olympic Pizza
Restaurant, 372 West Main St., Norwich,
Conn. Newly Discovered Shipwreck in
Fishers Island Sound, www.seconndivers.org,
offi[email protected].
March 24: Finger Lake Scuba is the 19th hole
at the United Way Indoor Golf Tournament at
Holiday Inn, Auburn, N.Y., 1-9 p.m. Call Finger
Lake Scuba for details, (800) 764-3483.
March 25: Seascapes Dive Club, 7 p.m.
Syosset, N.Y. Info: 516-433-7757
March: 1,8, 15, 22, 29: Free Scuba Seminars
at Aquarius Scuba Diving Centre, 4020 Dudas
St. West, Toronto, Ontario. Space is limited so
call ahead: (416) 604-4203.
March 7: Sea Level Scuba’s Ice Breaker
Dive, White Star Quarry, Gibsonburg, Ohio, 11
a.m. Contact Dale if you wish to be part of this
dive: [email protected]
March 17-21: Toronto Sportsmen’s Show
at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, south
building, 222 Bremner Blvd. Toronto, Ontario.
Visit www.torontosportshow.ca for information.
March 19-21: ScubaFest, presented by Ohio
Council of Skin and Scuba Diving Inc., Crowne
Plaza North, Columbus, Ohio. Keynote Speaker:
Ralph Wilbanks. Info: www.scubafest.org.
March 20-21: Adventure Travel Show at
the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center,
Chicago, Ill. www.adventureexpo.com.
March 20: Discover Scuba, free, 9 a.m.
and 1 p.m. at ScubaFest, Crowne Plaza
North, Columbus, Ohio. Email for info at
[email protected].
March
21:
Discover
Scuba,
free,
1 p.m. at ScubaFest, Crowne Plaza
North, Columbus, Ohio. Email for info at
[email protected].
March 28: Palm Sunday dive, 11 a.m.,
White Star Quarry, Gibsonburg, OH. Contact
Dale if you wish to be part of this dive:
[email protected]
March 31: Underwater Archaeological Society
of Chicago meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Helix Building,
310 S. Racine, Chicago. www.uaschicago.org
MARCH
APRIL
April 10: 6th Annual Spring Into Diving Event,
7 p.m., George School Pool, Newtown, Pa. Call
A-1 Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Adventures,
Trevose, Pa, for information: (215) 355-9945.
April 11: Discover Scuba, free, Sunken
Treasure Scuba, 664 Geiler Hollow Road,
Jersey Shore, Pa. Call for information:
(570) 398-1458.
MAY
May 16-17: DUI DOG Days, Rally
and Demo Tour, Dutch Springs, Pa.
www.IndianValleyScuba.com.
MARCH
Something for everyone...
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Olympus FE-360
Advanced Compact
Fisheye FIX Canon G11
APRIL
April 5: The PADI Diving Society - Divers
Incorporated Chapter monthly meeting. 7 p.m.
at Divers Incorporated, Ann Arbor, Mich.
April 6: Toledo Submariners Club Meeting,
Maumee, Ohio, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meeting.
Call Dale at Sea Level Scuba, Northwood, Ohio,
with questions. (419) 691-2991.
April 18: Fun Dive, 11 a.m., White
Star Quarry, Gibsonburg, OH. Contact
Dale if you wish to be part of this dive:
[email protected]
April 25: Toledo Submariners Early Bird
Dive, 1 p.m., White Star Quarry, Gibsonburg,
Ohio. We will provide hotdogs, please bring dish
to pass. Info: [email protected]
Check us out online for a complete list
of upcoming activities!
www.nedivenews.com
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7
BOSTON SEA ROVERS
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
FILM FESTIVAL MARKS A YEAR OF TRANSITION
for Boston Sea Rovers
I
t is an event steeped in 56 years of
tradition, but this year’s Boston Sea
Rovers’ film festival serves as a harbinger
for a bigger and better 2011.
The Sea Rovers’ goal over the last
56 years has been to bring the “best and
brightest talents of the ocean and diving
community together for a weekend event
focused on education, entertainment
and enlightenment.” While the clinic’s
format has been reinvented over the
years, the club wanted an event that
better serves its mission, answering
the call to evolve as times change.
With that in mind, the film
festival on March 6 will not
only provide a fantastic night
of entertainment for the diving
community, it will serve as the backdrop to
unveil the Sea Rovers’ plans for 2011 and beyond. Changes to the
clinic’s location and format have been designed to please the diving
public and supporters within the diving industry and it will all be
revealed during the sold-out film festival.
The Simons IMAX Theater in Boston, the special venue for
this year’s event, doesn’t have appropriate space for exhibitors.
The group is focused on providing a new and improved venue
!
AR
E
Y
L
L
NA
E
P
O
for the 2011 clinic, which will feature
improved exhibitor space, better
access for exhibitor set up and more
affordable accommodations. In
addition, the new space will feature
low-cost, or even free, parking,
which organizers hope will help
draw additional attendees and reduce
exhibitor costs.
This year’s event will focus
solely on the film festival, which is
the stuff of legends. Oceanographer
Dr. Sylvia Earle will be on hand.
Other presenters include underwater
cinematographer Michael Pitts, who
will share footage from “Life,” the
BBC’s latest national history series;
filmmaker and explorer Wes Skiles
who will share footage of cave
expeditions; ocean activist Philippe
Cousteau Jr., grandson of Jacques Yves Cousteau, with footage
from his latest projects; and Dr. Greg Skomal, who will present
results of his studies of the recently discovered great white shark
population off Cape Cod. The evening will also include a reception
after the show aboard the motor vessel Majesty, which will be moored
alongside the Aquarium.
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8
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NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
BOSTON SEA ROVERS
2010 Film Festival Speakers:
Dr. Sylvia Earle
Called “Her Deepness” by the “New Yorker”
and the “New York Times”, a “living legend” by
the Library of Congress and “Hero for the Planet”
by “Time” magazine, Earle is an oceanographer,
explorer, author and lecturer with a deep commitment
to research through personal exploration.
Earle has led more than 70 expeditions worldwide
involving more than 6,000 hours underwater. She is
president of Deep Search International and chair
of the Advisory Council for the a Harte Research
Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. She has
authored more than 150 scientific, technical and
popular publications, lectured in more than 60
countries and has appeared in hundreds of television
productions.
Michael Pitts
Regarded as one of Britain’s leading underwater
cameramen, Michael Pitts specializes in filming
underwater, but is equally happy shooting on the
surface or from the air. Pitts has been awarded an
Emmy for photography on two BBC landmark series:
David Attenborough’s “Private Life of Plants” and
“Blue Planet.”
Pitts has more than 20 years of experience
making wildlife and science documentaries for
the BBC and independent companies. He is HSE
registered and holds all necessary qualifications and
medical requirements to film underwater, and has
trained in Trimix and Rebreather diving.
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Philippe Cousteau
Philippe Cousteau is the son of Jan and Philippe
Cousteau Sr., and the grandson of Jacques Yves
Cousteau. As a member of the legendary family,
Philippe is continuing the work of his father through
EarthEcho International, the non-profit organization
he founded with his sister and mother and of which
he serves as CEO. Philippe is also chief ocean
correspondent for both the Animal Planet and Planet
Green channels, where he works on various ocean
and water-focused documentaries.
Wes Skiles
Photographer Wes Skiles began learning his
craft in one of the most demanding environments on
earth – underwater caves. As a teenager, he explored
Florida’s underwater labyrinths, capturing images
of the unexplored realms. He developed and refined
the technique for which he became known: using
multiple slaved strobes to dramatically illuminate
and photograph this underwater environment. Skiles
works as a freelance photographer for “National
Geographic” magazine, and his work has been
featured in numerous diving publications.
Dr. Gregory Skomal
Dr. Gregory Skomal is a marine biologist,
underwater explorer, photographer, aquarist and
author. He has been an avid scuba diver and
underwater photographer since 1978. His research
the last 25 years has focused on sharks. His most
recent book is “The Shark Handbook.” In September,
2009, Skomal was the head biologist in charge of
tracking and tagging a group of great white sharks
congregating close to the islands off Chatham, Mass.
He will share stills, film footage and data.
www.mwdivenews.com
Visit us now at
www.LVDive.com
for our 2010 class schedule
and information on:
5 FABULOUS
TRIPS
Including:
ROATAN
in April
BAHAMAS
in June
COZUMEL
in July
FLORIDA KEYS
ARUBA
in May
in October
(610) 746-4016
231 Nazareth Pike (Route 191 North),
Bethlehem, PA 18020
9
LONG ISLAND DIVE ASSOCIATION
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
LONG ISLAND DIVERS ASSOCIATION GOES TO BENEATH THE SEA
By Bill Pfeiffer
he Beneath The Sea Exposition is generally regarded as the
kickoff for the local dive season, and is attended by thousands of
Long Islanders who want to check out what is new in the industry, rub
elbows with other members of the dive community, attend seminars,
workshops, social events, and much, much more. In fact, even if you
spent all three days at the event, it would be impossible see it all.
For us at the Long Island Divers Association, BTS holds many
of the same attractions as it does for the rest of the dive community,
especially the chance to reconnect with people that we may not have
seen since last dive season, or even since last BTS. In past years, we
T
have used the show as an opportunity to display artifacts our members
have brought up from local wrecks and beaches, show videos and
slide shows of local diving events, take reservations for the annual
AquaWoman dive and maybe sign up a member or two. We also take
the opportunity to distribute promotional material in support of all of
our local dive boats, shops and clubs, who are the backbone of the
local dive industry.
The 2010 Beneath The Sea Expo will find LIDA once again
joining forces with groups that we have had the pleasure of working
very closely with during the past year. Working alongside Aaron
Hirsh from the graphic design company AEROX, LIDA, Cultural
Charters • training • WreCk & shark Diving & MOre
RESEARCH
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w w w . g a r l o o e n t. c o m
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U853 AND MANY MORE
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• Four heads with showers • Entertainment Center
• Gourmet Chef (for overnights)
ANDREA DORIA EXPEDITIONS
n o w o F F E r i n G - Tr i p c a n c e l l a t i o n i n s u r a n c e * *
(**on multi-day trips – call for details)
d i s c o u n t s f o r e a r ly b o o k i n g s
CUSTOM SIGHTSEEING TRIPS
Tri-island Tour: nantucket, Marthas Vineyard, Block island
FALL FOLIAGE TRIPS
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10
713 Shepard St., Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
WWW.OLYMPUSDIVING.COM
www.nedivenews.com
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
LIDA AT BENEATH THE SEA
Research Divers and the Historical Diving Society have created a
50 foot long multi-dimensional display that will be jam packed with
local artifacts recovered by local divers, the Dreamland Bell, the
pride of Coney Island, recovered by Gene Ritter and the CRD team,
and a vintage dive gear display by Bob Rusnak and the Historical
Diving Society, straight from the Long Island Maritime Museum in
Sayville. Also featured in the HDS section of the display, visitors will
have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win a brand new
Desco MK V diving helmet, valued at over $5000.00.
As if all of this were not exciting enough, our members will be
featured in the Dive Voyager Productions video documentary “MK V
Diving On The Black Warrior”, premiering Saturday morning. Dive
Voyager Productions videographers Steve and Maureen Langevin
and Bjoern Kils will also be presenting their video “Raising the
Anchor of the Stolt Dagali” on Saturday afternoon. The Dive Voyager
Productions crew has been incredibly strong supporters of LIDA and
Northeast diving. They are frequent presenters at the Long Island
Divers Association Film Festival, featuring fresh, contemporary
documentaries on a wide array of topics of interest to all divers. All
in all, this promises to be a very exciting weekend, the culmination of
a year of very hard work for all of these organizations, and the start of
a new year filled with lots of exciting new projects.
We would like to thank Zig and Joanne and the staff of BTS for
their generosity and support, without which this success story would
not be possible. See you at BTS!
Bill Pfeiffer is the President of the Long Island Divers Association
and we at Northeast/Midwest Dive News count ourselves lucky to
work with him (and LIDA). ■
Long Island Divers Association
Serving the Long Island and Greater New York Diving Community for More Than 25 Years!
www.captainmikesdiving.com
QC Scuba
Wantagh, NY
516-826-7222
www.qcscuba.com
Hampton Dive Center
Riverhead, NY
631-727-7578
www.hamptondive.com
Sea Turtle Dive Charters
East Hampton, NY
631-725-0565
www.seaturtlecharters.com
Kings County Divers
Brooklyn, NY
718-648-4232
www.kcdivers.com
Scuba Network
Carle Place, NY
516-997-4864
www.scubanetwork.com
Lockness Dive Boat
Freeport, NY
516-298-2633
www.locknessdiveboat.com
Swim and Scuba
Rockville Centre, NY
516-872-4571
www.swimandscuba.com
Captain Mike’s Diving
City Island, NY
718-885-1588
Long Island Scuba
Lindenhurst, NY
631-225-8450
www.longislandscuba.com
LIDA is a not-for-profit regional organization
dedicated to the promotion of local diving and
is staffed completely by volunteers.
www.lidaonline.com
www.mwdivenews.com
11
BENEATH THE SEA
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
Beneath the Sea Celebrates its 34th Anniversary on March 26-28, 2010 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center Secaucus, N.J.
B
Act I: Noon, Friday, March 26th … Places everybody, Places …
eneath the Sea begins its 34th year focused on the
local tech/wreck diving community by offering a
seminar series with Divers Alert Network and Public
Safety Diver that explores risk management for public
safety teams. New technology and new information can
minimize risk and keep teams safer and stronger, longer.
These two Friday programs present the timeliest topics
focused on public safety diving. Each is designed to keep
you safer in the water while doing difficult jobs.
Technology, surface supply, incident command,
physical fitness and communication each play an
important role in maintaining the focus, fitness, and final
success of the Public Safety Diver. On hand will be the
top names from each of these business sectors, including
Faith Ortins from Diving Unlimited International; John
Hott, Ocean Technology Systems; Jon Jackson, a public
safety diving veteran of the Charlotte Fire Department;
Steve Orusa, field team manager from Chicago; John
Carner, field expert from Ohio; and Jeff Snyder of Sea
Visions. The DAN section of the Public Service Diving
Friday explores controversies and trauma management.
Also on Friday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
the Beneath the Sea Ocean Pals, Marine Careers Day
will host a series of lectures, discussions, and workshops
explaining how to achieve success and a future in a
marine career. The 2010 Marine Careers program is an
opportunity to learn just what it will take for students
to create a successful career in one of the many
related marine fields. Here’s a preview of some of our
outstanding speakers:
Dr. Phil Nuytten: Underwater technology
inventor, author, publisher, manufacturer
Dr. Joe MacInnis: Advisor to the Titanic
Discovery teams, deep-sea explorer with James
Cameron, author, Scientist
Dr. Eugenie Clark, World-class authority on
sharks and shark behavior
Zale Parry: Instructor, environmentalist,
actress, underwater photographer, author
James Caldwell: Navy diver who assessed
atomic bomb tests, leader in underwater
communications
Barbara “Bobbie” Scholley, Capt. (Ret.)
and Nancy McGee: Women Divers Hall of Fame
representatives
Jim Clark: Civil engineer designing and using
underwater technology
Dr. Sylvia Earle: National Geographic
explorer, former chief scientist of NOAA, 2009
TED winner
George Buckley: Assistant director, Harvard
Extension School, and director of Marine Ecology
Project, Bonaire, Netherlands, Antilles
Captain Donovan Withers: Assistant
director of Maritime Technology at Kingsborough
Community College
Keith Ellenbogen: Professor at Parson’s
School of Design, Underwater Photographer,
researcher
of
the
endangered
Atlantic
Bluefin Tuna.
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12
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NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
Throughout the day, workshops promote
Marine Careers perspectives, as students are
encouraged to learn by having fun. The fun
comes when students participate in workshop
activities that are also challenges to their
skills and mental agilities:
Commercial Diving Simulation: Lenny
Speregen of L.S.Industries and Silver Screen
Marine simulates a mechanical construction
project taken straight from the movie “Men
of Honor”. Students will have an opportunity
to do a valve assembly, barehanded, wearing
gloves, and then blindfolded, while being
timed! And, then, the students will “dress
up” in a commercial diving rig and practice
doing an inspection along a mural of pier
structure. Teams will compete for prizes!
BENEATH THE SEA
Scholarship Tips: Learn about the
marine-related scholarships that are available
and the requirements needed to apply; and,
participate in an exercise to help guide you in
writing your own application essay.
Marine Careers Exhibitors: Our Marine
Careers Exhibitors share great information
about marine careers, internships, community
activities, and academic opportunities. Speak
directly with representatives from National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Southampton College at Stony Brook,
Kingsborough Community College, Seacamp
Association, Maritime College SUNY, Barry
University and University of Rhode Island
Ocean Engineering and Oceanography
Departments.
Marine
Creatures
Identification
Competition: Rogest will challenge your
knowledge of marine creatures – hot
competition, prizes, and lots of fun learning!
Six hours later the exhibition floor opens
to those who have been attending the Public
Service Divers conference and the public.
Nearly 400 exhibitors fill the floor of the
Meadowlands Exposition Center and spill
into the entrance hallway until 9 p.m. Now
go on over to the Tech/Wreck Party, it’s free
with your ticket, and meet all those guys you
dove with all summer, pounding off-shore
in some six-pack, or in the luxury of a 36foot cutter. Meet friends, share experiences
or maybe find a new dive buddy. The party
is a place to meet the Pioneers of Northeast
BENEATH THE SEA
™
New York Regional 34th Annual Consumer Dive & Travel Exposition
© 2009 CAL MERO, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, LEAFY SEA DRAGON
MEADOWLANDS EXPOSITION CENTER - SECAUCUS - NJ
March 26th, 27th, 28th 2010
DON’T MISS ALL THESE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS!
• 400 EXHIBITS • MORE THAN 70 SEMINAR PROGRAMS • SPECTACULAR IN-DEPTH WORKSHOPS •
PRODUCT DEMOS • SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS • UNIQUE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS • DOOR PRIZES
• SILENT AUCTION • BOOK SIGNINGS • BENEATH THE SEA INTERNATIONAL UNDERWATER PHOTO
IMAGING COMPETITION • WELCOME PARTY FOR ALL • MEET THE FISH & FAMOUS • DIVER OF THE
YEAR AWARDS BANQUET • WOMEN DIVERS HALL OF FAME 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION •
OCEAN PALS SEA OF SWEETS PARTY • CAYMAN ISLANDS’ INTERNATIONAL SCUBA DIVERS HALL
OF FAME DECOMPRESSION PARTY • INTERNATIONAL UNDERWATER FILM FESTIVAL • OCEAN PALS
INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL & OCEANSCAPES POSTER CONTEST AWARDS • HISTORICAL DIVING
SOCIETY ARTIFACTS GALLERY • OCEAN ARTS GALLERY • WOMEN DIVERS HALL OF FAME PICTURE
GALLERY • INTERNATIONAL IMAGING COMPETITION WINNERS GALLERY • CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION
TO HONOR THIS YEARS LEGEND OF THE SEA • MARINE CAREERS PROGRAM • FRIDAY NIGHT TECH/
WRECK PARTY • ONLY 10 MINUTES FROM NYC AND FREE PARKING EVERYWHERE!
BENEATH THE SEA™ 2010 DIvE & TRAvEL ExpOSITION | 495 NEw ROCHELLE RD., STE. 2A, BRONxvILLE, NY 10708
914 - 664 - 4310 | E-MAIL: [email protected] | www.BENEATHTHESEA.ORg | www.MECExpO.COM
www.mwdivenews.com
13
BENEATH THE SEA 
diving, like Mike DeCamp, this year’s
inaugural recipient of Beneath the Sea’s
Northeast Diving Pioneer award.
At 5 p.m. and in another part of the stage,
Dr. Phil Nuytten will be celebrated as Beneath
the Sea 2010’s Legend of the Sea with a toast
and a roast at a private Champagne Reception
held in his honor. Nuytten is an inventor,
a designer, a successful businessman, a
songwriter and a publisher of Canada’s
“Diver” magazine. Because of his insightful
invention of the segmented hard suit divers
can work thousands of feet beneath the sea.
Difficult work in aquifers and water delivery
tunnels is made if not convenient, then
practical because of underwater vehicles
designed and built by this visionary.
One party always leads to another, and
Nuytten’s champagne reception gives way,
at 7 p.m., to Meet the Fish n’ Famous dinner
and Silent auction to benefit the Maria Fareri
Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical
Center. Of course you can meet Nuytten
there as well as Dr. Eugenie Clark, she’s
to be Beneath the Sea 2010’s Pioneer, also
known as the Shark Lady. Dr. Joe MacInnis
will be there, straight off a cruise with James
Cameron, as will the Beneath the Sea Diver
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
of the Year. Both the Women Divers Hall of
Fame and the Cayman Islands International
Scuba Divers Hall of Fame celebrate their
10th anniversaries as well, and the NOGI
celebrates its 50th anniversary. Cathy Church
will be there, as will Leslie Leaney of the
Historical Diving Society, “Her Deepness”
Sylvia Earle will be there, Stan Waterman
of “Blue Water, White Death” fame, and
Mike DeGruy emcee, TV host, naturalist. If
you want to meet these people, if you want
these people to meet you, and know what it
is you’re doing at Beneath the Sea, this is the
party and silent auction are the places to be.
What’s that you say?
When I had a post-dive ear issue, everyone
turned a deaf ear and told me just to let
it heal. But DAN actually listened to what I
had to say, and because of them, I can hear
today. DAN was there for me.
Luke Clyburn
DAN Member
DAN is here for you.
www.DiversAlertNetwork.org
For more information, contact
Divers Alert Network
6 West Colony Place
Durham, NC 27705
Toll Free 1-800-446-2671
* Testimonial given October 2007
*Insurance not included with Membership. Membership and insurance information applies only to
DAN America. Additional fees apply to add insurance plans. DAN insurance programs administered
by DAN Services, Inc. DAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
14
www.nedivenews.com
AG-5683
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
BENEATH THE SEA
Photo courtesy
Long Island Diver’s
association and taken
by Christopher Mazz
The Exhibit floor opens at 9 a.m. Vendors
will be ready to tell you all about their
product, services or destination. Speakers
and workshops are in full swing in conference
rooms scattered about the Meadowlands.
At 5 p.m. the Diver of the Year Awards
Reception and Banquet begins. Industry
leaders gather to honor those singled out for
honor and recognition. The Women Diver’s
Hall of Fame will introduce its inductees,
and a tribute to the achievements of this
year’s Legend of the Sea: Dr. Phil Nuytten
will be showcased. Diver’s Alert Network
and Rolex present their scholarship winners
and the DAN/ROLEX award.
Following the awards Banquet, everyone
heads across the hall to the International Film
Festival, (part of your dinner ticket), this year
hosted by Mike deCamp, filmmaker, reporter
and humorist.
What a special film festival it will be this
year: Stan Waterman and Leandro Blanco
listen to “Voices,” then we see a rarely
shown, so seldom seen, retrospective of the
Williamson brothers underwater photography
beginning in 1916 when they were the first to
photograph Beneath the Sea.
Also featured will be Nancy McGee
introducing the collaborative efforts of
herself and Anna Deloach in the world
premier of “Sensational Seas II,” Terry
Maas’ “Last Sardine,” and Bill Fisher
and Joe Romiero take a stand for sharks in:
“Death of a Deity,” while the illustrative
Dr. Joe MacInnis takes us on a voyage with
James Cameron.
Following the film festival, is the
Cayman International Scuba Divers
Hall of Fame decompression party,
which is included in your dinner ticket.
There you will meet the stars of the film
festival as well as all the other VIP’s when
everyone gathers to celebrate the hall of
fame’s 10th Anniversary. Then we’ll all dance
the night away.
©
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huMans are
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15
BENEATH THE SEA
Poster Contest Winner K-2
Poster Contest Winner 3-5
Sunday is Ocean Pals Day at Beneath
the Sea. Children under 12 accompanied
by a parent admitted free. Ocean Pals
will display the winning posters from this
year’s poster contest: “Global Warming:
Help Keep Our Oceans Cool.” Then, from 10
a.m. to mid-afternoon, Ocean Pals is having
a daylong party and special program for
children called “A Sea of Sweets Party.”
Ocean Pals is an environmental educationthrough-art program for the children of the
world. To build their interest in oceans and the
environment, Ocean Pals and Beneath
the Sea conduct an international oceans
16
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
environmental theme poster competition.
The annual theme is presented in class study,
then, with only their imagination as their
guide, children create their impressions of
this theme.
The theme this year is: Global Warming:
Help Keep Our Oceans Cool. The children
create insightful art and 12:30 p.m. Sunday is
when they are presented with their awards.
Ocean Pals also hosts the Sea of
Sweets party with family fun stations
where the whole families can paint
each others faces, do arts and crafts,
get tattoos, toss rings and compete at
games. If that’s not enough, there will be
singing, raffles, prizes given away, arts and
crafts to learn.
The Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital
at Westchester Medical Center has been an
important part of the Ocean Pals program
for many years. Beneath the Sea is a “notfor-profit” public service, membership
organization. Ocean Pals is a special project
of Beneath the Sea.
For information visit BeneathTheSea.org,
call (914) 664.4310, fax (914)664.4315, or
write: BTS, 495 New Rochelle Road, Suite
2A, Bronxville, N.Y. 10708 ■
www.nedivenews.com
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS                      BENEATH THE SEA
Two Worlds
One Camera
SeaLife’s new 10-Megapixel Camera is easier to use than any camera ever made.
The NEW Easy Set-up mode is a 1-2-3 on-screen picture guide that takes the guess work out
of setting up the camera for better pictures on land and underwater. Different from regular
land cameras inserted in a waterproof housing, SeaLife Cameras are custom-made for the unique
underwater light conditions and the specific needs of divers, snorkelers, and explorers on land.
The underwater color-correction program can handle any diving condition around the world,
awakening the vibrant colors. Easy to use and even easier to expand.
Long-life rechargeable lithium batteries. Continuous Video and Spy
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The NEW DC1000 $549.95 MSRP
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the following SeaLife Authorized Dealers:
VA
VA
IA
IA
IN
MN
MI
MI
IL
IN
OH
WI
OH
IL
WI
MI
PA PA
NH
NH
NJ
NJ
NY
NY
717.39.SCUBA
Lancaster
Scuba Center
www.lancasterscuba.com
Lancaster,
PA
717.39.SCUBA
Uncle Joe’s Scuba
www.lancasterscuba.com
Caoraopolis, PA
412.262.2664
Uncle
Joe’s Scuba
www.unclejoesscuba.com
Caoraopolis,
PA
412.262.2664
Adventure Scuba
www.unclejoesscuba.com
Chantilly, VA
703.263.0427
Adventure
Scuba
www.scubava.com
Chantilly,
VA
MIDWEST
703.263.0427
Blue Water Divers
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Arnolds Park, IA
MIDWEST
712.332.6370
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Blue
Water Divers
Arnolds Park, IA
Indy MPH Watersports
712.332.6370
Indianapolis, IN
www.bwdivers.com
317.842.1988
www.indymph.com
Sea the World
Chicagoland Scuba Center
Farmington Hills, MI
Lake Zurich, IL
Indy 847.540.7211
MPH Watersports
Divers 248.478.6400
Incorporated
Indianapolis,
IN
Ann Arbor,
MI
www.seatheworld.org
www.chicagolandscuba.com
317.842.1988
734.971.7770
Scuba Center Minneapolis
Illinois Institude of Diving www.diversinc.com
www.indymph.com
Minneapolis, MN
Glen Ellyn, IL
Scuba North
612.925.4818
800.469.3483
Chicagoland
Scuba Center
www.scubacenter.com
www.iidscuba.com
Traverse
City, MI
Lake Zurich,
IL
231.947.2520
847.540.7211
Scuba Emporium
Southern Ohio Diving Academy
www.scubanorth.com
www.chicagolandscuba.com
Orland Park, IL
Kettering, OH
708.226.1614
Illinois
Institude of Diving
Sea the937.298.2999
World
www.scubaemporium.com
www.sodadivers.com
Glen Ellyn,
IL
Farmington Hills, MI
800.469.3483
248.478.6400
Scuba Systems
Aquatic Adventures Dive Center
www.iidscuba.com
www.seatheworld.org
Skokie, IL
Brookfield, WI
847.674.0222
262.938.6827
Scuba
Emporium
www.scubasystems.org
www.dive-aai.com
Southern
Ohio Diving Academy
Orland Park, IL
Kettering, OH
708.226.1614
Anchor Bay Scuba
Aqua Center of Green Bay
937.298.2999
Fairhaven, MI
Green Bay, WI
www.sodadivers.com
586.725.1991
920.468.8080
Scuba
Systems
www.anchorbayscuba.com
www.aquacntr.com
Aquatic
Adventures Dive Center
Skokie, IL
Brookfield, WI
847.674.0222
Aquatic Adventures of MI
Divepoint Scuba Centre
262.938.6827
Brighton, MI
Stevens Point, WI
www.dive-aai.com
810.225.9868
715.344.3483
Anchor
Bay Scuba
www.aquaticadventuresofmi.com
www.divepointscuba.com
Aqua Center
of Green Bay
Fairhaven, MI
Green Bay, WI
586.725.1991
Divers Incorporated
920.468.8080
www.anchorbayscuba.com
Ann Arbor, MI
www.aquacntr.com
734.971.7770
Aquatic
Adventures
of
MI
www.diversinc.com
Divepoint Scuba Centre
Brighton, MI
Stevens Point, WI
Scuba North
810.225.9868
715.344.3483
Traverse City, MI
www.aquaticadventuresofmi.com
www.divepointscuba.com
231.947.2520
www.scubanorth.com
MI
National Aquatic Service
East Syracuse, NY
National
Aquatic Service
315.479.5544
East
Syracuse, NY
www.nationalaquatic.com
315.479.5544
Scuba Network
www.nationalaquatic.com
Carle Place, NY
516.997.4864
Scuba
Network
www.scubalongisland.com
Carle
Place, NY
516.997.4864
Swim and Scuba
www.scubalongisland.com
Rockville Centre, NY
516.872.4571
Swim
and Scuba
Rockville
Centre, NY
516.872.4571
Lancaster Scuba Center
Lancaster, PA
MD MD
CT CT
Divers Cove
NORTHEAST
Essex,
CT
Divers Cove
860.767.1960
Essex, CT
www.diverscover.com
860.767.1960
New
England Dive Center
www.diverscover.com
Wallingford, CT
New England Dive Center
203.284.1880
www.nedive.com
Wallingford, CT
203.284.1880
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www.nedive.com
Edgewood, MD
410.679.6413
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www.underwaterplayground.com
Solomons, MD
410.326.4386
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www.seadive.net
Solomons, MD
410.326.4386
Diver’s Den Dive Shop
www.seadive.net
Manchester, NH
603.627.2536
Diver’s
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www.diversdendiveship.com
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603.627.2536
Atlantic Divers
www.diversdendiveship.com
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
609.641.7722
Atlantic Divers
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609.641.7722
East Coast Diving Supply
www.njwreckdivers.com
Northfield, NJ
609.646.5090
East
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17
NEW YORK
THE
USS
ALGOL
On Final Duty
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
NY
PA
NJ
X
Diver takes a close look at a jellyfish. Photo © Eco-Photo Explorers
Story and photos by Michael Salvarezza and Christopher P. Weaver
A
lthough many of the shipwrecks in the Northeast have found
their final resting places beneath the waves as a result of tragic
circumstances, some have made their way to the bottom intentionally
and are now resting quietly in the noble service of providing
marine life and human beings with new reef environments to
inhabit and explore.
The USS Algol is one such ship.
On Nov. 21, 1991, the USS Algol (AKA-54) became part of New
Jersey’s artificial reef program. At 12:30 p.m. that day a series of
explosive charges tore through her hull as if it were made of thin
sheets of paper. Minutes later, the Algol was resting almost silently
at 120 feet on the soft, sandy bottom 14 miles off of New Jersey’s
Shark River Inlet. The serenity beneath the sea was disturbed for
many hours by the sounds of belching air escaping from the holes
and other cracks and crevices of her hull.
Launched and christened the James Baines on Feb. 17, 1943, in
Oakland, Calif., and affectionately known as the Steamin’ Demon,
she was converted months later on Dec. 3 to an auxiliary cargo attack
vessel and renamed the USS Algol. With eight decks, 459 feet of hull
and rising nearly 100 feet high, the Algol was truly a massive sight to
see. Being well designed, she was able to carry a wide assortment of
equipment such as tanks, trucks and other needed artillery hardware
as well as to ferry troops to and from shore during amphibious beach
assaults. This was accomplished by her 14 LCVP boats complete with
two 30-caliber machine guns and eight LCM boats, which sported
two 50-caliber machine guns. These landing craft were not going
out unprotected! The Algol itself carried a wide array of armament,
consisting of a five-inch mount, four double 40-millimeter mounts
and six double 20-mm mounts.
After being fully commissioned on July 21, 1944, the Algol was
hastily pressed into active duty. On Jan. 13, 1945, she successfully
transported reinforcements for the 25th infantry division that was
making an amphibious assault in the Lingayan Gulf. Sixteen days
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NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
NEW YORK
USS Algol is under way along the shore.
File Photo
later, she was putting other U.S. troops
ashore in the Zamabales of Luzon. The
Algol also participated in and survived three
amphibious invasions of Okinawa in April
of 1945 without sustaining any damage to
herself or loss of life.
After a brief rest and being inactive in
November 1947, the Algol was once again
thrust into harm’s way. This time the place
was Korea, Aug. 30, 1950, and the task was to
ferry vital supplies and personnel to awaiting
U.S. Marine troops. She also took part in two
more invasions. The first was at Inchon on
Sept. 17, 1950, and the second at Wonsan in
October. On Dec. 4, 1950, the Algol assisted
in the evacuation of Chinnampo. Years later
on Jan. 2, 1958, she was finally put to dry-
dock and de-commissioned but not after
receiving two World War II battle stars and
five Korean War battle stars.
In 1983, the late Senator Edwin B.
Forsythe petitioned the U.S. Maritime
Administration for a surplus Liberty Ship to
be used as part of New Jersey’s Artificial Reef
Program. When no such ship was found, the
USS Algol was substituted. The Algol was
about to begin her final tour of duty.
The sinking was finally arranged
for Nov. 21, 1991. The Steamin’ Demon
was truly an unbeaten hero to many
and scores of loyal crewmembers came
from across the country to say their final
goodbyes and witness the sinking of
their ship as she began to proudly serve
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NEW YORK
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
Cunner crowd the viewfinder.
Photo © Eco-Photo Explorers
her final duty as a living artificial reef, a permanent home to local
marine life.
As part of the artificial reef program, the Algol was cleaned of all
pollutants and floatable material prior to its sinking. Portholes and
other large objects were removed as well.
Seven months after the sinking, the Algol was still easily
recognizable, sitting perfectly upright on the bottom. She lies in close
proximity to several other prominent New Jersey shipwrecks, such
as the Stolt D’Agali and the Coney Island. The Algol still appeared
pretty much as it did when it was sunk, with little or no marine
Frilled anemones grow on the hull.
Photo © Eco-Photo Explorers
growth to disguise its features. Although still sterile, the Algol was
just beginning to attract some aquatic life.
Today, the Algol’s superstructure has been completely covered
with mussels and other shellfish, and schools of blackfish, bergall,
Pollack and black sea bass are routinely spotted on the wreck.
Macro Photographers have been delighted to spot several colorful
nudibranchs on the forward boom control structure. Like all of the
shipwrecks in these waters, the Algol’s exterior has also become
covered with anenomes, shellfish and other various plants and
animals, and a thriving fish haven has been created.
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20
www.nedivenews.com
NORTHEAST DIVE NEWS
Divers who descend to the Algol
will generally find visibility of 20 to 40
feet. Because the ship is intact, and sitting
upright, navigation along its exterior is not
difficult. Swimming along the main deck
at a depth of 100 feet divers will pass over
open cargo bays, past pieces of the ship’s
superstructure and will notice various items
such as gun turrets, winches, boom control
structures and cable reels. For the more
experienced diver, penetration is possible
into the main superstructure and below decks.
Because of the orientation of the wreck, and
because of the preparation of the vessel for
intentional sinking, navigation is relatively
easy. However, penetration of any wreck
requires specialized training and equipment.
In 1991, the Algol began the next phase
of her distinguished career as part of the New
Jersey Artificial Reef program. Today, this
“intentional” shipwreck appears as any other
shipwreck in these waters would: covered
with marine growth and serving out the
remainder of her existence in the seclusion
of the ocean world. As a wreck, the Algol has
plenty to offer. Divers new to wreck diving
will enjoy seeing a recognizable shipwreck
with all its features intact. More experienced
divers can explore the deeper recesses with
numerous interesting passageways, rooms
and compartments. Photographers have
many opportunities to photograph an intact
NEW YORK
wreck. People interested in studying the
creation and development of marine habitats
are be able to witness the Algol’s transition
from a military vessel to an artificial reef.
The USS Algol, on final duty 14 miles off the
coast of New Jersey, has truly become one of
the area’s diving hotspots. ■
Michael Salvarezza and Christopher
P. Weaver have documented a world of
adventure topside and underwater through
their Long Island, N.Y.-based business EcoPhoto Explorers. They are popular lecturers
and their work has been published in leading
diving and general interest magazines. Learn
more at www.ecophotoexplorers.com.
Learn to dive anytime.
anywhere. with
Continue your dive
education by taking the
following PADI Courses
online:
• Advanced Open Water
Diver Course
• Enriched Air Diver
Course
Visit
padi.com/eLearning
to view all PADI online
course offerings!
© PADI 2010
www.mwdivenews.com
21
MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
HOT NEWS & ACTIVITIES
PLAN YOUR SEASON AT SCUBAFEST
around the world. “The angle is I left a successful career in the media
to become a volunteer and pursue my passion for growing adaptive
scuba diving around the world,” said Jim Elliott, Diveheart’s president
and founder. The Downers Grove, Ill., organization helps individuals
with disabilities and wounded veterans through scuba diving, which
can help them improved their range of motion, circulation and
self-esteem. It also aids children with autism, who benefit from the
pressure aspect of the sport. Learn more at www.diveheart.org.
With snow giving way to green growth, the dive season is just
around the corner. Get ready for it by dropping in on Scubafest
March 19-21 at Columbus, Ohio. With more than 10,000 square feet
of exhibits everything you need for a season of diving will be under
one roof. Experience the adventure of tropical diving by visiting
with destinations including the Cayman Islands, Dive Australia,
Deep Blue Adventures, Nekton Dive Cruises, Wakatobi Resort, and
more. And don’t forget the Great Lakes area diving represented by
Straits Scuba, Aquatic Adventures of Michigan, Aquatic Adventures
(Ohio), Portage Quarry, Gilboa Quarry, Rec & Tec Dive Charters,
Straits Scuba, Whitestar Quarry, Madura Dive and many more. For
info visit www.scubafest.org.
NY SHOW TO SPOTLIGHT REVOLUTIONARY DISCOVERY
BOOK CHRONICLES 40 YEARS OF OW-U
Our World -Underwater has
announced the release of a new
book celebrating the popular
dive
show’s
anniversary
this year. “Forty Years of
Our
World-Underwater”
chronicles four decades of this
show with historic and recent
pictures and text written by Cris
Kohl, the Chicago-based author
and Great Lakes historian. He
also has served as a presenter
at many of the shows. Proceeds
from sales of the book will go
to the non-profit Tim Early
Foundation. For info visit
www.ourworldunderwater.com.
MONEY, CNN FEATURE DIVEHEART
The discovery of the Great Lakes’ oldest
confirmed shipwreck – a British warship
used in the American Revolution – will
be the keynote presentation for the
March 6 Great Lakes Underwater
conference at SUNY Oswego, N.Y.
Underwater explorer Jim Kennard
will share the exciting story of how
he and diving partner Dan Scoville
located the HMS Ontario, considered
an underwater “Holy Grail”. For
information, call SUNY Oswego at (315)
312-3042, or visit www.oswegomaritime.org
MARES RECALLS NEMO CONNECTOR.
The o-ring in Mares’ Nemo
Quick Connector can fail and
cause a slow leak of breathing
gas through the Quick Connector.
For this reason Mares is recalling
the unit and advising divers to stop using the unit immediately. The
company the gas leak “could require a diver to surface quickly and
face possible risk of injury or running out of air.” The o-rings in some
units may have been replaced in an earlier service campaign, but this
recall requires replacing the entire metal quick connector female
fitting at the end of the high pressure air hose that holds the o-ring.
Contact an authorized Mares dealer / service center in your area to
schedule the removal and substitution of the Nemo Air computer
Quick Connector Assembly Female with the new Nemo Air computer
Quick Connector Assembly Female. For detailed information visit
www.mares.com.
Diveheart is hoping a feature this month in “Money Magazine”
and a segment on Cable News Network will increase awareness of its
scuba therapy program, and spark interest in the sport of scuba diving
Instruction | Sales | Travel | Fun | Service | Instructor Development
Whether you are a recreational, technical,
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We also offer many tropical and exotic
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22
www.nedivenews.com
MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
REGIONAL NEWS
OHIO NAUI DIVE STORES PROMOTE SCUBA
WHILE SUPPORTING COMMUNITY
tm
WhiteStar
Quarry
By Scott Evans,
NAUI Midwest Territory Representative
T
he Ohio region offers great opportunities
for local diving. Area stores promote
local diving and fund raising – all in one.
With numerous dive sites, including
quarries, lakes and rivers, there are plenty
of chances for divers to explore their own
backyard; and many shops are using those
local opportunities to get their customers
diving. And as our current economic
situation improves, shops are focusing
efforts on goodwill and becoming part of the
community. Several National Association of
Underwater Instructors dive stores have been
actively fundraising for the community.
Dale Kreiner, owner of Deep Six
Specialists (NAUI Tec Facility) in Akron
hosts an annual cookout and overnight
dive at White Star Quarry, to be held
July 17. Call (330) 724-8737 or email
[email protected].
Pirates Day, complete with treasure hunt
prizes, raffle and food will beheld Sept.
18 at Lake Anna in downtown Barberton.
Proceeds from these events go to the Great
Lakes Historical Society.
A little further south, Cincinnati Dive
Center (NAUI Pro Platinum facility)
owner Scottie Fahey hosts and annual
event that raises money for a theater fund
at area schools. “The previous owner of
the store established this event and we
A full service
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NACD Facility
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We are located at
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419-691-2291 Dive Store
419-691-0592 Dive Fax
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We are factory authorized repair facility for
Poseidon; Dive Rite; Tusa; OMS
have kept it going,” said Fahey. “We have
a foundation that supports local school
schools and many other great causes.”
Contact Fahey at (513) 521-3483.
“Fundraiser events just make good
sense. Divers get a chance to dive and
help a local cause,” said Jeff Rice of
Portage Quarry and Recreational Facility,
near Bowling Green. Portage Quarry
(NAUI Resort Location), one of the
oldest continually operating quarries in
Ohio, hosts Mid-Ohio Dive Club each
September. The event is focused on getting
handicapped people diving. “This is a
great event,” said Rice. “Last year we were
able to take a dozen handicapped divers
diving. We have made the site handicapped
accessible and our staff has the necessary
experience to make their dives enjoyable.”
Call (419) 352-9203 for information.
So as the season approaches and you
begin to plan your local dives, consider
participating in a good cause. To locate
a NAUI facility in your area, visit
www.naui.org.
NAUI has been teaching the world to
dive safely since 1959. As the largest nonprofit and most respected dive training and
certifying organization in the world. NAUI
offers a full range of training program, from
skin diver through instructor course director,
with dozens of specialty courses, including
nitrox and technical diving. ■
Since 1971
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23
MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
OHIO FAVORITE DIVES
DON’T OVERLOOK OHIO
The Buckeye State Boasts Great Inland Diving Opportunities
White Star Quarry Photo by Rich Synowiec
By Rich Synowiec
F
unny thing, while I was born and raised
in Michigan, I find that a good portion
of dives I’ve logged is in the state of Ohio.
Why Ohio? Well a couple of different
answers come to mind but the easiest one
is “convenience.” While I love diving
shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and enjoy
diving the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, and
I REALLY enjoy trips to exotic destinations
Gilboa Quarry
The Midwest’s Premier Dive Site
• 14+ acre limestone quarry
• Wooded campgrounds
• Great location for diving and dive training.
• People come from all over the world to
dive our facility
• Shallow side at 5 - 65 feet
for recreational enjoyment
• Deep side at 130 plus feet
for technical training
• Many sunken treasures
• Aquatic life is second to none
• Cottages and rooms available on site
with showers and heated
dressing rooms!
did we mention the
guiness book of world records
I am sometimes privileged to take, I am not
always able to get away to do that type of
diving. Ohio, especially northwest Ohio, has
some of the best inland diving I have ever
had the privilege to experience.
Even after hundreds of dives in each of
the quarries near my home, the convenience,
excitement and comfort never seem to wear
off. While it is easy to get friends and family
excited about a “fabulous tropical getaway,”
Isle Royale
C H A R T E R S
(419) 456-3300
24
White Star Quarry
Gibsonburg, Ohio
A favorite local dive destination since 1977
We offer recreational and technical charters from
Grand Portage, MN, to Isle Royale from Mid-June
through Mid-September.
Isle Royale Charters specializes in scuba diving trips.
Spend 5 days / 4 nights aboard the Lake Superior
Diver, our 38ft USCG Registered dive boat.
(269) 270-8334
We offer air &
O2 for safety stops.
3763 Old St. Rt. 224 Ottawa, OH 45875
they sometimes look at you with disbelief
when you tell them you are going diving in
Ohio this weekend. Divers from Michigan,
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky
regularly flock to the quarries in Ohio to
practice, train, enjoy the social atmosphere,
and most importantly keep active in
between those “fabulous” adventures.
I KNOW you want to join us so here’s a bit
more about them.
nitrox
fills
with
onboard
APRIL 1 - DEC 31
Open every day
8am - Dark
Training Platforms | WiFi Hot Spot
Free Parking
Winter Dives Available-see website for details
Buoyancy Course Underwater
www.isleroyalecharters.com
www.whitestarquarry.com
www.nedivenews.com
MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
OHIO FAVORITE DIVES
White Star Quarry, Gibsonburg
www.whitestarquarry.com
White Star Quarry is part of an
800-acre park managed by the Sandusky
County Park District. It is a fantastic inland
dive site with a lot to offer experienced
and novice divers. It is open from April 1
through Dec. 31 with some other weekends
dedicated in the winter to ice diving. The
visibility is typically “good” to “fantastic,”
even with a lot of new divers training there.
On weekends and Wednesday evenings in
the summer there is a scuba concession on
site that has air fills, nitrox fills and gear
rentals. At any time the park is open divers
can enter the water after filling out the “onyour-honor” fee envelopes available at the
main dive entrances. Weekday diving has
the best visibility on average.
The most unique feature in the bottom
is a building that is a remnant of the dry
days of the quarry. This concrete structure
is one of the most fantastic underwater sites
Stairs underwater at White
in any inland lake or quarry that I have ever
Star Quarry in Gibsonburg,
seen. The “Crusher Pit,” as it is known, is
Ohio. Photo by Glen Hall.
an underwater building foundation that
used to house the gravel crusher of the
quarry. The basement of the pit is at a depth
between 70 and 80 feet and has a spiral staircase, artifacts and machinery scattered on its
bottom. This underwater room also has a tunnel, accessible by permit during the summer,
which once was the path of the conveyor that passed the gravel through a block house out of
the quarry. This 14-acre lake is filled with fish, underwater forests and more quarry remnants
as well as some other items placed there just for divers. White Star has five sunken vessels,
two vehicles, a trailer, a motorcycle and training platforms – lots of cool places to explore.
Except for two spots with depths of more than 60 feet, most of the quarry has a bottomland
averages 45 feet, making it perfect for novice to intermediate divers.
For the rest of the family, since White Star Quarry is part of White Star Park, hiking
trails, a swim beach, children’s playgrounds, camping and picnic pavilions are all part of the
park experience. There is lots of parking, a nearby campsite, picnic tables and lots for the
outdoor enthusiast to explore.
ScubaFest
March 19-21
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Columbus North
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www.800howdive.com
(815) 267-8400
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Full Service 5 Star SDI and PADI Facility
also teaching TDI, IANTD, and ERDI
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Service - Air & Nitrox Rentals, Repair,
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Inquire about 2009 dates & tickets!
Local Trips:
Bonne Terre Mines,
Mall of America Shark Dive
Tropical Travel:
2009-Bonaire
2010-Guadalupe Island Great White Trip
Public Safety Diving and equipment for Police
and Fire Dept. Dive Teams
Featuring Ralph Wilbanks
Discoverer of the CSS Hunley
Speakers • Exhibitors • Workshops • Discover Scuba
• Presentions by Valerie van Heest • David Trotter
• Mike Brittsan and More! • UW Photo Competition
Door Prizes • Auction • Casino Night
www.scubafest.org
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25
MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
OHIO FAVORITE DIVES
Gilboa Quarry, Gilboa
www.divegilboa.com
In 1991, Dan Diller had the fantastic idea of turning a
little inland lake into a diving Mecca, and it was an instant
hit. Its fantastic abundance of fish and the fact it is one
of the deepest inland lakes in the area has made Gilboa
Quarry a magnet for divers from around the country.
Today Gilboa is one of the most popular dive sites in
Ohio. According to owner Mike Williams, more divers
are drawn to Gilboa each year than all other Ohio quarries
combined. Instructors from around the country go there to
teach deep and technical diving courses because almost
two-thirds of its bottomlands has depths over 120 feet, and
some parts of the deep side reach nearly 140 feet. The wall
at Gilboa Quarry is one of the coolest dives in Ohio and
the water clarity is good most of the time.
On the shallow side of the quarry, Williams has put
together an underwater maze of dive sites including
one of the largest training platforms imaginable.
In all, there is over 10,000-square-feet of topside
and underwater platform. Within easy reach of the training
platform are a number of underwater sites that are close
together and easy to navigate. The crown jewel is a
Gulfstream airplane on its gear that divers can explore
inside and out. Along with the plane, divers can visit a
school bus with clouds of fish, a helicopter, sailboat and
lots of other underwater sites in depths ranging from 15
to 60 feet.
Among the aquatic creatures are paddle fish. These
magnificent creatures are found in shallow water on the
deeper side, so care and a briefing by Williams can make it
an awesome diving experience.
Diver underwater at Gilboa Quarry in Ottawa, Ohio.
Photo by Will Graham.
The
Caribbean
of the
Midwest
Make MerMet SpringS
your Southern dive
deStination!
When it’s too cold up north in the Spring,
visit us at Mermet Springs.
So.... What’S neW?
Thanks to you the shops and the divers
that support us we are able to again
make additions and improvements!
We just added 5 new pavilions (3 with water frontage!)
ALL pavilions except the West dock
have lights and electric outlets
We now have over 8,500 square feet
of covered pavilion space for YOU!
NEW tank tables are already in place.
And remember Use of the pavilions is FREE!
Pavilions should be reserved in advance
• Recreational Scuba Diving
• Instructional Scuba Diving
• Air Fills • Nitrox Fills
• Equipment Rentals
Enjoy a day of diving in a park setting.
Spring fed water, Artifact Park, Variety of fish,
Easy access to water, Shaded picnic area.
Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays)
May-October
Open weekends in November & April
• Air and Nitrox Fill Station • Large Rental
Department • Covered Pavillions • Showers and
Flush Toilets • Camping • 15ft. to 120ft. Depths
• Boeing 727 Passenger Jet • Underwater
Rope Guidelines • More than 200 Spoonbills
(618) 527-DIVE (3483)
WWW.MerMetSpringS.coM
26
(815) 939-7797
www.haighquarry.com
2738 E 2000 North Rd., Kankakee, IL
www.nedivenews.com
MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
OHIO FAVORITE DIVES
NAUI celebrates 50th at Legends of Diving EVENT
All Diver’s invited to share in the festivities with two
West coast legends, and two legends of Mexico.
Plane underwater at Portage Quarry in
Bowling Green, Ohio. Photo courtesy Rich Synoweic
Portage Quarry, Bowling Green
APRIL 12-19, 2010
days at the four star WyNDhAm
1133.00* Seven
CozUmEL REsoRT & sPA Cozumel,
Mexico with all your food & drinks. 2 dives
per day with unlimited FREE shore diving.
Not just a dive trip ... it’s a dive event!
www.portagequarry.com
Located just one mile south of Bowling Green in northwest Ohio, the Portage Quarry
Recreation Club is a complete recreation facility that caters to divers and non-divers. Visiting
divers can see some very cool underwater structures, wall diving and plenty of fish. The onsite dive shop includes tank rentals, nitrox fills, equipment, and PADI instruction. Annual
events include the DAN barbecue, country blowout, Handicapped Scuba Association
barbecue weekend, and International Legends of Diving. Recreation includes concerts,
beach swimming and beach volleyball.
There are literally dozens of underwater attractions a diver can explore. I enjoy diving on
the Hansa Jet, a sunken plane that is sitting on its gear complete with the forward sweeping
wings. Another favorite is the silo, a remnant of the dry days of the quarry and one of the
gathering places for hundreds of fish. All around the quarry are unique sites that have
been placed by the Great Lakes Wrecking Crew, who are imaginative and creative in their
underwater sites.
For topside recreation, there are convenient camp sites, swimming with a combed
sand beach, sand volleyball and hydro bikes for rent. Portage Quarry is the home of
the annual topside events including the July 4th BlowOut, and HotSand Volleyball
tournament. The quarry is also close to the Slippery Elm Trail, which provides a relaxing
opportunity for leisurely walking, jogging, biking, or roller blading if you want to
get off the property for a while.
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27
MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
OHIO FAVORITE DIVES
Divers at Twin Quarries in Circleville, Ohio. Photos courtesy Twin Quarries.
Circleville Twin Quarries
www.twinquarries.com
The Circleville Twin Quarries (actually four quarries in all)
were formed during the construction of the US-23 bypass around
Circleville. The quarries are the remains of “borrow pits” for
aggregate to build the railroad overpass, as well as road foundation
material. These pits filled with water, and formed the small lakes on
either side of the highway.
I know a number of people with whom I have dived frequent the
twin quarries because of their convenience. I have not yet been there
for diving. I got a lot of the information below from their website.
Three of the four quarries on the east side are part of the Circleville
Twin Quarries site. Although only about 25 feet deep, the quarries
bu
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
IS OUR ONLY BUSINESS
Ma
il
t
offer an excellent area for training as well as gear checkout, or even
just a day of splashing around. A dive shop offers air fills and sales.
The South Quarry has the most items submerged: a couple of
buses, training platform, catamaran, plane, kayak, ambulance,
bowling pins, a memorial to a fallen sheriff’s deputy and more. This
body gets the most divers, and thus, visibility often suffers. The
bluegill are numerous.
The North Quarry also has a bus and a few cars, and doesn’t get
as much traffic so visibility is much better.
A small quarry to the east of the North Quarry is open to fishing.
Camping sites are also provided in this area.
When asking my dive buddies about this quarry and the best
time to dive there, they say when the freshwater jellyfish are there.
fo
r
s
qu
bc ks
a
gu d s, sn lity
ag - r or
a
es eg ke nd
va
an ul ls
lu
d at - f
e
mo or in
re s s
...
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MIDWEST DIVE NEWS
OHIO FAVORITE DIVES
Make a
S plash in Kingston
Typically found in the fall, these tiny
creatures are fun to watch and difficult to
photograph.
When you are trying to keep actively
diving and want to avoid the problems
associated with diving in the Great Lakes
or when you are between dive trips,
taking a trip to a quarry in Ohio can
be a fun “mini vacation” for you, your
dive buddies and families. The summer
dive season is approaching quickly.
Put an Ohio quarry on your schedule and
see what inland diving is like! ■
Svetlana Rytchkova, all rights reserved
Diver riding a plane! Photos
courtesy Rich Synoweic
Visit Kingston - Ontario’s only
World Heritage Destination
and Canada’s First Capital!
Strategically built at the convergence of the St. Lawrence
River, Lake Ontario and the
Rideau Canal - now UNESCO
designated World Heritage
Sites along with Fort Henry
and the Kingston Fortifications. See award-winning
Victorian architecture, experience cultural, historic, entertaining events in our vibrant
Downtown, tour eclectic art
galleries, craft shops, Farmers’
market, museums and historic
sites. Taste trip through over
200 bistros and street-side patios. Bring your wet suits and
diving gear, because just off
the Kingston shores, you’ll find
over 400 wrecks preserved in
our clear fresh waters. After the
dive, cruise the world famous
1000 Islands!.
dEvotEd to
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Scuba divinG &
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WyNdHAM MILWAUKEE AIRPORT & CONvENTION CENTER
maRcH 5 & 6, 2010 (FRiday-SatuRday)
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Saturday 8:00AM-7:00PM - Exhibit Hall Open & Presentations
Exhibits, workshops, and presentations cover just about
every aspect of maritime history and Great Lakes scuba
diving. You can listen to and interact with leading dive
industry professionals, extreme explorers, maritime
historians, and Great Lakes authors!
Exhibitor Hall Admission FREE and open to the public.
StandaRd full-day admission $20.00 until March 5th.
Tickets $25 at the door on March 5th and 6th.
Platinum ticket pricing includes full-day admission
and reserved front row seating to all scheduled
presentations, a full-color program, a 10th anniversary
Ghost Ships Festival t-shirt and beer glass,
10 raffle tickets, and a personalized platinum
ticket holder ID card with neck lanyard.
Toll Free: 1-866-665-3326
www.kingstoncanada.com or
www.planandtourkingston.ca
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT
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21/12/09 9:47 AM
29
MALAYSIA
THE LURE OF
TROPICAL DESTINATION
SIPIDAN ISLAND
the only oceanic island in Malaysia
Photo by Sandy Sondrol
Story and Photos by Sandy Sondrol
D
awn barely warmed the horizon as we rolled into the water and descended to the
top of the wall on Sipadan Island. Almost immediately, they appeared out of the
darkness, like a herd of buffalo galloping across the prairie…bumphead parrotfish on
the move.
Bumpheads spend the night in the shallows and move into deeper water to feed
at sunrise. Once they reach the wall, the herd breaks up and the hundreds of big
fish head off, but for now the school moved along the top of the reef in an unending
stream. I positioned myself ahead of the herd and was surrounded as they flowed by
without even a glance. I lost count of the number of photos that I shot.
By sunrise, the show was over; the bumpheads had cascaded over the edge
of the wall and disappeared into the depths. The morning brightened and as the
divers broke into smaller groups, I watched a swirl of travelle jacks begin to work the
area for breakfast. Beyond them, a large school of barracuda was visible, doing the
same.
Sipadan Island lays about 10 miles off of the northwest coast of Malaysian Borneo.
In order to reach it, we had traveled by air and road, but the final portion of the trip
was by small boat, covering the final 10 miles to Mabul, Sipadan’s closest neighbor,
and the location of the area’s dive resorts.
The island of Sipadan has no resorts, with only a small contingent of Malaysian
military and a few marine park rangers living there. It once held multiple resorts, but
they closed and moved to Mabul several years ago to conserve the pristine beauty
and turtle nesting sites on Sipadan.
The Malaysian government actively works to conserve Sipadan and its surrounding
waters. Dive operators must reserve space, by individual diver name, far in advance,
and each diver must personally go ashore to check in each day before they dive.
Once in the water, it is clear that conservation efforts have paid off. Long visibility,
high numbers of very large turtles plus the vast schools of fish intertwine for a
breathtaking underwater experience. During the five days that we dived Sipadan, the
scene seldom varied in the frequency and number of fish and critters.
30
www.nedivenews.com
MALAYSIA
Two Mandrin
P
hoto by Bill S
h
s
i
W e
wer
arro
Celebrating 25 years
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Borneo plays host to an amazingly diverse range of
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Borneo diving means visiting a modern and progressive Asian country
where English is very widely spoken. Enjoy some of the wonderfully rich
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31
MALAYSIA
The walls there are truly vertical, many of them beginning only
feet below the surface and dropping straight down beyond sight.
Routinely, large turtles came up along the wall from deep below us,
and leveled out near by before continuing up for a breath. There are
very few predators and they seemed to mostly disregard us.
The northeast portion of the wall is the area known as “Barracuda
Point.” It is there that we saw the bumpheads during that early morning
dive, and also where most of the schooling travalle and barracuda are
found. During the second day of diving, my dive buddy, Bill Sarro, swam
right through the school of travalle, with them swirling around him.
It made a great photo opportunity, and he said that the experience was
breathtaking, looking from the inside out.
Like most of diveable Asia, Sipadan and Mabul are great spots
for small creatures, as well. When you are not diving at Sipadan, the
divetech @ Cobalt Coast dive resort
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MALAYSIA
Photos by Sandy Sondrol
sites around Mabul provide plenty of critters. Straight off shore from
Borneo Divers resort is a steep mini wall that makes a great night
dive. Every night brought stories of mandarin fish, and one of our
group even shot rare video of their mating dance.
An afternoon drift dive along one of the walls near Mabul
brought me face to face with a crocodile fish that seemed willing to
pose for me as long as I stayed there.
Borneo Divers built their Mabul resort about six years ago; after
the government had closed Sipadan and they had to move.
Even though Mabul is small enough that I could walk around the
entire island in less than 30 minutes, there are four resorts, a village, a
school and a regional police barracks located there. Everything edible,
except fish, must be brought in from the mainland, 10 miles away,
and garbage is shipped back the same way. However, it is notable that
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33
MALAYSIA
when Mabul Divers built the sanitation system for their resort,
they made it large enough to handle the sanitation needs of the
village, as well, and offer connections to the villagers at no cost.
It is that sort of community awareness and ecologic concern that
bodes well for the future of both Mabul and Sipadan.
Once back on Borneo, we still had a great adventure ahead.
Our trip had been planned by Scuba Travel Ventures, a dive travel
company based in San Diego. They strongly recommended that
we spend some time during the trip experiencing Malaysia above
the surface. This was my first trip to Malaysia, and there is much
to see. In keeping with a theme of preservation and conservation,
once dry, we spent the ensuing days exploring the Kinabatangan
River and Sipilok Orangutan Sanctuary.
The river is a wildlife preserve with a group of small ecolodges. At the edge of the preserve, we were met by small boats
and ferried up river several miles to Sukau River Lodge. Built
along the bank, it permits access to the river and the surrounding
wildlife preserve, the home to Proboscis and Leaf Monkeys,
Civet Cats, Otters, Crocodiles and (although we didn’t get a
chance to see them on this trip) Pygmy Elephants.
The wildlife is best seen by boat. During late afternoon and
sunrise boat trips, we saw clans of the monkeys and a multitude
of forest birds and smaller critters.
The proboscis monkeys were fascinating. Their
distinctive noses give them both their name and gender
identity. The males have noses that are wide and rounded,
much like a stubby trunk, while the females’ noses are
very pointed. They live in clans high in the trees, near the
river bank and create a noisy backdrop both to the resort
and on the boat trips.
We also spent a night at Sepilok Nature Resort, doing both
night and daytime rainforest hikes and enjoying the beautiful
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34
www.nedivenews.com
resort. The number of smaller creatures
within the rainforest is fascinating,
and hiking there after dark is truly an
experience not to be missed. Our guide
found everything from tree frogs to
sleeping birds to reptiles to civet cats and
shared a multitude of information about the
eco-system of the rainforest.
The following morning we moved
next door to the Orangutan Rehabilitation
Center, where young orangutans are
raised and integrated with older ones
before moving into the sanctuary. Since
orangutans are normally solitary creatures,
the rehabilitation center is the only place
that they can be seen and photographed in
group settings, and with any predictability.
We spent several hours with the orangutans,
and it was really intriguing. Although
they are fed by humans, the orangutans
are free to roam at will, and several times
individuals came up quite close to us,
apparently just being curious.
Having been there once, do diving
Sipadan and Mabul warrant a second
trip? Absolutely yes! Now that I know
what magnificent diving these islands
offer, I know that a second trip will yield
even more rewards. Plus, the array of
fascinating opportunities draws me back
to the land as well.
In fact, I leave in May of 2010 for my
second trip. Besides diving Sipadan and
Mabul, this next trip will include a trek to
the top of Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak
in Southeast Asia. Stay tuned.■
MALAYSIA
“without equal”
D i V E
R E S o R t
“Truly is the epicenter of {marine} biodiversity.”
Robert Borland, July -08
“A five star diving resort in a remote part of the world.”
Beverly Lindner, Nov -08
w w w. wa k at o b i . c o m
Get a FREE DVD on wakatobi.com with ref: DiveNews
Photos: Mark Snyder, Didi Lotze, Shawn Levin, Jett Britnell
Voted #1
For more information, please see:
Scuba Travel company in the USA
by Cyber Diver for last 5 years!
Scuba Travel Ventures
www.scubatravelventures.com
Borneo Divers
www.borneodivers.com
Tourism Malaysia
www.tourism.gov.my
Our experienced
ALL dIVeR stAff
checks out EVERY
resort & live-aboard
we represent in over
20 countries
for scuba diving.
About the Author
Raised beside a
lake in Iowa, Sandy
Sondrol grew up a
self-described “water
rat,” and made his first
dives in the mid-1960s.
In 1994, he left his law
practice and moved
to Grand Cayman to
become a dive instructor and boat captain for
Bob Soto’s. After nearly 10 years in Cayman,
it was back to the states to join Nekton liveaboards for three years. He later became the
associate publisher of Dive Chronicles, and
today works as a full-time freelance writer
and photographer. He holds a USCG 500ton captain’s license with 4,000-plus days
at sea and is a PADI Master Scuba Diver
Trainer with nine specialties and more than
4,500 dives. You can see more of his work
at: www.sandysondrol.com.
Call Now to Book your next Dive Trip
1-800-737-3483
new websIte comIng eARLy 2010
www.ultimatedivetravel.com
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35
GEAR CHECK COMPILED BY STERNER EDITORIAL SERVICES
A flashy way to dive
Apeks lightens up
Diver masters who want to be easily seeen by their
guppies on night dives might want to strap on a Tektite
Mark-Lite strobe to their kid. The Xenon strobe is only
5.75 inches long and weighs but a few ounces, yet
it blasts a powerful 180-degree beam of light that
lets every diver in the area know where you are.
Another handy use is to clip it off at t anchor line
to be a visual aid to ease relocating the boat. One
AA cell can power the strobe for up to six hours
or 10 hours a Lithium cell. The Xenon bulb
is rated for 100,000 flashes, and the unit is
depth rated to 1,000 feet. The rugged little
Mark-Lite was designed for military
customers and was shown at the recent
SHOT tactical equipment show at Las
Vegas. Consumer models are available
in black, royal blue, rescue orange and
fluorescent yellow. www.tek-tite.com.
Dive a compact BC
Mini-B takes a new approach to streamlining dive gear with its
all-in-one buoyancy vest and regulator kit. Unlike most vests, the
Mini-B mounts the scuba tank horizontally instead of vertically on
the back, which it
asserts is easier the
back. Models are
available to hold
cylinders from 11
to 74 cubic feet of
compressed
air,
enough for shallow
excursions or short
dives to deeper
depths. Regulator
and gauge hoses
tuck away in a
back-mounted
rucksack that also
contains the bladder
and power inflator
for
buoyancy
compensation. The
unit is fitted with
internal pockets for trim weights. Between uses all gear can stowed
in the pack to ease storage and transportation. All components
are mounted to backboard with a one-size-fits-all harness system.
The company is offering a course in “micro diving” to acquaint
consumers with its product. www.mini-b.com.
Travelers facing weight restrictions will appreciate Apeks’
new Flight regulator. Said by the company to be the lightest reg in
the world, the yoke valve version weighs in at 25 ounces and the
DIN model, only 21 ounces. In water, the unit is nearly neutrally
buoyant. Weight was cut by the use of high-tech polymers that are
as rugged and corrosion resistant as they are light in weight. Yoke
first stages were designed with a unique knob that does not extend
outward as it is unscrewed. Keeping it flush maintains a compact
size and minimize entanglements. The second stage is pneumatically
balanced and small in size to minimize drag. Women’s models have
slightly narrower mouthpieces to accommodate the smaller jaw
structure of women. Pliable braided hoses are used for safety and
practicality. Although flexible and lightweight, the hoses are twice
as strong as conventional ones, Apeks says, and kink resistant. The
company claims that air flow remains unobstructed even if the hose
is knotted. Flight regulators are available in green/black, pewter/
black and pink/black color combinations. www.AquaLung.com.
Poseidon grows in USA
Poseidon’s Discovery rebreather isn’t
new, but its commitment to marketing
the unit in the United States, Canada
and Mexico is. The Swedish company
began the year by establishing Poseidon
Diving Systems Inc., with a warehouse at
Woodlands, Texas, and a corporate office
at Los Angeles. The move is intended
to support customers and distributors in
the Americas, and ease cooperation with
training agencies and their instructors. The
Discovery rebreather earned the Best of What’s New Award from
“Popular Science” after it was introduced in November 2008, touted
as the world‘s first rebreather for recreational divers. Some 10,000
instructors worldwide have been certified on the unit. Poseidon
hopes the expansion into American markets will further popularize
the Discovery and other Poseidon products. www.poseidon.se.
Suggest products to review and read earlier Gear Check items
by product categories at www.sternereditorial.com.
Dive Parry
Sound
Reef Runner Divers
Costa Rica
Come Dive the
Wrecks of Georgian Bay’s
30,000 Islands
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(705) 746-9757
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(506) 2750 0480
(506) 8337 2033
BOOK LOG COMPILED BY STERNER EDITORIAL SERVICES
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY
Face up to book bargain
A listing of participating dive shops, charters,
live aboards and resorts in tropical locations around
the world. Listed in alphabetical order by country.
The biggest compendium of diving facts has become
the best deal, too. Jeffrey Gallant has moved his “Diving
Almanac” to Facebook, the social networking Web site.
More than 3,000 indexed articles, 500 records, 600
who’s who profiles, 1,200 businesses and centuries of
diving history are available free of charge. All readers
have to do is click through to the Facebook page and
establish a password to gain access to regular updates
and the archive of facts and figures. What’s more they
can exchange ideas with other readers around the world
through the networking site. For those who like the feel
of paper books, the 2009 almanac can still be ordered
online as well. This 694-page soft cover from Porbeagle
Press is a handy reference for settling discussions at
dive club meetings and for quick reads in moments
between tasks. It is the definitive toilet-tank topper for
the complete diver. Soft cover
BAHAMAS
Aqua Cat Cruises 888.327.9600
aquacatcruises.com
Blackbeard’s Cruises 800.327.9600
blackbeard-cruises.com
Lost Island Voyages 866.YOU.SAIL
lostislandvoyages.com
Sea Dragon 954.522.0161
www.seadragonbahamas.com
Small Hope Bay Lodge
800.223.6961 smallhope.com
Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas
888.35.SHARK stuartcove.com
UNEXSO 800.992.3483
www.unexso.com
ISBN: 978-0-9781078-2-6.
www.divingalmanac.com.
‘Hamerhead’ nails shark facts
Of all the sharks in the sea, hammerheads have to
be the strangest with their unique wide snouts. Learn
why scientists feel the creatures developed this hammer
formation and a myriad of facts about the species in
“Hammerhead Sharks” by Alessandro de Maddalena
and Alex “The Sharkman” Buttigieg. The 128-page
book from Ireco Press is filled with color photos and
black and white drawings of hammerheads that the
authors have produced over decades of studying sharks.
De Maddalena is president of the Italian Ichthyological
Society and a member of the Mediterranean Shark
Research Group. The book is a compendium of centuries
of shark research by scientists around the world. Although
the authors present information in scientific terms, they
explain everything in laymen language that is easy to
read yet highly informative. The text is bilingual (Italian
and English). The foreword was written by Ron and
Valerie Taylor, the Australian shark experts who helped
produce classic films such as “Jaws” and “Blue Water,
White Death.” The book can be ordered directly from
the publisher, which is accessible through the author’s
Web site.
BELIZE
Reefs, Ruins
and Rainforests
BONAIRE
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort
800.367.3484 diviflamingo.com
CANCUN
Scuba Cancun 998.849.4736
www.scubacancun.com.mx
COZUMEL
ISBN: 978-88-86253-34-5
www.alesandro-de-maddalena.webs.com
Conch Republic Divers 800.274.3483
conchrepublicdivers.com
Horizon Divers 305.453.3535
www.horizondivers.com
Key Dives 800.344.7352
www.keydives.com
ROATAN
CoCo View Resort Roatan
800.282.8932 www.roatan.com
Utila Lodge 800.282.8932
www.utilalodge.com
TURKS & CAICOS
Oasis Divers - Grand Turk
800.892.3995 oasisdivers.com
WEST INDIES
ISBN: 978-1-60559-097-4
ww.hameraypublishing.net/
underwater~encounters1
Bequia Dive Adventures 784.458.3826
www.BequiaDiveAdventures.com
LIVE ABOARDS
Aggressor Fleet 877.348.2628
www.aggressor.com
Read earlier Book Log reviews by genre or
call attention to books and videos to review at
www.sternereditorial.com.
Albatros Charters 888.333.4643
albatroscharters.com
FLORIDA
Take your kid to ‘Scuba School’
If your young guppies are becoming interested in
scuba diving, consider getting “Scuba School.” The
50-page soft cover from Hameray is one of a series of
books Elizabeth Cook wrote to draw interest to the sport
among the younger generation. Its six chapters introduce
readers to the Underwater Zoo of creatures and plants.
They then progress through Classroom, Learning About
Gear, More Things to Learn, First Open Water Dive and
Earning the C-Card. The book closes with appendices on
protecting the planet, fun facts, a glossary and an index.
Cook says the text is aimed at third- through eighthgraders, although it seemed more fitting to the youngest
readers of that age spread. She covers scuba basics, the
fun and the hazards without getting too technical or
scary. The layout is breezy, lending a fun mood to the
contents. Adding to its sense of excitement are color
images of underwater photographer Robert Yin.
Belize Dive Wholesaler
800.282.8932 www.roatan.com
Reefs, Ruins, and Rainforests
877.222.3549 toseebelize.com
WANT TO BE LISTED HERE?
Call us: 360.240.1874
www.mwdivenews.com
CONNECTICUT
NORTHEAST
                    A listing
   of participating
        dive shops, charters, resorts, and independent instructors NORTHEAST
Dive Master Services Inc.
Kingston
scubadms.com Mobile Air Fills
Phoenix Scuba & Water Sports, Inc
Lackawanna
(716) 822-2816
Store
Lindenhurst
(631) 225-8450
Store
Mamaroneck
(914) 381-1884
Store
Leisure Pro Ltd.
New York
(212)645-1234
Store
Pan Aqua Diving Inc.
New York
(212) 736-3483
Store
Enfield Scuba & Watersports
Enfield
EnfieldScuba.com
Store
Divers Cove LLC
Essex
(860) 767-1960
Store
Scuba Made Easy
Pawcatuck
(860) 303-4612
Instructor
Seaview Scuba Inc
Quaker Hill
(860) 442-7279
Store
International Scuba Diving
Southington
(860) 621-8265
Store
Capt. Saam’s Scuba School
Stamford
www.Capt-Saam.com
Store/Charter
A+ Pro Divers
Plattsburgh
(518) 561-7748
Store/Charter
New England Dive Center
Wallingford
(203) 284-1880
Store
Swim and Scuba
Rockville Centre
(516) 872-4571
Store
Wantagh
(516) 826-SCBA
Store
Salty Dog Dive Center
Wilmington
DELAWARE
Aqua Visions
Store
NORTH CAROLINA
MAINE
Barclay’s Skindivers Paradise
Long Island Scuba
QC Scuba
(302) 994-3483
Discovery Diving
Auburn
Beaufort
(207) 784-7300
Store
Olympus Dive Center
Northeast Charter Boat Company Eliot/Portsmouth
(603) 235-5526
Charter
Outer Banks Dive Center
MaineDiversScubaCenter.com
Portland
(207) 775-3467
Store/Charter
Underwater Playground
Edgewood
MARYLAND
Store
Diver Jim’s / Belmont Scuba
Belmont
(617) 484-5246
Store
Diver’s World
Burlington
(781) 272-5164
Store
Indian Valley Scuba
Buzzards Bay
(508) 232-1121
Store
Northeast Scuba
Chelmsford
(978) 256-2300
Store
B & B Diving - 2 quarries
Andy's Sport Shop
Fitchburg
(978) 343-6330
Store
Randy's Dive Shop
Gloucester
(978) 525-3432
Charter
Onset
(508) 291-7282
Store
Lancaster Scuba Center
At The Waters Edge
Westfield
(413) 532-5110
Store
Boston Harbor Diving Co.
Winthrop
(617) 846-5151
Charter
Buzzards Bay Diving Ctr.
(603) 357-4430
Store
Diver's Den Dive Shop Inc.
Manchester
(603) 627-2536
Store
Dive Winnipesaukee
Wolfeboro
(603) 569-8080
Store/Charter
Store
(610) 746-4016
Store
Coraopolis
(412) 262-2664
Store
Erie
www.scubaerie.com
Store
Harleysville
(215) 256-6000
Store
Hillsville
bbdiving.com
Store
Irwin
(724) 863-0752
Store
Jersey Shore
www.divestsc.com
Store
Lancaster
(717) 397-2822
Store
Divehards International
Pittsburgh
(412) 363-3483
Store
Willow Springs Resort
Richland
Sunken Treasure Scuba Ctr.
A-1 Scuba Diving
Keene
(252) 449-8349
Store
www.IndianValleyScuba.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE
UW Sports of New Hampshire
Bethlehem
Uncle Joe's Scuba
Burlington Scuba
Easy Diver
Nags Head
Store
www.LVDive.com next to Dutch Springs
MASSACHUSETTS
Anchor Diving Services
Morehead City (252) 726-9432
Lehigh Valley Dive
(410) 679-6413
(252) 728-2265
PENNSYLVANIA
(717) 866-5801 Facility/Shop
Trevose
A1ScubaGear.com
Store
RHODE ISLAND
Wholesale Diving Equipment
NEW JERSEY
East Providence
(401) 434-5058
Distributor/Store
Newport Diving Center
Newport
(401) 847-9293
Store
Scuba Made Easy
Newport
(401) 742-4898
Store
Tri-State Area
(401) 787-1517
Instructor
Venture III
Belmar
(732) 928-4519
Charter
Simply Scuba
Gypsy Blood Dive
Brielle
(973) 949-4599
Store
East Bay Dive Center
Warren
(401) 247-2420
Store
Egg Harbor Twp
(609) 641-7722
Store
Giant Stride Dive Shop
Warwick
(401) 732-8808
Store
Hoboken Dive Center
Hoboken
hobokendive.com
Store
Avie's Ski/Sports
Westerly
(401) 596-0375
Store
East Coast Diving Supply
Northfield
(609)646-5090
Store
(401) 742-4898
Instructor
(804)320-7000
Store
Atlantic Divers
www.scubamadeeasy.com
NEW YORK
Finger Lake Scuba
VIRGINIA
Auburn
(800) 764-3483
Store/Charter
Ballston Spa
(518) 879-8866
Store
Adventure Scuba Company
Bottom Time Dive Charters
Blind Bay
( 518) 561-7748
Charter
Chesapeake Bay Diving Center
Jeanne II Diving Charters
Brooklyn
www.jeanne-ii.com
Charter
Kings County Divers Corp
Brooklyn
(718) 648-4232
Store
Stingray Divers
Brooklyn
(718) 384-1280
"Euphoria" Dive Boat
Center Moriches
Clayton
Pisces School of Dive
National Aquatic Services
Dive Adventures
Thousand Island Dive Excursions
Ed's Pro Dive Center
Lockness Dive Boat
Atlantis Divers
Atlantis
Chantilly
(703) 263-0427
Store
Portsmouth
www.cbdcscuba.com
Store
Lynnhaven Dive Center
Virginia Beach
(757) 481-7949
Store
Store
WaterfrontDiving.com
Burlington
(802) 865-2771
Store
(631) 878-4179
Charter
Victory Sports
Colchester
(802) 862-0963
Store
(315) 686-5542
Store
East Rochester
(585)381-2842
Store
East Syracuse
(315) 479-5544
Shop
Elmira
(607) 368-2096
Shop
Freeport
(516) 298-2633
Charter
VERMONT
MIDWEST
NORTHEAST
DIVE DIRECTORY
ILLINOIS
Below H2O
Aurora
(630) 820-2531
Store
Windy City Diving
Chicago
(630) 209-2445
Charter
Enterprise Marine
Des Plaines
(847) 640-8113
Charter
Glen Ellyn
(630) 469-3483
Store
Ill. Institute of Diving
Frogg Pond Dive Shop
                                  
Glenview
(847) 358-3848
Store
Highland Park
(847) 432-5055
Store
Haigh Quarry
Kankakee
HaighQuarry.com
Quarry
Chicagolandscuba.com
Lake Zurich
(847) 540-7211
Store
Moline
(309) 797-9721
Store
Sentry Pool & Scuba
Scuba Emporium
Dive Right In Scuba
Scuba Systems
Pearl Lake
Mermet Springs
Orland Park
ScubaEmporium.com
Store
Plainfield
(815) 267-8400
Store
Skokie
ScubaSystems.org
Store
South Beloit
(815) 389-1479
Lake
Vienna
mermetsprings.com
Quarry
INDIANA
MIDWEST
Berry Dive Center
CANADA
MIDWEST
MIDWEST 
DIVE DIRECTORY
WISCONSIN
Apostle Island
NorthlandEquipment.net
Store/Charter
Aqua Center
Green Bay
(920) 468-8080
Store
Adventure Charter Boats
Milwaukee
adventurecharterboats.com
Charter
Pirates Cove Diving
Milwaukee
(414) 482-1430
Store
Northland Equipment
ONTARIO
Marlins Scuba
Wet Beaver Scuba
Burlington
www.marlinscuba.com Instruction/Charter
Cardinal
(613) 862-0907
Charter
Windmill Point Park Inc.
Fort Erie
windmillpointpark.com
Quarry
Gore Bay Aqua Sports
Gore Bay
(516) 596-1239
Store
Colt Creek Diving
New Market
(905) 898-5338
Store
Parry Sound
Goose's Scuba Shack, Inc.
Dyer
(219) 322-7222
Store
Diver’s Nook
Lake County Divers Supply
Hobart
(219) 942-0016
Store
AquaSub Scuba Diving Ctr.
Richmond Hill
AquaSubScuba.com
Store
N'Pursuit Adventure Charters, Inc.
Hobart
npursuitcharters.com
Store
Scuba 2000
Richmond Hill
(905) 771-1500
Store
Hart City Scuba
Elkhart
(574) 264-3528
Store
Thousand Isl. Pleasure Diving
IOWA
Matt Leydens' Dive Shop
Rockport
(866) 659-2334
Charter
St. Catharines
DansDiveShop.ca
Store/Charter
Diver's Den
Tobermory
(519) 596-2363
Charter/Store
G & S Watersports
Tobermory
(519) 596-2200
Store
Toronto
www.aquariusscuba.com
Store
Dan’s Dive Shop
Des Moines
(515) 288-6312
Store
MICHIGAN
Thunder Bay Scuba
Alpena
(989) 356-6228
Store
Divers Incorporated
Ann Arbor
www.diversinc.com
Store
Sub Aquatic Sports
Battle Creek
(269) 968-8551
Store
(705) 746-9757 Store/Charter
Aquarius Scuba Diving Centre
NEWFOUNDLAND
Ocean Quest
Conception Bay S
(709) 834-7234
Charter
NEW BRUNSWICK
Bruno's Dive Shop
Clinton Twp
(586) 792-2040
Store/Charter
Rec & Tec Dive Charters
Clinton Twp
rectecdivecharters.com
Charter
Enveco Diving
Bereford
(506) 542-1011
Store
All Seasons Diving Co
Dryden
AllSeasonsDiving.com
Charter
The Dive Shack
Saint John
(506) 634-8265
Store
Confederation Divers
Shediac
Shediac-Divers.com
Store
Fair Haven
(568) 725-1991
Store
Sea the World
Anchor Bay Scuba
Farmington Hills
(248) 478-6400
Store
The Dive Shop
Flint
DiveShopMi.com
Store
Easy Dive Canada LTD
Wet N Rugged Sports
Galesburg
(269) 381-2101
Store
Capital City Scuba
Lansing
(517) 853-9500
Store
Lansing
(517) 485-3894
Store
Mantas...
Rogers City
(989) 734-7590
Store/Charter
Shelby Township
greatlakesdivecenter.com
Store
Traverse City
(231) 943-3483
Store
ZZ Underwater World
Great Lakes Divers
Great Lakes Divecenter
Great Lakes Scuba
Scuba North
Traverse City ScubaNorth.com
NOVA SCOTIA
Cape Breton Is.
(902) 345-2215
Store
Store
MINNESSOTA
Scuba Center
Minneapolis
(612) 925-4818
Store
Smith Diving
Fridley
(763) 574-1280
Store
Scuba Center
Eagan
(651) 681-8434
Store
Joplin
(888) 565-3483
Store
Dive Stop
New Melle
(636) 398-4464
Store
Odyssey Scuba and Travel
Waynesville
(573 )774-DIVE
Store
MISSOURI
Extreme Sports Scuba, Inc
OHIO
Safety Service Divers
Amherst
(440) 988-5079
Store
Portage Quarry
Bowling Green
portagequarry.com
Quarry
Gibsonburg
(419) 637-3483
Quarry
Aqua Specialists
Cleveland
(261) 252-4885
Store
Southern Ohio Dive Academy
Kettering
(937) 298-2999
Store
Sea Level Scuba
Northwood
(419) 691-2991
Store
White Star Quarry
DOLPHIns...
... aLL aWaIt YOu
In KOna, HaWaII.
Join Kona Honu Divers to experience
the best diving in Hawaii.
CaLL nOW!
888 333-4668
to make your reservations today!
CRYstaL
CLEaR WatER... WWW.KOnaHOnuDIvERs.COM
EDUCATION IS KEY...
...TO REBREATHER TRAINING
IANTD Rebreather Instructors and Manuals
take you on the training adventure of your life...
Open Water Recreational thru Expedition Trimix
TO ORDER, EMAIL [email protected]
For additional IANTD dive publication, facility and instructor listings visit:
WWW.IANTD.COM
Or call us direct at (786) 704-9722.

sipadan - Eco-Photo Explorers

Transcription

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