| PAGE 6.1 - 25 JUL 2008 - THE BRITISH SUB-AQUA CLUB established 1953 - DIVING FOR DIVERS
CONTACT MARINE DIVERS: info@marinedivers.com Tel: (852) 2656 9399 / 9194 0221, Fax: (852) 2656 9399
DIVING IN HONG KONG
Somewhere in the Med / Caribbean?
Nope - Hong Kong!!
Little Palm Beach - our favourite spot for first open water dive.
WHAT TO SEE CLICK
HOW - TRAINING CLICK
HOW MUCH - BEGINNERS COURSES CLICK
HOW - DIVING CLICK
HOW MUCH - DIVING CLICK
MARINE DIVERS (BSAC SCHOOL 388) CLICK
DIVE HONG KONG WITH MARINE DIVERS CLICK
DIVE EQUIPMENT CLICK
DIVE TRIPS OUT OF HONG KONG CLICK
DIVER TRAINING CLICK
MARINE DIVERS SUB-AQUA CLUB (BSAC SPECIAL BRANCH 2292) CLICK
JOIN BSAC & MARINE DIVERS NOW CLICK
BEGINNERS - TRY-DIVE, TRY-SNORKEL CLICK
WHAT
SCUBA Diving in Hong Kong?
No way!! Due to bad publicity and ignorance, most of the HK population
believe it is not possible, or at least uncomfortable or not safe.
However, diving in HK is a lot better then many would expect! Try
it, you will be surprised how much fun it can be - take a break
from a busy work schedule, relax on your one full day off, accomplish
something rather than putting on a few pounds.
Ed and Dutch at Little Palm Beach late afternoon.
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WHERE
Hong Kong is
situated to the east of the Pearl River estuary, consequently the
western parts receive a great deal of transported sediment which
affects visibility and growth of stationary marine life such as
corals. The eastern and south eastern parts of the territory are
relatively unaffected.
Hong Kong has a long coastline,
offering many dive sites. The geology of the east being largely
igneous / metamorphic, provides rocky coastlines, sometimes with
walls underwater, and the occasional swim-through: ideal conditions
for better visibility and much marine life.
Continuing large construction
project operations affect underwater environments by dredging and
reclamation. The inshore fishery operations drastically reduce fish
stocks. Pollution - sewage, industrial, while affecting areas closer
to town developments, can be avoided, diving taking place in areas
with high dilution rates off the eastern coasts. Red tides, caused
by pollution providing nutrients, combined with warming waters,
permitting algae to bloom, can occur in mid summer, affecting marine
life and diving.
However, things are definitely
improving, most divers are commenting on increased visibility and
marine life compared to previous years. Not only are the number
of species increasing, but the frequency of spotting larger fish
has also increased.
A number of Marine Parks
with limited fishing and fishing exclusion zones have been established,
with more on the way. These provide recovering environments for
divers to explore. Hong Kong has approx 80 species of coral, both
hard and soft, growing at shallow depth.
 Gary
and Shireen conducting a survey during Reefcheck 2002
Photo: Denise
McCorry
The Artificial Reef (AR)
program by the Agricultural and Fisheries Department (AFD) to increase
fish stocks is working. Various types of AR: wrecks, tire and concrete,
were sunk in Marine Parks to aggregate fish, these provide spawning
areas and homes for many fish types, some of which have been reintroduced
by AFD, some of which have reappeared in HK waters on their own.
AFD are in the process of establishing ARs across the entrance to
Port Shelter - some 70 wrecks - HK is all set to become Wreck City!
To cap it all, these vessels are all upright, and set in recreational
diving depths - so learn to be a wreck diver here!!
Dive Sites which are particularly
popular are: Hoi Ha Wan and Double Haven Marine Parks, Port Shelter,
Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay peninsulas. The Chinese Islands to the
south of HK (The Limas), and Pedro Blanco - a rock 50 miles to the
east.
Sites of note: Port Island,
Crooked Island, Breaker Reef, The Sisters in Big wave Bay, The wreck
of a Taiwanese cement freighter nicknamed "The Empire" by the local
BSAC Branches - where an annual get-together is held; Whiskey Beach,
Little Palm Beach, Artillery Ramp, Ung Ke Wan, Long Ke Wan, The
Nine Pins Group, Shek O, Po Toi Islands.
Artillery Ramp - Hong Kong's favourite dive site?
The selection of dive
sites is dependent on weather. HK is affected by strong winds, Typhoons,
Monsoons, heavy rain storms. Other than in extreme weather which
prevents diving, sites can be found for all directions of wind.
Some sites are limited after periods of heavy rain due to sediment
in the water column. But astute planning by organizers can ensure
interesting dives.
Dives to as deep as 50m
can be conducted, though deeper than 20m visibility is reduced to
low / very low / nil due to lack of light and suspended matter.
A large number of sandy
beaches provide BBQ areas between dives.
 Whiskey
Beach - ideal for a BBQ
Hong Kong provides a fine
location for training throughout the year. Having become competent,
its often then worth visiting other SE Asia dive sites. The main
advantages of HK is that a) it is possible to train and become qualified
during your spare time rather than wasting valuable holiday days
(you don't want to be sitting in a classroom getting frustrated
while your friends are enjoying the beach!); and b) its possible
to keep skills honed by regular diving, so that when going on dive
holidays you are already dive fit (your mind and body are used to
the extra pressure), fully familiar with your equipment and don't
have to waste time relearning at shallow depth and missing out on
the overseas opportunities.
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WHEN
Diving can be done throughout
the year, mostly requiring wetsuits, though for about one to two
months dry suits may be necessary. The season for most divers is
March to October. The rest of the year they hibernate or many go
elsewhere.
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WHAT TO SEE
Approx 80 varieties of
coral, approx 400 varieties of fish, many types of Nudibranch (sea
slugs), many sea shells and other crustaceans, other invertebrates
such as Octopus, Squid, Cuttlefish, Seahorse, sponges, worms. Photographic
opportunities abound. There is a shark season, but sightings are
extremely rare. The number of fish species, including many tropical
varieties, is comparable to that found in for example the Philippines.
Seahorse
- even on your first dive with Marine Divers, you might be lucky
enough to see one. If you haven't seen one yet and want to - contact
us to arrange a trip.
Visibility can be as much
as 15m, but 5+ is considered good. This has the advantage of both
increasing confidence in the conditions, and channeling vision,
so the smaller creatures are examined. Colours may not be as vivid
as more tropical locations, but that is a small price to pay for
convenience.
HK offers shore dives,
boat dives, wreck dives, night dives, day or night, but no drift
dives.
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WHO
There are some 25-30,000
qualified divers in HK. Most of these are holiday divers who either
rarely or never dive in HK, preferring to jet off to more exotic
locations. For the minority of hardy Sports Divers (other than those
in training - probably only a few hundred who do it as a recreational
sport and dive HK regularly), they are often treated to some thrilling
experiences and unusual sights.
Various organizations
and operators / clubs can provide diving opportunities in HK. Many
can provide training.
Andrew during Club Diver (beginner level) training.
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HOW - TRAINING
The British Sub-Aqua Club
(BSAC) is the largest diving club in the world, and has been training
divers since 1953 with methods originating in the British Navy and
Army, consequently its reputation for "tough" training. Lets dispel
that one straight away. The methodology has been retained in the
method of instruction, stressing safety first, progressive steps
and a thoroughness unparalleled within recreational diving. But
the exercises and requirements for qualification have gradually
evolved to meet the needs of both recreational (holiday and sport)
and technical sport divers. The standard of diver turned out is
recognized as some of the highest in the world - do you want to
be one of them?
Anyone doing training
with BSAC today will find it a safe, comfortable, fun experience,
beginning with pool training to develop skills before venturing
into the sea - only a small progression. The size of groups is also
a lot smaller than with other training agencies - usually no more
than 4 in the pool, and a maximum of 2 students per instructor in
the sea (lets face it, they only have 2 hands) - greater safety,
more attention to each student - faster learning, better value for
money, more fun.
Minimum age limits for
diving with BSAC are set in consideration of safety and the physical
development of juniors - 12 within BSAC Schools, and 14 within BSAC
Branches. For younger students, training as Snorkelers can be provided
to ages 6 up.
Jason (6) on Basic Snorkel Diver course.
SCUBA beginners courses
by BSAC take 4.5 days full time or spread over anytime you are available
with Marine Divers - BSAC School 388 (the only BSAC School in HK
and in China for that matter). This provides the BSAC qualification
of Ocean Diver which is equivalent to the second grade (Advanced
Open Water diver) in other agencies such as PADI, NAUI, SSI etc. - a
higher level of competence, skill and awareness earlier in your
diving career, for less time and expense.
The other big advantage
with training with BSAC is that on joining you become not a client,
but a member of this huge organization. BSAC qualifications are
Internationally recognized - you can dive anywhere in the world
with them. However, they lapse when unfit to dive and / or membership
is not renewed.
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HOW MUCH - BEGINNERS
COURSES
Costs vary depending on
training agency and program. Its wise to shop around, but don't
cut short safety for the sake of cost - its an adventurous sport
with risks. These risks can only be reduced by adequate training,
suitable equipment and professional supervision. So before you start,
ensure 1) the course you will attend will give you suitable skills,
2) equipment is well maintained, 3) instructors and supervisors
are qualified and experienced, and have your safety first in mind.
Beginners courses can be had cheaper elsewhere if you are prepared
to train in large groups. For small group or
individual training with Marine Divers (specializing in beginners
courses in SCUBA or snorkeling for children and adults) to Ocean
Diver level - apply for a personal quotation * Membership fees and
training materials extra.
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HOW - DIVING
Various operators offer
day trips, but beware of overcrowding not just of the boat, but
of the dive site as well. Marine Divers offers most types of diving:
day or night dives, shore dives, small boat dives, large boat dives
on half or full day trips. They specialize in smaller groups, avoiding
sites with too many divers - there are always other less busy spots
to have fun.
Generally, other than
training depth dives, exploratory dives are shallower than 15m where
visibility is assisted by light penetration, and many species prefer
to exist.
Ellen, Graeme and Ed after night dive at LPB.
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HOW MUCH - DIVING
Marine Divers charges
between $450 and $900 (depending on membership status and qualifications
- poa) for a 2 dive (guided) day trip, supervised by qualified and
experienced Dive Managers and Dive Leaders, who know some of the
best spots, and where to find the most interesting critters - Stingrays,
Octopus, Seahorses etc.
Equipment hire , Transport,
packed lunches are extra. There is also the possibly of a beach
BBQ or picnic. Passengers are welcome on all trips, to enjoy the
scenery which is unknown to many. Its an opportunity to get some
fresh air!
Ginger and Koreena prepare to descend.
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FOOTNOTE
To straighten out a possible
misconception - the majority of SCUBA divers breath Compressed Air,
not pure Oxygen. So how about giving it a go this summer? Don't
waste time on holiday, learn to dive in HK. Don't then desert HK
for the exotic spots - enjoy what is available on your doorstep
- you wont regret it.
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MARINE DIVERS (BSAC SCHOOL 388)
- offers unparalleled opportunities for training and diving in Hong Kong - on fixed courses or at any time to suit you - for groups or individuals - training at the United Services Recreation Club (USRC) - an oasis in the heart of Kowloon. How good? - you wont know how much fun until you try it!!
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DIVE HONG KONG WITH MARINE DIVERS
- Benefit from our professional service and full time support of your needs. With Marine Divers YOU are the one who matters. No overcrowding, small numbers of divers in the water at a time, surface cover for safety, comfortable boats with showers and toilets. Some of the most economical diving in HK for our members, if you find cheaper elsewhere, think what may be missing? Check out our Diving programme.
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DIVE EQUIPMENT
- some of the best, available for use by members and visitors.
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DIVE TRIPS OUT OF HONG KONG
- check the EXPEDITIONS PROGRAMME 2008
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DIVER TRAINING
- check our TRAINING PROGRAMME 2008. Many courses not offered by other agencies / clubs. Reputedly the "hardest" training in recreational diving!!! Its thorough, but if 12 year olds can pass it, so can you......?
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MARINE DIVERS SUB-AQUA CLUB (BSAC SPECIAL BRANCH 2292)
Get the best of both worlds: Professional Service combined with Club Camaraderie.
- the youngest and most active BSAC branch in Hong Kong. All divers welcome at the Gunners Bar, USRC on Tuesday Club Nights. Drop in for a chat and a cold one. Join MDSAC for a friendly atmosphere during training and on Branch dive trips. Members benefit from discounts on School organised training and diving.
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JOIN BSAC & MARINE DIVERS NOW
PADI, NAUI, AUSI, SSI, IDEA, IANTD, YMCA Divers etc
ALL WELCOME to dive with Marine Divers.
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BEGINNERS - TRY-DIVE, TRY-SNORKEL
if you want to have a go.
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WHAT TO SEE CLICK
HOW - TRAINING CLICK
HOW MUCH - BEGINNERS COURSES CLICK
HOW - DIVING CLICK
HOW MUCH - DIVING CLICK
MARINE DIVERS (BSAC SCHOOL 388) CLICK
DIVE HONG KONG WITH MARINE DIVERS CLICK
DIVE EQUIPMENT CLICK
DIVE TRIPS OUT OF HONG KONG CLICK
DIVER TRAINING CLICK
MARINE DIVERS SUB-AQUA CLUB (BSAC SPECIAL BRANCH 2292) CLICK
JOIN BSAC & MARINE DIVERS NOW CLICK
BEGINNERS - TRY-DIVE, TRY-SNORKEL CLICK
TO
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CONTACT MARINE DIVERS: info@marinedivers.com Tel: (852) 2656 9399 / 9194 0221, Fax: (852) 2656 9399
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