General Considerations and Reminders - PADI Search & Recovery

PADI SEARCH & RECOVERY * General considerations and reminders – all search patterns a. Begin a search pattern at a specific location within the established search area. Identify this location with a buoy and anchor or a marker on the bottom. b. Use the simplest search pattern that will work. c. When using compass-based search patterns use the cardinal compass points – N, S, E and W – on the long sides of the pattern to simplify search pattern headings. Underwater navigation is the backbone of search and recovery. d. In a two person dive team, it’s often most effective if one diver navigates the pattern while the other looks for the object. e. When following a pattern underwater, keep track of your relative position and a sketch of the pattern on a slate or a Nav-Finder. The Nav-Finder is one of the most effective ways to do this. f. To assist navigation, note natural and artificial references while swimming a pattern underwater. g. On a large area search, it may help to place bottom markers (heavy wire with small flags attached, small floating buoys with line and weights, piled stones, etc.) as underwater references that mark areas you’ve searched. Be sure to clean the bottom of these markers when the dive is complete. h. Avoid stirring up silt while swimming a pattern because this hampers the search. Avoid contact with the bottom. 1. Keep fins pointed upward – diving slightly buoyant (with your BCD – not under weighted) can help with this. 2. When you stop, remain level or head down in the water and avoid fi n movement. 3. Use buoyancy to begin ascents initially rather than swimming. j. Review communications and establish any special signals specific to swimming a particular pattern. k. When boat traffic in the search area is heavy or other individuals are involved in the search, consider towing a surface fl oat with a locally recognized dive flag to let others know where you are. l. Small metal objects may sink into soft silt or sand, or water movement may bury them. You may want to use an underwater metal detector as you follow the search pattern. Plan the pattern so you don’t leave any gaps in the area you cover with the detector. Be aware that metal detectors are restricted in many areas – follow local laws and regulations. • Pay attention to basic diver safety procedures. Check your air regularly and often, and maintain contact with your buddy. Include what to do if separated in your dive planning. n. When using your compass, remember that metal objects may cause reading variations that affect your search pattern.

Technical diving is scuba diving’s “extreme sport”, taking experienced and qualified divers far deeper and further than in mainstream recreational diving. Technical diving is marked by significantly more equipment and training requirements to manage the additional hazards this type of diving entails. Tec diving isn’t for everyone, but for those who want to be explore further, the TecRec courses are the answer. Below is a brief overview of TecRec diver levels, for more info visit http://www.padi.com/scuba-diving/padi-courses/technical-diving-courses/ PADI TecRec Courses (Open Circuit) Tec 40 Diver An introduction to technical diving that provides a transition from rec to tec and bridges the gap to full technical deep decompression diving. You gain experience and begin building tec diving knowledge and skills. You will qualify to make limited decompression dives to 40m. Tec 45 Diver Wearing full tec kit of doubles (either sidemount or backmount) plus a decompression cylinder you’ll extend your depth limit to 45m and learn to plan and execute repetitive accelerated decompression dives using up to 100% O2. This is a course where you’ll rise to the challenge and make the commitment to become a technical diver. Tec 50 Diver As a Tec 50 diver, you show that you’ve developed competency as a tec diver and have the skills to dive to a maximum of 50m. You will make extended range dives using two decompression gases. It’s not easy to reach this level and earning your Tec 50 certification opens the door to deeper diving expeditions. Tec Trimix 65 Diver The Tec Trimix 65 course introduces you to using non-hypoxic trimix down to a maximum depth of 65m There are big advantages to using three gases, but you need to know how to do it right. Earning the Tec Trimix 65 certification makes deep exploration a reality. Tec Trimix Diver Ready for the outer edge of technical diving? The Tec Trimix course takes experienced tec divers and turns them into extreme divers who go deeper and visit pristine sites where few others will ever go. During the course, you’ll make dives as deep as 90m, but once you earn this tough certification, there are no limits. Your training teaches you to build experience gradually and you do it, because you’ve made it this far and have more exploring to do. Tec Sidemount Diver You are introduced to tec sidemount equipment and dive techniques, including up to six cylinders. While it won’t change your dive limits, you will transfer yours skills to tec sidemount diving and be able to dive in this equipment within your existing certification and experience limits. PADI Recreational Rebreather Courses (Type R Rebreathers) Discover Rebreather Always wanted to try a rebreather? You’ll discover how quiet diving can be without bubbles and quickly learn how different buoyancy control is. A Discover Rebreather experience is an ideal opportunity to give rebreathers a try before you sign up for a full course. Or, if you’re already a rebreather diver, you can participate in the program to try a new or different type of rebreather. Rebreather Diver Type R (recreational) rebreathers are lightweight, easy-to-transport and have sophisticated electronics to simplify their use. You’ll get longer no stop limits, reduced gas consumption because you reuse most of your exhaled gas, and unmatched wildlife encounters because you don’t release annoying bubbles. The PADI Rebreather Diver course introduces you to rebreather diving to a maximum depth of 18m. Advanced Rebreather Diver This course builds on your PADI Rebreather Diver certification by expanding your knowledge, adding a bailout cylinder, and training you to dive as deep as 30m (40m if you are a PADI Deep Diver). If you aren’t a certified rebreather diver yet, no problem – ask your PADI Rebreather Instructor about combining the PADI Rebreather and Advanced Rebreather Diver courses. Rebreather Qualifier A short course that allows you to qualify on an additional rebreather, at your existing certification level. Rebreather Refresher If you’ve not been diving with your rebreather for a while, you should ease back into it by taking a PADI Rebreather Refresher. You’ll review your PADI Rebreather Diver and Advanced Rebreather Diver Manual as well as the manufacturer literature and checklists. Then, get you back into the water on your unit to practice a few skills and regain comfort with your rebreather. Tec CCR Courses (Type T CCRs) Discover Rebreather Always wanted to try a Type T (technical) CCR? You’ll discover how quiet diving can be without bubbles and quickly learn how different buoyancy control is. A Discover Rebreather experience is an ideal opportunity to give rebreathers a try before you sign up for a full course. Or, if you’re already a rebreather or Tec CCR diver, you can participate in the program to try a new or different type of rebreather. Tec 40 CCR Diver The future of deep tec diving belongs to the Type T CCR and the Tec 40 CCR course introduces you to this type of rebreather. You’ll focus on developing the discipline it takes to be a technical diver while learning the details of proper setup, predive checks, dive planning, failure and problem management and teamwork required for limited decompression tec CCR diving. Tec 60 CCR Diver By completing the Tec 60 CCR course, you extend your CCR diving adventures down to a maximum depth of 60m. You learn to complete multiple decompression stops, manage life-support problems and dive with trimix/heliox as a diluent. It’s a considerable challenge, but if you’re serious about being a tec CCR diver, then this course is your next step. Tec 100 CCR Diver Tec 100 CCR Diver is the ultimate Tec CCR rating. The training includes the use of diluents and bailout gases that are hypoxic. You’ll learn to plan and make dives with hypoxic trimix/heliox to a maximum depth of 100m while managing several bailout cylinders and completing multiple decompression stops. Only a few extreme adventurers earn this rating. Will you be one of them? Tec CCR Qualifier As a Tec 40 CCR, Tec 60 CCR or Tec 100 CCR Diver you qualify to dive on a specific Type T CCR. To dive on a different CCR, you must qualify on that unit. You do that by participating in a short Tec CCR Qualifier program, focusing on the skills needed to dive the new unit. Tec CCR Refresher Diving frequently with your CCR is the best way to maintain your skills and comfort level, but if it’s been awhile, you should take a Tec CCR Refresher. You’ll review the manual from the appropriate Tec CCR course as well as the manufacturer literature and checklists. Inwater, you’ll get a chance to refresh your skills and regain comfort with your Type T CCR.

PADI lauches the new PADI OW diver TOUCH for ANDROID gadgets.

As mentioned earlier this year, PADI had lauched the new PADI OPEN WATER DIVER Touch for APPLE devices. Now it s time for ANDROID ! So no more 'lack of time' to enroll in our PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE and join our WORLD WIDE DIVE COMMUNITY. http://amsi.padi.com/2014/04/10/the-perfect-touch/?utm_source=ProBlogPAM&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=touch

MARINE DEBRIS is the ocean's silent killer. Every year rubbish kills and injuries thousands of marine animals and seabirds. Help us to save our amazing marine life including turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins from being chokes by rubbish. TAKE A PLEDGE!!! #keeptheoceanclean

PADI SIDEMOUNT COURSE / TEC SIDEMOUNT COURSE

Join this fantastic trend enroling on our PADI SIDEMOUNT DIVER COURSE. Experience the freedom and safety of sidemount dive! The course takes 2-3 days and consist in 1 confined water dive and 3 open water dives (REC sidemount) & 1 confined water dive and 4 open water dives (TEC sidemount). For more info just e-mail us: divewithleo@gmail.com

SUMMER REEFS CLEAN UP - DIVES AGAINST DEBRIS - 2014.

Just keeping our environmental education actions of 2014. Many thanks to all those volunteers and participants on our Environmental Campaign. #KEEPTHEOCEANCLEAN

One more Dive Against Debris dive outcome. Conducted by our PADI AI Will with 6 client divers from Holland, France and Belgium. Anchor Reef - 14m/48'. Data reported on Project AWARE's web site (www.projectaware.org). Thanks to Will and all clients participating on our Survey and also KEEPING REEFS OF SAL ISLAND CLEAN!!!

Keeping our Project AWARE action campaign moving forward - 'KEEP THE REEFS OF SAL ISLAND CLEAN'. Our big THANK YOU to Barber Family that participated with us yesterday @ Santa Maria Beach -8m/45'. Cabo Verde Diving Centre and dive staff Ilson Evangelista (PADI MSDT 254113), Hendrik Almeida (DM candidate/internship) and myself. It's really sad to see how it's missing an Environmental Policy here in Sal. Starting from Local Communities education campaings, trash separation, trash collection and final destination. We know it's not so easy, but something must be done NOW!

Make 2014 the year of the Ocean

Make 2014 the year of the Ocean Posted by Andrew Jenkins Make 2014 year of the OceanThe ocean is a miraculous place full of beauty and wonder. From the vibrant marine life to the incredible landscapes that can be found beneath the waters, it isn’t hard to understand why so many people take to scuba diving. After all, isn’t the ocean’s beauty one of the reasons why you love to scuba dive? Although the ocean is a beautiful place, it is still in danger and our underwater world needs protection. From endangered species to ocean pollution, the oceans are continually threatened with various problems. Now is the time to take a stand and start creating change. If leaders around the world take action, the state of the ocean’s future could drastically change for the better. Organization leaders, politicians, corporate CEOs, conservationists and scientists all need to work together and start producing results – but they aren’t the only ones who have the power to create change. Every person can help make a difference and become a leader, especially scuba divers who have seen ocean pollution firsthand. Through conservation movements like Project AWARE, scuba divers can team together and work on important issues such as Sharks in Peril and Marine Debris. The more people who believe they can make a difference, the more likely we will be able to improve the state of the ocean. For more information on how you can help protect the ocean and raise awareness, visit projectaware.org and your local PADI Dive Shop. #conservation #Project AWARE

MEET THE CREATURES !!!

Today's AWARE Dive Against Debris action outcome. Dives: 3 grutas Reef (20m/38') and Santo Antão Wreck (12m/47') with 3 PADI AOWD students. Soon we will report data on AWARE 's web site. Thank you students Rinout and Fleur (from Holland) and Rodolfo (from Portugal) and PADI MSDT Instructor Ilson Evangelista for participating and helping to make our Ocean cleaner!!! — with Cabo Verde Diving at Melia Tortuga Beach Resort.

Become a PADI Professional in 2014 Posted by Andrew Jenkins It’s a brand new year scuba divers! Although this past year may have been your best one yet, it’s now time to look to the future and figure out your next move. Each new year is a time to start fresh. It’s a time to challenge yourself and try out new, fun experiences. So instead of just repeating the same adventures, why not dedicate this year to becoming a PADI Professional? Starting your journey toward becoming a PADI Divemaster or PADI Instructor is the perfect way to fill this upcoming year with fun, new experiences. Why you should become a PADI Professional Not everybody gets to do what they love for a living. As a scuba diver, however, you have the opportunity to make one of your favorite activities a part of your professional life. Plus, you can work all over the world. With more than 5,300 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts worldwide, you will not have any trouble finding the perfect place for you. Becoming a PADI Professional isn’t just a great opportunity to hone your diving abilities to the professional level. It’s also a chance to have even more fun and experience new adventures. Whether you choose to become a PADI Divemaster or a PADI Instructor, you will have a great time meeting new friends and motivating other students to improve. How to become a PADI Professional Scuba divers who are 18 and want to become a PADI Professional must start by becoming a PADI Divemaster. Before you can enter the course, you will need to be certified as an Open Water Diver, an Advanced Open Water Diver and as a Rescue Diver. Once you have become a certified PADI Divemaster, you can then enroll to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. With this instructor rating you will be able to conduct the entire range of PADI programs that range from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster. In order to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you will need to complete the following courses: Divemaster Course Instructor Development Course (IDC), including: - Assistant Instructor Program - Open Water Scuba Instructor Program You can also continue your Instructor level education up to the prestigious Course Director rating. Are you ready to become a PADI Professional? Visit www.padi.com and contact your local PADI Dive shop to get started.

We are working together towards a return to a clean, healthy and abundant ocean !!!

What you eat affects our Ocean

The choices you make on land have a ripple effect on our ocean, lakes and waterways. But the good news is: positive change can be as simple as looking at what’s on your lunch or dinner plate. Over-harvesting of seafood is a significant problem that increases every year. In many areas, fish and other seafood species that were once plentiful are now sparse due to irresponsible fishing practices, food fads and our growing population. You don’t need to cut fish and seafood out of your diet altogether, but you should learn more about the issue and how to make better purchasing choices. If everyone made the effort to only eat sustainable fish, we could give threatened species a better chance for recovery. Many people are surprised to learn which fish are fast approaching the endangered species list. Bluefin tuna, for example, is a popular fish to eat worldwide. So popular, it’s being fished well beyond recommended levels. The Western Altantic Bluefin population has declined a shocking 83 percent since 1950! It’s no secret many sharks suffer a terrible fate largely due to the popularity of their fins in recipes. Researchers report up to 73 million sharks die each year from finning – their fins are cut off and the sharks are thrown back into the ocean alive to die slowly. Other fish to blacklist include Chilean seabass and orange roughy. Imported shrimp should be avoided too because for every one pound of shrimp, up to 15 pounds of other sealife are unintentionally caught and die. So what are some of the best seafood selections you can make? The Super Green List from Seafood Watch includes the best options for your health as well as the health of the ocean. The best of the best in 2013 include: Atlantic mackerel (purse seine from Canada and the U.S.) Freshwater coho salmon (farmed in tank systems from the U.S.) Pacific sardines (wild-caught) Salmon, including canned (wild-caught from Alaska) If you can’t commit all those to memory the SeafoodWatch app for iOS and Android. You can also bookmark the Seafood Search website to lookup fish in your area. Seafood Watch search, app and pocket guide Every day you can make a difference in the health of our oceans. Start by making responsible choices when you eat at restaurants and do your grocery shopping. The future of our world’s waters depend on it! #infographic #seafood

DIVE AGAINST DEBRIS / PROJECT AWARE - KEEPING THE REEFS OF SAL ISLAND CLEAN - January 12th to March 12th 2014

Cabo Verde Diving' s (www.caboverdediving.net)staff and all volunteer divers joining a DIVE AGAINST DEBRIS research during 2 months on every certified divers dive operation in order to clean our reefs and collect valuable data and start a local Education Campaign. http://www.projectaware.org/action/dive-against-debris-keeping-reefs-sal-clean Participate and give us your ideas and opinion! FACEBOOK: caboverdediving TWITTER: @caboverdediving e-mail: tortuga@caboverdediving.net Cheers and have a nice 2014 plenty of great dive adventures! Leo Saldunbides - PADI MI 184808 Cabo Verde Diving Centre - Melia Tortuga Resort & Spa Sal Island - Cape Verde - Western Africa

Dive Operations November 2013 - Cabo Verde Diving - Meliã Tortuga Resort - Sal Island - Cape Verde - Western Africa

OCTOBER 2013

Some photos from our client divers and students from October