News
Diving Mauritius and the Mauritian Scuba Diving Association
Mauritius is safe, well disciplined and Coronavirus free. Our lockdown ended on Friday 15 May, and as soon as our border re-opens we welcome you to dive with us on the World’s most Romantic Island.
When I first started diving in Mauritius I checked its safety records and I could not find any reports of diving accidents. This is very unusual as it’s clearly a diving island, with some very deep spectacular tec diving reefs, plenty of strong currents and dramatic deep drop-offs. But no diving accidents?
It took a while to understand because communication is not their strong suit, but its because of the MSDA. The MDSA was started in 1989 to ensure that diving in Mauritius would be professional, safe and standardized under a professional body.
With a dated website and volunteer officials all of whom are busy scuba divers and diving business owners, the MSDA has done the incredible.
Originally established to ensure that diving centres would follow proper scuba diving protocols, MSDA is an Association, and all its officials are volunteers from the diving industry. There is a small office staff that executes the MSDA recommendations. The MSDA also sells insurance indemnity forms that protect both the client and the diving centre. MSDA is affiliated to both CMAS and French Federation, both of which are similar diver training associations.
PADI is of course a commercial diver training and marketing organization so is not affiliated to the MSDA, but most Mauritius diving centres also belong to PADI. In fact there are more PADI diving centres in Mauritius than in South Africa.
French Federation regulations are very strict, and Mauritians are always obedient to licensing and regulations so diving in Mauritius is simply safer. French Federation allows only four divers per dive leader or instructor. Diving centres are checked for hygiene, oxygen, safety, life saving devices and staff training in first aid.
Mauritius is therefore exceptional in its management of diving centres. These can vary from the expensive Resort diving centres to the one man one skipper small boat operators, to the big commercial high- profile diving centres near or on the Public Beaches. They are all licensed by the Tourism Authority, and all are checked by MSDA.
Strangely, Mauritius has not really been promoted as a diving destination. In 2016 it was not even on the PADI website, and a search for diving in Mauritius led to Majorca.
Mauritius offers superb wreck diving from 16 metres to 40 metres, where nobody died in the sinking of the wrecks and many of them are confiscated fishing trawlers. Divers get a lot of satisfaction out of this knowledge.
There is a large and energetic turtle population, where the endangered Hawksbill species may be breeding on one of the outer Islands so we are all looking forward to exploring these remote islands.
Specific species are plentiful, with 11 different Moray eel species to be found on a single reef. Drift diving is possible with strong currents and huge schools of eagle rays.
Fabulous shark diving in washing machine conditions under the Northern Islands, where four different species of shark are regularly seen, and sharks occur naturally.
Macro life that is in some instances un-described, rare and seen only in this Indian Ocean Island on the tip of the Mascarene plateau. Corals are re-growing, and there are many different species of coral, both hard and soft.
The water temperature is below 29 degrees, so there is no threat from global warming in Mauritius, and our corals recover rapidly if there is over-fishing. The upwelling from the Southern Ocean in our June to September winter bring upwellings of plankton, and since the Indian Ocean is also the breeding ground for whales it is a whale sanctuary under the IWF regulations. The 2.3 million square kilometre portion of the Indian Ocean that forms the Oceanographic State of Mauritius’s waters are protected by the EU.
In place is the Europeche contract in exchange for fishing right in its waters. We don’t have the resources or the manpower to protect our marine resources, but Mauritius has solid contracts and good friends who do. It’s a great place to dive – come and see for yourself!
- Words: Jill Holloway
- Copyright Ocean Spirit: www.osdiving.com
- Pics by Dr Thomas Vignaud: www.thomasvignaud.com/underwater-photography/
News
Dived Up Publications announces the release of The Diver and the Cook by Lasse Spang Olsen
A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.
Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.
Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?
The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.
Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?
An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.
Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:
“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”
About the author
Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.
The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.
Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup
Blogs
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 1
Welcome to Day 1 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Bigblue Dive Lights
by Liquid Sports
info@liquidsports.co.uk / Bigblue Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook
Bigblue lights are high performance lights from 250 to 64,000 lumens. From back up to main lights and an extensive range of video lights, Bigblue brightens up your dive.
With advanced designs and unprecedented affordability, Bigblue offers the most affordable and technologically advanced LED lights on the market. We incorporate the latest technologies, producing the most efficient portable illumination. In addition to brilliant design features, we offer the most ideal lights for underwater illumination, night diving and underwater videoing.
Whether you are looking for a simple recreational dive light or a full-blown technical underwater illumination system, Bigblue has a light for you! Bigblue is a recognised brand that divers all over the world prefer.
info@liquidsports.co.uk / Bigblue Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook
AP Diving Gift Vouchers
sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV
It’s November, the nights are drawing in and it’s time to start thinking about what present to get the dive buddy in your life…
Who doesn’t love a voucher?
Why not get your diver a unique personal GIFT VOUCHER from AP Diving? Printed on quality textured card (145mm x 75mm), each voucher can be personalised with your own message. Just let us know what you want to say in about 10-20 words.
Keep your someone-special supplied with their diving essentials (cells, sofnolime, etc…) or a shiny new piece of kit of their choice by creating a line of credit to any value you like, £25, £50, £100… Call the AP elves on 01326 561040 or email sales@apdiving.com today.
sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV
SlipIns
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Aqualung i770R Dive Computer
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Experience the future of diving technology with the Aqualung i770R Dive Computer. This state-of-the-art device combines an ultra-bright TFT colour screen and wireless Bluetooth connectivity, all within a durable and compact design. Navigate through your dive information effortlessly using the intuitive 3-button interface.
The Aqualung i770R comes with a rechargeable lithium battery, and full-tilt compass, and offers multiple gas capabilities across its 4 operating modes. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can wirelessly manage your dive data and settings on your mobile device, and then share your dive memories, stats, photos, and dive sites via the free DiverLog+ app.
- Dive into the future of scuba technology with the Aqualung i770R Dive Computer.
- Long lasting rechargeable lithium battery.
- High-visibility Thin Film Transistor (TFT) colour screen.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Colour screen, ultra-bright, high-contrast, full-colour TFT display.
- Battery savings when a high-intensity screen is unnecessary.
- Easy-to-use interface with intuitive menu structure.
- Intuitive 3-button navigation interface allows for easy settings preview and updates.
A 3-axis full-tilt compass allows for easy-to-read compass graphics.
FREE Transmitter with the i770R Black Dive Computer!*
*while stocks last
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Fog-X: Anti-Fog Film for Dive Masks
info@fogxsolutions.com / www.fogxsolutions.com / Fog-X Instagram / Fog-X Facebook
Fog-X is a new anti-fog film that is inserted once into the dive mask and will provide fog free diving forever! The hydrophilic, anti-scratch film protects your mask and prevents fog from forming. Six mask designs and a swim goggle design are available.
Fog-X is the perfect gift for the diver you know! If they hate fog as much as we do, Fog-X is what they have been looking for.
Use code “SCUBAVERSE” for 20% off your order!
Free USA shipping if over $20 order.
info@fogxsolutions.com / www.fogxsolutions.com / Fog-X Instagram / Fog-X Facebook
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