News
Diving Myanmar
Myanmar was closed to tourists until recent years and many new dive sites are still being discovered. With over 50 dive sites to choose from so far, this country has plenty to offer. Highlights include exploring the 800 or so islands that make up the Mergui archipelago and the remote ocean dives at Burma Banks.
Myanmar, or Burma, opened to tourists in the late 1990s and passed the one million tourist mark for the first time in 2012. Tourism is still in its infancy in this fascinating country and so offers pristine diving in southeast Asia. Whilst Myanmar is known for its large pelagic species, it is also fast gaining a reputation for macro life.
The dive sites are remote and best experienced by Myanmar liveaboard diving. The liveaboard diving season is October to May, with peak conditions in the popular Mergui Archipelago during December to April. Water temperature typically ranges from 30°C (86 °F) to 26°C (79 °F) and visibility can reach more than 40 meters. The diving can be challenging, with strong currents and rough seas, making Myanmar suitable for more advanced divers. Most dive cruises visiting Myanmar depart from Phuket, Ranong, or Khao Lak in Thailand. The MV Thai Sea liveaboard (pictured) offers diving safaris to Myanmar, including within the Mergui Archipelago and south Myanmar.
Mergui Archipelago
The Mergui Archipelago, in the Andaman Sea, is made up of over 800 islands and is a well-known dive area of Myanmar. Only two of the islands are inhabited and the majority of the islands remain untouched by human influence. The limestone and granite rocks of the archipelago have created underwater ledges, caves, swim-throughs, and overhangs, and the marine life is very diverse. Whale sharks and manta rays are occasionally seen in this area.
Black Rock, an 80-meter-wide islet, has steep banks, walls and fantastic drift diving. This pinnacle has a high density of marine life including numerous soft corals, beds of anemones, hawkfish, pufferfish, angelfish, banded sea snakes, and eels. This dive site receives plenty of nutrients from the depths and attracts huge schools of mobula rays, whitetip reef sharks, silvertip sharks, and blacktip sharks. Manta and eagle rays are also seen at this dive site, as are kingfish and barracuda. Black Rock is one of the most spectacular dive sites in the Mergui Archipelago.
High Rock is another highlight and has wall diving, steep drop offs, and a rocky reef at dive depths of 5 to 25 meters. The rocks are covered with orange and green cup corals and the site is excellent for night diving, when the cup corals open to reveal their bright orange interiors. There is a huge volume of fish life at High Rock including glassfish, fusiliers and Titan triggerfish. There are numerous invertebrates, including frogfish, seahorses and scorpionfish, and the landscape below 21 meters is dominated by black-coral bushes, feather stars and gorgonians.
Rocky Peaks, or Fan Forest Pinnacle, is a pinnacle that starts at 5 meters and disappears into the depths. It is known as one of the most colourful dive sites in the archipelago and is covered in orange fan corals and Gorgonian sea fans, mostly below 30 meters. The top of the pinnacle is home to a garden of anemones, with cowries, pipefish and seahorses. The shallow parts of the area are also home to octopi and cuttlefish. Those wishing to see zebra sharks should head to the eastern edge of the ridge. Manta and eagle rays are sometimes seen at this dive site.
Shark Cave is a dive site at a chain of three islands, the Three Stooges. This cavern sits at 5 meters depth on the north west corner of one of the islands and drops down to 16 meters. The cavern gradually narrows to a tunnel about 20 meters long and emerges at the east side of the island. It is known for its resident nurse sharks and is also popular with grey reef and whitetip reef sharks. The cavern ceiling is covered in marigold cup corals and the floor is covered in sponges. Nudibranchs are commonly found there, as are moray eels, lobsters and Durban dancing shrimps. Divers can also see grey bamboo sharks in the wall cracks. The site is a Myanmar dive highlight whether explored during the day or at night.
Burma Banks
Lying west of the Mergui Archipelago, Burma Banks is rarely visited, and it is possible to dive the area with no other divers present. The underwater landscapes are unique, with huge flat-top sea mounts at the surface disappearing to depths of over 300 meters. The underwater environments of Burma Banks are not found elsewhere. Most dives start at 15 meters and dive highlights include huge table corals, black corals, abundant reef fish, octopi, moray eels, barracuda, and many species of shark.
The dives are open ocean and so the area attracts large pelagic species. The currents can be strong, and divers should expect advanced drift diving in this area.
Discover more liveaboard diving holiday solutions around the world at Liveaboard.com.
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
-
News4 weeks ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months ago
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News2 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Gear News3 months ago
Unprecedented reliability and performance: The T3 Regulator from Atomic