News
Sea Robot and Drone Survey Nassau Sound
On Jun 19th, scientists and technology companies partnered with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to passively survey the Nassau Sound Aquatic Preservation Area, situated at the oceanic coastal border between Florida and Georgia. Roveal Underwater Robotics, in collaboration with Aviation Systems Engineering Company (ASEC), teamed to achieve history by deploying an undersea robot while simultaneously flying a drone in mutually supporting roles, the first time ever in Florida in support of the scientific community. This approach successfully proved to be a new scientific method for safe, effective, and innovative observational exploration by capturing undersea and aerial HD video to be distributed and shared with scientists and governmental agencies.
Roveal technicians navigated their tethered, remotely operated underwater vehicle, or ROV, equipped with a HD camera to provide undersea streaming video to a monitor located onboard its floating research vessel. The research team coordinated via radio with the nearby ASEC crew, who piloted their FAA-approved drone to scout and survey areas from above, also streaming HD video. Research team member Bill Andersen, a native Floridian biologist with over 50 years of diving experience in Florida waters, remarked, “This project demonstrated a new tool for scientists to search for the invasive Lion Fish and the rare Atlantic Sturgeon in ways never before considered. I’m extremely excited by the possibilities for how this technology can benefit our aquatic and marine ecosystems.”
Also participating in the project was Andrea Noel Small, the FDEP Manager for Northeast Florida Aquatic Preserve. Having FDEP support was particularly important to ensure the project aligned with their stated mission to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s natural resources. Since this was the first time a robot was used by FDEP, and the first time an ROV and drone were used in tandem, not only was it critical to build a professional and safe team, but one that complied with local, state and federal laws. Some of the data points collected included information on native grass beds, oyster beds, vertebrate marine life, water column temperature readings, presence of halocline, and channel depth soundings. The project achieved success in all these areas while developing baseline data for future, comparative analysis for Andrea and her scientists.
Perhaps the highlight of the day for the research team was the opportunity to meet with the young men from Jacksonville-based Safe Harbor Maritime Academy who visited the research project’s day long effort. Roveal Robotics CEO Justin Dee provided an educational, hands-on ROV piloting experience for the young men and discussed career opportunities. Similarly, ASEC’s Brent Klavon explained drone technology and its impact on the aviation industry. The innovative research project, along with the visit from Safe Harbor, provided an example for how government, academia, and industry can collaborate to insure future Floridians will have healthy aquatic and marine ecosystems.
About Roveal: Roveal Underwater Robotics is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in the sale and services of Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs) and is headquartered in Gainesville, Florida. Roveal’s operations department, with more than 20 years of unmanned system experience, includes numerous unmanned systems in order to service a vast array of markets. In addition to providing ROV services and sales, Roveal is an industry leader in robotic component integration, system design and operational consulting. For more information visit www.rovealit.com or call +1 (727) 992-3596.
About ASEC: Aviation Systems Engineering Company (ASEC), Inc. was granted an exemption to operate small unmanned aircraft systems, or more commonly known as drones, for commercial applications by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). ASEC’s flight department, with more than 11 years of professional aviation experience and credentials, includes a commercial unit to service drone operations and related activities. ASEC’s Flight Department is certified Safety Management System (SMS) Stage 2 compliant by the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO). For more information visit www.asec.aero or call +1 (904) 772-8442.
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
Exclusive Scubaverse Offer: Save on Your Next Adventure
As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
Visit https://www.purediveresort.com/package-offers/ to explore amazing packages and claim your discount with the code: SCUBAVERSE10
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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