MD NEMOnauts ~ Just doing it!

Diving Diva Display 34m on the Computer!

In a NEMO 33 'Cave' at 10m
Looking up from 34m

The Meridian Diver Team
Our Meridian Diver Videographer in at the deep end!

Last year two MDers, who had previously obtained their PADI Recompression Chamber Awareness Specialties, were amongst a very few British divers who took part in the DAN Research Day at NEMO 33 , Brussels, during April 2007 and received Research Diver Recognition for their efforts. Their participation led to a Meridian Divers plan to take a larger MD team back to NEMO 33. That plan was put into action over the 23rd & 24th February 2008.

15 MDers had a super week-end in Brussels and 'tucked-in' a 34m dive at NEMO 33 (where DID that extra metre come from?). The week-end has generated far too many tales to 'blog' but some of the amusing moments included a confession from one MDer in which he admitted ordering a taxi to his hotel, on arrival the taxi driver asked 'where to?' and our MDer gave him the address. The taxi driver thought they may be an opportunity to rip-off an unsuspecting dive tourist but rather than take that opportunity he played it straight and simply told the MDer "We are already outside the address you want to go to"! Doh!

Other amusing moments related to our grand restaurant tour! Perhaps I won't blog all that either! Save to say we visited several and sat down in a couple before finally agreeing on THE one! Worth it in the end as we celebrated the earlier dive with a glass or two of Belgium beer and wine.

Another MD successful plan in the bag!

An MD Consultancy?

It's always nice to be flattered. And when that flattery is given in the sincerest form you know that you must be doing a good job well! The efforts of Meridian Divers is clearly being recognised and it is a delight to see others following in our footsteps.
Some people would say there is no such thing as a new idea, they may be right , but it is satisfying to see our successful ideas being taken up by divers and it's also good to know that MD is driving-up standards . May be we ought offer a consultancy service? Heck, what am I saying? We are already doing that and for no charge. Keep-up the good work MDers!

Dive Equipment ~ Special Offers

A copy of the DEEPBLUE Special Offers designed to challenge the best prices you might find at the London Dive show dropped through my letter box today, looks like some VERY good deals, for example:-

Scubapro Mk25 First Stage with S600 Regulator and 295 Octopus together with Suunto Triple Console AND regulator bag for £494!! (List Price over £800)

Scores of other deals that last until 23rd March - see their website www.deepbluedive.com

Mmmm, makes you think about buying new kit rather than servicing the old gear!

Meridian Divers Meet ~ Wednesday 27th February

The agenda for the next meeting has been circulated, please email me or add a comment if you have not received a copy. The meeting will be held at the Berwick Inn at 7.30pm. I am sure there will be a bit of a NEMO 33 debrief ....so Tad, make sure you have the video ready! Just got all my regs back from servicing so I guess we're getting close to the time when we going to do some UK diving (respect to those muddy puddle divers that have already taken the plongee!)

MD Strikes Again! And again and again and again....

Admittedly , in scuba terms, it was a bit of a dry night , but let's be fair there was always the chance someone would take a dive! Tuesday 19th February was the start of MD Bowling Championship at Lloyds Lane, Eastbourne. Five MDers slipped on the red & white combat shoes then did their less-than-level best to destroy the wooden flooring whilst being actively supported by MD's very own cheerleader group , Sheila & Ernie! The job was slowed down by the inconvenient presence of ten white pins, which on occasions, became the unfortunate collateral damage in this fiercely fought battle. Now being scuba divers none of us professed to be skilled in this challenge but after three games a total of 20 'Spares' had been notched-up and an impresssive 23 'Strikes' , three of which were on the trot! Every member of the MD team managed more than one stike and the top score over the evening was 420 points. OK, may be we will stick to scuba for a hobby but a fun night out and good team building before the NEMO 33 trip at the week-end.

Diving in North Cyprus

Cengiz has emailed some details (as below) of diving in North Cyrpus which may appeal as a 'new' venue for a trip.

"My friend has several bungalows, situated Alagadi beach, 3 people per bungalow. The cost of one bungalow for 1 week is £150, ( £50 per person) To hire a car works out at £20 per day Average cost of eating out is £5 - £10. (Beer is £1 - £2. Bottle of water is £1 - £2) Dives, will be £10 - £15 per dive .To include tanks and weights.

I would recommend you search for flights on internet. You can fly into the north (Ercan) with Cyprus Turkish Airways. Then it is just a short transfer . You can also fly to the south (Larnaca) with various big operators. But then it is a longer transfer. Hope this has been helpful, if you require further info, please contact me. Cengiz "

All very good value and no doubt an excellent host and local guide! Please add a comment / email me if you are interested.

Beats a DPV

New sports car creates a splash. A Swiss company says it has invented the world's first underwater car - and it's a convertible. The Rinspeed sQuba concept car was inspired by James Bond's The Spy Who Loved Me. Similar to 007's Lotus Esprit, the sQuba is a road-worthy vehicle that, at the touch of a button, can transform into an amphibious vehicle capable of diving to a depth of about 33 feet. Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht admitted it was Bond who gave him the idea for the car. "And exactly thirty years later this becomes reality in today's world", he says, describing the sQuba as "the worlds first real diving car with zero emission power".
The one-off concept car is not for sale, but it cost around £750,000 to build. Propulsion on the water is by two propellers in the stern while two powerful jet drives in the bow propel the vehicle while diving underwater. The lightweight body is made of futuristic "carbon nano tubes" and the driver is supplied with air by a self-contained on-board system.

The sQuba goes on show for the first time at next month's motor show in Geneva. Perhaps there is an opportunity for a PADI speciality here or then again perhaps not Tad

Meridian Divers at Wraysbury

A few clips from the Meridian Divers trip to Wraysbury.
A chilly way to spend a Sunday morning but still pretty good fun

Wraysbury Dive

Well 2 of us turned up for the dive at Wraysbury this morning and and had a enjoyable dip.
With the water a tepid 6.c drysuits were the order of the day.

For those of you who have not dived there Wraysbury is situated close to Heathrow airport just off the M25 and is well set up with a small dive store, air fills, a bar and cafe for the apres dive.

The Viz was around 3m helped by the bright sunshine we had a little bimble around some of the in water attractions including sunken boats and an office desk complete with PC.

With various platfoms the site is well set up for training, which it seemed most people there today were doing.

We reached a max depth of 10.2m and with a few perch swimming around it was a nice way to start the season 0f 2008.

I will post some short video clips and photos once I have edited down the footage.

Even for a puddle dive it still gets me excited and makes me realise how much I love diving.

Tad

Marine Life Courses 2008

One of the refreshing things about a diving network is to be able to go where you want , do what you like without being 'tied' to narrow interests. As a supporter of the Marine Conservation Society for many years I get their newsletters which contain all sorts of diving opportunities. Last year Meridian Divers attended a marine life identification course put on by Kent Seasearch and some of you may be interested in some new courses being offered in 2008. I will will circulate full details by email. These courses also provide an excuse for a social day / week-end away! Diving is of course just an excuse to go and do things ...but then you knew that!

Ten Pin Bowling ~ Social Event

A session is planned at the David Lloyd Lanes at Eastbourne 19th February at 7.30pm. A few games and some light refreshment ! If you haven't got a bowling shirt ...no worries... you can wear your Meridian Divers shirts! Let me know / add a comment if you want to add your name to the list.

Local Dives ~ Buddy Planning

Simon has booked diving on:-

24/3/08 - Indian (Wreck)

19/4/08 - Drift Dive

27/4/08 - Drift Dive

Tracey's bookings are shown in the January blog archive. If you want to link up with these MDers add a comment / email me / them.

National Diving & Activies Centre ~ Trip Planning

Simon is planning at week-end at the above location in the Forest of Dean, Gloucester over the 17th & 18th May 2008. Accommodation will be about £45pppnand entrance fees £15pppd.
As ever , interested names on a comment or email please .

Looe Diving ~ Trip Planning

Sheila is planning a trip to Cornwall, an old favourite with MDers. 5th & 6th July. Looe Divers have two boats (to carry 10 or 12 divers) . Two days diving (four dives) will be £80.00 with accommodation in the order of £35-£45 pppn. Nine MDers at the planning meeting have expressed an interest. usual dive trip planning rules apply ...first come first served, places being 'reserved' on receipt of your lovely money! Add your name on a comment or email me / Sheila for more information.

Lundy Island Diving ~ Trip Planning

Planning is underway to establish costs for a Lundy Island (Bristol Channel) Diving Trip. Dates dependent on availabitity of Charters. Lundy Island has spectacular diving with clearer water and of course SEALS, the island itself is beautiful and a steep and long walk to the top is rewarded with a visit to a pub that serves good food and has wonderful views. Definately a trip to remember! More details by email when we have them! For now if you are interested add a comment with your name!

Get a flavour of the place on this link:-

http://www.lundy.org.uk/dive/index.html

And if that's not enough , take a look at the seal photo on the right hand panel of the blog, that was taken at Lundy.

Northern France Update

I have received the following from Steve re Northern France Trip

Hi Tracy,
I have attached a booking form with the price details and deposit requirements,
basically, 5 days diving in Dieppe is £3300 and thats for 10 divers, so £330pp.
you can bring 11 or 12 but 10 is best.
Accommodation is plentyful, lots of hotels all along the sea front and reasonably priced, about £85 for the
trip.

Day 1, We will do one dive on the way accross
Day 2, 2 wreck dives
Day 3, 2 wreck dives
Day 4, 2 wreck dives
Day 5, We will do one dive on the way back

The wrecks will be 1st & 2nd WW wrecks and possibly a few new targets,(unknown's), but depths will be in
the mid 20's.

One of the Hotels that Steve recommends on his website is Hotel D'Angleterre and I have listed the prices below:

Period blue
Single Room / Double Room
45.00 Euros / 80.00 Euros
Twin Room
55.00 Euros / 70.00 Euros
Triple Room
75.00 Euros / 80.00 Euros
Family Room
85.00 Euros / 95.00 Euros



Continental breakfast
5.50 Euros / pers.
Buffet Breakfast (Week end)
7.00 Euros / pers.
Parking - Pets
5.00 Euros / day

At the moment, it's not looking good. I have had 4 definate No, 1 possibility and 1 not sure! If we cant do this year would be worth looking at dates maybe for next year and booking early?? Get more choice of dates that way.

Villa in Paphos, Cyprus

Trainee Dive Master Shaun J who I met on the Equipment Specialty course on 19th January has emailed me details of a Villa he has 5 mins outside of Paphos, (Southern) Cyprus. If anyone would like more information add a comment / email me and I'll put you in touch! Some years ago I dived with CYDIVE a well known outfit based in Paphos. They were a friendly crowd but there are several other operators in the area. Shaun's villa overlooks the sea and promises super sun sets!

Diving Northern France : Fast Action Required!

Further to our meeting and the general interest in diving around France, I have had a reply back from Steve.

He has a 5 day trip to Dieppe pencilled in for 28 July to 1st August- 10 places available or a 4 day trip from 7th July to 11th July around Fe Camp tho these dives are a little deeper - to about 36m. (tho if we doing Looe this probably not good idea anyway)

He does have people interested so we need to act fast. You are looking at a price of around £330 pp plus accommodation and food.

Please add comment to blog if you are interested - I need to let Steve know asap.

Meridian Divers Meeting 30th Jan 2008

Thirteen Meridian Divers attended the meeting with another seven sending apologies. The first meeting of the year is always an important one as it helpful to get together to explore some new ideas for the dive diary. The meeting has outlined a string of new projects for 2008 , as ever, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating - or in other words, as ever, we need to get commitment to make things happen. Meridian Divers have an outstanding record in that respect as this blog records all the events, training, trips, holidays and socials that have we have converted from idea to reality. Sheila is busy now writing up the meeting notes and as soon as they are available they will be circulated , I think you'll find some exciting opportunities on the menu!

After the business of the meeting Tony gave us an update on the progress of the Sink-One-For- Seaford project. Tony and colleagues will be making a presentation to SEEDA in the next few weeks which will help them determine if they will fund a feasibility study. It seems everyone agrees that something should be done for Seaford but unfortunatley not everyone agrees how that should be done. There are of course two different plans being discussed locally, the plan put forward by Jim Skinner (who previously presented to MD) and the Sink-One plan. As a consensus has not yet emerged there is all to play for by both advocates.

Apart from the trips / events organised by MD contributors, it is good to see contributors adding their personal diving plans to the blog. It's a good way of getting us to do more dives 'cos we can , where available, book the same trips in a more informal process. Meridian Divers is all about 'doing it' and there's no membership costs!

French Week

Just a quickie, I have checked Steve's current list and he has a 5 day trip, 6th -10th October to Dieppe. Price for the week in £330 plus accommodation and food. Also need to check re air fills. Depths are 40m on the Mon & Fri and 20-40m Tue - Thurs. However, if we were able to book the boat for ourselves we could probably ensure max of 30m. I have emailed him to check availability of this week and to see if he could arrange anything else. Will post on blog as soon as I get a reply.

Dives with Channel Divers

Following our very productive meeting, here are the dives I have currently booked:

March
Mon 17 - Indiana (TBC)
Fri 21st - Oceana
Sun 23rd - Alaunia

April
Sun 13th - Seaford Ferry
Fri 25th - City of Waterford

May
Fri 9th - Quail

June
Fri 6th - Ikeda

August
Tue 19th Pentrych

November
Sun 2nd - City of Waterford

December
Sun 14th - Thompson

If we want to get doing the Thompson, Steve is also doing the following dates:
Sun 24th Feb (but some of us are in Brussels)
Mon 16th June
Tues 1st July ( i cant skive off work for this one!)

Plenty of dates on Steve @ Channel divers list - there are more I want to do but need a buddy so get your diaries out!

DAN & LIDS

DAN Europe will be exhibiting at the London International Dive Show (LIDS) at the Excel Exhibition Centre on the 8-9 March 2008.

We will be providing membership and renewals at the show. We also have a wide range of DAN Products on show including Oxygen and First Aid equipment. A DAN Training specialist will be available to discuss the wide range of DAN Europe training programmes on offer. There will also be present, as is usual, the DAN Europe Medical Director for the UK and you are free to come over and discuss with him any diving medical problem that is troubling you. You can find us on stand 451.

We look forward to seeing you at the show.

Chris Young
Regional RepresentativeDAN Europe UK, Gibraltar and Ireland

MD Note:- I expect a number of local divers will be going to LIDS, I've always been surprised at just how many locals are there - mind you some them won't advertise the fact they go every year! Mum's the word!

Iles Diving

As you may of heard Iles World of Diving is closing down. They are however, going to continue operating dives on their rib. Attached is link for dives in March and April. Their rib takes 8 divers - if we can get 8 divers, 7 pay and the 8th goes free! May be worth looking at - they have some evening dives and quite a few are fairly shallow. I have to admit - a fair few of them I haven't even heard of! For more details check out http://www.scubatraining.com/BoatCharter.htm

Wraysbury Take 2

Due to lack of nutters - I mean divers, the intrepid duo (Tad and I) are delaying our immersion into the ice until next week (not that it's gonna get any warmer by then!). This gives me time to get over my cold and everyone to get their butts off the sofa!!!!! So come on, who else is gonna join Tad and I? It's not deep and it's a good opportunity to check out your kit. By hook or by crook I AM going to get wet next week- the bucket's on standby!

Equipment Course

Some divers could be forgiven for not taking the Equipment Course on the basis that they think :-

1). they know enough about their kit already,
2). the course is not going to help them, and
3). person presenting the course will not be particularly experienced.

Well divers have an uncanny knack of always thinking they know it all the second they get their first certification, but they may be right about point 2). if they don't get the right person takinng them through the course.

How do you get the right person? Well it helps to have an Instructor who has the manuafcturers own certifications plus the ASSET technicians qualification. It helps even more to know that the Instructor is the person who has been servicing your kit (and many others) for years ! And so it was at today's course with Simon Forster.

Now, I have know some Equipment Course students be quickly run through rather a slim syllabus in a matter of a few hours. Simon, however , spent a complete day with his students and stripped down & reassembled almost every piece of scuba kit apart from a rebreather. I've done a few dives and picked-up a certification or two on the way but I have to say I learnt a lot on this course, information that will continue to stand me, hopefully, in good stead.

If you missed this course, you might think about doing one if you are going to get immersed (!) in diving. But DO make sure you get someone with the training, experience & knowledge . And lets face it's a good way to spend a January day as you prepare for another seasons diving!

ADVICE For DMs & Instructors: The Course advised "If you use your equipment for teaching (paid or unpaid) , then under the HSE Diving at Work Regulations you MUST be able to PROVE that your equipment has been serviced regularly."

Wraysbury Dive ~ Sunday 27th January

Is anyone interested in doing a dive or 2 at wraysbury on Sunday 27th Jan. Yes it will be cold as yes it will be murky but I am sure there are some of you who are wishing to blow of the cobwebs and remove yourselves from the nice warm settee and Sunday afternoon matinee.


Tad

The wreck of the T.R.Thompson

Another clip from T.R.T project dive.This one shows the spare prop blade sorry about the lighting.

NEMO 33 ~ Booking Documents

Hi NEMOnauts, I have emailed out to those on the trip (15) the NEMO forms that need to be completed. Please reply to me with the necessary information and take careful note of the conditions and information that they have provided.

It looks as though most of you have now booked your travel & hotel arangements so we are getting close to having completed all the planning & preparation.

Now all we need are some good restaurant recommendations! From our last visit to NEMO & Brussels I don't think we'll have too much trouble finding a place in the city centre!

Latest information on Seaford Beach proposal.

Hello, latest news about the Seaford beach defence scheme is that a meeting of Seaford Town Council on Thursday 24th January (7pm, Baptist Church, Belgrave road) is to include a discussion on Seaford Beach.
I will post Jim Skinners' "Seaford Beach – the case for change" document as a comment to save space on this page.

More details on the meeting are available from Seaford Town Council on (01323) 894870 or at seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk/meetings.

Jim (H) on behalf of Jim Skinner.

Equipment Course & Servicing ~ Update

Just to confirm that Ocean View will give us 10% discount again on kit servicing if it's taken down on mass, and I am happy to take it down.

Also, the Equipment Speciality Course covers more than the normal PADI certification. It includes dry & wet suit repairs plus a lot more in depth knowledge re maintaining dive equipment - could be handy for when we dig out our moth bitten suits for the first dive of the season!!

Gently does it.

My first attempt at st starting a blog thingy, s so I'm a little nervous.

Nauticat out of Brighton has places available to dive the Indiana on Monday, 17th March. The depth will be 12m + a drift. For me it's an ideal first sea dive of the year. Would anybody care to join me? The cost is £40 and ropes off at a very reasonable 11:30. There are currently 6 places out of 12 left. Oh, and it has an electric lift....mmm. Please let me know and I'll get it booked.

Kit Servicing

Hi all,

I'm planning a trip down to Ocean View at the end of the month so if anyone wants any kit servicing, I am willing to take it down with me - just bring it to the meeting on 30 Jan together with a list of what equipment and it's requirements.

I will be speaking to OV tomorrow and hopefully, as per last year and the agreement we have for courses, M Divers will again get the 10% discount.

See you in couple weeks

Nemo 33

video borrowed from youtube to help inspire you all for our forth coming trip to Nemo 33 in Febuary.

ps hope we can take our cameras

Brussels NEMO 33 Dive Trip

I have circulated details of the Brussels NEMO 33 dive trip today. The details have been emailed to everyone that has shown an interest in attending (currently 15+) , apologies if I have missed anyone off the list , please let me know if you want to be added to the trip circulation list.

The trip will take place on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th February.

Next Meridian Divers Meeting ~ Wednesday 30th January

The first 2008 meeting of Meridian Divers will be held at 7.30pm Wednesday 30th January at the Berwick Inn. The first meeting is always a good one to bring your diary too!

LAST MINUTE TRIP : Anyone interested in a one week, shore based, 10 x boat dive holiday in Marsa Alam starting 12th March let me know. Some excellent diving 'down South' and a refreshing change from the what are becoming the overcrowded tourist Blackpools of the Northern Red Sea.

PADI Equipment Specialist Course

This is just the time of year, if you are not jetting off to warmer climes or longer hours of day light to be preparing for the years diving! It's a good time to sort out your servicing but how about going a step further and doing the PADI Equipment Specialist Course.

Further PADI information on the Course can be obtained from:-

http://www.padi.com/padi/en/kd/equipspecialistcoursedetail.aspx

There will be an Equipment Specialist Course running on Saturday 19th January . If you are interested and want more info , add a comment or contact me.

NOTICE: This Course goes beyond the PADI requirements and includes 'in-the-field" repairs to wet & dry suits and regulator maintenance. It will be a full days instruction.

Diving Centre For Sale

One or two MDers are acquainted with this Dive Centre which is now up for sale at just short of £70k (leasehold), which given that includes all equipment and facilities is not exactly a high price. The low price is perhaps indicative of the difficulties involved in operating Dive Centres in the UK, where many in the South East have not survived. Locally, in recent years dive centres in Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton and Shoreham have closed which has no doubt reduced confidence in the industry. A reduction in supply should result in more business for those that remain but there is little to suggest that valuations have been maintained let alone risen. With the loss of diving centres there is a greater need for divers to ensure that they keep creating diving opportunities - I like to think that's what Meridian Divers is all about!

If you do fancy taking the brave plunge any buying a dive centre the full details are on:-

http://www.ukdiving.co.uk/lakeside_diving_centre_for_sale.php

Buddy Required!!!

I'm sitting here planning some of my diving for the year ahead - the only thing I lack is a buddy (sad cow that i am!) Looking ahead to Easter weekend - I after a buddy for Fri 21/3 to do Oceana and Sun 23/3 for Alaunia, plus other mid-week diving (depending on what days i can skive off work!) These dives are with Channel Diving so lots of space, tea and choccy bics!

So come on and get your diaries out! I up for some beach diving too!

Photo Competition 2008

For those of you who got a nice new shiny UW camera from santa or those who already have one, I am thinking we should run some sort of photo comp throughout the year culminating in some sort of prize next Xmas for the best overall shot.

The picture could be from your diving holiday or just from the many UK trips and dives Meridian Divers are planning this year.
A suitable prize will be decided on and the winning photo will be framed and hopefully published .

Your thoughts on an A4 sheet of paper please.

NY News from India

HMS Enterprise ~ Multi Role Survey Vessel

Andy C has been a busy boy pursuing his Naval career (and one or two other things as well - with varying degree of success!) He's just finished a visit to India and after playing with a variety of underwater devices went on a tour of Mumbai (Bombay). It's hard to know how to paraphrase Andy's report of the trip for a wide audience! Shall we say that he seems to have enjoyed himself and tried out a range of local delicacies, one of which was the beer. Apparantly there is no shortage of beer or entertainment for the sailors! That said, Andy became the entertainment at one point when an old lady set her attack monkey onto him! Send us the video Andy !

Good luck with it all Andy, my advice is to be at the back of the queue when the boys bring out the car battery, there are easier ways of getting a matelot to dance a jig!

NY News from Australia

Erstwhile local diver Robbo, now resident of Oz, infamous for his combining diving with helicopter rides (let's not mention THAT Looe Diving Trip!) has decided to take things one step further ... helicopter rides are not enough for this man of action , no , he's now taking flying lessons and when he's finished a spot of maintenance ( shades of THAT Looe Trip) he'll be back under the water as well! The good news is that no light aircraft can yet fly around the world on a tank of fuel ... this means we won't have to watch the skies continually for fear of being dive bombed by the only Ozzy Kamikaze Geordie in the history of aviation.

Best wishes Robbo.

Nearly the End of 2007! What will 2008 Bring?

We are very nearly at the end of 2007, just hours to go and we will soon see the pundits giving their predictions for 2008. Updating the blog ,as I am ,I thought it would be interesting to look at what was predicted for blogging during 2007.

One such pundit 'Modern Life' commented "Blogging will get harder - Well, not harder per se - but as more and more people cotton onto this 'get blog, get famous, make money' mentality (old media included) hopefully we'll see greater competition and more rivalry for blogging recognition." See:-

http://www.modernlifeisrubbish.co.uk/article/new-year-new-look-2007-predictions

As time has passed it seems that it was a fairly accurate prediction. It's certainly not harder to blog and the increased use of blogs should be good for the blog reader. Whether blogs will make money, is of course, not something that will concern Meridian Divers!

HAPPY NEW YEAR from our North Cyprus Correspondent

Cengiz Bergun laterly of this parish sends his best wishes for the New Year from his North Cyprus Dive Centre. Looks like it's all progressing very well and it looks like you have a possé of ex-pat divers to help you!

.

Check out Cengiz and his Team on:-

http://www.northcyprusscuba.com/instructors.html

Cold Water Immersion Needed Desperately

Desperate from Walderslade seeks cold water immersion. Any suitable location considered.
Please post ideas for dates times and places asap.

Happy Christmas to All

I would like to wish everyone who is linked with Meridian Divers and everyone else who may visit these pages a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year

Tad

Meridian Divers 2nd Christmas Dinner

It was really good to see so many Meridian Divers at the Christmas Dinner on Wednesday 19th. The Dorset Arms served us proud with with some good food but , of course, the evening was special because of the company. It was really pleasing to see that many of you travelled some long distances on a bitterly cold evening to join in.

Jim H won the Meridian Divers 2007 UK Dive Challenge for the MDer with the most UK dives under his belt for 2007 (yes I suppose we should have waited until 31st December to declare a winner , but somehow I don't many dives will be taking place in the remaining time!) Congratulations Jim! We will have to think of getting a Trophy for this challenge 'cos no doubt the log books will be getting a bashing during 2008!

Sheila was presented with flowers for all her work in taking the minutes and organising us. Simon & Linda were thanked for all their efforts in putting the Dinner together, and I'll put on record my thanks for the unexpected but very welcome gift of a bottle of Brandy! That was a very considerate thought , thank you.

The next MD meeting in January will make a start on event planning, there are plenty of people interested in the NEMO 33 Brussels trip which should be a very fun week-end.

Let's hope that 2008 will bring us some better weather and some good viz! Until then best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy & healthy New Year.

Filling Diving Cylinders

The HSE have issued Diving Information Notice No.10 that amongst other issues gives guidance on the filling of diving cylinders. The guidance includes:-

1. Filling to be completed by COMPETENT persons (competent means having approriate Knowledge , Skills and Training).

2. Operator should wear eye and hearing protection.

3. Restraining lines to be attached to charging whips.

This is interesting advice which no doubt should appear in risk assessments but I have not yet seen these measures in use at cylinder filling stations. The advice does not cover people other than the operator but it does flag up the safety benefit of having filling stations that separate customers from the location in which the filling is conducted.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/dvis10.pdf?ebul=hsegen/26-nov-2007&cr=9

Video of Live Rebreather Incident

Meridian Divers might be interested in following the link below to a video produced by SKY News that includes underwater filming of a live rebreather incident . It's a well produced video with full commentary . Whilst the incident revolves around rebreather problems one of the 'lessons learnt' is how long it took for the safety divers to recognise the seriousness of the problem and respond. A very interesting video.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/diving/video/co2video.htm?ebul=hsegen/26-nov-2007&cr=8

Film Night

Now that the long winter nights have drawn in regular dive trips seem a long way off so bearing that in mind I am proposing holding a film night probably at Arlington Village Hall sometime in January.

We held a similar one a couple of years ago showing Cousteau's Silent World which proved to be popular. The evening could be combined with a meeting night and popcorn and snacks would be on the menu.

I have a selection of Diving related DVD's plus a projector so equipment is not a problem.

If you would be interested please add a comment

Tad

Meeru Diving ~ Maldives

Following the personal recommendation of Meridian Diver Debs I headed out to a spot of diving from Meeru Island, North Male Atol, Maldives. It was a close call, Lakeside or Meeru but there was very little motorway driving in getting to Meeru and very few shops when you got there, that swung it for me!

I did nine dives with Ocean Pro Divers and apart from diving with the Mantas I tucked a PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle Specialty into the diving CV. DPVs have their serious uses but need to be used sparingly / carefully on reef diving if you are not to terrify every living creature in the water including other divers!

Ocean Pro have a max dive time of 60mins and the Maldives has a max diving depth of 30m so it's not surprising that many of my dives were exactly 60mins long and none deeper than 28m.

The highlight for me was watching five huge Mantas playing follow the leader at a cleaning station. sadly no Whale Sharks ...but always reason to go back and try again! There were shed loads of small balck tip reef sharks swimming along the islands shores almost every day.

All very pleasant in 28 degrees of water but of course it's nice to come back to the UK and get a few low season dives watching out for elusive but graceful shopping trollies at their cleaning station just off a Motorway junction! Back to reality!

Lakeside Dive

"We get up to 10m Vis this time of year" The dive shop assistant told us. Peering over the side into the water it looked more like 6".

Ernie and myself turned up at Lakeside Dive centre to explore their lake on probably the coldest morning of the year so far. Equipped with our drysuits and camera we were going in whatever.

Once kitted up we gently worked our way along the lakeside wall trying not to slip on the ice and flopped back into the mirror calm lake. Ernie suddenly realised that perhaps he hadn't put his weight belt on and started to climb out and then realised he had mmmmm .

Once in we descended to the lake bottom and our first fears about the vis were proved right very dark and very murky we could just about see each other.

We swam around for about 30 mins not really seeing a lot with the exception of a few crayfish which was basically the highlight and occasionally bumping into things such as training platforms. It sort of reminded me of the old Ardingly reservoir training dive days.

I had tajen the video camera but all I managed to film was a greeny brown mess with nothing at all identifiable, so I wont be posting a vid clip but at least the camera didnt leak

Was it worth it? Yes any dive to me is worth the troublen even if it is cold and dark, especially when we still have at least 4-5 months to go before we can enjoy the good conditions at sea again.

With all the inland sites available there is no reason why we cant dive all year round> I feel a weekend trip to Vobster coming on.

ps. we finished the dive about 1.30 Ernie was still be dragged around the Lakeside shopping centre at 5pm. Go for it Sheila!!

Dive stats
Dive time 29 min
Depth 5.7m
Water Temp 7.c
Air Temp 2.c
Vis Max nil- to a very dark and murky 1m
Ernies credit card £ Thousands

Seaford Beach management.

Latest news from Jim Skinner.......
"My submission calling for a change to Seaford Beach management has now been placed with both Seaford and Newhaven Town councils. I included your input so again thanks very much.
I am happy to say Newhaven TC have given it their full support, Seaford Town Council are due to consider it at their next full council meeting January 24th - the delay was at my request as I was away on holiday last week when they were going to discuss it. Perhaps you could let your club members know.
It will also be going to Lewes District Council hopefully soon and also perhaps ESCC."
Jim Skinner

Bah Humbug dive at Lakeside

This time of year drives me nuts its not that I am against Xmas its just I that I fed up of going into shops shopping centres etc seeing loads of miserable staff and having to put up with Slade's xmas songs for the 100th time that day. So bearing that in mind a couple of us are heading of to one of the largest shopping centres in Europe for a dive on Wednesday 12th December

We are are heading for Lakeside in Thurrock which just happens to have its own Diving and watersports centre and very large lake right on its doorstep http://www.lakeside-diving.com/ .

The reason for doing this is for no other reason than to get wet and dive a site that we haven't dived before. Its going to be cold it, it may be a complete waste of time but we are going anyway. If you wish to join us please add a comment and I will add you to the list below.

Once you have finished your dive you can nip over the road fight the crowds and enjoy the bunfight that is xmas shopping and get yourselves into someones good book's.

Bah Humbug!!


Divers so far and me thinks the only ones (go on prove me wrong)

1.Ernie (Sheila is going shopping) Hide your credit card Ernie
2.Tad brrrrrr
3.
4.

Dipping a Toe in Tenerife

Just got back from a weeks holiday in Tenerife which was a family holiday but I still managed to squeeze a days diving in. The only problem was on the day I booked up for the diving the weather decided to blow a hooly so my planned trip to the appropriately named Le Meridian wreck was scrapped and I had to make do with the twin wreck site just outside the port of Puerto Colon.

The wrecks are 2 purposely sunk wrecks sitting side by side in 23m. The wrecks themselves are pretty boring but make ideal training sites and provide a home for shoals of grunt and few trumpet fish plus the odd angel shark. My total dive time was 40 minutes water was 23.c and vis around 15m. The dive centre have also sunk a statue of an old lady close to the wreck side as an added attraction.

With the wind still howling the second dive was along the coast in a quiet sheltered cove which looked pretty uninspiring and is mainly used for training and try dives. On entering the water the vis had dropped to a grainy 3-5m and I wasn't hoping for much but guess what? 10 minutes after the dive began and I just as I was starting to get bored I felt something brush my leg, and to my surprise I had a new dive buddy, a large green turtle who was very friendly and joined us for about 5 minutes 10 minutes later a smaller green turtle wanted in on the action and hung around for a while.

Apart from the turtle family there were a few inquisitive cuttle fish who filled up the remaining dive time.

I was diving as a guest of Diversity http://www.diver-sity.com/ based in Puerto Colon a well set up PADI 5 star centre situated right on the quay side, diving from their own 8m rib.

The 2 dives cost me a total of £32 pounds including full kit hire air and 2 boat dives, which I didn't think was too bad.

The dive centre also operate their own apartments so I could see an opportunity for a cheap group trip out there sometime in the future.

Tenerife isn't every ones cup of tea but it seems the local government are doing and have down a lot to change its image and clean up the Island from its boozy Brits abroad image.

Obviously the diving here is not the Red Sea but there should be enough variety to keep a group satisfied and keep the non divers and families happy.


Guess what the weather was perfect for the rest of the week but I had other commitments

Tad

Not So Stoney Cove

I was planning and hoping to write up a great report on the Stoney trip and some superb video footage, but alas it was not to be, but if you want a report on congestion, accidents, pillocks and the cosmopolitan republic of Luton you got it.

As you can gather we didn't get there but not for lack of trying. Having left in the early hours your intrepid duo battled Britain's finest motorways and failed dismally, we got as far as Luton and gave up. Having worked out that travelling 2 miles an hour we would reach the Cove sometime next week.

After discovering the eastern delights of Luton or was it Karachi, via a detour, we headed back south and straight in to another hold up this time at the M11 junction on the M25.

I got to stretch my legs walking up and down the central reservation whilst Mr Pascoe discovered the delights of playing his Cliff Richard collection as loud as possible.

After another detour, due to a driver discovering that his car would not drive on its side, we headed around the North Circular where we ended up in Thurrock, at the Lakeside Diving Centre. We were welcomed with open arms at Lakeside, but your intrepid duo could not face kitting up in the biting wind and rain even though my new camera was screaming out try me try me. Too long sitting in the warm car had seriously dented our enthusiasm

Lakeside definitely looks promising for another day soon with depths ranging from 4-15m and a large selection of Pike Perch Roach and the other usual man made attractions such as sunken taxis boats buses etc. With a well stocked Dive shop and air,nitrox and trimix on tap this is one for the future.

We eventually got back to my house about 4pm and watched a diving film instead of making one. My mind was definitely thinking "what if"

Such is Life

Meridian Divers in Official Guide to Seaford Town!

You can never be too sure where those Meridian Divers will next turn-up! One of our photos from the Gozo Dive Trip (see Blog posting of 30th September in our archives) now graces the pages of the Official Guide to Seaford Town web site. We are only too happy to support diving in the area and the Sink-One-For-Seaford project.

Check-out our Meridian Divers Gozo Dive Team on:-

www.seafordtown.co.uk/Information/Sink_One_4_Seaford

Brussels NEMO 33 Trip ~ February 2008

NEMO 33 ~ The Deep End!

I have circulated an email with a draft outline of the proposed Brussels week-end trip in February 2008. A number of you have already indicated that you want to take part in this cultural visit .... with an optional deep dive thrown in!

NEMO 33 describes itself as the worlds DEEPEST pool. And as it's name suggest its 33 metres to the deepest point. You do NOT have to dive to this depth and there are several linked areas that have much shallower bottoms! Two Meridian Divers visited NEMO 33 earlier this year and are very much interested in going back. The abundance of good restaurants and Begium Beer are a factor that comes into the plan for a return visit, but they will only be enjoyed by divers AFTER the dive!

If you are interested in this trip just let me know (if you add an anonymous comment to this posting it will not (being anonymous) show on the blog , but it will automatically be forwarded to me by email. Simple!

Diving in the Bahamas

"Annoying the locals!"


Hello all, well Im back after several weeks in the Bahamas, I will get round to popping a full report and some more pictures up here, but I just had to share this one with you.


This picture is for Deborah Mackenzie (Sharp) to say a big thank you...xx


Why is it that it all happens at once ! While I was away I got a call from BDMLR to check on a seal in the local area but was not able to assist I happened to be on a dive boat in the middle of a tropical paradise at the time, Well that was until the tropical storm "Noel" came in and cut it short for diving but I still had a amazing time....so now after all the the ice cream I need to get in UK waters to get the extra pounds off!!!

Here is a little something that I hope amuses you as it did me taking the photo....I think the name of it say's it all.....


Bahamas Star Diver!

Sink One For Seaford ~ Public Meeting (11)

Meridian Divers 'Staff' at the Sink One For Seaford Public Meeting.

The Sink One For Seaford public meeting at Seaford on 2nd November attracted a high number of guests and the presentations from the 'top table' were professional and interesting. After the presentations there was time for questions from the public. There was a balance of those keenly supporting the project and those less convinced that it was exactly what they wanted . Overall there was support for moving towards the next stage, a scoping document. The project now needs to raise the money (total £3-£4k) for the document. Meridian Divers were well represented and were the dive group chosen to assist with the running of the event. Other diving industry people were amongst the audience , including Graham Owen the PADI Regional Manager (who we had the opportunity of chatting with at the last PADI Members Forum).

I was , however, quite surprised that none of the local dive / dive boat businesses raised any questions or voiced public support for the project. Involved ,as we were with running the event, it didn't seem appropriate for Meridian Divers to play the role both of 'staff' and 'guest'. One ex-commercial diver in the audience asked why another wreck was needed when there was no shortage of wrecks in the areas. A fair point ...but... a deliberately sunk wreck would create a huge publicity opportunity for the area and potentially drive regeneration. Of course Seaford is a small town with limited resources whereas the wreck of HMS SCYLLA is near the strategic naval port and city of Plymouth.

Overall a very positive event.

Government Petition ~ SCUBA Valves

Details of a SCUBA Valve petion that is now on the 10 Downing Street website for your information:-

"The proposed EU changes to SCUBA cylinder valves will require a different sized valve for nitrox and trimix gas mixtures (see BS EN 144-3:2003) There are no problems with the current A-clamp and DIN (M25) thread size and it has not been the cause of any incidents. The proposed EU changes will lead to confusion and increased risk and it is a wholly unnecessary cost that divers and commerce can do without. The HSE voted against the EU proposal and Britian should support them and common sense."

http://www.pm.gov.uk:80/output/Page13685.asp

Meridian Divers Meeting & HMS Scylla Talk

Nick Murns giving the HMS Scylla presentation.

The Meridian Divers meeting of 31st October was held at the Arlington Village Hall. The Hall was a new venue for one of our meetings and it was chosen to provide more space for our guest speaker, Mr Nick Murns. For five years Nick, who is a Programme Director, was the Project Manager for the sinking of HMS Scylla near Plymouth. Many Meridian Divers have dived the Scylla but were blissfully unaware of the sheer scale and complexity of the project , Nick and colleagues overcame obstacle after obstacle , social, economic, political, environmental, financial and legal to achieve success. It was clearly an awesome task but driven to success by the pure passion for diving of those involved in getting the momentum going. If Nick isn't an expert in local and central government procedures he certainly sounds like he is!

Nick is a keen diver and has travelled around the world , not least to Canada, Australia & New Zealand to dive some of the most famous artificial reefs. Nicks packed presentation included video footage of the sinking of several warships. During the questions and answers both before and after the presentation Nick demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of what issues are likely to be critical to the Sink One For Seaford Project. As a number of those present will be involved in the public meeting on Friday 2nd Novemeber at Seaford I think they will have picked-up plenty of points to think about.

The usual business of the meeting was kept to a minimum to afford the maximum time to the presentation. Notes of the meeting will be circulated in due course.

BBC at Stoney Cove

I know we have a meeting Wednesday night but if you have a VCR or sky plus etc set it to record the Nature of Britain at 9.00pm on BBC1, as some of the footage has been filmed at Stoney Cove, showing the Perch and Pike that inhabit the now flooded quarry.

Looks pretty good from what I have seen, may whet your appetites for the 13th November.


Tad

Thistlegorm Wreck Closed to Divers for a Month

For those of you who are planning a Red Sea trip between November 15th and December 15th and who wanted to dive the Thistlegorm, you could be out of luck.

According to Diver magazine the world famous wreck will be out of bounds to divers. The reason for this is that permanent mooring buoys are going to placed around the site to prevent further damage to the wreck caused by dive boats mooring to the wreck itself.

Plans are also in place to drill holes on the wreck to allow the bubbles from scuba to escape more easily as air pockets inside the wreck bring about rapid decay.

Also planned is a rethink on how dives to the wreck are going to be briefed and undertaken.

For those of us that have dived the Thistlegorm and who may have unwittingly contributed to the damage, it is great to see that action is now being taken to preserve this amazing wreck for the future.

Tad

Source Diver Magazine November edition

T.R. Thompson Shipwreck

another clip from TRT project dive showing boilers,parts of the engine and railings. I couldnt get the light to work at this point of the dive hence why its so dark

Stoney Cove

I know we have been talking about a Stoney Trip for a while so here are some prospective dates which I have marked in my diary and hopefully you can mark in yours. These are just suggested dates and are midweek due to Stoney being far too busy at weekends. If you have any other dates or preferences such as Vobster quay please add a comment.

Wed -7th Nov
Tue- 13th Nov - Now selected for the trip !
Tue-27th Nov
wed- 28th Nov
Thur- 29th Nov

Tad

Sink One 4 Seaford Project (10) ~ Meeting Timetable

(click image to enlarge)

Details of the timetable for the SO4S public Meeting being held at the Seaford Baptist Church on Friday 2nd October. Wear your Meridian Divers Polo Shirts for free entry!

Meridian Divers Christmas Dinner ~ Wed 19th Dec

Just a reminder that the Meridian Divers Christmas Dinner is arranged for:

Wednesday 19th December

A three course dinner at £24.95. The full menu choices and details will be circulated by email today (15th October) . If you would like to book a place it would be a good idea to to so as soon as possible as it's mid October and over half the available places have gone!

If you don't receive the details by email within 24hours and would like to find out more / join in , please email me or add a comment to the blog!

Where does all the Spidge go?

A photo of a shop windo in Marseille gives a clue. This place was packed out with spidge from any number of vessels. There were several telegraphs with "Glasgow" and "Liverpool" on their dials , brass divers helmets, piles of portholes, navigation lights, search lights etc. Probably the best collection I have seen (mind you a visit to a south London divers home still takes the biscuit for the sheer number of ships bells he had accumulated!). I thought about buying a divers helmet but it may have taken my baggage limit into orbit and my bank account well into the rouge!

Totally Shameless

This may appear to be a Meridian Diver posing on a ships anchor with yachts in a harbour behind him and standing only a hundred metres away from a diving memorabilia shop stuffed full with brass Telegraphs, ships wheels and bells, but there is an ulterior motive in posting the shot!

Ah ha, you say, it's just his way of introducing that he's been to see an early experimental diving bell in France. Well no, the England Rugby shirt is a clue, and if I tell you the diving bell is in Marseille you'll know that I'm shamelessly showing-off that I was in the Stadium when England beat Australia and also the following day when South Africa beat Fiji! Someone's got to do it!!

Some More Gozo Shots ......

The Gozo Dive Team above the Blue Hole!
The Gozo Dive Team descending rapidly!

Sink One 4 Seaford Project (9) ~ Meridian Divers

It's really good to see the Sink One 4 Seaford project gaining momentum and support. It's a very ambitious project but could generate plenty of opportunities locally. The project web site has expanded and now includes a supporters / sponsors page which contains a link to this blog, check out the link:-

http://www.sinkone4seaford.co.uk/sponsors/sponsors.asp

The S14S project team have asked if Meridian Divers will support their work at the public meeting on 2nd of November at Seaford. They would appreciate a good turn-out and would be particularly keen to see us in our Meridian Divers Polo Shirts as it is important that local divers show support for the project. Let me know by email or adding a comment to this posting if you are able to make it. Bring your cameras as we'll have a snap or two for the blog!

Cuttlefish Under Brighton Pier

The following link will take you to DiveaDay TV and to a short video of cuttle fish:-

http://www.diveaday.tv/content/view/39/36/

Now why isn't it that light when we dive under the Pier! There are a variety of other dive videos on the site and maybe, when we get great viz on the TRT we'll upload one of our own!

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ 3rd October 2007

It's probably about time we had a party thrown for us by the Berwick Inn as I'm sure Meridian Divers custom is keeping their accounts in the black! Looking at the size of one diver's dinner may be their profits are so much after all!

The meeting had a show of Gozo Dive Trip images and feedback on the group's last BBQ which after poor weather was transferred to Plompton Green.

Simon took more bookings for the MD Christmas Dinner but the private room we have arranged this year is limited to 36 places so don't hang around in getting your £5 deposits to Simon. Strictly first-come-first-served! A similar principle will apply to the NEMO 33 Brussels Trip next February, luckily one of our number has family in Brussels and we are getting recommendations about suitable accommodation via that route. Other 'out-of-season' activities were discussed and a PADI Equipment Specialty is being made available for Merdian Divers. If interested add a comment / drop me an email.

Simon & Linda were congratulated on completing their Enriched Air Diver Specialty and Simon becomes the first Meridian Divers Master Scuba Diver (MDMSD), well done Simon!

Our Guest Speaker gave us a very thorough briefing on the 'Sink-One-For-Seaford' (SOFS) project and circulated copies of presentations and documents that are being used in support of the project. The project, if implemented, would have a dramatic impact on the local diving infrastructure and facilities. The project has for some months envisaged a new diving centre and with the current port developments in Newhaven that process may be hastened, indeed a the two projects may well go hand in hand. A wide variety of Dive Centres support diving on HMS Scylla and should the SOFS project come to fruition it would be reasonable to assume that the range of local diving services would increase giving divers even more local choice. If the project get's a green light it should bring investment to the area with a concomitant growth in dive boat charter operations, diving centres and of, course, catering and bed and breakfast outfits. With the news that the Coral Cafe is to close we need a purveyor of bacon butties.

A variety of named RN vessels were mentioned as possible artificial reefs, most are named after cities , shame we don't have a HMS Exceptional Visibility to sink ....we could do with some of that!

Meridian Divers were invited to take part in a dive on the Scylla as a sort of prelude to what might be possible in Seaford. If you are interested in such a dive let me know. A number of us have dived the Scylla before.

Full notes of the meeting will be circulated in due course.

Sink One 4 Seaford Project (8)

A public meeting to discuss the proposals to sink one or more warships off the coast of Seaford is to be held at the Baptist Church , Seaford at 6.30pm on Friday 2nd November. Meridian Divers have been invited to attend. It will no doubt be an opportunity to learn more about this ambitious project and a chance to meet up with other local divers with a similar interest.

The 'Sink One For Seaford' project could spawn a wide range of new developments in the area, for example a new dive centre and a new slipway. The Scylla project took over five years to come to fruition so, as all good divers know, it's not wise to hold your breath. The SOFS project is now seeking £3000 to fund initial research work. This is a very small sum of money and I would imagine that local businesses, who might stand to gain from sinking of a frigate would be quick to put their hands in their pockets! It would be disappointing if that was not the case as the project is very much at the confidence building stage.

As a separate and unrelated development to the above public meeting, the project manager for the Scylla project contacted me after having seen our blog and has very kindly offered to speak to Meridian Divers about his five year involvement in the Scylla project. I am certain he would be able to give us a fascinating insight into the complexities of these projects. They are definately not plain sailing!

Alaunia dive?

Hello
Anyone fancy diving the Alaunia and Brodrick from Eastbourne at the end of the month?

27th October 2007 (Sat Meet 10:00 Alaunia 34m + Brodrick 24m)

Boat is the Sussex from Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour.
www.sussexshipwrecks.co.uk
Jim

More GOZO pictures ......

Cat Herding I ~ can you please get in line?

The Dive Team ( or Cat Herding II ~ Always easier when a beer bribe is involved! )

GOZO Dive Trip ~ 22nd to 29th September 2007

Divers prepare to enter the Blue Hole

A Stair case in the Karwalla Wreck at 37m

Ernie explores the entrance to Cathedral Cave

Cathedral Cave

Ernie gets bent ....by blue light!

Meridian Divers added a string of dramatic Mediterranean cave and cavern dives to their log books in an energetic seven day trip to the island of Gozo organised by Newhaven Divers Ltd. In doing so all divers gained their Rock Climbing Diver Specialty as some of the most sought after dives sites are not easily accessed. My personal favourite was the Cathedral Cave a substantial cave with an underwater entrance that divers can surface within to find a huge domed rock ceiling iluminated from underneath by the electric blue light defracted through the sea, fantastic ! Of course to get to it you had to descent about seventy steps cut out of the rock to reach the bottom of a deep gorge that then required a 15 minute surface swim in zero vis water before meeting crystal clear water and a wall leadingto the cave. Climbing back up those steps in dive kit seemed to justify a larger portion of pasta at the following meal!



Other highlights were the Blue Hole (involving a descent through the still waters of the Hole before exiting into the surrounding sea through a submerged arch), the Inland Sea ( a shallow lagoon leading to a deep and long tunnel through the rock to sheers walls on the coast of the island) and the Karwalla Wreck ( allowing a 37m swim through the length of the ship, followed by a long slow ascent along the surrounding reef).



We were guests of Gozo Aqua Sports (that's GAS for short!) and were accommodated in two three bedroom apartments a very short distance from the harbour side in Marsalforn on the North side of the island. With no shortage of harbour side restaurants and a friendly hostelry nearby we managed to replace the calories that the rock climbing burnt off (and a few more besides!).



A tremendous week of dramatic dives all very different from most of those we had done in the past. It's really good to get some variety in your log books but I'll let the pictures do the talking!

Sink One 4 Seaford (7)

DIVER magazine (October 2007, Page 17) carries the story of the Tony Fowler's plan to sink one or more ex-RN Frigates of the coast of Seaford.

The story repeats much that has been reported here but adds that Tony is planning to host a presentation at Seaford by a representative of the Scylla project .

Meridian Divers eagerly awaits details of the date/venue for the presentation!

T.R.Thompson wreck clip 3

nice little clip from the project dive showing the mooring bollards

Jims mysterious thingy

In response to Jims question here is a photo taken of the thingy in jims clip taken by Chris in 2004 it apears to be part of the engine system.

Any other offers ?

Tad

Anyone know what these are?

Hello
Wondered if anyone knew what these posts are. I haven't noticed them before on the Thompson.
There was another one slightly further on identical to the first one in the video.

Plan B Operated!

Plan A was to go for a dive off the Newhaven West Arm and have a BBQ to follow, alas, the weather forced us into a Plan B! The South Westerly wind was forcing a few small white horses up the side of the Harbour Arm and left the first twenty metres of the water a coffee brown colour as the waves stirred up the bottom! So the diving was off. Thoughts of a BBQ on the beach were equally unappealing so we took shelter and refreshment in the Coral Cabin while the MDers gathered.

Plan B was then hatched and put in to place ... it was off to Plumpton Green for an impromptu garden based BBQ .... shame to waste all that food & drink and we had a thirteen MDers with a gap in the diary!

The rescue plan worked exceptionally well, a huge gas fire BBQ grill made short work of the cooking tasks and with Simon & Tad weilding the tongs we were soon tucking into more food than was good for us.

T.R.Thompson wreck clip 2

re posted due to the clip being lost due a certain Mr C.P

2nd clip from T.R.T Video taken on 8th Sept project dive.
Shows Chris measuring the deck anchor and other bits of deck machinery.

T.R.Thompson Dive ~ 12th Sept

Wednesday morning I met with Andy at Brighton Marina for a Dive on the Thompson from Steve Johnson's Channel Diver. The only problem was that Steve's new boat had blown a gear box and he was still waiting for it to be repaired. Not to worry Steve had made arrangement's for the full compliment of divers to be transferred to the identical boat Sea Breeze.

Wednesday was one of those very special days when nature treats you very well.The sea was flat and mirror like,the sun was bright and warm not a cloud to be seen. On arriving at the T.R.T site the shot was dropped and peering over the side you could see the shotline disappearing quite a few metres down which promised excellent viz on the wreck below.

We were not disappointed the 10m viz allowed us plenty of opportunity to explore the stern thoroughly down to the prop, gun,boilers,engines,railings, etc. The biggest frustration was that 4 days earlier we had dived the TRT with a video camera and the conditions had been very dark with a lot of fluff in the water.Today in these conditions we didn't have the camera which is a real shame. All to quickly it was time to come to the surface and the luxury of a tailgate lift to put us back on board.


Dive 2 was a very gentle drift on ships ledge about 2 miles off of Brighton.

The ledge is a 2m underwater cliff full of life and very scenic. We were entertained by numerous large and very inquisitive cuttlefish, congers, large plaice and all the other usual suspects. It was the first time I had done this particular dive and would definitely do it again.

We also found a very large anchor which proved of interest to the skipper Terry Lee it appears no-one is aware of this.

Dive 1: TRT
Max depth 34m
Dive time 40 minutes
water temp 19.c on the bottom

Dive 2: Ship Ledge
Max depth 14.9m
Dive time 44 minutes
water temp 19.c

Good news is that Channel Diver is now fixed and Steve is planning to fit bigger engines over the winter period.

Tad

Diving on T.R.Thompson wreck

Short clip from the T.R.Thompson project dive.
The clip is torward the end of the dive where there was more light.
If you would like the full version let me have a plain dvd disc

It was a shame we didint have the camera on wednesday 12th the viz was 10m with plenty of light full report to follow.
Tad

GOZO Dive Trip 22nd~29th September

Last remain place on this trip taken by ...... Tad!

Welcome aboard Tad.

RNLI Newhaven Callout ~ Sunday 9th September

Thanks to Diving Diva for this update. The following is an extract from the RNLI Newhaven web site:-

The lifeboat left the side on exercise and was 0.5 NM south of Cuckmere Haven when we received a VHF call from a dive RIB reporting that 2 divers had surfaced without a stop from a 38m dive due to equipment failure and required assistance. The lifeboat proceeded at full speed and arrived on scene 6.5 NM south of Cuckmere at 11:37. Solent CG had been informed and Coastguard Rescue Helo "Whisky Bravo" was diverted from an exercise off Littlehampton. The 2 divers who were on oxygen were taken aboard the lifeboat to prepare for the helo transfer. "Whisky Bravo" arrived on scene at 11:53 and the lifeboat made full speed to the west to facilitate the airlift. Both divers were lifted into the helo by 12:03 when they were taken to Portsmouth for treatment. The lifeboat returned to station at 12:05 arriving back alongside at 12:50.

There a couple of pictures of the Helicopter air lift on the website , see:-

http://www.newhavenlifeboat.co.uk/

Hope that all divers involved are OK. I don't think any Merdian Divers were diving but await confirmation.

Meridian Divers BBQ2 ~ Sunday 16th September

Meridian Divers and chums are invited to the MD BBQ 2 being held on the West Beach, Newhaven on Sunday 16th September.

As per the successful plan for BBQ1 the basic schedule is turn-up, get the BBQ gear set-up, go for a shore dive (those that want to dive) then get stuck-in the refreshements!

Fingers crossed for good weather! The afternoon high tide at Newhaven is 2.32pm (BST) with a 6.2m tide. So may be a good time to meet-up would be 1pm (ish!) . As always it's bring food & drink for yourself and for a few others!

If you want to let others know what you're bringing you can add a comment to this post and in any case it's also helpful to know who is attending and who is diving!

1. Sheila &
2. Ernie: Prawns & BBQ Kit (Ernie Diving)
3. Deborah: Sauasages, Gazebo & BBQ Kit
4. Chris &
5. Sue: Spare Ribs, French Bread & butter (Chris Diving)
6. Tad &
7. Nicki: Home-made Beefburgers
8. Diving Diva: Finger Nibbles.
9. Simon T &
10. Linda T: pudding plus a rice or pasta salad and maybe a potato salad!
11. Jimbob: Relish
etc.....

T R Thompson Dive ~ 8th September

This turned out to be an excellent dive! As we sped off to the TRT there was a fair mist hanging over the sea. Arriving at the TRT , the wreck was shot leading us quickly to the midhsips , near the boilers.

.

TRT Bollards

The viz was around 5m and allowed Tad to take a long video of the dive and me to take a lot of stills using ambient light only. Ernie & Jim in another buddy pair also shot some video. Our mission on the dive was to measure & photo the deck anchor and the Gun. Mission accomplished! Diving on Nitrox 32% gave me a good long dive and plenty of spare NDL.

Now looking forward to seeing the video! With a bit of good luck we'll add a link to this blog!

MENCAP ~ Halloween Dive ~ 28th October

MENCAP are holding another fund raising dive ... distant for most of us as it is being held at Peterborough!

Details on :- http://www.mencap.org.uk/html/fundraising/events/dive/dive.asp

Seaford Reef Project

Many thanks Chaps for your comments and I note you have a team working on a submission for inclusion in my formal proposal- brilliant. Regarding the cost of an inshore reef, yes of course this is a major major issue. However I don't know where Tony Fowler got the "26£m+" figure from- the point here is that neither the EA or any other body has ever sat down and done a serious costing! Also being de-facto permanent in nature, when the cost of the existing scheme is considered ("150k£ per annum and rising quickly) and the economic cost to Seaford and the wider district over say 50-100 years is taken into account, the reef cost actually may not be quite as much an issue as first appears to be the case.Anyway, thanks again for your support, look forward to hearing from you again. Kind regards, Jim Skinner

Objectives for TRT Dive

As we didnt get chance to discuss the objectives for the forthcoming TRT dive
here is a brief list for those of you planning to come on the dive assuming the weather etc allows.

Photograph as much of the wreck as possible - if you have a camera and are happy to dive with it please bring it conditions allowing

Video - Video as much of the wreck as possible

Measure gun
Measure deck anchor

Video and photography is the main priority

There are still some spaces left

Tad

Littlehampton Dive Trip ~ 2nd September

Well it might appear calm and gentle aboard Copperhead Diver II as we make our way down the River Arun to the sea but let me say it was anything but peace and tranquility as we motored over the lumpy waters to the site of HMS Northcoates.

I have the blisters & bruises that come with hanging on to the front end of a RIB to stop yourself falling out as it leaps from wave to wave! You could say an exciting ride , well you could but if you did you'd have a mouth full of sea water! Still all good fun!

The viz and current were disappointing on this dive , I guess one day we'll get to have a good look at this upright armed trawler, just not sure when that will be with Neptune and other gods conspiring against us this season!