Tenerife Scuba ~ March 2010

Just back from Tenerife and some very enjoyable diving, courtesy of Chris & Sarah of Tenerife Scuba . I enjoyed diving with Chris & Sarah five years ago and my return visit, sadly confined to just four dives, if anything demonstrated there was more interesting marine life than I expected.


Chris & Sarah are the most welcoming of hosts and good company through-out the day. They operate a RIB from the harbour of Las Galletas (East of Los Christianos). Much money has been invested in the harbour in the last five years and the benefits show! It's rather nice to enjoy lunch on one of the harbour arm restaurants during the surface interval.

Air temperatures were bewteen 21 and 23 Deg C and the water was between 20 and 21 Deg C. I was quite comfy in a full 5mm wet suit & hood. Underwater visibility was very good and one 35m+ dive we could easily see the surface.

Tenerife being a volcanic island has plenty of underwater rock but there was a good variety of marine life, huge sting ray, many morays, bait balls of fish , shoaling fish, barracuda, roncodores, long-legged spiney crabs, colourful shrimps, octopus, cuttle-fish. And there are some small wrecks and swim throughs. Many of the dives sites are a short run from the Harbour and one , Montana Amarilla is a MAMP (Protected Micro Marine Area). I really enjoyed it, may be one for Meridian Divers to visit in 2011?

Seazones - Easter Monday 5th April 2010

I have confirmed our places on Seazones with Mick for 5th April. Details as follows:-

Diving: Lancer & drift
Meet at Newhaven: 07:45
Ropes off: 08:15
Approx return: 15:00
Low water slack: approx 23 metres
Cost £35.00

Divers confirmed so far:-

1. Ernie
2. Simon
3. Tad
4. Trez
5. Chris

Please note anyone confirmed on the boat will be responsible for their place and if you do not turn up you still have to pay.
Mick and I are trying to fill the rest of the boat. If you are interested in joining us please add a comment.

Ernie

Buccanneer Eastbourne Dive booked

As mentioned at the meeting I have booked 5 spaces aboard Bucanneer Out of Eastbourne on Sunday 4th July

Meet and Dive times TBC

Divers

Chris P
Simon
Trez
Ernie
Tad

There a couple of spaces left if anyone is interested
once booked then you are liable for the cost

Get Well Soon Alex !

Best wishes to Alex for a speedy recovery from all at MD. Alex has been laid low by illness but is on the mend! Hope to see you soon!
Chris

Meridian Mutts - 21st February

Please see posting on Meridian Mutts for a walk on Sunday, or just click HERE!

PADI Forum 2010 Reminder ~ Brighton

PADI have sent me a reminder that their local 2010 Forum is being held on Saturday 27th February at Brighton College , Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 0AL at 7pm.

This is always a great opportunity to hear what's new in the PADI world and to meet other PADI professionals.

Very conveniently it is being held in Brighton. Click HERE for details of the location.

Hope to see you there.

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ Wednesday 3rd March

The next MD meeting will be held at the Berwick Inn on Wednesday 3rd March at 7.30pm. The meeting Agenda is being sent out.

Channel Diver ~ Brighton Marina Boat Spaces

FEBRUARY
Wednesday 17th Brighton LANCER 11 27 11.00
Friday 19th Brighton IKEDA 25 7.00
Saturday 20th Brighton CITY OF WATERFORD 36 13.00
Saturday 27th Brighton UNKNOWN TL2's 54 07.30
Sunday 28th Brighton UNKNOWN SCALLOP WRECK 34 08.30

MARCH
Saturday 6th Brighton STEAM TRAWLER 16 13.00
Sunday 7th Brighton HMS MINION 46 08.00
Sunday 7th Brighton PENTRYCH 24 13.30
Tuesday 9th Brighton MARGA 50 08.30
Friday 12th Brighton TR THOMPSON 34 07.30
Saturday 20th Brighton UNKNOWN WRECK 50 11.00
Sunday 21st Brighton FORTUNA 33 07.00
Friday 26th Brighton ARIEL 28 12.00
Saturday 27th Brighton CITY OF WATERFORD 36 07.30
Monday 29th Brighton BRAUNTON 36 09.00
Wednesday 31st Brighton ASHFORD 42 10.00

APRIL
Friday 2nd Brighton PENTRYCH 20 07.00
Saturday 3rd Brighton CITY OF WATERFORD 30 07.30 £45
Monday 5th Brighton MOLDAVIA 50 07.00 £55
Wednesday 7th Brighton PAGENTURM 55 10.30 £45
Friday 9th Brighton CITY OF BRISBANE 27 07.00 £45
Friday 9th Brighton BESSELL 63 13.00 £45
Saturday 10th Brighton ARISTOS 58 13.30 £45
Monday 12th Brighton UNKNOWN BIG CRAB WRECK 36 08.30 £45
Wednesday 14th Brighton UNKNOWN WRECK 50 09.30 £45
Friday 16th Brighton HMS KERRYADO 39 11.00 £45
Sunday 18th Brighton CITY OF LONDON 30 07.00 £45
Monday 19th Brighton GERLEN 50 07.30 £45
Wednesday 21st Brighton TYCHO 33 09.00 £45
Thursday 22nd Brighton LANFRANC 2 Day French Trip 52 08.30 £165
Friday 23rd Brighton WARILDA 2 Day French Trip 50 09.00 £165
Monday 26th Brighton CLODMORE 27 09.00 £45
Wednesday 28th Brighton TR THOMPSON 34 09.30 £45
Friday 30th Brighton INDIANA & PIER 12 08.00 £45

To reserve a space call Steve 07970 674799

Buccanneer Eastbourne dates

Chris West From Buccanneer Has sent me this and I am definately up for a couple of the Eastbourne dates.

See Below June the 6th Is fully booked

Hi Guys,

We have some proposed trip dates for the summer.....

Fecamp - Three day trip. Dive on the way over to France. Maybe dive on the middle day and or dive on the return trip. You have to sort out accomodation, (I have contacts if you need them) and your meals. Dive costs approx £120 each. Max. 6 divers. Depths approx. 30metres. Bring back a case or two of wine too !

Leave Mon May 24th return Wed May 26th - Leave Wed July 21st return Fri July 23rd

Eastbourne - Dive from Eastbourne's Sovereign Marina on two different wrecks each trip. Approx. 30m first dive and shallower for the second dive. Usual cost for each day dive trip. Be aware there are no filling stations for dive gas in Eastbourne..

Proposed dates: Fri June 4th to Mon 7th - Sat July 3rd to Tues July 6th

Anyone interested, please let me know ASAP so we can start building/booking these trips trips now. They are all good neap tide trips and we shall have a really good time!

Chris
Buccaneer Dive Charters


I am Up for Monday 7th June and Monday 5th July

Tad

Advisory Committee On Historic Wreck Sites Annual Meeting

Today I found myself aboard HMS Belfast (above) attending the Annual meeting of the Committee On Historic Wreck Sites Annual Meeting for Licensees.
I was invited due to being involved in this years forthcoming Holland V dives of which Meridian Divers are included on on the Licence being held by Jamie from TWSAC.

The day consisted of various presentations ranging on the legislation for protected wrecks and updates on various projects around the country, there was also a question and answer session which at times became pretty heated which added to the fun.

The day was very interesting and was attended by many well known divers and Maritime Archeologists often seen on TV and Dive press. The venue HMS Belfast was very apt and added to the day plus they laid on a great lunchtime spread with other refreshments throughout the day.

Watch this space for the planned dates for Holland V dives which have to be reported on to the Advisory Committee .

Pentrych - Good Friday 2nd April 2010

Channel Diver/Steve is doing a trip to the Pentrych (20 mtrs) on Good Friday 2010. There are 6 spaces left. Cost £45.00. Ropes off from Brighton at 07:00.

Meridian Divers already booked are Simon and Ernie.

If you which to dive this wreck please contact Steve on www.channeldiving.com or 07970674799 or 01273 301142.

If you are going on this trip please post a comment.

Seazones - Easter Monday 5th April 2010

Meridian Divers has booked Mick/Seazones for Easter Monday. Cost is £35.00 each for wreck dive, drift and scones.

Seazones can take 8 divers. Please post a comment if you wish to reserve a space and state which wreck you would like to dive. Wreck with most choices will de dived.

1. Ernie - T R Thompson
2. Simon - S.S. Going with flow.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Ernie

Oceana, Air Show and BBQ - 12th August 2010

Eastbourne Air Show starts on Thursday 12th August 2010 and as usual Steve/Channel Diver is running wreck/air show/BBQ days.

Meridian Divers have booked places for Thursday (12th). Departing from Eastbourne Marina at 07:15 and costing £50.00 to dive the Oceana (24 metres), watch the air show and have a BBQ (bring own food). Divers confirmed are:-

1. Tad
2. Chris P
3. Simon
4. Sheila
5. Ernie

There are only 2 spaces left. If you wish to join us contact Steve on www.channeldiving.com or 07970 674399 or 01273 301142.

Please post a comment if you have booked a space

Arlington Film Show ~ Wednesday 3rd February

It was great to catch-up with divers from Eastbourne's Sovereign Divers and Tunbridge Wells Sub Aqua Club on Wednesday night. Simple plan that worked well, gather a pile of divers, talk about diving, watch some diving video and films, talk more diving , eat some snacks , drink some refreshments on and talk more diving! Anyone would think it was a February evening in a village hall full of divers ... er yes!

I usually find divers around the world are good mixers and with a shared interest it's not too difficult to bring things together. Jamie from TWSAC gave a briefing on diving on the wreck of the Holland submarine , a protected wreck near Beachy Head. We saw some video of the wreck and the viz was sooo good , it positively says 'come-on, come and take a look at me' , Jamie is the Licence holder and if you dive with him you can make a a 'look don't touch' dive on this most important of hostorical wrecks. And it's on our doorstep for goodness sakes ...what are you waiting for !

Well done to Tad for sorting out the technical stuff , thanks to the MDers for providing the refeshments ...very popular cakes Sheila ! All in all a very simple but good hearted get together . As a divers bunch of divers it's really good to get together. Networking ...it's what networks do well! So MDers ...lets do the circuit and make sure we follow-up the invites!

Meridian Mutts Walk - Sunday 31st January

Please see Meridian Mutts blog for details of Sunday's Walk.

Bowling - David Lloyd, Eastbourne.

Another good evenings bowling.

Team Pascoe & Taylor narrowly won, but they had an advantage of a secret weapon in the shape of 'Sharp Shooter Sue'.

Team Martin, Gregson & Benson gave a good showing but could not compete with 'Sharp Shooter Sue'. We know who we are having in our team next time. Definitely not my husband (Boss Eyed Benson). Should have gone to Specsavers.

Film Night ~ Wednesday 3rd February

The MD 3rd annual Film Night is a go on Wednesday 3rd of February , 7.30 pm at the Arlington Village Hall. All welcome, please bring some refreshments!

NEWSFLASH Jamie Smith from TWSAC will give a brief update on the planned Holland V licenced Dives this year (Licence has now been awarded) prior to the film being shown.
I will bring along the Holland V footage I already have just wet your appetites.

Per Ardua ad Astra .... and now the Seas!

Per Ardua ad Astra , is the motto of the Royal Air Force and means "Through Struggles to the Stars" but for members of the Air Training Corp Squadrons at Steyning & Storrington it might read "No Struggles to the Seas" as both Squadrons are planning to undertake the PADI Open Water Course. Iain S, an ex-military trained diver and now a work colleague of mine is putting the plan together which is hoped will involve twenty-five Cadets.

Iain has already started to put the plans into action with Ocean View Diving Services at Lancing. Twenty-five Open Water courses should keep them busy for a while and when they have done that Iain is planning a Red Sea trip for the Cadets to do their Advanced Open Water Course. Well done Iain, and thanks for the offer of joining you , I am glad to be of some assistance.

Malta Dive Trip ~ Wednesday 12th May 2010

The dive trip to Malta will be flying out on the Wednesday 12th May. See details on previous postings. I have booked the holiday for those who have confirmed. We can add to the booking, but to get the discounts we need to book before the end of the month. If you are interested please post a comment as soon as possible and I will contact you regarding, deposits, room type etc.

Sheila

Bowling - David Lloyd, Eastbourne.

I have booked two lanes at the David Lloyd for 19.30 on Wednesday 20th January.
Bowlers to date are:-

1. Chris P
2. Sue P
3. Tracey M
4. Sean G
5. Linda T
6. Simon T
7. Ernie B
8. Sheila B

May the best man or woman win !

Dive Malta - May 2010

We are looking to organise the trip to Malta sometime in May (but not the 1st week).
We will be diving with Deep Blue (http://www.divedeepblue.com/ ) 10 shore dive (boat dives incur a supplement) package is £232.00 if required 12 ltr Nitrox is £37.77.

The Hotel we have sourced is the 4 star 'Santana' (recommended by Deep Blue)which has a large selection of room choices. Board would be bed and breakfast which gives us the opportunity to eat out if we so wish.(http://www.hotelsantana.com/ ) We looked at prices for a superior twin room, bed and breakfast and flights with Air Malta (http://www.airmalta.com/ ) through Travel Republic which came out at £258.00 per person including transfers. Air Malta have a generous dive equipment allowance of an extra 32kg for £30.00.

This would make the whole trip around £600.00 if prices stay the same and we are able to book the choices above.

If you are interested please post a comment on the blog.

Interested so far:-

1. Chris P
2. Sue P
3. Simon T
4. Linda T
5. Ernie B
6. Sheila B
7. Debbie McD
8. Therese S

Makinac Disaster 1925, Newport, Rhode Island US

A posting on our sister blog , the T R Thompson illustrates the value of blogs in promoting maritime history and as a means to enable research. A US blog "Makinac Disaster" records the fatal explosion on a vessel off the coast of Rhode Island.

For details click HERE.

Diving Malta with Deep Blue?

Sheila has been doing some homework regarding a diving trip to Malta, just speculative at this stage with a range of options based on the week 3rd to 10th May 2010. There is quite a lot of information so I'll circulate the email for comments. It might be an idea to hire a BIG villa and all stay at the same place (though we don't have quotes for that just yet!) . Let me know if you want a copy of the information. Email / Comment as per usual.

Channel Divers ~ Dives

JANUARY
Wednesday 13th Brighton CITY OF WATERFORD 36 08.00 £45
Friday 15th Brighton BRAUNTON 36 09.00 £45
Saturday 16th Brighton UC65 German Submarine 46 08.30 £55
Wednesday 20th Brighton STEAM TRAWLER 16 07.00 £45
Friday 22nd Brighton TYCHO 33 07.30 £45
Monday 25th Brighton MOLDAVIA 50 09.30 £55
Friday 29th Brighton CITY OF BRISBANE 27 08.00 £45

FEBRUARY
Wednesday 3rd Brighton INDIANA & PIER 12 10.30 £45
Friday 5th Brighton RAMSGARTH 25 7.45 £45
Sunday 7th Brighton PENTRYCH 20 10.00 £55
Wednesday 10th Brighton CLODMORE 26 7.30 £45
Friday 12th Brighton BIG CRAB WRECK 36 8.00 £45
Sunday 14th Brighton SEAFORD FERRY 48 8.00 £55
Wednesday 17th Brighton LANCER 11 27 11.00 £45
Friday 19th Brighton IKEDA 25 7.00 £45
Saturday 20th Brighton CITY OF WATERFORD 30 7.30 £45

MARCH
Sunday 7th Brighton HMS MINION 46 8.00 £45
Monday 8th Brighton DUKE OF BUCCLEUGH 58 8.00 £50
Tuesday 9th Brighton MARGA 50 8.30 £55
Friday 12th Brighton TR THOMPSON 34 7.30 £45
Saturday 20th Brighton 10.30 £45
Sunday 21st Brighton FORTUNA 33 07.00 £45
Wednesday 24th Brighton NEW MARK MOLDAVIA AREA 50 08.00 £55
Friday 26th Brighton ARIEL 30 12.30 £45
Saturday 27th Brighton CITY OF WATERFORD 36 07.30 £45
Wednesday 31st Brighton ASHFORD 42 10.00 £45

APRIL
Friday 2nd Brighton PENTRYCH 20 07.00 £45
Saturday 3rd Brighton CITY OF WATERFORD 30 07.30 £45
Monday 5th Brighton MOLDAVIA 50 07.00 £55
Wednesday 7th Brighton PAGENTURM 55 10.30 £45
Friday 9th Brighton CITY OF BRISBANE 27 07.00 £45
Friday 9th Brighton BESSELL 63 13.00 £45
Saturday 10th Brighton ARISTOS 58 13.30 £45
Monday 12th Brighton UNKNOWN BIG CRAB WRECK 36 08.30 £45
Wednesday 14th Brighton UNKNOWN WRECK 50 09.30 £45
Friday 16th Brighton HMS KERRYADO 39 11.00 £45
Sunday 18th Brighton CITY OF LONDON 30 07.00 £45
Monday 19th Brighton GERLEN 50 07.30 £45
Wednesday 21st Brighton TYCHO 33 09.00 £45
Thursday 22nd Brighton LANFRANC 2 Day French Trip 52 08.30 £165
Friday 23rd Brighton WARILDA 2 Day French Trip 50 09.00 £165
Monday 26th Brighton CLODMORE 27 09.00 £45
Wednesday 28th Brighton TR THOMPSON 34 09.30 £45
Friday 30th Brighton INDIANA & PIER 12 08.00 £45

MAY
Tuesday 4th Brighton QUAIL 40 08.00 £45
Wednesday 5th Brighton DUKE OF BUCCLEUGH 58 08.00 £50
Monday 10th Brighton ASHFORD 42 07.30 £45
Wednesday 12th Brighton BLANEFIELD 33 08.30 £45
Friday 14th Brighton LALEN MENDI 25 09.30 £50
Monday 17th Brighton STEAM TRAWLER 16 07.00 £45
Wednesday 19th Eastbourne UC65 German Submarine 43 08.15 £50
Thursday 20th Eastbourne CHATEAU MARGEAUX 37 07.45 £55
Friday 21st Eastbourne CHATEAU MARGEAUX area 40 07.45 £55
Monday 31st Brighton FORTUNA 33 13.00 £45

2010 French Trips
April
Thursday 22nd - Friday 23rd 2 Day FeCamp Trip Lanfranc 52m & Warilda 50m
June
Monday 7th - Friday 11th 5 Day D-Day Beaches Trip 25m - 40m wrecks
July
Wednsday 28th - Friday 30th 3 Day Dieppe Trip 20m - 40m wrecks
October
Thursday 14th - Friday 15th 2 Day FeCamp Trip Warilda 50m & New Mid-Channel Wreck French Side

To reserve a space call Steve 07970 674799

Dead Sea Diving!

Nicky has sent me a link to Dead Sea Divers who offer some extreme diving in the worlds saltiest sea! Click HERE to view their website including a short underwater video.... I think it would have been a longer video if the housing hadn't 'dissolved' in salt! I'm not sure it's for me but it would be 'one for the logbook' !

Bowling ~ David Lloyd

Sorry, had the calender on May (looking at Malta Holiday) the date should be Wednesday 20th and comments by 13th. I have amended the original posting!

Bowling ~ David Lloyd, Eastbourne.

As discussed at the last meeting I was tasked with arranging a Bowling Night in January.

Bowling at the David Lloyd, Eastbourne on Monday-Thursday is £10.00 for 3 games or £9.00 for 2 games.

How about 3 games on Wednesday 20th January at 19.30.

If you are interested can you please post a comment by Wednesday the 13th so that I can get it booked.

2010 ~ Where Do You Wanna Go?

I thought it might be a good idea with Christmas behind us to think about overseas trips in 2010. The October meeting put Malta (in May) up as a suggestion and Sheila & Ernie are doing some research. While that is coming together if you have any other (additional) destinations in mind add a comment or drop me an email. Hard to imagine not visiting the Red Sea sometime in the year, creatures of habit and all that!

Happy New Year !

Best wishes for a happy New Year to all MDers and readers, fingers crossed for good weather & viz, and safe and fun dives!

Marsa Alam Video

Another genuine Christmas present ... this time details of a YouTube video posted by dive buddy Jan from the September 2009 visit to Marsa Alam ...lovely colours! Well done Jan!



Oh, and there are some super shots of Dennis the Dugong in this video! And if that sea creature isn't amazing enough , take a look at Jan's octopus video, which shows what a wonderful master of disguise the octopus is!

Happy Christmas to All Our Readers

Happy Christmas to all MDers and to all our many readers! We received a Christmas present from Canada today, details of the that are shown on our 'sister' blog on the Wreck of the T R Thompson, click HERE to read more about that.

Best wishes to you all and good diving for 2010.

Chris

Taba, Egypt ~ Only a Month Ago

Paul: "I tell you, it was that big!"

Andy, with the Egypt / Israel border fence on the rocks above

PADI Paddling Practice!

With snow , freezing conditions, black ice, rain and all the other English winter 'goodies' it's hard to remember it was only last month that three of us were diving of the coast of Taba. My dive buddy Paul , has sent some shots he took which I'll have to add to refresh myself of the contrast!

Happy Christmas Too!

Due to a number of reasons I am not able to get down to deliver cards etc before Xmas so to add to Ernie and Sheila's previous post I would like to add my happy Christmas greetings to all Meridian Divers and friends plus any others who read this blog!

Happy Xmas From Tad

Christmas & New Year Greetings

Ernie & I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. Looking forward to some good holidays, diving and social evenings in 2010.

Sheila

P.S. See Meridian Mutts re: New Year Walk.

Christmas Dinner 2009 ~ Done!

The Meridian Divers' Christmas Dinner was held at the Berwick Inn, Berwick on Wednesday 16th December. The Berwick Inn has been under new management since last April and landlord , Tony, has done a great deal on improving the Inn and creating a very welcoming atmosphere.

The 'traditional' MD pursuits of a Christmas raffle and Photo Competition were honoured. The photo competition was a challenge with over 100 photos taken from the blog over the last year being viewed, well just about anyway! Ernie took pole position with his black tipped reef shark , photo'd in the Caribbean !

After the dinner there was a compered quiz that had been arranged by the Inn and prizes were awarded for the winners, again courtesy of Tony , which we thought was a very friendly gesture.

The cold and dark night made us all think of warmer seas and good viz, lets hope we can get those plans acted upon as 2010 unfolds.

Diver Magazine ~ Meridian Divers & TWSAC

Meridian Divers & Tunbridge Wells Sub Aqua Club are mentioned extensively in an article by John LIDDIARD entilted "Newhaven New Identities" that is published in the DIVER Magazine (January 2010 edition, pages 72 to 76). The article covers several wrecks and in particular the T R Thompson , the subject of Meridian Divers NAS Wreck Project. John's article has some new pictures and extends our knowledge of the wreck , it really helps to have an expert on the team!

The article also promotes the Meridian Divers blog which is linked to our project blog. We hope that the national publicity will draw attention to the T R Thompson and that it will lead to even more people contacting us with more information . The project blog is a treasure chest of information on the wreck and we hope it will be a benfit to divers with an interest in the wreck's history.

Click HERE to view the T R THOMPSON Project Blog

Wreck Database & UK Hydrographic Service

The wrecksite has signed a license agreement with the UK Hydrographic Office and is now the most comprehensive resource of information about shipwrecks around the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland.

Along with over 40,000 positions reported, it displays these wrecks on 172 true maritime charts. This includes over 25,600 detailed survey reports , derived from the UK Hydrographic Office database.

All of this information is available for a small annual subscription fee of 25 euros: sign up at www.wrecksite.eu

Raffle - Christmas Dinner

We will be doing the raffle again at the dinner. Prizes would be gratefully received.

Images of a small island

We left London on a cold and rainy November morning and arrived in the Turks & Caicos Islands (T.C.I.) to a very comfortable 28 degrees.

We stayed at the Beaches Resort in Grace Bay. This resort was absolutely fantastic. It had 16 Restaurants from white glove service down to an American Fifties Dinner (yes we ate at all of them).

This was an all inclusive holiday which really was all inclusive.We did not have to spend a penny whilst there. There was even a bar in our room with every alcoholic drink you could think of (shame we don't drink). For those who want to be active there was a fully equipped gym and spa complex. All the water sports were included, hobbie cats, kayaks, water bikes, snorkelling (off shore and boat) and last but not least 2 dives a day with a choice of four dive boats from a very well run dive centre.

Just one of the dive boats we used

As well as five pools there was a large water park for the children

White sand and blue sea. What more could you want?

Below is a selection of the marine life we encountered on our 20 dives.

Goodbye from T.C.I.

Halcyon Equipment Workshop ~Saturday 12th December

Halcyon have agreed to put on an equipment workshop at Ocean View this Saturday,they will be bringing along about 6 sets of equipment including single tank systems as well as twin set up's including the new Cinch set up,8.5L cylinders,torches etc etc.
There will be a chance to try these sets out in the pool between 12.00 and 3.00pm they will also be bringing some of their other products for people to look at.
If there is anything that anyone genuinly would like to look at, let Graeme know and he will call them.

If you are interested please call Ocean view on 01903 767224

All welcome and a happy Christmas to you all.

All you ever didn't want to know about Diving Cylinders

For all info the latest update on the manufacture , inspection & carriage of diving cylinders , click HERE!

Muddy Puddle Dive Anyone

Its that time of year again, the summer is a long way off and I dont know about everyone else but I am starting to get withdrawl symptons.

I am up for suggestions for a dip in a local puddle or maybe think about one a bit further afield .

Post a comment if interested.

Taba ~ Frog Fish Fables

All-white Frog Fish

Just back from another jaunt over to the Red Sea at Taba. Taba is situated right on the Egyptian / Israeli border . The marine border is marked in a low key way by having two Egyptian Police Officers sitting in a small dinghy , probably the worst posting there is!

Moray Eel

It was a bit of a lazy holiday in diving terms, with just five dives (2x shore dives, 3x boat dives), my diving buds were Paul and Andy. I have trained them both in the past and previously signed-off Paul's MSD and some specialties for Andy, so it was nice just to do some relaxing dives.

Traditional 'turning-left' signal!

We dived with Aqua Sport who have dive centres at the adjacent Hilton & Movenpick Hotels, both right on the waters edge. We saw frog fish on every dive , several frog fish on some dives. I learnt that photographing them was easy as they just sit still for you ....but that it's not easy to get a good photo of fish that are so highly camouflaged that they are hard to see in the view finder and the final shot! The solution is to find the plain coloured ones which curiously seemed harder to find (or they were just less in number!).

No dive complete without a clown fish pic!

The dive time limit at Aqua Sport is 45 minutes , although with such personal service my average dive time over the five was 48 minutes. Most of the staff we met and dived with were Egyptian , although Karina , a German Instructor led the boat dives.

Say "Arrrrh" for the camera!

The coral was not the best I have seen in the Red Sea but it encouraged a close look to find interesting marine life and in that regard there was plenty to see.

Soft Coral Snacker!

Christmas Dinner

I am still waiting for some deposits & menu choices!! An email has been sent to those concerned but if you want to come & not yet paid or given me your choices you need to do so by the END OF THIS WEEK!

There are still places available so email me or add a comment

Thank you

Tech Talk at Ocean View

I trundled down to Ocean View to listen to the the talk given by Mark Powell as an intro to Tech Diving. Having done the PADI tec rec course almost 10 years ago I thought it may be a good idea to refresh myself on what is happening around the training of Tech Divers and maybe look at opportunities to update skills that I haven't really used since doing the course.

Mark's talk was very informative and gave me the itch to carry out a refresher couse on the tech basics and perhaps progress to the next level, trimix.

The benefit of this sort of diving to me is that I may not necessarily want to dive to great depths, but to do the dives I do now for longer and with a clearer head. So Mark I may well be knocking on your door next year.

Thanks to Ocean View for the invite to the talk and an enjoyable evening.

To see the courses Mark has to offer, go to his website at www.dive-tech.co.uk

Tad

Pool Session - Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne

Pool Session - 3/11/09 (Tuesday)

Meet at 19:45.
When you arrive at the Pool go towards the car park and then turn right into a slip road at the side of the building.

Sheila & Ernie
Chris & Sue
Tracey
Therese
Mandy.

See you there.

Marine Conservation Zones off the Sussex Coast

On Monday 2nd Novenber at 7.30pm on BBC One , Inside Out South East takes a close up look at Marine Conservation Zones - one of the hottest topics for naturalists across Sussex today. For video , links and more information cick HERE.

For information on delivering marine conservation zones and the wok of Balance Seas click HERE. Balanced Seas is one of four regional projects in England that will work with sea users and interest groups to identify and recommend Marine Conservation Zones to Government. These new protected areas will be designated at the end of 2012.

Seazones - Saturday 31st October

Message from Mick Luff:

Spaces available on Seazones on Saturday, diving the Brisbane (28 metres max) followed by a drift. Ropes off Newhaven 07:45.

If interested phone Mick on 07729 277651

Ernie

Mark Powell Talk ~ 7.30pm Friday 6th November

Hi all,
Just thought I'd post this to see if anyone would like to attend Oceanview on the above date for a talk/presentation given by one of Britain's leading technical instructors Mark Powell.

The talk will have something for everybody, especially aimed at recreational divers looking to go further and deeper or stay longer including redundancy, kit configuration, basic deco, advanced nitrox, trimix and not forgetting intro into technical diving.

The talk is already filling-up so if anyone is interested please let me know numbers either by email mattwest1@hotmail.co.uk or by phone, Tad and Tracy have my mobile number and are free to give it out.

If anyone went to the diveshow you'll know Mark's talk was one of the highlight's and was standing room only on both days.

http://www.dive-tech.co.uk/

Many thanks

Matt

Meridian Diver Film Night ~ Wednesday 3rd February

Following the last MD Meeting I have booked Wednesday 3rd February 2010 at Arlington Village Hall for the next MD Film Night. More details to follow. I imagine the usual light refreshments , film & photo show will be the style of the evening.

Easter Monday 5th April 2010

I have booked Seazones on Easter Monday for Meridian Divers. We know this is well in advance but if you wish to secure a place please post a comment.

Times and where we will be diving will be discussed nearer the time.

Ernie

1. Chris
2. Ernie
3. Simon
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Pool Session - Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne

The diving pit has been booked to Meridian Divers on Tuesday 3rd November between 8 and 9 p.m. Cost will be £5.00 per person.

Anyone wishing to get wet please post a comment.

Ernie

1. Tracey
2. Chris
3. Sue
4. Ernie
5. Sheila
6. Therese

Meridian Monkeys Go Ape!

Doh! I have posted pictures and words from the Sunday 18th October "Go APE" adventure day on the Meridian Mutts blog by mistake! Double Doh! Oh well follow THIS LINK to view them!

Holland 5 Diving Opportunity

At the meeting last week I mentioned that Jamie from TWSAC was applying for a licence to dive the Holland 5 submarine next year. TWSAC has offered any Meridian Divers the opportunity to be named on the licence to dive this protected wreck as guests of TWSAC on their ribs.

If you are interested please add a comment including your dive qualifications, experience and if you have any maritime archeological experience such as N.A.S dont worry if you dont have this it wont prevent you diving the wreck.

The object of the dives will be to gather photo, video and marine life data plus general visual inspection which can be added to the data already gathered.

Tad

NAS Link to Holland V Project , Click HERE

Mira Dive from Buccaneer

A chilly start saw Ernie and me leaving Shoreham harbour aboard Chris Wests Buccaneer on Sunday.With bright autumn sunshine skipper Chris decided to head east to the wreck of the Mira. With flat seas all week and no rain plus good vis reports during the week hopes were high for a good dive, but the further east we got the more our hopes were falling as the colour of the water was changing. After an hours motor out to the wreck our hopes were well and truly dashed, no video today was the consensus amongst the divers on the boat and Chris was kicking himself for heading east and not west like his name.

Still we were there now and we were soon kitting up and crewman Roger was in tying the shot to the wreck. It has been about 16 years since I last dived the Mira and as I remember that dive was pretty awful, going down the shot it looked like this one wasn't going to be much better.

Once on the wreck Ernie and I contented ourselves to stay midships around once was the engine room. The Mira is a big wreck but the conditions on this dive were not going to allow us to appreciate just how big she is.

Ernie busied himself worrying the blennies whilst I dropped down the side of the hull to investigate a ventilation grill.

The vis was a very grainy 2m at the most and very dark, but a dive is a dive so we made the best of it for around 3o minutes before heading back up to the surface.

Back on board Chris took a bit of ribbing but everyone had made the best of the dive and with crewman Dave playing mum we all enjoyed coffee and cupa soups on the journey back.

I really like the atmosphere on Buccaneer and look forward to the next trip out with Chris sometime in the near future.

Tad

Happy Meridian Day ~ 20th October

Well it's a good enough excuse to crack open a bottle for a toast! Today is the 125th Anniversary of the Prime Meridian , or if you prefer, the anniversary of the day that the Greenwich Meridian Line was drawn and Longitiude 0 0'00" was created. So there , Meridian Divers, now you know when it all began! Loads more info HERE!

Meridian Divers Meeting ~ 14th October

The MD meeting took place at the Berwick Inn and some plans for the next months and 2010 were discussed. In particular:-

1). A wreck dive from Buccaneer on Saturday 17th October (Tad & Ernie)
2). A pool session in the Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, in early November (BOOKED! 3rd Nov)
3). A reminder to post any pictures you want to enter in the Photo Competition (judged at the Christmas Dinner)
4). Christmas Dinner , being held in the Berwick Inn on Wednesday 16th December.
5). A bowling night for January 2010.
6). A Film Night planned for 3rd February 2010 (BOOKED!)
7). A Malta dive holiday in May 2010
8). A Portland dive trip in late June 2010

Other plans :-
a). Producing 'buddy cards'.
b). A reminder to gather raffle prizes for the Christmas Dinner.
c). A reminder to select your menu choices for the Christmas Dinner
d). An update on the 'Protected Wreck Licence' project.
e). The potential to be included on the Licence to dive the historic submarine "Holland V"

As ever , plenty to plan and do!

Buccaneer Dive this Week-end? ~ Saturday 17th October

Tad has circulated a dive opportunity this Saturday . He says he will buy all the divers onboard a drink is there is NOT 8 metres of visibility!

Text or email Tad or add a comment if you are interested! Click HERE for the Buccaneer website.

Red Sea Liveaboard ~ St John's (Southern Red Sea)

The Benson's are back!

Ernie & I set out to dive the St John's area in the Southern Red Sea aboard 'Dreams'. A (new) addition to the Sea Serpent Fleet, but unfortunately on boarding the vessel we soon discovered that it was far from 'new'. The journey south is quite a long overnight trip to reach the southern reefs of St John's. They are mainly a selection of Gota and Habili (reef which reaches the surface or not). The coral is in good colourful condition and we saw white tip reef sharks, oceanic white tip sharks, dolphins, turtles and fantail rays as well all the usual reef inhabitants.

There were one or two issues with the boat which all on board had concerns with which have now been taken up with the agent.

Unfortunately we would not recommend 'Dreams' as a Liveaboard.

Just a word of warning Marsa Alam airport is very hot on luggage weight. Ernie & I were 2 kilos over (between 2 dive bags and 2 rucksacks) and had to pay 22 euros excess. No receipts were being given !

Mercian Regiment Commemoration on BBC News

Meridian Diver and underwater videographer Tad, had another of his videos shown on BBC News last night (Friday 9th October). On this occasion the video was of the wreck of the Oceana which Tad had been diving with Tunbridge Wells BSAC when Jamie Smith found a brass plaque commemorating the deaths of Nottinghamshire soldiers who died in India between 1819 and 1838. Jamie handed the plaque to the 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment at a special ceremony which Tad had the pleasure of attending. For full details on the BBC web site click HERE!

Christmas Dinner 2009

Hi all,

Just a reminder that the Christmas Dinner is to be held on Wednesday 16th December at The Berwick which as you are probably aware is under new management and now doing very well!

The price is £22 pp for 3 course meal plus coffee, mints & mince pies. A copy of the menu will be coming round by email shortly. I will need confirmation plus £5 pp (non-refundable) deposit by end of the month. Remember we also hold our annual raffle so any donations of prizes gratefully accepted!

Please add a comment, email or text me if you wish to be added to the list.

A belated 'Welcome' to blogging!

A belated welcome to PADI in joining the world of blogging. Since March 2009 PADI have been running a blog to track developments in their DSAT TecRec range of courses. In 2006 Meridian Divers was the first scuba blog in the South East and since then there has been a considerable growth in the media for promoting recreational diving, we are proud to have 'done our bit' to encourage interest and very pleased to see the TecRec blog.

The new range of DSAT TecRec courses becam available on 1st September , take a look at the TecRec blog for more information ...click HERE!

Unknown Wreck Mid Channel

Diving an Unknown wreck on Monday with Tunbridge Wells Sub Aqua Club.. I was fortunate enough to find I had Monday free and was invited out aboard the TWSAC rib to dive an unknown wreck 21 miles out in the separation zone which sounds a bit like an cliched sci fi series from the 1960'sall that needed to happen was that we could meet aliens ,come back and find we were the only people left in Newhaven (almost true there on a Monday) orfind that we had been part of some strange experiment. The truth is that we had a 21 mile journey out in the rib which took about an hour passing 3 dolphins on the way.
On reaching the site there was a very large factory Trawler moored nearby who took more than a passing interest in the 6 neoprene clad bods in a bright orange rib.

The sea was mirror calm and with small tides we had high expectations for the dive and with the wreck located and shotted we were not to be dissapointed, you could see the line at least down to 10m.
It was soon my turn to kit up and start the journey down and boy was it good. I touched the wreck at just over 40m and began to explore with my camera the vis was between 10-15m.
In a strange way the wreck and conditions reminded me of my first dive on the Rosie Moller in the red sea.

The wreck sits upright on the sea bed and drops down to around 47m . It also is massive and quite in tact although heading towards the bow the hull dropped away in what looks like a massive explosion has taken it off.

Turning back I headed back up midships and came across machinery and the massive engines in which a very large conger had made its home. I also came across a twin wheeled hand pump.
I allowed myself to go into 8 minutes of deco before heading back to the shot and start my very slow ascent back up.

TWSAC have dived this wreck in the past but conditions have to be perfect due to the depth and the distance out. Now the hunt is on to Identify this amazing wreck .

Certainly up there as one the best of my UK dives.
The film doesnt do it justice.

Tad