April 2013
Diving in Australia
PADI Asia Pacific would like to congratulate Sharene Collett, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, EFR Instructor and co-owner of Daktari Surf & Dive in Warrnambool, Victoria. Sharene was recently awarded the 2013 Clean Up Australia Day Site Supervisor of the Year by Ian Kiernan AO, chairman and founder of Clean Up Australia.
Following is a media release from Clean Up Australia Day.
Ian Keirnan congratulates the 2013 Clean Up Australia Day Site Supervisor of theYear for Multiple Victorian Dive Sites.
The 2013 Clean Up Australia Day award for the Site Supervisor of the Year has been awarded to Sharene Collett from Hamilton in Victoria. According to Ian Kiernan AO, chairman and founder of Clean Up Australia, it is always a great honour toaward the Site Supervisor of the Year Award. 
“Although all our volunteers deserve congratulations for their dedication in helping us Clean Up Australia over the last 23 years I am very excited to award Sharene the 2013 Site Supervisor of the Year Award for her wonderful work on the Great Ocean Road. Not only has she worked tirelessly, she has encouraged others to get involved in protecting her local underwater environment,” said Ian Kiernan.
Sharene Collett started volunteering for Clean Up Australia by registering beach site clean ups then moving onto underwater clean ups along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Each year she manages four sites including Portland, Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Port Campbell where she has fishermen, snorkeling teams and up to 25 divers dedicated to cleaning up their underwater environment.
According to Sharene, who got actively involved in Clean Up Australia Day after helping with the clean upon Phi Phi Island in Thailand after the 2004 Tsunami, it is very rewarding working with people to keep the coastline and waters pristine.
“After helping in Thailand I decided it was time to clean up my own backyard,” said Ms Collett.
“My aim has been to continue to encourage divers of all ages to assist with clean ups at all dive sites along the Great Ocean Road so that we can protect and preserve our underwater environment for future generations to enjoy them as we do today.”
The Clean Up Australia Day Site Supervisor of the Year Award is presented each year to those who have participated in five or more Clean Up Australia Day events to recognise their contribution to the environment and the vital role that they play in making each event a success.
April, 2013
Diving in Australia
Narc Dive Club - North Fremantle, Swan River Underwater and Shore Clean Up Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st April, 2013
The Narc Dive Club, operating in conjunction with PADI Dive Centre, Diving Frontiers in Balcatta, W.A. have organised their annual underwaterand shore 
clean-up this year in North Fremantle and surrounding areas.
Chris Dodd, President of Narc Dive Club advises that on Saturday 20th April, cleaning will be from the North Fremantle Waterpolice jetty - through all of Pier 21 and the surrounding shore line past the North Fremantle football club oval - to the Stirling Highway Bridge.
On Sunday 21st April, the volunteers will be working from the East Side Angling Club (Jetty No.10), past the Red Herring to the 3 Town of East Fremantle jetties in front of the Left Bank and the surrounding shore line down to the Stirling Highway Bridge.
In 2011 and 2012, Narc Dive Club and associates carried out underwater and shore cleaning of Hillarys Marina. Over 180 volunteers attended each year when over 6.8 tonnes of debris was removed from boat moorings, jetties, board walks around the shopping/restaurant precinct, North and South rock walls and the Northern and Southern beaches of Hillarys.
Organisations that assist in the massive annual clean-ups are, Sea Shepherd, Kimberly Trust, WA Marine Conservation, Two Hands Project, Hillarys Rotary Club, Marmion Aquatic Angling Club, John Curtin University and Murdoch University. .jpg?n=4119 "A skip of rubbish removed from Hillarys Boat Harbour in 2012.")
“Our main outcome of most importance - apart from removing debris from our waterways - is to make the public aware of the sensitivity and the need to protect our ocean and our waterways and all that is natural to them. It’s imperative that our future generations can enjoy and respect the beauty and wonder that our marine environment provides us today, both under the water and above”, commented Chris Dodd. The annual clean up promises to be a great event for the community of Fremantle and the waterways, backed by generous sponsors and with the support of the City Of Fremantle, the Town of East Fremantle, the Swan River Trust, the North Fremantle Marine Police and various volunteers from the numerous organisations.
Registrationis required. For further details on how to join the clean-up, contact Glenn Bailey at Diving Frontiers on phone: 089240 6662, email: mailto:mail@divingfrontiers.com.au or visit the website at www.divingfrontiers.com.au
April 2013
Diving in Australia
Gurkha Soldiers become PADI Open Water Divers in Townsville
A large group of PADI Instructors and staff from Remote Area Dive - a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre in Townsville, Queensland - spent the first week in March training 60 Gurkha soldiers to complete their PADI Open Water Diver course.
The soldiers, who were visiting Australia as part of an exercise with the Australian Defence Force were able to participate in the learn to dive course as one of the options available for a week long adventure training session at the end of the exercise. Other adventure training options included rock climbing, river canoeing and ocean kayaking.
The Ghurkha soldiers whom are currently based in Brunei visit Australia every few years as part of an exercise rotation with the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces. Aged between 25-35 years old the Gurkha soldiers - who form an integral part of the British Army - were hosted by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, a major Australian Army base, currently home to the Army’s 3rd and 11th Brigade.
It was a logistical operation indeed. Remote Area Dive had 11 instructors standing by to teach the 60 students and within 4 days all Gurkha soldiers were certified PADI Open Water divers.
One of the students approached their PADI Instructor after the course, shook his hand and said, "This was one of the best experiences of my life".
And another, "I was really nervous going that deep into the water when my swimming isn't the best - but now......thank you - it was wonderful! When can we go again?"
PADI Instructor Frank Naughton explained, “The guys were awesome to teach, had a wonderful camaraderie amongst them and made us feel part of their crew. We were welcomed with a smile every time, can't wait to see them again next time”.
“Had a great time on the island and the crew were awesome….. an awesome crew. I can tell you guys are a great team from the inside out which was wonderful to be a part of”, says Scott Duxbury, a PADI Instructor who joined Remote Area Dive for the duration.
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Emergency First Response Instructor, Tanya Taylor from Remote Area Dive advised that certifying the soldiers “was hands down one of the best courses I have ever taught and been a part of.” She added, “At the end of the course (when the group photos were taken) many students expressed their gratitude to the instructors and crew saying that they had the best time of their lives and that they intended to continue diving in the future.”
The Brigade of Gurkhas is the collective term for units of the current British Army that are composed of Nepalese soldiers. The brigade, which is 3,640 strong, draws its heritage from Gurkha units that originally served in the British Indian Army prior to Indian independence, and prior to that of the East India Company. The brigade includes infantry, engineer, signal, logistic and training and support units. They are famous for their ever-present kukris, a distinctive heavy knife with a curved blade, and for their reputation of being fierce fighters and brave soldiers.
To contact Remote Area Dive, Phone: 07 4721 4425 | Fax: 07 4721 4424 / International: +61 7 4721 4425. Email: info@remoteareadive.com or visit their website at http://www.remoteareadive.com.au
April 2013
Diving in Australia
Aussie Reef Dive’s initiative to Help Save WW2 Catalina A24-24 from Dredge Spoil
In 1943 Catalina A24-24 crashed off Bowen Queensland with the loss of 14. There were only 2 survivors who were found clinging to the wings which had broken off on impact.
The wings subsequently sunk and the remaining wreckage and 14 servicemen missing were never found.
In the 1960's trawlers recovered some aircraft parts in the crash site area which were identified as coming from a Catalina and from that time local fishing maps have recorded a variety of marks for the 'plane'.
Local dive operators Ann & Brian Mecklem of Aussie Reef Dive and Rebreather Training Whitsundays set out earlier that year to explore the site and determine just what lay on the bottom. Ann said 'There may have been previous dives on the site, however we could find no confirmed record of this. It is in an exposed area and being at 40 metres with strong tidal flows and minimal visibility it does not attract the average diver.'
Ann & Brian discovered a significant section of the Catalina fuselage and tail empennage laying inverted on a sandy bottom. This section had apparently torn off on impact in the same section as where the wings had parted. 'The cockpit section, engines etc are no doubt in the area and we expect further exploration of other smaller sonar bottom images will identify these' Ann said. 'We do not dive the site commercially and have preferred to respect the memory of those who remain down there: it can be an emotional dive when one sees the damage and reflects on those who were lost there and never recovered'
Until a few weeks ago they were content to allow the site to remain largely undisturbed as a grave and fitting memorial to those lost. They had assumed the crash site had been officially recorded. On the opening of the Bowen Catalina Memorial in 1992 an Australian Army Caribou brought Cat crews to Bowen for the Memorial weekend and a wreath laying flight was conducted over the area.
It therefore came as quite a surprise a few weeks ago when they discovered the disposal of 3million cubic metres of dredge spoil from the expansion of the local Abbot Point Coal Terminal was being proposed in an area only 1.9nm approximately away from the site.
Proponents have claimed that they had no knowledge of the crash site, but obviously community consultation would have revealed that the site is well known in the local community and a feature of a Catalina Memorial in Bowen.
Ann says 'Whilst the Catalina has now been officially notified to RAAF, GBRMPA, State and Federal Heritage areas and recorded on the National Historic Shipwreck Database, we still need significant and demonstrated community support if we are to preserve this memorial in its current state. The dredge spoil disposal site should be shifted to ensure there is no possibility of burying the wreck and related artifacts that lay on the sea floor. We encourage readers to lobby both their local federal MP and Tony Burke MP, Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Email: tony.burke.mp@environment.gov.au
Recently on ABC’S 7:30 Report the story of the WW2 Catalina A24-24 was featured. To view this report go to:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-25/could-wwii-plane-shoot-down-coal-port-expansion/4539470
Suitably qualified Tec CCR divers who would be available to volunteer to be a part of a team to search and document the crash site are welcome to contact Ann or Brian Email: info@rebreathertraining.com.au
March 2013
Diving in Australia
KEY TECHNICAL DIVERS MEET IN SYDNEY PRE OZTeK 13
Before attending the OZTeK’13 Dive Conference & Exhibition held from 16-17 March 2013 in Sydney, 
key technical instructors and trainers from around the world met to discuss their passion with the PADI Asia Pacific Technical Diving Team.
On Friday 15th March in Manly, Martin Robson, Rubens Monaco, Richard Nicholls, Henri Iannitti and Matt Hopkins talked Tec with staff of PADI’s Technical Diving Division - Thomas Knedlik, Junya Kato, Alex Boulton and Dan Macherel.
Martin Robson, Designated Instructor Trainer for PADI Rebreather and Tec CCR, runs launch programs on behalf of all of the PADI offices worldwide. Martin is impressed with the quality of the rebreather courses and the way in which they have been designed. Martin explains, “PADI came to the table with a completely blank sheet. This gave them the opportunity to construct course materials that are the best available for any rebreather course compared to their competitors”. As an Instructor Trainer, teaching tec diving has always been a passion for Martin. “One of the best things is to come back from a course and hear people say that the dive they just completed was the best they’ve ever done, or the deepest they’ve ever dived. All those things are big milestones in a diver’s career and to have the opportunity to take people to do that is quite a privilege”, Martin said.
Rubens Monaco, PADI TecRec/CCR/Rebreather Instructor Trainer from IDC Scuba in Victoria likes teaching PADI TecRec courses because he believes there are more and more divers looking for a different adventure. Says Rubens, “Tec diving provides the next level for recreational divers to continue to new and exciting forms of diving. Plus there’s a commitment in adding infrastructure to the store when running tec diving courses as well as ensuring a culture of tec is built within your facility.”
The challenge for his clients and the change involved in diving more diverse areas is what attracts Richard Nicholls, PADI Course Director/TecRec Instructor Trainer from Dive Centre Manly to tec diving. He also enjoys the educational path he can offer to experienced divers. Richard adds, “I’m interested in the development of new marketing materials and working with PADI’s Technical Diving Division in integrating these materials onto the web”.
Henry Iannitti, PADI TecRec/Trimix Instructor says the wrecks within 45-60m depths are attracting tec divers to the Australian East Coast. “There are lots of opportunities here for divers to gain tec experience and variation. For me, I’m enjoying the added discipline needed to plan and execute tec dives as opposed to conducting recreational diving courses.”
“PADI TecRec programs have the latest in materials and information from various experience levels within the industry”, says Matthew Hopkins PADI TecRec/Trimix Instructor from Scubamunkies in NSW. “I like teaching small groups with a personal approach that gives me, as an instructor, more time to pass on knowledge to various levels. My plans for teaching PADI TecRec programs in 2013 and beyond will be to introduce Closed Circuit Rebreather programs growing from an already successful Tec/ Trimix centre. I also plan to write distinctive specialties – I know I can count on the fantastic Technical Diving Division in PADI’s Sydney office that gives 24/7 support!”
The PADI TecRec program debuted in 2000. Although TecRec is not the first technical diving program, it repeatedly receives accolades for its merits.
- TecRec courses are integrated into an instructionally valid, seamless course flow that takes you from beginning tec diver to one qualified to the outer reaches of sport diving using different gas mixes.
- Each level introduces you to new gear, planning and procedures appropriate to extend your diving limits.
- The PADITec Diver course is an integrated sequence of three subcourses: Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50. You can complete them continuously, or you can complete each level separately with a time span between them. This gives you learning efficiency, instructional integrity and schedule flexibility.
For more information on PADI TecRec programs, visit padi.com or your nearest PADI TecRec Centre.
Look for the PADI TecRec Centre icon on PADI’s Dive Centre Locator at padi.com
March 2013
Diving in Australia
Jayne Jenkins VP, Australasian Operations - Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society ® has forwarded the following press release announcing..
The New Australasian 2013 Rolex Scholar for 2013
The 2013 Our World-Underwater Australasian Rolex Scholar was announced last week, with this year’s prestigious award going to Stefan Andrews.
“Competition is always tough; these candidates are the best of the best. It is a very difficult decision for the selection panel to make. Sadly we only have one scholarship to award, but for the winner, it will be the most amazing, experiential growth year of their lives,” explained Jayne Jenkins, Australasian Vice President, Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS).
Essentially the OWUSS mission is to identify and develop the next generation of dive leaders and underwater researchers. For more than 35 years, the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society® and Rolex have fostered the development of future leaders of the underwater environment. There are three Rolex Scholarships: North America, Europe, and Australasia. During their scholarship year, three deserving recipients have the opportunity to travel internationally and learn from the world's leading experts in conservation, underwater photography, maritime archaeology, marine engineering and other related fields.
Stefan, our 2013 Australasian OWUSS Rolex scholar will now meet the global OWUSS team in New York
in April and from there is plugged into one of the most prestigious global networks in the world; scientists, explorers, film makers, photographers, doctors.. You name it, someone will do it and they’ll be right at the very pinnacle of their career.
The mission for Stefan is to choose well and wisely those projects he would like to get involved with to help him advance his own career. It is one of the most rewarding short term and long term scholarships around.
“The OWUSS is a massive family with everyone looking to give back, to help deserving candidates find their true paths and excel. It can be very daunting at the beginning for new scholars but they are not cast out alone. We guide new scholars and help them become aware of the possibilities and make the right choices for them – each scholar is unique with unique requirements,” says Jenkins.
Stefan is 24 years old with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree majoring in Ecosystem Biogeochemistry, Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management, Marine and Coastal Planning and Management plus Data Management and Analysis in the Natural Sciences from the University of Western Australia, Perth.
His specific interest is in ecological activism. Stefan is also a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with over 2,000 dives to his credit.
The Selection Panel feel that Stefan has the strength of character and determination to excel in his role representing the Scholarship Society and, as with all our Scholars, past and present to continue with a career in or around our oceans and marine environment.
We feel he is a very worthy recipient who will be a shining ambassador as the Australasian Rolex scholar for the Scholarship Society, our Corporate Sponsor Rolex and not least of all, himself and his family.
“Take a look at what our previous scholars have achieved and you’ll be amazed and impressed – we are every year!”
For more information about the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society, visit their website, http://www.owuscholarship.org/
September, 2012
Diving in Australia
Cwilamanzi - New dive boat to serve Brisbane 
PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, Dive World recently launched their new custom dive vessel, Cwilamanzi (African meaning ‘dive water’).
Sporting brand new twin 250HP Suzuki Motors, Cwiliamanzi powers out from Rivergate Marina, Brisbane to Moreton Bay, Flinders Reef, Stradbroke Island and beyond every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, carrying up to 20 divers comfortably.
Dive World also launched their Project Aware Shark Conservation Specialty Course.
One of Brisbane's premier PADI Dive Centres, Dive World offers a full range of scuba diving training, diving adventures and the latest scuba equipment.
As a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, Dive World offers PADI dive courses from the ‘learn to dive’ PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course right through to PADI Instructor Courses.
Dive World’s close team of 22 diving professionals - most who have been with Dive World since they opened their doors in June 2010 - includes Instructors, Divemasters, Dive Pro Trainees and Office Staff.
The point of difference is their approach to customer service. Dive World knows that diving is the ‘life’ in your work/life balance and make it their priority to ensure you have the best time, whether you are learning to dive, going for a social dive or continuing your diving journey.
To top it off, Dive World won their category in the 2011 Workplace Health and Safety Diving Awards, meaning
your safety and comfort is assured!
Dive World also organises regular trips to Ex-HMAS Brisbane, Julian Rocks Byron Bay, South West Rocks, Coffs Harbour and overseas.
Visit the showroom in Annerley and you will find the largest range of Oceanic, Hollis, Cressi, Lavacore, OceanPro and Mares scuba diving equipment in Australia at prices that won't be beaten. Dive World's staff is trained to ensure you receive the scuba equipment that best suits your diving needs and your budget.
To Contact Dive World, visit 318 Ipswich Road, Annerley, QLD 4103.
Telephone: 07 3391 1009 Email: dive@diveworld.com.au or visit their website, www. diveworld.com.au
September, 2012
Diving Australia
SYDNEY DIVE ACADEMY – achieving new depths as a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre
It was a big day in January 2011, and a big deal for all of us at Sydney Dive Academy when 
we decided to leave our diver certification agency after 25 years and convert our Matraville dive centre to PADI..and we’ve never looked back.
We could see a change in the market, with the majority of recreational divers and professionals flowing into the PADI worldwide community and in late 2010 we began discussions with John O’Brien (Director, Customer Service & PADI Retail and Resort Associations) about the benefits of aligning ourselves with PADI.
The rewards of our new business buddy became instantly apparent; any challenges we faced in converting to a new set of standards were quickly identified and remedied by PADI’s exemplary support team. PADI’s core values of community, support and service echo throughout the worldwide organisation; from the marketing initiatives and leading-edge digital strategy to the outstanding assistance and support of allied retail and resort operations PADI’s commitment to their partners and Pros is second to none.
Since the PADI logo appeared above our shopfront in 2011 our certification levels have increased by 400% and customers enter our store daily, specifically enquiring about becoming PADI-certified divers. Our students wear their certifications with pride and enthusiastically declare their allegiance to Sydney Dive Academy, and PADI Worldwide. Organising and executing club dives and events is no longer a struggle; our club has grown exponentially and we enjoy dives every Friday, Saturday and Sunday as a team with Open Water to Instructors buddy-checking and descending side-by-side. Booking out weeks in advance our recent domestic and international diving holidays have seen us relish in the balmy waters of the Barrier Reef with Mike Ball, explore the inside of Vanuatu’s SS President Coolidge and delight in the playful antics of Wollongong’s baby fur seals.
Australia’s dive centres encompassed and nurtured by PADI welcomed us with open arms. Peter 
Letts from Abyss Scuba Diving spent a full day training us on the EVE dive centre software system and the boys at Frog Dive continue to support and encourage us, whatever the endeavour! We feel lucky to be a part of such a proactive and passionate community.
Thanks to PADI’s clever creative marketing department we have a beautifully designed new logo and as we are now in the process of becoming a 5 Star IDC Centre our signage and shop fit-out sports a stunning host of new stickers, signs and decals, courtesy of PADI.
Sydney Dive Academy’s Peter Cross and Jamie Illistom believe that the future of diving is changing with the introduction of next generation technology like the Hollis Prism 2 CCR Rebreather and are launching new training initiatives for Club members and students. PADI shares and bolsters our dedication to pioneering new frontiers in our industry.
In less than 18 months we have successfully converted our entire staff to PADI and proudly have instructors for each and every diving specialty, including a PADI IDC staff instructor. The crossover process was seamless thanks to PADI’s assistance and professionalism. The PADI team respected the experience and abilities of our instructors and treated us as esteemed colleagues.
John O’Brien (PADI Asia Pacific’s Director, Customer Service & PADI Retail and Resort Associations) added,
“The PADI Asia Pacific team congratulates Sydney Dive Academy on their successful transition to the PADI system over the last 18 months. The SDA team were open to the benefits of PADI and wholeheartedly welcomed the PADI staff and philosophies into their operation. We’re very pleased that that their move to PADI was as successful as we’d envisioned. It’s great to have them onboard as PADI Members and we’re looking forward to assisting SDA with their future business growth. Their focus on PADI Specialty and Technical Diving programs is fantastic, as PADI is seeing more interest in these higher level programs along with the need for PADI Instructors with the relevant teaching qualifications.”
Visit Peter, Jamie and the team at Sydney Dive Academy at 462 Bunnerong Road, Matraville NSW 2036. Telephone: 02-9311-0708 or Email px@sydneydive.com.au Visit their website at www.sydneydive.com.au
Tweet them at www.twitter.com/SydneyDivers
Like Sydney Dive Academy at www.facebook.com/SydneyDive
April, 2012
Diving in Australia
THE SALAMON AWARD FOR DIVE INSTRUCTOR EXCELLENCE
The annual award in memory of PADI Master Instructor Steve (Solie) Salamon this year went to PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Paul Sorensen from Kew. Paul who is employed by Academy of Scuba in Rye and Glen Iris, topped the list of nominations received.
Paul gained his PADI Open Water certificate in March 2004 and says he “was hooked.” By February 2005 he was a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Paul reports.. “Since learning to dive, I have travelled to South Africa, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tonga and New Zealand. I have dived most of the east coast of Australia including Tasmania. My favourite dive sites are the ‘Yongala’ wreck off Ayre/Townsville, Wolf Rock at Rainbow Beach, Pipelines at Nelson Bay and Fish Rock at South West Rocks. My favourite marine animals are sharks - I could watch shark behaviour for hours. One of the best moments and an everlasting 
memory for me was interacting with a whale shark at Stradbroke Island, Queensland in 2008.”
As a tribute to Steve Salamon, the annual Solie Award was established in 2010 to reward PADI Instructors who best align themselves with PADI values and those qualities that were demonstrated by Steve
PADI Asia Pacific Regional Manager, David Oliver was in Victoria on 21st February, 2012 to present the award during PADI’s annual Member Update - held at the Hemisphere Conference Centre and Hotel in Moorabbin. David was honoured to present Paul with The Solie Award for Dive Instructor Excellence in the company of 40 PADI Members who also attended the seminar.
To be eligible for The Solie Award, you must be a current PADI Instructor residing in Victoria, who has been teaching for a minimum of one year and be in good standing. Candidates may only be nominated by a Victorian PADI Dive Centre, PADI Charter Operator or a PADI Resort Operator.
For further details, contact David Oliver - PADI Asia Pacific Regional Manager -
0414 814 042 or via email: david.oliver@padi.com.au
PHOTO CAPTION:
David Oliver, left (PADI Regional Manager) presents The Solie Award for Dive Instructor Excellence to this year’s winner, Paul Sorensen.
March, 2012
Diving in Australia
Dive into the Heron Island Dive Festival 2012
Wednesday 25th July to Sunday 29th July, 2012.
Following on from the highly successful Dive Festival in 2011, Heron Island has announced details for the 2012 event which will take place from 25-29 July 2012.
Situated on the Great Barrier Reef less than 100kms off the coast of Queensland on Australia’s eastern seaboard, Heron Island is natural coral cay. It is considered to be.jpg?n=2409 "Heron Island")
one of Australia’s top dive destinations. Jacques Cousteau even listed the Heron Bommie as one of his top 10 favourite dive sites in the world.
Diving at Heron Island is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 15 to 35 metres, and snorkelers can enjoy the shallow reefs that come up to within two or three metres of the surface in places. The waters of the reef off Heron Island are home to around 60% of the 1,500 species of fish and around 72% of the coral species found in The Great Barrier Reef.
Combining a range of diving opportunities with workshops and lectures, the festival - being held for the second year in 2012 - is sure to appeal to avid divers from all over the world who recognise Heron Island’s status as a “must dive” location.
Divers will enjoy two dives a day, along with the option of night dives - ensuring they really get to know the myriad dive sites with their fantastic coral gardens and bommies, and extensive marine life on this southern part of The Great Barrier Reef.
Additionally there will be a series of inspirational lectures and workshops to provide guests with more information about their environment. A number of internationally renowned speakers have already committed to the program including:
John Lippman, CEO Divers Alert Network, Asia Pacific
Dave Harasti, renowned marine scientist and underwater photographer
Bob Halstead, celebrated underwater photographer
Gary Bell, award-winning nature and wildlife photographer
The workshops will include basic and advanced photography skills with Gary Bell teaching essential underwater camera skills. Dave Harasti will talk about weird and exotic sea creatures and where to find them and Bob Halstead will present a number of topics, including ‘Diving is Adventure: The difference between risk and danger and how to survive high risk dives.
For diving novices, Discover Scuba dive classes will take place every morning at the Heron Island swimming pool and in the harbour, essentially for people who are not yet PADI certified divers, but would like to try.
There will also be a series of afternoon wine tastings, cooking master classes plus a range of taster treatments at the Heron Island Aqua Soul Spa, designed to get you in the mood for a full treatment.
The Heron Island Dive Festival 2012 will close on Sunday 29 July with a gala dinner and presentations from the week’s events.
A natural island, Heron Island is renowned for its birdlife, clear waters and acres of brilliant coral with colourful marine life with more than 20 different dive sites to explore. The waters are teeming with reef fish, turtles, mantas, reef sharks and endless varieties of invertebrates.
For further information, visit the website at http://www.heronisland.com/Dive-Festival.aspx
For reservations contact 1300 233 432 or email travel@dncinc.com.
Heron Island is owned and operated by Delaware North Australia Parks & Resorts, owners of iconic Australian resorts including Wilson Island, El Questro Wilderness Park,
Lizard Island and Kings Canyon Resort.
February 2012
Learning to Dive in North Queensland .jpg "Image of Pi")
The following is a truly inspiring story by Mark Miller (PADI Master Instructor/Instructor Trainer) from Tech Dive Academy in North Queensland and his experience with a new dive student. The determind student achieved remarkable progress in only a few weeks, completing the PADI Open Water Diver certification right through to Tech 50 of the PADI TecRec Program.
"His exhilarating demeanour and unwavering smile tells a million tales and have helped me realise just why I originally chose diving as my career. Pi did not come to Port Douglas to chase certifications or cards; he came to gain knowledge and expereince in a sport he soon became passionate about."
Mark Miller, Tech Dive Academy - PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre - Port Douglas.
Click here to continue reading....
January 2012
Diving in Australia
Graduates of The Diploma of Resort Management – DIVE at William Angliss Institute
The exclusive William Angliss Institute in Melbourne held a ceremony recently for 2011 graduates of the nationally accredited Diploma of Resort Management – DIVE.
During this course students undergo intensive training in all aspects of resort operations and management and as a result, graduates are provided with diversity and greater career choice beyond more familiar job roles within the tourism industry. 
The Diploma of Resort Management - DIVE requires graduates to complete a range of PADI Courses beginning with the Open Water Course all the way through to the Instructor Development Course, with training provided by PADI Course Director, Damian Jones, owner of Aquatic Adventures in Rowville.
To assist the graduates as they embark on their new careers in the Resort and Dive Industries, Danny Dwyer (Director, Marketing & Business Development – PADI Asia Pacific) presented them with PADI gift packs.
Since it was established in Melbourne in 1940, William Angliss Institute has trained students for the hospitality, tourism and food industries.
It is the largest Government specialist institute in Australia.
This fantastic group of divers are bound to make a splash! Congratulations to 6 of the brand new William Angliss Institute Resort Management Programs-Dive Graduates: Jayde Lewis, Lahlan Gould, Sam Mastin, Rebecca Conlon, Mark Grenda and Cassandra Ferraro with Danny Dwyer from PADI (far left), Damian Jones from Aquatic Adventures (second from right) and Brian McGoldrick (far right), Director, Angliss National.
Narelle Rowlands and Senaka Weerasuriya also graduated in August 2011 achieving the Dimploma of Resort Management – DIVE, pictured here with PADI Course Director Damian Jones, owner of Aquatic Adventures, Rowville.
