UNDERWATER MARRIAGE PROPOSAL IN SYDNEY

On Sunday 10th March, a scuba diving couple became engaged underwater in Sydney. The lady was so surprised when the man popped the question. She had to hold her regulator in to stop it from coming out as she caught her breath. The moment can be seen on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOFNQqEIzZ8 . To see photos of the happy couple, visit http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152198813230476 .

NAUTILUS LIFELINE

“The Nautilus Lifeline incorporates both a GPS and a personal DSC (Digital Selective Calling) enabled VHF marine radio into a compact polycarbonate housing waterproof to 130m. Designed to be conveniently carried on every dive, in the event a diver surfaces some distance away from the boat, by simply opening the top of the unit and depressing the green button the diver can contact the dive boat on a pre-selected “chat” channel. The diver can then relay his or her exact location by reading out the GPS coordinates on the large LCD screen positioned on the side of the unit. In the event the diver cannot contact the dive boat they can then choose the orange button which allows transmission on VHF Channel 16 (International marine distress frequency). This will allow the diver to speak with any VHF equipped vessel or shore station within range. In an emergency situation, the diver can also send an automated distress signal by pushing and holding the red button for three seconds. In this situation all modern VHF marine radios within range will receive an automated distress signal alarm and your exact coordinates will be visible on the readout of their marine VHF radio. In automated distress mode the range is double the range of normal voice communication. The inventor of the Nautilus Lifeline, Mike Lever, a live aboard charter operator of more than 20 years, was focused on a solution for the very real problem of lost divers, however, end users started to realise that the opportunity was much larger than just diving. The Nautilus Lifeline is now being used by a wide variety of water sports enthusiasts including stand up paddlers, sea kayakers, kite boarders, jet-ski riders, rock fishermen, etc... Literally anywhere on or near the water is a potential market. Years ago no one had even thought of a pressure gauge, a BCD, an octopus - let alone a dive computer or a safety sausage. One by one, all of these items have become mandatory pieces of equipment. The Nautilus Lifeline in our opinion is as important as any of these devices.”

PICCANINNIE PONDS DECLARED A RAMSAR SITE

Steve at Piccaninnie Ponds (Taken by Peter Gower)

On 25^th January, the Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, announced that Piccaninnie Ponds in the south-east of South Australia had been added to the Ramsar list of wetlands of international significance.

FEBRUARY’S WEATHER (IN ADELAIDE)

According to last year’s Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac, Adelaide’s weather for February is hot & dry with some days higher than 35° C. Winds exceed 12km/h at 9am on half of the days and in the afternoon they “are predominantly from the SW as a local sea breeze develops”. There doesn’t appear to be a Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac for 2013, but Greg James has published a Fishing Guide & Almanac for 2013. Visit www.gregjamesfishing.com.au for details.

Underwater Treasures

The ABC’s Brett Williamson recently published a series of online video reports called “Underwater Treasures”. The series was done in conjunction with Department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources maritime heritage officer Amer Khan. It covered a range of SA dive sites, including Edithburgh, Rapid Bay, Second Valley and the Dredge, the Barge, Hobart, Claris and Clan Ranald wrecks. These can be viewed at:

http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2013/01/14/3669001.htm?site=adelaide

http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2013/01/02/3663129.htm?site=adelaide

http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2013/01/03/3663888.htm?site=adelaide

http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2013/01/07/3665164.htm?site=adelaide

http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2013/01/08/3665949.htm?site=adelaide

http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2013/01/11/3667942.htm?site=adelaide

http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2013/01/15/3670064.htm?&section=news&source=igoogle

Diving Medicine Online

Visit http://scuba-doc.com/ for diving medicine online.

Divers' Forum 13th February at RAH, Adelaide

A Recreational Diver’s Seminar (Divers' Forum) is being held on 13th February 2013 by the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit of the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The seminar is being held in the Robson LectureTheatre (level 2 of the Eleanor Harrold Building).

Wednesday 13th February

6.30pm – 9.00pm

Robson Lecture Theatre

Level 2, Eleanor Harrold Building

(Enter from rear of building)

Presented by

The Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital

$25 per ticket (Bookings are Essential)

Speakers:

Dr Charles Huveneers

Senior Scientist, Shark Ecologist within the Marine Environment and Ecology Program at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI Aquatic Sciences) and Lecturer at Flinders University

Does the Shark Shield work? Behavioural responses of the white shark in two contrasting situations

Dr Richard Harris

RAH Hyperbaric visiting Medical Officer, a passionate Cave Diver, Underwater Photographer / videographer, Member of the Explorer’s Club of New York.

What is the connection between Arkaroola, Antarctica, the Manhattan Project, exploration Diving in South Australia and the RAH Hyperbaric Unit?

Light supper provided

Short tours of the unit can be arranged on the night

For more information

Hyperbaric Medicine Unit

Telephone: 8222 5116 or 8222 5121