UKDivers.net
The Latest UK Diving News
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- Russian Diver Dies After Diving to 300 Feet
According to an accident analysis by Jean Loup Hamacher (TDI Extended Range Instructor and PADI MSDT) who was at the scene of the accident, Alexander Nikitan was conscious and asking for help when he surfaced from his dive. Having difficulty breathing, Nikitan explained that, while at 330 feet, he had lost his weight belt. Rescuers administered emergency care, but Nikitan died soon thereafter. An inspection of Nikitan's computer revealed that he had performed a normal ascent until 240-210 feet -- but surfaced from that depth in only a few seconds. He had missed his decompression stops and had not used his nitrox28 and nitrox70 on ascent.
Based on a post-accident gear analysis, Hamacher assumed the cause of the accident was probably poor gas management. With no reserve left, Nikitan likely removed his weight in an attempt to save his life when he ran out of gas at depth of 240 feet, resulting in hypoxia and massive gas embolism. For the full analysis, check out Tetis, a Russian forum, which has posted the report in English.
- Diver died because her suit was too big
A petite student nurse drowned in a diving accident because the dry suit she was wearing was too large for her. Carrina Beer was 5ft 4in and weighed 8st, but she used a man's suit as she found it more comfortable...
- Police may scrap dive team
The PSNI is considering scrapping its underwater search unit following a review of capabilities. - More protection urged for sea life
Conservationists urge the government to protect "biodiversity hotspots", including a South West reef. - Navy divers hoping to search wreck of Pere Charles today
Navy divers are hoping to reach the wreck of the Pere Charles off the coast of Co Wexford today. - Search for Red Sea divers ends
Rescuers fear the worst for four divers lost off southern Egypt, as official searches have been brought to an end after nearly four days... - Tips for Diving Safely in Surging Water
Strong ocean waves become a problem when you're scuba diving near rocks and shallow wrecks or when you're approaching an anchored boat. Here's some scuba diving advice on how to... - Digital Diver Tutorial: "Getting Rid of That Ugly Cyan Cast"
I've tried working in Photoshop Elements in order to salvage some overly blue underwater images, and I'm guessing most people have spent time using some kind of photo editing software to resurrect their photos, as well. I was pleased with the results, but I can't say that my jaw hit the floor with the outstanding final product I created. If you've been unhappy with your photo-doctoring, perhaps Sabine Noack's tutorial will help.
Posted on Digital Diver, Noack's How-To -- called "Getting rid of that ugly cyan cast" -- is comprehensive, clearly laid out, and features lots of sample photos, so don't let the PDF's 30 pages frighten you away. The sad part is that her solution isn't a one-button fix. The good news is that the results she achieves are fairly impressive.
Of course, the real solution is get in the water and practice, practice, practice. That way, you'll soon be spending more time diving and shooting rather than diving and futzing around in Photoshop. Good luck. - Search Called off for Four Missing Red Sea Divers
As you know, this weekend several divers went missing during a dive in the Red Sea. Apparently, five divers -- three Russians, a Dutchman, and an Egyptian guide -- were exploring a reef off Marsa Alam when the instructor warned them of sharks and instructed the group to surface. Several hours later, one of the Russian divers stumbled onto shore and told authorities about the accident. The other four never appeared.A helicopter and 15 boats have been searching the area for four days, but today, officials called off the search. According to Alaa El Din Abdelgeleel of the Red Sea Association for Diving and Marine Sport, "I am sorry to say there is no chance to find them alive. We are limiting the search to the coastal areas, looking for their bodies."
Egyptian authorities are not planning to charge the owner and employees of the dive center that organized the excursion. An inspection concluded that the dive center had all necessary licenses, and that its equipment was in good condition. Rather, the prosecutor concluded, "Bad weather conditions, large waves, and the fact that the current swept the tourists away from the vessel were the main causes of the accident."
- Open Call for Entries for Scuba Diving Magazine's Upcoming "Wrecktacular" Issue
Over in Wetpixel's forums, a photo assistant for Scuba Diving Magazine posted an open call for entries for the magazine's upcoming "Wrecktacular" issue. Spotlighting wrecks from all over the world, the forum-post claims that, "If you have compelling wreck photos and are interested in submitting them for possible publication, please contact us." The editors will accept submissions via disc or e-mailed hyperlinks -- just be certain the images are clearly identified by destination and wreck name. Unfortunately, all submissions need to be recieved by Tuesday, January 16th. But don't worry: you've still got the weekend! - BSAC Revises Safe Diving Guidelines
The British Sub-Aqua Club has revised its guidelines for safe diving to incorporate advice on mix gas and rebreather use, and the resuscitation changes - Adobe Photoshop for Underwater Photographers
A new handbook for underwater photographers explains how to use the digital darkroom to edit, fine-tune, retouch, and enhance underwater images with the help of Adobe Photoshop, outlining the essential hardware, monitor calibrations, and room lighting for a digital darkroom; analyzing the leading editing tools and correction techniques. - Porpoises Starving in Europe Due to Ocean Warming
Europe's smallest whale species is at risk from rising sea temperatures, according to a study of starved harbor porpoises washed up on Scottish shores. - Dolphins and whales seen in the Forth
NEARLY 100 sightings of whales and dolphins in the Firth of Forth were recorded over a two-month period. - 'Lessons to be learnt from diver's death'
A coroner has voiced hopes that safety lessons can be learnt after a student nurse drowned in a diving accident.Carrina Beer, 22, died on an excursion to Brixham last March, when she was diving in waters which were between 7C and 9C (44F and ...
