What’s a Scuba Doo?

Here’s one that’s straight from the pages of a science fiction novel: A moped-type scuba machine called the Scuba Doo:

The Scuba Doo allows would-be divers to sit back, relax and enjoy the underwater landscapes without having to get any certifications. The diver’s head is enclosed in a glass dome (allowing for maximum view) and the air is being replenished by the on-board tanks. It cruises at speeds of up to 2.5 knots and can go down to a max depth of 4 meters (about 13 feet).

Because of its limitations, the Scuba Doo would probably not have any appeal to experienced licensed scuba divers. This device is probably geared towards younger people, people with disabilities or those who may not be ready to take a full certification course, but would want to experience going underwater. The hefty, almost 20 grand price will probably make this only affordable to the independently wealthy, but some reorts all around the world are offering rentals, with average rates around $130 per 15 minutes.

A Lost World: Diver Returns to Childhood Home Underwater

Before it was Lake Jocassee, Debbie Fletcher remembered it as Jocassee Valley, an idyllic place where she used to spend her summers as a child at her uncle’s lodge. Sadly, because of development, the valley was flooded  and the beloved lodge was believed to have been lost forever.

When a group of divers found the lodge (in over 300 feet deep of water), Debbie was inspired to get her own PADI diving certification to be able to visit her long-lost childhood home. CNN follows her journey:

Video of the Week: Manta Rays in Komodo National Park

The video for the week was taken at the Komoda National Park in Indonesia. This national park is popular among divers because of the rich biodiversity in the locale, particularly the large manta rays that can be found there. This video shows some of the more beautiful examples of the great creature.

Are You an Eco-friendly Diver?

As divers, we all love the ocean and all of us would want to preserve the natural beauty of marine life, as well as encourage it to flourish. But for this to happen, each one of us has to be reponsible for his or her own actions and must always take care when we dive.

Do you think you’re an eco-friendly diver? Try answering some of these questions:

• Pick up any trash you see or avoid throwing any rubbish?
• Are you careful of how you use your fins, avoiding any contact with coral or stirring up too much sand (which can smother coral)
• Do you remind the boat crews to toss the anchor only in sandy areas or tie up to buoys as much as possible?
• Do you avoid touching any marine life? Breaking off coral and grabbing onto turles, dolphins, etc. are definite no-nos!
• Do you refrain from taking souvenirs, such as shells?
• Do you ensure all your equipment is streamlined and do not hit any corals?
• Finally (and most importantly) - If you see any fellow divers doing anything harmful, do you tell them to stop and/or try to educate them?

If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, then congratulations! You’re a conscientious and caring diver!

Kids Sea Camp: Don’t Leave the Kids Behind

It used to be that for parents, taking the kids with you on your dive vacation meant that your time would be split between diving and spending time with them, splitting “babysitting” duties and kids who complain that they are bored and have nothing to do. These days, however, many resorts are labeled “Family Friendly” and provide facilities just for children.

Kids Sea Camp (which partners with various 5-star PADI resorts around the world) offers lots of fun activities for kids and adults too! The week-long camps offer Junior Open Water courses, Bubblemaker and a host of other activities like swimming with dolphins, turtles, kissing sea lions, kayaking, and horseback riding. The best part? Since you’ll be with other parents and kids, you won’t have to endure the dirty looks from single people!

If you want to check out their schedule or find out more just visit their website at http://www.kidsseacamp.com/.

Go Back in Time at the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum

If you find yourself in the Florida Keys and looking for something to do (aside from diving, of course), then you should take a trip to the  Florida Keys History of Diving Museum.

The museum’s interesting displays, as well as interactive exhibits will delight any diving enthusiast. Over 4,000 years worth of diving-related history are on display, as well as early forms of diving gear and even a replica of Captain Nemo’s helmet from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Every now and then, the museum holds special events such as lectures from experts or book signings by well-known authors, seminars (every 3rd Wednesday of the month) and even film showings.

The museum is located at Mile Marker 88 bayside, 82990 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. For further information, you can visit the museum’s website here.

SoCal Divers: Participate In This Year’s Chamber Day and Eve 2009

The largest scuba charity event in the United States, Chamber Day, is once again being held this year on May 6th to benefit the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. The celebration kicks off with a full day of diving, and a tour of the actual chamber.  The activities will lead up to the Chamber Eve dinner fundraiser, to be held at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber has been serving divers in the are for 35 years on a round-the-clock basis. Though it receives some funding from the local government, it is mostly dependent on donations, with Chamber Day activities raising almost 50% of the annual budget.

Attending the event will cost $120 for 2 dives and includes food, tank refills, a t-shirt, 5 raffle tickets and a tour of the facilities. Chamber Eve tickets cost $90 and includeds dinner, 5 raffle tickets and a tour of the aquarium. Various other fund-raising activities are planned, and 100% of the proceeds will go to maintaining and running the chamber. For more information, visit the Chamber Day Website.

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