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Alonissos: The complete diving destination (Part 2)

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On our final day of diving in Alonissos we were being treated to the area’s most famous site and a true bucket list dive.  The ancient shipwreck of Peristera is a large merchant ship from Classical times carrying a cargo of wine amphorae, which sank around 425BC. The wreck was discovered in 1985 and subsequently excavated by archaeologists during the 1990s and early 2000s.  The Athenian-built ship is one of the largest of classical antiquity and its discovery proved that merchant ships over 100 tons traveled the Mediterranean as early as the 5th century BC.  The wooden parts of the ship have not lasted the test of time, but many of the 4000 amphorae which made up the main cargo can be found on the seabed between 21 and 29 meters deep, tracing out the shape of the original vessel.  

As a hugely important historical site the wreck is very tightly protected and an impressive underwater camera system has been installed to ensure the preservation of this historical site.  The cameras have wipers to keep the lens domes algae free and have IR sensors for nighttime.  An AI “brain” allows for remote monitoring which can identify species and conduct biodiversity data collection, and spot any unauthorised dive activity.  The live camera video feeds are also available to the public to observe the wreck on the website https://nous.com.gr/naxly_project/peristeras-ancient-ship-wreck/ 

It is a true underwater museum, with informative signs and markers to label the different artefacts and route markers which help divers maintain the correct height and distance from the amphorae (a minimum of 2m away at all times).  Diving tours are scheduled in advance so that an underwater archeologist can meet everyone for a briefing prior to entering the water and divers are then observed with the underwater CCTV system throughout the dive to ensure all artefacts remain untouched.  

On our dive we met at 10 o’clock to fill out the special paperwork and take the boat over to Peristera Island, where we met the archeologist team based in Stena Vali.  They gave us our briefing and returned to shore to watch our dive on the screens in the headquarters.  Once we had the ok, we kitted up and jumped in, swimming directly to the mooring buoy.  Our guide Angel gave us the signal and we submerged maintaining a hand on the rope for the entire descent as instructed.  

On our dive we descended the mooring line in excellent visibility and the outline of the wreck soon appeared below us, followed by route marker A and the first of the monitoring cameras.  Our first impression was not only what a unique dive this was, but also how well preserved the amphorae were, with the shapes clearly defined and looking in great condition for items over 2500 years old!  The dive was a simple one, swimming clockwise around the wreck, observing the signs and artefacts, then repeating the circuit at a slightly shallower depths. To witness something so incredibly old, in pristine condition and with state of the art museum technology functioning perfectly in the sea was mind-blowing and it was an absolute privilege to visit.  Some of our family were even able to watch us during the dive via the camera feed website from their living room across the globe!

Due to the wreck’s protected status permission was not granted to take and share photos except for our personal use so we are unable to print them, but we hope our description is enough to inspire you to go and see it in person for yourself.  It was truly one of the most amazing dives we’ve ever done.  The excellent news is that with the success of this project, plans are underway to open up several more ancient shipwrecks located within the Sporades Marine Park to divers in the coming years, which gives us a perfect excuse to return very soon!

On return to the boat, we made the short trip to Agios Petros for our second dive.  This site was a fairly shallow dive around a rock formation close to shore.  A very pleasant fin brought us round to the best feature of this dive, a small pile of amphorae, presumably from one of the ancient wrecks prior to their protection.  Here we were able to look closer at the shapes and take some close up photos.  The rocks were home to moray eels and several shy octopus and well as shoals of damselfish and wrasse.  It was a lovely and relaxing dive to round out the trip.

In the afternoon we took a trip to the Alonissos Underwater Museum Peristera shipwreck information centre located in the Old Village.  The centre had a 3D model of the wreck, amphorae replicas, information displays and a Virtual Reality Dive of the shipwreck.  The VR system is quite incredible with a very detailed dry dive experience, perfect for those unable to do the real dive itself.  A trip to this fantastic centre was a wonderful addition to our trip and had the added bonus of giving us another excuse to wander the picturesque alleys of the Old Village and stop for an ice cream at a cafe overlooking the coastline.

Perhaps one of the best things about Alonissos as a holiday destination is that the island offers so much more than great diving.  We’ve always considered a full day of diving pretty perfect, but here we were delighted to take the afternoons off to go and explore!  We found stunning secluded beaches, mountain drives through the olive groves, picture postcard fishing villages, fabulous tavernas serving great local cuisine and one of the prettiest old towns you could hope to stroll through.  We felt we had found our own personal paradise. 

Mike and I had high hopes for Alonissos and it easily exceeded our expectations in every way. We throughly recommend visiting for yourselves and we will certainly be back again next year!

Thanks to:

Alonissos Triton Dive Center https://bestdivingingreece.com/

Albedo Travel https://alonissosholidays.com/activities/

Paradise Hotel https://paradise-hotel.gr/

Alonissos Municipality https://alonissos.gr/en/

CJ and Mike are dive instructors who have travelled all over the world pursuing their passion for the underwater world. CJ is a PADI MI and DSAT Trimix instructor with a degree in Conservation biology and ecology, who has been diving for 15 years. She loves looking for critters and pointing them out for Mike to photograph. Mike is a PADI MSDT who got back into diving in 2010. He enjoys practicing underwater photography and exploring new and exciting dive locales, occasionally with more than one tank. Follow more of their diving adventures at www.facebook.com/bimbleintheblue.

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NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!

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novoscuba

novoscubaThe diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.

NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.

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A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission

NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.

NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.

Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration

NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.

Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.

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NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.

Quality Training at a Great Price

NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.

Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity

At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.

Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success

NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.

Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload

Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.

Crossover Made Easy

For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.

Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership

NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:

  • Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
  • Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.

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Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement

NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.

Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth

At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.

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Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.

Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution

Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.

For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.

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Are you ready to become a Cave Diver?

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By Marissa Eckert

What are the requirements to start cave diving?  What do I need to do to be prepared for cave training?  These are all questions I get asked by so many potential students.  There are many options when coming up with an answer.  The first option, and the easiest, would be to go the training agency website and look up the requirements to take the class.  However, this leaves a lot open for interpretation and doesnt mean you will necessarily be ready.  Like anything, there always needs to be minimum requirements.  But is that enough?  Maybe for some people it is, but for most people its not.

So, what are the requirements?

TDI breaks cave training down into three different levels.  Those levels are cavern, intro to cave, and full cave.  To start cavern the requirements state that you must be 18 years old or 15 years old with parental consent, have an Open Water Certification, and a minimum of 25 logged dives.  This doesnt sound like much.  So, what do I tell my students when they ask me?  First, I find out if they are only interested in cavern or if they are interested in potentially progressing into cave diving. If they are interested in progressing into cave diving, I always strongly suggest they get comfortable with a dual configuration first.  This configuration can be side mount, back-mounted doubles, or even a rebreather.   The main things I tell everyone they need to have down are buoyancy, good trim position, the ability to hover in place motionless without moving their hands or feet, and good overall awareness.  This means awareness of oneself and what your body and equipment are doing, but also total awareness of what is going on around you.

cave diving

So, what does all this mean?

Many times Ive had students show up thinking they had all these things mastered only to quickly realize they have a long way to go.  Which by the way, is okay! After all, we all start somewhere and progress at different paces.  The most important thing is to be open to feedback.  But there are also ways to prepare yourself better.  First and foremost, when starting down this route it is critical to find a good instructor.  Take time to look up instructors, ask questions, interview them, look at their past students, look at what type of diving they are doing, and most importantly ask questions!  Find out what techniques they use during class.

I have found that video recording students when they are struggling with something gives them a great perspective to see what they are doing wrong and helps them visualize and correct it.  Does the instructor look good as a diver?  Whether you like social media or not, the internet can be a great place for research. When looking at a diver they should look in trim, almost like they are laying flat on a table.  In videos are they finning with their hands?  Are their feet constantly moving?  Are there things dangling below their body?  All equipment and hoses should be extremely clean and contoured to the body.

The most important question to always ask during training is WHY? There should always be a why behind everything we do.  And it should never just be because I said so.  Make sure the instructor knows why they are telling you to do something a particular way.  Everyone can always learn new ways of doing things, instructors included.

cave diving

How can you truly prepare yourself?

A good idea is to record video of yourself or have a friend record you while diving.  Send it to your instructor ahead of time, so they can give you feedback and let you know if there are things you need to work on.  There is no certain number of years to be diving, or a certain number of dives to have, that says yes you will be ready.  Every individual learns at a different pace.  If a class is only offered in a minimum number of days with a maximum number of students allowed, be aware that this means less time practicing each skill.  For this reason, you might be better suited doing one-on-one training or having a regular buddy take the class with you.  This ensures you are comfortable with each other and familiar with each others habits in and out of the water, and that you get along!

cave diving

The most important thing of all is to come to class with an open mind, a readiness to learn, and no concern with whether you will receive a card, but with a concern that you will learn to be a better, safer, more competent diver.  I always tell my students safety is the number one most important thing in cave diving, but fun is a close second!  Sometimes, it may not feel fun. Stop and ask yourself does this instructor have your best interests at heart?  I know I certainly do.  I want to go to sleep each night knowing that I gave my students as much knowledge as possible to make them safe and thoughtful cave divers.

With proper training, proper equipment, proper experience, and a proper attitude I think cave diving can be done very safely.  I often joke that the most dangerous thing about cave diving is driving to the dive site!

To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.

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