News
Dive Systems Malta celebrates 40 years of diving excellence
One of Malta’s largest and best known dive centres, Dive Systems, located on the water’s edge at Exiles in Sliema, has recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.
During the event to mark the anniversary, Mr Paul Sciberras, founder and president of the company, spoke about its origins and how it had evolved over the years. Mr Sciberras spoke about the major milestones in the company’s history and also the evolution of the diving industry:
“I still recall the first time I tried to apply for a Police Licence to operate as a Dive School. After a one-and-a-half-year wait, I was presented with a licence which required us to report each day how many divers we took diving and how many returned, that each diver had to be tied up with a 1 inch manilla rope, and we had to have a boat in attendance on each and every dive. Obviously, we refused to work with these conditions.”
Mr Sciberras said that from then they had started working with the Health department to draft proper regulation for the Diving Industry.
“Today Malta has a very robust regulatory framework for the Diving Industry and the Professional Diving Schools Association – PDSA works very well with the authorities and the diving industry continuously to move forward,” he continued.
Also addressing the audience, which was made up of clients, collaborators, staff members and suppliers, was Simon Sciberras, the current Managing Director of the Company. Mr Sciberras spoke about the quality leap that the company had embarked upon in the last 10 years, as well as explaining that the company was now focusing its energy on making Dive Systems a greener company.
“We are the only dive centre on the island who completely separates its compressor oil waste at source. This year we have completely eliminated plastic bottles from our centre and we are supplying our clients with re-usable aluminum bottles and free water. We have also dedicated recycling stations at the centre. Whilst we always were involved in underwater cleanups this year we are also the main sponsor of Malta’s largest NGO against waste Zibel and we are making it a point to collect debris whenever we go diving and teaching our clients. We believe that even in this sector we can lead by example in the hope that others in our sector, and in similar sectors, will join us in making Malta and especially our waters better than they already are. Through the PDSA we are working with the Ministry for the Environment and the MTA to designate areas as Marine Reserves. We believe that this is the only sustainable way forward for our industry. We note with satisfaction various initiatives being taken in this regard, however we must point out that the weak link remains enforcement, or the lack of it.”
In his concluding remarks Simon Sciberras said that he hoped that the company would continue to grow and evolve and thanked all those involved in making Dive Systems what is is today.
“To another 40 years of Diving Excellence…” concluded Mr Sciberras.
Find out more at www.divesystemsmalta.com.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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