News
Diving Mauritius and the Mauritian Scuba Diving Association
Mauritius is safe, well disciplined and Coronavirus free. Our lockdown ended on Friday 15 May, and as soon as our border re-opens we welcome you to dive with us on the World’s most Romantic Island.
When I first started diving in Mauritius I checked its safety records and I could not find any reports of diving accidents. This is very unusual as it’s clearly a diving island, with some very deep spectacular tec diving reefs, plenty of strong currents and dramatic deep drop-offs. But no diving accidents?
It took a while to understand because communication is not their strong suit, but its because of the MSDA. The MDSA was started in 1989 to ensure that diving in Mauritius would be professional, safe and standardized under a professional body.
With a dated website and volunteer officials all of whom are busy scuba divers and diving business owners, the MSDA has done the incredible.
Originally established to ensure that diving centres would follow proper scuba diving protocols, MSDA is an Association, and all its officials are volunteers from the diving industry. There is a small office staff that executes the MSDA recommendations. The MSDA also sells insurance indemnity forms that protect both the client and the diving centre. MSDA is affiliated to both CMAS and French Federation, both of which are similar diver training associations.
PADI is of course a commercial diver training and marketing organization so is not affiliated to the MSDA, but most Mauritius diving centres also belong to PADI. In fact there are more PADI diving centres in Mauritius than in South Africa.
French Federation regulations are very strict, and Mauritians are always obedient to licensing and regulations so diving in Mauritius is simply safer. French Federation allows only four divers per dive leader or instructor. Diving centres are checked for hygiene, oxygen, safety, life saving devices and staff training in first aid.
Mauritius is therefore exceptional in its management of diving centres. These can vary from the expensive Resort diving centres to the one man one skipper small boat operators, to the big commercial high- profile diving centres near or on the Public Beaches. They are all licensed by the Tourism Authority, and all are checked by MSDA.
Strangely, Mauritius has not really been promoted as a diving destination. In 2016 it was not even on the PADI website, and a search for diving in Mauritius led to Majorca.
Mauritius offers superb wreck diving from 16 metres to 40 metres, where nobody died in the sinking of the wrecks and many of them are confiscated fishing trawlers. Divers get a lot of satisfaction out of this knowledge.
There is a large and energetic turtle population, where the endangered Hawksbill species may be breeding on one of the outer Islands so we are all looking forward to exploring these remote islands.
Specific species are plentiful, with 11 different Moray eel species to be found on a single reef. Drift diving is possible with strong currents and huge schools of eagle rays.
Fabulous shark diving in washing machine conditions under the Northern Islands, where four different species of shark are regularly seen, and sharks occur naturally.
Macro life that is in some instances un-described, rare and seen only in this Indian Ocean Island on the tip of the Mascarene plateau. Corals are re-growing, and there are many different species of coral, both hard and soft.
The water temperature is below 29 degrees, so there is no threat from global warming in Mauritius, and our corals recover rapidly if there is over-fishing. The upwelling from the Southern Ocean in our June to September winter bring upwellings of plankton, and since the Indian Ocean is also the breeding ground for whales it is a whale sanctuary under the IWF regulations. The 2.3 million square kilometre portion of the Indian Ocean that forms the Oceanographic State of Mauritius’s waters are protected by the EU.
In place is the Europeche contract in exchange for fishing right in its waters. We don’t have the resources or the manpower to protect our marine resources, but Mauritius has solid contracts and good friends who do. It’s a great place to dive – come and see for yourself!
- Words: Jill Holloway
- Copyright Ocean Spirit: www.osdiving.com
- Pics by Dr Thomas Vignaud: www.thomasvignaud.com/underwater-photography/
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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