News
The Unassuming Guardians of Sharm el Sheikh
At the very heart of Sharm el Sheikh, there is an unsung hero.
Quietly hidden away just past the Old Market area (aka Souq, in Arabic) is a small building where many life-altering events happen and an extremely inspiring team reside – The Hyperbaric Chamber, Sharm el Sheikh.
Dr Adel Taher and Dr Ahmed Sakr – both keen scuba divers themselves – are the resident doctors at Sharm el Sheikh’s hyperbaric chamber which opened and was fully operational over 25 years ago on the morning of 10th March 1993.
Many people are not even aware of the Chamber’s existence unless they need to make use of the facilities.
We all know that diving is a relatively safe activity as long as we play by the rules and we all hope we will never need to pay a visit to this location. However, on the off chance that something does happen whilst diving, it is reassuring to know that you will be in one of the best places in the world to be treated.
This is proved by the vast experience provided by the sheer number of cases that have been successfully treated, with over 1,700 people of different nationalities walking out of the doors after they entered with potentially life threatening injuries. In addition to the local incidents that have occurred, the Doctors also coordinate and assist with remote area medical evacuation in the Red Sea and provide medical consultation and referral to patients all over the globe.
It is not that diving in Sharm el Sheikh is particularly dangerous for scuba diving: it is all a numbers’ game. When you take the number of divers that have visited and continue to visit Sharm el Sheikh, it is inevitable to expect that some of them are bound to need the Chamber’s service.
In addition to standard activities, Dr Ahmed and Dr Adel have implemented several pioneering treatments, which have been developed by the fantastic Team at Sharm’s hyperbaric facility.
“The chamber” as its friends fondly know it, also takes the time to educate those that want to learn. It offers internships for young doctors from all over the world, in addition to training keen members of Sharm’s dive industry and turning them into chamber tenders and operators.
At Camel Dive Club, we are proud to say that many instructors past and present have taken these courses, which they found to be informative, fun and a life changing experience. Many have subsequently volunteered at the chamber to gain more knowledge in the hyperbaric field.
Now, diving hyperbaric treatments do not come cheap with the minimum cost being Euro 750 per hour (due to the high costs of transporting the required gases in Egypt and routinely replacing the chamber components before they deteriorate) and with an average treatment taking 8 hours 45 minutes, you had better have some good dive insurance. This being said, the chamber has never refused anyone treatment due to lack of insurance or funds; this is very humbling.
They rely strongly on donations to survive, especially after the quieter years that have been experienced recently. A good way to help is at the end of your diving holiday at Camel Dive Club, you will be asked if you would like to make a one Euro per diving day donation to the chamber; please say yes and make it more if you are able.
The chamber is also a place that Camel Dive Club recommends you visit if you have a “yes” on your diving medical form. With the charge being only Euro 35.00 for a fit to dive medical and the doctors being more knowledgeable than your average non-diving GP, it will give you peace of mind to continue your diving adventures safely.
Being on call 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, the doctors are always friendly, professional and courteous; with kind advice for residents and holidaymakers alike.
Please join me in thanking and congratulating “The Chamber” on its 25th Anniversary and for its many years of service to all, divers and non-divers alike. We wish you many more.
In honour of this amazing milestone, there will be a 4-day celebration planned for November 2018. These days will include: lectures on technical and recreational diving by world renowned experts aimed at diving professionals, an open house during which you can receive a guided tour of the hyperbaric chamber, a Divers Alert Network (DAN) day (which will aim to provide information about the latest research in diving medicine) and of course some diving!
If you wish to make a donation or you are interested in their anniversary events in November, please email sharmchamber@gmail.com for more information.
Interested in diving in Sharm el Sheikh? Take a look at www.cameldive.com and book your trip!
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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