Scuba Diving Magazine - The Heart of Fiji

Welcome to Bligh Water and the Koro Sea, where fast currents, colorful soft corals and abundant sharks add up to serious diving fun.

Whenever people ask, "Where's your favorite place to dive?" my answer is always the same: "Fiji--because no matter how great I tell you it is, it will exceed your expectations."

There has never been a better time to dive this Pacific archipelago of some 300 islands scattered over one million square miles of ocean. There are plenty of options for getting here, staying here and diving here, but the islands are still blessedly free of the crush of cruise ships, wall to wall dive shops, jaded locals and overdevelopment. Add to the mix Fiji's fascinating culture, exceptionally friendly people and lush, mountainous topside landscape, then throw in for good measure the nearly 400 coral species and over 1,200 varieties of fish, and this island nation is quite possibly the perfect destination for divers.

Scuba Diving Magazine - The Heart of Fiji

PADI Instructor Development Course in Fiji, 21st – 29th November 2008

A quick reminder that deposits are due for the PADI Instructor Development Course by the 15th October 2008.
Please find the details of the courses on offer below:

Instructor Preparation Course (IPC) (optional)
15th-19th November F$650

Whilst the IPC is optional it is highly recommended as a means of ensuring you are well prepared for the IDC. We cover the examination topics (Physics, Physiology, RDPs, Skills & Environment and Dive Equipment) (Please note that these topics are NOT covered during the IDC. If you do not complete the IPC you MUST come to the IDC with a thorough understanding of these subjects). We also cover Skill Demonstrations, Systems Standards and Procedures, Teaching in the Classroom and Confined Water and the Rescue Demonstration required during the IE. If you are in any doubt about your preparation for the IDC please take this course. It really does make a difference)

Instructor Development Course (IDC)
21st – 29th November F$1850

The IDC covers not only information essential for you to pass the Instructor Examinations, but also vital information to enable you to become a successful professional within the dive industry.

Instructor Examination (IE)
1st-2nd November AUD$675

The IE is the final step in becoming a PADI Instructor. It consists of two days of evaluation on topics covered during the IPC and IDC. PADI also require candidates to pay boat fees for the Open Water sections of the IE in addition to the IE fee.

Please note that the above fees include tuition tanks and weights ONLY. All other required equipment and materials MUST be provided by the candidates. (Required materials and equipment list will be sent to interested candidates)

We require a F$300 deposit to ensure your place on the course(s) (This is NON REFUDABLE unless the course is cancelled by Viti Water Sports or the candidate produces a medical report signed by a physician stating they are unable to attend the course) All materials can be ordered through Viti Water Sports at very competitive prices.

As proper preparation is ESSENTIAL for the program and a considerable amount of SELF STUDY is REQUIRED prior to the start date it is highly recommended that you acquire the required materials and start your preparation ASAP.

PADI Assistant Instructors and Instructors from other organizations can become eligible to attend the IE by completing an OWSI course. 26th-30th November F$1250

We will also be conducting an IDC Staff Instructor Course. 20th-30th November F$850

A full range of PADI Courses will be available following the IE (e.g. EFR Instructor, Specialty Instructor etc.)

Any questions can be forwarded to me at this email address or by phone (679) 9233865

Best Regards,
Andrew Redfern
PADI Course Director
Viti Water Sports
andrew_redfern01@yahoo.com.au
(679) 9233865

Welcome Carl and Muriel!

Paradise and Pro Dive Taveuni have been joined by 2 new faces - Carl and Muriel Fox.

Carl and Muriel have been living on Taveuni and running a dive operation on the island for several years. They have recently joined forces with Paradise - bringing with them a wealth of experience and passion for Taveuni's reefs.

Carl's specialty is the Rainbow Reef dive sites while Muriel directs operations with the boys at the Dive Shop.

We welcome them both to Paradise and look forward to many enjoyable dives with them.

http://fijidiving.blogspot.com/

Post dive locked-up toilet after the night before!

After one of our heavy dive weekends involving plenty of roti and fried cassava, one of the most common household plumbing problems we end up[ with in the dive house is the blocked-up toilet.

To fix your plumbing problem you need to find a plumber who can fix your emergency in a jiffy. Finding plumbers that genuinely concerned about the quality of their work and about pleasing their customer is a big challenge. When hiring a plumber for a big project, find someone who will do a high quality job at a good price and also be available for emergencies.

If you live in Dallas Texas like my friend Alison and suddenly need a Dallas plumbing service, you can find it by online on the internet, check out the internet simply by typing Dallas plumber into your favorite search engine.

You will come up with a list of local plumbers, or you can visit www.bestdallasplumber.com

New Innovations in Dive Gear - Undercurrent, March 2008

from the March, 2008 issue of Undercurrent

Wireless data, text messaging and iTunes are now being found underwater. Manufacturers are putting these latest high-tech innovations into dive gear.

Initially designed for U.S. Special Forces, the Datamask from Oceanic Worldwide is touted as the first “heads up” display mask for recreational divers. It gives an instant visual display of dive information, sent from a wireless transmitter attached to the diver’s tank. Inside the mask is a miniature LCD panel that shows the diver’s depth, tank pressure, and dive time elapsed and remaining. So it doesn’t distract from the underwater views, the display has an adjustable backlight that can be set on the surface or underwater. But this advanced product also comes with an advanced price tag – expect to pay $1,500 for the Datamask. (www.oceanicworldwide.com)

To replace underwater hand signals and the dive slate is the UDI, the first underwater text-messaging device. Divers can strap it onto their arms and use it to send SOS alerts up to 3,000 feet away, and text other divers and boats from 1,600 feet away. Up to 56 divers at a time can use it at once (the UDI has four channels accommodating 14 divers on each one). Manufactured by Israel’s Underwater Technology Center, the UDI is scheduled to be for sale this spring. (www.utc-digital.com)

For divers not content with underwater sounds while diving, there’s now the Waterproof Scuba MP3 Player by Frontgate for listening to favorite tunes among the fish. A waterproof case encloses an iRiver player that goes down to 200 feet, and waterproof headset speakers have a built-in amplifier and a clip that attaches to a dive mask. At $99, it’s cheaper than a Mini iPod but unfortunately it has less memory – 128 megabytes is only good enough for 30 songs maximum. (www.frontgate.com)

New Innovations in Dive Gear - Undercurrent, March 2008

Fiji Dive Resorts by Adventure Brat

Fiji Dive Resorts

Staying at a great Fiji dive resort is an extrodoary experience and you are not short of places to go. Drift diving is very popular for Fiji dive trips.

Expect enormous amounts of water flow in and out of the channels as the tide rises and falls. Drift diving in Fiji is the way to go if you are a seasoned scuba diver, you can enjoy the sights and let the current do all the work during your Fiji dive vacation.

If you don’t think you have what it takes to tackle the currents fear not. Several Fiji dive resorts are there to help. There are just as many places for beginners when you scuba dive Fiji as there are for seasoned veterans. (continued below)

Fiji Dive Resorts by Adventure Brat

Fiji Trip Report Sept 2008 - ScubaBoard

Fiji Trip Report Sept 2008 - ScubaBoard

Bula Fiji - From one Paradise to Another …
After we bid farewell to the folks in Tonga, eight of us continued on our journey and traveled northwest to Fiji for our much-anticipated “The Big Fish - Shark Dives” at the famed Beqa Lagoon. Fiji has a fascinating history that encompasses centuries of tribal warfare, colonial influences, religious meddling and cannibalism. The country occupies an archipelago of about 322 islands, of which 106 are permanently inhabited, and 522 islets.

.....

Dreams do come true, sometimes twice better …
While my primary aim for this trip was to swim with humpback whales in Tonga but I’m glad that I did the Fiji extension. Fiji is one magical, friendly, musical, and stunningly beautiful place. I left the country with great sadness but with superb memories of great diving and friendships of my new Fijian friends.

Photo link: Jovin's Cool Photos!! :: Fiji - Beqa Shark Dives Sept 2008

Read full report here: Fiji Trip Report Sept 2008 - ScubaBoard

A Perfect Dive Vacation: Fiji, the South Pacific

Top 10 Reef Dives

By Michelle Fama

There are numerous great diving spots throughout the world, and to any diver who may have been fortunate enough to tackle most of them, Fiji would be considered the perfect dive vacation. It incorporates the best of diving in a true Polynesian way—clear visibility, warm water temperatures, a virginal quality and uncrowded experience, plus the full spectrum of color and shape in the coral.

The ever-present currents are to thank for the brilliant coral display. The flowing water carries nutrients that keep marine life healthy and the reefs enriched. The “soft coral capital of the world” offers an amazing variety of dive sites. The northern island group is top-tier diving and most easily accessible in Fiji. Just off the southern side of Kadavu, the Great Astrolabe Reef is the world’s fourth largest barrier reef. Diving here has been called the best in Fiji, particularly for those who want to get away from the more frequented dive spots up north.

No matter which submerged sites you choose to explore, you are guaranteed a dazzling show. Just be sure to enjoy some quality time on land as well—the onshore attractions and relaxed island vibe rate pretty high, too.

A Perfect Dive Vacation: Fiji, the South Pacific

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They have a wealth of product information, anything from binocular reviews to “how-to-buy binoculars” articles. In addition to binoculars at discount prices, OpticsPlanet carries a full line of telescopes, spotting scopes, night vision, rifle scopes, microscopes sunglasses and goggles

scubish.com: Fiji signs Carbon Trading Agreement

Fiji signs Carbon Trading Agreement

Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Fiji Government has approved for reactivation of Carbon Trading in the Fiji Islands. It will come into effect on Friday, 10th October, which is also Fiji Day. Acting interim Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations, Mr Filipe Bole, announced that new Carbon Trading regulations will be formulated to be submitted to Cabinet by the middle of 2009.
(Full story via fijitravelnews.com: http://www.fijitravelnews.com)

scubish.com: Scuba news from around the world

Donate to CORAL Today and Receive the 2009 CORAL Calendar | Coral Reef Alliance

Featuring twelve months of beautiful underwater photography, the 2009 CORAL calendar is our best one yet. We’ve got dueling Blue Ribbon Eels in January, an inquisitive Hawksbill Turtle in March, a thumbnail-sized Pygmy Seahorse in August, and a shockingly colorful Nudibranch in December.

Each month features an informative eco-tip to help you save coral reefs no matter where you live. And we've included details about CORAL's conservation work at our seven project sites around the world—including photographs of the local community members and partners that your generous donations support.

When you donate $35 or more to CORAL, we'll send you the 2009 CORAL calendar. If you would like to receive additional calendars to give as gifts to your friends or family members, please donate an additional $15 per calendar. Enter the total amount of your donation in the Donation Amount box and enter the total quantity of calendars you desire in the Total Number of Calendars box.

If you donate:	We'll send you up to [X] calendar(s):
$35	[1]
$50 ($35 + $15)	[2]
$65 ($35 + $15 + $15)	[3]
$80 ($35 + $15 + $15 + $15)	[4]
And so on...

If you would prefer to donate without receiving a calendar, simply enter "0" in the Total Number of Calendars box.

You can donate to receive as many copies of the calendar as you want while supplies last. To ensure that you receive your calendar(s) in time for holiday giving, please donate on or before December 1. And note that if you donate to receive five or more calendars, allow up to two weeks for delivery.

In order to save paper and ensure that more of your donations go directly to protecting coral reefs, we have only printed a limited number of calendars this year. We will stop shipping calendars when supplies run out. Please send your contribution right away to reserve your calendar(s) and to help protect the planet's coral reefs.

If you have any questions about donating to CORAL, please contact our membership department by email or by calling (415) 834-0900 x306.

Please donate now—and thank you for helping CORAL protect coral reefs.

Donate to CORAL Today and Receive the 2009 CORAL Calendar | Coral Reef Alliance

NAI'A Last Minute Discounts

A note in my inbox from Cat Holloway at NAI'A:

"There are a few spaces remaining on one of our prime-time charters, October 11-18. 

Fiji’s spring has traditionally been our most heavily booked season and it is very unusual that there are any empty rooms this close to departure. 

So hurry up – direct bookings qualify for a 30% last-minute discount! 

Call the NAI'A office on 345 0665 or email explore@naia.com.fj to reserve a place. www.naia.com.fj"