Recently Geoff Reed and myself had the pleasure of conducting our 1-week full time open water course. Descend runs one of these courses in January each year and it is designed for people who are unable to fit in with the part time course program or who have a spare week to commit to the course. The course consists of four theory days, the first day being all theory and the following three days consisting of half days of practical at the pool in the morning, and the afternoons doing theory.

A very friendly seal frolics with Descend divers

Tara, Philip, Jon, Mitchell, Ross, Phil and Brad joined us to learn what it takes to be an open water diver. All enjoyed the theory, but the prac. in the pool was what we were here for. Everyone went well in the pool and had a great time. The only grumbles heard were about the scenery found around the North Albury Pool!!!

Then it was time to head for Portsea. First night at Portsea was interesting to say the least. Our room had a serial snorer (which considering the group was not surprising), What was surprising was that they are all blamed me!! To keep the troops happy, I swapped rooms.

Friday morning dawned warm and clear. First dive was a skills dive under the pier. Here we practiced all the skills we had learnt in the pool. Then it was time for our first boat dive – South Channel Fort.

The dive around South Channel Fort is sensational, heaps of stingrays and many other marine critters spotted throughout the dive. After the dive, we were allowed to have a look around the ruins and gun emplacements of the old fort. From there we were able to convince our boat driver to take us to where the seals hang out. We were soon all in the water frolicking with the seals. Too soon however, it was time for the boat to return to Portsea.

To end the day we headed back to the dive shop for a hot shower and then over to the pub for a well earned meal.

Saturday morning weather was not quite as kind as the previous day, but this didn’t deter our keen divers – nor did the crowd’s due to the Portsea swim classic. First dive was conducted under the protection of the Pier, as there were boats everywhere. This was a sensational dive, with my group finding Nudibranch’s, Puffer-fish and a Seahorse.

Our last dive was a scallop dive to 18metres. Unfortunately due to a strong current and poor visibility, this dive wasn’t as good as our previous dives, and unfortunately no scallops were found. Everyone passed the course with flying colours and all had a great time. Thanks for a great week – it’s a job, but somebody has to do it.

Historical Diving Society Rally – Albury

26th/27th/28th March

Friday night 26th March -

Welcome and drinks to be held at Descend UTC

6:30 – 9:30. BYO drinks – Nibbles provided

Saturday 27th March -

Working diving equipment – commercial & historical at the Latchford Barracks Pool, includes a BBQ lunch

Meet at Descend at 9:00 am Finish approx. 4:00 pm

Dinner at the Commercial Club – Albury $38/person

Sunday 28th March –

- Ted Eldred (the designer of the first single hose regulator in the world) - Porpoise workshop

- Bob Scott on the early days of the Australian offshore industry – Classic diving videos

- Mel Brown with his fantastic vintage Australian Scuba collection

& other guest speakers – Bookings Essential on 60 411405!!!

The rally costs $30 , which includes the Friday evening nibbles, (no alcohol supplied) Saturday working group – including BBQ lunch, and Sunday presentations – including morning and afternoon tea. The Saturday evening meal is $38.00 incl. GST Don’t miss this rare opportunity – Book NOW...

I notice that Descend is running a trip to Truk in September. But that hardly interests me. After all, I have been there six times, and after more than 150 dives there it is well and truly out of my system.

Nope. Nothing about Truk interests me…….

• Unless it is the 40 intact wrecks, most within a half hour’s boat trip from our hotel, and you all know that I LOVE wreck dives. But that is only one reason, and not enough to get me to go.
• OK. So the wrecks are full of goodies, with lots of inviting nooks and crannies to explore. But I’ve seen artifacts before. Nope. Still not enough.
• Yeah, I know the wrecks have become artificial reefs that literally EXPLODE with soft corals and fish. But if you’ve seen one world war two wreck covered with coral, you’ve seen them all.
• But there is the 29oC water….no wetsuits, hoods, gloves, which means no weightbelt, which means a uniquely FREE feeling when I dive, and long comfortable deco stops.
• Or the current-free, calm and clear lagoon water, making it probably the EASIEST diving I have ever done. But warm , clear water is over-rated.
• But it is rather good to dive in a place where your rooms at the Blue Lagoon resort are only 100m from the boat jetty.
• And there is the view of the lagoon from your private balcony. It is of classic "postcard quality. " After a day’s diving, it is the perfect place to sip a quiet beer as the sun sets. ( or to guzzle a noisy beer if you prefer!)
• Or the phenomenon called "island time." In the Pacific islands, things happen when they happen! You will be forced to slow down and relax. If you are stressed, this place is guaranteed to cure you.
• And I do notice that the rising Aussie dollar is making the trip more affordable each day.
• And I hear that my three all-time favourite dive buddies, Bob, Brian and Des are already booked on.