Whale sharks and Manta Rays??
In the last couple of weeks I have mainly spent time on the boat. I left on Thursday the 13th and set foot on land again 10 days later. I'm now approaching my 100th dive!
During the 10 days on the boat, I finished the National Geographic Specialty which focuses on becoming more broadly aware of the underwater world and having a greater understanding of the underwater ecology/life. I also assisted another student diver with the practical sessions of his Search and Recovery specialty which included completing different underwater search patterns and lifting techniques using lift bags - was pretty interesting.
Whilst on the boat a Manta Ray and a Whale Shark swam past the boat, which is a rarity. I've met people who have been diving for years and never seen a whale shark - so that was pretty special. IT"S A *%$@# SHAME I MISSED BOTH!!!!!
Have also been down to 40 meters which is the limit of recreational diving - nothing to see at 40 meters but at least I've been there
In the next couple of weeks I'll be starting my divemaster course which
will be interesting. Divemaster course covers a greater indepth knowledge in recreational diving standards and theory. A divemaster can assist instructors and do a couple of courses themselves. I'll let you know how this goes.
Cheers
Hielke
ps. the photos are courtesy of Kay Jensen, Odd Reidar Hansen and Cedric Saveuse - thanks guys
LionfishVery common thus not special - beautiful though.
NemoReal name: Anemone fish. Beautiful little fish.
Durban Dancing ShrimpAlso called cleaner shrimp. They pick your dead skin from your hands (they actually don't care whether it's dead or life tissue - they pick at it anyway)
Indian Ocean WalkmanThis little fella doesn't actually swim. It uses his fins to walk. Very poisonous and pretty rare.
PufferfishThey can "puff" themselves up so they become big and round. Haven't seen it in real life which is good cos they can apparently only do it a few times without harming them. Google puffer fish if you're
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GoldfishNo idea what this is - thought it was a damsel, but don't think that's right - let's call it a goldfish for now