1 January 2015
Previous posts:
One of the best ways to explore coral life is by scuba
diving. It requires more effort compared to snorkeling or sea walk but it gives
real feel of the underwater. Swimming is not essential for scuba diving but swimming
does give more confidence in waters.
When I arrived at Scuba diving center, a team had already
gone for diving. The waiting time was utilized to sign some papers which
basically absolve them from all responsibilities in case of mishap. That is the
way it works in India and I signed it. While waiting, I also had the
opportunity to watch a small drama that was unfolding.
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Shore where we are trained before diving |
A group of three people had signed up for scuba diving and
paid a total of 9K. They were expecting something like sea walk but on seeing
scuba diving equipment their courage diminished and they decided to quit. The
organizer was not ready to return money as the customer had already signed a
paper which states there is no refund if money on any circumstances!! It is
hard for anyone to digest that they lost 9K without effort!! As settlement,
organizer agreed to pay 500 each but other party was not convinced. I was
called for diving and hence could not find out how the argument ended!!
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Ready for dive!! |
The important point is to breathe from mouth and not from
nose. The nose is blocked and the person has to be breathing from mouth using
mouthpiece attached to compressed gas cylinder. We were trained for some time
near the shore before they took us to deeper waters. Once inside water, the
only way to communicate with the guide is by hand signals. The hand signals are
used to indicate to either go up, go down, everything is fine or something is
not right. Techniques are taught when water enters into nose or when pressure
builds on ears (which happen as we go down).
My experience underwater was simply great. Breathing though
mouth became natural as minutes passed inside water. After gaining confidence I
started signaling guide to take me down as much as possible. But he seemed to
be hesitant after a certain depth. Later he told that for beginners they would
not take the risk of getting into deep waters. I would have gone down by 10
meters he told. Quite ok I must say.
One sore point was the water was not as clear as in Elephant
beach and Jolly Buoy (In both places where scuba diving is not allowed). I feel
that there are better places slightly further from Havelock which offers
clearer water. One can do some research before going out.
Anyway, do not miss scuba diving if you are in Andaman
Islands. But it is not suited for those who suffer from Asthma, wheezing and
any other breathing/heart problem. It costs between 3K-3.5K person session of Scuba diving. Organizers provide all necessary equipment needed.
Labels: Andaman, beach, coral, Havelock, Scuba diving, travel