PADI Egypt, Eastern Europe & Russia “Desert Chronicles”

New appointment of Matteo Brambilla as PADI Regional Manager for Sinai and the Middle East.

2012-01-12T10:38:00.001+02:00

Matteo (Teo) will be replacing Terry Johnson and Peter Driessel as Regional Manager for these areas. Thesechanges form part of EMEA’s future development in this region. Terry and Peter congratulatedTeo on his appointment but expressed their sadness at leaving so many friends andcolleagues, and had absolute confidence in Teo’s ability to strengthen PADIsupport to these regions still further.

A warm welcome to Teo!!!!!!!!

Terry's new responsibilities will cover Poland and Greece.

15 Year Award for Aqua Sport Taba, Egypt

2012-01-12T10:10:00.000+02:00

Matteo Bramilla, PADI Regional Manager was very pleased toaward Aqua Sport Dive Centre, S-3231, in Taba, Egypt withtheir 15 year member award. Huw Watson manager was on hand to receive the ward. Teo congratulated Huw on the tremendoussupport and professionalism shown by Aqua Sport Taba over the past 15 years.Well done Aqua Sport!!!!

Shark Conservation Update

2011-11-23T15:30:00.001+02:00

Two important steps for sharks have been taken in the past 48 hours as a result of all our hard work, lobbying, shouting and petition signing!

European fishing fleets play a major role in shark fishing worldwide with a number of loopholes in legislation which have long threatened sharks not just in European waters but globally too. We’ve been battling this issue for the past few years and you’ve signed petitions to help us get there! Thank you.

On Monday, the European Commission announced two measures:

• Announcement of the long awaited proposal for closing the loopholes in the European Union’s ban on shark finning; and

• The European Union has become a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Sharks

These are some significant and important steps in Project AWARE’s work to protect threatened and vulnerable shark species.

For those interested you can see the full stories at:

• www.projectaware.org/update/big-day-european-shark-conservation

• www.projectaware.org/update/shark-conservation-gets-boost

You can also find translated versions on the conservation tab on buddy blog.

In 2012 we’ll be pushing harder than ever before for our goal to secure threatened shark species on the Appendix II of the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) before the next CITES meeting in Thailand in 2013.

And we’ll be pushing EU Member States to agree to the proposal for a strong, loophole free EU finning ban.

For now – thank you to everyone who has supported Project AWARE’s goals so far.

PADI Announce the soon to be launched eCard

2011-11-23T15:06:00.001+02:00

As a 2012 membership renewal benefit all PADI Members will receive a free PADI eCard for their highest core level (including Course Director and IDC Staff). The PADI eCard is an electronic version of the PADI certification card.

The eCard will be available for diver replacement cards in fourth quarter 2011. Initially, the eCard will be available through Replacement Card Online only. Divers obtaining a replacement card will have the choice of an eCard, a plastic card or both. In addition, PADI Members can use PIC Online credits to sell eCards to existing PADI Divers through the Online Processing Center on the PADI Pros’ Site. PADI Members can then utilize the power of smartphone technology when certifying divers.

PADI eCard is hosted, managed and displayed using the PADI App, initially accessible on Apple, Android and Blackberry smartphones, but development for other operating systems will follow. Security of the eCard is a primary concern, so PADI has integrated features such as QR coding (a specific, two-dimensional code) to make authentication straightforward and easy.

PADI CCR Event Eilat

2011-11-23T14:05:00.001+02:00

Please click on this link below to view the rebreather events that took place in Eilat.

PADI CCR Event

Oonas Dive Club 20 Year PADI Member Award

2011-11-23T13:51:00.001+02:00

Terry Johnson, PADI Regional Manager was very pleased toaward Oonas Dive Club S-2392, of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt with their 20 year memberaward. Corri Clarke manager was on hand to receive the ward. Terrycongratulated Corri on the tremendous support and professionalism shown byOonas Dive Club over the past 20 years. Well done Oonas!!!!

New AWARE Shark Conservation Distinctive Specialty

2011-10-06T13:04:00.000+02:00

Many shark species are in danger of becoming extinct but you can give sharks a fighting chance by teaching AWARE Shark Conservation to your students. Teach divers and non-divers through Independent Learning or Classroom Presentations, and certify even if sharks are not seen on Training Dives.

Help our friends the sharks by turning your students into informed and passionate shark defenders who take action to protect sharks.

We have some great resources to teach this course:

· AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty Course Instructor Guide

· AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Course Lesson Guides

· AWARE Shark Conservation Study Guide

All resources are available to download at: http://www.projectaware.org/resource/aware-shark-conservation-diver-distinctive-specialty You can apply via Method 2 direct to the PADI Memberships Department. PADI will donate the Instructor Rating fee directly back to Project AWARE which is great news!

Coming up from Oct 15-23 the Big Shark Shout Out will hit dive centres everywhere. There’s no better time to start educating divers about threatened sharks. Make a difference during the Big Shark Shout Out:

1. Collect Shark Petitions

2. Teach the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty

3. Create a Local Shark Shout Out
Shout for sharks in your local facility or classroom. Better yet, make it a fundraiser for shark protection and create a wall of local support. Print out these shark templates and create a donation box. Each supporter donating $1 to $5 in support of sharks will display their name and shout out in your facility. Take pictures of your local efforts, send them to us we’ll share it them on our virtual Shark Wall to influence more action for sharks!

All your tools for the Big Shark Shout Out and the Shark Specialty can be found in our Organizer Kit. http://www.projectaware.org/project/shark-shout-out-organizer-kit

In the meantime if you have any questions about the new AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Specialty or the Big Shark Shout Out please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for all your support

Take Action during The Big Shark Shout Out Oct 15-23. Learn more

BIG SHARK SHOUT OUT OCTOBER 15 - 23

2011-10-06T11:02:00.001+02:00

It’s time to pull out all the stops for sharks!

During Big Shark Shout Out week, Project AWARE Foundation, volunteer divers and shark supporters around the world will rally to protect sharks before it’s too late. PADI Pros and their student divers form a unique, collective voice that can help change the fate of vulnerable shark species.

Coinciding with Shark Alliance’s fifth annual European Shark Week and Project AWARE’s Give Sharks a Fighting Chance signature campaign – we’re calling on European Union (EU) fisheries ministers and parties to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to protect sharks from overexploitation.

What will you do during the Big Shark Shout Out?

1. Collect signatures for two vital petition efforts: the UnFinished Business petition to close loopholes in the EU Finning Ban and the Give Sharks a Chance petition to protect vulnerable shark species worldwide.

2. Teach the new AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Distinctive Specialty course.

3. Fundraise for sharks and create a local wall of support. Be the first of 10 to raise 200 ($, €, £) for shark protection and receive an AWARE shirt!

Organizing for the Big Shark Shout Out is easy with the organizer kit. It has everything you'll need to make your shark support something to shout about

　
NO SHOUT TOO LOUD FOR SHARKS!

What Does PADI Do For Me?

2011-10-02T10:18:00.000+02:00

Important - Changes to Enriched Air

2011-09-30T11:33:00.001+02:00

Are you missing a marketing opportunity following recent changes to the Enriched Air Diver standards?

The minimum age for the PADI Enriched Air Diver course has been revised and amended to 12 years old. This standards change took place in the third quarter 2011 Training Bulletin and is effective immediately.

With the proliferation of effective, economical dive computers on the market, an increasing number of divers are using dive computers to plan their dives. The Enriched Air Diver Specialty course has been updated and revised to now allow instructors to teach the use of nitrox using dive computers, ensuring this popular course remains updated and cutting edge.

As part of this update, the minimum age for students enrolling into the PADI Enriched Air Diver course has been amended to 12 years old, making it a training option for many more families of divers, on holiday or at home.

PADI Tribe Now 20 Million Certifications Strong and Growing

2011-08-04T20:54:00.000+02:00

Countdown to 20 million diver certifications is celebrated with a trip to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef aboard the MV Spirit of Freedom.

The PADI organization expects to reach a major milestone before the end of third quarter 2011 - its 20 millionth diver certification. To celebrate this occasion, PADI Regional Headquarters around the world are sponsoring the “Countdown to 20 Million” campaign, which will award the diver who earns the 20 millionth certification with a trip to dive Australia’s Great Barrier Reef aboard the MV Spirit of Freedom. The PADI Instructor issuing the 20 millionth certification, as well as the affiliated dive centre or resort, will each also receive a trip to this natural wonder of the world.

“In 1966, Ralph Erickson and John Cronin had an idea about a better way for people to learn to dive. That the PADI organization has grown from the two of them to more than 20 million testifies to the power and wisdom of their vision” says PADI Worldwide Chief Executive Officer Brian Cronin. “It also shows how a mutual passion for diving unites the PADI family around the world. Twenty million certifications only happen because PADI professionals lead diving. I salute their achievement.”

The Countdown to 20 Million campaign includes a comprehensive public relations effort coupled with promotion in PADI digital media outlets and a daily, updated countdown counter at padi.com.

Tourism Queensland has graciously provided the land and air portion of the prize packages to the Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest reef system and one of the natural wonders of the world – including roundtrip airfare to Cairns, Queensland, Australia, four nights accommodations and excursions to explore the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, a Cuddle a Koala Experience and an Aboriginal Cultural Experience. The MV Spirit of Freedom is generously sponsoring the dive portion of the prize package, which includes a three-day, three-night liveaboard adventure to iconic dive sites like Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs, plus a low-level reef flight between Lizard Island and Cairns. The diver receiving the 20 millionth certification will receive a prize package for two and the certifying instructor and affiliated dive centre or resort will each win a trip for one.

“Each of the 135,000 PADI Members around the world not only share a passion for diving and the underwater world, but influence and lead diving in the local community,” says PADI President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Drew Richardson. “It’s this leadership, backed by passions, interests and convictions, that magnified John and Ralph’s concepts in to a global movement of literally millions of people who identify with PADI. As PADI Divers travel locally and internationally, they look for PADI Dive Centres, Resorts and Professionals because they are reassured by the common connection that unifies us as a family or tribe.”

Visit padi.com for details regarding the Countdown to 20 Million Diver Certifications contest. For additional information, email marketing@padi.co.uk

PADI - The Way the World Learns to Dive^®

Open Water success during the heatwave!

2011-07-27T14:33:00.000+02:00

During a recent visit to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, Terry Johnson (Left) PADI Regional Manager, was happy to congratulate two new PADI Open Water Divers. Egri Gabriella (far right) and Varga Bence (centre right) completed their course with István Adamovszky, (centre left) PADI Course Director #649670 and Mónika Adamovszky #650606, of Divingland in Budapest, Hungary. The final Open Water dives took place in a very warm Dorog Lake. Egri was over the moon with her achievement and had already booked a liveaboard later in the summer to practice her new skills. Both students were also happy to receive their pre-printed certification cards.

PADI Longevity Awards 2011

2011-07-22T13:54:00.000+02:00

During a recent visit in Egypt, Terry Johnson PADI Regional Manager, was happy to present Diving and Discovery S-32009, with a 10 Year IRRA Membership award. Raffaele Vallana and his team were present to accept the award. Raffaele comment that he was very pround of the centres achievements and thanks his staff for their great efforts.

Abdel Waheb Ibrahem of Bedouin Divers in Dahab S-35109, took the time to meet Terry Johnson and accept the five year award as a PADI Dive Centre. Abdel says he prizes the success of the dive centre on the strong links with the local culture.

Nesima Divers in Dahab S-7844, was also very pleased to be recognised by PADI for their support over the past twenty years. Ziggy and her team have focussed on building a strong repeat business which has grown over the years, as their reputation for personal attention continues to grow in strength.

2011-07-09T12:15:00.000+02:00

Ocean Conservation at Play! Project AWARE Launches Global Diver Scavenger Hunt to Aid Marine Debris Crisis

Project AWARE kicks-off its first-ever Global Underwater Scavenger hunt for divers as part of its new Dive Against Debris ocean protection programme. The year-round programme asks scuba divers to collect underwater debris and log information online in a global effort to prevent marine debris in the future. The Global Scavenger Hunt adds a game component that runs till August 1^st and is a fun way to introduce divers to the activity of submitting data from underwater environments – anytime and anywhere.

"Together with scuba volunteers worldwide, Project AWARE has been organizing clean up dives for 18 years," said Jenny Miller Garmendia, Project AWARE Executive Director. "But the new Dive Against Debris effort strengthens and centralizes underwater data collection efforts globally. This underwater scavenger hunt is a way to introduce that concept and also reward individual divers for their important conservation work."

From now till August 1st 2011, divers anywhere in the world can play Project AWARE's Global Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a Scubapro Diver Duffle Bag packed with fins, mask, snorkel, boots and gloves from Scubapro's new SUB GEAR line, valued at $420. Other prizes include the latest IC14 Intova digital camera with waterproof housing and Project AWARE goodie bags. Any diver who logs debris data using Project AWARE's new online submission form is automatically entered into the scavenger hunt contest. Divers can even track their progress to see if they're in running for top prize on Project AWARE's scavenger hunt leader board.

"The debris data divers collect and report will play a key role in informing, persuading and empowering policy makers to establish and improve integrated solid waste management practices. Our combined data will support policies and strategies for the reduction and management of marine debris," said Garmendia.

For more information about how to get started playing the Project AWARE Global Scavenger hunt or Dive Against Debris program visit http://www.projectaware.org/project/hunt.

For further press information, an interview or images, please contact:

Tiffany Leite, Associate Director Communications & Outreach
Tel: +1949 858 7657 Ext. 2448 – Email: tiffany.leite@projectaware.org.uk

Domino Albert, PR & Communications coordinator
Tel: +44 (0)117 300 7313 - Email: domino.albert@projectaware.org.uk

Joanne Marston, Associate Director, Diver Engagement
Tel: +011 61 2 9454 2890 Ext. 891 – Email: joanne.marston@projectaware.org.au

Project AWARE Foundation is a global movement of scuba divers protecting the ocean planet - one dive at a time. Focused on the critical issues of Sharks in Peril and Marine Debris, Project AWARE empowers thousands of divers in more than 180 countries to work together for a clean, healthy and abundant ocean planet. Project AWARE Foundations is a registered non-profit organization.

www.projectaware.org

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Teaching the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality Course

2011-07-09T12:10:00.000+02:00

From the Training Bulletin

PADI's Peak Performance Buoyancy course is PADI's second most popular specialty after Enriched Air. The recently-updated materials incorporate advances in technology (such as the the unique buoyancy control demands of technical diving / CCRs) - as well as cosmetic changes.

Teaching Tips for Peak Performance Buoyancy

Use the new PPB Instructor outline (part no. 70236 rev. 2011) to offer three buoyancy training options:

a buoyancy clinic in the pool
an adventure dive
the two-dive specialty course.

Begin by dialing in the student's weight at the surface. The student should float at eye level while holding a normal breath and having an empty, or near-empty BC. Be sure to have a variety of weights nearby to make adjustments. It's important to repeat this exercise at the end of the dive when the student has 750-500 psi.

The next step is to have the diver fine-tune weighting by positioning and distributing weights for different applications, for example:

A wall dive: head-up, feet-down position (weights placed towards the middle of the back).
Taking photos: slightly head-down, feet-up position (position weights towards the chest away from the hips and/or adjust tank position tank higher or lower in the BCD).
Using a CCR: rebreathers should be at minimal loop volume and the top of the diver’s head should float level with the surface.

Have divers try different weight configurations while performing simple skill challenges. Some supplies you may find helpful to have on hand:

Hula hoop(s)
Ankle weights
Rope
Toypedo
Small plastic toy
Underwater camera

Suspend the hula hoop in the water using the rope and weights and have divers swim through it. Or, suspend a plastic toy in the water and have divers hover next to it / take photos of it. Challenge divers to throw the toypedo around without touching the bottom (while hovering or swimming).

Don't forget to repeat the buoyancy check at the surface (described above) at the end of your confined water session.

We recently published a PPB teaching tips article in the Surface Interval e-newsletter. Read the complete Surface Interval article. Additional game and skill practice ideas are included in the new instructor guide (product no. 70236 version 2.0 from 2011)

Did You Know...?

You can integrate the PPB specialty into the Open Water course. It requires some additional skills and one extra dive.* See page 33 of the 2011 PADI Instructor manual for details. Please note, you may only integrate one specialty course with Open Water.

2011 instructor manual page 33

You can also introduce the PPB adventure dive after dive four of Open Water.* Most new divers need a little extra buoyancy practice and you can start them on the path to adventures in diving. In a recent reader survey, PPB ranked as one of the top four adventure dives.

* There is a limit of three training dives per day. You can only add the PPB dive if the student completed (at least) OW dives one and two on the previous day.

New PPB PADI Specialty Materials

New PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Materials Now Shipping

The Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty provides a trifecta of benefits for the diver: conserve air, lose weight, and protect the marine environment. "PPB" is also PADI's second most popular specialty after Enriched Air. Email subscribers may need to click through to padiinstructorinfo.com to view the images below.

PPB crewpak - product no. 60177
(now with 50% less neon)

It's been more than ten years since we added PPB to the PADI specialty roster, and the new materials include some useful updates. There is a new student manual (we only had a booklet before) and an completely updated DVD (now with 50% less neon in the wetsuits).

New PPB instructor guide - product no. 70236

There is a new instructor guide (product no. 70236). It's not mandatory to switch to the new guide, but there are two sets of knowledge reviews in the new student manual and only the new guide has both sets of knowledge review answers. Similarly, you may continue using the prior version of the student materials.

About the PPB Knowledge Reviews
Knowledge Review Part I is the same as the Peak Performance Buoyancy section of the Adventures in Diving manual. The answers can be found in the PPB instructor guide or downloaded from the PADI Pro's Site (Curriculum - Exams and Assessments - Adventures in Diving)

There is a second set of knowledge reviews in the new student manual. The answers are only available in the new instructor guide.

What Else is New?
The new student materials and instructor guide include useful information about buoyancy training for students using rebreathers.

The new materials are available starting today. Contact your PADI Sales Rep or order online from the PADI Pro's Site. Here are some useful part numbers:

Revised PPB instructor guide: part no. 70236

New student crewpak: 60177. Includes:

New PPB student manual: 79315
Revised PPB student DVD: 70858