The working group has cautiously welcomed a mindful, progressive return to shore diving, because it naturally lends itself to social distancing above the surface. It is worth noting that below the surface divers routinely dive in full personal protective equipment (PPE).
With Covid-19 restrictions easing, divers can now access the latest information about diving accessibility and restrictions in a particular country with the click of a mouse. PADI has created an interactive world map utilizing the most up-to-date information from each PADI dive center.
It has already been way too long since we got wet and who knows how much longer it will be before we can go diving again, other than alone at a local dive site that may be open, if we are lucky.
The coronavirus outbreak is an eyeopener in so many ways. It is giving us lessons on what is important. When the pandemic hit in earnest, many of us suddenly found ourselves focused on more basic needs than usual. If not food and shelter, then at the least, safety and health, and the wellbeing of our loved ones, some of whom we were not permitted to visit.
April 2020 — I come to you as a recreational and technical diving instructor, as a physician consultant for Divers Alert Network, and as a COVID-19 survivor. For me, it was just an occupational hazard. I tested positive for COVID-19 after seeing a patient in my cardiology clinic for an unrelated condition who seemed quite short of breath. He was admitted to the ICU and tested positive for COVID-19.
Last week, our good colleague Stephan Wheelan wrote an excellent recap "The Day the Diving Stood Still" - Is the diving industry facing an existential threat from coronavirus?" on his website, DeeperBlue. It is close to what I had originally intended to post here today, but Stephan beat me to it. Instead, let me expand a bit upon the matter.
Local diving seems to be recommencing in some countries, depending on what local regulations permit. Supervised or guided dives at various local spots are now on the calendar again and off to at least a modest start. One Italian operator explained how he hands out masks for clients to wear aboard his dive boat and everyone is supposed to sit at least one metre apart.
It is standard operating practice for harbours to charge harbour dues and mooring fees. The monies raised are used to cover the cost of managing and looking after the infrastructure of the harbour.
As countries around the world have placed populations in quarantine with stay-at-home orders in an effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, many underwater photographers have found themselves stuck inside with no option to travel or go diving.
In the mid 90's Gerrard Dennis attended a DEMA seminar where it was stated the future of diving was online. Shortly afterwards in 1995 Dennis founded 'Simply Scuba'. Simply Scuba was either the first, or one of the very first internet-based scuba equipment retail businesses in the UK.
When Simply Scuba was launched in 1995, its original logo featured a shark wearing sun glasses
Anglesey Sea Zoo has been a part of the community and business life on Anglesey island, Wales for over 36 years. In that time the aquarium has done a massive amount to protect and nurture local marine life.
Remaining a valuable local employer and a fundamental contributor to Anglesey is very important to us. Frankie Hobro, Anglesey Sea Zoo
Made from three layers of special fabric received from Pomeranian Hospitals Group a batch of 1,400 masks were produced and donated to the hospitals on 30 March.
Santi Diving Company has also started producing prototypes of hazmat suits as well as protective visors for healthcare professionals.
