Adventure Travel – Scuba Diving in the Asia Pacific region
Undergrads@Adventure Travel - Scuba Diving in the Asia Pacific region
Cedric, an experienced scuba diver, passionately believes that everyone should protect the marine environment. In this interview, he shares his belief in marine life conservation and how he got to experience an entirely different world underwater.
Name: Cedric Soh Wei Xiong
Nationality: Singaporean
University:Singapore Management University (Business)
So tell us, Cedric, what first got you interested in diving?
I started diving because I always wanted to see the underwater world. It is a place where most people will never get to see and the fact that there is an entirely different world that is so diverse and full of life made me want to explore it. After my open water course I was hooked, and I haven’t stopped diving since.
Where are some of the places that you have dived at? Can you name a favourite?
I have been all over the Asia-Pacific region to dive. Some places I have been to recently include Bali and Manado in Indonesia, the Similan Islands in Thailand and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Additionally, as a divemaster I bring students to Pulau Aur, Dayang and Tioman on weekly trips. Of all these places, Bali would be my favourite place. I dived off the island of Nusa Penida near Bali and it was there that I saw seven Manta Rays on a single dive. The fact that such immensely huge and graceful creatures could exist was simply mind-blowing. I highly recommend diving in Bali, as it will change your diving experience forever.
If you could only bring 5 items (other than your diving equipment) to your diving trip, what would
these items be?
First aid kits – Minor Injuries are very common on diving trips, from blisters to cuts. The skin gets very soft after immersion and so even the slightest contact with anything sharp can result in a cut. First aid kits are invaluable for treating wounds and preventing infection.
Heat pack – Besides the fact that some people feel really cold after surfacing and a heat pack works wonders, the treatment for scorpion fish wounds is also application of heat to the wound. Generally speaking immediate relief is experienced, as heat helps to deactivate the venom. I highly recommend bringing heat packs along when you dive.
Multitool – There are times when you need to adjust your equipment or change O-rings on tanks and equipment. A multitool comes in handy when you need to do any fine tuning of your scuba diving gear.
Jellyfish sting lotion – Jellyfish stings happen rarely, but they have happened and to me as well. Application of jellyfish lotion helps with the pain and so comes in very useful. In a pinch, vinegar works well too. Bring a spray bottle with vinegar inside, and apply liberally onto the stung area.
Appropriate gifts for the boatmen – Your boatman is your best friend, as they will pick you up and drops you off accordingly. Besides the standard tipping, do bring some gifts that they would appreciate. In areas where smoking is the norm, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, your boatman will greatly appreciate cigarettes. As a diver I highly do not recommend that you smoke, but giving them as gifts will earn the gratitude of your boatman. Enquire with your diving company as to what gifts are appropriate for the region.
What are some of the challenges that you faced while engaging in this activity?
While diving, one has to understand that he or she is fully responsible for his safety. You dive independently and your buddy is there only as a backup. You have to take heed of safety measures, check your equipment properly and ensure that everything is in tip top shape. Additionally, it is a rather physical activity, especially when you have to fight current. You need to have a sound knowledge of the marine life as well, as some organisms are particularly susceptible to contact, such as coral, and other organisms are extremely poisonous, such as jellyfish and the scorpion fish family. Your buoyancy is of particular concern, as it relates directly to your energy usage as well as air consumption. Peak performance buoyancy ensures that you maximise your air and do not use too much energy. All these come with training and experience, and so I encourage all who want to improve to carry on diving!(:
Would you recommend your friends to start diving too? If yes, what are some of the places that you will recommend for beginners?
Yes, I most certainly would! Diving teaches you independence. It teaches you the importance of being responsible for yourself while being aware of others at the same time. It gives divers a sense of ownership of the marine environment. From watching a enormous parrotfish eat coral, to seeing a shark for the first time, diving is truly a life changing experience. I do believe greatly in conservation and it is a key mission for the SMUX Diving Team as well, and to be the best way for people to actively take part in conservation is for them to see the underwater world and for them to truly believe that it is worth saving. If you wish to learn diving, Pulau Dayang and Tioman are your best choices. The water is clear and currents are generally calm. There are patches of sandy bottom for people to practise their basic skills, and generally most dive operators in Singapore take students there to dive. The SMUX Diving Team (which is SMU’s Diving CCA) welcomes undergraduates from all universities. Just drop us a line at diving@sa.smu.edu.sg and we will get back to you. Our rates are unbeatable and so is our safety record!
Related posts:
