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This blog has moved

2010-01-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

We have moved this blog on to our snazzy new website www.divetimor.com
Or just click on our logo on the right
Check it out!

Nice photos this week

2010-01-04T23:41:00.001-08:00

Some more photos from this weeks diving - thanks Rob

Dendedoris tuberculosa

Cute Shrimp

Cuttlefish

Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Diver Safety - Nitrogen Narcosis

2010-01-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

The common term for nitrogen narcosis used in the scuba diving fraternity is the “raptures of the deep”. Another common term is a scuba diver suffering this condition is said to be “narked”.

What is Nitrogen Narcosis?
Nitrogen narcosis is a condition in scuba diving where a scuba diver has feelings of elation and euphoria. It is similar to being slightly intoxicated with alcohol, or from having nitrous oxide when undergoing certain medical procedures such as dental work.

Because of this impact of a scuba diver feeling invincible and reduced anxiety underwater, the condition has the potential to be extremely dangerous. Some divers have been known to take their regulator from their mouth; while other have lost all awareness of depth and simply continued swimming down to greater depths and into greater trouble.

Nitrogen narcosis usually occurs at depths greater than 30 metres. However, the condition can affect some scuba divers at a lesser depth.

The symptoms reduce as the diver ascends to shallower depths.

What Causes Nitrogen Narcosis?
Nitrogen narcosis is caused by the impact of nitrogen in the body.

A scuba diver breathes a normal mix of air from a scuba tank. This air contains around 79% nitrogen.

When breathed at depth the partial pressure of the nitrogen results in more nitrogen in the body. However, as nitrogen is an inert gas it doesn’t react with the body’s blood and tissues.
Because the nitrogen doesn’t react chemically with the body, it is considered that the nitrogen affects the signals that are sent along the nerve fibres in the body. This results in the impact being mainly related to brain and nerve functions.

Signs and Symptoms of Nitrogen Narcosis
Nitrogen narcosis affects scuba divers in different ways. The following are some of the reported signs and symptoms impacting the cognitive function of a scuba diver with nitrogen narcosis:

General feelings of euphoria
Feelings of elation
A sense of well-being
Over confidence
Laughter
Light-headedness
Loss of decision making ability
Memory problems.

Physical symptoms of a scuba diver with nitrogen narcosis can be:
Vertigo
Tunnel vision
Impaired coordination and concentration
Tingling or numbness in the body’s extremities.

The biggest problem with these symptoms is that a scuba diver suffering from some of the above symptoms of nitrogen narcosis may not be able to recognise that they have the symptom.
For example, a scuba diver suffering with a sensation of over-confidence and euphoria may not be able to think that there is something wrong because these are “good” type sensations. The loss of decision-making ability is obviously a serious problem if a scuba diver has to calculate decompression times underwater.

Problems can so easily occur when a scuba diver has these feelings of extreme confidence. They can go off and do things underwater that they wouldn’t normally do.

Scuba Diving’s Martini Law and Nitrogen Narcosis
In the diving fraternity, the impact of nitrogen narcosis in relation to depth is known as “Martini’s Law”. This is roughly based on the analogy that for each 10 metres in depth, the effect is like consuming one martini. At 30 metres, a scuba diver may feel like they have drunk three martinis.

This is a very rough guide only and should not be relied on to predict the onset of nitrogen narcosis

How Scuba Divers Can Prevent Nitrogen Narcosis
The onset of nitrogen narcosis is directly related to depth. The deeper the scuba diver goes, the greater the impact of nitrogen narcosis.

It is almost impossible to predict the depth that symptoms may start showing as nitrogen narcosis impacts each scuba diver differently. And the impact can vary from each scuba dive.

There are many variable such as cold, stress, fatigue. It is even thought that nitrogen narcosis may be worse depending on the amount of alcohol or some drugs that may have been taken into the body a few days earlier.

The best way to prevent nitrogen narcosis is to be aware of the possibility of narcosis occurring, and then if it does the scuba diver should immediately ascend to a shallower depth.
Scuba diving buddies should always be on the lookout for signs of nitrogen narcosis; especially on a deep dive over 25 metres.

The problem of nitrogen narcosis can best be addressed by the following:
using a good scuba dive plan
implementing good scuba diving practices
keeping mentally and physically healthy
a good relationship and understanding between scuba dive buddies
keeping in shallow depths.

Nitrogen narcosis should not be something that is treated lightly, or considered a scuba diving myth. “Raptures of the Deep” is a true physiological problem that has the potential to be fatal for scuba divers.

Source: Bruce Iliff - Suite101.com

New Certifications this week

2010-01-03T17:39:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Edmund - Open Water

Will - Divemaster

Kate - Open Water

Harry - Open Water

1st Divemaster of 2010!

2010-01-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

Will completed his Divemaster training yesterday and in the DTL tradition, the last test is the snorkel test. Location chosen by his instructor Guy, in a bucket of water in the bar!

Congratulations Will!

Happy New Year Diving

2010-01-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

OK so we know its raining and the vis is lower, but it doesnt stop us diving and finding some cool stuff. This pygmy seahorse was as small as the tip of my nail on my little finger!

This week highlights:-
Dili Rock - Huge Dendedoris tuburculosa, cuttlefish and two ornate ghost pipefish
The Pinnacle - Turtle, sea snake and blue spotted stingray
Tasi Tolu - The usual suspects, 4 seahorse, 2 cuttlefish, mantis shrimp and an ornate ghost pipefish
Secret Garden - Great vis, blue spotted stingray and Maori Wrasse
Marble Rock - This wonderful little pygmy seahorse

Photo -Thanks Rob Burfield

Diver Safety - Night Diving Tips

2009-12-29T01:20:00.000-08:00

Go at Sunset
Many dive boats will leave for a night dive right before sunset. That way you have light to get your scuba gear ready. It also feels less intimidating (to me anyway) to go out while there is still some light left.

Likewise, if you are doing a shore dive, plan on hitting the water right before the sun sets.

Even though you will have some light above the water, it will still be pretty dark underneath. And by the time you surface, it will be dark out.

Dive a Familiar Site
If this is your first time scuba diving at night, try and go to a site you are familiar with.
If you are thinking of doing the night dive, sign up to do a dive at the night dive site during the day. This way you will have some idea of what the area is like and may feel less apprehensive.

Keep it Shallow
A night dive is typically a shallow dive. I would say 20 meter is probably max with 10-15 meters more the norm.

Get Some Light
You obviously need some dive lights when you are doing a night dive. It's best to have a primary light and a backup light in case the first light fails. The secondary light can be small and could fit into your pocket.

You don't need the biggest and brightest light you can find. In fact, it is fun, once you get accustomed to diving at night, to turn your light off and let your eyes adjust to the dark. You'll be amazed at what you can see. Of course, it is up to you and get the light you would feel comfortable with while diving at night.

If you don't want to turn your light off underwater (I've never had a problem turning it back on but you never know) you can always face it into your BC so you get the same effect.

Attach It
You will want some method of attaching that dive light to you. That way if you let go, it won't sink to the bottom, never to be seen again. A lanyard or stretchy cord (or whatever you are comfortable with) work fine. Which reminds me of one of the next night scuba diving tips:

Use Reflective Tape
One thing I have seen which I think is a good idea is to mark your lights or other paraphernalia with reflective tape. That way if you drop something, you be able to spot it once the light shines on it. I've seen people put an X on their BC or tank so their dive buddy can tell it's them. Something worth considering.

Take it Slow
There is alot to see at night. You will see a whole different world underneath at night than during a day. Take your time and look in those nooks and crannies.

The reef also looks brilliant and colorful in the beam of your light. Much different than during the day when you are diving deeper and the colors are absorbed.

Descend Feet First
It is best to descend feet first and look down when you are descending. You can shine your light underneath you (just make sure you are not shining it in someone's eyes) to see where you are going so you don't hit or disturb the coral. More night scuba diving tips:

Get Familiar With the Hand Signals
When you are night scuba diving, you need to discuss the hand signals before you begin your dive. Since it is dark down there, your buddy won't be able to see your hands.

The divemaster will probably tell you what signals to use. If they don't, just ask. There is nothing wrong with that.

A typical way to use hand signals is to shine your light on your hand so your buddy can see them. Another common night diving signal is to move your dive light in a circle to signify "OK." Moving it up and down or back and forth can signify yes or no.

Whatever you choose to use, just make sure you clarify before you begin the dive. Which leads into one of the next night scuba diving tips:

Watch Where You Aim That Light
Be aware of where you aim your dive light. If you put the full force of that light beam into somebody's eyes, you can momentarily blind them. It will take a little while for that diver to adjust his night vision again. So be careful.

Keep an Eye on Your Gauges
If you are new to scuba diving at night, you may go through your faster than your would during a typical daylight dive. This could be compensated for by the fact that a night dive is usually shallow, but just be aware of your air at all times. Of course, this is one of those night scuba diving tips that is applicable to day scuba diving too.

Mark Night Diving Entry/Exit Points
If you are doing night scuba diving off a boat, the boat should have a flashing strobe light attached to it so it is easy to find. As you are ascending, make sure you are looking up and know where the boat is so you don't bang your head.

If you are doing a shore dive, you should also know how to mark the night diving entry/exit point. The most common way is to place lights on the shoreline. You should use more than one to make it easier to spot. You could have 2 close together and 2 close together but further down the shoreline. Or whatever configuration works for you.

It also doesn't hurt to have someone on the shore to make sure the lights don't go out (or somebody doesn't swipe them). And last, but not least, the last of the night scuba diving tips:

Keep an Eye on Your Buddy
If you happen to lose sight of your buddy, one way to find him would be to shut off your light and look for the glow of his light. He shouldn't be that far from you and you should be able to see his light.

Another, and pretty much opposite way, is to turn a full circle while pointing you light outward. You might be able to see your buddy in the beam or he might notice the movement (if he hasn't noticed you are gone yet).

If the boat has to come pick you up after you have surfaced, shine the light on yourself so the captain can see you.

And that the last of my night scuba diving tips.

If you haven't done night scuba diving, you should really give it a try. It's a different experience and isn't difficult. You just have to get used to it, like all new things. You'll see lots of new creatures and habits to add to your memories. So give it a try. I hope these night scuba diving tips will help make your first night dive a more comfortable experience.

Source: www.scuba-diving-smiles.com

Xmas Day Party 2009 - DTL/Castaways

2009-12-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

Dive Timor and Castaways decided to close for one day of the year and have a party for all the kids of the staff instead. However, it looks like the adults enjoyed the games just as much as the kids!

Girls Sack Race

Boys 3 Legged Race

Mens Egg and Spoon Race

Girls Musical Chairs

Ladies Sack Race

Mens Sack Race

Kids Pass the Parcle

Grab the toys

Ladies Tug-of-war

Merry Christmas! Underwater

2009-12-22T19:50:00.000-08:00

A Christmas dive at Dili Rock

Abryl

Santa Sato

Marianne

Sato

Dive Log - Tasi Tolu Dec 09

2009-12-21T18:27:00.001-08:00

More great critter photos by Ashley Woo

Ornate Ghost Pipefish

Rhinopious

Thorny Seahorse

Chelidonura amoena

Hermit Crab

Crown Snake Eel

Chelidonura hirundinina

Dive Log - Dili Rock Dec 09

2009-12-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

OK, so the rainy season has started and the vis is dropping, but who cares when you have a new macro lens!

Brown Banded Pipefish

Hinge Beak Shrimp

Nembrotha lineolata

Lionfish

Shrimp

Photos thanks to Ashley Woo

Diver Safety - Surfers Ear

2009-12-17T23:44:00.000-08:00

Having experienced this myself this week, I thought it would make interesting reading. However its not so common in tropics:-

I've been told I have surfer's ear. What does this mean and will it affect my diving?

An exostosis is a narrowing of the inner half or the bony part of the circular outer ear canal by bony swellings. These localized bony swellings grow slowly over a period of years in response to the irritation of cold water on the skin of the outer ear canal. They are called swimmer’s nodes and are common in the surfing community.

This condition is not related to infection nor is it caused by infection. This blocking of the ear canal, by preventing water from draining out, makes the person more susceptible to outer ear infections. The bony swellings continue to grow while there is a continued exposure to cold water, and the temperature that qualifies as cold, is that found in sea water and outdoor swimming pools in temperate climates.

When the medical examination reveals early development of, or there is an established exostosis, it is important that measures are taken to prevent the continued growth of the exostosis. If swimming in non-tropical waters a hood should always be worn, or for surface swimmer’s only, some form of ear plug should be used.

The narrowed ear canal is more prone to blockage by wax or debris, and more susceptible to otitis externa. An exostosis on the floor of the ear canal can form a sump which retains moisture and predisposes to infection.

Some advise on ear care for divers:

1.If ears have a natural tendency to occlude with wax, have them checked regularly, particularly before a prolonged diving trip.

2.Do not poke anything into the ears (finger or cotton bud)

3.After every dive:

Rinse both ears out with fresh water to wash out contaminated water and salt, which is hydrophilic.

• Instill a couple of drops of 5% acetic acid (vinegar) in 60% ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol suffices) in to both ears. You may use a commercial solution like Aqua Ear to treat your ears after every dive or exposure to water.

• If very prone to ear infections, blow warm air into external canal using a hair dryer.

There is no specific risk for diving. It is recommended to have surgical removal if there is associated hearing loss or repetitive infections of the outer ear.

Source: Divers Alert Network

New Certifications this week

2009-12-17T23:34:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Joao - Open Water

Tim - Open Water

Santos - Advanced Open Water

Lucilia - Open Water

Chris - Open Water

Coleen - Advanced Open Water

Chris - Rescue Diver

Andrew - Open Water

Silly Pics

2009-12-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

Guy

Roger, Sato & Maarten

Gian

Diver Safety - Excercise and Diving

2009-12-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

For all those hashers that want to run after diving:-

Q: I regularly exercise and want to continue my routine on my vacation. I am worried about diving and exercise. Is there any information that can help me plan for both.

A: Timing of Exercise and Diving
After accepting the need for regular exercise to maintain physical fitness, the next issue concerns the timing of exercise training and diving. Scheduling outside physical fitness activities can be problematic when an active diving schedule is maintained. While part of this is simply a time management problem, there are other considerations. Conducting intense physical exercise too close to diving activity can be problematic for more fundamental reasons.

Bubble formation, while noted earlier as not equivalent to or a guarantee of DCS, can indicate an increased risk for it. Intense physical activity -- generally with substantial muscular forces and joint loading (the application of forces on joints) -- is believed to transiently increase micronuclei activity, the presumed agent of bubble formation. Intense physical activity too close to diving may therefore be problematic. Physical activity after diving may also stimulate additional bubble formation, possibly through a combination of increased micronuclei activity and increased joint forces. Interestingly, some preliminary work has shown that an intense bout of exercise conducted 24 hours prior to diving may reduce bubble presence in humans,3 possibly by inhibiting micronuclei activity. This potentially protective effect was not seen with exercise conducted closer to dive time. While this effect needs to be validated, the preliminary findings may support a simple rule of thumb for scheduling exercise. To reduce the risk, it is a good idea to avoid intense exercise 24 hours before and after diving.

The near-dive window will be best for low-intensity activities. Those who participate in cross-training activities may find it easiest to accommodate this schedule. For those who are more single-minded, diving may fit well into training rest days for those who put the priority on exercise, while training may fit best into diving rest days for those who put the priority on diving. Overall, lower training intensities will likely be more appropriate for the latter group, but accommodations can be reached.

Source: Divers Alert Network

Welcome Will

2009-12-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome Will, our new Divemaster trainee. Will is British and as tall as Roger was, so spends his life ducking. He will be with us until the end of February

New Divemaster - Tim

2009-12-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

It was a very long course but Tim finally completed his Divemaster Training. Congratulations! Even his cocktail was delayed when Sato shook rather than stirred it and it exploded in the bar.

And in True Dive Timor Lorosae tradition - the Snorkel Test!

Getting prepared

Ready to drink

How good did that taste?

Dive Log - 7th December 2009

2009-12-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

This weekends diving had some great turtle sightings, good to hear:-

Lone Tree - 2 turtle
Dili Rock - Turtle and bumphead parrotfish
K41 - A seahorse possy
Jaco - Leopard Shark and turtle

New Certifications this week

2009-12-07T15:33:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

James - Open Water

Hilman - Rescue

Antonio - Open Water

Bernado - Advanced Open Water

Jack - Advanced Open Water

Joao - Advanced Open Water

Diver Safety - Donating blood

2009-12-03T01:50:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting one from the DAN website. We had a recent diver that donated blood in Baucau then went diving on the way back to Dili

Q: If I donate a pint of blood how soon afterward is it safe to dive?

A: Immediately following blood donation, the volume of circulating blood is reduced. Provided the donor eats and drinks normally, blood volume returns to normal within 24 hours. Diving within the first few hours after donating blood is not advisable because of the possibility that reduced blood flow could cause impaired inert gas washout after a dive, and thus an increased risk of decompression sickness. We have no reason to believe that it is necessary to wait more than 24 hours after donation before scuba diving.

Dive Log - Around Dili Last Week in November

2009-11-30T22:55:00.000-08:00

Pertamina Jetty

Tasi Tolu Night Dive - spot the Scorpionfish

Pertamina Jetty

Pertamina Jetty

Dili Rock

Christoe Rae

Dive Log - Lone Tree 27th November 2009

2009-11-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Photos Thanks to Fatima

Dive Log - Dirt Track 24th November 2009

2009-11-30T21:36:00.000-08:00

Photos thanks to Fatima

New Certifications this week

2009-11-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Ben - Scuba Diver

Chris - Advanced Open Water

Monica - Scuba Diver

Ted - Advanced Open Water

Tim - Divemaster

Xavier - Open Water

What to do at a safety stop

2009-11-30T03:51:00.000-08:00

Those three minutes are usually spent looking at beautiful coral, but occasionally the professionals get bored and spend their time on other activities:-

Underwater Knife Fights - Sato & Hagen

Blowing Bubbles - Sato

Underwater Modelling with a really uncomfortable mask - Annabella

Underwater Gymnastics, yes the current was that strong! - Kasia

Playing colours with a cuttlefish - Guy

Photos thanks to Gian, Marianne and Fatima

DTL Dive Club

2009-11-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight we will be showing photos and video of marine life in Komodo National Park. 7.30pm onwards

See you there!

Dive Log - Pertamina Jetty 21st Nov 2009

2009-11-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

Divers - John, Monica, Paz, Yolanda and Chris
Visibility: 15m
Current: Moderate current on the way out, but dropped away to almost nothing for the rest of the dive.
Temperature: 28 deg C
Depth: 10m Dive
Time: 69mins

Comments: Like a wreck dive, with lots to see such as big Scorpion and Lion Fish, Eels in pipes, Flute Fish, Crabs in tyres, and an assortment of big fish just hanging out in the current. The area is quite small, so take your time to explore both the Eastern and Western ends of the Jetty. For something extra, surface swim to one of the mooring buoys, descend there, explore then fin to the North/South Jetty on the bearing you took before descending, then follow it out to the end. Check out all the pylons, pipes and other junk as you go, but the East/West section at the end of the jetty is the highlight and so enough time should be allowed for it.

Cautions: No diving when a ship is moored at the Jetty. Look out for the semi submerged metal remains of two boats at the entry point. Be careful of the current, as the dive site is quite exposed. If visibility is poor, you'll need bearings to find the pylons at each end or indeed to find your way back if vis drops during the dive. Care is required to avoid the many camouflaged Scorpion Fish found on the metal junk under the Jetty. Finally, the flora and fauna are delicate, so avoid any touching.

New Certifications this week

2009-11-20T00:05:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Adriano - Advanced Open Water

Silvio - Rescue

Darian - Open Water

Alisa - Advanced Open Water

Silvia - Open Water

Book Signing

2009-11-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

A great Christmas gift. Also available in the shop, ladies jewelry, hammocks and T-Shirts

New Certifications this week

2009-11-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Ana - Open Water

Ana - Open Water

Assis - Open Water

Claudia - Open Water

Francisco - Open Water

Jamie - Advanced Open Water

Joana - Open Water

Luisa - Open Water

Sandra - Open Water

Sarah - Advanced Open Water

Micheal - Open Water

Welcome Guy

2009-11-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Please welcome to the team our latest instructor Guy. He's British and has a degree in Marine Biology. Ask him about the oxygen use of crabs!

New Certifications this week

2009-10-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor this week:-

Pedro - Open Water

Suzanne - Open Water

Gordon - Open Water

Kerstin - Advanced Open Water

Adriano - Open Water

Augusto - Open Water

Eric - Rescue

Dive Log 26th October 2009

2009-10-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

This weekends highlights:-

Dili Rock - 40 squid and 13 bumphead parrotfish
Maubera - Remora and 2 humpback whales at the surface
2 mile beach Atauro - Octopus, 2 turtles, bumphead parrotfish, big tuna & maori wrasse. Dolphins, pilot whales and 2 humpback whales on the surface
Tasi Tolu - Octopus and this very tiny frogfish

Photo thanks to Abryl Ramirez

Mr Timor

2009-10-24T20:49:00.001-07:00

Juvi and Antonio represented Dive Timor and Castaways in the Mr Timor Competition this year

Although they didn't win this time, they were very popular with the ladies in the audience

They are already talking about next year!

Dive Log - 23rd October 2009

2009-10-23T02:41:00.000-07:00

This weeks highlights:-

Dili Rock - Octopus and Mantis shrimp
K41 - Shark
Lone Tree - Bumphead Parrotfish, Shark, Turtle and this cool ray (12 foot long)

Photo - Thanks to Anne Bolton, US Navy

Christo Rae - Bumphead Parrotfish, Maori Wrasse and Giant Trevally
Tasi Tolu - Octopus and 3 cuttlefish

Equipment SALE!

2009-10-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

RRP: $1060

on sale from $660 while stocks last!

Dive the PINNACLE - AT NIGHT!!!

2009-10-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

Dive Timor have finally found a spot to leave their boat in the water over night which means that for the next two months the Pinnacle Night dives are on again!

Departing at 6.15pm on Wednesdays (or by demand) you can have you gear sorted the night before, placed on the boat and waiting for you when you finish work!!!

Experience the sunset over Dili harbour as we glide across clear seas to descend onto what is one of Timor's most magical sight.

Things to expect...Schools of Barracuda, Reef Sharks, Large and small turtles and Timor's largest Moray eel (still to be named!)

Contact DTL on 7237092 to book your spot.

Dive BIG FISH

2009-10-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again that the water is teeming with large pelagics, dolphins and whales. And all the old time Timor divers are requesting to be taken on a day diving to BIG FISH - Atauro Island.

For those that don't know, big fish is one of Timor's best dives for current and a large amount of Big fish - funny enough. Last dive was a week ago with the Abyss Dive shop tour from Sydney Australia. Well it put on a treat with over 2000 barracuda, several large dog tooth tuna, sharks, turtles and mix of other larger than life fishes.

If your interested in diving big fish in the next two months please contact our staff and put your name down. We only take divers that are experienced and that have dived with us before!

Remember to bring your passports as the currents can take you to either Australia, Indonesia or PNG!!!

Dont forget to do your safety stop!!!!

New Certifications this week

2009-10-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Bernado - Open Water

Gary - Open Water

Joao - Open Water

Heath - Open Water

Snorkel Test

2009-10-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

Another two Divemasters and time for the snorkel test and party. Technically Hagen didn't complete his Divemaster with us, but he's been working with us for the past month and had never done a snorkel test, so he wasn't going to get away with it!

Nice TShirts!

Abyss Pool Party

2009-10-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

The group from Abyss (Sydney) relaxing in the pool after another great dive day
hhmmmmmm .... what you been eating

Dive Log 14th October 2009

2009-10-12T21:36:00.001-07:00

And the diving just keeps getting better! This past few days highlights:-

Dili Rock - Barracuda
Franks Crack - 4 Eagle Rays
Secret Garden - Shark and Turtle
Tasi Tolu - Juvenile Warty Frogfish
House reef - Snowflake moray & leaf scorpionfish
The Pinnacle - Turtle, baitball of barracuda, shark, 7 blue spotted stingray & moray eel

New Certifications this week

2009-10-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Charlene - Open Water

Charly - Open Water

Colin - Open Water

Diogo - Open Water

Elena - Open Water

Lea - Open Water

Mark - Open Water

Zoe - Open Water

Dive Log - 9th October 2009

2009-10-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Another great week for diving. Here's the highlights

K41 - Turtle, barracuda and 4 Blue fin trevally devouring an octopus
Big Fish - 1000+ Barracuda baitball and huge dogtooth tuna
Dili Rock - 13 Bumphead parrotfish and barracuda
Secret Garden - Dugong!
The Pinnacle - Shark, turtle and a shoal of Barracuda

Seems the barracuda are getting about a bit this week!

New Certifications this week

2009-10-03T02:59:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Gian - Divemaster

Alisa - Open Water

Karen - Open Water

Luca - Open Water

Mariano - Open Water

Martine - Open Water

Dive Log

2009-10-03T02:55:00.000-07:00

This weeks highlights:-

Bubble Beach - Bubbles!
Maubera - Manta Rays
Sharks at both Secret Garden and Lone Tree

New Certifications this week

2009-09-23T02:07:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Olivier - Open Water

Dave - Open Water

Karin - Advanced Open Water

Ben - Advanced Open Water

Jack - Open Water

International Beach Clean Up Day

2009-09-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

This years International Beach Clean Up was a great success with over 70 volunteers including 25 US Navy CB's and 20 kids from the Quality International Schools Dili.

Over 50 bags of trash were collected and over 2000 pieces of trash recorded.

A big thanks to all the divers, snorkelers and helping hands on the day.

Thanks Everyone!

New Certifications this week

2009-09-18T01:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor this week:-

Kerstin - Open Water

Gian - Rescue

Julia - Open Water

New Divemaster Trainee

2009-09-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

So we said goodbye to Roger and the next day hello to Gian. Another Dutchman but not quite as lanky! Yes, he does wear this T-shirt in case he forgets his name!

Gian will be with us until the end of October, and he's an avid photographer. Check out these cool dolphin pics taken in Atauro recently.

Diving this week - Wow

2009-09-13T01:38:00.000-07:00

This weeks highlights:-

Atauro - 4 Eagle Rays and Shark

Dili Rock - Leaf Scorpionfish, mantis shrimp and big Barracuda

Tasi Tolu - 5 seahorses - 1 pregnant, mimic octopus, hairy frogfish and this unusual nudibranch - Navanax polyalphus (photo thanks Derek)

Environmentally Friendy

2009-09-08T02:00:00.001-07:00

We had to laugh at this sign regarding garbage disposal at Pertamina Jetty

Dive Log 8th September 2009

2009-09-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

Site: Pertamina Jetty
Temperature: 27 degrees
Vis: 15 meters
Current: Slight
Spotted: 3 Giant Trevally (1.5 meters long, 3 types of moray, scorpionfish and a shoal of Batfish

Site: Christo Rei
Temperature: 27 degrees
Vis: 20 Meters
Current: None
Spotted: Giant Puffer, Crayfish, Batfish and 6 species of Nudibranch

Photos - Thanks Derek

Wonderful Atauro

2009-09-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were lucky to see 2 pods of dolphins and a pod of pilot whales on the crossing to Atauro

Thank you Derek for this wonderful action shot

September Savings Special

2009-09-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

New Certifications this week

2009-09-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Trent - Open Water

Mel - Open Water

Greg - Open Water

Brendan - Open Water

Jessica - Advanced Open Water

John - Open Water

Adam - Open Water

“I love the smell of neoprene in the morning!”

2009-08-31T22:26:00.001-07:00

My time as a Divemaster (Trainee) (DM/DMT) at DTL September 2009

The story begins in the Netherlands, at a wedding on one of the islands. My wife and I meet a great, lovely and most of all “bulak” couple that live in Timor Leste (TL). As all four of us know very few people at the wedding we’re bound to spend some time together, resulting in me coming to TL four weeks later, leaving my wife behind back in Amsterdam.

Being talked into doing a project for the WorldBank and doing my DM(T), I arrived in July for this fantastic opportunity. And what an episode it would turn out to be. I was warmly welcomed by Marianne, introduced to Dimittri and some Italian-Belgian guy named Gabriele, whose girlfriend was also here at that point in time and at that point in time he still seemed civilized. I met Simon, co-owner of my next home Castaway, and Mark-I-have-a-zillion-ideas-and-why-can’t-we-do-all-of-them-right-now-Mialszygrosz, the owner of DTL and co-owner of Castaway.

In the beginning the days were relaxed, although there was some pressure on my becoming a DM asap. I was shown around, had a lot to drink (illustrated by Marianne’s famous text message to Maarten after only three days’ stay and one Thursday night in Motion “What did you do to my staff?”), and learned a lot. I did my guiding, my skills, my mapping, my assisting and my theory. But after a week my course slowed down. More customers were coming, and the initial 10-day plan became three weeks. This was a good thing as I encountered interesting and fun customers along the way…

During my DMT, Gabi and I took a group of students out for their first open water dive. Exciting indeed! Right up till the end, when the most macho guy of the lot (sturdy, muscled, big mouth) came up to the surface and started puking his guts out. Thanks for that. Not knowing that this would become a returning theme in my dive experiences.

Two days later. Early morning; I forgot my wetsuit - I am just not a morning person. Second dive, I forgot someone else’s wetsuit – I am not an afternoon person either. So I found it time to call it a day. Wrong. Let’s do the scuba review (doing 20 scuba skills, instructor style) with three instructors from HELL. Think of everything you can do wrong in assembly and skills, and then add some. I cannot nearly describe the funniness of those few hours, but think of weight belt under your wetsuit, constantly having your mask and snorkel in at the surface and asking questions -creating an amount of dribble you could bathe in-, fighting under water, continue swimming with your head against the wall without a mask…And this was in a controlled environment, with instructors. More real students and customers would come. And in all honesty I love all of them. They are the ones that made my time here a fantastic one. I had (and still do) so much fun with them, during the day, in and out of the water, and during the nights, eating, drinking and partying. But as always, some you love more than others. But the “others” also tend to leave an impression, not soon to be forgotten…

After being certified I took out a snorkeler who could not swim, but had snorkeled two or three times before. Sleazily I had scheduled her with Gabi, but somehow the booking had gone bad and it backfired on me. So I took her out, and you can imagine how I was looking forward to it – snorkeling with a lady who cannot swim. Great! I gave her a BCD and inflated it, took her into the water and held her close. It took about half an hour before she was relaxed and could release the grip of my arms, on which I still have imprints to this day, put on her mask, only to throw it off again straight away. But we were making progress. After another 20 minutes she could leave her mask on for more than a minute, actually put her face in the water and let go of me for three seconds. Mind you, she had a fully fully fully inflated BCD on, floating on the surface from her waist upwards. I skipped putting on her fins, but judged it to be best to take her along and guide and hold her myself. It was getting lunchtime and I was getting hungry. Was… We were finally snorkeling, when she pushed me under. While holding her, I swam away, but even with my arms that means bound to only one meter or so. “What’s wrong?” She replied in that manner where words become useless...she puked. Twice! On me! Why? What did I do wrong?! Fortunately after that, she was feeling better and wanted to continue snorkeling. Fortunately she had no fins on and I could lead her back to the shore. Where she puked again. “Feeling better? – Yes!” And a fourth time all over my brand new DTL t-shirt, whilst muttering the words, “We did not see much coral did we…”. What do you expect with such murky visibility?! Isn’t being a DM great? Where was this in the training or in all these PADI videos on becoming a professional, a leader and “Diving is FUN”? What did I miss?

And this was only snorkeling. Nightdiving with divers for the first time is also a fun experience; not holding a torch hence shining it everyone’s eyes while explicitly instructed not to do so, someone being so close to your own fins that you cannot kick anymore because you are afraid you will kick off her mask, severely scratching your legs on rocks while saving a customer from falling down – what we DMs all do for our customers ;-).

But also just during day dives a lot can happen. Saving a USD 1000,- video light from the deep blue, and still waiting for that case of beer. Girls whining as their masks don’t suit their wetsuits (color wise that is). Someone with over a hundred dives in thirty years, pulling out a mask from 500 B.C., which resembled a helmet more than a mask and then putting his BCD upside down on his tank (“when was your last dive again?”).

Or taking someone diving who has been certified, and done a few dives after that, but has never dived without holding the instructor’s or DM’s hand (who has certified this person?). We went in and then she said “I am somewhat afraid of water and swimming.” Good timing! But we managed to go down, and come straight up again. “No my dear, the mask should go OVER your nose completely, not ON your nose. That is why it is leaking underwater”. No worries, we all make mistakes. Finally we hit 12 meters depth. Nad then it happens. She pushes herself up straight (I am holding her hand, yes yes), I look at her with all my calmness that I can find at that moment (whilst I know something is going to happen, I don’t know what but I won’t like it), and yes…she grabs her regulator out of her mouth, throws it away, and tries to puke (I am getting afraid that I have that effect on women). I catch the reg, grab the back of her head and shove the reg back into her mouth. “Breathe!” Difficult with so much water in the reg. She wants to go up. So do I. Only the pace in which we want it differs slightly; rocket versus nudibranch. I am able to control the ascent, and back at the shore, she states “I shouldn’t have done that, right?”. No shit Sherlock. I love being a DM!

And then finally, you don’t have to be actually diving to make a fool of yourself or get hurt pretty bad. I should have realized that being in a country where the average height of man is about three quarters of my own, that rooftops, doorposts or boat rooftops are built slightly lower than back home. Not so low that you can actually see it, but just low enough to smash your head into it three times in 2 hours, smash a pair of sunglasses and hit your forehead so hard that you actually fall down like in a cartoon; first horizontal in the air, and then land flat on your back. So that is why there is a big sign right next to the pillow attached to the roof saying “ FOR LANKY DUTCHMEN”. And even though I am lanky and weigh next to nothing, it seems quite hard to hang up the hammock in such a way that it can actually carry a lanky Dutchman. Indeed, sometimes it is painful to be a DM.

But most of all it has been fun! It has been FANTASTIC! Thanks to the local staff for all their help, any time. Thank you Mark, for the ideas, fun, Injun food, and good advice. Thank you Marianne, for your paternalism, guidance and a very steep learning curve. Thanks to Dim and Sato, for their diving along, fun and putting up with me. Thank you Simon for letting me grow my beertap at Castaway and not throwing me out every now and then.

I owe so much thanks to all customers for the above stories, but most of all for the brilliant fun I had with them during my time here at DTL as a DM(T). All the beer fines we have received and still are to receive from so many of you, the attendance to my snorkeltest and poolparty thereafter, all the dives and boattrips, and all the nights at Gion, Motion and so many other places!

But most of all thanks to Maarten (and Annabella) for making this all possible, bringing me over here, embracing me like family and having excellent times together – diving or drinking. And Thank you Gabriele being less civilized than you seemed at first, collecting all these beerfines with me, for taking up the challenge to get me certified, spending with me the best of times, and mainly being my mentor and friend through these difficult times .
“I love the smell of neoprene in the morning!”
Roger – the lanky Dutchman –

Dive Log - 29th August 2009

2009-08-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic day for diving, here are some of the highlights:-

Dili Rock - 15 Bumphead Parrotfish & Barracuda
Tasi Tolu - Purple and Yellow Rhinopious, Baby Cuttlefish and Mimic Octopus
Pertamina Jetty - Huge Giant Trevally x 3
Black Rock - Bumphead Parrotfish, shoal of Barracuda and reef Shark
Bubble Beach - 3 Maori Wrasse

Dive Club 31st August 7pm

2009-08-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

4 day dive safari to JAKO

2009-08-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

Reporter Alex Frew McMillan and photographer Dan Groshong accompanied Mark, Marek, Juve and several other diving Dili residents on a five-day dive-camping trip along East Timor's north coast in late August.

"The trip was great," Alex says. "We got to dive virgin, unexplored dive sites, which is a first for me, as well as some of Timor's best-known sites, such as K57 and K41. We headed off in three 4WDs and stopped off to dive wherever we felt like diving. We didn't see a single other diver on the trip, so we had every site to ourselves. At Jaco, you've got your pick of around 20 sites, most of which have never been dived before. It was thrilling to get into the water in a spot where you just knew you were the first people to see the underwater sights. Coral bommies as big as houses, hunting grey reef sharks, white tip sharks hiding in the coral and a virtually untouched and unfished marine environment were some of the highlights.

I think Timor has a very bright future for adventure travel and dive tourism. Mark and the guys at Dive Timor Lorosae took great care of us and had a blast showing us around. It's also awesome to dive with a dive shop whose staff still show such a passion for diving. I want to come back -- next time, we have vowed to get a ship and hit some of the sites we could see along the coast but couldn't reach from the road."

New Certifications this week

2009-08-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Roger - Divemaster

Quinny - Open Water

Daniel - Open Water

International Beach Clean Up Day 19th September

2009-08-21T02:48:00.000-07:00

Dive Log - 20-21st August 2009

2009-08-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

K41 - Big Barracuda
Dili Rock Night Dive - Spanish Dancer
Backside of Jesus - Turtle

Dive Log - Clam Cove, Atauro

2009-08-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Some photos from Clam Cove on Atauro last weekend. Thanks to Henri Myrttinen

Chromodoris willani

Kentrodoris rubescens

Puffer with the lanky dutchman

Dive Master Snorkel Test

2009-08-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Congrats Roger on becoming a Dive Master!!! Over the last 4 weeks roger has been undertaking the PADI Divemaster course. Last night was the celebration party which included the snorkel test!!! A crowd of friends gathered around the pool (where roger spent alot of his time) to cheer him on. Then he decided that he would throw all who witnest the proceedings into he pool!!!

Once again the pool seemed like the best place to have a beer
Gabriel late into the night decided to show us a local Italian dance his mother once showed him
!

Dive Log - This weeks highlights

2009-08-17T03:11:00.000-07:00

Scary Crab - Melibe fimbriata nudibranch & seahorses
Atauro - 30+ Pilot Whales
Marble Rock - Manta Ray
Cristoe Rae - 25 Bumphead Parrotfish
K41 - Shark & maori wrasse
Lone Tree - Turtle

New Certifications this week

2009-08-17T03:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor this week:-

Fabian - Open Water

Nick - Open Water

Ayako - Advanced Open Water

Amon - Shore Dive Specialty

Roni - Open Water

Nick - Open Water

Petra - Open Water

Sarah - Advanced Open Water

Till - Advanced Open Water

Dive Master Stress Test

2009-08-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Roger ....our resident dive master trainee going through the stress test with our new Brazilian instructor Reinaldo Sato.

Roger made it look easy .... lets see how he goes in the snorkel test in a few day!

A few highlights - thanks Gerald

2009-08-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks again Gerald and the crew from Singapore. Some great dives with some amazing photos and video!

A New Divemaster

2009-08-03T20:39:00.001-07:00

In keeping with DTL tradition, any newly certified Divemaster has to pass the snorkel test while in water. So where better than our new pool. Amon christened it in style, not a drop of drink was spilt!

Mmmmm! Long Island Iced beer with added Tabasco - Yum!

Bring on another one - Cast Iron Stomach!

Congratulations Amon, at 18 he's the youngest Divemaster in East Timor.

Windy but fabulous diving

2009-08-01T05:06:00.001-07:00

A really windy week for diving but it didnt stop one mad keen critter enthusiast (Roanna Wong) from capturing these great critters

Really Cute Shrimp - Dili Rock East

Thuridilla lineolata - Dili Rock East

Mantis Shrimp - Dili Rock East

Cerberilla sp. - Tasi Tolu

Rhinopious Yawning - Tasi Tolu

Shrimp with eggs - Dili Rock East

Dermatobranchus ornatus - Marble Rock

Flabelina rubrolineata - K41

Nembrotha Lineolata - Dili Rock East

Winged Pipefish - Dili Rock East

Philinopsis pilsbry - Tasi Tolu

New Certifications This Week

2009-07-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Amon
Divemaster

Sonju - Open Water

Solange - Open Water

Hugo - Open Water

Welcome Gabriele

2009-07-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Gabriele passed the initiation test by forgetting his wetsuit and diving in just his speedos! Then allowing us to post the evidence on the blog!

Gabriele is a PADI Instructor from Italy who speaks Italian (of course!), English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. So come in and say Ciao, Hi, Hola, Bonjour,or Ola to him.

Dive Log - Tasi Tolu 20/7/09

2009-07-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

More great critters! - photos by Geraldine

White seahorse
One of the 3 spotted

Cerberilla sp.

Crown Snake Eel

White leaf Scorpionfish - 1 of 2 spotted

New Certifications This Week

2009-07-20T01:57:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Ines
Open Water

Abryl - Deep Specialty

Marianna - Open Water

Ted - Open Water

Dive Log - K41 19/7/09

2009-07-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

K41 never fails! 50 squid as well yesterday

Juvenile Emperor Angelfish

Risbecia tryoni

Moray Eeel

Chromodoris elizibethina

Dive Log - Marble Rock 18/7/09

2009-07-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Another nice dive at Marble Rock, thanks for the photos Geraldine

Nemos

Phyllodesmium longicirrum

Kimberley Blennie

Dive Log - Dili Rock West 16/7/09

2009-07-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Some very cool cuttlefish picures at Dili Rock East, thanks Geraldine.

Dive Log - Dili Rock East 15/7/09

2009-07-19T18:35:00.001-07:00

Geraldine's first dive in East Timor held some critter delights at Dili Rock East

Halgerda malesso

Winged Pipefish

Brown Banded Pipefish

Berhella martensi

Great Pics

2009-07-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you JB for some great photos of underwater East Timor. Especially like the crabs, shrimp, frogfish and Mantis shrimp!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23D4LXfYb9E

New Certifications This Week

2009-07-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Karin
Advanced Open Water

Matthew - Open Water

Jennifer
Advanced Open Water

Harry - Open Water

Susana - Rescue

New Certifications This Week

2009-07-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor this week:-

Safir
Open Water

Kazuyo
Open Water

Steven - Open Water

Sue
Deep Specialty

Crazy Norwegians!

2009-07-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

You know that you see some strange things on motorbikes in East Timor, 5 people, chickens, poles, pigs etc. But this is the first time we have seen 3 crazy Norwegian guys in full scuba gear including tanks!

Pool Party

2009-06-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

The DTL Dive Club went with a splash this month, with the official pool opening!

Dive Log

2009-06-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

Its been a great week for diving. Here are some of the highlights:-

Atauro - Dolphins and pilot whales

Dili Rock - Turtle and cuttlefish

Bob's Rock - Leopard Shark

Photo thanks to Randy Gosse

K57 - 40 Meters Vis

New Certifications This Week

2009-06-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Serena
Open Water

Ken
Open Water

Dave

Open Water

Javier
Deep Specialty

Whitney

Open Water

Carla
Open Water

New Certifications This Week

2009-06-22T23:34:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Randy
Open Water

Leonel

Advanced Open Water

Gustavo
Advanced Open Water

Dive Gear For Sale

2009-06-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

$125 Cressi regulator (1st stage, primary and backup 2nd stage, LP hose, SPG/depth gauge. Needs annual servicing and replacement SPG. $125 (current US sale prices $125+$60+$120=$305)

$100 Cressi Aquapro 5 BCD, medium (new $300)

$25 Seac-Sub Fins, Med-Large

$15 Apollo Boots, US size 10

$5 Weight bags for lead shot, 2 small and 2 medium bags

$5 Gloves, tropical style (mesh back)

$10 Regulator/gear bag (large messenger bag)

$40 Princeton Tech Shockwave II dive light, with spare bulb, but without rubber lens boot ($70 new)

$250 UK Light Cannon w/ rechargeable battery pack & 120V charger, light diffuser, adapter for using 8-C size batteries, pistol grip handle, spare o-ring, (new light $300, + new battery pack $65 = $365)

Call Greg: 731-1507orE-mail: greg@twende.net

DTL Dive Club Party

2009-06-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Shiny!!!

2009-06-18T20:40:00.001-07:00

Finally after a few months on back order or latest shipment of dive gear has arrived. Including 10 new sets of gear and a batch of new tanks taking the total up to 100!

New Certifications This Week

2009-06-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new divers certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Sonia
Open Water

Ricardo

Open Water

Luis
Open Water

Carla

Open Water

Joanna
Open Water

Dive Log

2009-06-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

It's been one of the busiest weeks of the year for diving. Here's some of the highlights:-

Manta Cove - Atauro
2 humpback whales

Shark Point - Atauro
Fish City

K41
Bumphead Parrotfish, stonefish

Pertamina Jetty
Shoal of Barracuda, Blue spotted stingrays, stonefish

Pool Soft Opening

2009-06-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

The pool is built and the water is in. After 9 years in Timor, DTL has always set the standard for dive training, travel and service.

Bringing into Timor the only 5 star PADI dive centre that owns and operates its own dive vessel, large retail and service centre, own restaraunt and bar, 8 fully furnished villa's and units and now Timors only purposed built 2.5m dive training swimming pool.

Digital Underwater Photography

2009-06-08T01:47:00.000-07:00

You can do Digital Underwater Photography as part of the Advanced Open Water course. Or if you are really keen, there is the Digital Underwater Photography Specialty.

You can also hire a camera from Dive Timor Lorosae for $20 a day and take pictures of all the interesting things you see including your buddy.

Here are some of Jennifers, Guilherme''s and Gustavos first attempts:-

2009-06-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new diver certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Javier
Rescue

Silvio
Navigation Speciality

Dive Log

2009-06-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic weekend for diving!

Backside of Jesus

Date: 7th June 2009
Vis: 15-20 meters
Temp: 28 degrees
Depth: 18 meters

Spotted: Loads of Fusilliers, Eagle Ray and Tuna

Tasi Tolu

Date: 6/7th June 2009
Vis: 5-15 meters
Temp: 28 degrees
Depth: 18 -20 meters

Spotted: Frogfish, rhinopious and a free swimming white seahorse

Pertamina Jetty

Date: 7th June 2009
Vis: 5-7 meters
Temp: 29 degrees
Depth: 5-16 meters

Spotted: Loads of Blue spotted stingray, stonefish, school of barracuda and a turtle

K41

Date: 7th June 2009
Vis: 30 meters
Temp: 29 degrees
Depth: 18 meters

Spotted: Bumphead Parrotfish

Check out K57 as well, today we had 30 meters vis!

The Kids are famous

2009-06-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

Our young divers in East Timor have made the glossy's in Asian Geographic Junior.

Check out this link for the article http://www.asiangeojunior.com/attentiongrabber.html

Dive Log - Cristo Rei

2009-06-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

Date: 3rd June 2009
Vis: 10-15 meters
Temp: 28 degrees
Depth: 18 meters

Spotted: Schooling Bannerfish and the biggest giant trevally that any of the 6 divers had ever seen. 1.3-1.4 meters and very close!

New Certifications This Week

2009-06-01T03:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the new students certified at Dive Timor Lorosae this week:-

Maria
Advanced Open Water

Luis
Open Water

Jessica - Navigation Speciality

Guilherme
Advanced Open Water

Barney

Open Water

Ana
Rescue

Dive Log

2009-06-01T03:11:00.000-07:00

This weeks highlights:-

Maori Wrasse and 25meters vis with no current at secret garden

A huge turtle with 2 remora and a shoal of baby big eyed barracuda at Dili Rock