We are as alien underwater as we are in space, and as dependent on technical assistance. Moving in slow motion, we are virtually weightless. Almost space-like. Under water, sound, language, and time are essentially meaningless. A diver rarely measures time in minutes. The dive is limited by the amount of oxygen you have left. (And the depth to which you descend, but that would be going too far :D)

As a diver, you are entering a habitat in which you do not belong. The fish around you, the plants, the marine mammals – they belong here, but we divers are guests in this environment. We are allowed to observe, sometimes even be a small part of it, and we are observed. It is always fascinating to see how the marine life is either unaffected by our presence or curiously watching.

These encounters and “guest awareness” are the reasons why sustainability and marine conservation are ingrained in the mentality of most divers. As guests in the underwater world, we can witness first-hand what pollution and the like are doing to this unique habitat. The amount of dirt and garbage we sometimes bring ashore on our dives… Sometimes you really wonder if people see the sea as a dumpster when you pull up tin cans, fishing lines and hooks, glass, or whole plastic posters from the seabed.

Excursion: Diving Safety

By the way, I write “we” mainly because as a diver you never dive alone. You are always accompanied by one or two buddies who can help in case of an emergency. As mentioned in the beginning, we are dependent on technical assistance underwater. If something goes wrong, it is essential that someone is there with their equipment to take over until you return to the surface.

Training, Diving, and Sustainability

Most of us don’t get into diving to clean up the world’s oceans and lakes. For me, I started out of pure curiosity. And because I wanted to watch fish. For most people, it’s the fascination of life underwater and the slowness and silence that envelops you as soon as you go underwater that drives them to the nearest diving club.

Often on vacation, to explore the foreign underwater world with its colorful fish more closely than by snorkeling. Let’s leave aside the question of whether a three-day course qualifies as training. I’m glad I had more time to gain confidence in my equipment and skills.

Diving requirements

In general, almost anyone can start scuba diving. Usually there is a lower age limit (usually from 10 years), but there are hardly any upper limits. The only requirement is a certain level of basic fitness. But before you get your scuba license, you need to see a diving or sports physician for a physical examination anyway.

I didn’t train in the warm south with crystal clear water but in the Baltic Sea. Sometimes with water temperatures of 9 degrees Celsius and visibility of just under two meters. Sometimes less. You can also earn your diving license in lakes.

Respect for the sea, nature, and underwater creatures was taught to us from the very beginning by our instructors (and this happens in most diving resorts and vacation courses as well). Both underwater and on the surface. For example, the handling of corals and how to behave towards them is firmly anchored in the diving training. First of all, you should not touch them with your bare hands.

Excursion: Diving in the Tropics

Some time ago we had a discussion in the editorial office about the careless or disrespectful behavior of tourists and the resulting destruction of reefs. Divers were also mentioned, and although there are certainly black sheep in the diving community, I would like to put my hand in the fire for the majority of passionate divers and say: They know how to behave underwater so as not to destroy or damage anything. On the contrary. They are the ones who bring back the plastic bags and flip-flops that others have “lost” …

Diving while Traveling: Does it always have to be tropical waters?

Now that we are on the topic of the tropics with their brightly colored fish and corals, the question inevitably arises: Do you always have to dive in the tropics?

No, of course not! I haven’t been there either. Instead, I’ve been observing life in the Baltic Sea. Did you know that there are little blue starfish in the Baltic Sea? Or how beautiful fire jellyfish can look in refracted sunlight underwater (and from far away!)? However, there are a few more distant destinations on my personal bucket list. You can read about how to ensure the sustainability of such a trip in our article “Scuba Diving in the tropics” (there are also other tips for diving destinations!).

If you want to experience the Baltic Sea through diving, there are numerous locations along the entire coast. For example Timmendorfer Strand! Barely two minutes from the beach lies the sustainable Lifestylehotel SAND, which works with the WDC (Whale and Dolphin Conservation). The WWF also offers snorkeling tours in the area! Perfect for those who don’t have a diving license (yet)!

When it comes to marine conservation, I think we divers are very prone to greenwashing. Whenever we find an opportunity to give something back to the ocean as a thank you for the wonderful time we regularly spend there, we take it. However, as always, not everything is as green as it looks.

For example, coral planting projects are often criticized because they are not always done by experts, the coral pieces are taken from living coral, or no attention is paid to biodiversity and genetic diversity in the plantings. Especially in the latter case, the fragile corals are likely to die in the next disaster. Researchers say it makes more sense to protect existing reefs and mitigate climate change. That’s why it’s better to clean and restore reefs than to plant coral 😉

Some resorts, such as Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives, offer courses where you can help marine biologists with their work. This way you can be relatively sure that you are not falling for greenwashing, but doing real conservation. The Gili also offers conservation lectures and training for dive instructors.

Read this article to learn more about how and why you should make your diving vacation sustainable!

1. Start with a dive center in your area (lakes and inland waters have their appeal, as well). Dive centers often offer introductory courses.!
2. Borrow equipment until you know you really want to pursue this hobby. The only things you need at first are a well-fitting mask from a specialty shop (no, not a discount store!), a snorkel, and possibly fins. Later, you can look for sustainable manufacturers when choosing your equipment.
3. Travel together to dive sites. Be careful not to destroy the surrounding nature when entering the water.
4. If you want to train while on vacation, look for certified courses (like at Zeavola Resort where you can take PADI courses)
5. Always treat the underwater world and its inhabitants with respect. Don’t touch anything and be careful with your fins (you can also destroy a lot with them)

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