Scavenger Hunts for Divers

Does finning around dive spots get boring? The Diving Equipment Marketing Association (DEMA) wants to spice up your dives by having you hunt for hidden treasure using GPS. It just launched a campaign for a game called DiveCaching, the underwater version of Geocaching.

How it works: Divers hide a treasure or "cache" underwater and post the GPS coordinates and compass directions on the website www.geocaching.com . Other divers get the coordinates from the site and dive to locate the cache. When they find it, they can photograph it, add their own treasure to the container, or just note the discovery and share the experience with divers around the world.

DEMA executive director Tom Ingram says DiveCaching can be done anywhere, regardless of visibility or dive conditions, and is a good way to explore new destinations. He adds that it's a good family outing, and you can get non-divers involved with land-based geocaching and social activities.

However, keep in mind that marine reserves may not warm to the idea of you hiding booty around their reefs. And those looking for real treasure will be disappointed, as the actual cache may be simply a log book and something to write with, or a few coins, keychains, beads. Swag, basically. However, check out DEMA's YouTube video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFdA6BjnJ9Y)or its Facebook page on DiveCaching (www.facebook.com/divecaching ) and see if it's worth starting a hunt or join in.