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Philippines Dive Resort Damage
That Disappearing Dive Boat
Curaçao's Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club
That Advanced Open Water Certificate
Read Undercurrent for Free
Dive Alert and Hollis Computers
Get More out of Undercurrent

Philippines Dive Resort Damage:  November 22, 2013

Katy Stoke of Reef and Rainforest tells us that Sea Explorers was about to complete a new addition to their resort Ocean Vida. You can see what's left of the original property here. They expect to be open mid December and fully operational by February. Malapascua Exotic Island suffered less damage and will be open in a few weeks. They and several other dive shops have been making runs to collect and distribute supplies. Some divers went to Exotic as scheduled after the storm and are spending part of their holiday helping out. Several operators will be running again by next month although perhaps not with the level of comfort they offered before the storm. Some guests have been accommodated in other areas (Sea Explorers has branches in other areas where they are rebooking divers). Bohol, Dauin, Cabilao and Cebu City are fine -- a few downed trees and electricity out -- but that was quickly fixed.) As for the reefs in the area, one can only speculate until evidence is gathered. Siren Fleet and Atlantis Azores run liveaboards in waters that received the brunt of the storm. Siren Fleet just posted an album of the relief efforts onboard their vessel. Here is a general review of the damaged areas.

That Disappearing Dive Boat:  November 22, 2013

Have you ever been forgotten by your dive boat? Left to drift so long you became worried? Ended up too far from the dive boat to swim to it? Heard the tender looking for you, but were hidden by waves? We want to hear your story. We learned of a couple in Thailand that went missing and wondered if they would be found, so we thought our own readers might have plenty of stories to share. Please let me hear yours: BenDDavison@undercurrent.org

Curaçao's Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club:  November 22, 2013

abruptly closed its doors in early November, with plenty of guests still at the lodge. Subscriber Rick Bates (Ajax Ontario) wrote that "after three days of diving, we were called down to the front lobby around 1:00 p.m. and told that the resort is closing its doors (bankrupt) and to pack our bags. We were being kicked out! Brian, the owner of Go West Diving showed up and explained that his operation was still open, and he is completely independent of the Kura Lodge." Rick eventually found another hotel, but if you have upcoming reservations, you may be left holding the bag.

That Advanced Open Water Certificate:  November 22, 2013

We've been critical about its' false perceived value when awarded to a diver with a handful of dives, but we did not know that Adolph Hitler was among the first AOW divers. There are and endless number of amateur dubs and subtitling clips from the 2004 Oscar-nominated film Downfall, but this AOW rant makes sense.

Read Undercurrent for Free:  November 22, 2013

Each month we post a free article or two on our website, the latest about why some resorts are banning sea horse photography -- they say a strobe flash harms seahorses. Read what we have to say. You will also be able to read free-of-charge thousands of old reader reports and past issues, dive book reviews and much much more. Visit us at www.undercurrent.org .

Dive Alert and Hollis Computers:  November 22, 2013

a couple recalls you might have missed: In June, 2500 DiveAlert and DiveAlert PLUS signaling devices were recalled because they can restrict air flow. Model numbers involved were DA2, DP2, or DV2 and can be used with Aqualung AirSource, Oceanic Air XS, Aeris Air Link and Mares Air Control regulator/inflators. Only these signaling devices without any stamped writing on the coupling's collar are included in this recall. For information contact: DiveAlert at (800) 275-4332 or visit www.divealert.com and click on Recall . . . . In July, Hollis recalled about 1000 Hollis DG03 computers sold between July 2011 through May 2013 because the computer, when used with an optional integrated transmitter, can display an incorrect tank pressure reading, leading a user unknowingly to deplete his air supply. Call Hollis at (888) 383-3483 or go online at www.hollisgear.com and click Safety Notices.

Get More out of Undercurrent:  November 22, 2013

While we love to have you as one of our preferred paid subscribers, let me not that if you're not a regular visitor to our Facebook page, you're missing unusual diving stories, such as the ugliest fish in the world, how a returning veteran emerged from the deep to surprise his family, and a report on dolphin's wet dreams. Give our FB page a go and pass it on to your buddies.

Ben Davison, editor/publisher
Contact Ben

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Note: Undercurrent is a registered 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization donating funds to help preserve coral reefs. Our travel writers never announce their purpose, are unknown to the destination, and receive no complimentary services or compensation from the dive operators or resort.

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