The most important thing to remember is that your compressor needs to be installed by a professional technician. Oyster Diving work with the same team that look after and maintain the compressor for the Royal Navy amongst many other high-profile customers and they are able to meet any boat around the world. The air from the compressor should be tested every three months to ensure that there are no impurities such as carbon monoxide and oil residue.
TIME TO GET WRECKED
Once you have your equipment and are trained to use it, then it’s time to jump into the water. These are Oyster’s top dive sites for the Mediterranean.
Malta together with its sister islands of Gozo and Comino have many fascinating wrecks, some from the second world war and others sunk on purpose to act as artificial reefs. They can be found at various depths so suitable for all divers. However our favourite is the Um el Faroud, a 110m Libyan oil tanker that suffered a huge explosion, it couldn’t affordably be repaired so in 1998 was scuttled and lies at a maximum depth of 34m.
The Azores are for those who crave adrenalin with their diving. Various species of sharks including blues, makos and even hammerheads make this a true gem. Other large pelagics such as humpback whales, sunfish and turtles can all be found here.
The Dalmatian coast off Croatia is rapidly becoming a hotspot for divers. With crystal clear water it has a vast array of fish species, nudibranchs and sea horses. Clinging to the underwater limestone cliffs are sponges and caves smothered in colourful soft corals.
In Cyprus, the 178m wreck of the Zenobia which sank in 1980, is one of the world’s most famous diveable wrecks. This large ship is suitable for all experience levels and you can impress your friends by having a selfie sitting in the cab of one of its cars or trucks that are still in its hold. For more advanced divers there is the engine room to explore!
Illes Mede islands in Spain was the first marine reserve in Europe, home to large groupers, schools of barracudas and eagle rays. If you go at the right time of year (late spring) you may even find a large sunfish or two.
Kas, Turkey is still in its infancy. It has rich marine life and clear blue, warm waters. A variety of dive sites include drop offs, caves and wrecks. There is a good chance of spotting moray eels, hawksbill turtles, octopus and amberjacks.
Other favourites include; Island of Chios, Greece, Portofino, Italy with its national marine park and of course the Cote d’Azur. But wherever you are cruising, use professional equipment and get trained.
For more information on any of the above then please get in touch with Oyster Diving.
Tel: +44 (0)1273 009778 or visit www.oysterdiving.com
