1. Background:

Numerous investigative studies have been done on the effectiveness of tyres as artificial reefs (Aleksandrov et al, 2002; Collins et al, 2002) with tyre reefs in North America, the Carribean, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia this is a popular material for marine use.  Tyres are a popular material for reef building due to their readily available nature and lack of suitable large scale disposal methods.  Tyres contain a wide range of chemical components including natural rubber, synthetic polymers, oil, zinc to name but a few.  A study by Collins et al, (1994) showed the main heavy metal that leaches from tyres is zinc, similarly in a subsequent study by Collins et al, (2002) hydroids sampled from tyre surfaces showed increased levels of zinc within their tissues. Several studies have measured the effectiveness of tyre based reefs on the presence of fish populations (Markevich, 2005), showing that fish biomass increases with artificial reef structures.  However, a report by Chou (1994) states that unless an artificial reef is properly planned and managed it can become more of pollutant than a benefit for marine life.  A prime example of this is in Florida where tyres were placed near a beach in Fort Lauderdale, however the moorings holding the tyres in place broke causing damage to a nearby natural reef, it has also been stated that the artifical reef became unhabitable with few organisms being able to live long term on the tyres (Fleshler, 2003).

Eighty six tyres, ranging from bike to tractor tyres were observed on and in the immediate vicinity of the reef at Eel Garden dive site, Dahab, Egypt (figure 1).  These tyres were dumped by unknown persons onto the reef with no intention to plan an artificial reef and subsequently would become a hazard for the surrounding reef.  The aim project was designed to remove and safely dispose of these tyres.

Eel Garden dive site, Dahab (photo by J. Donauer)

2.    Methodology:

2.1. Preliminary surveys
Initial surveys were carried out by Red Sea Research staff and volunteers to assess the number and exact location of these tyres, and design a safe plan for removal with minimal impact to the reef and maximum safety of the divers and support staff..

2.2.  Tyre collection
Over a 4 week period numerous dives were undertaken on the Eel Garden dive site to remove the tyres from the reef and collect them together on a suitable substrate for extraction.  A total of 86 tyres were collected and moved onto a sand area approximately 25m from the reef edge.  All tyres were examined for living organisms.  Small amounts of coral growth were observed on 3 of the tyres, and were transplanted onto the nearby reef (figure 2).

2.3  Coral removal
Small amounts of coral was identified on 3 of the tyres.  Removal of these organisms off the tyre surface was done using a scalpel blade by a diver wearing gloves to prevent direct contact with the skin.  The coral was lifted using a scraper (figure 3) and placed on a board for removal to the reef.  A suitable location was found on the reef by evidence of the same species growing in the vicinity to ensure the correct positioning for light, wave exposure etc.  The coral was then placed upon a bare area and held in position by wooden pegs until it could establish its own hold.

Figure 2: Transplantation of the coral onto the nearby reef. (photo by J. Donauer)

Figure 3: Transplantation of the coral onto the nearby reef. (photo by J. Donauer)

2.4.  Tyre extraction
Tyres were all placed in rows to allow for easy extraction (figure 4).  Two divers went into the water and placed a buoy line in the vicinity of the tyres.  With the loaned use of a dive boat from Sinai Divers, 14 volunteers, 2 camera men and boat crew moored next to the buoy line approximately 40m off the Eel Garden Reef.

Figure 4: Tyres prepared for extraction (photo by R. Carey)

Two individuals were positioned next to the buoy with pre-arranged signals to relay instructions between divers and boat support.  Two divers entered the water and descended to the tyres, using a hemp rope (15mm diameter) and a carabina clip they attached two tyres to the rope (figure 5 & 6) and indicated to the surface support that the tyres were attached and that they had retreated to a safe distance, this message was passed to the boat and the volunteers hauled the tyres to the surface.  With additional assistance the tyres were lifted onto the boat and placed on the bow (figure 7 & 8).  Instruction was then passed down to the divers to pull the rope using a secondary line back to the sea floor.  This method was repeated, and divers replaced as required until all tyres had been removed from the water and collected onto the boat (figure 9).

Figure 5: tyres being attached to the ropes ready for removal. (photo by R. Carey)

Figure 6: tyres being attached to the ropes ready for removal. (photo by R. Carey)

Figure 7: tyres being hauled onto the boat (photo by J. Donauer).

Figure 8: tyres being hauled onto the boat (photo by J. Donauer).

The tyres were subsequently transported back to the port and collected by lorry arranged by the South Sinai Marine Protectorate for tranportation to a recycling facility in El Tor.

Figure 9: Tyres removed from Eel Garden dive site (photo by R. Carey)

3.  Results:

All tyres were successfully removed and coral will be observed over time to assess whether transplantation was successful.

3.1  Observations.

Upon tyre removal onto the boat an on-board scientist (James Thomson) observed that several organisms had inhabited the tyres whilst they were submerged however all were dead, suggesting that although the tyres could be adhered to they did not provide a suitable long term habitat.

4.  Acknowledgements.

Red Sea Research staff would like to thank all volunteers as listed below for their assistance throughout preliminary surveys and the tyre removal.

Divers; Barry Mitchell, Neil Devani, James Thomson, Johan Koops and Chris.
Support crew;  Carmen Tromballa, Leeann Hughes, Justin Williams, Paul and James Hackney
Photographers and videographers;  Clive Hanna, Rich Carey, Julian Turner, Juergen Donauer, Peter Denk and Uwe Zapf.

A very special thanks goes to Paul Hackney and his son James, that were in Dahab just for holidays but donated one of their days to make the Red Sea a little bit cleaner.  Also to Julian, Sarah and Nicolas Gronier for planning assistance.

Red Sea Research would like to thank South Sinai Marine Protectorate for supplying permits, support, transportation and arranging disposal of the tyres.  Sinai Divers for the use of their boat (Gazalla 6) and also to the captain (Ahmed) and crew. Also, our thanks go out to Fantasea, Fantaseatec, Blue Realm, Club Red, Orca dive club, Dahab Divers and Sinai Divers for providing tanks throughout this project.

Video by Clive Hanna

5.  References;

Chou L.M.  (1994).  Artificial reefs of South East Asia -  Do they enhance or degrade the marine environment.  Environmental monitoring and assessment 44: 45-52.

Collins, K. J., Jensen, A. C., Lockwood, A. P. M., & Lockwood, S. J. 1994. Coastal structures, waste materials and fishery enhancement. Bulletin of Marine Science, 55: 1253–1264.

Collins K.J., Jensen A.C., Mallinson J.J., Roenelle V. & Smith I.P.  (2002).  Environmental impact assessment of a scrap tyre artificial reef.  ICES Journal of Marine Science 59: S243-S249.

Fleshler D.  2003.  State atttempts to clean up after failed artificial reef.  Icthyology at the Florida museum of Natural History.

Markevich A.  (2005).  Dynamics of fish colonization of an experimental artificial reef in Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan.  Russian Journal of Marine Biology 31 (4): 221-224.

Russell, B.C.  (2005).  The development and dynamics of a small artificial reef community.  Helgoland Marine Research 27 (3): 14383.

The Course:

This course will begin by teaching a students to become internationally recognised advanced scuba divers with all the necessary skills to operate underwater safely and with confidence. This will take approximately 6 days, involving academic lessons and practical sessions conducted in confined water until the student is confident; then practised in open water. Once the basic skills have been mastered and the student is comfortable with their diving techniques, the student can begin the internationally recognised Red Sea Research diver course, which is specifically designed to teach a student the knowledge and skills required to give a solid foundation in marine biological and geographical research.

It will cover the aspects of marine research data collection and surveying techniques vital to becoming a competent marine sciences volunteer or future researcher. It will also increase the student’s environmental awareness while promoting organisational skills, problem solving abilities, self confidence, and the social and technical skills needed to allow a student to work as part of a marine scientific research team.

The Red Sea Research course is separated into 8 modules; each module is divided into academic and practical sessions specifically designed to compliment the seceding module.
Once a student has reached an acceptable level, they will be allowed to conduct supervised surveys on behalf of the Egyptian National parks authority and assist in ongoing research projects conducted by independent research organisations operating in the Red sea.

Certification:

Internationally recognised Red Sea Research Diver and SCUBA certification will be issued to all students after successfully completing the modular courses, which will allow a student to assist in any research project being conducted in Sinai with a minimal amount of specialised training; The course can be deferred and completed over several visits within a 2 year period, once completed if no research diving has been logged by the student within 18 months, a short refresher will be required for updated techniques.
All qualified research divers will be entered into our volunteer database and will be regularly updated on upcoming volunteer projects.

Accommodation:

Students will be housed; 2 persons to a room with en-suite showers. Up grades are possible upon request.

Dive centre:

Our modern, fully equipped dive centre is located at the beach front, 500m from the centre of Dahab’s main amenities, and meets all European and CDWS safety standards.
There are 2 fully equipped re-compression chambers with fully qualified staff based in Dahab.

Itinerary:

The Red sea Research Itinerary is a standard format and may be subject to minor changes due to seasonal weather conditions and the requirements of ongoing research projects.
All course days begin at 9:00am with 1 day off per week, for recreation, self study or project work.
For an itinerary or adjusted price please contact us with your requirements.

Buoyancy training

Week 1: SCUBA. Open Water Diver Courses

• Arrival, meet and greet, area orientation.
• Open water training.
• Advanced training.

Week 2-4: Red Sea Research Modules And Field Trip

• 1. Buoyancy, 2. Navigation, 3. Rescue. 4. Topographical, 7. Tropical ecology, 8. Benthic and Bathymetric survey methods.
• 3 day field trip. Camel safari to survey area.
• Mangrove park terrestrial field trip.
• Social activities. Wadi party and BBQ.
• Supervised surveys for marine national parks protectorate.
• Guided tour of hyperbaric facilities.
• Evaluation and certifications and farewell party.

Week 5: Survey for SSMP

• Supervised surveys for South Sinai marine protectorate.
• Evaluation and certifications and farewell party.

Extra activities and excursions can be arranged upon request. Minor changes may be made to the itinerary due to seasonal changes and project requirements.

Prices:

• From 1405.- EUR
• With standard accommodation 2150.- Euro. Inc. airport transfers. Deposit: 530.- Euro
• With new SCUBA equipment: 1930.- EUR (the student keeps the equipment). Deposit: 480.- EUR
• With standard accommodation and new SCUBA equipment: 2675.- EUR (the student keeps the equipment). Deposit: 670.- EUR

The Course:

This course will begin by teaching a students to become internationally recognised advanced scuba divers with the necessary skills to operate underwater safely and with confidence. This will take approximately 7 days, involving academic and practical sessions conducted in confined water until the student is confident; then practised in open water .once the basic skills have been mastered and the student is comfortable with their diving techniques, the student can begin the internationally recognised Red Sea Research diver course, which is specifically designed to teach a student the knowledge and skills required to give a solid foundation in marine biological and geographical research. It will cover the aspects of marine research data collection and surveying techniques vital to becoming a competent marine sciences volunteer or future researcher. It will also increase the student’s environmental awareness while promoting organisational skills, problem solving abilities, self confidence, and the social and technical skills needed to allow a student to work as part of a Marine scientific research team.
Once a student has reached an acceptable level, they will be allowed to conduct supervised surveys on behalf of the Egyptian National parks authority and assist in ongoing research projects conducted by independent research organisations operating in the Red sea

Certification:

The internationally recognised Red Sea Research certification will be issued to all students successfully completing the modular course, which will allow a student to assist in any research project being conducted in Sinai with a minimal amount of specialised training; The course can be deferred and completed over several visits within a 2 year period, once completed if no research diving has been logged by the student within 18 months, a short refresher will be required for updated techniques. All qualified researches will be entered into our volunteer database and will be regularly updated on upcoming volunteer projects. The certification is a one off payment and subsequent courses will be added to the students Research diver log book.

Accommodation:

Students will be housed; 2 persons to a room. Up grades are possible on request.

Dive centre:

Our modern, fully equipped dive centre is located at the beach front, close to the centre of Dahab’s main amenities, and meets all European and CDWS safety standards.
There are 2 fully equipped re-compression chambers with fully qualified staff based in Dahab.

Itinerary:

Week 1:

• Arrival, meet and greet, area orientation.
• Open water scuba training.
• Advanced training.

Week 2:

Day 1:

• Welcome meeting
• Introduction to R.S.R. courses and orientation of area.
• Multiple choice questionnaire. Students will be evaluated, debriefed, and then separated into smaller groups depending on their individual abilities.
• Basic marine biology, cartography
• Peak performance buoyancy academic session

Day 2:

• Practical point buoyancy and breathing control. Open water. (Max Depth 12m)
• Peak performance buoyancy obstacle course

Day 3:

• Self rescue and safety (academic and practical)
• Benthic survey techniques (academic)

Day 4:

• Benthic survey (practical)
• Surveying area
• catalogue data
• Introduction to Topographical surveying. Bathymetric survey methods and cataloguing

Day 5:

• Preliminary survey of site.
• Begin map production.

Day 6:

• Map making. Correlating data Draw map
• Correlating data
• Draw map.

Day 7:

• Fun dive.
• Certification.
• Leaving drinks.

Minor changes may be made to the itinerary due to seasonal changes and project requirements.

Extra activities, excursions and a variety of accommodation packages can be arranged by RSR upon request.

Prices:

• From 630.- Euro
• With standard accommodation 955.- Euro. Inc. airport transfers. Deposit: 255.- Euro

The Course:

This course will cover the aspects of marine research data collection and surveying techniques vital to becoming a competent marine sciences volunteer. It will increase the student’s environmental awareness while promoting organisational skills, problem solving abilities, self confidence, and the social and technical skills needed to allow a student to work as part of a Marine scientific research team.

The course is separated into 8 modules; each module is divided into academic and practical sessions specifically designed to compliment the seceding module. There will be a pre requisite academic and practical evaluation to determine each student’s capabilities and skills. Once a student has reached an acceptable level, they will be allowed to conduct supervised surveys on behalf of the Egyptian National parks authority and assist in ongoing research projects conducted by independent research organisations operating in the Red sea.

Certification:

An internationally recognised Red Sea Research certification will be issued to all students successfully completing the modular course, which will allow a student to assist in any research project being conducted in the Red sea with a minimal amount of specialised training; The course can be deferred and completed over several visits within a 2 year period, once completed; if no research diving has been logged by the student within18 months, a short refresher will be required for updated techniques. All qualified researches will be entered into our volunteer database and will be regularly updated on upcoming volunteer projects.

Accommodation:

Students will be housed; 2 persons to a room with en-suite showers. Up grades are possible upon request.

Dive centre:

Our modern, fully equipped dive centre is located at the beach front, 500m from the centre of Dahab’s main amenities, and meets all European and CDWS safety standards.
There are 2 fully equipped re-compression chambers with fully qualified staff based in Dahab.

Itinerary:

Lift bag ascent

Arrival:

• Airport collection and transfer
• Welcome meeting, registration and area orientation

Week 1-3: Red Sea Research modules

• RS Research modules
• 3 day field trip
• mangrove park field trip
• Social activities including Wadi party and BBQ

Week 4: National park survey projects

• Supervised surveys
• Pleasure boat trip/dive
• Evaluation and certifications
• Farewell party

Prices:

• From 850.- EUR
• With standard accommodation 1160.- Euro. Inc. airport transfers. Deposit: 310.- Euro

The Course:

This course will begin by teaching a students to become internationally recognised advanced scuba divers with all the necessary skills to operate underwater safely and with confidence. This will take approximately 6 days, involving academic lessons and practical sessions conducted in confined water until the student is confident; then practised in open water. Once the basic skills have been mastered and the student is comfortable with their diving techniques, the student can begin the internationally recognised Red Sea Research diver course, which is specifically designed to teach a student the knowledge and skills required to give a solid foundation in marine biological and geographical research.

It will cover the aspects of marine research data collection and surveying techniques vital to becoming a competent marine sciences volunteer or future researcher. It will also increase the student’s environmental awareness while promoting organisational skills, problem solving abilities, self confidence, and the social and technical skills needed to allow a student to work as part of a marine scientific research team.

The Red Sea Research course is separated into 8 modules; each module is divided into academic and practical sessions specifically designed to compliment the seceding module.
Once a student has reached an acceptable level, they will be allowed to conduct supervised surveys on behalf of the Egyptian National parks authority and assist in ongoing research projects conducted by independent research organisations operating in the Red sea.

Certification:

Internationally recognised Red Sea Research Diver and SCUBA certification will be issued to all students after successfully completing the modular courses, which will allow a student to assist in any research project being conducted in Sinai with a minimal amount of specialised training; The course can be deferred and completed over several visits within a 2 year period, once completed if no research diving has been logged by the student within 18 months, a short refresher will be required for updated techniques.
All qualified research divers will be entered into our volunteer database and will be regularly updated on upcoming volunteer projects.

Accommodation:

Students will be housed; 2 persons to a room with en-suite showers. Up grades are possible upon request.

Dive centre:

Our modern, fully equipped dive centre is located at the beach front, 500m from the centre of Dahab’s main amenities, and meets all European and CDWS safety standards.
There are 2 fully equipped re-compression chambers with fully qualified staff based in Dahab.

Itinerary:

The Red sea Research Itinerary is a standard format and may be subject to minor changes due to seasonal weather conditions and the requirements of ongoing research projects.
All course days begin at 9:00am with 1 day off per week, for recreation, self study or project work.
For an itinerary or adjusted price please contact us with your requirements.

Buoyancy training

Week 1: SCUBA. Open Water Diver Courses

• Arrival, meet and greet, area orientation.
• Open water training.
• Advanced training.

Week 2-4: Red Sea Research Modules And Field Trip

• 1. Buoyancy, 2. Navigation, 3. Rescue. 4. Topographical, 7. Tropical ecology, 8. Benthic and Bathymetric survey methods.
• 3 day field trip. Camel safari to survey area.
• Mangrove park terrestrial field trip.
• Social activities. Wadi party and BBQ.
• Supervised surveys for marine national parks protectorate.
• Guided tour of hyperbaric facilities.
• Evaluation and certifications and farewell party.

Extra activities and excursions can be arranged upon request. Minor changes may be made to the itinerary due to seasonal changes and project requirements.

Prices:

• From 1245.- EUR
• With standard accommodation 1850.- Euro. Inc. airport transfers. Deposit: 460.- Euro

The Course:

This course will increase the student’s environmental awareness while promoting organisational skills, problem solving abilities, self confidence, and the social and technical skills needed to allow a student to work as part of a Marine scientific research team.

The course is separated into 8 modules; each module is divided into academic and practical sessions specifically designed to compliment the seceding module. There will be a pre requisite academic and practical evaluation to determine each student’s capabilities and skills. Once a student has reached an acceptable level, they will be allowed to conduct supervised surveys on behalf of the Egyptian National parks authority and assist in ongoing research projects conducted by independent research organisations operating in the Red sea.

Certification:

An internationally recognised R.S.Research certification will be issued to all students successfully completing the modular course, which will allow a student to assist in any research project being conducted in the Red sea with a minimal amount of specialised training; The course can be deferred and completed over several visits within a 2 year period, once completed if no research diving has been logged by the student within18 months, a short refresher will be required for updated techniques. All qualified researches will be entered into our volunteer database and will be regularly updated on upcoming volunteer projects.

Dive centre:

Our modern, fully equipped dive centre is located at the beach front, 500m from the centre of Dahab’s main amenities, and meets all European and CDWS safety standards.  There are 2 fully equipped re-compression chambers with fully qualified staff based in Dahab.

Prices:

From 425.00 EU. Inc: tanks, weights, dive site transport, Airport transfers, Field trips, Use of all facilities, permissions and certification. Our prices do not include accommodation, flights or visas. All students will be covered by RSR insurance for our dive activities however it is advised that students acquire their own personal travel insurance.  Full diving equipment rental will be charged at €15 per day if required.

Deposit:

€125.00. Balance to be paid 4 weeks before departure.

Extra activities and excursions can be arranged upon request. A variety of accommodation packages can be arranged by RSR upon request.

Minor changes may be made to the itinerary due to seasonal changes and project requirements.

Itinerary:

This Itinerary is a standard format. Modules may be changed or extended to accommodate a groups requirements or the Universities curriculum.

For an itinerary and adjusted price please contact us with your requirements.

RSR diver doing survey

Day 1:

• Welcome meeting
• Introduction to R.S.R. courses and orientation of area.
• Multiple choice questionnaire. Students will be evaluated, debriefed, and then separated into smaller groups depending on their individual abilities.
• Peak performance buoyancy academic session.

Day 2:

• Practical point buoyancy and breathing control. Open water. (Max Depth 12m)
• Peak performance buoyancy obstacle course
• Safety of research diving (academic)

Day 3:

• Self rescue and safety (academic and practical)
• Navigation and survey techniques (academic)
• Navigation and search patterns (practical)

Day 4:

Camel Safari

• Introduction to Topographical surveys (academic)
• Grid mapping/ordinance survey

Day 5:

• Preliminary survey of site
• Topographical surveying (practical)

Day 6:

• Benthic and bathymetric survey techniques.
• Collecting data and cataloguing

Day 7:

• free

Day 8:

Mangrove

• Terrestrial field trip. Nabq National Park mangrove (guided),(alternative excursions can be provided upon request)

Day 9, 10, 11:

• Camel safari to survey site
• Survey designated area, benthic, geographic and bathymetric.

Day 12:

• Correlate data from field trip

Day 13:

• Boat trip fun day diving.

Day 14:

• Evaluation and Certification.
• Farewell drinks

The Course:

The Advanced Eco Diver course includes an introduction to underwater topographical surveying methods, as well as benthic and bathymetrical surveying methodology. You will learn the terminology and techniques required to become an asset to any marine survey projects. The Red Sea Research Advanced Eco Diver course will train you in tropical marine survey techniques and improve your diving skills, to the standard required by marine biological research organisations allowing them conduct meaningful research. This course provides an unique perspective into a fragile marine ecology, and will increase a students knowledge and awareness of the marine environment, while improving your diving skills and helping us to make a difference.

Certification:

The internationally recognised Red Sea Research certification will be issued to all students successfully completing the modular course, which will allow a student to assist in any research project being conducted in Sinai with a minimal amount of specialised training; The course can be deferred and completed over several visits within a 2 year period, once completed if no research diving has been logged by the student within 18 months, a short refresher will be required for updated techniques. All qualified researches will be entered into our volunteer database and will be regularly updated on upcoming volunteer projects. The certification is a one off payment and subsequent courses will be added to the students Research diver log book.

Accommodation:

Students will be housed; 2 persons to a room. Up grades are possible on request.

Dive centre:

Our modern, fully equipped dive centre is located at the beach front, close to the centre of Dahab’s main amenities, and meets all European and CDWS safety standards.
There are 2 fully equipped re-compression chambers with fully qualified staff based in Dahab.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Welcome meeting
• Introduction to R.S.R. courses and orientation of area.
• Multiple choice questionnaire. Students will be evaluated, debriefed, and then separated into smaller groups depending on their individual abilities.
• Basic marine biology, cartography
• Peak performance buoyancy academic session

Day 2:

• Practical point buoyancy and breathing control. Open water. (Max Depth 12m)
• Peak performance buoyancy obstacle course

Day 3:

• Self rescue and safety (academic and practical)
• Benthic survey techniques (academic)

Day 4:

• Benthic survey (practical)
• Surveying area
• catalogue data
• Introduction to Topographical surveying. Bathymetric survey methods and cataloguing

Day 5:

• Preliminary survey of site.
• Begin map production.

Day 6:

• Map making. Correlating data Draw map
• Correlating data
• Draw map.

Day 7:

• Fun dive.
• Certification.
• Leaving drinks.

Minor changes may be made to the itinerary due to seasonal changes and project requirements.

Extra activities, excursions and a variety of accommodation packages can be arranged by RSR upon request.

Prices:

• From 350.- Euro
• With standard accommodation 535.- Euro. Inc. airport transfers. Deposit: 135.- Euro

The Course:

The Eco diver course will improve your bouyancy control, communication and general diving skills, and includes an introduction to underwater topographical surveying methods, You will learn the terminology and techniques required to become an asset to any marine survey projects.

Certification:

Red Sea Research certification will be issued to all students successfully completing the modular course, which will allow a student to assist in any research project being conducted in Sinai with a minimal amount of specialised training; The course can be deferred and completed over several visits within a 2 year period, once completed if no research diving has been logged by the student within 18 months, a short refresher will be required for updated techniques. All qualified researches will be entered into our volunteer database and will be regularly updated on upcoming volunteer projects. The certification is a one off payment and subsequent courses will be added to the students Research diver log book.

Standard accommodation:

Students will be housed; 2 persons to a room with en-suite bathroom. Up grades are possible on request.

Dive centre:

Our modern, fully equipped dive centre is located at the beach front, close to the centre of Dahab’s main amenities, and meets all European and CDWS safety standards.

There are 2 fully equipped re-compression chambers with fully qualified staff based in Dahab.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Introduction to Red Sea Research
• Area Orientation: equipment checks, and stow
• Academic review: and evaluation
• PPB Academic

Day 2:

• PPB Practical
• Safety of research diving academic.
• Deco theory. Project planning.  O2 admin. Dehydration. Towing. Panic diver. Entanglement. Self rescue.
• Practical: orientation dive

Day 3:

• Introduction to tropical ecosystems.
• Introduction to Navigation and Search Patterns.
• Introduction to Benthic survey techniques. Dive survey site orientation/ night dive optional.

Day 4:

• Survey area, (Reef check method), catalogue data
• Fun Dive. De-brief.
• Extra activities and excursions can be arranged upon request. Minor changes may be made to the itinerary due to seasonal changes and project requirements and participant numbers.

Prices:

• From 255.- Euro
• With standard accommodation 440.- Euro. Inc. airport transfers. Deposit: 110.- Euro