The Channel Dive Site

5 dive logs in “The Channel”

1. The Ferry Channel is the other dive site for spotting sharks a few hundred meters away from Padang Bai harbour. The local population of whitetip reef sharks alternate between here and Tanjung Sari. Wobbegong also dwell here in the cold water months of July-November. The sharks are often seen between 15 to 20m in large cracks that allow them to shelter.
   Beyond this, one can see pygmy seahorse, siagiani squat lobsters, blue-spotted stingrays, green turtles and pelagic fish. Moray eels and ribbon eels are also living here. Look into the blue as you never know what may come close to the reef. We have seen mola-molas here and rumour has it that one instructor has even spotted a hammerhead here!
   Currents can be strong here and this dive site should be dived only at certain times and with local dive guides who know the dive site well.
   By Cedric Saveuse
   For
   Geko Dive

   Reply ↓

2. Excuse me what? Did I miss something? Why are you comparing a CMAS * to a PADI OWD?

   The PADI OWD is a 5 day course designed for tourists to be taken with not more than 45min daily.

   In contrast the CMAS * is a hard core 3 month training with stiff theoretical and two practical exams – mind you CMAS is mostly done in Europe in cold, dark lakes with little to no visibility.

   Reply ↓

   • Hi Mr Liebling,
     Thanks for reading Divezone!
     I’d like to specify that CMAS 1 star is entry level, and a diver can dive up to 20 meters. Plus, some get this certification diving only in confined space because they live too fat from the sea. Being on any good diving forum lets you learn about the reality of diving certification versus the theory… and it’s quite different for lots of people.

     I also think CMAS one could be compared to advanced PADI, for some skills, but Advanced dives to 30 meters, against 20 for the CMAS1.

     Also, I’d say it’s an eternal debate and the standards are not equal in each, so a pointless debate. We are simply trying to mention other agencies even though PADI talks to the majority.

     best bubbles, always!

     Reply ↓

3. I don’t know what you know about CMAS – but I underwent 3 months training in cold dark German lakes with very low visibility and had to undergo 4 exams (1 theory / 2 practical / 1 medical) to be certified CMAS 1. Also: There is no depth limitation for CMAS 1 – you can go as deep as you want. The 40m limit was a recommendation. Part of the exam was a simulated rescue of a diver from 26m (mind you again: In a lake that’s pitch black water). We also had to navigate a triangle in low visibility water using a compass and also free-dive 8m without any equipment, find and put on mask, snorkel and fins. This were the standard requirements of the DUC (German Underwater Club) in 1996.

   I don’t know how this compares to a couple of hours of PADI bathing fun in warm clear water. I hope you understand why it is so upsetting to be compared to a PADI OWD. It’s like saying Navy Seals are on the same level as boy scouts. No they are not.

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4. Hi,
   I simply believe we are not talking about the same thing / are using different terms. Perhaps you are talking about CMAS instructor 1 star? Either way, I will not keep this argument on and no offence should be taken.

   Anyway, thank you for reading Divezone and we’d be pleased to read scuba diving reviews from you about the destinations you’ll visit as a diver. Best regards.

   Reply ↓

(6 votes, 4.00/5)

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