Seriously lacking

Today, with glee, I spotted a frog fish and I strongly suspect he'll be my photo of choice. He was easier to get to than yesterday so I think my photo today will turn out better.

We had two lovely dives with lots of fish life and a variety of colourful nudibranchs (slugs!) the coral on dive two was magnificent and appropriately named. But there was a huge downside.

The first dive was the same site as the last two days (which seemed strange yesterday with plenty of good looking areas and good weather). Three days on the trot was a bit bizarre. But, the dive was good and that's where I got kudos for my frog fish spot! 

The real problem was at the second dive spot. We pulled round into the bay to find 10-12 boats already there and lots of people in the water. Our boat muscled its way in next to another and parked up, joining the paper chain of boats attached to each other. It seemed mighty strange to choose this spot with such good weather and so much other reef space. 

We jumped in and were immediately faced with drifting toilet paper particles so the rest was clearly floating around our faces as well. Boats with marine toilets should not be flushed on a dive site. It was highly unpleasant. In Hawaii last year, the boat drove a mile out to sea before dumping its load. That's how it should be. Or empty it back on shore.

The second problem was getting out of the water. Thankfully, we have a fair amount of diving experience now, know the risks of busy sites and generally make a competent team. We've read some horror stories about engines being switched on and divers getting sucked through the propeller. It doesn't end well. 

So, we ascended carefully through more unpleasantness straight up to our ladders. As we approached, the boat next to us suddenly revved up and started reversing. You could feel the pull of the water dragging you towards the uncaged spinning propeller. We finned hard and grabbed our steps, still wary about our own boat doing the same.

Experienced divers or not, you don't stand a chance if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

The biggest problem is that the captain is looking out of the front of the boat while reversing. Nobody is spotting for him at the rear. It's complete madness and can only result in a disastrous injury or fatality. 

It marred the outing somewhat. 

We've since discovered that the dive guides have no say on the venue. It's the captain's choice.  It appears he wanted to line up next to his buddies. We're diving with a 5 star PADI centre and this just shouldn't be going on. Three of the guides talked about the problem and one said in three months he's never been to some quiet islands just slightly further out. It's hard from the outside to tell whether the owner of the dive school could do more but the suggestion from the inside is such. And rumours were rife. 

Anyway, we've decided to dive tomorrow but we won't be diving this site again if we see the same story opener and we've double checked our own safety procedures on ascending.

Back near the hotel, we stopped for our well-earned recuperation lunch, of yes, crab meat noodle soup, coffee and this time for a little variety, sweet & sour pork. 

It's back to the sun deck and home is looming worryingly close by. (Although I am looking forward to seeing Little Dog!)


For my log book:
Dive 1 - Madonna Rock 
17.5 m
52 mins
7kg, hood & gloves

Dive 2 - Rainbow Reef
14.9 m
39mins
As above