BOOKS FOR UNDERWATER EXPLORERS
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Following a trail
towards the end of 2024 , each section of the trail network now contains five to nine individual sites that cover a diversity of habitats , from seagrass to rocky outcrops , to shipwrecks .
The final list of the 13 trails also includes Arran , Berwickshire , East Lothian , Loch Aber , Moray Firth , North Argyll , North Harris , North West Highlands , South Ayrshire , South Fife and Torridon .
With each trail section available as a downloadable guide , the range of sites means the completed trail offers something for all snorkellers , from beginner to the more experienced . Some of the sites have also recently been used by the Trust , working as a BSAC Centre , to deliver snorkel instructor training .
Elouise Dalziel , Marine Policy Inclusion Officer with the Scottish Wildlife Trust , said she was delighted that the final two trails have now completed the network .
“ Many of the trails are perfect for beginners , and we find they are a great way to introduce people to the marine environment ,” she added .
More information on the 13 trails - www . scottishwildlifetrust . org . uk / things-to-do / snorkel-trails /
Panorama of Achmelvich Bay
‘ Unbelievable stories ’ Sylvia Earle
‘ Endlessly entertaining ’ SCUBA
‘ Fascinating ’ Divernet
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Concerns raised over Red Sea liveaboards
THE UK ’ S MARINE INCIDENT Investigation Branch ( MAIB ) has raised what it calls ‘ serious concerns ’ over the safety of some Egyptian dive boats operating in the Red Sea .
The Government agency issued its warning statement three weeks after the capsizing of the liveaboard Sea Story near the port of Marsa Alam in November with the loss of four people . Seven people are still missing , including two UK nationals . The loss of Sea Story is one of three incidents involving UK nationals brought to the attention of MAIB within the past 20 months . The other two incidents identified were the Carlton Queen , which capsized in April 2024 , with all passengers and crew rescued , and the destruction by fire of the Hurricane in June 2023 , resulting in the death of three UK nationals .
In MAIB ’ s statement , released in December , the agency said that evidence obtained so far had indicated a ‘ serious cause for concern about the safety of some of the Egyptian dive boats operating in the Red Sea .’
Following the International Maritime Organisation ( IMO ) protocols , MAIB has now formally registered the UK as a Substantially Interested State in the Egyptian safety investigations into the three incidents . The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has also written to the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety ( EAMS ) with his concerns and to seek full participation in the EAMS investigations .
MAIB is now preparing to release a safety bulletin , “ setting out the areas of concern ” that individuals interested in an afloat-based diving holiday in the region should consider . A release date for the guidance is yet to be announced .
‘ Exciting and emotional ...’ Divernet
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‘ Pure drama of the highest order ’ SCUBA
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