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Man’s first attempts at diving were undoubtedly experimental and very risky. Yet curiosity and the thirst to explore the mysterious marine realm, using ‘equipment’ was recorded even by Aristotle in the 4th century BC!
By the 13th century there were even goggles made from the polished outer layer of shells.The science and technology involved in what is now a recreational activity is tremendous and fascinating – a mere glimpse into this timeline and other-worldly gear might remind you of something straight out of a futuristic cartoon.
Although, as a race we seem to have progressed so far technologically, it’s no secret that much of our oceans remain unexplored. This water-mass that encompasses over 70 percent of our planet and from where life is said to have begun, has not been given the respect or consideration it deserves.
Our Oceans are cluttered with plastics and a range of toxins produced by mankind - which have affected every other ecosystem and life form on earth, either directly or indirectly. In our current landscape of rapidly changing climate, wars over natural resources and a deteriorating environment – it is critical for us to revolutionise the way we interact with our oceans.
We often wonder how each one of us as individuals can really effect change or make a difference to a crisis of such scale. Well, something as simple as changing one’s perspective, learning and understanding can have ripple effects far beyond one’s imagination.
“Our Ocean as a Classroom” has been conceptualised and curated to do just this. A dive adventure that will immerse you into the marine world both physically and intellectually. Exploring the blue through multiple lenses can empower every recreational diver to take their interest several steps further.
Earth CoLab, is an enterprise that seeks to explore and cultivate relationships between people and places. Their first Live-aboard trip to the Maldives is the beginning of a series of citizen science interventions. This initiative intends to bridge knowledge gaps and create avenues for meaningful action.
‘Our Ocean as a Classroom # Destination Maldives’ will be a week long voyage from November 3rd to November 10th, aboard the luxurious ‘Voyager’, one of the Emperor Diver Fleet yachts. This 7-day-programme consists of 17 dives, covering the best and most well-known dive sites across the island chains.
Participants will explore, engage with and learn from marine ecosystems through detailed observation and a range of discussions and activities. This is really about understanding the system at every scale – from a drop of seawater to the planetary processes that enable us to witness magnificent creatures in specific geographies.
Other interesting sessions on offer are introductory lessons to underwater photography, learning to make the most of your dive gear and composing your very own ‘story’ at sea.
This adventure is being led by Umeed Mistry, a PADI staff instructor who is an award winning underwater photograher, writer and educator whose work has focused on ecology and conservation. And Hayat Sadri, a PADI dive Instructor and outdoor educator with a keen interest in wildlife and field based pedagogies.
This immersive diving trip goes beyond being an amazing travel experience. It is a portal to an enthralling aquatic universe.
To participate, one needs to be a certified scuba diver with at least 25 dives experience. The cost of the program is US$ 2258/- and includes 7 days accommodation on board (twin cabins on the lower deck), 17 dives, all equipment, dive insurance, personal facilitation and material by EARTH CoLab dive instructors, a BBQ dinner on a local island. And excludes visa, flights and certification costs.
Feature image courtesy of Umeed Mistry.
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