Take the plunge

So what if we have no coastline, we make up for it with plenty of enthusiasm, say members of the Bangalore Dive Club

So what if we have no coastline, we make up for it with plenty of enthusiasm, say members of the Bangalore Dive Club

All the talk of deep blue seas reminds me of Monty Harper's song, in which he goes, "I dance among the dolphins in the shifting light/ I duel a spiny lobster 'til he backs out of sight/ I fly behind a turtle like the tail on a kite as she heads out from her island nest". My flight of fantasy is interurpted by a round of loud applause from those around me. They are celebrating the launch of the Bangalore Dive Club.

Described as a social platform for diving enthusiasts in the city, the Bangalore Dive Club aims at fostering scuba diving tourism. They are supported by Karnataka's tourism department and Planet Scuba India.

The launch of the Bangalore Dive Club yesterday had representatives from diving cen tres at Andamans, Lakshadweep and Goa.

NS Megharikh, commissioner for youth services and sports, and director general ofu00a0 Sports Authority of Karnataka, was present alongwith ND Tiwari, MD, Jungle Lodges and Resorts at the launch.

Software professionals, who love the outdoors, arrived in large numbers to sign up, making it a large and enthusiastic gathering of professional divers and amateurs.u00a0

A photo exhibition by famous underwater photographers had everyone enthralled.

Open to all

The Bangalore Dive Club is open to all certified divers and non-divers with an interest in the sport. They hope to provide opportunities for safe and enjoyable diving experiences, professional dive education and conservation of underwater ecology.

"We believe the time has come for India to become a force in the world of scuba diving. From the information we have, it has the potential of becoming a billion dollar industry over the next five years. We will ensure that the adventure follows all the global norms for safe and enjoyable underwater experience. There are many divers in the city, both Indians and expatriates, and the club will provide a forum for exchange of ideas and information and encourage continuing education, environment conservation, good sportsmanship and cooperation with all other users of the marine environment," said Rohaan Sulaiman, president, Bangalore Dive Club.u00a0

There are 22 dive centers in the country at present, from less than five, five years ago. This number is expected to go up to 50 in three to five years and most of the growth would come from Lakshadweep, Andamans and the coast from Mangalore to Karwar in Karnataka as new dive sites are discovered. This is why the launch of the Bangalore Dive Club is a watershed moment in the history of scuba diving in India, said the experts.

Gilles Gomis, a French diving instructor and diving officer of the club, spoke about the lack of adequate infrastructure impeding the growth of diving in the country.

"Scuba diving activities in India are not easy to plan and execute for individuals. Safety rules are very important and you need a proper set of equipment, and secured spots to dive," he said.

Parth Amin, avid diver and chairman of SLK, a software company, shared his underwater experiences.
How: 3266, 11th Main, HAL II Stage, Indiranagar.
Ph: 9980624400, info@bangalorediveclub.com

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