Software News and Updates

DiveShopManager 2.0 is in the final stages of development. After adding the live a board part with full schedule and booking for as many boats as you wish, we now come to the end of developing. I hope that all our friends around the scuba diving world will put a link on their website to promote the new software. Have a look at some features at: http://diveshopmanager.com/features.html. We will keep you informed here over any further development and sure about the lunch date.

Athens 5th of February 2006Â

From the day that the new law that frees all Greek seas to divers came into effect, feelings of hope and joy filled all the divers in the country.
In order to celebrate the effect of this new law, all divers were gathered at Kavouri bay near Vouliagmeni in Athens and organized a diving celebration event. Dive centers provided their rib boats, and everybody brought their diving gear in order to conduct a symbolic dive to a place that until now it was forbidden to dive.

The event was covered by the Greek Media with the presence of politicians from the government and the Opposition parties and representative from the Department of Underwater Antiquities.

The symbolic dive was followed by beach cleaning activity showing the sensitivity and concern of Greek divers about environmental issues.

The event closed with a banquet at the beach.

This brand new start symbolizes the beginning of a new period for the diving lovers either from Greece or from abroad promising a new experiences to those interested finding new and interesting dive destinations.

Source: http://www.huts.gr

The new bill prepared by the Ministry of Mercantile Marine regarding recreational diving in Greece, is the outcome of the Hellenic Government’s Strategic Plan for positioning Greece prominently into the world’s scuba diving industry, and in addition for boosting the country’s alternative tourism.

The new diving law is fully in accord with the EU Standards regarding recreational diving, which have actually been in force since early 2004. Moreover the unreasonable restrictions imposed in the past by archeologists are now being successfully modified and the concept of Diving Parks has been firmly established.

Notably, the legislative framework provides adequate environment protection, ensures the appropriate respect for the underwater precious antiquities, as well as the safety and adequate professional skills of the divers, who will enjoy clear waters, plus unique marine life and other hitherto unutilized underwater attractions.

An accreditation system consonant to EU directives is being established for the Scuba Divers Training Programs, for the appropriate certification of various Diver Training Organizations, as well as for the Diving Services Providers. The Diving Services are classified according to their type, they are certified on an individual basis by an accredited products certification agency and each of them will be licensed by the competent Port Authority. There are now clear requirements as specified.

Have you ever been to Koh Tao? Diving is not even all you can do there. And Phuket is not all that makes Thailand The best time of the year for Koh Tao is from around Christmas to end of April. Later in the year, end of July until late September is also a great time. Whale Sharks come along there in March-April and in late summer.

The infrastructure of Koh Tao or translated ‘Turtle Island’ is meanwhile near perfect. Banks, ATM’s and loads of restaurants and bars from all nationalities. Parties going on a lot, like full moon parties half moon parties, black moon parties and so on

And if it’s not enough you have an hour ride on the boat and you are in Koh Phangan.

If you want a closer look, there are three places i can warmly recommend Asia Divers IDC Koh Tao at http://www.asia-divers.com for your Scuba Diving Instructor Training and Blue Diamond Dive Resort at the south end of Mae Haad, the’City’ of Koh Tao. their website is http://www.kohtao-scubadiving.com Nice people friendly and much much cheaper than Phuket, diving as well as eating out or renting a bungalow. Another very friendly Dive Center is Blue Marlin Dive Resort in Mae Haad. Have a look at their website here: http://www.bluemarlindiving.com/. Laid back atmosphere and chilled out scuba without stress. Plus totally cool three day trips to the Ang Thong Marine Park.

If you are looking for the very best in professional level  scuba diving training you might want to have a look at Koh Tao IDC Thailand

I hope that i could give you an idea for your next scuba diving vacation.

If you have any specific question, don’t hesitate to ask.

Best regards, lots of air and big fish