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[b]Training projects[/b]
The Chamber of Diving and Watersports (CDWS) has organised the training of 30 instructors who will be teaching boat skippers throughout the South Sinai in seamanship skills, first aid and environmental awareness. Training of liveaboard skippers is expected to begin in October 2009 as part of a joint project between the CDWS and the South Sinai Association for Diving and Marine Activities (SSDM) to help raise safety standards in the industry.
If successful, the subsidised training scheme will be rolled out to other parts of Egypt.
CDWS chairman Hesham Gabr said the snorkel guide course for Egyptian workers completed earlier this year proved a huge success and future similar pilot training schemes were being looked at.
‘We are now looking at further courses for Egyptian workers in other areas, including tank boys and drivers. The plan will be presented to the Minister of Tourism for approval in September 2009 for implementation in 2010 and 2011,’ he said.
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[b]Volunteer appeal[/b]
The CDWS appealed for volunteers at the recent member open forum meeting in Sharm el Sheikh on 15 August. Answering questions put directly by members and discussing the challenges ahead, CDWS chairman Hesham Gabr said the organisation needs volunteers who will lead groups to help monitoring projects for designated diving zones to increase safety in dive training as well as conservation efforts. A number of contact emails were collected at the meeting. If you or your centre wishes to participate in future projects, email: sinai.office@cdws.travel
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[b]Cylinder testing[/b]
For full details of the rules on cylinder testing for CDWS member diving operations, the PDF can be downloaded from the CDWS website here.
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[b]Tekstreme[/b]
Tekstreme, Emperor Divers’ former technical diving wing, is going solo and has launched its new website www.tekstreme-redsea.com. Led by divers Aaron Bruce and Chris Berry, the rebreather and technical diving team offers training and specialist trips throughout the Red Sea, including wreck and cave expeditions.
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[b]Winner![/b]
Congratulations to BLUE magazine reader Susan Robinson from Lancashire in the UK. She wins a kitesurfing course with Colona Watersports worth 220 Euros, as featured in Issue One of BLUE.
There is still plenty of time to enter the BLUE magazine Issue Two competition to win a liveaboard trip for two with Sea Queen Fleet. Check out the latest BLUE magazine to find out more.
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[b]Calling all videographers[/b]
International conservation group Save Our Seas (SOS) has launched a film competition to help highlight marine conservation issues around the world. Submitted films must be an original production between 30 seconds and four minutes and address a critical marine issue. Films can be amusing, entertaining or inspiring. The winning entry will receive US Dollars 2,500, be distributed through SOS network of aquariums and zoos, be featured on its website and be shown in October 2009 at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. Entry is free and the deadline is 8 September 2009. For more information see the SOS website
www.saveourseas.com/seastheday.
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[b]Ramadan hours[/b]
During the month of Ramadan, which begins on 22 August, the CDWS office will be open at the following hours:
Sunday: 10am until 4pm and 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Monday to Thursday: 10am until 4pm
Friday and Saturday: closed.
[b]Exam times[/b]
During this month the exam times are as follows:
Sunday: 8.30pm until 10pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1pm and 3pm
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Sharm el Sheikh, South Sinai Branch
Tel: +20 69 3666 448 / +20 69 3666 449
Fax: +2 (069) 366 63 24
Email: sinai.office@cdws.travel |
Hurghada, Red Sea Branch
Tel: +2 (065) 346 25 63 / +2 (065) 346 25 64
Fax: +2 (065) 346 25 62
Email: redsea.office@cdws.travel |
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