Scuba diving

Scuba diving is swimming underwater, or taking part in another activity, while using a scuba set. By carrying a source of breathing gas (usually compressed air), the scuba diver is able to stay underwater longer than with the simple breath-holding techniques used in snorkeling and free-diving, and is not hindered by air lines to a remote air source. The scuba diver typically swims underwater by using fins attached to the feet. However, some divers also move around with the assistance of a DPV (diver propulsion vehicle), commonly called a "scooter", or by using surface-tethered devices called sleds pulled by a boat.

For the history of diving, see Timeline of underwater technology.

Etymology

The term SCUBA arose during World War II and originally referred to United States combat frogmen's oxygen rebreathers, developed by Dr. Christian Lambertsen for underwater warfare. Today, scuba typically refers to the in-line open-circuit equipment, developed by Emile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau, in which compressed gas (usually air) is inhaled from a tank and then exhaled into the water. However, rebreathers (both semi-closed circuit and closed circuit) are also self-contained systems (as opposed to surface-supplied systems) and are therefore classified as scuba.

Although the SCUBA is an acronym for "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus", usage is mainly as a normal word "scuba", it has become acceptable to refer to scuba as "scuba equipment" or "scuba apparatus" — an example of the linguistic RAS syndrome.

Scuba Diving in Pattaya and Samae San Thailand




The main scuba diving areas around Pattaya are located in what is often called the "Far Islands". These are the second ring of islands about 20-30 kilometers from Pattaya. The islands are controlled by The Navy, and no permanent structures are built there (boat traffic is also at a minimum). These islands include Koh Kin, Koh Man Wichai, Koh Keung Badaan, Koh Hu Chang and Koh Phi. Altogether there are 20 different dive sites with visibility ranging from 5 - 15 meters.

The HTMS Khram(Former USS LSM-469)
Depth to the top of the wreck 15m; depth to the sea bed=30m; visibility 5-15m; Best choice of gas is Nitrox 38

"Down she goes"
Courtesy Bangkok Post Article 1st Feb 2003

The Thai navy has sunk a decommissioned warship near Koh Phi and Koh Larn islands off Pattaya to turn it into a breeding ground for marine life. Vice-Admiral Somjai Wattanayothin, chief-of-staff of the Royal Fleet at the Sattahip naval base, said the decommissioning of HTMS Khram to was a navy project to mark His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn's 50th birthday.

The United States gave this ship (Former USS LSM-469) renamed HTMS Khram to the Thai Navy on the 25 May 1962. The ship, now dilapidated beyond repair, has been in use for more than 60 years. It now lies about 300 meters from Koh Phi in 30m of water.

HTMS Khram
This ship has been well prepared by the Thai Navy as a dive site, and is free from armaments, oil and most hazards to divers. Large holes have been cut in many areas and penetration dives through the ships passageways rarely takes the diver out of natural light. Care should be taken with a few of the rooms though, as big steel watertight doors are still fitted and may be locked easily with the unsuspected diver still inside.

The Bridge/Radio room
This is the highest are of the wreck. It is possible to stand on the bridge at 15m depth. all the glass has been taken out of the windows (sadly the portholes have gone too, sigh!) telegraph, steering mechanism, and any bits that may be used as spare parts have gone. Entry into the bridge area is simple and safe. A few new divers will probably have there certification cards presented to them in this room.

Deck Area and side passageways
The ship was made for carrying tanks, troops and equipment to a beach head, so the center of the boat is a large flat area with built up sides. There are several points of entry into the well lit side corridors, don't kick up the silt in them though as you swim through, else a complete silt out will occur.

Engine room
Located aft, entry via a large access hole in the middle of the load deck. again, great natural light in this area (unlike most engine rooms) Both main engines have been removed (probably to use a spare for her Thai Navy sister ship HTMS Kut). This is a great tech diving classroom, with pipes gauges and dials everywhere, though who knows how long they'll stay. Again, careful with silt in this are, as it's possible to get trapped under overhanging ledges going far under the deck.


The dive site is marked by 2 buoys at each end of the wreck.

Samae San
The Samae San/Sattahip area has similar diving conditions, with the added attraction of two large intact shipwrecks. The Petchburi Bremen is an old freighter sunk in 21 meters of water in the Khram Channel (Sattahip). It's home to many Grouper and Barracuda. The Hardeep is a cargo ship sunk in 28 meters during the World War II era. This ship is reasonably intact, and can be navigated from bow to stern entirely inside!

Hardeep Wreck
Vessels name: Supornthep, Registration: Thai, Sunk:- May 1941

* Bombed by French Aircraft during World War II during Franco/Thai Hostilities
* Powered by: 3 cylinder Coal fired engine. Single Screw
* Vessel type: Cargo ship Length/Tonnage:60meters/1000tons
* Wreck Location: N012’31.5, E100’57.5. Near Koh Chuang, Gulf of Siam
* Wreck details: Lying on its starboard side. Max depth 26 meters, with two 1000 pound bombs nearby
* There are large Bat fish that you can see on the Hardeep. They are curious by nature and like to come close to divers.

We have dived the Hardeep many, many times. Although it rests in only 28 metres of water, it can be an extremely challenging dive and for this reason we only take divers who are PADI Advanced or equivalent. Each time we dive the Hardeep we discover something new. In addition to the resident turtle, you can see Moray eels, Blue spotted rays, large Bat fish, Grouper, Barracuda and even Parrotfish!