It's amazing how fast time passes when it's enjoyable. It's been a good 2 months since diving season 2010 has opened! Albeit a short period, there were a number of incidents already.

Just the previous weekend, we witnessed participated in a "life saving operation". Our dive boat was travelling in the middle of the Friday night (our usual routine) towards P.Tioman It was approx close to 2am in the morning. We were just happily buzzing along when we heard whistling. It's definitely unusual to hear whistling at night out at the dark open sea! The lightning flashes (rain was coming) did not help one bit neither. It was like something outta a cheap ghost production.

The ferry was asked to slow down and out came the torches. ALAS! There was a tiny speedboat drifting out at sea. Their engine has broken down and according to the 4 customers + 1 boatman on board, they were trapped since 4pm that day! Gosh 10 hours on that rocking tiny speedboat is no joke. And all they have was beer (i assumed that, cos they smelled of beer when they board our boat). One of the girls was crying outta relief when they saw us as many boats has passed them but none stopped. Either they are too small/too soft to be seen or heard, or, the rest just couldn't be bothered.

But seriously, why would anybody allow themselves to be bundled out to sea in that tiny thing called a boat? (they were snorkellers by the way). With no spare motors, worktools, facilities etc? All they have is just a few old lousy lifevests? One accepted this arrangement just because it's cheap? It's just too slipshod! Look, the sea can be extremely unforgiving at times. They were very lucky that the wind at the time blew the oncoming storm away from them - else they can hardly survive from the cold and tumbling waves. Of cos also, they were very lucky that we spotted and stopped for them.

So friends, be it whether you are diving with us, or with other operators - don't be afraid to ask questions, Difficult questions like what kind of boat, what safety measures has been put in place, what are the backups should anything bad happen. And never be afraid to admit and change if that the measures in place are not good enough for your personal perference.

Remember - you have only got 1 life, if you don't take care of it, nobody else will.

Loves,
Alicia