Emperor Divers News

Emperor Divers teams up with Dive Tribe in El Gouna

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:08:37 +0000

The Dive Tribe and Emperor Divers have teamed up to create Emperor Dive Tribe, El Gouna.

Adding to the long-established Emperor dive centres in Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Nuweiba and Sharm el Sheikh, divers now have an even greater choice to dive with Emperor Divers' expertise coupled with the Dive Tribe knowledge of the El Gouna area.

The Dive Tribe has an excellent reputation for quality, safety and service. Established in October 1999, the centre has won several awards for excellence and under the management of award-winning Red Sea dive company, Emperor Divers, guests can take advantage of an enjoyably enhanced experience. Together, the centre offers the full range of day diving and dive courses and a variety of water sports.

For more information on diving Emperor El Gouna, email info.reservations@emperordivers.com

ED Awards Sharm - 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:41:59 +0000

Commentary by Duncan McAllister, Sharm's Dive Centre Manager

It's strange how all the important awards each year happen around the same time and you don't know which one to attend. There's the Oscars, Baftas, Emmys, Grammys and - most importantly - the EDs.

The EDs are voted for by the instructors themselves and therefore reflect their own ideas on how each individual performs. This year the awards were attended by everyone in the dive centre from jetty staff to boat crews and, of course, the instructors. It also made me realise we have over 55 staff here in Sharm and they all deserve a mention for their hard work throughout the year and the service they provide to our guests and friends.

Not only was it the first time so many of us had been together but it was also Dan's leaving do, so it all just seemed to fit into place as a great night and occasion.

So not to keep you in suspense anymore here are the categories, nominees and winners.

Favourite Instructor Award       Pete, Denis, Elise, Terry and Shaun
The winner Denis
Team Player Award                Denis, Dan, Roger, Terry
The winner Terry
Most Social Award                 Roger, Mat, Elise, Shaun
The winner Roger
Most Improved Instructor         Liz, Ryan, Elise
The winner Ryan
Biggest Contributor                Carol, Ali (Senior Driver), Dan
The winner Dan
Biggest Mistake                     Ryan, Steve P, Sonya
The winner Steve P
Favourite Egyptian Staff          Ali (Senior Driver), Gamal, Saad
The winner Ali
Most Improved Egyptian Staff Gamal, Saad, Ali (Equipment)
The winner Saad
Best Boat                            Marcus, Shorouk, Kastan Sea
The winner Kastan Sea

Terry receives his ED from Steve H

Ali receives his ED from Denis

Dan receives his ED from Duncan

Denis receives his ED from Carol

Roger receives his ED from Susi

Ryan receives his ED from Tammi

Steve P receives his ED from Laura

Saad recieves his ED from Dan

Emperor teams up with Dive Tribe in El Gouna

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:44:39 +0000

Dive Tribe and Emperor Divers have teamed up to create Emperor Dive Tribe, El Gouna; a great mix as you now have even more choice to dive with Emperor Divers coupled with the Dive Tribe experience of the El Gouna area.

The Dive Tribe has an excellent reputation for quality, safety and service. Established in October 1999, the centre has won several awards for excellence and is now managed by award-winning Red Sea dive company, Emperor Divers. Together, the centre offers the full range of day diving and dive courses and a variety of water sports.

Longwood is offering some excellent deals for groups so book your new diving experience today:
info.reservations@emperordivers.com
or
www.longwoodholidays.co.uk

www.regal-diving.co.uk

TEKSTREME - the next generation

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:35:49 +0000

2009 has proved to be a year of changes for Emperor Divers and their technical arm, Tekstreme Diving. Long has Emperor been able to boast one of the most well-established professional Technical diving operations, with much credit going to the expertise and experience from the Manager at the time, Aaron Bruce. Aaron was with the operation for nine years, training the team to extremely high standards resulting in Tekstreme Diving having such a first-class reputation.

Aaron, along with fellow Instructor Chris Berry, has now branched out to create their own Technical centre, which has a large emphasis on the world of Rebreathers. So what does that mean for Tekstreme Diving? It means the "Next Generation".
What Aaron leaves is a team of Technical Instructors that will lead the way and maintain and grow the excellent character and service of Emperor's Technical department.

The team now falls under the watchful eye of Cat Parfitt (pictured left and below). Cat has been with Emperor Divers for eight years working as a safari guide and Instructor. She began her diving career many years ago by doing a try dive with Emperor Divers. Since that point she has completed all courses under the Emperor umbrella with her Technical Instructor courses under Aaron. Cat's main drive and focus over the last five years has been to establish herself within the Tekstreme Team and with a mentor such as Aaron she could not have wished for any better guidance.
Tekstreme Diving will continue to offer technical courses, technical guiding and safaris in all Emperor's centres. "We welcome new and existing friends and guests to dive with our team, which is bursting with enthusiastic, professional instructors who have a strong commitment and passion for what they do," explains Cat.

You can keep up to date with recent events and special offers by checking out the web site www.tekstremediving.com. Or join the Tekstreme Diving Facebook group with postings on the most recent diving courses with a variety of on-land and underwater photos. Your input is welcomed so that the Team can provide an extensive information source for the diving community.

"Take care to all, happy diving and we hope to see you soon with us here at Tekstreme Diving."

Cat Parfitt and the Tekstreme Team

Better 'Seasafe than sorry' - Emperor's new alert tracking system for divers

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:12:51 +0000

Although it is very rare in this day and age for someone to go missing at sea, unfortunately it can happen.

As Emperor Divers has always been at the forefront of safety in the Red Sea, it's reassuring to know that we will soon have a Missing Diver Location System on all Emperor Fleet liveaboards. It's hoped that other operators will also install this in order to help us give search cover for much of the Red Sea's famous dive sites.

The system is called Seasafe, whereby the diver wears a small compact tracking unit on either their arm or BCD. With just the touch of a button a missing diver at the surface with a problem can alert all boats in the area with the Seasafe system. This alert triggers a series of steps to co-ordinate a search using a powerful directional antenna to pinpoint the missing diver. During an Emperor training and demo session recently the system tested accurately up to 18km away.

Vote for your favourite 'EMPEROR BLUE' Cocktail

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:58:50 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, Sharm's dive centre manager, Duncan McAllister, held a cocktail party for some of the staff. As the creative juices flowed, their thoughts turned to creating an Emperor cocktail. Several versions were concocted but we need your help with deciding the official WINNING cocktail.

In the end it was decided that it should really be a proper cocktail made in a shaker and poured into a Martini/Collins glass, the classic 'Y' type glass. You can read shot for part, or reduce the quantities as you wish. They should be made in a shaker with three icecubes and served chilled into an empty glass (tip: put the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before using). The two contenders are as follows:

1. Vodka (1 part), Malibu (1 part), Blue Curacao (1 part), pineapple juice (4 parts) - top with a cherry and umbrella as appropriate.

2. Vodka (1 part), White Rum (1 part), coconut cream (1 part) and pineapple juice (4 parts) - topped as above.

We also made a 'Red Sea Breeze' and a 'Tiran Island Ice'; our versions of a Sea Breeze and Long Island Iced Tea:

Red Sea Breeze - Vodka (1 part), fresh lemon (1 part), grapefruit juice (2 parts), dash of Grenadine - made in a shaker with 3 cubes of ice.

Tiran Island Ice - Vodka (1/2 part), Gin (1/2 part), Tequila (1/2 part), White Rum (1/2 part), fresh lemon (1 part), soda and lemonade to taste. Serve in a highball on the rocks.

Have some fun making them at home - especially the 'Emperor Blue' and vote for your favourite. We will then get the winning cocktail served in the Debrief Bar at Sharm's dive centre ready for your delectation!

Do please leave a comment and VOTE for your favourite to help Sharm's bar do its Tom Cruise bit...well you might need to use your imagination!

Steve Prior's outstanding performance wins special PADI Award

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 11:00:07 +0000

Emperor's Course Director Steve Prior is very proud and honoured to be singled out to receive a unique prize.

PADI Area Representative, Terry Johnson, who made the presentation said, "This special 'Contributions to Diver Education' Award recognises the high quality and excellence of Steve Prior's teaching. It's not just the quantity of good instructors that he produces but also the extra service over and beyond the requirements."

Terry Johnson stressed that the award was over and above the PADI Platinum Course Director Status that Steve earned in 2008 for the high number of successful Instructor Candidates.

Steve Prior was obviously thrilled, "It's always good when your efforts are recognised. Our aim has always been to create enthusiastic and effective instructors. I have to thank Janet, my wife, for constantly looking for ways to improve our courses. It's because of her that we can really tailor our teaching to the needs of each individual candidate."

And as the proof is in the pudding, here some past candidates have their say:

"Hoorah! for the first time in my life physics is easy!" Mel, Essex
"It was not just a PADI IDC but a life changing experience." Kevin, Jersey
"You are both amazing people; so warm and friendly and amazing teachers." Jacqui, Epsom
"Your enthusiasm for teaching people and your ability to open people's eyes to alternatives is just amazing and the proof is in the pudding." Caroline, Thames Ditton

Emperor saves unique overnight trips to Thistlegorm

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:08:27 +0000

As you most probably know Emperor Divers in Sharm offers the unique opportunity to do a mini overnight safari to see the Hammerheads off the back of Jackson Reef or do night dives on Thistlegorm. Well we did until the Egyptian Authorities changed the rules on the specification of boats that could do this. The changes do make sense and boats now have to be equipped to full safari boat standard if they are to stay out overnight.

So Emperor has purchased a safari boat - meet the latest addition to the Sharm fleet - MY Orchid.

Now there is every likelihood that Emperor Sharm will rule the local waters and be the only land based dive centre to offer these unique overnight trips. If you are not sure about being on safari all week but fancy giving it a go and do a "Cruise and Stay" type arrangement come and try our overnight trips aboard Orchid.

Join Emperor's facebook family

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:42:43 +0000

Emperor Divers has over 800 members on its Facebook community.

Join us today and meet new friends (and old) and keep up to speed with what's going on. Once you add a friend to your Facebook list you'll always know when they are adding things to their blog or updating their profile.

Sign up today and be welcomed into the 'Emperor Family'!

How 'popcorn' demolished Sharm's 'Blue Wall'

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:18:07 +0000

Dive Centre Manager, Duncan McAllister, reports...

"If you have ever dived with Emperor Sharm you will know what was meant by The Blue Wall. It was that round table by the office where all the Emperor instructors sat at the end of the day having their beer and only a very few brave guests would enter the circle of blue shirts. For years different managers have tried to break down that wall using various means; some ideas being the Charity Wall, the building of a shaded area with more tables and lighting and the establishment of the De-Brief Bar, but all to no avail.

We relocated the De-Brief Bar to the poolside at the Bay View Hotel and brought the shaded area and tables with us, but still no joy. We sat for the first week around the table as always and it seemed The Blue Wall had survived the move. That was until 'popcorn' was found.

In our second week, unbeknown to us, the hotel barmen started to serve popcorn at the bar. First it was the quick-witted and smart guests that moved up to the bar area but The Blue Wall held. Then Roger and Dav deserted the round table, keeping the secret of popcorn to themselves and so The Blue Wall held. By day three the truth was out, popcorn was being served at the bar, and The Blue Wall crumbled. So, if you like a divers bar (with discounted beer), mixing with the instructors, and popcorn, you know where to come."

Sharm continues its transformation

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:46:38 +0000

Sharm's New Floor

So the move has been made and we are now well and truly established in the new dive centre - or are we? From an operational point of view it's a definite yes and all the staff seem to like our new home, as do our returning guests. However, Emperor Standards must be maintained and so even more upgrades have been carried out: new windows, new displays, new roof, new air-con, refurbished tables, new shading and new flooring! Enjoy the picture show...and enjoy it even more by coming to see for yourself. A warm welcome awaits you!

Visit Sharm's new home

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:22:54 +0000

Sharm takes 'New Year, New Start' seriously and moves home!

Manager Duncan McAllister reports...

Out with the old, in with the new...

so, when the Rosetta Hotel said they wanted to build a shopping mall and could we move quickly, we did exactly that!

With superb support from all the staff, in just four weeks we moved an operational dive centre over the busy Christmas and New Year period. We are now located in our cosy new home at the Bay View Hotel in the centre of Naama Bay. It's a great facility with two bigger classrooms than before, a much better training pool built specifically for modern diving, larger toilet facilities, three bars (one pool side) and a hotel management team who can't wait to welcome you.

Specific mention must go to Steve Kehoe who went from dive instructor back to being a chippie; Keith who left his precious beach and became our all round handy man and Donna and Denis our resident painters and decorators.

Visit our website for great new offers at Bay View Hotel and here are some photos of our new home where we look forward to welcoming you.

Take advantage of Sharm's Super Moving Offers - check it out here

Emperor Divers/Oxygene Sharm is moving home

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:34:14 +0000

1st January 2009 sees Emperor Divers/Oxygene move to a new modern home.

Come and celebrate with us and our special diving savings that are sure to get you moving too!

Exclusive with Emperor Divers

7 nights' accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis in the Bay View Hotel

PLUS 5 days diving or Open Water Course

PLUS Airport transfers

Hotel + Airport Transfers + 5 Days Diving = €295

Hotel + Airport Transfers + Open Water Course = €360

Prices are per person, based on 2 people sharing a twin room.

(Single Room supplement will apply).

Does not include equipment rental when daily diving, materials or certification fee. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer from Emperor and is subject to availability.

Valid for holidays: 15/02/09 - 30/03/09

Email reservations@emperordivers.com for more information

Emperor Divers Sharm Moves Home

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:39:36 +0000

Emperor Divers/Oxygène, Sharm El Sheikh, is moving home!

After nine years at the Rosetta Hotel, the centre is relocating to new purpose-built premises at the Bay View Hotel right in the heart of Naama Bay.

The centre's location and superb facilities means that Emperor/Oxygène can grow even stronger as the dive centre that puts quality and customer satisfaction first. By partnering more closely with this established hotel, Emperor Divers plans to develop tailored accommodation and dive packages that will give its guests greater flexibility when planning their holiday.

"The team is geared up and ready to go for mid-January", explains Mike Braun, General Manager. "The time is now right to move into a more modern home where we'll be able give our guests much improved facilities. We're nearer the Jetty so turnaround timings will be so much shorter. Of course, the fabulous customer service long-associated with our Sharm team continues to shine! Everyone is excited by the range of new opportunities that lie ahead for Emperor Divers/Oxygène."

Onsite facilities include:

Swimming pool designed by divers for divers. Split across 4 levels, the heated pool provides the ideal environment to learn to dive with a depth range from 1.1m to 4m
Large air-conditioned classrooms with TV/DVD facilities, whiteboards, and plenty of comfortable desks and chairs
Shaded outdoor seating for debriefings and the all important post dive beer
Separate ladies and gents toilet facilities
Large rinse tank, generous kit storage and on-site equipment workshop
Open plan reception area including a small but well stocked shop
All hotel facilities available for use by Emperor guests including the large pool, roof bar, "The First Floor" bar and sun loungers
Close proximity to Naama Bay Jetty allowing for more efficient arrival/departure turnaround times
Many hotels within walking distance plus good access for transportation to the out-of-town hotels
All the facilities of Naama Bay on the doorstep - including restaurants, bars, banks, shops and supermarkets

Duncan McAllister, Dive Centre Manager, added, "We want to assure all our regular guests that have supported us over the years at the Rosetta that it will be business as usual at the Bay View. Although the location may be changing the team of familiar faces that makes Emperor Divers such a success will still be the same. Our professionalism, organization and boats will perform to our normal high standards. We look forward to seeing you soon at our new home."

More information to follow once the move is complete, around mid-January.

Emperor Divers teams up with Oxygene Diving

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:28:18 +0000

From October 2008, Emperor Divers is teaming up with Oxygene Diving. With its roots in Scandinavia, Oxygène is an international network of dive retail stores, dive resorts and liveaboards in Sweden, Finland, England, Malta, The Red Sea Egypt, Philippines, Pemba, Croatia, Estonia, Canada and Tenerife. The Oxygène Diving core values are: Caring, Competence and Fun.

Oxygene was looking to expand its dive centre chain to the Red Sea in order to offer its client-base more destination choice and saw Emperor Divers as the most suited dive centre for their high standards and so the marketing cooperation was formed.

"We are delighted to be working with Emperor Divers," says Henrik Almers, CEO of Oxygene International. Emperor Divers' General Manager, Mike Braun, added, "We have always aimed high to provide excellent service levels and products. We immediately recognized a high level of affinity with the core values of the Oxygene group and believe that this cooperation will bring benefits to our business and, more importantly, to our customers."