The mask was clear. Weights just right and with an intake of air DJ was able to rise, exhale and we descend! The nearest thing to flying under water! The reef lay in front, the rest of the group above; Terry signals up and DJ realises he is over 30 metres deep! Wrasse, Parrotfish and Surgeonfish cruise the reef, whilst the photo enthusiasts take shots of the Emperorfish, Bannerfish and Sweetlips hanging around the pinnacles. Dive 64 is really turning out to be one of the best. Keeping well out of the range of the Trigger Fish DJ follows the others now at a sensible depth (for him) around the reef into the current! 42 minutes and yet another dive with the normal safety stop, into the Rib and back to Superior.

Onboard Emperor Elite, you will learn basic freediving skills, breathing techniques and safety while freediving.  These skills will help both sport and technical divers to minimize their air consumption and increase their safety margins.

Each morning there will be the opportunity to practice skills while diving with dolphins (if nature permits) and to get close to the fantastic marine life of the Red Sea, all on one breath of air. 

During the second half of the day, you may choose to dive with scuba gear, and hopefully use less gas during your dive than normal, or choose to freedive.  Scuba divers are most welcome to only dive with scuba gear throughout the trip.  Annelie will be available to teach a full AIDA freediver course to those who are interested.

The first trip with Annelie will depart from Hurghada on November 25th and head towards the northern Red Sea onboard the high class Emperor Superior. 

This trip is open to UK divers. Simply book with Scuba Travel Scandinavia and arrange flights to Hurghada to meet the group at Emperor Hurghada. The rest is all taken care of!

The price is just 899 Euros (ex flights) with the AIDA course costing 260 Euros.

For more information contact: info@scubatravel.se or read more on: www.scubatravel.se or email us on info.reservations@emperordivers.com

Yes we were on the way to Little Brothers; the gentle throb of Superior's diesel motors had subsided and DJ could not resist the temptation of an inspection of the motor during the short trip. The attendant proudly showed off his pride where copper and brass sparkled in keeping with the rest of this magnificent boat. We had anchored and Little Brothers lay some 500 metres away loaded with all the invitations and anticipation that tomorrow could bring. Buffet supper and the inspection of the equipment AND the wrist computer converted to Nitrox!

Joining the others on the deck now that night had closed was the perfect opportunity to lie on the spotless deck, gaze at the stars and give DJ and Bob the chance to reflect. There was no doubt that, although the main purpose was to dive the "package" that Emperor was providing, what we got was, without exception, a lifetime experience. DJ wondered if Emperor as a company knew REALLY how good they were, possibly swept along in their endeavours to succeed, did THEY realise the contribution THEY were making to provide people with unforgettable events. Did THEY realise that excellent food, absolute attention to safety, cleanliness and total commitment of the crew contributed to this in ADDITION to the adventures of diving? Both DJ and Bob agreed and expressed their deep-seated satisfaction.

So dive 61. DJ had had long fruitful discussions with Bob Terry and Janice with an introduction to Nick. Conditions were rough and it was hoped that DJ could break the 45 minute "barrier" re kitting up - and now very 'professionally' suited up (that overcame his nerves!) he managed to get into the pitching RIB. Heading for the reef to slightly calmer conditions, the other more experienced divers had braved the rougher more distant conditions.

A quick check on the mask, air on (!) one two three and peace! That experience never ceased to amaze DJ. Yes, by now weight was OK, mask clear, regular SLOW breathing; OH we are getting there! Nick, my Buddy, signals OK and turns pointing to the Blue. My first hammerhead shark! AH! Reef sharks also! I had done my homework, yes Sphyrna lewini and Triaenodon obesus. Many cornet fish and very large parrot fish descending now to just 25 metres. With visibility now clear and the mask clear (!) very slowly the magnificent colours registered. We really are in 'black and white' on shore compared with this colour emphasised by the shadows, which are constantly moving in the currents. Blue spotted stingrays, Taeniura lymma disturbed burst into a sandy shower and flee from the bubbles of the divers, whilst the anemone fish guard their chosen plant with an aggressive attitude far beyond their capability.
 
Forty five minutes and the dive is coming to its end. This Nitrox IS better or is it that DJ is calmer? We meet the others and, knowing that although we left on the RIB, it was really a drift dive. The shape of Superior is above us. The spare cylinder and flag is comforting! Slowly we ascend, remember now it's five metres and a quite lengthy safety stop. Bob, Janice, Terry and Nick - all OK signals all around and it's 47 minutes (!) Oh the expertise of this old guy. Up we go, fins off, up the ladder and into those helping hands of the crew.

Lunch awaits; the second dive awaits. Little Brothers is living up to its expectations. Next month we visit Big Brothers, visit the lighthouse and reflect on the week so far and the fact that these memoirs will culminate in time for Christmas and for an 'old hand' diver to have enjoyed re-living some of a relatively youthful past! Thank you!

They're back and we know you love them.

• Buy one get one half price on day diving
• Buy one get one half price on selected dive courses
• Take a luxury liveaboard on Elite or Superior - Reefs & Wrecks or Classic just 600 Euro pp
• How about South & St Johns - just 700 Euro pp
• Or Simply the Best - just 799 Euro pp

Book yourself a treat when you visit us at Stand 821

OR

BOOK ONLINE - ONLY from 1 - 25 October*

This year, you can book our Specials online from 1 October until 25 October (*except for El Gouna and Marsa Alam, which can only be booked online or at the Dive Show on 22/23 October).

Click here for the full details and how to book.

"India Charlie you are cleared to land two eight." DJ (that's me) was returning from a 'fly-in' in Alderney and had been faced with poor visibility throughout the Cessna flight. It was good to see Runway 28 at Leicester clear and whilst parking up an excited assistant approached and asked, "Do you Scuba dive too as we've received a call from Melton Divers that you are booked to go to Big and Little Brothers. We really didn't know what they meant!" After a brief explanation, they understood that they are islands in the Red Sea and generally the focal point of a week's Liveaboard Safari.

It had been over four years since I had dived open-water...four long and very painful years!

Even though I have been a qualified diver for over 15 years now and a PADI Instructor since 1998, plus a former Emperor Divers' Instructor and dive-guide, I was terribly afflicted by fire as a result of a light-aircraft accident in 2007 - the type of accident that people refer to as 'life-changing!'

19th August 2007 was a day that I shall never forget. I was solo-piloting a light-aircraft in Florida, USA. I sustained an engine fire during flight, whilst on approach to land, leaving me with very little time to react. I followed an emergency procedure - according to protocol - for an in-flight fire, however the flames breached the fire-wall, which should ordinarily protect me from such an incident. Instead, flames quickly began to engulf the cock-pit, working its way up my lower-limbs towards my upper-body and face. I was forced to act fast or meet my demise.

Leaving from Port Ghalib, we sail to Small & Big Brothers with wonder-wall diving, large pelagics and kaleidoscopic colours.

20.09.11 Check in at 9 am. Set sail 10 am
23.09.11 Return. Check out 9 am

Price includes: Transfers from Hurghada or Marsa Ghalib, 3 nights onboard, 3 days diving (1st day 2 dives, 2nd day 3 dives, 3rd day 3 dives), full board, soft drinks, snacks, guides, tanks, weights, Nitrox, Marine Park/Port fees, tax.

Not included: Alcohol, diving equipment, tips, flights/visa, hotels.

Book your place today at info.safaris@emperordivers.com

See more on Elite and what she has to offer here

30/7/07     Dive 33     SS THISTLEGORM (2)

Oh yes! Derek (DJ) was full of confidence now; after all he had dived Thistlegorm. Donna brought him back to earth on her check. "You intend to dive without turning on your air then?" A crestfallen DJ then followed her into the blue. The dive decks hustle and bustle, in one goes and, apart from the air, no sound but uncanny peace, superb. Down the now familiar rope to the deck with visibility a lot better. marine life abounded with every type of fish who, in the main, took no notice of divers. Skirting the anti aircraft gun, which at the time was not fired for the crew thinking the low flying aircraft were British, to the Bren gun carrier and one of the steam engines. The rope room was pointed out whilst the rest of the group concentrated on the coal and water tenders.

Come and dive the Best Top 3 sites in this area: Big and Little Brothers, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone.

There is a choice of dates, but how about a nice August outing from 19 - 26 sailing from Marsa Ghalib. 7 nights for just £765.00.

Or follow this link for more dates and choices.

30/7/07     Dive 32     SS THISTLEGORM

King Snefro rocked gently in the swell as a very nervy Derek sat waiting his turn reflecting on the last time he was in this same position - suited up and feeling very sick as the boat rocked violently in the heavy swell the year previously with only some 14 dives to his "credit" he wondered then if he could ever join the professionals to dive Thistlegorm. He recalled the depth of despair then when Donna said, "Really Derek it's so rough and now you're not well to say the least, we can't risk it." Now with a few more dives and a lot of study he felt more confident. The brief was over the experts had asked all the questions, all had chosen their buddies and the brief ended with the welcome words, "Derek you're with me." Terry and Janice were going to film.

Just released! Limited places available on a choice of Emperor Fleet routes at really amazing prices!

    * Asmaa     from 572 GBP
    * Superior  from 660 GBP
    * Elite        from 748 GBP

Available on selected sailings until December 2011.

Only a number of places available at the above prices, so hurry.

Email info.safaris@emperordivers.com for more information or book online.

Now is the time to visit the Red Sea and Europe for North American divers! Fly & Sea Dive Adventures is combining 7-night Emperor Divers liveaboard trips with a stop over in one of Europe's many intriguing cities.

On your way to the Red Sea, spend one, two, three nights or more in London, Amsterdam, Zurich, or Frankfurt (please inquire about other cities). Explore the beauty and culture of Europe and then fly directly into Hurghada or Marsa Alam for some fantastic diving.

Packages include airfare, hotels, transfers, sightseeing tours and a 7-night liveaboard (selected sailings only). Prices start at $2695USD per person.

Take advantage of this fantastic offer; email emperordivers@flyandsea.com for booking and more information.

Emperor has been working with the manufacturer to remedy the fault and will assist CDWS in trials early in 2011.