NEWS

Jerimiah Sullivan has some new innovations in protective shark suits. He said a new suit will be flexible enough for surfers and still provide protection from most sharks.

Did the Harbor Seal shark feeding station attract the white shark ???

No one knows if the sharks have been taking harbor seals all along.

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Sad, Fathoms magazine has folded. Bret Gilliam has a new magazine in the works. Have you checked the web magazine "Fins" ?

Bob Gladden, one of the founders of UFEX has moved to Kona Hawaii. If you are in the neighborhood, look him up. ovisions1@hawaii.rr.com.

We still have a couple spots on the Humpback whale adventure in Tonga.

Vanessa Overton, one of our most frequent travellers is getting married.

Be aware----Not only domestic airlines but also many international airlines have reduced the check in baggage weight allowed to 50#. Some domestic lines allow only one 50# bag. The charge is for each check in.

Now some airlines (started by United) are charging $25 for the second checked 50# bag. There is some confusion but it seems if you belong to their Frequent Flyer program the 2nd bag is free. Check with the airline as rules are changing with seldom a warning. Also the restrictions on carry on will be enforced.

Check out the small digital scale for sale at Ocean Enterprises. A stop that is not necessary for international connections can put you under domestic weight rules and can be very expensive. Travel light. Most resorts and liveaboards have laundry facilities.

John Moore's web site has a weekly photo competition and gets some amazing underwater photos. Check it out at www.johnmoore@divebums.com.

Important---- Be sure your passport has a least 2 clean pages as you may be stopped from boarding the plane going to some countries. Some visas use a whole page. Also it has to be valid until 6 months after your return.

Warning There have been underwater housings and lights that have leaked for no apparent reason. It has been suggested that security agents have opened equipment and not closed it properly allowing leakage. Carefully check all o-ringed equipment after a airline trip. Also it is ga good idea to fight the temptation to advertise that you are a diver photographer by putting stickers all over your shipped equipment.

Opinions

Frequent Flyer mileage. Think about this. If you have a credit card that gives mileage, charge your dive trip ( pay when the statement come due so no interest ) and get double mileage. Mileage from the card and again when you check in with your airline card.

If you are or know someone in a panic for a Passport try Zierer Visa Service 866-788-1100 They have a San Francisco address.

Important--Make copies of your SCUBA certification card. It is important to have the card if you expect to travel and dive. Many old records are lost or have been destroyed as the certifying organizations change. You will not be allowed by any of the reputable resorts or live aboard without a C-card. It is also a good idea to make color copies of your passports first page and carry them separate from your passport. Most copy places can't do it put will let you.

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Check the Gallery Still pages for photos of our recent travels