Jellyfish stings - Creams do not help!

As posted the Wicked Diving Website....Please copy and post

The season has begun and diving is great! However some unscruplous marketers are trying to exploit people's fears. Trying to sell divers, snorkelers and visitors some "magic cream" that prevents jellyfish stings - people can be put at risk of injury or death.

Avoid this cream, let any dive shop or retail outlet that supplies it know how they are endangering their clients and please avoid it at all costs!!!

If you think this is just opinion...please read the email below regarding this product. Written and signed by the world's leaders in Jellyfish stings, envenomation and the head of DAN. I guess they might know a bit more than someone who makes and sells magic creams?

From: JOHN LIPPMANN
Sent: 03 November 2009
To:
Cc: 'Lisa Gershwin'; 'Andrew Jones'; 'Peter Fenner'; 'Dr. Kenneth D. Winkel'; somchai.bussarawit; potjaman; lthaikru
Subject: FW: Marketing of Safe Sea in Thailand

We have been following the recent renewed correspondence about the proposed marketing of Safe Sea in Thailand. As you are aware, there are a group of us, including some well-known medical and marine biological jellyfish experts, who have been closely monitoring the situation with dangerous jellyfish in Thailand and we are all very concerned about the introduction of Safe Sea at this point in time.

Let us re-state some important facts:

1. There is definitely at least one variety of potentially lethal box jellyfish found in Thai waters. This includes the Chironex species as well as other chirodropids, currently unidentified, but probably just as venomous . There is absolutely no doubt about this as we have received good photographic evidence of these jellyfish, and have extensive evidence from numerous cases over more than a 20 years of the distinctive scarring caused by the stings of these particular jellyfish.

2. There have been numerous documented deaths caused by jellyfish in Thailand over many years: we currently have an article in print with details of a number of documented deaths and “near-misses”. The death of the Swedish girl last year was certainly not an isolated case, although to date it was the one that received the broadest media attention. We also have a steadily increasing number of case reports of life-threatening stings, including those with permanent scarring as well as those producing Irukandji syndrome.

3. Substantial experience from northern Australia over many years has shown the importance of effective prevention strategies. To date these have included the wearing of protective clothing, suitable netting, appropriate signage and education. As a result, despite the presence of large numbers of dangerous jellyfish at certain times of the year, there are very few serious stings.

4. The Safe Sea may have been shown to be an effective barrier to the stings of certain species of jellyfish. However, it appears that there is absolutely no evidence that it is effective in the prevention of stings from life-threatening box-type jellyfish, especially Chironex.

5. We are further concerned that even if Safe Sea should someday be demonstrated to be “as effective” for Chironex-type box jellyfish as it claims for other species (i.e., 75% efficacy, in reducing the frequency and severity of stings), this is still unacceptably high for otherwise unprotected exposure to lethal species.

In light of the above, we consider it to be irresponsible and dangerous to promote an unproven product in an area where the consequences of using the product could prove fatal. It is likely that tourists and Thai locals would be lulled into what could well be a false sense of security by using Safe Sea instead of taking preventative measures that have proven to be effective. Severe stings or deaths occurring without added protection of these preventative measures we suggest could have ongoing consequences.

Receiving FDA approval from Thailand does not indicate that the product is effective against Chironex-type box jellyfish stings and can be misleading in this context.

For all the above reasons we implore you to refrain from marketing Safe Sea in Thailand until such time that it has been independently demonstrated to be effective against the potentially lethal species found there and it is established that this product effectively prevents envenomation when interacting with these species.

Sincerely,

John Lippmann OAM Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin Dr Peter Fenner AM
Executive Director Director MD (London), DRCOG, FACTM, FRCGP
DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) ASIA-PACIFIC Australian Marine Stinger Australian Marine Stinger Expert and author
PO Box 384 (49A Karnak Rd) Advisory Services
Ashburton VIC 3147
Australia Dr Ken Winkel Andrew Jones
Tel: +61-3-9886 9166; Fax: +61-3-9886 9155 Director Father of jellyfish sting survivor
www.danasiapacific.org Australian Venom Research Unit

Please feel free to contact us, DAN or any of the above with questions regarding this and other products promising to "prevent jellyfish stings"




-Similan Diving

Thailand Liveaboard - Similan Islands Diving Last Minute Special

Here at Wicked Diving we are always on the lookout for special offers to give you - our guests.

Today we were given the opportunity to share this great value trip!

Trip Departs: Tuesday 20^th October 2009

Trip Returns: Saturday 24^th October 2009

Duration: 4 days & 4 nights

Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands and Bonsoong Wreck

Dives: 14

Standard Quad share cabin: Normal Price = 29,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 23,200 Baht per diver. (4 spaces available)

Standard Triple share cabin: Normal Price = 30,500 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 24,400 Baht per diver. (3 spaces available)

Standard Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 32,000 baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 25,600 Baht per diver (1 space sharing with male diver)

VIP Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver. (2 cabins/4 spaces available)

VIP Double bed cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver (1 cabin available).

If you would like to know more - contact us

The MV Queen Scuba is a 28m (92ft) vessel completed in 2003. She was built to be one of the more comfortable boats plying the Andaman Sea, and she has succeeded in that goal. One of the best things about this boat is the fact that she can take up to 21 guests--so those of you who like to travel in a fairly large group have other options now.

The boat is undergoing a slight redesign at this time, after one-year of operating in the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. She has one master cabin and five "VIP" or deluxe cabins. These cabins offer double-bed accommodation for you traveling couples out there. She also has three cabins with single beds down below; two of them are for two people, and one is a triple. The cabins are priced according to comfort level-lower for the below deck cabins, slightly higher for the VIP cabins, and highest for the master. The highest comfort comes with a price as on most boats.

The Master cabin is the nicest room on the boat, of course, and the owner's claim the nicest in all of Southeast Asia. That's pretty tall claim, but the fact of the matter is that you can't get much better as far as comfort goes. First come, first served! This cabin has a large king-sized bed, a large well-appointed ensuite bathroom with hot water, a DVD entertainment system with movies, a complimentary fruit basket, air conditioning, and panoramic ocean views.

The five VIP cabins all have a large double bed, a large ensuite bathroom with hot water, air conditioning, a complimentary fruit basket, and ocean views.

For you single gentlemen or ladies, the standard cabins are located below deck, but are still light and airy. They also feature ensuite facilities with hot water and air conditioning. One of the cabins take two persons, one of them takes three guests, and one of them takes four guests (perfect for a family). She takes a total of 21 persons on board.

If you would like to know more - contact us

The interior saloon is large enough to seat everyone on the boat, including crew, and features a DVD entertainment system and comfortable benches and low tables to sit and enjoy a drink. Most meals are served in the covered deck area just to the rear of the saloon. She has wooden tables and comfortable chairs where you'll enjoy your meal with three other guests. Meals are served buffet style, with fresh breads, fruit, and wonderful Thai and Western dishes served up by the fabulous chef.

Dive deck and gear area

Going down the stairs from the top deck you'll be on the cabin deck and this is where most of your time will be spent--gearing up for diving, the reason we're here. The dive deck is spacious and well designed. No moving tanks around, all tanks are filled at their stations or the crew will handle the lifting. Put your gear together and forget about it. Two dinghies will transfer you to the dive sites, or we'll jump off the mother ship. All pick-ups are done from the dinghies for your convenience. Since many of the dives are drift dives, this system is pretty common practice around here.

Divemaster or instructor staff on the boat do dive briefings. They are thorough and interesting, and will help you to have more fun underwater and to help you understand what you're seeing. All dives are guided if you choose; there is always a divemaster available for you if you want one. If you don't, that's OK too, just dive with a buddy. If you are traveling alone, we'll hook you up with a buddy.

If you would like to know more - contact us

The Queen Scuba realizes that Nitrox is the future of diving, here today, so full Enriched Air or Nitrox services are offered on board. And, for those of you not yet Nitrox certified, we offer these courses for your convenience. There are many options from a two-dive full certification in Nitrox to introductory dives for those not sure if they will like it or not. Of course there is plenty of normal air available as well.

If you would like to know more - contact us

The boat is outfitted with the latest in electronic marine equipment including GPS and radar for safety and ease of navigation. We have VHF radios, and mobile telephone communications equipment.

The Queen Scuba will be doing the standard four-day/ four-night trips, visiting all the best sites in Thailand's Andaman Sea. She will dive in the nine fabulous Similan Islands, as well as Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, and Richelieu Rock.

Itinerary

4-days/ 4-nights: Similan and Richelieu
Departure	19:00 from Khao Lak 19:30 Arrive Thap Lamu 21:00: Depart for Similan Islands / Late supper	No diving
Day 1	Diving in Similan Islands National Park	~4 dives
Day 2	Diving at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai	~4 dives
Day 3	Diving at Richelieu Rock and Surin Islands	~4 dives
Day 4	Diving at Koh Bon, Bonsoon Wreck, depart for Thap Lamu, arrive Phuket approximately 18:00.	~2 dives
Note: For people departing the boat on the final day, transfers are provided to your hotel free of charge. You may not fly this evening due to flying after diving rules. Please note that itineraries are approximate and are subject to change due to conditions, tides, wind, current, and divemaster's discretion.		~14 dives

The Queen Scuba does 4-day and 4-night trips from October - May every year. These trips visit Similan, Koh Bon, Tachai and Richelieu Rock. These trips will depart from, and return to Thap Lamu pier, 10kms south of Khao Lak.

Price includes accommodation on board, all meals, most drinks, divemaster services, tanks, weights, and belts. Price does not include personal diving equipment or national park fees. National park fees are 400 baht per person per entry (Similan and Surin), plus 200 baht per day. This is payable in Thai baht on the boat and is an additional charge imposed by the Thai Government as of November 15, 2001. A four-day trip is 1,600 THB. We never know what exactly the government will be doing from year to year, but this is the situation as it currently stands.

If you would like to know more - contact us

Similan Diving

Surin Islands

Similan Scuba Diving - Thailand's premier diving sites

Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centers, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Khao Lak and the nearby Khao Lak with the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving from Khao Lak is of the highest standard, and the surrounding dive sites host a plethora of great diving. Similan Islands Scuba Diving is frequently listed as one of the ten best diving opportunities on earth. The are also underwater treasures that lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from introducing people to scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to o Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centers and divers. However the dive sites are very overwhelmed and the diving here is often referred to as "champagne diving" - all bubbles.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Shark fin Reef are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Koh Lipe Krabi, Phi Phi and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centers. For a good reference try the Best Dive Sites in Thailand.

Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

Similan Liveaboard & Open Water Course - the perfect combination

There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. An instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard - more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.

The Similan Islands are home to Thailand's most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport - the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards - many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.

The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion - not just a whim.

The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches - no the classroom.

The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It's fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists - it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!

In the pool or off the beach - the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.

Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable - it's time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor - gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.

After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray - something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.

After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive - they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!

This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.

If you would like to make this story come true...simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course

How do whales dive so deep?

Nature has shaped through evolution they way animals behave. This means that some animals have adapted to feed in places where the rest of the animal kingdom living around them cannot go. This naturally then eliminates a large part of the competition from the food chain.

The Similan Islands have whales, dolphins, turtles, birds and many other non-aquatic species that dive under water

So how are they able hold their breath for so many minutes without losing consciousness or dying? First, let's revise some other physiological principles in order to understand more clearly what is happening.

The need to breath is felt when the carbon dioxide (CO2) level rises above a certain threshold. The CO2 will dissolve in the blood causing its pH to decrease, which is making the blood slightly more acidic. The sensors in the medulla oblongata (the base of the brain) will then "tell" the animal that it is time to breath again.

Oxygen (O2) and CO2 are carried around the body by the blood in two different ways. One is simply the fact that both O2 and CO2 can dissolve in the blood. This will account for a small fraction of the whole transportation process. The other method uses the haemoglobin, a protein present inside red blood cells. Both O2 and CO2 molecules have the ability to attach themselves to the haemoglobin, but the carbon dioxide has a much greater affinity to do this. Therefore, whilst haemoglobin can carry up to four molecules of O2 it carries a much larger amount of carbon dioxide, normally about 23 percent is transported in the blood. However. The main point is that in most animals the O2 reserve is solely in the lungs and the blood. Once this reserve is depleted, the animals will need to breathe again to exhale CO2 and inhale new O2.

Breath holding diving animals have the advantage of an additional mechanism which, relies on another very similar protein called myoglobin. This protein is located inside muscle cells. In humans it makes up for only a very small percentage of the muscle mass. This percentage changes drastically in the animals with the need to hold their breath and it goes up to 45% of the muscle mass in sperm whales, animals that can hold their breath for up to two hours.

How does it work? Simply the blood will carry O2 to the tissues and the extra oxygen that is not used "immediately" will be stored in the myoglobin more or less in the same way as in the haemoglobin. Once the animal is under water and can no longer breath, the O2 stock of the blood will become depleted, the myoglobin will then release its O2 in to the blood that will carry it around where it is needed. At the same time the myoglobin will "catch" the excess CO2 in the blood restoring to a level that does not trigger the need to breath. When eventually the animal returns to the surface to breath air, the myoglobin releases all of its stored CO2 and replaces it with fresh O2. The amount of myoglobin present in the animal muscles will determine the maximum time the animal can spend underwater.

The more the animal wants to stay under water, the longer the period it has to stay at the surface for the gas exchanges to take place. A dolphin needs to breathe a few times (about two to four minutes) to stay submerged 20 to 30 minutes. A sperm whale will breathe 4 or 5 times per minute for up to 15 minutes at the surface to stay two hours under water. Sea birds normally dive for 3 to 10 minutes according to the species they belong to and need to breathe for about 2 to 3 minutes before diving.

Best Diving in Thailand

Similan Scuba Diving - Thailand's premier diving sites

Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centers, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Khao Lak and the nearby Khao Lak with the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving from Khao Lak is of the highest standard, and the surrounding dive sites host a plethora of great diving. Similan Islands Scuba Diving is frequently listed as one of the ten best diving opportunities on earth. The are also underwater treasures that lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from introducing people to scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to o Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centers and divers. However the dive sites are very overwhelmed and the diving here is often referred to as "champagne diving" - all bubbles.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Shark fin Reef are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Koh Lipe Krabi, Phi Phi and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centers. For a good reference try the Best Dive Sites in Thailand.

Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

Open Water Training and a Similan Liveaboard - what a bargain

There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. An instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard - more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.

The Similan Islands are home to Thailand's most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport - the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards - many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.

The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion - not just a whim.

The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches - no the classroom.

The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It's fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists - it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!

In the pool or off the beach - the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.

Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable - it's time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor - gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.

After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray - something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.

After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive - they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!

This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.

If you would like to make this story come true...simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course