You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough

If you haven’t read the first part of this blog, where I recounted the complete certification process and experiences of Day 1, feel free to check it out. However, you can continue reading here, as Day 2 turned out to be even more exciting than the first!

After an exhilarating day of diving, we spent a relaxing evening with family at De Foret Resort on Havelock Island. Nestled in the forest, away from the hustle, the resort provided a perfect backdrop for an evening of drinks, dinner, and laughter.

Day 2: The Deep Dive Adventure

On Day 2, we arrived at the jetty a bit late, thanks to the girls taking their time to get organized. Mel, our instructor, quickly rushed us onto the boat, and we set off for our first dive site of the day, The Wall. This was our highly anticipated deep dive, where we would descend to around 30 meters. Due to the site’s location on the ferry route from Port Blair to Havelock, dive operations must adhere to strict time limits to avoid ferry traffic.

The Wall is one of the most renowned dive sites near Havelock Island in the Andaman Islands. This site is famous for its impressive underwater topography, diverse marine life, and excellent visibility, making it a must-visit for divers of all experience levels.

Topography of The Wall:
The Wall is an L-shaped underwater formation that starts at a depth of around 10 meters and drops down to approximately 50 meters. The wall itself stretches for about 100 feet in length and is covered with a variety of corals and marine vegetation. This unique structure creates a breathtaking underwater landscape that divers can explore by following the contours of the wall.

Dive Route:
The dive route at The Wall had us descending along one side of the wall and following its contours. We started at a shallower depth, around 10-15 meters, and gradually descended to explore the deeper sections, to around 30 meters, while maintaining a right-side approach along the wall. It allowed for a comprehensive exploration of the various nooks and crannies filled with marine life. Every inch teems with life, from Parrotfish and Grunts to Sergeant Majors, Damsel Fish, Surgeonfish, Angelfish, Butterfly Fish, large Groupers, and even a couple of moray eels peeking out from the corals.

As we descended to about 28 meters, Mel asked us to turn and look up. Above us, schools of Chub, Barracuda, and Jacks swam in mesmerizing circles. It felt like a private show just for us. Further along, we witnessed a diver interacting with a school of blue and yellow Fusiliers, a sight that was both surreal and unforgettable. The interplay of light and shadow as the sun filters through the water enhanced the beauty of the coral-covered wall.

Despite not having cameras, the memories of The Wall will stay etched in our minds. We descended to a depth of 30 meters and spent 45 minutes exploring this underwater marvel. The strain of deep diving is notable due to the increased pressure and nitrogen absorption, but the adrenaline rush was worth it.

Dive 4: Digital Underwater Imaging at The Slope

Our next dive, an elective in Digital Underwater Imaging, took us to The Slope. Armed with GoPros, we descended to around 15 meters to capture the underwater scenery. While not as densely populated as The Wall, The Slope offered its own charms, including a sighting of three stingrays at a distance. We also saw Giant Trevally and a Titan Triggerfish which we captured on camera.

We spent 40 minutes at The Slope, enjoying the marine life and perfecting our underwater photography skills. The visibility was around 10 meters, and though it was challenging to capture the stingrays, we managed some great shots of other fish.

Final Dive: Navigation at Trigate

After a quick refreshment break, we geared up for our final dive of the day, a Navigation dive at Trigate. This dive focused on mastering the use of a compass to navigate underwater, a crucial skill for any diver. We descended to 12 meters, performing drills that involved navigating away from and back to the boat.

This dive was both educational and fun, as we took turns posing and exploring the reef while completing our tasks. It was a fitting end to an intense day of diving.

Conclusion

Completing the Advanced Open Water Diver certification was a significant achievement. Sharing this experience with my dear friend Pawan and his daughters made it even more special. His love, positivity, and enthusiasm will always be remembered.

For fellow divers, I highly recommend experiencing the depths of The Wall and the excitement of Digital Underwater Imaging. The skills you acquire and the memories you create will be invaluable. Dive safe, explore, and cherish every moment underwater.

Below is a reference guide on the marine life you see in the pictures and videos.

1. Angelfish: Elegant and colorful, often seen in pairs.
2. Barracuda: Known for their sleek, predatory appearance.
3. Blue Sea Star: Which is not a fish but a type of starfish.
4. Butterfly Fish: Distinctive for their patterns and shapes.
5. Chub: Usually found in mid-water, swimming in groups.
6. Damsel Fish: Small, vibrant fish that add a splash of color.
7. Groupers: Large, robust fish often found hiding in crevices.
8. Grunts: Known for their schooling behavior.
9. Jacks: Often seen schooling in large numbers.
10. Moray Eels: Typically found peeking out from their coral homes.
11. Parrotfish: Colorful and often found nibbling on the corals.
12. Sergeant Majors: Easily recognizable by their black vertical stripes.
13. Surgeonfish: Identifiable by the sharp spines on their tails.

This article is dedicated to my close friend and diving buddy, Pawan, who sadly passed away a few months ago. Pawan was not just a wonderful person, but a beacon of love, positive energy, and good vibes that he generously shared with everyone he met. We miss him deeply and hold his memory close to our hearts. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.