Premier of Body Glove’s Drop Zone Fiji at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel’s prime venue The Joint

In less than a week DEMA commences as does the premier of Body Glove’s Drop Zone Fiji at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel’s prime venue The Joint.  We hope to see you all there next Thursday, Nov. 18, at 8p.m., as it should be a jubilant occasion featuring some of Fiji’s premier dive and surf spots.  Body Glove’s pro surfers turned divers will be on hand for Q & A before the premier.  We hope you can attend and for those of you who have prior commitments please feel free to invite those who have nothing better to do except check out this beautifully shot film.  And if you haven’t seen the trailer yet have a look at the attached Body Glove website and then post it on your fan page.

Drop Zone Fiji will also premier on Fuel TV in early March which is available in up to 30 million homes across the U.S. market.  Fuel TV and Drop Zone will also air throughout Australia, Asia and Europe next spring.  So lots of reach on this project and it’s really highlighting Fiji’s world class dive, surf, culture and soft adventure activities.  Not to mention it’s just a fun film with great music and people who love what they’re doing in Fiji.  We look forward to seeing everyone next Thursday and sharing good times and BULA whimsy with the over and underwater masses.   

For trailer go to:  www.bodyglove.com

Transworld Press Release:  http://surf.transworld.net/1000117280/news/drop-zone-fiji-premiere-nov-18-in-vegas/

See attached premier invitation.                     

http://dropzonefiji.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to Michelle and Michael who both recently became Advanced Open water divers!

Congratulations to Michelle and Michael who both recently became Advanced Open water divers! 

 

Hope to see you both back for
your Rescue Diver Course soon!

Manta Specialty Course at Matava

Do you know that the word Manta is the Spanish word for Blanket? I didn’t until just recently. I never dived with mantas before I came to Matava.

Here I am now though, diving with mantas as often as I can. It was Stuart's idea (he’s known for them), and a great one at that, why don’t we write a Manta Specialty course? So we did! And for the first time last weekend we ran it.

The course involves 2 Open water Dives and important information about Mantas and how to identify different species. It takes no more then a day to complete and then all the information and manta sightings we collect can then be logged on to the Global manta Database who’s principle goal is to identify resident Manta Rays and those that migrate.

So the first group of keen enthusiasts tried it out. Stine and Morton from Denmark, Minna from the USA, John and Hazel from England and  Eric from Tasmania Australia. Photos were taken and divers were happy, a new Manta was named (after our friend Abbie Hines, one of the world's manta experts) and registered and all in all the day was a success.

Meet Abbie, the smallest manta on the reef

The first Manta enthusiasts to complete the manta Specialty course (Doing the manta dance!)
Back: Stine, Minna, Hazel
Front Morton, Me (Kate), John

Fiji September IDC 18th-26th September 2009

Bula Vinaka,

The September IDC is now growing closer. As the program requires extensive preparation, NOW is the time to enroll for the course, gather together the necessary materials and start your preparation.

We are now accepting deposits for the program. (F$300) These should be paid directly to Viti Water Sports through Mike Agnew. mike@vitiwatersports.com (Tel) 6702413

Once we have received your deposit we will forward instructions on how to prepare for the course.

 

Please note that EFR Instructor is now a prerequisite for new instructors to gain teaching status. We will therefore conduct the EFR Instructor Course (including Care For Children) directly before the IDC

 

The dates and prices are as follows:

 

Instructor Preparation Course: (IPC) 11^th-15^th September F$695

EFR Instructor (with CFC) 15^th-16^th September) F$680

Instructor Development Course (IDC) 18^th-26^th September F$1950

OWSI Course 22nd - 26th September F$1350

Instructor Examination (IE): 28^th-29^th September AUS$695

IDC Staff Instructor 16th - 26th September F$695

 

Please note that the above prices do not include required course materials.

Please remember that when you begin an IDC, you are expected to have professional level knowledge and dive skills. Although the IE contains examinations on diving theory, the IDC DOES NOT cover these topics. If you are in any doubt about your ability to pass the exams or the level of your dive skills please complete the IPC, which covers these areas (and more) in detail.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to receive further information.

 

Best regards,

 

Andrew Redfern

PADI Course Director

Viti Water Sports

Project AWARE Certification Cards

Every single c-card issued from Matava gets a Project AWARE Certification Card free! Matava covers the donation!

Project AWARE Scuba Certification Cards

New for 2009 Sharks on the Reef Card	Whale Shark Card	Standard Card

FIHTA Dive Fiji EXPO 2009

PADI Regional Manager Ian Cumming awards the PADI Member Award to Richard Akhtar of Matava at FIHTA Dive Fiji EXPO 2009.

Young at Heart

Anthony going into the deep!

Anthony and Cheryl from Aussie arrived at Matava resort to diving guests that had just experienced a wonderful day diving with the Mantas. Cheryl and Anthony came to Matava with no diving plans but decided to give it a go, and they did just that.

Cheryl taking the plunge!

Armed with no diving experience and a ‘lets get on with it attitude’ they completed the course in three days, flying through the paper work and skills like naturals.

Now it must be said that these two Aussie’s were the ‘most mature’ students I have had the pleasure of teaching, but it didn’t make a difference as they were motivated and ready for a laugh. In no time they were out on the dive boat checking out the mantas for themselves. Well Done Ant and Cheryl.

Also Congratulations to Sylvia from Canada, Marcell from Switzerland and Byron, Wes and Denise also from Canada, who all completed the PADI Open Water Course.

by Kate the Kiwi Instructor

Matava wins Major Environmental Award at the PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards 2009

Matava has won the PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards 2009 in the category Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award 2009 

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 15th April 2009 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it is the official 2009 winner of PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards 2009 in the Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award 2009.

The PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards were developed to better recognise the achievements of those PADI Dive Centres and Resorts who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of diving.

In competition with more than a thousand dive centres throughout the region, Matava was awarded the great honor of this award as a token of appreciation for all the efforts and initiatives put forward by the company in the last few years.

"At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding similar efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji's leading role and efforts in this regard especially." said Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar.

Mr Ian Cumming, PADI Regional Director for the Fiji Islands, said "I'd just like to send my congratulations to the Team at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort who have taken out the Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award for 2009."

"Having visited the resort I know firsthand the mighty efforts everyone there have gone to to ensure the resort is very much the 'Eco Adventure' resort that has guests coming back time and again. Given the location of the resort, which adds greatly to its charm, it is a wonderful achievement that everyone involved in the resort should be very proud of!" Mr Cumming continued.

Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of global ecosystems. "This Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," states Richardson.

"Our Marine Environmental awards recognise dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays! The number of outstanding environmental programs taking place is inspiring," said Joanna McNamara, Project AWARE Coordinator.

Joanne Marston, Manager of Project AWARE, said "Project AWARE Foundation is delighted that Matava's positive environmental actions have been recognized by PADI Asia Pacific.  As a Project AWARE Go ECO Operator Matava show a dedication and commitment to conservation that goes above and beyond.  Congratulations Matava."

Adopting a fresh new format that provides a system in which all PADI Members can participate, the PADI Member Awards programme was based on a system that ensured PADI Members compete with other PADI Members within their own geographical region for one of the five Awards. All PADI Dive Centres and Resorts were considered for nomination by a specially convened selection panel, who selected up to three finalists for each of the Awards.

A panel of PADI judges then considered all of the finalists and Matava is very pleased to be announced as the winner of the PADI Member Award 2009 in the category: Project AWARE Marine Environmental Award 2009.

Mr Akhtar went on to say that "This PADI Member Award gives us special recognition within the entire tourism industry and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business. After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognised again and this time by the world's largest international scuba certification agency, PADI.

"Our recent major resort upgrade in early 2008, and the addition of our new high-tech solar power plant solution for the Main Bure, kitchen and The Terrace restaurant area, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country."

Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment." 


PADI is the world's largest recreational dive training, certification and membership organization. PADI Members (dive centers, resorts, educational facilities, instructors, assistant instructors and divemasters) issue more than 1,000,000 certifications worldwide each year, making underwater exploration and adventure accessible to the public, while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service.

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava - Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

Mad Fish Dive Centre is our on-site PADI Dive Centre offering the best of diving in the South Pacific.

www.Matava.com      www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com

 

# # #

Finally I Can Be Part of the Conversation

So I've been here for just over three months now, the Staff here have become my family, brothers and sisters, Uncles and Aunties. What can I give them in return to show my appreciation? Of course, I can teach them how to dive.

Richard happily agrees to let some of the Staff enter our under water world and so the teaching begins. Much easier said then done. Kesa, who works in the kitchen, Joji who takes care of maintenance and works behind the bar and Vilikesa who drives the transfer boat are my first students.

The book work took the longest with late nights and early mornings trying to fit in with everyones schedule... It took 1 month, but we finished all the book work and finally it was time to get everyone in the water. Vilikesa was the first to complete the course and on our last dive he refused to surface and sat stubbornly on the sandy bottom arms and legs firmly crossed.

Joji completed the course next and his most used signal was patting his stomach as he eye balled the huge spanish mackerals that glided by. And young Kesa also finished and when I asked her why she wanted to do the course she explained 'Everyone talks about diving here, the Staff and the Guests, finally I can be part of the conversation.'  

Jone (Driver) and Joji and Kesa after completion of their final dive.

Discover Scuba Dives in Fiji

Over the last week we have had a number of people try diving for their first time. Greg and Rebbekah from Alaska, Sophie and Ari from the US and Anthony and Bridie from Townsville Australia.

The Discover Scuba dives are usually done at Two tree island – theres actually seven trees on the island? – We anchor in 2m of water not far from the vast coral playground that can easily be seen on the surface.

On Greg's dive we saw a beautiful school of brown surgeon fish, With Sophie and Ari we spotted a huge White tipped reef shark. Anthony, who came to Matava to fish, was delighted to see a couple of Spanish mackerel. A real beautiful spot to try diving for the first time.

Bridie and Greg, learning to breath from their regulator before the dive

Waterfall

After a morning spent diving in the sea, nothing is more refreshing then swimming in freshwater.

A 40 minute trek to Kadavu village will bring you to a beautiful waterfall. A playground for young and old. The speed at which the village children fly across the rocks and climb the steep cliffs is just crazy to watch.

During my last visit as I attempted to climb the slippery rock face to the top of the waterfall, I looked up into the face of a young girl, her outstretched hand offering assistance. I was struggling to hold my own weight on the step rock face and had to smile at the thought of this 8 or 9 year old girl offering to help me up to the top. But she insisted with a reassuring smile and her outstretched hand. With ease she pulled me to the top, smiled and continued running, jumping from rock to ledge before diving like an Olympian from the 10 metre height.

What a sight to see, to watch the fun and games, the laughing, smiling. Good old fashion fun.

Bridie, Kate, talking to locals Lendua and Ben

Local kids scaling the rock face

Kesa and Kate – Tour guides to the village

PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award Awarded to Matava

Matava has been awarded the PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award 2008 for its policies on environmental sustainability 
KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 5th Februuary 2008 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to announce that it is an official 2008 recipient of The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award.

Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part in protection of global ecosystems. "The Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award   is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations," states Richardson.

"Our awards recognise dive operators making a positive impact on local communities and the environment, as well as providing great dive holidays! The number of outstanding environmental programs taking place is inspiring," said Joanna McNamara, Project AWARE Coordinator.

After reviewing Matava's application, Project AWARE determined that our dive operation met all requirements set forth for Project AWARE's Environmental Achievement Award and shown exemplary efforts to conserve aquatic environments through education, advocacy and action. Therefore, Project AWARE was proud to name Matava an official 2008 recipient!

Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar says "The PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award gives us special environmental recognition and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business."

"After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recognized by our international scuba certification agency"

Mr Akhtar went on to say that "..after our recent major resort upgrade in early 2008, and the addition of our new high-tech solar power plant solution for the Main Bure, kitchen and The Terrace restaurant area, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country."

Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment." 

Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, works in direct partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.   To get involved in environmental activities and make a lasting difference visit www.projectaware.org 

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands.


Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views


Mad Fish Dive Centre and Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters are our on-site diving and fishing specialists offering the best of both under and on the water activities.

www.Matava.com      www.Scuba-Diving-Fiji.com      www.GamefishingFiji.com

# # #

PADI Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award Awarded to Matava - FIJI SCUBA DIVING - Dive the best of Fiji Diving with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Kadavu, Fiji Islands

Something in the water

A clear blue sky mirrored on the glassy ocean surface. What a beautiful place to learn to breath underwater. From Discover Scuba Dive courses to open water and rescue courses. Whatever type of scuba experience you are
looking for, you can find it here at Matava.

Just outside this remote resort you can have your first underwater experience and for those more experienced divers you can find yourself dropping down to 20m and drifiting along side the famous astrolabe reef or watching in awe as the huge mantarays twist and turn gracefully underwater orchecking out the huge array of nudibranchs that our dive masters have developed a keen eye for finding.

Whether you are a beginner or a Jacque Cousteau of the underwater world, there is something here for you.

Recently certified divers have found themselves mastering bouyancy within a few days of completing their course.

Elyse from Canada completed her rescue course during her stay here at matava and still found time to fit in a few
dives out on the reef.

Danielle and Tim from Australia finsihed their open water course in a few days and found themselves drifting along side beautiful soft coral mastering those all important bouyancy skills. Kurt also completed his Open water course and was swimming with the stingrays before the day was through.

Brian from Mongolia also took the challenge and came to understand the divers addiction to the underwater world. For those not ready to complete the full open water course or with limited time have enjoyed single discover scuba dives. Hugo and Julie from France, Anca from Mongolia and Fran from France all gave it a go.

The warm waters, friendly Staff and experienced dive crew will make your stay here in matava one to remember.
So if you havn't already taken the plunge, why not start here?

Come and check it out for yourself, there really is something in the water.

By Kate
Dive Instructor
Mad Fish Dive Centre @ Matava in Kadavu Fiji

Project AWARE Certificate of Appreciation

Certificate recieved by Matava and Mad Fish Dive Centre from PADI in recognition of our support of Project AWARE.

Shane Elder – Adventure Diver

Congratulations to Shane Elder for passing his PADI Adventure Diver course in December.

First of all, well done for managing to complete the whole course (including the theory) in just one day. Secondly, well done for persuading his wife, Nicole to let him do it – they were on their second honeymoon and he had to start by getting permission, then he had to try and fit in the diving around all the fishing, kayaking and waterfall trips they were doing. Good work Shane.

It was a really fun course, the highlight probably being on his naturalist dive when a manta ray nearly flew into his head. Shane was trying to work out what I was pointing at/looking at/screaming about, when he turned and saw a 4m manta about 2 feet in front of him. His expression was priceless.

Shane was hoping to go to New Zealand and do his Deep and Navigation dives to upgrade to PADI Advanced Open Water.

Good luck mate.

Matava’s latest PADI Open Water Divers

Congratulations to Matava’s latest PADI Open Water Divers. Part of the Long Island University Marine Biology group, here for 3 weeks, these girls had only just been snorkelling for the first time then one night at dinner decided they wanted to learn to dive. After only 2 days they had already established themselves as the loudest and most troublesome members of the 22 students, so I thought, “hmmm, this could be interesting.” It turned out to be one of the funniest PADI Open Water courses ever.

It was a bit slow at first, with both girls trying to convince themselves that they weren’t actually going to die. But confidence grew, skills were mastered and I was even reprimanded for a couple of incidents. Firstly I was stopped half way through a demonstration to be told that I was too close to the coral. Fair enough, I thought. Then I was told even if I am holding onto a BCD for safety, I am not to touch the boobies!! We laughed so much for 4 days straight, I’d like to thank both girls for making it so much fun.

And our Favourite quote from Camille, when a 4m manta was heading straight towards her –

“If I just stay still, maybe he won’t eat me!”

Brilliant. Thanks girls and massive congratulations.

Ayoumi and Taki

Domo arigato to Ayoumi and Taki for being such fun on their recent trip to Matava.

Here on their honeymoon, the fearless couple decided to try out scuba diving with a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience. It was a big enough challenge just to get the wetsuits on, after a bad case of sun burn from the previous day, along with Ayoumi’s 3 inch fingernails which had been specially done for the wedding. But after only 2 hrs we were suited up and ready to go.

Having only snorkelled for the first time ever on this trip, it was pretty brave of them to be scuba diving. After the initial panic’s were over, they were looking more comfortable and they were both clearing regulators and masks like professionals - so we headed down to 12m to check out the fish. Ayoumi didn’t let go of my hand for the entire dive and Taki looked like he was flying.

After we surfaced I asked them if they enjoyed it. I will remember their responses forever. Ayoumi just said, “I need to pee!” – But after a quick visit to the toilet, she told me she loved it. Taki’s answer might be the best I’ve ever heard.

“It was like being in a dream!”

Couldn’t put it better myself.

Crazy Christmas Courses

Congratulations first of all to Michael and Bronwin McGee who got married at Matava on Xmas day. They just about made the wedding on time, after an uber 3 hr session of confined skills for their PADI Openwater course in the morning, we got back to the dive shop at 12.20, the wedding was at 1 on a nearby beach. While Richard was pacing the shores, the pastor was getting restless and Maggie was stressing out, the couple to be were more chilled out than anyone, slowly meandering back to their bure to get changed.

We all had a day off on the 26th, after wedding/xmas celebrations, then on the 27th 2 became 5 – Sally Cobb, Allison Walker and Thomas Castets joined the newlyweds, Richard made a rare appearance in the water and we had one of those amazing moments underwater, whilst surrounded by an uncountable number of fish, I watched my 5 new PADI students do a perfect free ascent. Awesome!

The next day was the start of a new PADI Openwater course, Caitlin Kelly, Chris Johnson, Jill Boag and Emma Richardson stepped up. Emma (scared of fish), completed her PADI DSD and the others went on to do the full open water course. The first dive can only be described as mayhem - divers everywhere, surrounded by a cloud of sand. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Mr Tevita Baivou – our resident Divemaster. However, after some serious skill sessions and lot of hard work, it was incredible to see the difference by the end of the course. All 3 put in a massive effort to get through the course and at the end, it was like looking at 3 different divers.

So a big thank you to all my Xmas students. I did some serious celebrating on New year!

PADI eLearning Logs 1000th Participant

PADI eLearning Logs 1000th Participant

Online program quickly becoming one of PADI’s most successful new diver acquisition efforts

The popular PADI eLearning program reached a major milestone as the 1000^th participant enrolled just a few weeks after the program’s launch. At this pace, PADI eLearning will become one of PADI’s most successful new diver acquisition initiatives -- great news for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts seeking innovative ways to attract new divers and increase business.

“During DEMA Show 2006, the PADI message was loud and clear: Embrace the internet and succeed. It was a risky, and honestly, a highly controversial topic that inspired industry-wide debate and discussion,” shared PADI President and Chief Operating Operator, Drew Richardson. “But now, less than one year later, I’m seeing retail and resort operators take this message to heart. PADI Members are adapting and changing the way they do business and using the internet as a key strategy for growth. And it’s working. At the end of July 2007, PADI Open Water Diver certifications in the PADI Americas territory are up more than 17 percent over July 2006 - an overall increase of 2.35 percent year to date. This increase in PADI Member Retail and Resort business isn’t a coincidence. There is a direct correlation between increased new diver certifications and business growth for PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. The July 2007 numbers indicate that PADI eLearning is playing a key role in this growth.

One retailer seeing an increase in business from PADI eLearning is Colonel Echols from Landshark Scuba in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. This progressive retailer has promoted PADI eLearning from the start and he’s thrilled with the results. “PADI eLearning has been great for us. Because of PADI eLearning, we have 20 percent more open water students walking through our doors and buying equipment - and we’re getting $55 US more for this premium privilege.”

“Just today,” Echols continued, “I was ecstatic to learn we had six new customers call in and tell us they want to sign up for eLearning because it fits into their schedule better – and it’s only Tuesday!” According to Echols, PADI eLearning student divers come to his store better prepared, too. “My observation is that eLearners pay attention and follow directions better.”

“Colonel Echol’s enthusiasm is contagious and I applaud it,” closed Richardson. “I’m tired of reading propaganda about industry doom and gloom ... how the industry is dying, how it’s not the same as it once was. Well, the business environment is not the same as it once was, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad news. For many PADI Members, business is up in all areas. Their success is our success and we’re all growing together. It’s exciting and rewarding to know that we’re taking the right steps to support our lifeblood as a membership organization, PADI Members. PADI remains committed to the continued development of innovative and progressive programs for member success, which helps the industry as a whole to grow.”

There’s no quick fix for increasing business. Growth and success are directly tied to effective strategies and winning programs such as PADI eLearning. Align your business with PADI - the acknowledged market leader in scuba training and education - and tap into proven strategies to grow your business. Contact the PADI International Resort and Retailer Associations today at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234, ext. 2260.

PADI Asia Pacific Partners With OIympus

Exclusive new agreement designed to promote the Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty Course throughout Asia Pacific

SYDNEY – July 2007 – Olympus, the industry leader in opto-digital technologies and pioneer in the digital camera market, together with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) announced today that they have partnered in support of the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty Course in Asia Pacific – including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

During the course, participants learn to use the PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine and Adjust) method, which takes full advantage of digital technology to achieve good underwater photos faster. They not only learn the three primary principles on how to take good photos underwater, but also how to edit and share them with their friends via email or printing, optimizing their work with their computer, storage and more. They are also taught how to choose and use modern digital cameras and underwater housings.

To sign up for the course, participants must be a PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver (or have a qualifying certification from another training organisation). However, participants can take the course as a snorkeller and receive a non-diving certification. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty Course certification credits toward the Master Scuba Diver rating, and is one of PADI’s most adaptable specialty courses, and can even be started during the last dive of the PADI Open Water Diver course.

On why Olympus and PADI have teamed up for this course in Asia Pacific, Mr Jimmy Loh, General Manager, Olympus Imaging Singapore said: “Olympus is the only manufacturer that has both splash proof and waterproof camera line up. This unique feature makes it ideal for water related activities, and people can have fun without any fear of accidental contact with water. Being the pioneer in developing digital camera and its underwater housing, Olympus has a good understanding of divers’ requirements. In fact, our latest digital camera models have multiple underwater pre-set programs (e.g. Underwater Wide 1 for landscape photo taking, Underwater Wide2 for landscape photo taking with quicker shutter release and Underwater Macro for close-up photo taking) that makes it very easy to start underwater photography and get beautiful results right away. We believe that we can spread the joy of photography above water and under water to PADI members as well as all digital camera users through this partnership program between PADI and Olympus.”

“We welcome the opportunity to partner Olympus in growing this exciting segment of the dive market – Underwater Photography – one which is growing at a rapid rate. Olympus’ brand recognition, market position, reach within Asia Pacific and reputation for providing a consistent quality service is the reason why we have selected Olympus as our partner. We strongly believe there are multiple synergies in this partnership for both parties. We are already working with Olympus in Europe and as such it was only natural for us to expand the partnership to the Asia Pacific region,” said Mr Shahram Saber, Marketing Manager of PADI Asia Pacific.

PADI’s membership has grown to include more than 130,000 PADI Professionals and approximately 5,300 PADI Dive Centres and Resorts operating in 180 countries and territories. PADI Professionals are among the most respected in the dive industry, delivering consistent, quality education and training to nearly 1,000,000 divers annually.

About PADI

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world’s largest recreational dive training, certification and membership organisation. PADI Members (dive centres, resorts, educational facilities, instructors, assistant instructors and divemasters) issue nearly 1,000,000 certifications worldwide each year, making underwater exploration and adventure accessible to the public, while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service. For more information, visit padi.com.

About Olympus Imaging Singapore

Olympus Imaging Singapore is the unparalleled industry leader in opto-digital technologies, delivering award-winning digital imaging products for the consumer and professional markets in Singapore. Driven by a strong commitment in providing innovative products and solutions of the highest quality, Olympus Imaging Singapore works closely with industry partners, customers and other Olympus business units in producing leading-edge products. These include analogue and digital cameras, professional SLR imaging systems, and voice recorders, amongst others. Olympus Imaging Singapore’s unrelenting efforts in superior customer service also bear testimony to its brand promise of delivering the best user experience to all consumers and professional users in the imaging field. For more information, please visit http://www.olympus.com.sg.