What does exploration mean to You? Published by Achim Schlöffel on 2009-06-25

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Usually when I attend a divers’ gathering over dinner, apart from making new friends, discussing about scuba equipments and all other stuffs, there has always been a topic that I find amusing, and that is exploration.

In a convectional group, the technical divers will often dominate the discussion by introducing words like ‘M-Values’, ‘PSCR’ or ‘HPNS’. This often leave some divers listening with their jaws open or other personal discussions starting amongst each other. The ladies will usually then start discussing about what is the next in fashion handbag.

Does one really have to be a technical or cave diver in order to be an explorer? If we take a step back and actually understand what the true meaning of exploration is, it merely means traveling through an unfamiliar place and learning about it. To some, an exploration does not necessarily mean going to places that no one have been there but rather, to places where oneself have not been to. Every diver can be an explorer alike even if it is diving on a single tank. Now, that does not mean diving at the murky canal down the road the next day. There should always be a purpose for an exploration.

I am blessed to have friends who are really keen in exploring. They are not technical or cave divers from any organization but rather, a chatty bunch that always bring along a maritime map whenever we meet. They have the liking for exploring reefs around our region that others might ask, who wants to go there? When people start looking and hearing at the pictures and conversation they have, then comes in the curiosity and finally, how do we get there? The most interesting thing is that their age ranges from 50 to 60 years of age! I am the youngest whenever we dive together as a team. This proves that age is never a limit for the heart of an explorer.

An exploration does not necessarily have got to be formal, or a ‘big time’ event. It can be an idea that appears suddenly during conversations, that strikes the interest of everybody and then work from there. I often encourage divers to join exploration trips to places with recreational depth and to lock co-ordinates when the site is good or if the scanner shows a graph that might be a reef or a wreck, then we explore it. It builds the interest and excitement in them being able to be part of the team, experience the indescribable feeling while exploring, and they unknowingly unleash the explorer in themselves.

Everybody have to start somewhere and progressively build up the experience, team work, logistics, planning, management etc. Soon, they will be ask for more demanding explorations. Of course, it is through these trips where divers start to see the need for a standardize system, team awareness and team skills, or in summary, a solid team competency to make all explorations alike a greater success. This makes them appreciate and understand the ISE system much better, giving them a good sense of readiness for improvements.

I hope this article will be useful for those out there who have always wanted to explore but did not know where to start. You can be an explorer too, so make the first move! For now, safe diving and keep diving. Yang Yihao

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