Have more thrill and fun at sea this summer vacation

Get set for scuba diving, the first of its kind in Visakhapatnam

Tourists enjoying speed boat racing, one of the favourite activities, at Rushikonda. Photo: K. R. Deepak

Move over Goa, Andamans or Lakshwadeep. The thrill of discovering fun at sea and a self-explorative walk into the world of marine life can be experienced right here in the city this summer. Be it the excitement of riding a wave by sea surfing, navigating through the sea waters in a kayak or slicing the waves on a speed boat, the city is rapidly turning into a hotbed of water-sport activities. Adding to the list this year is a summer camp on scuba diving, the first of its kind in the city.

Whether you want to try a basic course in scuba diving, become a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) master scuba diver or have a professional career in diving, here’s a chance to try it out. City-based Dolphin Dive Academy is offering training courses certified by PADI.

First batch

The institute’s first batch of beginner’s course in scuba diving will take off on April 4. The two-day confined water course will be held at its training tank at Madhurawada. “The beginner’s course aims at familiarising the participants to scuba diving equipments, be comfortable with underwater movements and other techniques before they go for advanced level,” says Mohammad Sadiq, a professional diver-cum-instructor of the institute that has 10 instructors and 20 divers who teach advanced professional courses like underwater welding and underwater cutting. Currently, the registration for the beginner’s course is open at RK Beach near Aqua Sports Complex. “There is no need to know swimming for this course. But make sure you pay close attention during the sessions before you get underwater,” says Sadiq, who has specialised in marine engineering.

Dolphin Dive Academy has identified three spots in the city that has an interesting mix of marine life for open sea scuba diving. These locations are at Rushikonda, near Dolphin’s Nose and on Bheemunipatnam coast. The advanced recreational course of open water or sea scuba diving is a seven-day course that can be taken only after one completes the beginner’s course. The institute is currently in talks with the Fisheries Department to develop wreck diving sites.