The traditional conch divers here will have an opportunity to learn safe sea-diving methods. Subsidy has been announced by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for availing Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) device for safe diving. Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) here is contemplating a workshop.
J.K. Patterson Edward, Director, SDMRI, told The Hindu on Wednesday that “Scuba diving is popular in certain areas providing an excellent visibility and safe condition.” “The conch collection is now being done with “surface supplied” diving,” he said. “This method is dangerous as it has claimed 21 human lives in two years till January 2013,” said K. Diraviya Raj, Assistant Professor of SDMRI.