Bikers Reunited - Dive Round-Up & Trip Overviews

​Dear Members, 
​
After last week’s epic, it’s sort of a relief to get back to a report that’s a bit more normal. The Eid trips are always a pleasure and great fun to write about but I couldn’t do that many words every week. Those around last Tuesday will have seen Peter’s video of the holiday. I’ve now received another one from Geoff which will get its UAE public premiere tomorrow night. Thanks to both of you for your efforts and apologies to PJ for my forgetting his contribution to the fish ID.

There was no diving last weekend, mainly due to both me and Brian being absent with the resulting problems with boat towing and boat driving. The previous weekend we dived on both days.

On Friday, we took a boat out to the Ajman Glory and did two dives there. I was hoping for a repeat of the good viz that was reported the previous weekend but this was sadly not to be. Although not the worst I’ve seen, it was pretty mediocre. We nevertheless had a good couple of dives around and inside the wreck. The fish life seemed a bit sparse as well although perhaps we were just a bit spoilt by Zanzibar.

On Saturday, Brian took a boat out to Wreck X. I gather the viz here was much better, possibly because of its greater distance from shore. Very little is known about this wreck, hence the name. It has appeared to be a fishing trawler which are banned in the gulf but with a good view of the vessel, Brian noticed some alterations to the hold which may indicate some nefarious purpos. It’s a fair way from shore so we only go there in calm seas but it’s a good dive when conditions permit.

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Some news of ex-members:
​Brian Larkin visited Mike Anthony at his home in the United Kingdom.


​ And a word from Volker:
​

​


​I thought I'd give you a proof of life from me again. Looks and sounds like you had an awesome Eid escape; I thought I'd ask a favour and / or pass the word, if you could please include this in the next mail, which is also read by former members, I assume:

Effective since 1-Sep, my brother is now GM (yes, that is general manager, the Big Cheese) of the following Hotel in Malaysia:
http://www.tanjongjararesort.com/
Looks really nice... and he'll get you guys a good rate.

Anyway, looking on the map, 
https://www.google.de/maps/place/Tanjong+Jara+Resort/@4.8051847,103.380341,13z/data=!4m7!3m6!1s0x0:0xe81e0756088009cb!5m1!1s2018-09-25!8m2!3d4.8118345!4d103.4225697
while it is a nice far-away place to go on vacation, it is also a bit of a remote place to actually live, unless you grew up there. The next "Big City" is Kuala Dungun, which is the nearest place where expat activities seem to occur. From what I've heard, lots of oil'n'gas going on around there. So, knowing that a least some of my fellow divers from BSAC406 worked in Oil & Gas, I was wondering if maybe somebody knew somebody who's located in or near Kuala Dungun nowadays, who could arrange for an introduction into expat circles for my brother. I know it's a long shot, but I'd really appreciate it. Please contact me via the Club. 
Thanks, regards, and have great dives!
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Damaniyats Trip:
Please find attached the details on room rates and the diving packages for the Daymaniyat trip - staying Thursday 4th and Friday 5th October, returning to Dubai on Saturday 6th.

2 Adults
Deluxe Room
OMR 55.00 with breakfast
OMR 65.00 with dinner and breakfast

Superior Room Sea View
OMR 65.00 with breakfast
OMR 75.00 with dinner and breakfast

Hotel reservations need to be made directly with the hotel to get these Sea Oman rates.  In other words you need to email them and then call with credit or debit cards to secure the booking at the rates listed. Let me know if you see better rates through any other means!!
Email:
Reservations.mrmo@millenniumhotels.com
Tel:  General Hotel No: +968 2687 1555
Reservations agents on: +968 2687 1518 / 19 / 20
.
For the diving, Sea Oman have a dive centre at the Millennium resort.  During the dive trip they provide 'light sneaks' which sounds intriguing. Even though the leaflet says Nitrox is free, I've been told that they will charge OMR3 per day per diver but am clarifying.
For the time being it looks like we don't need to book the diving, but I am clarifying that also.
Whale sharks can’t be pre-booked but it’s the right season for them!
Please contact Angela at the Club for more information. 
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DSDC One day 35th Anniversary Dhow on 21st September
Last chance if anyone’s is interested.
The cost is 300 AED per person including bacon butties
Please contact:
PAM HOLLAND at DSDC.
​
The Dive Club meets every Tuesday night in the Dive Bar.
See you there!

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I published a picture of Brian Larkin at Mike’s place in Suffolk; see above. It seems he also met Denis Rooney in Newcastle (that’s the one in County Down, not Tyne and Wear).​