As an avid diver and Chartered Environmentalist, protecting the marine environment is something Ryland Cairns values highly. He strives to safeguard the splendour and diversity of the marine environment wherever he dives. He carries this passion over in to his professional roles as Water Engineer and Environmental Compliance Consultant.
Protecting the Marine Environment
When I was running Cyprus Diving Adventures in Pissouri I achieved PADI Eco Centre Status for the dive shop. Making it the 2nd Dive Shop in Cyprus to be certified as such. We demonstrate our commitment by taking the PADI Save the Ocean Pledge and actively participating in the PADI Aware Adopt the Blue Program. I also adopted two dive sites (Cynthiana East and West) that I regularly undertook ocean clean ups at. These activities were reported to PADI Dive Against Debris program and Green Fins initiatives.
Providing Education
Although my focus is on Tec Diving I am also keen to offer discounted eco options for OW and AOW courses to help new divers understand the importance of protecting the marine environment whilst earning an additional PADI qualification. For certified divers I offer PADI environmental Specialities including Underwater Naturalist, Fish Identification and PADI AWARE Dive against Debris.
Enhancing Diver Ability – Code of Conduct
We all abide by safety protocols to have a fun dive, but I also follow protocols to help protect the marine environment. As a member of the Green Fins initiative I promote their Code of Conduct. Remember, we’ve got a “hands-off” policy down there – no underwater high-fives or fishy handshakes! And no feeding the fish, they’re on a diet! We only wear gloves during cold water or wreck dives. Leaving trash around is a big no-no, even cigarettes! No paparazzi strobe lights for our underwater celebrities, they need their beauty sleep! And please, no poking or prodding marine life with muck sticks – they’re not into it! Stay buoyant like a boss and steer clear of the bottom so not to kick up sediment. As you may have guessed we don’t support spearfishing, as we want more fish for us to see! Listen to the briefings and make sure you do your safety checks before getting in the water. Remember if you get separated from the group, search for for 1minute before ascending – they will do the same so you will be reunited soon. And, of course, always wear your regulator and keep your mask on – until you are out of the water or on the boat – we’re stylish till the very end! If you are going to use sun protection then please remember this HAS to be bee reef safe. Remember, we’re all about fun, so we will provide mentoring (underwater and in debriefings) on how to improve, but mess with the rules, and we’ll show you the exit.
Click below for some great information from GreenFins
