Diving in Turkey |
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Scuba diving in Turkey is a relatively new activity that's gaining popularity especially in the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Although it cannot be compared with destinations like the Red Sea or the Caribbean in terms of marine flora and fauna, Turkish waters offer other opporunities to be discovered and attract divers from all over the world. The diving clubs and travel agencies which offer specialized diving trips increased in number and the quality of the services offered increased also. The most outstanding feature of the Turkey's seas is the remains of past civilizations. Hundreds of underwater wrecks lie on the bottom, waiting to be discovered and explored. For example, world's oldest known shipwreck, which dates back from the 14th century B.C., lies off Uluburun, near the town of Kas. Other interesting wrecks are the Glass Wreck (11th century) in Serce Limani, Marmaris and the Bronze Age Wreck (12th century B.C.) in Bodrum. Renowned American underwater archeologist George F. Bass and scientists from the Institute of Nautical Archeology (INA) have discovered and mapped more than 125 shipwrecks off the Turkish coast. Turkish waters are also home to a large number of wrecks from recent times. The Gallipoli campaign during the World War 1 left many wrecks in the Straits of Dardanelles and around the Gallipoli peninsula. Diving to these wrecks of the French and British World War 1 destroyers and cruisers is an unforgettable experience and provides fascinating material for underwater photographers. There are also numerous wrecks of aircraft shot down in Turkish waters during World War 2, the most famous one being the Italian fighter plane in Kas. Bosphorus also offers a large numbers of diveable wrecks but this needs advanced training because of the dangerously high currents of the straits. As far as cave diving is concerned, Turkey offers a lot of potential. A recent expedition organized by a Turkish-American team including American cave divers Todd Kincaid and Jarrod Jablonski, resulted in the discovery of "Asia's largest cave". Like any other sea except tropical seas, fish and other marine creatures obey some natural rules and are subject to local and/or seasonal migrations. These migrations are functions of typical parameters like temperature, salinity, food resources, turbidity and sea states. This means that you need to be at the right place at the right time to be able to see and photograph them. One day they're there in hundreds, next day not even one. Predicting where the fish will be at what time requires a lot of local knowledge and not every dive center is capable of doing that. Ask other people who took the same trip beforehand and make sure that you're going out with the right guys. Or you may not be able to see even one fish. As far as invertebrates and small fish like wrasses, gobies and sea breams are concerned, they can be seen and photographed during every dive. The temperate climate along the Mediterranean and southern Aegean coast makes diving with a wetsuit possible all year round, although the seven months between April and October are reckoned to be ideal. Late fall, after the first rain, is the best time to be down if you're interested in seeing fish activity. Divers should note that the regulations differ for Turkish citizens and foreigners in some cases. Turkish scuba divers may dive in permitted areas after informing the relevant authorities (municipalities and Coast Guard) but foreign divers must be accompanied by a Turkish licensed diving guide who is responsible for ensuring that the archeological finds and marine life will not be harmed at all times. Foreigners must also hold a scuba diving certificate issued by an authorized international (PADI, CMAS) or national (any club registered with the Turkish Underwater Federation) organization. Those without such a certificate, however, may attend training classes at any diving school certified by the Turkish Underwater Federation. Also, keep in mind that spear fishing with scuba or at night using a flashlight is not allowed. Dive centers registered with the Turkish Underwater Federation get all the necessary documents and signatures and arrange a smooth diving trip for your convenience. Do not forget that it is your responsibility to check with the local government agencies to receive up-to-date information. Also keep in mind that these regulations are strictly enforced... Diving anywhere along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts is likely to reveal the remains of a wreck or the scattered pieces of an amphora and the need to preserve these wrecks and their contents made it necessary to restrict scuba diving in certain areas. A map which gives a general overview of the areas where no scuba diving is allowed is attached here . The detailed official version of the restricted areas can be found in the Turkish Official Gazette #20257, August 19, 1989. In all other areas, scuba diving is allowed but it is subject to regulations set by the Turkish Underwater Federation. The Turkish Official Gazette #20450, March 3, 1990, contains these regulations which give detailed information on the required diving permits, diving limits and standards relating to equipment.
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