Australia Scuba Diving
US Department Of State Post Report
Sri Lanka has beaches on both east and west coasts, though east coast beaches are prohibited to Mission personnel due to the ethnic conflict. Swimming is unsafe at certain times of the year because of strong currents generated by the monsoons. The southwest beaches are considered safe from November to May. The closest beach for swimming is at Mount Lavinia, 20-30 minutes south of Colombo, depending on traffic. There are a number of popular beach hotels/resorts along the southwest coast starting from Bentota, about a 1-1/2 hour drive south from Colombo, to Ahungalla, Kosgoda, and Unawatuna, about 3 hours further, and along the south coast to Tangalle. A stop in Ambalangoda, about 2 hours south of Colombo, will give you a chance to wander through a small mask-making museum and workshop and visit antique shops. Scubadiving is good during the season, and weekend dives can be arranged out of Hikkaduwa. Diving elsewhere is very difficult due to security regulations, and the east coast is com ... [Read More]
Indonesia
U.S. citizens should exercise prudence when scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling, and when visiting remote tourist locations, as every year several Americans die in accidents while participating in such activities. Surfers and divers should be aware that local fishermen in coastal waters off Sumatra may use explosives to facilitate catching quantities of fish, although this practice is illegal in Indonesian waters. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
A recognized scuba certification card is required for all equipment rentals and scuba trips. The local dive shops, few as they are, offer air refills. Equipment rental is becoming more and more difficult, with unpredictable quality and availability. We recommend divers bring their own regulators, BCDs, gauges, and as much gear as possible with them. There are no official diving schools; however, one location offers PADI certification training once per year and sporadic advanced diving. Prospective divers should try to become certified before arrival. ... [Read More]
Indonesia
July 09, 2004 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 16,500 islands spread over 3,000 miles. Indonesia's economy is developing, and tourist services are plentiful in the major tourist areas. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months and an onward/return ticket are required. As of February 1, 2004 all American visitors to Indonesia will need to obtain a visa. Travelers may apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or at the airport upon arrival. Visitors may be granted a 3-day visa for a fee of $3 or a 30-day visa for a fee of $25. Both visas are non-extendable, and travelers must exit the country for at least two weeks ... [Read More]
Micronesia (10/04)
Visitor attractions include SCUBA diving in each state, World War II battle sites, and the ancient ruined city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei. Some 15,000 tourists visit the islands each year. However, the tourist industry has been hampered by a lack of infrastructure and limited commercial air connections. The Asian Development Bank has identified tourism as one of FSM's highest potential growth industries. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular pastimes in Dili. Many avid divers claim that East Timor is among the best diving they have experienced. Within an hour drive of Dili there are numerous beautiful snorkeling and dive locations. Both Atauro and Jaco islands also boast beautiful diving. When visiting Jaco Island, you can stay at the nearby Com Beach Resort, making for a wonderful weekend getaway from the city. ... Within driving distance of Dili are several beautiful day trips. Maubisse, approximately a two hour drive through the mountains of East Timor, is located in the heart of the coffee fields. An historic fort has been converted into a lodge that offers rooms at reasonable rates and serves meals. It is a nice weekend get away, or a pleasant dry trip. Com and Jaco Island are also a popular weekend get away with beautiful beaches and diving. Baucau, the second-largest town in East Timor, is still charming, despite the ravages of 1999. The two-hour drive east along the coast from Dili via Manatuto to Baucau is gorgeous, with clear water and beaches along the way. To really learn about the culture of East Timor, take trips outside of the city. The scenery will change drastically throughout drives through the country. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Scuba diving is popular in Fiji with two active dive clubs organizing day and weekend trips. Commercial dive operators offer trips near Suva, at several island resorts and on live-aboard and charter dive vessels. U.S.-recognized instruction is offered in Suva and at some resorts. Fiji’s coral reefs are among the world’s most beautiful. Dive sites range from shallow coral gardens suitable for beginners to challenging open water diving that will satisfy the most experienced hard-core fanatic. The omnipresent sharks are well-fed and generally non-aggressive; most divers quickly get used to their presence. A limited selection of equipment is stocked locally, but prices are higher than U.S. levels. It is best to bring all equipment, including at least two tanks per diver. Underwater photographers should bring all their own gear. Diving safety standards in Fiji are reasonable, but the generally low standard of medical care and transport renders any accident more serious than in the U.S. or t ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Transcript: Advancing Knowledge of Oceans on G8 Agenda
MCLEAN: Thank you, Bob, very much. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I want to particularly extend my greetings to our fellow panelists, Mr. Connaughton and Dr. Spinrad. I believe Mr. Connaughton might have been telling some anecdotes about our scuba diving experiences together, and as long as Mr. Connaughton comes back from each one safely, I'll ascribe my participation in a positive way. ... I also want to give a special hello to my friend, Craig McLean, who is the Director of NOAA's Ocean Exploration Program, who is out on the boat right now, out on the ship right now, I should say. He actually happened to be my scuba instructor, so he is the one that introduced me firsthand to the deep, and a real pleasure to be connected with him at such a great distance. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Sports available to everyone include golf, tennis, scuba diving, bushwalking, jogging, softball, netball, rugby, swimming, aerobics, karate, tae kwon do, yoga, waterskiing, windsurfing, squash, snorkeling and sailing. Soccer and rugby are popular spectator sports. Diving lessons are offered on a regular basis. The Royal Papuan Yacht Club operates a marina in the city center. Another boat mooring facility is available for a fee a short distance out of town. ... Independent since 1975, Papua New Guinea retains an Australian flavor and a large foreign population in its modern sector. The tropical climate is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. ... [Read More]
Australia
Visitors are cautioned that Australian fauna can be as dangerous as they are inspiring. From jellyfish off the Great Barrier Reef to crocodiles and sharks, poisonous insects and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses. Further information on Australian wildlife may be obtained from the Australian Institute of Marine Science at http://www.aims.gov.au/dma and the Wet Tropics Management Authority Information on Marine Life at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_marine.html and the Wet Tropics Management Authority information on animals at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_animals.html. Swimmers should use safety precautions, swim between the flags only where a lifeguard is present, and never swim alone. Scuba diving can be a treacherous sport. Over the past few years there have been numerous deaths rel ... [Read More]
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