The Karachi Scuba Diving Centre (KSDC), established in 1989, is relatively unknown as far as its efforts for the promotion of scuba diving in the city are concerned. The centre is the brainchild of Yousuf Ali, member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), master instructor and mechanical engineer from Karachi, who organises and promotes swimming, life-saving techniques and scuba diving through training programmes.

Ali, while talking, said that “our aim is to increase awareness, among the people through training programmes and by providing data to universities, schools, clubs and NGOs.” However, he added, that the response has not been encouraging so far. According to him, the people here are reluctant to try new things — the most popular activity over the weekends is eating out and during the school summer holidays, they prefer to go upcountry.

In fact, he explained, that there is simply no concept of water sports with swimming as the only option, and that too for the privileged class.

Ali said that the minimum cost for a basic scuba diving course is Rs12,500 to Rs15,000 per student, which can be reduced further depending on the number of students. Moreover, a certificate from PADI is also issued (PADI, based in Santa Ana, California, the largest recreational diving membership and diver training organisation). In fact, the KSDC conducts all courses under auspices of the PADI.

Talking about the problems that the KSDC faces, Ali said that he has requested the City Government and the director of Safari Park to provide the centre with a pond so that “we provide swimming facilities to students at cheaper rates.” However, nothing has been done so far. Even the banks are not interested in financing the programme.

Ali pointed out that sub sea work can also result in exciting and rewarding careers. The oil and gas industry is the single largest employer in the sub sea sector. There is a great demand for off-shore personnel including divers, Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROUV) pilots and Life Support Technicians (LSTs). Besides this, educationists, environmentalists and trained divers can be appointed in the tourism industry as well. Talking more about diving courses, Ali said that the PADI open water diver course qualifies for college credit as the American Council on Education (ACE) has determined that the PADI’s course meets the standards for credit transfer at the college level.

There are many dive sites around Karachi that are just a day-long trip with plenty of flora and fauna for the divers to see, said Ali. Some of the dive sites are Churna Island, Chota Churna, Buchum Reef, Bit Coli, Cape Monze and the caves in Somiani. In addition to these, the dive sites at the Clifton beach and the sea-bottom can show the damage caused by the Tasman oil spill.

Furthermore, Ali said that the emerald green waters of the Arabian Sea is full of beautiful coral reefs, colourful tropical fish, sponges, ferns, fauna and flora, that has yet to be discovered. Such places should be explored, he concluded. Pakistan Daily (www.Daily.pk)

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