We have a boat “the Dory” and a Zodiac

A day diving on the Dory … recorded by a guest

Our boat sails out every day. The diving equipment is packed in a box in the dive center in the morning and taken to the boat by the staff with a pick-up. We walk to the boat ourselves, a walk of about 3 minutes. The “Dory” is located at the end of the pier and is easily recognizable by the name and the wide blue / yellow stripe on the hull. We make sure that we are on board the “Dory” at about 8.30 am. We bring swimwear, a bath towel and a good mood.

We are met on board and welcomed by Mustafa, our Egyptian Dive Instructor and dive guide. He first tells us where we can leave our shoes. We walk on board barefoot. Then he explains the dry and wet parts of the boat. Also information about the use of the toilets and showers. Then he explains how to order drinks and fill out the boat list. Everyone is responsible for recording the drinks. Dive time and depth are recorded at the end of each dive. He also points to the location and use of the oxygen tank and the location of the first aid case.

The equipment has now been brought on board. We immediately prepare the equipment. The 12 liter aluminum bottles are filled with a minimum of 200 bar breathing air. After testing the contents of the bottle, we ensure that the tap is closed again. Time to find a spot in the sun or shade. There is a jug of hot water in the salon. We can get tea and coffee ourselves.

Depending on the dive location, it takes 35 minutes to an hour and a half. Once at the dive site, the Dory is moored on anchor lines. Often on the leeward side of a reef. Mustafa gives a briefing based on an underwater map. Issues such as dive depth, dive time, current, and safety stop are discussed. He will arrange buddy pairs and, if necessary, inform inexperienced divers about his role as a guide. Time to put on the scuba gear. There is not much space on the dive deck so we try to split the dive groups a bit. After a buddy check it is time for a dive.

We come up after about an hour. Still impressed with what we all saw underwater. We give the fins to the staff of the Dory and climb via the ladder on board. When we arrive at the top, we wait a while for the staff to remove the empty bottle. We immediately prepare the equipment for the next dive. Then it is time for coffee and tea and we will show each other the photos we took underwater.

Around noon it is time for lunch. Plates and cutlery are ready in the salon. Our cook has done his best again. Yet again exceptional what he achieves in a small kitchen. There is always something like pasta or rice. Various types of salads, cooked vegetables, a potato dish and one or more meat dishes. After lunch there is time for a nap or a quick read of a book. Or we can look up the unknown fish in one of the fishing guides on board.

We sail to another location for the second dive. Once again Mustafa holds a briefing. A different location, a different reef. After the second dive, fresh fruit and / or a sweet snack is ready. The cook has baked cake, pie or some kind of donuts. We sail back to the port of Safaga. Depending on the dive sites, we will be back between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Time for a refreshment in the Beachbar.