I am now a DiveMaster!! I finished my course at Aqua Africa yesterday, and I have to admit it was extremely challenging. Nick (a friend who also took the DM course) and I gave ourselves 3 weeks out of our work/travel schedule to do a course that most people take at least 5 weeks to do, so needless to say it was full on.
The course was a real mix of everything I’ve done in scuba diving to date but this time all the: 1) diving skills must be demonstrated perfectly, 2) theoretical knowledge of diving physics, physiology, environment, equipment, decompression theory and tables must be completely thorough, 3) first aid and CPR training updated, 4) swimming endurance up to par, and 5) a high standard of leadership and responsibility must also be demonstrated.
They also threw in some dive stress tests some mandatory and some for ‘fun’ (which I think I mentioned in my last blog).
I went through a wide range of emotions during this course that made me aware of what I wanted to do, what I was afraid of and what I was able to do. The 1st week I was full of doubt, I wasn’t sure I had the swimming endurance that PADI wanted. I had only 5 of the 12 pts on the swim tests that I needed to pass. But I decided that I would train everyday to get my swim times up. I swam across the Bay from my campsite to the dive shop (500m) each morning and evening. This helped tremendously. I realized that it wasn’t that I couldn’t do it, it was that I had not been training or swimming in months (I was up in the Dedza mountains afterall). So by the 2nd week I had gained a lot of confidence in all my skills both in and out of the water again. In the classroom I had aced my first 3 exams (of 8) and although there was so much to do I felt that I actually could tackle it. Finally in the 3rd week I just felt exhausted. I redid all my swim tests and did great. However, 2 days before I had to re-do my rescue tow I broke 2 toes in my left foot. I was so disappointed. But after we looked over my scores I realized I had enough points that I didn’t have to retake that one to gain enough overall points. Although it was intense, and by the 3rd week I was a little tired of gearing up everyday for the water and the drills, I loved it and I rose to each challenge.
It’s been great filling out my log book fill over the years. I passed my 150th dive this month and am now sitting at 160. Pretty cool.
Everybody asks me now what am I going to do with my Divemaster certification. This is the first professional level of diver and now I can legally lead dives, work at diveshops, assist instructors and teach certain courses. But that wasn’t my motivation. It was a personal challenge for me. I wanted to know if I could do it and it feels incredible that I did it. I remember the turning point for me in this course was when I doing a gear ditch and recovery drill. I had to ditch all my scuba gear (including air and mask) at 5m depth swim to a surface buoy and go back down to retrieve and replace it (and turn the air back on as well). Doing this blind and without air was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. There was one point where I was came so close to just quitting work on the tank to get the air flowing and instead just swim to the surface but I just couldn’t give in. I finished the test. I was exhilarating. I’m also proud to say that Nick and I also completed the scuba exchange while buddy breathing drill. It took a lot of practice and a couple near drownings but we did it!!
So now I can actually say that I am on vacation. I have graduated from my post grad program at Humber College, my internship of 4 months is over, and my DiveMaster course is completed as well. What to do next…
My flight leaves Lilongwe on Dec 7 (next Sunday) so I have one week left in Malawi before heading to Kenya for 2 weeks, then back home for xmas on Dec 23. My original plan was to leave Nkhata Bay on the Ilala ferry Monday night and take the slow cruise down Lake Malawi. However, I had an interesting offer last night at dinner. Gary, the owner of Mayoka Village, where I am staying, came up to me and congratulated me on finishing my course. He said that he was impressed I worked so hard at it, all the while living out of my small tent. Then he offered me a chalet to stay in for the rest of the time I was planning on staying in Nkhata Bay free of charge!! soooo…this offer was hard to refuse, so I’m not sure if I’m as eager to leave Nkhata Bay yet. If I can stay here for free then I’m, not in such a rush to head back to Lilongwe. The lake is lovely, the waters are warm, the mangos are ripe and there’s a hammock with my name on it. Maybe I’ll stay here until Wed?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Divemaster training in Nkhata Bay
I've been in Nkhata Bay for a week now. Its incredibly hot here at the lake shore, as compared to the mountains of Dedza where I've been working the past 4 months. It's about 35C every day. hot hot hot!! Thankfully I am in the water all day, everyday.
I'm staying at a travellers hostel called Mayoka Village. A really neat place that offers a wide range of accommodation from campsites to en-suite chalets. Being the budget traveller that I am, I've thrown up my tent on the beach for MK500/night (about $4). I adore my site. I am right on the beach, I have a shaded gazebo under which to pitch my tent, and there is a hammock and benches just to the left. I wake up each morning at 6am (without an alarm clock - imagine) to the sound of waves lapping at the shore just metres from my bed. Its great.
The main reason I have returned to Nkhata Bay at this time is to do my Divemaster (DM) course. I've wanted to do this for 8 years now but I've never had the time to committ to it like I do at the moment, so when the opportunity presented itself I siezed it. Carpe diem.
I have to admit though, it is a very challenging course, moreso that I expected. Unlike other recreational courses that teach you skills to enjoy your dives and practice safe diving, this DM course is the first on the professional ladder and takes a different approach. This is where it becomes work and responsibility. A big part of the course is testing our endurance, stress levels, personal limits and academic diving theory.
First off I had to do several endurance swims - freestyle, snorkelling, tows, hands-free watertreading. I passed them but my times were not great and I need to improve (I missed going to the gym in Dedza!!). So I've started swimming across the bay from my tent to the dive shop (500m) each morning and evening. One of the diving instructors (who is also my neighbour in the chalet next door at Mayoka) has given me good advice to improve my breaststroke technique.
Besides the endurance swims, I have also taken several stress tests, including gear recovery at depth. I'll tell you about what I did yesterday afternoon. I was diving with my DM instructor, Andy, and another DM student, Nick. Andy told us that as DM's we'll often be faced with difficult tasks that may include aiding and recovery at depths so we should practice drills under those conditions. Our drill: at 5m depth we had to take off our BCDs and tanks, turn off the air and purge the line so no air remains in out regulators, take off our masks and attach them to the BCD, then swim up a line to the surface. After catching our breath we had to go back down the line, find the tank, turn on the air, replace our regulators, then replace and clear our masks. Holy geez, that was hard!!! One of the most challenging things I've done. Its a strange feeling. The whole time you're doing it your body is telling you that this is wrong and to stop and get air. But you have to put it out of your mind and just focus on completing the task. You can get the air, just finish the task. Needless to say it was exhilariting. Although scared I am so happy to know what I am capable of doing under stress and I feel better for it.
Another drill we did yesterday was the gear exchange at depth. Me and Nick had to change our fins, BCDs, tanks and masks at 5m depth - all while buddy breathing simulating that one of us (e.g. me) was out of air. Changing the fins and removing the BCDs went OK but the rest we kept messing up and I think I almost drowned Nick in the process...oh my...so sorry about that one Nick! We're still working on the finer points...
On Wednesday we did a less stressful diving practical. We learn how to make underwater maps using a compass, our kick cycle counts and underwater writing slates. We mapped depth contours and points of interest like wrecks and rock formations, which could be used for dive planning.
On Monday and Tuesday I also completed my CPR/First Aid training which was outdated.
There are other parts of the course as well. There are marketing components for other diving courses and misc. dive shop work. There is also a huge component on diving theory - such as the physics and physiology of diving and how it affects your body.
I'm working very hard at this, probably as hard as I did at IPMP, and harder than my recent internship at CADECOM-Dedza. Part of this is a personal challenge. I'm not sure if I want to go on to become a scuba diving instructor or not at this point in my career path, but I know I want to reach this level at least.
So I'm 1 week down and 2 more to go. Here's hoping for smooth work this coming week!!
P.S. some diving terms I mentioned that you may not be familiar with: regulator - the mouthpiece and hose that connets to the air tank/cylinder that you breathe from; BCD - buoyancy control device - like an undewater lifejacket that you control; kickcycle - how many fin kicks you make underwater over a distance, like using footsteps to mark distance but underwater.
I'm staying at a travellers hostel called Mayoka Village. A really neat place that offers a wide range of accommodation from campsites to en-suite chalets. Being the budget traveller that I am, I've thrown up my tent on the beach for MK500/night (about $4). I adore my site. I am right on the beach, I have a shaded gazebo under which to pitch my tent, and there is a hammock and benches just to the left. I wake up each morning at 6am (without an alarm clock - imagine) to the sound of waves lapping at the shore just metres from my bed. Its great.
The main reason I have returned to Nkhata Bay at this time is to do my Divemaster (DM) course. I've wanted to do this for 8 years now but I've never had the time to committ to it like I do at the moment, so when the opportunity presented itself I siezed it. Carpe diem.
I have to admit though, it is a very challenging course, moreso that I expected. Unlike other recreational courses that teach you skills to enjoy your dives and practice safe diving, this DM course is the first on the professional ladder and takes a different approach. This is where it becomes work and responsibility. A big part of the course is testing our endurance, stress levels, personal limits and academic diving theory.
First off I had to do several endurance swims - freestyle, snorkelling, tows, hands-free watertreading. I passed them but my times were not great and I need to improve (I missed going to the gym in Dedza!!). So I've started swimming across the bay from my tent to the dive shop (500m) each morning and evening. One of the diving instructors (who is also my neighbour in the chalet next door at Mayoka) has given me good advice to improve my breaststroke technique.
Besides the endurance swims, I have also taken several stress tests, including gear recovery at depth. I'll tell you about what I did yesterday afternoon. I was diving with my DM instructor, Andy, and another DM student, Nick. Andy told us that as DM's we'll often be faced with difficult tasks that may include aiding and recovery at depths so we should practice drills under those conditions. Our drill: at 5m depth we had to take off our BCDs and tanks, turn off the air and purge the line so no air remains in out regulators, take off our masks and attach them to the BCD, then swim up a line to the surface. After catching our breath we had to go back down the line, find the tank, turn on the air, replace our regulators, then replace and clear our masks. Holy geez, that was hard!!! One of the most challenging things I've done. Its a strange feeling. The whole time you're doing it your body is telling you that this is wrong and to stop and get air. But you have to put it out of your mind and just focus on completing the task. You can get the air, just finish the task. Needless to say it was exhilariting. Although scared I am so happy to know what I am capable of doing under stress and I feel better for it.
Another drill we did yesterday was the gear exchange at depth. Me and Nick had to change our fins, BCDs, tanks and masks at 5m depth - all while buddy breathing simulating that one of us (e.g. me) was out of air. Changing the fins and removing the BCDs went OK but the rest we kept messing up and I think I almost drowned Nick in the process...oh my...so sorry about that one Nick! We're still working on the finer points...
On Wednesday we did a less stressful diving practical. We learn how to make underwater maps using a compass, our kick cycle counts and underwater writing slates. We mapped depth contours and points of interest like wrecks and rock formations, which could be used for dive planning.
On Monday and Tuesday I also completed my CPR/First Aid training which was outdated.
There are other parts of the course as well. There are marketing components for other diving courses and misc. dive shop work. There is also a huge component on diving theory - such as the physics and physiology of diving and how it affects your body.
I'm working very hard at this, probably as hard as I did at IPMP, and harder than my recent internship at CADECOM-Dedza. Part of this is a personal challenge. I'm not sure if I want to go on to become a scuba diving instructor or not at this point in my career path, but I know I want to reach this level at least.
So I'm 1 week down and 2 more to go. Here's hoping for smooth work this coming week!!
P.S. some diving terms I mentioned that you may not be familiar with: regulator - the mouthpiece and hose that connets to the air tank/cylinder that you breathe from; BCD - buoyancy control device - like an undewater lifejacket that you control; kickcycle - how many fin kicks you make underwater over a distance, like using footsteps to mark distance but underwater.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Harvest time, end of my time
The past week has found me cluing up my internship and my International Project Management Program post-grad certificate. It has been exciting, challenging and a little sad, but all in a good way.
As I mentioned before I arranged for the donor site visit to coincide with the harvest – a double whammy event. The coordinating went fairly well, even though the fisheries officer had to attend a funeral in Mzuzu and only returned the evening beforehand. Which left me to do all the groundwork, including going to the jail to get the fishing net. I’ve never been to a jail before in Canada (unless you count the jailhouse hostel in Ottawa), let alone one in a developing country. As a young azungu woman, it was awkward to walk up to the warden’s office amongst the chain gang that were being led by a guard who was holding a really big gun (I don’t know the difference between AK47s and other types). But it was OK. Chao bwino. The warden was really nice and did not have a problem loaning me their net. While I waited I played bawo with the prison guards and they were very impressed that I could play the game. Good times at the jail. Oh man.
It never fails to amaze me how strange the government works here. For example, our law-abiding poverty stricken beneficiaries do not get a fishing net. The govt fisheries dept does not have a fishing net. But the prison gets a net. Apparently the govt wants the jail to be self-sufficient so tax paying citizens don't have to pay money out to them. So they get all the necessary supplies to run a permaculture. They have a fishpond, rabbit hutch and veggie gardens. I mean, sure this is a great idea but why do only the criminals get this support??
Anyway, moving on...
The donor was supposed to meet with us at 9am however they called twice as they were delayed and didn’t arrive until 11:30am. By the time we got to the first site, Luweya, it was 12:30pm, the hottest time of the day. And only one of the two sites we had to harvest. Sigh. In Malawi I'm constantly finding myself 'hurrying up and waiting’.
Besides all that, the visit went really well. Everybody was in high spirits. It seemed like the entire village came out to either participate or watch. The harvests didn’t produce as much fish as I would have liked, but that just goes to show how much my training workshops were needed here. Hopefully when the new skills are implemented over the coming months and years they will reap greater rewards.
Besides viewing the event, the donor wanted to see if their money (training workshops) was well spent. We all sat down to talk and Jacob, the director of Wusc-Malawi, asked the beneficiaries many questions regarding what they learned and what they planned to change in the future. I was really pleased that they could respond well. They were able to explain how they learned proper feeding technique (when to feed and what to feed) and now understood spawning (how could we ever forget my fish sex talk?!). All the stakeholders, myself especially, were so happy to see that the knowledge was retained and the villagers themselves outlined future plans. Yay!! Although it’s too early to tell if the project will be a success, all the signs thus far are encouraging.
Ending my work placement with the harvests at Luweya and Magunditsa villages was especially important to me personally. Of all villages I’ve worked with I’ve felt the strongest connection with these. They named me Najere, and have always warmly welcomed me with song and dance. I remember during my workshops I asked them if they really expected me to return after I did my initial needs assessment in July. The village head-lady said they didn’t expect to see me again. I was just another azungu blowing in and out. They were so happy when I returned for the workshops. They certainly didn’t expect me to visit again and bring them a harvesting net. It was a great feeling to have seen them through. As I’ve said so many times before, I only wish that I could be there to help guide them through the next production cycle and to share more meals of Nsima in their village. I already miss them. It makes me sad to think I won’t see them again. But who knows what the future holds?
This marks the end of my internship. My last day is Friday Nov 7. I’ve spent the last few days in wrap up meetings and writing final reports. I have now sent all the documents needed to finish my work placement. This also included my post-placement report for the IPMP certificate! Its strange - you work so hard to finish a course and a project, give it your all, and when you actually reach the end it feels both great and empty. The past year of my life has been so focused on the IPMP course that now that I’ve actually finished it and Rupen has put my certificate in the mail, I feel a little lost. I’ve reached that point where I’ve left the nest and I need to fly, fast!
It’s been a great experience working here in Malawi. The opportunities to further practice my aquaculture development skills, and the experience of working with my beneficiaries. I know its cliché to say how the people have changed me, but its true. I like to think it was a 2-way street.
So what’s next for Najere? There are a couple cool things on the horizon. I am heading up to Nkhata Bay (again) on Saturday to do my DiveMaster course. What better place then in Africa in the warm clear waters of Lake Malawi?! Beats freezing my butt off in Canada at the moment. This should keep me busy for the next few weeks. After that I fly up to Nairobi so that I can spend a couple weeks in Kenya before flying home for the holidays. What the New Year will bring for me, only time will tell. In the meantime I still plan blog and keep you in the loop about the next stage of my adventure. I’m off to the lake; anybody is welcome to meet me there!! Cheers.
As I mentioned before I arranged for the donor site visit to coincide with the harvest – a double whammy event. The coordinating went fairly well, even though the fisheries officer had to attend a funeral in Mzuzu and only returned the evening beforehand. Which left me to do all the groundwork, including going to the jail to get the fishing net. I’ve never been to a jail before in Canada (unless you count the jailhouse hostel in Ottawa), let alone one in a developing country. As a young azungu woman, it was awkward to walk up to the warden’s office amongst the chain gang that were being led by a guard who was holding a really big gun (I don’t know the difference between AK47s and other types). But it was OK. Chao bwino. The warden was really nice and did not have a problem loaning me their net. While I waited I played bawo with the prison guards and they were very impressed that I could play the game. Good times at the jail. Oh man.
It never fails to amaze me how strange the government works here. For example, our law-abiding poverty stricken beneficiaries do not get a fishing net. The govt fisheries dept does not have a fishing net. But the prison gets a net. Apparently the govt wants the jail to be self-sufficient so tax paying citizens don't have to pay money out to them. So they get all the necessary supplies to run a permaculture. They have a fishpond, rabbit hutch and veggie gardens. I mean, sure this is a great idea but why do only the criminals get this support??
Anyway, moving on...
The donor was supposed to meet with us at 9am however they called twice as they were delayed and didn’t arrive until 11:30am. By the time we got to the first site, Luweya, it was 12:30pm, the hottest time of the day. And only one of the two sites we had to harvest. Sigh. In Malawi I'm constantly finding myself 'hurrying up and waiting’.
Besides all that, the visit went really well. Everybody was in high spirits. It seemed like the entire village came out to either participate or watch. The harvests didn’t produce as much fish as I would have liked, but that just goes to show how much my training workshops were needed here. Hopefully when the new skills are implemented over the coming months and years they will reap greater rewards.
Besides viewing the event, the donor wanted to see if their money (training workshops) was well spent. We all sat down to talk and Jacob, the director of Wusc-Malawi, asked the beneficiaries many questions regarding what they learned and what they planned to change in the future. I was really pleased that they could respond well. They were able to explain how they learned proper feeding technique (when to feed and what to feed) and now understood spawning (how could we ever forget my fish sex talk?!). All the stakeholders, myself especially, were so happy to see that the knowledge was retained and the villagers themselves outlined future plans. Yay!! Although it’s too early to tell if the project will be a success, all the signs thus far are encouraging.
Ending my work placement with the harvests at Luweya and Magunditsa villages was especially important to me personally. Of all villages I’ve worked with I’ve felt the strongest connection with these. They named me Najere, and have always warmly welcomed me with song and dance. I remember during my workshops I asked them if they really expected me to return after I did my initial needs assessment in July. The village head-lady said they didn’t expect to see me again. I was just another azungu blowing in and out. They were so happy when I returned for the workshops. They certainly didn’t expect me to visit again and bring them a harvesting net. It was a great feeling to have seen them through. As I’ve said so many times before, I only wish that I could be there to help guide them through the next production cycle and to share more meals of Nsima in their village. I already miss them. It makes me sad to think I won’t see them again. But who knows what the future holds?
This marks the end of my internship. My last day is Friday Nov 7. I’ve spent the last few days in wrap up meetings and writing final reports. I have now sent all the documents needed to finish my work placement. This also included my post-placement report for the IPMP certificate! Its strange - you work so hard to finish a course and a project, give it your all, and when you actually reach the end it feels both great and empty. The past year of my life has been so focused on the IPMP course that now that I’ve actually finished it and Rupen has put my certificate in the mail, I feel a little lost. I’ve reached that point where I’ve left the nest and I need to fly, fast!
It’s been a great experience working here in Malawi. The opportunities to further practice my aquaculture development skills, and the experience of working with my beneficiaries. I know its cliché to say how the people have changed me, but its true. I like to think it was a 2-way street.
So what’s next for Najere? There are a couple cool things on the horizon. I am heading up to Nkhata Bay (again) on Saturday to do my DiveMaster course. What better place then in Africa in the warm clear waters of Lake Malawi?! Beats freezing my butt off in Canada at the moment. This should keep me busy for the next few weeks. After that I fly up to Nairobi so that I can spend a couple weeks in Kenya before flying home for the holidays. What the New Year will bring for me, only time will tell. In the meantime I still plan blog and keep you in the loop about the next stage of my adventure. I’m off to the lake; anybody is welcome to meet me there!! Cheers.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Harvesting in Magunditsa
Hi everybody!!
I haven't had a chance to write up my experience with the fish harvest yet (I will soon). In the meantime here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. They were taken on Oct 31, 08 in the village of Magunditsa in Dedza District.
I haven't had a chance to write up my experience with the fish harvest yet (I will soon). In the meantime here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. They were taken on Oct 31, 08 in the village of Magunditsa in Dedza District.
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