The combined BSAC Advanced Instructor events over the last couple of years in Cyprus have opened my eyes to a different view of seabed restoration and the benefits that can bring for sports divers and local businesses.

As a qualified mechanical engineer with decades of experience in subsea engineering (ironically designing divers out of projects),  I have a different perspective on seabed restoration projects to those with a marine biology background.  Whilst I don’t understand the marine biology in great detail, I do understand from an engineering view why some of the restoration projects appear to be working better than others.

There are some really positive developments and ideas for combining diving  tourism and marine restoration going on in Cyprus. As project lead for BSAC Operation Oyster my attention was naturally drawn to the large number of native oysters growing on a number of structures; purposely sunk shipwrecks,  installed artwork (see MUSAN | Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa | Cyprus) and scientific research projects.

All these sites provided great classrooms for the expedition and project diving level instruction associated with the BSAC Advanced Instructor course and exams.

Thanks to all those involved especially local logistics with  REC2TECH SCUBA | World Class Scuba Diving Centre Cyprus