Report of the successful CMAS Course of Scientific Diving, Underwater Marine Biology and Oceanology held on Cyprus

For the first time in the history of the Cyprus Underwater Federation, a significant step has been accomplished  which is to offer specialty certification courses with great success in the sectors of Underwater Marine Biology, marine sciences (oceanology) and scientific diving.      

CMAS professionals and researchers took part at the first national Course of Scientific diving at t Kiti bay in Larnaca area, which is considered to be one of the rich areas in terms of marine biodiversity, due to the abundance of the phanerogam Posidonia oceanica, the most important ecosystem in the Mediterranean Sea. The meadows it forms support a large variety of species of flora and fauna and provide one of the most important reproductive habitats for many animals, as well as refuge for many others. Nonetheless, in that area The Kition City Kingdom was established by the Mycenaean Greeks in the 13th century BC, with ancient ports which were the centre of transportation. At the area many artifacts and Mazotos shipwreck dated to about 350BC was discovered. The location offers the perfect place for the most demanding underwater scientists to satisfy all requirements for the underwater training as per CMAS directives.    

On March 2012, the courses began in Larnaca Cyprus, at the house of education and arts, under the auspices of Larnaca municipality and ministry of education, offering all amenities for theoretical lectures. The courses consisted of 119 hours of theoretical lectures, and applied practical field work which was completed successfully on February 2013.

The event, took place under the direction of the CMAS Course director Dr. Stavros Kaniklides president of the Cyprus federation Scientific Committee. While the development of the courses, all applicants for the different degrees, made presentations concerning Underwater Biology, Oceanography, and Scientific Diving. All work started with the presentations of the CMAS and the degrees of Scientific Diving, followed by discussions, on the relevant topics. The presenters of the subjects where, Dr. Yiannos Kyriacou (PhD Marine Biologists) Andri Heracleous Msc Marine biologist (specialized in toxic marine microalgae) Maria Patsalidou (MSc in marine and biological sciences) Orestis Hartsiotis (Bsc Oceanographer Researcher) Mr. Polivios Savva (CMAS Three star Instructor and advance decompression chamber Operator) Mr. Pantelis Themistocleous ( CMAS 2 Star, and St john’s first aid instructor)   Andreas Troullides, (CMAS 3 star instructor specialized in deep sea rescue diving) Dr. Pantelis Chimonedes  (CMAS Diver and Dr. Medical Practitioner in microbiology) The lectures followed the CMAS standards while a special emphasis was given in marine biodiversity, on, the artificial reefs, invasive species, Marine Conservation Technologies, Search and recovery, decompression chamber procedures and training, cardiopulmonary and Oxygen requirement for resuscitation.  While the field work has been adjusted in according to the presentations and discussions, which involve the planning, safety procedures, boat equipment handling, practical measurements techniques for underwater currents, via Fluorescent dye,  species identification in posidonia oceanica blooms, underwater photography, the use of slate to record organisms, Heavy cores and the use of lifting bags, sediment collection via corers, Rocky shores and marine invertebrates, mobile seasonal marine species, boat management and accident handling, GPS applications, monitoring and Videography   via Remote operating Systems.


•    The applicants of the participant Country from the Cyprus Federation (Scientific Committee )  obtained the following degrees:

This outstanding event in the history of Cyprus Federation Scientific Committee accomplished through a titanic effort and evokes many underwater scientists that CMAS is one among the top organizations on Global scale with future for development and understanding the nature of our hydroplanet earth. As in our global, ocean is in a continual circulation, with profound effects.

CMAS speciality degree courses in underwater sciences are in continuous motion aiming to evolve and revolve around the Scientific Diving. Our Power relies on knowledge, and it can gain only thought constant effort via learning, and functional effective methodologies.   This event could not have been a success without the help of all participants who have contribute by donated their time, and scientific knowledge, To CMAS Scientific Committee in Cyprus.

I thank you all for this significant event and wishing every success.

Sincerely

Dr. Stavros Kaniklides
Scientific Committee Director  
President of Cyprus Federation Scientific Committee