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Frontline workers honoured with free dive trip to Yap

Pacific DTA Team

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The remote island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia is among the few places in the world that remains free of Covid-19 thanks to its ocean border and a strict travel ban that has kept its residents safe.

Nonetheless, Yap has been affected, too. As one of the world’s premier, award-winning destinations for divers, this paradisiacal location in the western Pacific Ocean has had no outside visitors to its rich shores and reef for nearly a year. But while there may be no virus, the island hasn’t been cut off from the economic impact experienced around the globe.

Manta Ray Bay Resort and Yap Divers by A. Tareg

That didn’t stop Bill Acker, CEO and founder of the Manta Ray Bay Resort and Yap Divers, from doing something, though.

Last March, soon after the island went into lockdown, Bill began to realize the effect of the virus on daily life beyond the island. “Yes, we are closed, have no divers, had to send our employees home and prepare for difficult times,” he said. “But we’re lucky in that we have, for the most part, avoided the human suffering and death this pandemic has caused.”

Thinking about the problems faced by his family business, they paled when he compared them to those endured by the healthcare workers who have been fighting selflessly around the clock for months on end for the well-being and lives of others.

“One evening, while checking the news online, I saw pictures of frontline workers who were tending to desperately ill and dying people when families and friends could not be with their loved ones. It was heartbreaking,” he added.

The next day, a meeting was held with the resort’s staff and Bill invited suggestions for ways they could do something to honor healthcare workers. The result was the idea to award twenty divers who are working on the frontline to save other’s lives during this pandemic while risking their own, with a free week at the resort.

Manta ray, Manta birostris, gliding over a cleaning station in M’il Channel, Yap, Micronesia by David Fleetham

Divers around the world who had been guests at Manta Ray Bay in the past were invited to submit the names of candidates for the award by December 31, 2020. “We received nominations for 126 individuals from as far away as Germany, the U.S., Australia and Canada,” he said. “It was not easy choosing the winners but our committee of staff members took on the job and selected the 20 finalists.”

“While trying to choose the people to reward for their hard work during this Covid-19 crisis,” Bill added, “by reading the nominations we saw that every one of the nominees was doing things above and beyond the call of duty. Sadly, we don’t have the finances to offer over 100 free weeks in Yap, but we do want to recognize the contributions all of them are making to our world. So, we are offering the rest of the nominees a free week of diving in Yap which includes room, hotel tax, airport transfers, breakfast, diving and Wi-Fi.  The only requirement is that they travel with at least three other people and stay in two rooms or more.”

“We do not yet know when Yap will open its borders,” said Bill, “but when it does, we will welcome these important guests to Yap to relax and dive with the manta rays and the other beautiful denizens of the ocean surrounding our island home. They are the true heroes of this devastating, historic time and we look forward to honoring them with a well-deserved dive vacation.”

Watch out for our exclusive trip report from a healthcare worker from the UK who is one of the 20 to have been awarded this amazing dive trip!

For more information on Manta Ray Bay and Yap Divers visit their website by clicking here.

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Watch The Real Watergate from Live Ocean Foundation (Trailer)

Pacific DTA Team

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Sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke established Live Ocean Foundation out of their deep concern for health of the ocean and the life in it. Through their sport they champion action for the ocean, taking this message to the world.

Many of the issues the ocean faces are out of sight, but the science is clear, the ocean is in crises from multiple stressors; climate change, pollution and over-fishing. We’re not moving fast enough, not even close.

Live Ocean Foundation supports exceptional marine scientists, innovators and communicators who play a vital role in the fight for a healthy future.

Thanks to generous core donors who cover their operating costs, 100% of public donations go directly towards the marine conservation projects they support.

Find out more at https://liveocean.com/foundation/

WATCH THE REAL WATERGATE AT https://www.realwatergate.com/

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Re-introducing Humboldt Explorer – remodeled and ready for divers

Pacific DTA Team

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Popular liveaboard, Humboldt Explorer, based in the Galapagos Islands, has been newly remodeled and is back in the water ready for divers. Diving on Humboldt Explorer is already a five-star experience, but now the liveaboard has even better accommodations. It also features a more contemporary salon and sun deck, upgraded dive deck, and fresh plumbing. Humboldt Explorer received the Explorer Fleet’s largest overhaul to date. Short of building a new boat, the liveaboard is brand new!

Stateroom redesign

The staterooms were torn down to their bulk heads; the rooms have had a complete restoration with new walls, new plumbing in the bathrooms, and an installation of new fire protection in electrical outlets and light plugs. The cabins were redesigned with more ambient and neutral colors, plus new floors, doors, art, closets, and dressers. The cabin air conditioner units and entertainment systems have also received upgrades. Guests can be assured they will sleep well on the new Humboldt Explorer.

Upgraded Salon and Dining Area

The salon was modernized with increased ambient lighting and neutral paint colors, new or re-upholstered living and dining room furniture, and new floors and cabinets. Along with these big changes, the salon received new air conditioners and buffet equipment. Up top, the sun deck received new teak flooring and a very attractive bar with grill to allow the chef to make meals upstairs. Two custom designed seats were added on the bow for guests to enjoy the Galapagos’ panoramic views.

Sundeck upgrades

The dive deck had one of the biggest physical changes, with the deck being expanded and raised to a single level to allow easier movement of divers. Outdoor showers were also relocated to the stern and new charging stations were installed. The crew also did maintenance on tank hoses, stainless steel seats, and the diving table.

Dive Deck

Lastly, the engine room had an overhaul of the two MTU series 60 marine machines, changing every part of the engine, leaving it practically new. Maintenance and painting of the bilges was done, and all water circulation and hot water pipes, were upgraded. The compressor, nitrox, 100kw generators, steering system and hydraulic jack all received maintenance or repair. Meaning Humboldt Explorer’s moving parts and safety systems are all operating as good, if not better, than new.

Experience the upgraded Humboldt Explorer for yourself. Contact info@explorerventures.com or visit www.explorerventures.com for more.

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