NAUI
National Association of Underwater Instructors
NAUI stands for the National Association of Underwater Instructors. It is an internationally recognized organization that provides scuba diving training and certification. NAUI focuses on promoting safe and responsible diving practices through its educational programs. They offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers diving theory, equipment usage, and practical skills needed for underwater exploration. NAUI-certified instructors teach students how to dive safely, navigate underwater environments, and handle emergencies. By adhering to high standards and emphasizing conservation, NAUI ensures that divers are well-prepared to enjoy the wonders of the underwater world while preserving its delicate ecosystem.
NUDI DIVE CENTRE
Nudi Dive Centre located in Kuala Kedah and it is a perfect for that adventure day trip that you have been craving for. Enjoy the sandy white beach, or even take yourself into the crystal clear waters, where an abundance of interesting marine life surround you among the colourful coral reefs.
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Interview with The Founder of NUDI DIVE CENTRE : MR. FUAD OSMAN
Fuad Osman's passion for diving began in 2004 and has remained unwavering ever since. After working as a diving operator in Lumut, he faced challenges when the island he operated on was closed. Undeterred, he moved to Kedah and started the Nudi Dive Centre in 2016, offering diving experiences and various services. Fuad's background as an architect took a backseat as his diving hobby turned into a career, fueled by his late son's influence. With a keen interest in underwater imaging, he started capturing the unique nudibranchs and aims to raise awareness about the threats faced by corals and marine life. Fuad believes underwater imaging can be a lucrative career path with proper skills. His message to others is the vital importance of preserving marine life for future generations. He sees photography as a means to connect future generations with the beauty that once existed in our seas. By documenting, educating, and preserving, we can ensure a sustainable marine ecosystem for the future. Together, let us embrace the endless possibilities of the diving world and shape the future of our oceans.
Fuad Osman is an experienced diver who runs the Nudi Dive Centre that affiliated with NAUI in Kuala Kedah. He has made a name for himself through his remarkable underwater imaging skills, specifically in capturing the intricate details of Nudibranchs using a macro lens. Throughout his diving journey over the years, Fuad has honed his expertise in underwater photography, providing breathtaking glimpses into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves.
Fuad Osman chose NAUI as the diving certification for Nudi Dive Centre in Kedah, considering the abundance of PADI certifications in the area. Although he initially obtained his Open Water and Advanced Diving certifications from NAUI, he later transitioned his Rescue and Dive Master certifications to PADI. Fuad noticed that the focus of marketing in the diving industry often revolves around the dive centre itself rather than the diving certification. Apart from being a diving instructor, Fuad also trains his staff and helps them upgrade their licenses. Effective management of the dive centre is another priority for generating income, and they offer trips to Payar Island exclusively on weekends due to government regulations limiting the weekly quota. Nudi Dive Centre has one Dive Master and three Dive Masters in training, with an additional freelance Dive Master operating on Tioman Island. They assist with tasks like tank filling and handling charges. Discovery Scuba, while recreational, doesn't lead to obtaining a SCUBA Diving License, and the maximum depth is typically limited to 5 meters. Nudi Dive Centre hosts around 300 participants annually for various activities. The dive sites in Payar Island vary depending on the season, with approximately 13 available during favourable weather. Coral Garden, Pulau Kaca (Petronas Boiler), and Sunken Boat are popular choices known for their seahorses and captivating marine life. There are also intentionally sunken wrecks as habitats for marine creatures, with maximum depths ranging from 16 to 26 meters. Fuad emphasizes teaching Underwater Imaging, particularly macro photography, using a torch instead of a strobe for true colour capture. He educates students on adjusting the white balance for different depths and recommends having at least an Open Water License, preferably Advanced, for Underwater Imaging certification, as experience and buoyancy control contribute to a better image capturing.
Underwater Imaging offers significant market potential, allowing us to sell our captured images and improve our photography skills. It serves as an effective marketing tool for attracting divers to our dive centre. Fuad emphasizes the wide-ranging opportunities and bright future in Underwater Imaging for those interested in pursuing it. Equipment choices depend on affordability and usability, with Fuad using secondhand items except for his camera. Strobes are essential, and using two balanced strobes, such as the Z240 from INON, is recommended for optimal lighting and accurate colour representation. Fuad prefers using Olympus cameras and housing, which cost around RM3000, including a secondhand tray. He creates special effects using coloured paper instead of expensive filters. When capturing underwater images, basic finning techniques like the frog kick, flutter kick, and dolphin kick are recommended. To capture natural colours, a magenta filter is useful in seawater, which tends to have a greenish hue. White lights generally yield better results, and using a snot torch as an alternative can be sufficient. It's preferable to focus on stationary subjects like Nudibranchs at a depth of 5 meters, where additional lighting equipment may not be necessary. However, adjusting white balance settings becomes crucial as we go deeper, using white plastic as a filter to capture pleasing shots in different depths.
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Nudibranchs are intriguing creatures, with over 3300 discovered species known for their vibrant and captivating full coloration. Their wide range of hues, patterns, and textures make them delightful subjects for underwater photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Encountering these mesmerizing organisms in their natural habitat leaves a lasting impression and adds an extra dimension to the allure of underwater exploration. Fuad enjoys taking pictures of Nudibranchs for his own enjoyment and shares them on social media to seek validation and engagement from others. Managing brightness levels with lights and equipment allows for capturing beautiful images underwater. The gear used determines how close one can get to the subject, with compact cameras like the Olympus TG offering proximity as close as 3 to 5 centimetres in macro photography. Fuad suggests enhancing the VR 360° experience by providing detailed information about marine life encountered in specific areas, allowing users to appreciate the beauty and diversity of underwater ecosystems. During diving and capturing images, it's important to avoid touching subjects like fish and corals as they are sensitive and can be harmed by human touch and contaminants. Instead, finding suitable angles for capturing subjects is recommended.
Knowing what to avoid during diving and capturing images underwater is crucial. Fuad emphasizes the need to refrain from touching marine subjects to protect their sensitivity and prevent the transfer of harmful contaminants. Maintaining a respectful distance and finding suitable angles for photography is advised to preserve the beauty of marine life. Nudi Dive Centre offers SCUBA diving licenses and underwater imaging courses at a reasonable price, guiding students to become knowledgeable divers capable of capturing stunning images while conserving resources through air control and buoyancy skills. Certified divers in Malaysia make significant contributions to the fishery sector and research efforts, such as sea cucumber commercialization in Penang. Malaysia's unique Nudibranch species are treasures that raise awareness about marine conservation and attract tourists through captivating underwater images. These images also serve as a reminder for future generations of the delicate balance of ecosystems. Enforcing fisheries laws is crucial to prevent exploitation and harm to marine life, ensuring a sustainable future for our underwater world.
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