As some of you know I have specialised in diving with grey seals along the NE coast over the last 5yrs +.
I have been very fortunate to have worked with the BBC filming seals off the Farnes and have dived with seals at other less dived sites along the coast (e.g Coquet Island - Amble).
For those divers wanting very close proximity dives with seals then there are a variety of techniques that can help considerably.
Firstly, NEVER try to entice seals closer with ANY form of FOOD (broken urchins etc..) IT IS DANGEROUS and alters their behaviour -
PLEASE.
The Farnes is probably the most reliable spot in Britain for close seal encounters and the sites listed by Alan are indeed quite reliable, depending on the sea state and tides. There are several other sites that I have been diving this season that show great promise.
As many of you will know from NOW until the end of December is the best time to dive with the seals.
Whilst many of the divers are packing kit for winter the seal diving is just starting to get really good! Obviously the weather becomes a little bit more challenging and less predictable but I dive there all year round and the skipper I use is excellent. (William Shiel -
Glad Tidings Boats)
In light of this any
groups / clubs (sadly not individuals on this occassion!) - min number 8 people max 14 divers wishing to participate in diving during OCT/NOV/DEC with the
sole purpose of getting very close to seals should contact me via e-mail:
bburville@hotmail.com
Groups/Clubs will be totally responsible for their own dive planning /safety and will need a nominated dive marshall.
The nominated dive marshall for the group will have no responsibility for my (or my buddies) diving.
All monies will be paid direct to the skipper.
All bookings will be directly with the skipper.
All dive locations and dive briefs will agreed and conducted between the nominated dive marshall, the skipper & myself.
I will give specific briefs on the seals likely to be encountered and how best to get close to them.
For divers who do not see seals underwater I will (when conditions permit) take them in for short dives in an effort to ensure they do see seals!
If some of you wonder how close you can get to these beautiful creatures.....
Open wide!...(don't worry she's just playing ..it's my hand!)
