Dr Alina Abdul Rahim
Scuba

I was born an asthmatic. Twice been in emergency rooms. I have one inhaler-spray each in my bag, my car, hubby's car, bedroom and office. I had one inch thick printed articles that warn an asthmatic not to swim or dive. The cold water can trigger an attack....but I also read that 8% of USA Olympic athletes are asthmatic. There is even an annual awards in the USA for asthmatic athlete. Until today my hubby and I are active members of the UKM Scuba Diving Club. My diving log book recorded my 15 dives at Redang, Tioman, Kapas and Perhentian Islands.

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My first dive at Redang Island. Azlan (standing-Marine Science lab assistant), Affendi (right-lab assist) and Kee (in water-tutor) were eager to help me. 10 minutes later I came face to face with a giant grouper.

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This picture from the Net showing the size of a giant grouper. I later learned from dive magazines that many divers spent years hoping to have an encounter with this fish. I got it on my very first dive!

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Encik Shamsul (left), UKM dive instructor teaching underwater emergency procedures. My group comprised of 9 people from different faculties. We went through medical check up by UKM doctor, a one day dive at the UPM swimming pool, then 5 sea dives off Tioman Island and finally written exam before getting our licenses.

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The most challenging part was taking off my goggle, snorkel, BCD and oxygen tank at the bottom of the sea...then with both eyes open... search for them and put them on again.

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My group got our license at the Tioman Island. Later, we never miss any expedition with the Club. This picture was taken in the rain after a dive off Kapas Island.

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(Below) After diving with Marine Science Masters students.From left; Liang, Jasmin  and Anna (my taekwando black belt friend)

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My best experience was a night dive off Kapas Island in 2003. It was so dark and scary at first. Each diver had a high powered torch light and wore a flouresecent ring. Then a beautiful underwater scenery greeted us. All expeditions were recorded by my hubby who is the club's videographer.

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During each expedition, after diving during the day, we had a talk on conservation of marine life at night. Here at the Perhentian Island Marine Park Gallery, Prof Dr Tadsuki Toda from Tokyo University talked about his research on coral reefs. Next to him is Prof Dr Othman from UKM Marine Science Programme.