I had not expected this magical scenery — a strange world just below me.

The time, in which diving was still dreamlike in all parts of this world, was certainly the 60s to the late 80s. At that time, there were still enough clear and undiscovered dive sites. — Unfortunately, today these opportunities are only possible in a few unexplored areas of our seas. Especially, regarding the condition of the water and seabed.

At that time these dives were, just because of the simple possibilities, still connected with the feeling to start an adventure. I like to remember my first dive into a world that was still foreign to me.

I was lucky enough to have this experience in 1994 at the Great Barrier Reef. This has been from aboard a ship designed for reef diving and sightseeing. We were a small group that gathered there.

As beginners, we received the perfect theoretical briefing while still on board. And already we were allowed to squeeze into the much too-tight suits, which was a challenge in itself. — But the anticipation and joy that set inlet our adrenaline levels rise.

Once again, the briefing was talked through and the hand signals we had just learned were recalled. Immediately after that, a harness weighing about 20 kg, along with the target and a weighty oxygen cylinder was put on and finally,- the first steps into the…