Women in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie Warland

CREDIT| Text Nicolene Olckers
We love to get to know our DAN members’ stories and talk about their phenomenal dive experiences. One of our friends is the Salty Wanderer, Charlie Warland. She is an Ocean enthusiast, scuba instructor and she tells us a little more about her dive life and exhilarating underwater experiences. Growing up in the landlocked, dusty North West Province of South Africa this wanderer soon found her way to the salty Indian Ocean.
My given name is Charné but most people know me as Charlie Warland. We often moved for work and business and I would see the country from the backseat of the car. I guess that is where the travel and adventure bug got hold of me when I was still young. It is not surprising that I opted for the adventurous career as a scuba dive instructor.
If I remember correctly, it all started as a little adventure I took when I hopped in a friend’s car and went first to Durban and then to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. At the time my brother was doing his Rescue diver course with a dive operation in Umkomaas. I was fortunate to join them during a training session at a local quarry that was filled up with water. At the time I was snorkelling around while they were doing their training. My brother swam up to me and looked me in the eyes then said: ‘Do you trust me?’ I said: “YES". He then asked if I would want to try something cool and again I agreed. He gave me a brief explanation of what to do. Like exhaling and equalising on the descent. This was the first time I ever took a breath underwater, using a regulator. It wasn’t a full course but more a scuba experience. I was hooked. Within the next week, I decided that that was what I wanted to do. I would find innovative ways to make money to pay for my next dive course. I completed my scuba courses from open water to divemaster, living between Umkomaas and Shelly beach and diving mostly on the world-famous Aliwal Shoal reef.
Some of my most exhilarating dive experiences happened while diving from Umkomaas. I wouldn’t say it was hair raising scary but exhilarating. The dive boats launching out the river mouth, passing under and between the bridge pillars are notorious for being somewhat of a white-knuckle experience. “Put your feet in the foot straps!!! Hold on tight! And they GO! That kind of stick in my head as some of the most amazing experiences I had. I have to say one of the most memorable experiences underwater happened in August 2015.
Although I was a qualified Advanced diver and was continuing my dive training, I was fortunate to encounter a natural feasting event. We were returning from a dive and came upon a floating whale carcass. The dead humpback whale was being fed on by, what at first we thought was bull sharks and tiger sharks. To my surprise, I had the rare experience of diving face to face with a great white shark. Without the relative safety of a cage and taking into account that I was only an advanced diver, I never thought I would have another opportunity to experience a shark feeding session underwater. But I did get to have a similar dive experience with yet another dead whale while working in Mozambique. We did not get to see great white sharks this time around but plenty tiger sharks were feeding off the carcass.
DIVE INDUSTRY WORK EXPERIENCE
My time spent working with Blue Wilderness Shark Adventures and Research unit in KwaZulu-Natal was most definitely one of the more refreshing ones. Although we did not do a lot of scuba diving, we did do a lot of surface activities. I got to do something different and was responsible for the guidance of inexperienced divers and snorkelers in the ocean. We did a lot of research work and we had many interns from all over the world visiting South Africa and staying with us. The pinnacle for me, working at Blue Wilderness, was to work alongside marine biologist Jessica Escobar. She shared loads of her knowledge, experience and her passion with me and the rest of her interns. I enjoyed her passion for educating and instilling a love for the ocean.
I was privileged to have spent the most phenomenal two years of diving and living in Mozambique. Experiencing the livelier reefs, macro sea life and delving into the dive culture there. What stood out for me was the culture of the people that enjoy the salt, enjoy the water, from the surfers, the divers and the boat skippers. They all seemed to have this united passion for the ocean. I can highly recommend a holiday in Mozambique. It is most definitely the place to be!
ABOUT CHARLIE's SCUBA BUCKET LIST
My bucket list will have to include diving with narwhals the unicorn of the sea. Then I would love to go to Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. Just because, Bahamas and tiger sharks! Then I think I would love to dive with orcas.
DIVE SAFETY FIRTS
I am and have been a DAN member from early in my dive career. Apart from the online support and dive cover which gives me security when I dive. What I appreciated the most about DAN, was that one on one personal experiences and advice I received from the team. I would send one question and they would provide me with a hive of information to help me as a dive professional to problem solve with ease and be well informed.
NOTE: If you want to catch up with Charlie’s adventures you can connect on Instagram by following her @TheSaltyWarrior
We love to get to know our DAN members’ stories and talk about their phenomenal dive experiences. One of our friends is the Salty Wanderer, Charlie Warland. She is an Ocean enthusiast, scuba instructor and she tells us a little more about her dive life and exhilarating underwater experiences. Growing up in the landlocked, dusty North West Province of South Africa this wanderer soon found her way to the salty Indian Ocean.
My given name is Charné but most people know me as Charlie Warland. We often moved for work and business and I would see the country from the backseat of the car. I guess that is where the travel and adventure bug got hold of me when I was still young. It is not surprising that I opted for the adventurous career as a scuba dive instructor.
If I remember correctly, it all started as a little adventure I took when I hopped in a friend’s car and went first to Durban and then to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. At the time my brother was doing his Rescue diver course with a dive operation in Umkomaas. I was fortunate to join them during a training session at a local quarry that was filled up with water. At the time I was snorkelling around while they were doing their training. My brother swam up to me and looked me in the eyes then said: ‘Do you trust me?’ I said: “YES". He then asked if I would want to try something cool and again I agreed. He gave me a brief explanation of what to do. Like exhaling and equalising on the descent. This was the first time I ever took a breath underwater, using a regulator. It wasn’t a full course but more a scuba experience. I was hooked. Within the next week, I decided that that was what I wanted to do. I would find innovative ways to make money to pay for my next dive course. I completed my scuba courses from open water to divemaster, living between Umkomaas and Shelly beach and diving mostly on the world-famous Aliwal Shoal reef.
Some of my most exhilarating dive experiences happened while diving from Umkomaas. I wouldn’t say it was hair raising scary but exhilarating. The dive boats launching out the river mouth, passing under and between the bridge pillars are notorious for being somewhat of a white-knuckle experience. “Put your feet in the foot straps!!! Hold on tight! And they GO! That kind of stick in my head as some of the most amazing experiences I had. I have to say one of the most memorable experiences underwater happened in August 2015.
Although I was a qualified Advanced diver and was continuing my dive training, I was fortunate to encounter a natural feasting event. We were returning from a dive and came upon a floating whale carcass. The dead humpback whale was being fed on by, what at first we thought was bull sharks and tiger sharks. To my surprise, I had the rare experience of diving face to face with a great white shark. Without the relative safety of a cage and taking into account that I was only an advanced diver, I never thought I would have another opportunity to experience a shark feeding session underwater. But I did get to have a similar dive experience with yet another dead whale while working in Mozambique. We did not get to see great white sharks this time around but plenty tiger sharks were feeding off the carcass.
DIVE INDUSTRY WORK EXPERIENCE
My time spent working with Blue Wilderness Shark Adventures and Research unit in KwaZulu-Natal was most definitely one of the more refreshing ones. Although we did not do a lot of scuba diving, we did do a lot of surface activities. I got to do something different and was responsible for the guidance of inexperienced divers and snorkelers in the ocean. We did a lot of research work and we had many interns from all over the world visiting South Africa and staying with us. The pinnacle for me, working at Blue Wilderness, was to work alongside marine biologist Jessica Escobar. She shared loads of her knowledge, experience and her passion with me and the rest of her interns. I enjoyed her passion for educating and instilling a love for the ocean.
I was privileged to have spent the most phenomenal two years of diving and living in Mozambique. Experiencing the livelier reefs, macro sea life and delving into the dive culture there. What stood out for me was the culture of the people that enjoy the salt, enjoy the water, from the surfers, the divers and the boat skippers. They all seemed to have this united passion for the ocean. I can highly recommend a holiday in Mozambique. It is most definitely the place to be!
ABOUT CHARLIE's SCUBA BUCKET LIST
My bucket list will have to include diving with narwhals the unicorn of the sea. Then I would love to go to Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. Just because, Bahamas and tiger sharks! Then I think I would love to dive with orcas.
DIVE SAFETY FIRTS
I am and have been a DAN member from early in my dive career. Apart from the online support and dive cover which gives me security when I dive. What I appreciated the most about DAN, was that one on one personal experiences and advice I received from the team. I would send one question and they would provide me with a hive of information to help me as a dive professional to problem solve with ease and be well informed.
NOTE: If you want to catch up with Charlie’s adventures you can connect on Instagram by following her @TheSaltyWarrior
Posted in Women In Diving South Africa
Tagged with Charlie Warland, Salty Wanderer, Freediving, Umkomaas, Scuba Instructor, Dive safety, Shark diving, Blue Wilderness
Tagged with Charlie Warland, Salty Wanderer, Freediving, Umkomaas, Scuba Instructor, Dive safety, Shark diving, Blue Wilderness
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March