Sealdiver

This video shows a grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) playing with Ben Burville @Sealdiver off the Northumberland coast, UK. I would not advocate that divers ever touch marine life, especially seals as they have powerful jaws, full of sharp teeth and numerous bacteria that can result in "seal finger" or other infections. These bacteria include mycobacterium species, Streptococcus halichoeri (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1... ) and others. Watching the playful behavior of seals it is easy to liken them to "underwater dogs" however, it must be kept in mind that these are wild seals, not pets and quite far removed from dogs. (Average weight labrador retriever dog adult 34kg, average female grey seal 154kg, male 220kg) They are more related to bears than dogs. I have dived with, observed and filmed grey seals for over 20 years and over this period they have helped show me how to dive with them in a way that they feel very relaxed. I dive with seals all year round and cannot remember when I last dived and wasn't approached by a seal underwater that made physical contact with me. To those who may be critical of any contact, please understand that the seal is 100% in control of any underwater encounters. They are social animals that engage in play and are simply redirecting play to me as a diver (see page 17 https://www.pinnipeds.org/attachments... ) These encounters are not with conditioned, habituated or "tame" seals, in fact, I very rarely dive with the same seals. The reason I have such access is because of techniques learned from the seals - mainly movement and vocalizations. I have taken these techniques and dived with seals in remote locations around the UK coast (inc Cornwall and Scotland) with exactly the same results. These videos hopefully demonstrate how gentle and trusting seals can be. They are intelligent and having spent more time underwater with grey seals than probably anyone in the world, I would trust wild grey seals more than any domesticated dog. I have sympathy for fishermen and others who make a living by catching salmon etc. However, having spent 100's of hours underwater with these inquisitive marine mammals I have been struck by their gentle behavior and would implore people to consider every possible option to avoid harming seals in any way. Seals take less than 1% of the total stock biomass in the North Sea. Respect nature and nature is full of surprises.

This video shows a grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) playing with Ben Burville @Sealdiver off the Northumberland coast, UK. I would not advocate that divers ever touch marine life, especially seals as they have powerful jaws, full of sharp teeth and numerous bacteria that can result in "seal finger" or other infections. These bacteria include mycobacterium species, Streptococcus halichoeri (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1... ) and others. Watching the playful behavior of seals it is easy to liken them to "underwater dogs" however, it must be kept in mind that these are wild seals, not pets and quite far removed from dogs. (Average weight labrador retriever dog adult 34kg, average female grey seal 154kg, male 220kg) They are more related to bears than dogs. I have dived with, observed and filmed grey seals for over 20 years and over this period they have helped show me how to dive with them in a way that they feel very relaxed. I dive with seals all year round and cannot remember when I last dived and wasn't approached by a seal underwater that made physical contact with me. To those who may be critical of any contact, please understand that the seal is 100% in control of any underwater encounters.

Sometimes my #DiveBuddies can be a bit "clingy"... I'd never met this #DiveBuddy before... Something to lighten the mood away from dark #winter nights, #politics & pressures It's a calmer world down there sometimes... Do you find the depths of the ocean interesting? Probably yes, but this fun video shows that the world can be quieter and more relaxing underwater. Not everyone likes the ocean, some fear him, however, there are always brave people who like to exploit the ocean and discover everything underwater. In this case, you can see how this brave man dives underwater to explore and learn new things, but on the way he finds an adorable seal that just wants to have fun and play with him. Sometimes there is a quieter world down there! Diving is not only a fun and enormously rewarding activity for all of us who love diving. In addition to being able to surprise us with the natural wonders of the depths, scuba diving is one of the most relaxing and complete sports that exists and has many health benefits. It is good both physically and mentally. The benefits of diving for health are innumerable and begin with the feeling of well-being that comes in contact with water. Diving is an integral activity that combines sport with entertainment and offers great personal satisfaction to those who practice it, maintaining a good state of physical and mental health. Moving underwater is an excellent exercise. When we dive we are doing a great 'favor' to our body since we work all the muscles thanks to the resistance that the water provides. And above it improves our coordination improves: maintaining the balance in the water forces the two cerebral hemispheres to work, which improves our psychomotor ability and spatial orientation. We must not forget either the exercise involved in swimming the surface, the effort to get in and out of the water or the transport and loading of the equipment. A good way to burn body fat and exercise every tendon and muscle. In addition, it should also be noted that diving accelerates metabolism. Nitrogen accumulates in our body (moderately), which causes the metabolism to increase to remove it from the system until 18 hours after a dive. Scuba diving also invites integral well-being, as divers must have a healthy life and take care of their physical condition. We all know that the golden rule of scuba diving is never, never hold your breath. Breathing deeply and slowly when diving is a great exercise for the heart, muscles and strengthens blood circulation. Expands lung capacity and also stimulates the lymphatic system and releases toxins. Scuba diving is a practice that gives security and confidence to those who practice it. Learning to dive means gradually surpassing oneself, so self-confidence grows. Emotional benefits to which is added the experience of breaking the daily routine. Do not forget that diving is also a constant learning. Every time we equip ourselves and jump into the water we are learning. Not only when we complete the different courses; Every minute we spend underwater is an opportunity to discover new marine species, explore new shipwrecks, improve our photographic skills. In short, we enrich our mind and get, despite being submerged, we believe we are on top of the world .

A wild, male grey seal "holding hands" with researcher and cameraman Ben Burville (@Sealdiver) off the North East coast of the UK. "When at 200kg wild seal holds your hand a gives it a gentle squeeze in response to your grip, time stands still and for that time you are completely absorbed in the moment" Ben has been observing grey seals underwater for over 20 years and has probably spent more time underwater with grey seals than anyone in the world. He holds a Visiting Researcher position at Newcastle University exploring underwater seal behaviour and White Beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) off the Northumberland coast. Ben has worked with the BBC, ITV, Sky and other production companies.