NEWSLETTER 6 - By M. Giovannini

INTRODUCING VICKI JARMAN AND SAMANTHA NIER.

As some of you already know, I am moving back to Italy at the end of March.
However, the RSTP will continue as usual, its activities and aims. I will still remain the main point of reference for the project but for the day-to-day duties Vicki Jarman will be the main contact. Vicki has been living in Sharm for the last three years and works as a diving instructor. Please join me in welcoming Vicki as a new member of the team. You can contact her at the usual email address.
We are also pleased to welcome Samantha Nier (Sam) as another member of the team. Sam has been an invaluable help in adapting the RSTP's message for kids and has also been translating all the material into French. Sam will be from now on responsible for all the maintenance of the French activities and to develop a program specific for kids. You can contact Sam at usual email address.
The webpage on The Team will be updated shortly.

RSTP ON SINAI TV!
Towards the end of last year, we were approached by Samer Elgamal - Sinai TV in order to make a short program about our project. Sinai TV is a dedicated TV channel that runs 24/7 on the in-house network of major hotels in the Sharm El Sheikh area. We had a couple of meetings with Samer and Esther Burke, the program hostess, and agreed on the content and format of the program. The result is a wonderful 4 minutes video on the main features of sea turtles and the work of the RSTP. Samer has been very kind in letting us show the video on our website and we hope you find it interesting. The RSTP would like to thank Samer, Esther and all the crew at Sinai TV for their contribution to the work of the RSTP.
Due to some technical difficulties, you can view the video on our Facebook group.

SEA TURTLE AWARENESS MANUAL AVAILABLE NOW!
It's with great pleasure that we announce the release of the printed version of the Sea Turtle Awareness Manual. Marco originally created the manual for his Distinctive Specialty PADI Sea Turtle Awareness Diver and when the RSTP was created, it was decided to make the manual the official awareness and educational material for the project. The Sea Turtle Awareness manual is available in three languages (English, French and Italian) and the content covers, in an easy and friendly manner, the history, biology and status of modern sea turtles. The content is as follows:

1. •History And Scientific Classification
   

2. •Life Cycle Of Sea Turtles
   

3. •Physical Characteristics
   

4. •Species, Distribution And Feeding Habits
   

5. •Senses
   

6. •Life In The Sea
   

7. •Threats
   

8. •Conservation And Interaction
   

9. •Credits
   

The manual is for everyone and it's divided in small chapters, with clear study objectives and wonderful pictures donated by different divers. If, after reading the manual, you would like to receive your certification as a PADI Sea Turtle Awareness Diver, you can apply here online. You will receive the Knowledge Review and the PIC Form (certification form). Once you have completed them, return them to the sender email address (with a picture of yours) and you will receive some feedback on your work. Four to six weeks after you will receive your PADI Sea Turtle Awareness Diver card. If you are a diver, your certification will count towards your PADI Master Scuba Diver program. The first thousand copies will be given as part of the awareness program at no charge to dive centres, schools and anyone who is interested in the subject. If you would like your copy of the manual, please send us an email specifying:

1. •Dive Centre, School or person
   

2. •Number of copies
   

3. •Language
   

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.