The Malaysia International Dive Exhibition, or MIDE 2013, is back again and will be held at the PWTC in Kuala Lumpur from 9 to 11 July. This is also the largest scuba-related event in the region, where various organizations and businesses from Malaysia and around the area will participate.

MIDE Malaysia Dive Expo

The scuba diving event, which primarily attracts divers and those interested in this sport, is also in its 8th year; therefore, you can expect a lot of exhibitors and participants this year. Most local and international participants participate in the largest dive expo in Malaysia.

MIDE 2013 is expected to see more participation from new players in the industry, where many new products and information are being offered. Tourism Boards have also shown an interest in Sabah Tourism, which features some of the best diving spots in Malaysia.

You can find them at booth A79-84 in Hall 3. As an avid diver, I want more participation from tourism boards other than the Sabah Tourism Board or STB. Several diving tour operators are also regular participants here, offering various diving packages locally and internationally.

The most popular booths during the dive expo are the diving equipment re-sellers, and they are among the most exciting booths to visit. For the seasoned diver, you would own your own BCD, and some retailers carry some of the most practical and yet interesting BCDs, which come in various colours.

Another important item for scuba divers is dive computers, or dive coms, as they are usually called. Over the years, many brands have been in the market; dive masters and friends have recommended some.

I have always been a Suunto user, owning a Suunto Adventurer watch and a Suunto D6i Dive Com. At the dive expo, many vendors sell popular and new dive computers to suit your style.

Did you know that some new and interesting dive computer watches now come with LCD colour displays? Yes, LiquiVision has been one of the brands in the market over the last 12 months and now seems to be getting popular.

Diving Packages are also sold during MIDE, and sometimes, you can get some excellent deals or packages from the various dive operators here. The best thing to do is to shop around before making your decision. Many divers only dive with their group, so I recommend trying different dive groups or operators.

Diving Courses are also available from several dive schools at MIDE. Sometimes, they even offer prices below the market rate. But on a professional level, I recommend that you do your homework before committing to cheap dive courses.

Sometimes, due to the volume, specific standards are not met, which can cost your life. When people sell under market prices, they are usually desperate for the business and lose focus on safety principles.

With this, I am giving you a heads-up about this sport; it is not the low price that is important but the level of professionalism and safety procedures that can save your life. Who said diving is a cheap sport, anyway?

Finally, those attending the Malaysia International Dive Expo 2013 should take their time and visit all the booths before deciding. As a dive writer, I will always participate in this diving expo to learn and observe the changing trends and so on for the sport and industry to share the info with everyone.