The Most Dangerous Fishing Method in the World (Compressor Diving)

Summary

This video explores the perilous world of compressor diving in Taitai, Palawan, where brave fishermen like Uncle Samson, Kambal, and Manoy risk their lives to provide for their families. Compressor diving, a dangerous form of fishing, involves using makeshift equipment to dive up to 40 meters underwater, sometimes for hours, in search of fish. Despite the immense risks, these divers persist, driven by necessity and a sense of resilience. The story delves into the daily struggles, tragedies, and determination of these individuals, showing the deep connection between courage and fear in their quest for survival and livelihood.

Takeaways

• 😀 Compressor diving is an extremely risky fishing method where divers go as deep as 40 meters using makeshift equipment, like flimsy plastic hoses and old machines.
• 😀 Divers like Uncle Samson and Kambal take significant risks every day to provide for their families, earning a living through dangerous and labor-intensive work.
• 😀 Despite the inherent dangers of compressor diving, it is a primary livelihood for many in small fishing villages, where alternatives may not exist.
• 😀 Uncle Samson has been practicing compressor diving for 20 years and uses a fishing method called 'baklad,' involving stationary traps made from bamboo stakes and plastic nets.
• 😀 Divers usually catch a fish called 'kalapato' or yellow striped god, which is sold for 130-140 pesos per kilo, though their catch is dependent on luck and patience.
• 😀 The work of compressor divers is exhausting, with dives lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, and the divers rely on a single engine that can stop or malfunction at any moment.
• 😀 Accidents are common in this profession. Divers face constant risks of severe injury or even death from equipment failures, such as leaking hoses.
• 😀 Manoy, another compressor diver, had his life turned upside down after a diving accident 10 years ago, demonstrating the personal toll these risks take.
• 😀 Despite the high risks, the divers remain grateful for the life they lead and the community they are a part of, showing resilience and determination.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the paradox of courage: it's not the absence of fear but the coexistence of both that drives the divers to continue their perilous work.
• 😀 The film portrays the human side of compressor divers, showcasing their bravery, dedication to family, and the harsh realities they face every day in pursuit of a better life.

Q & A

What is compressor diving and how does it work?

Compressor diving is a dangerous fishing method where divers use makeshift hoses connected to an air compressor to breathe underwater. The divers go as deep as 40 meters to gather fish, relying on luck and patience to catch enough to feed their families.

Why is compressor diving considered dangerous?

Compressor diving is considered dangerous due to the risks of equipment failure, such as air hose leaks or compressor malfunctions, which can lead to serious injury or death. The divers face extreme depths without proper safety gear.

How do compressor divers like Uncle Samson and Kambal make a living?

Uncle Samson and Kambal rely on compressor diving and baklad fishing. They use makeshift traps to catch fish, and their earnings depend on the success of the day's catch, which can vary due to luck and conditions.

What types of fish do compressor divers typically catch?

Compressor divers typically catch kalapato, also known as yellow-striped god, which is a small inshore fish from the mackerel family.

How much do compressor divers earn for their catch?

Compressor divers earn approximately 130 to 140 pesos per kilo of fish. In a week, they may catch between 100 to 200 kilos, but after expenses such as fuel for the boat, the profit is significantly lower.

What role does luck play in the success of compressor diving?

Luck plays a significant role in compressor diving because the divers rely on natural conditions and their ability to find fish. Their catch is unpredictable, as they don’t use bait and must wait for fish to be caught in the traps.

How long do compressor divers typically stay underwater during a dive?

The duration of a dive can range from one hour to five hours, depending on the conditions and success of the fishing trip.

What is baklad fishing, and how does it relate to compressor diving?

Baklad fishing is a method where divers use a stationary trap made of bamboo stakes and plastic nets to capture fish. It is a key technique used by compressor divers like Uncle Samson and Kambal, complementing their underwater dives.

What challenges do compressor divers face in their daily work?

Compressor divers face challenges like dangerous equipment, the risk of equipment failure (such as air hose leaks), and the uncertainty of their daily catch. Despite the hardships, they continue this work to provide for their families.

How has Manoy's life been affected by compressor diving?

Manoy's life was significantly impacted by a diving accident ten years ago. He, like other compressor divers, faces the constant danger of injury or death while doing this work to support his family.