the island's fabulous ship wrecks is a definite must; especially for visitors with an adventurous spirit. But according to top sub-aqua expert and writer, Wendy Canning Church, although beautiful to look at and historically important, such spots have traditionally been neglected. "It's definitely been neglected as a dive centre, which is a shame,'' the globe-trotting diver said. "In my opinion, Bermuda is wreck diving. It has marvellous wrecks.

You're not only going down there to look at flora and fish life but at the entire history of Bermuda. "It is becoming more and more well-known now. And there is a plan to set up a 1-800 number so anyone can call and get information on diving here, so little by little the word is getting out.'' Ms Church was in Bermuda preparing a section for the second edition of Aqua Expeditions on honeymoon and anniversary holidays, with an emphasis on diving.

While here, she was joined on a less taxing reef dive by a reporter from The Royal Gazette with limited diving experience acquired some years ago. The staff at South Side Scuba performed strict safety and skill checks before allowing the reporter to dive. It was the practice of such high safety standards in Bermuda, said Ms Church, that was a big draw for divers. "There are people who go around the dive shops and check them out for safety,'' she said, lauding the practise. "They're spot checks and they do them all the time. That means people can feel comfortable and safe diving anywhere in Bermuda. The Sonesta is one of my favourites -- even if you've been out of the water a long time they will take you into the pool before you go. It shows they really care. "They tell you everything -- how they were wrecked, where they were wrecked and why they were going there. It's a marvellous learning, fun experience and that's very important on a vacation. People don't want homogenisation and that makes Bermuda unique. The culture is still here and its heritage -- above and below the water -- has been preserved.'' Ms Church's 430-page book reflect her views of the Island as a top diving area. The book covers everywhere from Australia to Scotland and takes in the Caribbean, Africa, the Far East, Europe and the Americas. Tiny Bermuda rates a ten-page entry. South Side Scuba, Nautilus Dive Centre at the Southampton Princess and Dive Bermuda at Dockyard all get rave reviews while Fantasea Diving is being reviewed for the next edition. The book reads: "We feel very comfortable recommending Bermuda as a dive destination for those who are seeking a beautiful, crime-free, clean island with warm and friendly natives and an elegant international flavour. "The visibility by most standards is unlimited, the fish life is colourful and abundant, the guides take you through tunnels, arches, Bermuda's many sub-aqueous caves and show a genuine warmth and interest in each diver's safety.'' Ms Church, a qualified interior designer from Boston, Massachusetts, discovered scuba diving while studying for a Masters degree in Oriental Art at Harvard 12 years ago. She was bitten by the diving bug after a doctor recommended the sport when she was struck with a serious respiratory illness. She dropped out of the course at Harvard and set up Divers Exchange International (DEI) after becoming frustrated at the lack of diving guidance on a family holiday in the US resort of Martha's Vineyard. DEI matches members with other divers, operators and sites across the world -- with the emphasis on safety. Ms Church said she started a newsletter and after an overwhelming response, decided to go for a comprehensive handbook. She added: "I took the best writers and photographers I could find world-wide and asked them to contribute. It's now distributed world-wide.'' Aqua Expeditions -- A Global Guide for the Scuba Diver and Snorkeler costs $24.95. Further information on the book can be obtained from Divers Exchange International, 37, West Cedar Street, Boston, MA 02114, telephone 1-617-723-7134 or fax 1-617-227-8145.

Thumbs Up -- Top US diving expert and writer, Wendy Canning Church.