SCUBACHAT
Apple ’ s dabble
I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING your review on the new Apple Watch Ultra after receiving the advertising email from Apple . Disappointed that you haven ’ t picked up on the small print in the blurb , it states that the water resistance of the watch can reduce over time ! Not something you want in a dive computer especially if they refer you back to the small print when you take your soggy wrist weight into store for replacement . Hopefully it ’ ll come to light when you receive the working version for testing . COLIN LAIDLER
Editor ’ s response : Thanks for writing in , Colin . We had indeed picked up on Apple ’ s disclaimer and thought it was a bit daft , because the water resistance of pretty much any manufactured object ‘ can reduce over time ’. However , we chose to leave that rabbithole for the coming review . We now have the watch at the Test Centre , but at the time of writing it was proving tricky to pair with the Oceanic app . Watch this space .
On diver progression
HAVING READ THIS YEAR ’ S INCIDENT report with sadness , perhaps there are a couple of possible conclusions to draw ? Gaining your ‘ wings ’ or , ‘ gills ’ as a Sports Diver enables you to dive deeper and in a far greater range of diving conditions . With it comes the challenges and enjoyment in succeeding and gaining greater confidence . This needs to be tempered with a cautious , progressive approach , or like Icarus from Greek mythology , you may fly to close too the sun ! The reduction in incidents concerning advanced divers may well be as a result of the research and guidance provided by BSAC of the insidious Immersion Pulmonary Oedema . Although , not exclusively , many advanced divers are older , and have made a conscious decision to mitigate the risk by diving more conservatively . Ultimately , for most of us this is a sport , and safety must always be paramount when planning the next dive . We must also be honest with ourselves , do we have the mindset , skill and capabilities required for the dives we are contemplating ? JOHN FOWLES
EVERY DIVER SHOULD HAVE A GO AT Hard Hat Diving , a simpler way of getting below the waterline [ Many would question that ! Demand Valve Editor ]. This opportunity is not restricted to qualified divers , as the organisers say , you just have to take your time and enjoy the experience . After all , how often do you get to stand or sit down for 10 minutes and have two people dress you from head to foot with dive gear !
This was my second opportunity to walk , not fin , underwater with an excessive amount of weight keeping me fixed to the bottom . The total weight was around 86kg , or 190lb in old money . My first dive three years ago had taken place in a purpose-built training pool in York with similar equipment . I was put to work , raising shopping trolleys
SCUBACHAT
No school like the Old School
and tractor tyres with a lifting bag .
My latest experience was less hard work and organised with The Historical Diving Society ( HDS ) who run regular try dives in different locations throughout the year . All of the events are run by volunteers , who are truly passionate about showing people what it is like to be underwater and try old school diving .
Cromhall Quarry was the location for my second Hard Hat experience , which started off with an explanation of the day , the equipment and a run through of the dive . I was also offered a copy of Dressing the Diver , a handy reference booklet written by John Smillie , membership secretary for the HDS . John originally spent 15 years working as a dockyard diver .
I very much enjoyed the complete experience of walking not finning , as well as the clear surface-to -diver communication . All in glorious 2-3m visibility .
Hopefully my experience will make you want to have a go and sign up for a session . Grateful thanks to Ty , John , Elliott , Les and Ann for a great day and another opportunity to just listen to bubbles . Further details via the Historical Diving Society , email info @ thehds . com or visit thehds . com for details . The society is keen for BSAC clubs to coordinate sessions in their areas . BOB WILLIS , HDS
Kernow cheques in
LAST SATURDAY , DURING A BREAK IN PROCEEDINGS AT DDRC ’ S DIVING ON THE Edge conference , members of the Kernow Federation of BSAC dive clubs presented a cheque for £ 3,750 to DDRC . This money was raised during this year ’ s Kernow Dive Festival and an incredible total of £ 48,435 has now been raised since 2003 . ALLEN MURRAY , Plymouth
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