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Special Forces Divers Poster
If you’re looking for a poster to spice up your walls, check out the latest poster with an attitude from Hammerhead Press. Steve Barsky of Marine Marketing and Consulting shot the Special Forces Divers poster image.
Barsky shot the photo at Ft. Lewis in Washington state. The shot features an Army Special Forces diver wearing a dry suit, closed circuit oxygen rebreather, and carrying a waterproof bag. Looking at these divers it makes you wonder how they manage to swim with the amount of gear they are wearing!
The poster is printed as a duotone on a heavy stock and is shipped in a heavy-duty poster tube. It measures 20X28 inches and has a suggested retail price of $14.95. It’s available through many local dive stores.
Hammerhead Press publishes high quality books on snorkeling, scuba, technical, and commercial diving topics. Recent titles include California Lobster Diving, Diving in High-Risk Environments, and Dry Suit Diving. Each book is loaded with photos, drawings, and easy-to-read information.
For more information, or to order directly, contact Hammerhead Press at (805) 569-2143, FAX (805) 682-1956, or order on-line at www.hammerheadpress.com. VISA or MasterCard are both accepted. Hammerhead Press is located at 2022 Cliff Dr. #368, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Dealer inquiries are invited.
Nikonos-V Camera Body to be Discontinued
Nikon Corporation will stop making the Nikonos-V camera body in the near future. Regional Nikon distributors and importers can be contacted for details as to when the product will be discontinued.
A customer base of divers and underwater photographers have favored this camera since it was introduced in 1984.
In light of relatively low sales volumes for this niche product in an age of growing operating cost-consciousness, however, Nikon determined that it could not continue to justify the cost and effort of specialized production required to manufacture it in small quantities.
Nonetheless, Nikon remains proud and appreciative that the Nikonos-V has enjoyed a long, distinguished product life.
Although the company has no current plans to introduce new underwater photography products, Nikon promises to continue to stay abreast of the market for next-generation underwater cameras.
Although Nikon will discontinue manufacture of the Nikonos-V camera body, it will continue to supply accessories for the Nikonos-V, including interchangeable lenses, speedlight, close-up outfit unit, etc., at least until the end of 2002. At a later date, the company will decide whether or not to continue offering these accessories in 2003 and beyond.
Island Diver Begins Dive Charter Operations
Rocky Point, Southern California’s premier aquatic outfitter, is proud to announce the completion of the dive charter boat Island Diver. She’s the ideal dive platform offering comfortable accommodations, ample gear storage, a huge swim step, and doublewide boarding ladder. She’s 36 feet long and sports a spacious 13-foot beam, so she’s fast, safe, and incredibly stable. Her 20-knot speed provides quick dive access and the ability to move to alternate dive sites if conditions dictate.
Some of the best dive locations in Southern California are only a short distance away. Local dive spots, including the Palos Verdes Peninsula, are less than a fifteen-minute boat ride. Catalina’s West End and secluded back side are less than 90 minutes away.
Island Diver’s captains and divemasters are all familiar with the local waters. Some have been diving between here and Catalina since they were kids. During lobster season, their knowledge of the area really comes into play. Night dive charters, 7-days a week, began in October.
For more information about Island Diver dive charters, call 310-374-9858 or visit www.rockypointfun.com on the web.
Deep Sea Diving Helmet Raffle
For $5 you could win an original U.S. Navy Mark V deep-sea diver’s helmet valued at almost $5,000. The raffle is being held by the Historical Diving Society-USA (HDS-USA) and the winning ticket will be drawn in March 2002. There are many other unique prizes in the drawing including a bronze statue of a deep sea diver valued at $400, a bronze Galeazzi deep sea divers knife valued at $300, and a variety of books and posters.
Tickets are $5 each, or five for $20, and are available from HDS-USA, 2022 Cliff Drive, #405, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. For additional information e-mail HDS@hds.org or visit www.hds.org on your computer. The HDS is also offering fund raising participation in the raffle to diving and marine related non-profit groups, so if your group wants to raise funds, contact the HDS office at 805-692-0072.
The HDS-USA is a public benefit non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation of diving history. Advisory Board members include Dr. Sylvia Earle, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Prof. Hans Hass, and many other diving authorities.
White Shark Expedition to Guadalupe Isl., Mexico
If all those Discovery Channel episodes of Shark Week have gotten you into a frenzy to dive with big sharks, San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions is now offering certified scuba divers the opportunity to dive with the ocean’s ultimate predator, the Great White Shark. Twelve adventurous scuba divers will board the 80-foot dive vessel Horizon for a special limited load 5-day live aboard expedition to Guadalupe Island located off the central Baja, Mexico coast. Trip date is November 7-11, 2001. Cost is $1650 per diver. All diving, live aboard accommodations, meals, beverages, tanks, and weights are included. For trip details or to book this trip, you can call San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions at 619-299-8560 or email them at: info@sdsharkdiving.com.
DEMA Website Upgraded
The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) is proud to unveil their newly designed website—www.dema.org. The enhanced site will now offer features designed to improve communication between DEMA and its members and serve as a complete business services provider for the entire diving community, according to Regina Franklin, executive director of DEMA.
“Our vision was to create a site that would guide the industry and provide valuable services that will allow members to enhance their businesses and improve their bottom line,” said Franklin. “This new site will act as a major resource for our members and the dive community in general. We look forward to working with our membership to add features and benefits on an ongoing basis and expect that this site will become a vital tool for all DEMA members for years to come.”
The latest improvements to the website will provide a network of communication strategies, offering the following features:
· Job Post: Looking for the perfect employee? This new link will offer a one-stop resource for job and employee seekers.
· U.S. Retail Directory: Just insert the zip code, and the search engine will locate several dive stores in your area. An international search by country will be available soon.
· Community News: Check out the latest issue of DEMA Direct. From the latest news on celebrity divers, to interesting surveys conducted by DEMA’s network of scuba enthusiasts, the HammerHeads, this newsletter will keep you up to date on all of the happenings within the industry.
· Diving Links: The new website is your resource guide to hundreds of scuba diving organizations. Whether you are looking for equipment, vacation rentals or tips on underwater imaging, the DEMA links page will provide solutions for all of your diving needs.
In addition, the new DEMA website will provide its membership with new promotional and advertising opportunities previously unavailable. By creating a branched network of communication, DEMA looks to further their role as a promoter of growth within the diving industry. For organizations not currently involved with DEMA, the website outlines the many benefits of DEMA membership, along with an on-line registration form for hassle-free registration. To check out the newly redesigned DEMA website, log on to www.dema.org.
La Jolla Cove Suites Now Offering Diver Discounts
Family owned and run for over 38 years, La Jolla Cove Suites has been voted by “San Diego Magazine” as San Diego’s “Best Bargain Hotel.” La Jolla Cove Suites now offers discounts to divers up to 15 percent off with certification identification.
Located at La Jolla Cove’s Underwater Aquatic Park, the La Jolla Cove Suites offers affordable oceanfront accommodations and convenient coastal/diving access. The Cove is one of California’s most popular dive sites, and now La Jolla Cove Suites offers special dive packages and rates to divers. Scuba divers can explore the kelp forest and underwater canyons of Scripps Underwater Marine Reserve. This unique property provides a wide range of prices and room styles to fit everyone’s style and needs. La Jolla Cove Suites offers:
· Dive lockers available: Large enough to store up to two sets of dive equipment at no extra charge
· Easy access to the Cove for day and night diving
· Outside showers
· Fully equipped kitchens
· Cable TV and free movie channel
· Laundry facilities
· Daily complimentary continental breakfast on the rooftop
· Discounted long stay rates
· Jacuzzi/Spa and heated pool
· Health Club accommodations available for $8 a day
· Adjacent to La Jolla’s Restaurant Row and shopping district
· Transportation to and from airport upon request
Shark diving packages are also available to our guests. Enjoy a day of diving 10 to 20 miles outside of Mission Bay, while observing sharks from protective cage. Participants have the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.
La Jolla Cove Suites has a newly renovated rooftop conference/meeting facility that offers a panoramic view of La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. This is a great place for dive retreats and/or conferences. Group rates are available with rental of the rooftop.
While diving at the Cove, your family and friends can enjoy activities throughout the resort village of La Jolla with its many boutiques and the renowned “restaurant row.”
For additional information, please call group sales at 858-551-3412 or 888-525-6552 or visit www.lajollacove.com on the web.
M/V Wave Dancer Capsized by Hurricane Iris
Hurricane Iris, packing 140 mph winds, made landfall in the southern (Placencia) region of the Central American Country of Belize during the evening of October 8, 2001, capsizing the live-aboard dive vessel M/V Wave Dancer with all 28 passengers and crew onboard. As of Tuesday afternoon, the bodies of 18 victims had been recovered. As of October 10, eight survivors had been accounted for and two were missing.
The live-aboard dive vessel M/V Wave Dancer of the Peter Hughes Diving Dancer Fleet was capsized by a combination of strong wind and surging water while moored in Big Creek, an area of Southern Belize, well known to boaters for its protection from storms. Big Creek is approximately 80 miles south of Belize City, the site of Belize’s international airport and the point of embarkation for Wave Dancer cruises. No hotel rooms were available in Belize City to offload the passengers because this area of Belize was evacuated. Large portions of Belize City were destroyed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961.
The Wave Dancer was moored to a pier with other commercial vessels that routinely use this area as a refuge from storms and hurricanes. This area and a similar procedure was used in 1998 to avoid Hurricane Mitch. Despite following all procedures for securing the vessel during a hurricane, an unusually strong surge of water apparently lifted the vessel dramatically right at the pier, snapping all of the stern lines and allowing the wind to rip the vessel from the pier and capsize it in the middle of the creek. This occurred during the evening hours, and rescue efforts from neighboring boats began immediately during the “eye” of the hurricane in late evening. As the storm resumed, rescue efforts were halted for a few hours and commenced early Tuesday morning when conditions permitted.
According to PHD spokesperson and Executive Vice President Tom Conlin: “Our first responsibility in this tragedy is to continue all search and recovery efforts. Peter Hughes, President of the company, left for Belize as soon as we received word of the accident, and will personally participate in all ongoing efforts. Helicopters and search boats have been deployed to the area and are searching all areas of the mangrove system. All of the families have been contacted to keep them informed about all details of both victims and survivors. We will provide further information and a list of passengers and crew once all these facts are confirmed and the families are notified.”
The l20-foot Wave Dancer is part of the Peter Hughes Diving Fleet of live-aboard dive vessels. The M/V Wave Dancer had been in operation in Belize for nine years without incident prior to Hurricane Iris. The vessel had been chartered by the Richmond Dive Club of Richmond, VA.
According to British military sources on station in Belize, the most concentrated force of Hurricane Iris hit an area of the Belize coast 15 miles wide. This path, featuring the most intense wind and water movement, was centered directly on the Placencia/Big Creek area.
DEMA Fights for Divers’ Feeding Rights in Florida
On September 21, 2001 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) singled out scuba divers and snorkelers in Florida by issuing the second proposed rule banning any form of marine life feeding. A final decision on the ruling will be made on November 1, 2001 at the FWC meeting in Key Largo, Florida. Before this ruling is passed, it is the intent of the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) to rally the entire scuba diving community, with emphasis in the state of Florida, and draw attention to the consequences of such a ruling, according to Regina Franklin, executive director of DEMA.
“Our goal is to make the entire industry aware of, not only the unjust nature of this ruling and its lack of factual support, but what it means to the future of diving,” said Franklin. “Several dive operators rely on shark dives, and other marine life dives, to drive their businesses. If this rule is passed, it will set a precedence and threaten the rights of dive operators and other dive-related businesses all over the world by opening the door for future regulation of our industry.”
DEMA is currently working with an advisory board made up of select members, industry professionals and legislative counselors to develop a campaign to address the identified issues. All appropriate actions are being considered, including: a national media relations campaign; the development of a web site designed to offer the public statistical information on the lack of correlation of shark attacks to marine life feeding conducted by divers; outreach programs encouraging dive operators and dive clubs to submit letters (to be available on the Web site) opposing the rule to appropriate legislators, commissions and media; as well as future rallies and events that will enable the dive community to get involved. DEMA encourages the industry to do their part in preventing future regulations. For questions, concerns, or information on how you can participate in this campaign, please contact DEMA’s public relations agency [formula] PR at 619-234-0345 or via e-mail at ruby@formulapr.com.
The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association is a global, not-for-profit organization comprised of more than 1,200 companies and organizations whose mission is to promote sustainable growth in recreational diving and snorkeling through education and training, while protecting the underwater environment.