deep, out of necessity

Today it often seems that the push for range extension for manned diving excursions comes from the recreational community. The motivation is often a personal one, though benefits naturally extend to other areas or disciplines.



Peter Maas' 'The Terrible Hours' is an account of the rescue and salvage of the Squalus, a US submarine designed and built in the 1930's. The Squalus was the premiere Naval submarine of the time, built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire. During test trials off the Isle of Shoals in the Gulf of Maine, the submarine tragically sunk in over 200 feet of cold, dark North-Atlantic water. This event marked what I believe to be the true birthplace of 'advanced' diving.

The scope of the rescue and salvage operation is impressive by even today's standards. But to think that the event took place more than 70 years ago is just mind-blowing. The mastermind behind the operation was Charles 'Swede' Momsen, a pioneer in Naval diving operations, who can be creditted with so, so much. To his credit, Swede's innovation was out of demonstrated 'need' - to secure Naval intelligence, to protect US military assets, and to save lives.

The short list of Momsen's contributions to diving include a submarine escape 'Momsen Lung', heated drysuits, submarine escape diving bells, the use of helium to offset nitrogen narcosis, deep stops while doing helium based dives, novel uses for CO2 scrubbers in surface supplied diving helmets/suits, and gas reclaim systems. And this list goes on...

What is important to recognize, is that this technology was all developed out of some 'need' - either projected or actual. Thanks to Momsen and the USN, many of us make routine use of this knowledge today.

As it tends to go, the potential for continued exploration is best understood by those who have been there. In 1937, Momsen was quoted as saying,

"We have actually projected the depth at which man may work efficiently and safely to 500 feet and theoretically to a thousand feet. Bringing within human grasp more than a million square miles of the earth’s surface with an incredible storehouse of natural treasures as yet untouched. It is just the beginning. Surely the day must come when man will lay claim to the vast expanses of what we call the high sea."


NINETEEN THIRTY SEVEN!!!

In some ways we've come so far, in others, we are right back there in 1937, just sharing a vision and dream with the Swede. Perhaps progress is slow becuase that 'need' has yet to expose itself at a scale that warrants the investment. I believe its only a matter of time. The need, today, is one that must be grasped at a global scale, and there are several possibilities - overpopulation, natural resource depletion, exploitation of some newly discovered ocean resource...who knows.

But, there will be a day, and many thanks to those brave souls who took the leap of faith in a new technology and were lost because of it over 70 years ago, we have st least the foundations for 'a new life in the sea'. Sphere: Related Content

building a nation | John Adams

To say I am completely taken by the HBO mini-series about John Adams is an understatement. Generally not being a history buff, I had some reservations about sitting through nearly 10 hours of US Political History, but I was pleasantly surprised.



Showing the viewer a perspective of the formation of the United States from a the prominent and personal viewpoint of a family that was so intertwined with the politics of the time was gripping. Underlying the story of America's history, is bringing forward elements of the human spirit that were so, necessary in striving for independence, and are rarely seen today. Many clues and facts are provided along the way which help us realize where we are today. Absolutely a must see.

So, how does this apply to our quest of realizing a 'new life in the sea'. Well, as they say, 'history has a way of repeating itself'. Lessons learned from yesterday, guide us today, and are sure to sculpt tomorrow.

Today, we are at still at the infant stages of exploration and discovery of 'frontier potential' in the ocean. At some point in our near future, we will find reason to settle in this frontier, much as the British did in the Americas. And as the natural course of civilization takes us...our founding fathers of this new frontier and civilization must work diligently to establish some unified voice and means to assemble and lawfully regulate. If there is one take home from 'John Adams', it is that the US' founding fathers shared an ideal and belief system so close to heart that there was no better group of people to take the reigns. This same situation cannot be more true as we settle in the ocean.

being a totally alien frontier that is for the taking, the scope and design of the government that will form beneath the waves has yet to be determined. However, our advantage is having knowledge just a click away, and millenia worth of history to draw knowledge from.

It will take visionaries to get us there, and visionaries to organize, assemble, demonstrate, manage, and sustain a people in this environment. To those out there making it happen...you are our forefathers. Take bold steps, don't look back, and while your efforts may seem full of struggle and sacrifice - be confident and know that you will carry the weight of the world. Our species need you, our planet needs you, and future generations need you. Sphere: Related Content

Branson goes 20,000 leagues under the sea...

Or more like just on a fancy, overpriced scuba dive...

Branson goes 20,000 leagues under the sea

On one hand, this is indeed progress for ocean exploration - that is creating the ability for humans to perceive a more familiar mode of undersea transportation. On the other hand, a $25,000 ride to 100 feet using scuba as life support doesn't wet my appetite, nor does it do much to encourage future innovation in this area...it's an expensive toy.

For that same $25,000, one could spend a week or more living underwater in presently existing undersea habitats, could rent a submersible with surface support crew and dive to several thousand feet, seeing what most will never see along the way, or make it possible for more than 50 people to make that same 100 foot scuba dive, but without riding in the sportscar.

For a man who has the resources to do just about anything and everything, I'll be frank in saying that this does not live up to a well earned and deserved reputation as a pioneer in so many other areas. Mr. Branson - I challenge you - take humanity, not just the elite few friends that can afford this - to the deep, and beyond.

Lastly, shame on the media for running this story as though its breaking news in the field. Do your homework guys and gals - Cousteau and other were roaming around in wet subs more than 50 years ago.

sheesh. Sphere: Related Content