Exploring the Depths: Super Spyball's Versatility in Diving and Research

POTENTIALUSECASESFORTHEDIVING INDUSTRYANDBEYOND

TheSuperSpyballhasawiderangeofpotentialuse casesintheinshoredivingindustryandbeyond.

Herearetwoexamples:

1.MarineResearch:TheSuperSpyballcanbe usedformarineresearch,providinghighqualityvideofootageofmarinelifeand habitats.Thecamera'sabilitytorotate360 degreesallowsresearcherstocapture footagefromallangles,providinga comprehensiveviewofthemarine environment.Thecameracanalsobeusedto monitorthehealthofmarineecosystems, helpingtoidentifypotentialthreatsandissues.

2.UnderwaterInspections:TheSuperSpyball canbeusedforunderwaterinspectionsof structuressuchasbridges,piers,and pipelines.Thecamera'sabilitytozoominand outandmovepreciselyprovidesadetailed viewofthestructures,allowinginspectorsto identifyanyissuesorareasthatrequire maintenance.Thecamera'sdurabilityand reliabilitymakeitidealforuseinharsh underwaterenvironments.

BelowistheoneofmanySuperSpyballunits deployedintheNASA'sNeutralBuoyancyLabin HoustonTX,beingusedtomonitortraining operationsinthe202feet(62m)inlength,102feet (31m)wide,and40feet(12m)deepdivingtank. Thisenablesastronautsandcommandcentreto monitorsimulatedEVAtasksinpreparationfor upcomingmissions.

Controlunitforhssuperspyball

TheSS-CPI-2portablecontrolunitisdesignedto workwiththeHDInspectionSuperSpyball, providingcontrol,display,andHDrecording.It featuresa17.3-inchTFTcolorLCDdisplay,1080p HDdigitalvideorecorder,andHDstillphotos.The unitisalsoequippedwithajoystickforproportional controlofcameraangle,dedicatedSuperSpyball controldisplay,andautomaticpanoramaphotos. TheunitcanoperatewiththeCVBSversionofthe SuperSpyballandtheHD-ILilluminatedcamera canbeconnectedforuseinconfinedspaces.The unitweighsonly10kgandhasmenusinfour languages.

EDITORIAL

Publisher/Editor: Taira Caton taira@professionaldiver.co.uk

Tel: 0333 121 5474

Copy Editor/Contributor: John Hancock john@professionaldiver.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Martin Shepherd

John Wrottesley

Warren Salliss

Tamsin Salliss

Peter McLean

Craig English

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Welcome

This issue follows on from having just come back from our third regional meeting this year.

Over the past few months, we have been fortunate to have held our regional meetings and have been hosted by: HSE at ‘The Science and Research Centre’ in Buxton, JFD at ‘The Hyperbaric Centre’ in Aberdeen and, most recently, by The Historical Diving Society at the ‘Diving Museum’ in Portsmouth There was a great take up on attendance, networking and conversations..

A big thank you to HSE, JFD and HDS for hosting us and giving our members the opportunity for a tour of your impressive facilities.

Thanks also to the HSE for taking the time to attend and provide their input and feedback at all of our meetings. We are currently preparing for Seawork 13-15 June 2023, which we look forward to attending annually.

Again, our members have shown that they are always willing to get involved and support the association and the industry where needed. Thank you to EDS who will be providing us with a Dive Tank this year, it’s in its final stages of completion.

This year, the Dive Team supporting us at Seawork is being provided by Commercial Diver Training based in Cornwall. We have an impressive programme for the Dive Tank over the three days and look forward to catching up with many of you.

ADC

Contents

5 1963 to 2023: 60 years of Northern Divers Pioneers who launched their diving business in a challenging environment.

8 Protecting sub-sea cables and ocean users

Securing the cables that connect the global economy and ensure power supplies.

14 Train to prepare for the best opportunities

Keep up with the latest requirements, safety and equipment for divers.

16 Whiddy Island disaster, an epic wreck recovery

Salvaging the wreck of the Betelgeuse from deep water.

19 ADC AGM, Birmingham 2022

Best ever attendance and great speakers.

20 Using divers to clean nuclear ponds

A trial of new techniques and tools or a hazardous environment.

22 Addressing the risk of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

A condition that can be easily diagnosed during a routine medical check.

24 The ADC Diving Supervisor Scheme

Ensuring the best supervision of any diving project.