News round-up

Each month, we bring together the latest industry news from the Asia-Pacific region, as well as all over our water planet. To find out the most up-to-date news and views, check out the website or follow us on our various social media @scubadivermag www.scubadivermag.com.au/news

VESCOVO DISCOVERS WORLD’S DEEPEST SHIPWRECK

Deep-diving adventurer Victor Vescovo has

discovered the world’s deepest shipwreck – the USS Samuel B Roberts – a destroyer escort that was sunk during the fierce Battle Off Samar in the Philippine Sea back in October 1944.

The Texan financier, who owns deep submersible Limiting Factor, found the ‘Sammy B’ lying in 6,895m, with puncture holes from Japanese shells and damage to the bow from where it impacted the seabed, but otherwise reasonably intact. Vescovo, who was a navy reservist, said that it was ‘an extraordinary honour to locate the lost ship and retell its amazing story’.

He commented: “The Sammy B engaged the Japanese heavy cruisers at point-blank range and fired so rapidly it exhausted its ammunition – it was down to shooting smoke shells and illumination rounds just to try and set fires on the enemy vessels. It was just an extraordinary act of heroism.”

Last year, Vescovo found the destroyer USS Johnston at a depth of 6,460m. He was also the first person to visit the deepest points in the planet›s five oceans, and recently went into space on New Shepard, the rocket developed by Jeff Bezos.

Time to gear up and get dive-ready as the Department of Tourism (DOT) stages the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX), the country’s largest platform for the diving community, from 19-21 August 2022 at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay, Manila. PHIDEX’s third edition seeks to continue the narrative of conservation, community, and convergence within the diving community through the theme ‘Back into the Blue: One with the Sea’.

The expo will also showcase the Philippines’ readiness to welcome dive tourists from all over the globe, gathering local and international dive industry experts, dive tour operators, and partner dive businesses to share their ideas and experiences.

“The entry of international travellers is a welcome development that will lead to growth in the travel and tourism sector, restoration of jobs, and the generation of much-needed revenue for tourism-related enterprises and communities. We are optimistic that these economic benefits will also extend to dive destinations around the country. The country remains a leading dive destination, which tourists all over the world are eager to visit after a long wait of two years,” said Tourism Development Undersecretary Woodrow C. Maquiling, Jr.

“The DOT hopes to encourage divers to practice sustainability every time they dive to preserve the country’s seas. Sustainable diving practices are a huge part of the reason why the country’s dive destinations continue to operate despite challenges brought by the pandemic,” Undersecretary Maquiling added.

PHIDEX is the only dive show in the world that combines in one event a Dive Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a business-to-business (B2B) meeting program for local and international dive operators, dive conference and seminars, and familiarization tours to top and emerging Philippine dive destinations. Registration as consumer and trade visitors and exhibition booth reservation will open on June 24, 2022 through www.register.phidex.asia/

RARE JUVENILE OARFISH CAPTURED ON CAMERA

Wavelength Reef Cruises Master Reef Guide Tahn Miller knew he had come across something extraordinary when he saw a glistening silver ‘sword-like’ fish dancing through the shallows of Opal Reef on the Great Barrier Reef earlier this month. The individual was a juvenile oarfish (Regalecus russellii) and Mr Miller’s video footage is the first recorded encounter of this species on the Great Barrier Reef and the eastern seaboard of Australia.

Mr Miller and his colleague, Marine Biologist Jorja Gilmore, spotted the 35 to 40 centimetres long, skinny fish with a shimmering mirror-like outer skin while leading a group of snorkellers on a Wavelength Reef Cruises Outer Great Barrier Reef tour. The unique physical characteristics of the species made them realise they had found something very special.

“At first I couldn’t quite place what species of fish it was, but then I saw the shiny mercury-coloured body, two predominant eyes and the ultra-fine dorsal fin running head to tail, undulating like mini waves propelling through the water. I knew we had come across something rarely seen on the Great Barrier Reef,” said Mr Miller. “Luckily, I had my camera and started to film straight away. At that moment I felt like the ocean had delivered a secret treasure to us. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.”

Oarfish are believed to be the world’s longest bony fish and can grow to an incredible eight metres in length.

THE DIVER’S CHOICE FOR 30 YEARS

AWARD WINNING SERVICE SINCE 1992

‘TRUE DIVING PIONEER’ BOB KIRBY DIES

Bob Kirby, co-founder of US company Kirby Morgan, which came up with a succession of lighter, more comfortable and practical helmets and full-face masks for commercial divers, died at his home in California on 1 June.

Seventy years earlier in 1952, Kirby had become a US Navy diver and welder, in the days when heavy, impractical surface-supplied diving helmets offering restricted views remained standard issue. He designed his first divemask, now known as the Kirby #1, while still in the service. After leaving the navy in 1956 Kirby became an abalone diver, enjoying the freedom to use a converted low-volume helmet with a large square faceplate.

Over time he designed for his own use 16 ‘air hats’ with copper domes built on Yokohama breastplates, regularly tweaking the designs and selling each previous helmet on. He had no plans to exploit them for profit, until he realised that manufacturers had been developing his ideas to take to market.

From 1963, Kirby carried out exploration work for oil companies off the Californian coast. In 1964, Associated Divers asked Kirby to design and build a lighter dive system, and within a month he had modified a Desco helmet to save 23kg in weight, and replaced the risky-when-wet Natron scrubber material with soda lime. A successful 90m test dive saw the helmet go into production. With saturation diving reducing demand for heavy gear, Kirby met diver and surfer Bev Morgan, and the two collaborated to manufacture glassfibre masks for abalone and commercial divers, before forming the Kirby Morgan Corporation.

In 1965, the two designed and manufactured a model that was ‘the opposite of the Navy helium helmet he trained on’, as manufacturer Desco states in a tribute that calls Kirby a ‘major contributor to modern commercial diving’.

Initial products included the BandMask and Clam Shell helmet, but in 1968, Kirby Morgan merged with Pacific Instruments, and when that company went out of business, Kirby sold out to Morgan. In 1974, the pair got back together as Diving Systems International to develop a glassfibre air helmet, with the US Navy eventually adopting their SuperLite 17 design. The company closed in 1980, after which Kirby worked on a variety of projects, and in 1989, built helmets and backpacks for his friend James Cameron’s film The Abyss.

Kirby Morgan Dive Systems continues to this day in Santa Maria, California, and is said to make more than 80% of the world’s surface-supplied dive gear.

OZDIVE SHOW AND OZTEK ADVANCED DIVING CONFERENCE UPDATE

This Australian dive event (1-2 October) is designed by divers for divers - it is a unique combination of high-action, world-renowned presenters extolling their extraordinary feats of diving, exploration, discovery and inspiration; supported by the OZDive Show with photographic exhibitions, photography and freediving workshops, tips from the experts including training, travel, equipment, OZTek TV and fun virtual experiences, including those requiring you get wet! Recent presenters announced include Nathalie Lasselin, Xavier Vrijdag, Deborah Johnston, Professor Simon Mitchell, Dr Peter Buzzacott, Michael Menduno, Pete Mesley, Dr Matt Carter, Dr Dawn Kernagis, Gareth Lock, Kirk Krack, Adam Sellers, Maria Bollerup, Rannva Joermundsson, Dr Bill Stone, Rob Wilson, and Anthony Gordon.

The bi-annual OZTek | OZDive Underwater Photographic Competition, including the Nikon Dive Shot of the Year, closes 31 July – details can be found on the website: www.ozdiveshow.com.au/photography

The OZDive Show and OZTek Advanced Diving Conference will be held at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre (Jeff’s Shed). Tickets available online: www.ozdiveshow.co.au/tickets

COUNTING CORAL IN FIJI

Counting Coral is a nonprofit committed to the protection and restoration of the world›s coral reefs, and was founded two years ago by artist Jolyon Collier, who decided to connect the worlds of conservation and artistry to take direct action on the coral crisis.

Counting Coral designs, builds, donates, and installs Sculptural Coral Banks, a new and advanced method to aid coral growth. At first glance, Counting Coral’s Sculptural Coral Banks are a layout of beautiful and elegant stainless steel sculptures arranged underwater. However, their brilliance only starts there. Beyond their aesthetic appearance, these sculptures are planted out with climate-resilient coral, and meticulously designed in order to protect and naturally propagate the reef systems, while maintaining a healthy coral supply for harvesting when needed.

The installation of the first-ever Sculptural Coral Bank is this July, in the waters of Nacula Island, in Fiji. This installation, comprising 120 pieces, will not only provide immense support for the deterioration of Fiji’s coral reefs, but it will act as a catalyst for a future of installations around the world. This is Counting Coral’s first installation, and these images show Fiji’s sculptural coral bank – but as they expand, they will be designing different styled parks in collaboration with each community.

The sculptures are made from marine-grade stainless steel. This material will naturally allow algae and sea plant growth, and is not toxic or harmful in any way. The sculptural park will be securely staked on a sandy floor, neighbouring a reef in the appropriate current line to allow the coral on the sculptures to naturally propagate the existing reef.

The flower petals that you’ll be able to see in the images are removable; in the case of severe bleaching events, they can be taken off of the sculpture. In addition, the flower petals are also expandable and foldable. This allows for them to be manually opened up as the coral grows, and protective enough so that the corals are protected from sea slugs and starfish. Along with other appropriate corals, the sculptures will be planted out with climate resilient coral. This will be revolutionary for the future of coral reefs. Counting Coral have spent years working with lead scientists in coral propagation, and particularly climate resilient coral, who will be present at the time of the installation.

The fragmented corals on the sculpture will develop into a coral bank over time. They then allow the coral to grow to spawning maturity, which allows for natural propagation. The sculptures will naturally propagate the near reef systems, while maintaining a healthy coral supply for harvesting when needed. The coral banks themself can then be used for fragmenting onto secondary reefs, or back onto the natural reef – but acting as a coral ‘bank› for the entirety.

The equally important side of this installation is the community. Any additional up-charge to dive/snorkel on the sculptural park will be directly given back to the community for community projects. Donation portals will be allocated to community as well. This installation will be largely focused on its giving back programme, this installation will open up job and training opportunities for the locals, increase tourism, and drive awareness.

ARENUI LIVEABOARD BACK AT SEA

Indonesia has recently reopened its borders to international travellers, and now the luxurious Arenui liveaboard has returned to sea to offer spectacular, sumptuous cruises around some of Indo’s best diving areas. The Arenui explores the waters around the Komodo National Park, taking in dive sites and landscapes from Bali right across to Flores and Alor, from May to October. Then, in November, the vessel moves towards Ambon and the Spice Islands in the Banda Sea as it works its way towards Raja Ampat. It then cruises Raja Ampat from December through to April.

The Arenui itself is truly eye-catching. It is a Phinisi – a classic Indonesian wooden sailing vessel – but with all of the mod cons you’d expect from a five-star liveaboard. The hull was constructed by over 50 local craftsmen in South Sulawesi from traditional ironwood, and the superstructure was then completed in Java and Bali. Incredibly, more than 70 percent of the wood used to build the boat is recycled wood – in fact, many parts of the Arenui are made from recycled Javanese houses! Much of the next four to five years is already booked up, but there is limited availability between July and September on some stunning cruises: • 27 July-7 August 2022 – Alor-Komodo • 9-16 August 2022 – Komodo Focus • 18-26 August 2022 – Komodo Focus • 27 August-3 September 2022 – Komodo Focus • 17-27 September 2022 – Komodo Focus www.thearenui.com

ENDURANCE WRECK TO BE PROTECTED

© FALKLANDS MARITIME HERITAGE TRUST AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

The wreck of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance is to be protected, with the implementation of a 500-metre perimeter around the famed vessel, which was finally located in March, some 107 years after it sank. The member states of the Antarctic Treaty had already declared that the shipwreck, lying on the seabed some 3,000m down in the Weddell Sea, is a Historic Site and Monument, but now they have asked for a management plan to guide its ongoing conservation, as well as increasing the protection zone from 150 metres to 500 metres. The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust has been tasked with drafting up a plan, which will determine exactly the restrictions and responsibilities placed on anyone wanting to go anywhere near Endurance in the future.

ALL STAR VELOCEAN RAISES THE BAR ON LUXURY

It is rare for a boat to look almost identical to artist’s renderings, but the All Star Velocean is one of those vessels – and it is truly stunning, raising the bar on liveaboard luxury. The All Star Velocean plies the waters of Indonesia and caters for 18 guests in ten spacious, well-appointed suites, with a 24-man crew on hand, two custom-built dive tenders and a full array of gourmet meals, not to mention free nitrox and, for those who want to stay connected, wifi.

This enormous vessel – it is 52 metres long and boasts three deck levels – has dedicated camera stations in the lounge area, allowing professionals and amateurs alike to pursue their passion while staying central to activities.

The vessel offers trips around the Komodo National Park, Wakatobi Marine National Park and Raja Ampat. Repositioning trips through the Forgotten Islands of Alor and the Banda Sea are also available. www.allstarliveaboards.com

RAID RELEASES ACTION CAMERA COURSE

Lights! Camera! Action! Dive training agency RAID has teamed up with awardwinning film-maker Jeff Goodman to create their new Action Camera course.

The new course is suitable for everyone, whether you are completely new to underwater cameras, or an aspiring pro with your own YouTube Channel. Goodman says the RAID course will ‘give you the help, information and coaching to move your results up to the next level… and more’.

The course gives clear and concise guidance on how to get the very best results from your action camera. The rapid advances in technology for diving, as well as underwater camera equipment and lighting, mean that traditional photography courses don’t hit the mark. Goodman’s content is lively, up-to-date, detailed, thorough, and easy to follow. Moreover, his creativity and understanding of the challenges a diver faces to capture the perfect image – still or moving – make this programme unique and relevant for today’s diver.

“Jeff has managed to condense the experience of more than 10,000 dives and countless hours of underwater film-making and photography in a really tight package for us,” says RAID’s P.J. Prinsloo. Prinsloo, RAID’s VP of Training, adds, “Jeff shows how versatile action cameras can actually be, and that as a product class, they have traveled light years away from the earlier versions with regard to capabilities, function, and quality.”

Goodman, who is based in the UK, runs bespoke underwater video and editing workshops aimed at rank beginners up to budding professionals. www.diveraid.com