I’ve always wanted to do this – but as I teach mostly in the marine reserve, its a no no.

Not only did they do it – but they videoed it too!

via New Scuba Marketing and geek.com: Deep sea egg cracking.

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Yesterday however, 5 of us jumped at the chance to get in the chamber at Auckland’s Hyperbaric Health.

Deralie and I look stunning in scrubs outside "Nemo" - the chamber

What is a Chamber?

A Hyperbaric Chamber is a pressure vessel which artificially reproduces the hyperbaric conditions under the sea.
Chambers range in size from a portable one person unit to a room that can fit six, seven or even eight people in it.  They are typically operated by hospitals, navies, specialised medical centres and diving organisations.

Chambers normally operate at absolute pressures of between 3 bars and 6 bars.
Medical personnel can be present and through a series of air locks, care (and food) can be administered while a person is undergoing treatment under pressure.

Decompression Chambers are used so that divers can complete their decompression stops required at the end of the dive on the surface – and dry – rather than underwater.  This is a lot safer and a lot more pleasant than being cold.

Recompression Chambers are used to treat diving related injuries such as decompression sickness.

What other uses are there for a Decompression Chamber?

Hyperbaric therapy – or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy HBOT – is used for more than scuba diving related injuries.

The Australian and New Zealand Hyperbaric Medicine Group provides a list of treatments that HBOT might offer including;

• Diabetic wounds such as ulcers and gangrene
• Problem wounds
• Infective conditions including necrotising infections
• Toxic gas poisoning
• Thermal burns and frostbite

The team at Hyperbaric Health take us for a dive

Hyperbaric Health offer HBOT at the Quay Park Medical Centre in Auckland.

Janina and Johan looked after us on our visit.
Johan is the Head Hyperbaric Technician and he briefed us on the dive plan.
We ran a 40-50m scenario with a 15min bottom time.  This would give us around 20 minutes of decompression time according to a DCEIM (Defense and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine – Canada) chart – and a total runtime of around 56 minutes.

Abby waited on the outside so I handed her my iPhone and asked her to take a few pictures if she could.

We hopped in (squeezed in) to the entry area.  It is a smaller area and we can descend quicker as there is less air space.
You need to continually equalise and it gets very very warm in there very quickly.

There is also a sink and a toilet in this section.
Good to know if you were under going treatment (which can be up to 8 hours).  We could also take in a jug of water and some polystyrene cups.

(A clipboard, a pencil, a football, an empty bottle and a full bottle of water also came with us but more for amusement …. I mean research purposes)

our sardine impression - crammed in and descending

Johan gave us his dive computer to take along – in a punnet of water.  We were able to watch the effective depth.
Once we reached 40m, we could open the air lock to the main part of the chamber.  Well Steve could – I tried to turn the handle the opposite way.

It all looks very serious - but its not. Rachael is in tears, Deralie is giggling and Steve's voice is squeaking

Much hilarity followed when we reached our maximum depth for the dive – Johan’s dive computer was reading 40.3 meters.
The pressure constricts your vocal chords and your voice sounds squeaky.  The  pressure also affects your ears so things sound a whole lot different.
I’m sure that the team outside the chamber thought we sounded normal – albeit idiots!

I took a couple of narcosis tests with me – things I use on a dive with my students.
Writing your name backwards on the surface and then comparing it to underwater.  Also a page with numbers 1 – 18 in random circles and you need to touch your nose and then the numbers .. in order.

Here’s the sheet that came with us.

Tests and quotes from the dive

Janina said she’d give $50 to the person that could whistle.  Mal immediately replied with “where are you going to get $50″  I think that might have been what set Rachael off for the rest of the dive.  Tears of laughter I tell you.

Deralie was so very very sure that she had got her name right … as you can see from above – theres a bit of a mistake.

I’m not too sure what was happening with Mal’s surname .. he took writing your name backwards to a whole new level with his R’s.

Giggles

While we were in the chamber and on ‘our way back up’, Janina gave us a great tour inside the chamber and talked us through their services.

It really is a fantastic service and I appreciate the time that the team took to show us around and safely narc us out of our heads!
We are lucky enough in Auckland to have two chambers with the other based at the Devonport Naval Hospital which is where most diving emergencies are sent first of all.  And where us Instructors (and other occupational divers) need to have our regular medical checks completed.

still giggling - exiting Nemo

For Diving Emergencies;

Diver Emergency Services
0800 4 DES 111, or 0800 4 337 111

This is a 24 hour, 7 days a week Diver Emergency Service for advice and treatment of all diving related incidents, accidents or injuries, including the emergency management of Decompression Sickness.

NZ Diving Hotline
0508 HYPERBARIC, or 0508 497372

Diving First Aid

1. A – B – C’s
2. Lie person down
3. Give 100% OXYGEN
4. Call for help

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Scuba Sunday is a feature on scuba divers both here in New Zealand and some of the divers I have come in to contact with from all over the world.

Today’s interview was completed by Kelvin Murray.

I have been chatting to Kelvin on Twitter (and Facebook) for a couple of years now.  Aside from being a world-class diver with multiple instructor ratings plus commercial and technical diving qualifications, Kelvin over-wintered in Antarctica as Field Diving Officer for the British Antarctic Survey in 2007. And he has great taste in charter operators as well – last time he was down here in New Zealand, he dived with Noel and Jo of Yukon Dive Charters up at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.

I often call Kelvin my ‘dive brother from another mother’ – our discussions range from unpacking the dishwasher to cups of tea to introducing people to marine life via Google Earth to the feeding habits of leopard seals.  But seriously this crazy man from Scotland enjoys polar diving and is the personality behind Silvertip Expedition and Dive Management.

Kelvin dives and guides all over the world, on every continent and in every ocean.
He has explored polar seas to tropical reefs with high definition cameras and ROV technology. His clients include European and American expedition companies as well as National Geographic photographers and filmmakers, BBC producers and French television presenters whom he advises on equipment, filming / diving techniques and wildlife.

Working in collaboration with Dr. Sylvia Earle’s SEAlliance Foundation, he contributes video footage and stills images to the Ocean layer of Google Earth, whilst also sourcing and mentoring other contributors.

Before he headed off on his latest adventure, I asked him if he would participate in Scuba Sunday.

Where are you based?

I live in Edinburgh, Scotland although I’m originally from Aberdeen, just up the coast.  A lot of the time I am based out of two large tarpaulin semi-dry kit bags!

Kelvin in Antarctica - Low maintenance haircut means wet hair doesn't keep your head cold after a winter ice-dive in Antarctica / Photograph Alistair Simpson

Why scuba diving?

Ever since I was a kid I’ve been fascinated by the sea and the creatures that inhabit it – we lived near it, swam in it, watched it on TV. Somehow it took me until my twenties to realise I could actually learn to dive and explore the oceans. That way, I could become James Mason as Captain Nemo in ‘20,000 Leagues Under The Sea’ – the book is required reading for any underwater explorer.

Has scuba diving changed your life in any noticeable way?

Absolutely, and in so many incredible ways. I have been able to see places and enjoy wildlife that I watched on so many television programmes by my all-time hero, Sir David Attenborough. I’ve always tried different things with my diving and it’s literally taken me from one end of the planet to another. Joining the British Antarctic Survey as Diving Officer was a huge step in my life and that experience led me into expedition diving. In one year alone I dived every ocean on every continent. I never forget how privileged I’ve been, but also remember that it’s taken a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I am my diving.

Your favourite dive?

Tricky to answer.
In March this year I came face-to-face with the biggest Leopard seal I’ve met in the water – that was an incredible experience. The Poor Knights were amazing, I’d love to go back – of course! Filming hammerheads getting cleaned by reef fish at Cocos Island is also up there, as is having a Broadnosed Sevengill shark swim between my legs at Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha. But I have to say, I really love diving in Scotland – there are sites in some of the sea lochs that are simply world-class.

Favourite piece of kit?

My Poseidon Xstream regulators, without a doubt. I started using Poseidon regs with BAS and saw what a dependable and sturdy piece of kit they are, plus they are so straightforward to service. A lot of my diving is in extremely cold water and I’d rather use life-support equipment that I have complete faith in – which is why I have the Xstreams.

Favourite marine life?

Marine mammals fascinate me. I’ll be down there wearing my own body weight in expensive gear for a few precious minutes of underwater fun. A seal swims past and it is swimming circles around me, holding its breath… Orca are completely awe-inspiring – you’d have to have a heart or mind made of brick not to be impressed by them. But I do have to say, I’m also a fan of planktonic life – never forget all the wee beasties that make it all happen.

Your diving bucket list – is there;

• a course that you want to complete
• Trimix rebreather for sure – this would allow me to explore some really deep walls in Antarctica that I reckon are smothered in ancient and gigantic lifeforms.  There’s a phenomenon known as ‘polar giganticism’ – animal metabolic rates are slow due to the extreme and constant cold, but there is also a bit more oxygen dissolved in the water, so although animals grow slowly they can grow larger.  Sea spiders and isopods grow to incredible sizes!  The walls don’t get denuded by ice and some scientists reckon there could be huge sponges down there that are 10,000 years old.  Tell me that isn’t exciting!  Either that or learn to pilot Branson’s new sub [see no.8]…

• a place you want to dive
• See above. Although in saying that, exploring the north and west coasts of Vancouver Island and up into British Columbia is top of the list and much more attainable. Giant Pacific octopus; Salmon sharks; cold, nutrient rich water feeding a thick benthic animal turf; Orca; sea lions and dolphins – it’s a dream dive destination for me.

• something you want to see?
• Deep ocean hydrothermal vents and the colonies of life around them. It literally boggles my mind and once again goes to show just how amazing, adaptable, resilient, inventive, mysterious and unknown marine life can be. I doubt I’ll be doing that on scuba.

A little light snow doesn't discourage Kelvin from filming in Antarctica / Photograph Thijs Westra

You are given 30 minutes to talk to anyone about anything ocean or marine related. Who would you talk to and what about?

Richard Branson – I’m really interested in the Virgin Oceanic project, where he and his team plan to dive to the five deepest spots of five oceans in a revolutionary submersible. The team will explore and discover a strange new world that is really only a few miles away. I think it is a great opportunity to show how mankind is utterly dependent on our oceans and that although they are wide and deep, they are not infinite and indestructible. We need to be making much greater efforts to protect and conserve our oceans and their inhabitants, which will ultimately save us. Branson is such an interesting person because if he goes for something, he tends to make it happen. Highlighting the plight of the oceans is the first step in saving them which is why I’m so glad to be involved with the SEAlliance and Google Earth. Plus, I really believe he needs a big Scottish diver on his team.

What do you do on your safety stop?

I watch the little stuff. It is easy to think the dive is over but do check out the plankton floating by or the creatures crawling over the reef or rocks. Enjoy the sunlight dappling the waves and take the time to really appreciate the privilege of getting to explore our amazing underwater world.

I’m sure you can all see why I enjoy chatting to Kelvin – never short of an interesting story!

Such as this one …

For more;

• Silvertip World Expedition and Dive Management
• Silvertip World on Facebook
• Silvertip on Twitter

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It is not all that often that we need basic first aid when we are out scuba diving but it is a good idea to be prepared.

Taking a few moments to ensure that we have some supplies – and completing a Rescue Diver course and a certification in basic first aid can give you the confidence to help yourself – and someone else – if there is a problem.

So I sent Dr. Deralie a message this morning and asked her what she thought were the top five reasons that a diver might need a little medical kit and some first aid knowledge;

• Seasickness

• Sunburn

• Cuts/scratches/stings

• Hypothermia

• Car accidents on the way to/from the dive site

I thought she might have been kidding with this one but then she told me “Seriously, thats mostly what the big orange kit is mainly for!”
And she has put it to use.

So a basic dive medical or first aid kit does not need to be massive or cost a fortune.
Pop out to the supermarket and pick up any plastic container with a secure lid and a couple of things for starters;

• Antiseptic hand wash
• Antiseptic wipes
• Sticking plasters (bandaids)
• Gloves
• Tweezers
• Small bottle of vinegar (your very basic supermarket white – or malt – brand will do just fine)
• Scissors
• Small wrap bandage
• Waterproof Medical tape
• Antihistamines
• Seasickness medication
• Panadol/Nurofen/Ibuprofen

• Cold Packs
• Rehydration packs
• Another mouth barrier (for CPR – but you do have your pocket mask don’t you!?)
• A small pair of wire cutters (for fish hooks)
• Bright orange tarpaulin in the car for accidents

A big “Thank You” to the team over at Bright Sparks NZ who sent me the above first aid kit (and a lovely note) – the pack will definitely be making its way in to my drybox for the next dive trip!

Do you have a first aid kit packed and ready to go with your dive gear? 

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Notes from a Marine Reserve Campaigner

Author: Catherine Langford, Fish Forever Campaigner
Date: 21 November 2011

Over the past 18 months I have been the impartial, mostly-reliable digital scribe of the Fish Forever campaign team, regularly sharing marine conservation news as @Wantmorefish on Twitter and on our Facebook page to help sustain our presence online.  I was asked some time ago to provide a crisp summary of Fish Forever for journalists, local figures, influencers.

In a flash, my writing powers dried up.

No one was pressuring me to meet a deadline. Nor had I been issued an unrealistic brief. I had been asked only to write more of the same; words shaped to spoon-feed.  But something didn’t feel right.

After procrastinating for weeks, I realised what the problem was. Simply put, I can no longer be objective about Fish Forever. If you want objective, go to the website – I wrote it; they are my measured, committee-approved words that tell you exactly what Fish Forever is about: http://www.fishforever.org.nz .

But don’t ask me to be objective anymore.

After a mentally and emotionally challenging 18 months since the inception of the campaign, I can no longer step back and give you the cool overview and balanced arguments for why we need a network of marine sanctuaries in the Bay of Islands. I still believe we do, harder than ever before. But the truth is that this campaign is not one you can be objective about. This campaign is awkward and twisted and rankling. It’s a political hot potato. It’s exciting, exasperating, rewarding and, occasionally, deathly dull. It interferes with your working life, your private life. For one week a month it becomes your life.

Fish Forever falls under the jurisdiction of the Bay of Islands Maritime Park Incorporated Society. The campaign was set up soon after the showing of the End of the Line at the Turner Centre on 16 May 2010. It had one clear focus: to establish a network of marine protected areas in the Bay of Islands.

End of the Line Press May 2010

Fish Forever is a community initiative, largely volunteer-based. We have an amazing team of volunteers, including marine scientists, oceanographers, professional divers,  ex-charter gamefishers, teachers, photographers. What unites us is a shared belief that the trends towards a depleted marine ecosystem absolutely MUST be reversed before it is too late. We believe there should be areas that are left just “to be” – as Wade Doak would say, “wet libraries for the sea” – to replenish the kelp forests, to let the snapper grow and grow, to let the crays gather, the blue and pink mao mao to flourish.

Fish Forever has become the voice of marine conservation in the Bay of Islands.
What we want is a healthy, replenished bay; a place that we can all live, work and play in. What we – and when I see we, I refer to every individual that has ever come to a meeting, hosted a hui, worn a tshirt, signed a mandate, marked a chart – what WE – the community, tangata whenua, business – what WE want is a Bay of Islands that teems with plants, birds and fish. We want a bay that provides kai for local Maori in their traditional gathering areas. We want waters that can be fished sustainably by recreational and charter fishermen. We want a bay that offers economic and social benefits to the entire community.

Locals mark a chart

After wringing our hands for many months, reluctant to endorse a tool some find so officious, the team has committed to pursuing the application for a marine reserve network using the 1971 Marine Reserves Act. Although marine reserves are not the final answer, they are the only effective long term site-specific tool currently available. The team has not restricted its vision to just marine reserves. However, we believe they are biggest and best step towards the self-management of our marine environment.

First, to heal. Second, to manage.

That is something we learned that from a highly regarded Maori representative, who is campaigning for Maori management rights the length of the Northland coast. We are looking at stage one – healing. So the job is not done when an application is handed in. This campaign is just one component of a more holistic package, probably driven by traditional Maori tools that will help structure the long-term management of the whole of the Bay of Islands and wider Northland coast. It’s unlikely to be called Fish Forever, but I have no doubt members of the Fish Forever team will stay on for the ride.

Fish Forever started out as a publicity campaign to raise awareness about the problem of depleting biodiversity, to listen to the stories of how things used to be and to ask the community what they wanted for their bay.

We advocated for 10% of the enclosed waters of the Bay of Islands to be established as a network of marine sanctuaries for at least a generation. These areas should be representative of the region, they should replicate habitat types throughout the network, the areas should be big enough to sustain the habitat type represented, they should be agreed by the community.

We invited people to sign a mandate – we have over a 1000 signatures. We invited people to draw on charts and engage in the debate about where a marine reserve network might be located – we received 410 responses. We appealed to fishermen to tell us areas that they’d find acceptable – that would not unreasonably affect their recreation or their business. We presented at the Bay of Islands Swordfish club – attendance was poor, so we need to do that again to help us shape a viable proposal. We talked to Daryl Sykes, as representative of the Rock Lobster Industry Council, about how the commercial fishing sector would respond to the call for a network of marine reserves. He talked of opportunity adjustment – possibly meaning financial recompense for those who “lost” a percentage of their legal fishing area? We have approached members of the different hapu in the Bay to discuss what Maori want to see in the future – to learn about their plans for fisheries management and to find out how we can support each other to achieve mutually strong goals. And yes, we are still talking. We haven’t got there yet.

Campaigners on the street in Paihia at It Festival Oct2010

After 18 months of hard debate, we still don’t have all the links in place. However, the process has started.
It is going to be a detailed, technical process that will undergo intense scrutiny. Alongside this work, we will continue to engage in constructive dialogue so that once an application for a marine reserve hits the desk of the Minister of Conservation it will bear the stamp of our community. The application will reflect the aspirations of the local people: those who mourn the decline of a rich marine habitat, those who value Tangaroa for his plenty, those who fear him for his strength and those who love him for the diversity of life he brings.

These are the people with and for whom Fish Forever campaigns.

For more information, please contact info@fishforever.org.nz

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I’m all in favour of us increasing each others exposure so I am very pleased to be able to offer all of the above and more.

For December and January, I have a couple of spots left, so I’d love to hear from you.
Plus – book now and take 25% of the price of both months!

For a 125 x 125 – that is $37.50 NZD

125 x 125

For a 468 x 60 – that is $30.00 NZD

468 x 60

If you would like to know more, please take a look at my Sponsorship page or drop me an email or send me a tweet.

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Dive 431: Cream Gardens, Poor Knights Islands 30.7 meters / 48 minutes

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Dive 428: The Wall at Cave Bay, Poor Knights Islands 17.8 meters / 57 minutes

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This footage was given to Greenpeace by someone inside the tuna fishing industry who’d had enough of the destruction.

Nice Logo – Bad Tuna

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